We started at the lot around Mary Jane Falls. This will take you to the North Loop. Don't be…read morediscouraged because the first few miles are the roughest. From here it gets a little easier until you start hitting the switchbacks and the vegetation starts to disappear. We unwisely decided to go on a day a cold front was coming through so we were being pounded with strong wind gusts and the temperatures dropped upon the final ascent. For safety reasons we stopped about a half mile from the top. We walked about 17 miles total according to my Garmin. The hike took us about 9-10 hours. Definitely bring a first aid kit, water, snacks, a flashlight, etc.

Charleston Peak (Spring Mountain Recreational Area)…read more Stats (AllTrails) -Elevation: 11,916 feet -Total Miles RT: 16.5 miles -Elevation Gain: 4,993 feet -Route Type: Out & Back Six times a charm! Yup, that is the amount of times that we have attempted to summit this beast and finally getting our chance a few weeks ago. Whether we chose to hike through the North Loop or South Loop, snow prevented us from completing our task every single time. Nothing is more frustrating than getting to about a mile from the peak and having to turn around. Remember the saying...Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory. Safety First! Going Up We started our hike at exactly 5:57 AM at Trail Canyon and proceeded through the North Loop to the peak. We took a total of 4 breaks to hydrate, snack, and shed some clothing. We finally made it to the top at 11:47 AM at a 2.1 mph pace. Making it to the peak was very challenging and rewarding. In my opinion, hiking up Trail Canyon and the last 1/2 mile of switchbacks was the toughest part of this hike. The 6 miles after Trail Canyon and before the final switchbacks weren't that difficult to complete, just long. We still encountered about 50 feet of snow/ice near the top as well as a huge tree that blocked our path. To summit Charleston Peak is both challenging and rewarding. We spent about 45 minutes at the peak to take our photos, sign the logbook, hydrate, snack, and rest. Going Down For most, the trek down Charleston Peak is easier and faster. For me, a hike down a hill is more challenging. Our pace back to the trailhead was between 2.5-3 mph. It wasn't until we got to Trail Canyon (the last 2 miles) where I really slowed down to almost a crawl at a pace of 1.5 mph. My feet were killing me, and my planter fasciitis kicked in. We made it down about an hour faster than going up, but it was no picnic. I was in pain by the time I made to the car. Overall, Charleston Peak is a beast and to summit is very rewarding. It's the tallest peak in both Clark County, Nevada, and the Spring Mountains. To date, Charleston Peak is also my longest hike and highest peak that I accomplished in one day. The view at the top is awesome. Views include the surrounding peaks, Las Vegas, and Pahrump. Tip #1: Be prepared. Pack enough hydration and food to get you up and down the trail. NOTE: I packed 7 liters of hydration and 2,000 calories worth of carbs, fats, and protein. I went through all my food and 4 liters of water Tip #2: Poles are not required. But I do recommend them, especially if you have bad knees. Tip #3: Dress appropriately. A good pair of sturdy hike boots and comfortable clothing is a must. Keep in mind that parts of the hike are exposed to the sun and it's very warm. There are parts of the hike that is shaded and due to the higher elevation, it can get a bit nippy. Tip #4: Review the stats. To summit is no joke. Understand what it takes to summit and how long it will take you. Don't forget about altitude and the elevation gain. Some people can get to the top and back in less than 8 hours. These people are hike fit and don't take many breaks. It took us close to 12 hours round-trip (2.5 hours of breaks). Tip #5: I'm content not having to hike up Trail Canyon again this year. I rather reach the peak via the South Loop or from Griffith Peak. Regardless of how many times I have hiked up Trail Canyon, it's always a beast.

This was a uniquely special hike for me and while I normally hike in a group; I did this by…read moremyself.... But my safety net was I had friends waiting at the bottom just in case I needed help. Never hike alone, folks! The hike itself... stunning. I am terrible with directions and although the trail was well labeled throughout I still kinda got lost. However, there are plenty of people around so it was easy to right the course. I hiked early so there was plenty of shade. This is also inside the Red Rock loop so a reservation or a local hook up is required - I was lucky to have a local hookup and got in for free. So stunning and beautiful. There are parts that are moderately challenging but slow and steady, like a turtle with get you there. Please come and create your own adventure.

I've hiked nearly every trail at Red Rock Canyon NCA, and short of the Grand Circle Loop which is…read morejust challenging for its long distance (looping the interior perimeter of the entire park), Turtlehead Peak Trail is by far the most challenging hike inside the park. It's 4.6~ miles depending on if you don't lose the trail at any point (which is easy to do), you gain roughly 2,000ft of elevation and it can be fairly arduous depending on your fitness and preparedness level. It will cost you a $2 reservation fee, best purchased in advance, and if you do not have an America The Beautiful Nat'l Park Pass, an additional $20 park entrance fee. With the pass the entrance fee is waved. You'll take the scenic loop upon entering the park, and when you reach the Sandstone Quarry parking area you will be at the trailhead. Parking is limited so you're best off arriving early unless you're lucky with parking. The trail starts out fairly mellow, until about the 1/4 mile mark, and then the incline begins and never really faulters. The trail slinks back and forth through the desert landscape but there isn't much in the way of shade, so this is best not attempted in the middle of summer. Southern Nevada summers break records and hiking in a fully exposed desert can become very dangerous very quickly. Regardless of time of year, remember to bring plenty of water for everyone in your group. There are times when you're scrambling up shale and sharp rocks, and the trail will become narrow at times so be careful. Some portions of the trail are loose rock on steep sections so keep this in mind and wear the proper footwear. Because there is next to no shelter from the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and something to cover your face and neck. You'll eventually reach a ridge line of sorts around the 1.75 mile mark, and you're nearly there, but it gets fairly steep here. Almost there and when you make it you'll be rewarded by panoramic views of the scenic desert cliffs, the Las Vegas skyline, the nearby summit of Mount Charleston and on a clear day you can see Arizona. Remember the summit is only half way so relax for a few, take pictures, replenish with a snack and then head back down. Back at the bottom you'll find 2 pit toilets with hand sanitizer, and you can celebrate having done something pretty cool outdoors just a few miles from the Vegas Strip.

My first ever hike that I took 16 years ago in Vegas. I took there so many friends, I took there…read morehusband when we were dating and now my kids. It never fails, it's super easy and in the spring so beautiful when snow is melting and provides creek with water. I have to say that with growing population of our city, this hike is super popular too. It was packed this past Sunday. Just be prepared. Kids were talking about waterfall for days. Our nature is so different and so beautiful

In A Nutshell:…read more -First Creek Trail is nice little out & back trail system 8 miles down the road, just outside Red Rock Canyon. -You will may see some wild donkeys grazing if you keep scanning your environment. -The trail is dog friendly. -You will engage in various terrain consisting of both desert, shrubs, trees & water in the creek. -The sound of fresh water flowing is nice, especially when you don't hear it over human voices. Overall, this is an easy hike to start your day off right.

Located in the southern portion of Red Rock, Hollow Rock Peak is reached by St Rte 160, at Mountain…read moreSprings Pass. The hike is 6 mile RT and has a 1000 feet of elevation gain, which makes it a pretty decent hike. The first portion of this is all trail, and the last portion is mostly sandstone scrambling, and one you reach the peak, if anyone in your group has webbing, there is class 4 scramble to the actual "hollow rock". (it's an easy climb, maybe 20 feet). Great views from the top, you can see the entire city, as well as portions of Black Velvet canyon, Windy Peak area. Bonus, Mountain Springs Saloon is just down the road, makes a nice place to stop after and grab a drink.

The Cactus Wren Trail is a 1.5 mile paved trail in the westernmost area of Henderson bounded by…read moreEastern Avenue to the west, Interstate 215 to the north, and St. Rose Parkway to the east and south. The one mile north to south segment from the 215 Beltway Trail at the north to the Northeast corner of Eastern Avenue at Ione Road travels along a wash in the back of the Eastern Avenue shopping centers and a subdivision to the west and a low density housing community interspersed with open fields to the east. The 0.5 mile west to east segment from Eastern at Ione to the west and both Cactus Wren Park and the St. Rose Parkway pedestrian bridge to the east is a concurrently with the unsigned Amargosa Trail in a residential community that is a walkway for Ione Road half the distance. Today I wanted to go on an easy hike. So, I headed out for the Cactus Wren Trail. I am no stranger to this trail. Back in 2012, I hiked on it when I reviewed Cactus Wren Park. And when hiking or bicycling on the Cactus Wren Park, Cactus Wren Park in my opinion is the best place to park. Both times that I visited Cactus Wren Park, there was a sufficient number of people that were a detriment to criminals. The cool thing about parking at Cactus Wren Park is that the St. rose Parkway bridge, part of the St. Rose Parkway Trail, is an elevated spot to take in the Las Vegas Strip in the distance below. In reality, this is probably the prettiest spot of the Cactus Wren Trail. As Norm. K stated, signing is relatively nonexistent from the trail. I only saw one small Cactus Wren sign at the northernmost end at the 215 Beltway Trail. From Cactus Wren Park, I followed the power lines on a bridge across a wash onto a paved trail. These are the power lines that are analogous to the Amargosa gsa Trail. There were two surface Street crossings. The Ione Road crossing is in need of a crosswalk. Especially with the blind spot from the curve on Ione Road. After crossing Ione Road the trail is a dual topography that is unsurfaced under the power lines and a sidewalk parallel to Ione Road. At the northeast corner of Ione and Eastern, the Armogsa Trail reaches one of its dead-ends when it splits from Cactus Wren Trail. Cactus Wren now heads due north toward Serene Avenue and the 215 Beltway Trail at the Interstate 215 sound wall as it parallels a wash. With the exception of a hill immediately north of the split, the elevation is relatively flat. The trail is in good condition. I rate it 80% on the graffiti - free scale. The small number of tagging I saw was on the concrete walls of the wash. The two benches, street lights that illuminate automatically at night, and trash cans were untouched by vandals. The landscape is ordinary. It is in want of the plush landscaping that is prevalent alongside the Seven Hills and Green Valley Ranch trail systems. Looking west, for the most part I was looking at a concrete wash bordering the backs of the shopping centers off Eastern Avenue. The back of a shopping center isn't attractive. When I looked to the east I saw fences interspersed with open spaces. My wildlife observations were an antelope squirrel and some birds. But what about the Cactus Wren, that long harsh voiced singing bird found in the Southwest and what the trail is named after? I didn't hear one. Then again, the sounds overheard from Eastern Avenue traffic and landscapers would block it out. On the south to North segment, there is one crossing at Serene Avenue. At this spot, Serene Avenue is a two lane road where a nearby traffic circle slows down traffic. Regardless, the crosswalk could use a flashing light that informs motorists that a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. A short distance North of Serene Avenue, Cactus Wren Trail will end at the 215 Beltway Trail, where a left will lead to Eastern and ultimately to Warm Springs and a right will lead to Pecos Road. Both times I made a left on Eastern to patronize a business on the east side. It is in close proximity to several restaurants including Taco Y Taco, In N Out, Cafe Zupas, Denny's, and so on. But I just ate and stopped at Seven Eleven for a refreshment. The Cactus Wren is a good trail that is part of the tapestry of the outstanding City of Henderson trail system. I believe that it has a potential to be a four star trail if the City of Henderson works with the Department of Transportation to carry it over the 215 Beltway to Pebble Park where it will connect to the Pitman Wash Trail. Signing with a concurrency of the Amargosa Trail between the St. Rose Parkway Bridge to Eastern would also up Cactus Wren Trail a star. Until this happens I am signing off this review by representing Cactus Wren Trail with three stars.

I strung together three trails today for a 20 mile bike ride. I liked the Cactus Wren Trail…read morebecause it's nicely landscaped and it's a relatively new trail that follows the Pittman Pecos Wash. I'd give this trail more than 3 stars but the trails are not marked. If it hadn't been for Google Maps, I wouldn't know this existed. You look on the City of Henderson's website and find the trails and they'll have a map. That doesn't help too much when you're riding and there are no signs. I rode the trail until it ends just before Eastern. However, it doesn't end there. You're supposed to head east and the trail goes through the Cactus Wren Park where you take the bridge to get to the St. Rose Parkway Trail. Lacking any signs, I did a bit of a search through the neighborhood before returning to the trail I took at the beginning rather than the real trail. To the City of Henderson--your trails are great. You need better signage in this area, more like the Anthem East Trail area.

It is absolutely stunning over here! This is the second time I've hiked this and I love it…read more It's about a 35 minute drive from the strip. There is an entry fee of $22 but they do have a discount for military. You can also make reservations online. There's plenty of parking and the entry fee includes a scenic drive as well. Make sure you come early to beat the heat and don't forget your water. Do I recommend this hike? Absolutely! What are you waiting for.

Second time here. It is impossible to tire of this magnificent feat of nature…read more The trails are "fairly" arduous but I managed to do them with my two fake knees. This is a spiritual and sacred place.

Amazing hike! Short (for a difficult hike), adventurous, challenging, and real fun with a view…read morethat's more than worth the journey it'll take you to get up there. I did this hike on MLK day with perfect hiking weather. We ended up going extra long on the Rocky Gap road, but the weather actually made it a pleasant walk. You're in a canyon with gorgeous views of La Madre and Red Rock mountains. We actually missed the beginning of the actual North Peak trail, which would have saved us about 3 miles total. However, we did take that missed trail on the way back and it was a lot steeper and rough! It would have probably taken us about the same time going up on that trail. The view at the end was absolutely magical. Surprisingly, there was just about no wind at the peak, so it made for a pleasant extended stay. There is also an ammo can with a journal to log in your accomplishments. There is some fun scrambling at the last stretch of the hike once you can see the peak in view. The great part about taking on these difficult hikes is that there's likely to be nobody on the trial so that you may be in more intimate with nature.

Nice trails off the main highway on the way from Vegas to pahrump that are free to access and do…read morehave a restroom. The trails go for a bit and have beautiful views of the mountains all around. Overall, the trails are pretty flat and are in the easier side, with lots of grave/rocks though. Much of the hike is in direct sun, so be prepared for that if coming mid-day. The rubber ducky trail is off of here where you can see the tree decorated with rubber ducks. It's a bit silly, but is a fun draw for the area.

Wow, what a wonderful trailhead! Note that this trailhead is in the middle of nowhere before you…read morereach Pahrump, so there is absolutely no cellphone reception in the area. This is a great trailhead for those that are new to hiking or just love hiking in general. The trails are mostly flat that loops around (5 miles total) and you have amazing Mountain View's all around. It was really windy that day so because of this we didn't hike the whole 5 miles. Though I was wearing the appropriate shoes and had a full bottle of water and walking sticks on me, I still felt like I wasn't really prepared for this trail, since I had my hands full and I did not have a backpack on me. Though I live in Henderson, making the 30+ minute drive out of the city to hike Late Night was definitely worth it! While it was windy overall, the temperature wasn't too hot or too cold to hike.