This hike is not for dogs, and I wouldn't recommend small kids under 10. You have to go up and own…read moreropes, climb a lot of rocks. It is a part of willow beach. So I would recommend maybe meeting at the end of the trail if you HAVE to bring small kids or dogs. You would have to kayak or canoe from willow beach to the end of the trail. At willow beach they do have the equipment available for rent. This hike is long. It took me 4 hours to get to the end and back. There are 7 ropes you will have to go down and climb up to get back. We had to have young men help us up some of the rocks. Boost were needed, and assistance getting down the rocks.

This was an incredible hike! 6 miles round trip, took us about 5 hours to complete!…read more The ropes were helpful throughout (climbing up was much easier then climbing down) however on some, the rocks were very slippery so I think metal stairs in place would be helpful and likely lead to less people getting injured or trapped! Also, it would be great if some trash bins could be placed throughout, this would go a long way in helping to keep this beautiful spot clean. I will definitely revisit again in the fall, recommend starting this hike at sunrise and when temps are 80 or below! Search and rescue teams were set up in the parking lot at around 12pm while we were making our way out, it was around 90 degrees and getting brutal so friendly word of caution, the temps can get extreme and also this is not a hike for children or dogs!!

We came with a social group and conquered over 5 miles and an elevation change of over 900'. The…read moreparking and bathrooms were well maintained, and the signage made clear the natural challenges presented in this part of the country. We easily followed the beaten path to see the arch and the Colorado River in 3.5 hours. Pro tips: wear hiking boots, wear layers, bring water and a snack, and plan for sun and wind. We were fortunate so many things were in bloom today. We'll do this hike again!

Such a fun rewarding hike with gorgeous views of the Colorado river!…read more This hike is known for its interesting combination of features, including an old mine area, the iconic Liberty Bell Arch, and the river overlook. The hike was 4.55 miles round trip. Moderate, with a mix of inclines and flat sections. The trail can be sandy and rocky in places, so wear good hiking footwear. It took about 3 hours round trip because we spent about 30 minutes enjoying the view up top. Make sure to bring water and some snacks to enjoy before hiking back down. Take lots of pictures too. This hike was very peaceful and serene. You will love it. I can't wait to do this hike again with my girls!

Located within a 5 minute drive from Laughlin Nevada is a spot where a very short hike takes you…read moreback thousands of years. The Sacred area is well worth the short trip and shorter walk. There are literally hundreds of petroglyphs and other stunning views of the rocky mountainous and desert terrain. If the the Laughlin area - Just Do It.

My husband and I did the full-day Black Canyon kayak tour with Desert Adventures and I seriously…read morecan't recommend it enough. I grew up in Vegas and have been on this river a ton by boat, and I've also hiked to both Gold Strike and Arizona Hot Springs. Those hikes are super rewarding but honestly brutal. This experience was completely different in the best way. Being able to get out of the river and be steps away from hot springs was amazing, and the views from the water are hands down the best. We met the team bright and early at 5:30am for launch, and everything was super smooth. They shuttled us, got us fitted for life jackets, handled waivers, and gave a quick safety rundown. Launch timing is strict because of the park service, but they made it feel easy and not stressful at all. Definitely be on time, though, because due to this strict timing, they will leave without you. The kayaks were such a game-changer. They were longer touring kayaks with foot-controlled rudders, dry storage, and actual back support. Super comfortable for me and somehow also worked great for my 6'2" husband (he had a larger boat). Since it was just the two of us, our guide Holmes customized the whole day to our pace. He took us to hidden spots I had never seen before, even as a local, and helped us avoid crowds. We did some hiking, rock scrambling, used ropes at Boy Scout Canyon, and explored hot springs that you can only get to from the river. It felt adventurous but still very safe, and he gave great tips the whole time. He also knew so much about the area. History of the Hoover Dam, plants, wildlife, etc. I learned a ton - even as someone who felt familiar with the area. This is exactly why I'm glad we didn't just rent kayaks. Having a guide made it feel like a next-level experience. We got to relax more while he handled the route and found the best spots. We got lucky with perfect early April weather. No wind, super glassy water, and we could see fish deep in the water. The 12 miles honestly felt way easier than expected, especially with how well Holmes guided us through the current so we could just float and chill a lot of the time. They also packed a great lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. You really just need a sun shirt, hat, sunglasses, swimsuit, water shoes, and sunscreen. They take care of the rest. Even though we leaned a little more adventurous, I could totally see this being doable for beginners, too. You don't need to be super athletic to enjoy it. Pickup and cleanup were easy and seamless. They handled everything while I grabbed a snack and relaxed, which honestly made it feel even more special. This was such a cool experience, and I would 100% do it again. Already recommending it to friends, and I would definitely consider doing the overnight version next time.

Desert Adventures is great! We did a self led excursion…read moredown the Colorado river but used this company to drop us off and pick us up! They provided a large trailer with ample shelves and space to put are gear onto. A safety speech was also given. This company has special authorization to enter the Hoover Dam property and take people down to launch from the entrance of the Hoover Dam. They instructed you to move quickly as there was a time limit for getting everyone/everything Into the water and away from the area. The next day, they were prompt with their pick up and helped us load our gear back onto the trailer. I would definitely use this company again and recommend them to others.

Free Parking this is the beginning 1 mile until you hit the 1st rail tunnel. You are walking…read morebasically on the removed railroad tracks where the rail cars were used to remove and bring in materials to build Hoover Dam. Walk, Jog, or bike love this spot for the beauty and the history. $25 to enter lake Meade State Park if you choose to go in if you have a pass it's free. Hoover Dam Hotel Casino and Hoover Damn are also in the area to visit to see the sights along with the small town of Boulder City which offers restaurants bars and small shops & antiques.

Hey Yelpers! This is…read morea super easy mostly flat hiking trail with the most beautiful views. This is the best time of the year to hike it, too. You can easily drive into the parking lot like you are heading to the visitor center, but drive past it down to the restroom parking lot close to the trail and it's perfectly marked for easy no brainer adventure. About half way or an hour in there is another restroom with a covered picnic table for a break. Then you can continue on down to the Boulder Dam. There are amazing views there as well as awesome retro restrooms , memorials, and water. There used to be a cafe. I forgot to look if they are still open. Before the dam is a parking structure. You can take the stairs or an elevator. We usually start our hikes about 8 am. The restrooms were still clean and stocked. I bring hand sanitizer. Be sure to bring water and a snack just in case. Dogs are welcome but please pick up after them and keep them on a leash. The later it gets the more busy it gets. I like to go here at least once a year. It's just so nice to get out into nature and experience Nevada. Parking is free. You can check out the visitor center while you are there. They have cool stuff. I recommend this trail. Check it out!

I hike part of the Shoreline Trail several times each winter when the temperatures permit. The…read moreShoreline Trail stretches from the former Las Vegas Bay boat launch area to the 3 Islands Overlook at 33 Hole about 2 miles south. When I hike this trail, it's because I'm hiking through what's known as White Owl Canyon and after going through some pipes to get to the old road, I return to the car by joining the Shoreline Trail about a mile from the parking area for 33 Hole and the 3 Islands Lookout. Some volunteers have done some nice work over the last couple of years by placing boulders along the trail so one knows where to go. This section has changed over the 7 years or so that I've been hiking the trail. The boulders work now because the level of the lake has fallen so much there's little danger that the trail will be covered by water and the rocks become useless. In fact, it has been very discouraging to watch the level of the lake drop so much that you now have to leave the trail to get to the edge of a stream that was once the lake. It is nice to see the water fowl and it's a pleasant hike when temperatures permit.

YELP 365 CHALLENGE 2014-(313/365) "A Hiking We Will Go! "…read more Any time there's a chance to explore the outdoors, it's an automatic 5 stars for me. Add to that, a bunch of great people and our resident hike expert Norm leading the pack, you got yourself one heck of an excursion! There were 10 of us on this chilly morning and it was my first time inside the Lake Mead Area. The views here are so breathtaking, pictures and reviews don't do any justice...you gotta get out there and experience this yourself! This hike is about 3 miles and involves different elevations, a bit of rock scrambling, going through a few tunnels and a brief time inside owl canyon where we saw great rock formations, and even an owl who was guarding his/her huge nest nearby. there were also tons of clam shells scattered around and old Budweiser and Coors cans from the peel tab era. There also was a random wood frame kinda thing during our hike which made all of us clueless as to why anything was being constructed. After a short walk on the paved road way, we looped around and began the trek back to our cars along the rock formed trail taking in the awesome scenery and a last scramble up the same hill we first went down back to the parking lot. Thanks again Norm for another great hike, and we'll join you on the trail once again for your next hike! ALOHA!!! Shaka Meter: \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ \uuu/ 5

We have lectric bikes and boy did we take em out for a Spin!…read moreWe rode the entire 35mile loop. It took us about 5 hours with one of them Being breaks. Even with help this trail is a beautiful beast. Steep hills and a steady gradual I cline in the middle. It sure was beautiful though. Great views. Some nature. Just some chipmunks and lizards mostly.

An Earth Day 2016 Celebration Review…read more The River Mountain Trail (not River Mountains Loop Trail) is one of my most cherished hiking trails near Las Vegas. Ever since I first stepped foot on it in 2006, I have adored this charming trail. It is an adoration that led to an annual Spring hike on it. It is a tradition that has cost zero and gives back uncomplicated joy. Yesterday, I celebrated Earth Day on the River Mountain Trail. River Mountain Trail with the unsigned Black Mountain Trail is a six-mile round trip adventure that starts from a parking lot off mile marker 29.5 of the River Mountains Loop Trail (https://www.yelp.com/biz/river-mountains-loop-trail-henderson) in Boulder City then climbs from an elevation of 2,415 to 3,600 feet up to Red and Black Mountain (https://www.yelp.com/biz/red-and-black-mountain-boulder-city). This is what I consider a Disney Trail. Just like a Disneyland ride, it is clean; adorable; picturesque ; and provides a thrill minus the intimidation. Deep into the trail as it climbs the switchbacks up the Red & Black Mountain canyon it even resembles the Big Thunder Railroad. The Civilian Corps that built it in the 1930s did it with the imagination of a Disney Imagineer. The trail is a work of art that follows a sinuous course through the rolling desert where it passes through a verdant canyon of vegetation. Graffiti is relatively nonexistent. From the trailhead near St. Jude Ranch, the first impression is misleading. Following the beginning leg of the trail it borders housing walls and a concrete wash. After a slight curve, it meets the colossal spaces of the desert with Red and Black Mountain Mountain in the distance. In April, with the blooming wildflowers, the desert resembles an Arboretum more than a desolate landscape. Gradually the trail aims toward the Red & Black Mountain canyon. When the trail reaches 2,960 elevation, the switchbacks along the face of Red Mountain start rolling the ribbon of sand up sinuous and gentle curves toward the stratosphere in a place up by the clouds called the Red & Black Mountain summit. The amazing thing is how smoothly it reaches 3,300 feet. Ethereal and beautiful describe the experience of this solitary climb to the stratosphere. I compare this stretch to driving on Utah bound I-15 through endless desert then experiencing the roller coaster dips and turns of the Virgin River Gap. Here there are more rest stops. On the way there are large boulders to pause. Overhead vultures and airplanes pass over the sky. Below is a view of part of Boulder City. At the top of the saddle the trail name ends. Gone are the green and white trail signs with the River Mountain Trail - Bicycles prohibited signs. Gone is any thought of the trail ending. A left leads up to Red Mountain and straight to the Black Mountain summit. Now physically near the clouds and mentally on cloud nine, I continue straight for a. 05 to climb up a gentle 180 elevation gain to the end. On this walk near the clouds, I pass a rock that looks like an alligator. The trail concludes at the Black Mountain summit. At 3,480 feet high I rise above it all (Red Mountain is higher). This is a breathtaking panoramic view of the Las Vegas valley and Mount Charleston, Lake Mead, Boulder City, River Mountains, and desert interspersed with mountains reaching across the Hoover Dam Bridge into Arizona. Adorning the summit is a bench and informative sign on the geology. Even better than the rewarding overlook is that up to now was the laborious part of the hike. Heading back, the hike is a fun downhill descent toward the trailhead. I highly recommend hiking up the River Mountain Trail in the cooler months. In my opinion this hike is priceless. Being that this is an Earth Day review, it is appropriate to write that this is advice written from a person that is down to Earth.

Perfect biking rocky trail and wonderful hiking. Amazing views and wonderful trail. Saw tortoise,…read morelizards, cactus and a lot of flowers. A fabulous day soaking up the sun. The trail is dusty, not crowded, take plenty of water and have a great time.

I have read a lot about the trails in Bootleg Canyon and I have crossed some of them when hiking to…read moreRed and Black Mountains from the St. Jude Ranch side of the mountains. I was looking for some new hiking places and I checked in a book given to me about the best bike rides in Las Vegas. It turns out that several of them were for Bootleg Canyon and I decided to do the Outer Caldera Loop Trail. Entrance to the canyon is from Canyon Road in Boulder City. As you go up the road, there are two traffic circles. The second one has a metal mountain bike sculpture and the 35 mile River Mountain Trail passes one of the circles. There are bathrooms at the small park and this is a trailhead for some of the trails in this section of the canyon. The historical marker in my photos tells how the canyon got its name. This is a wonderful area for outdoor activities on foot or wheels (non-motorized). The geology is very colorful and interesting.

What was hidden is now known!…read more This little park offers all sorts of fun activities! You can play on the playground. They have all sorts of activities in a variety of ways to play. They have a walking mountain path that you can walk or bike. It goes up and down around the park and even beyond. They have dog trails and friendly spots for the pup to hike and walk around as you explore nature together. Get out and walk around! Enjoy the beauty of nature and all her treats to offer. Make sure and keep our parks clean too! Leave nature has we find her!

What a great park. In fact... best park I found so far. A lot of shade, small splash pads area next…read moreto the picnic tables- so moms can watch their kids from the safety of shade. Playgrounds are very cute too. We didn't make it to the bigger kids playground. But little one was very nice. And view! What a beautiful view!!

Boy Scout Canyon can be a 4 or 8 miles round trip depending on the vehicle you have and how far you…read morewant to hike. I've done it both ways and I prefer the shorter version. To get there, drive to Boulder City and continue straight on Nevada Way to Utah Street. Do NOT head for Hoover Dam. Make a right on Utah Street and follow it until it ends at the Boulder City garbage transfer area. Turn right onto a graded road and follow it for less than a mile. You'll see a left turn for a gun range. Turn left here and follow this road for a short time. There is another turn to get to the gun range. DO NOT take that left turn. Continue to the next left and then go down a steep hill that runs along the south side of the gun range. You'll soon enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Inside the fenced area is where you park if you do not have a 4x4. This will make your hike 8 miles round trip. If you do have a 4x4, continue driving down the wash for another two miles. The rocks are sharp in places and close to each other, so drive this with care. At the end of the 2 miles, you'll come to the trailhead--a place that's wired off so vehicles can't go any more. Park here. From here, follow the wash as it heads to the Colorado River. The rock formations are amazing and the views are great! At about 1/3 mile from the trailhead, you come to a 15 foot dry fall that's easy 3rd class. The best side to scramble down is on the left as you're looking down the wash. Take care, but this isn't a hard down climb. As you near the end of your wash, the canyon narrows and soon you come to the end of this part of the hike. The end is a 20 foot dry fall you can only get down using ropes. There are some hooks in the rock above, but I would not recommend you do this. At the bottom of the dry fall is a pool like area in which I've never seen water. Beyond this small pool is a high pour over that's more than a 300 foot drop. Enough said. You don't need to explore down there! The next part of the hike entails retracing your steps about 3/10 of a mile. Look to your left as you're hiking back and you'll see a use trail leave the wash and go up a hill. Follow this trail which has some ups and downs and eventually it will lead you to a magnificent view of the Colorado and the Black Canyon Wilderness area. This is a good place to have a snack and take photos. When you're done, go back to the wash and head back to your car. This is a great hike with lots of pretty vistas. Wear hiking boots and take water. A Camelbak is best! Happy hiking!

I did a little UYE hiking action with Norm K and August C last weekend. I won't reiterate all of…read morethe useful information that Norm has already listed. If you need directions to the trailhead, I refer you to his excellent review. I found this hike to be pretty easy. There is one scramble down (and back up) a 15-foot spillover in the wash. Other than that, it's a very gradual descent toward the Colorado. You don't actually make it all the way to the river on this hike. There is a 25-foot dry fall that basically serves as the end of this out-and-back hike. Even if you decide to brave that drop, Norm says there is a 300-foot drop waiting for you just moments ahead of that. Instead of pressing downward, we backtracked and found our way up to a ridge where we had a great view of the river and the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. All told, we hiked about four miles. Of course, the hike could have been longer if we didn't drive the two miles down the wash until the point where they prohibit vehicles. That's probably the one thing that would prevent me from doing this hike again. Most of the "road" is fine, but there may be parts where having a 4x4 is recommended. I probably won't ever do this hike again, but it was an enjoyable morning and I'm grateful that I can cross it off my (nonexistent) list.