Guides
Looking for a flat yet scenic hike perfect for novice hikers and/or flat-land visitors? You'll love this historic hike.
A flat hike along the Northern Flume, then a quick descent down the Diamond Peak ski resort. First half of hike is largely shaded with beautiful stream crossings. Second half of the hike has dynamite views down the Incline Creek drainage to Lake Tahoe. Also a brief optional out-and-back sojourn to more recent TV history.
Pleasant trail through pine forest; plus a waterfall; a well-defined trail to the summit; and, views galore.
Your trail is very straightforward and pleasant to walk the entire way. You use a ridge on the foot of Mt. Houghton to gain 200 feet in the first half mile; then cross that ridge to traverse for the next 2 miles with a zero elevation gain. Along the way you have great views of Lake Tahoe initially and then your destination begins to dominate the vista....
Subalpine meadow teeming with flowers and wildlife... ideal for a quick, flat hike with the entire family
The paths that meander around Tahoe Meadows are covered with footprints and signs of mammals, the air is filled with songbirds and raptors, and the ground is alive with masses of wildflowers and trees. This hike has no particular destination and it’s not going to get you anywhere other than familiar with nature. A natural history field guide would...
This hike starts in a flower-filled meadow and just gets better.
Tahoe Meadows is a wonderful trailhead – one of the most pleasant around the lake – to embark from on a dayhike. The route to Diamond Peak is mostly level, gaining the ridge in about 300 feet and then generally following it south through forests of western white pine, lodgepole pine, red fir, and Jeffrey pine. The high point of the hike is slightly...
A strenuous hike through a wonderful canyon to some hot springs pools.
This hike is one of a kind. There are 8 fixed ropes if you go all the way to the river. Some are difficult especially when coming back up. You will have wet boots and having them hold on the boulders you need to climb can be a slippery affair. At the 1.5 mile point of the hike, you come to the first obstacle, a large boulder with what looks like...
Awesome views of Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake, and only 5 miles round trip.
The name of this hike says it all: "direct". It is a moderately steep uphill climb from the lake level up to Marlette Lake, with views of Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake visible at once from a point high up the trail. It's mostly shaded at the lower elevations, and passes through sugarpine forest, stands of aspen and even a patch of ferns. About four fifths...
Conquer the summit of Mt Rose and enjoy the waterfalls, alpine lakes and great Lake Tahoe views.
Mt. Rose may be the second tallest peak in Tahoe basin and prominent feature of the northern Lake Tahoe skyline, but despite its 2,100ft elevation gain the journey to the peak is best described as pleasant rather than challenging. Elevation gain: • 2,100ft (from 8,900 - 10,776 ft) Tips: • Early summer thru November is a good time to tackle...
A hike in Red Rock Canyon with great contrast.
This hike at Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas, Nevada is a study in contrast. You are always in the Mojave Desert, but it looks markedly different depending on your elevation and the amount of precipitation the area gets. With the White Rock Loop, you see typical desert plants. On the west side of the mountain, hidden from the Scenic Drive, is a...
A hike off the beaten path near Red Rock Canyon in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness.
This is an easy hike that takes you through some beautiful wooded area. There are a lot of juniper and pine trees along the trail. The trail tends to go up and down in elevation so be prepared for that. The trail was put in place by the US Forest Service with the help of local horse people. It is a trail which can be done in a loop as shown here...
A hike with a stunning view of the Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon
This is a hike to the Muffins and a trail that goes along the edge of Blue Diamond Hill with views of the Las Vegas Valley. You return by a mountain bike trail called the Boneshaker. This is my favorite hike in this area. It's the one I've done the most often, and I will go to Blue Diamond Hill on those days when I want to do some hiking and just...
Backcountry route to the summit of Kraft Mountain, alternate exits exist for this rugged mountain peak.
As temperatures cool into the double digits exploring the rugged hillsides of Red Rock Canyon is an outdoor adventure everyone should take to full advantage. Kraft Mountain sits on the eastern edge of Red Rock Canyon. This backcountry route reaches the summit of Kraft Mountain. Several alternate exits exist for this mountain peak. Special thanks...
Hiking Gray Cap Peak in Red Rocks is a great workout and offers some amazing views.
You begin the hike rather easily. Follow the Calico Tanks signs out of the parking lot to the north, then headright into the canyon that emerges. You will experience a long, winding, short-hill descent, and then will arrive at an intersection of two valleys.(Wpt3) Be sure to head left at this point. You can follow the trail (often just to the east of...
Hell Hill serves as the warm up for this grueling summit ascent. The class 3 ridgeline scramble is worth every step.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada is part of the National Landscape Conservation System. This area helps to preserve the large red rock formations and sandstone peaks known as the Keystone Thrust. Popular for hiking and rock climbing, the highest point is La Madre Mountain, at 8,154 feet (2,485 m). Note: Calico Hills is most...
Demanding summit hike on an unmaintained but well marked trail.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, is enjoyed by hikers and climbers alike. Red Rock Canyon is the seventh such conversation area to be designated nationally. The day use fee provides funding to protect and improve the area. Over one million visitors enjoy the rocky landscape each year. However, most will enjoy this view from their car....
Well worn path to the summit of Turtlehead Mountain. Alternate exits exist for this classic Red Rock Canyon Peak.
Established in 1990 by special legislation the Red Rock Recreation Lands status was changed to a National Conservation Area. The area is comprised of 195,819 acres and is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. More than 30 miles of hiking trails exists in this scenic area including the well worn path to the summit of Turtlehead Mountain....
Beautiful short summit ascent along a bouldered ridgeline. A wonderful introduction to scrambling in Red Rock Canyon.
Located beside the main Red Rock Canyon skyline of Bridge Mountain, Rainbow Wall and Mount Wilson; hidden next to the broken sandstone peak of White Rock Hills, is a beautiful short summit ascent along a bouldered ridgeline. White Rock Springs Peak is a wonderful introduction to scrambling the fractured landscape of Red Rock Canyon. With a rise...
A demanding backcounty extension off the popular Calico Tanks trail to the summit of Redcap Peak. Aka: Turtlehead Jr.
Calico Hills is a grouping of colorful sandstone formations north of the entrance to the Scenic Loop Road. Popular with hikers, scramblers, and climbers this beautiful area offers almost unlimited routes for all skill levels. Of all the twisting canyons and rounded peaks waiting to be explored, only Redcap is considered a ranked peak (Rise of +360')....
A short up and down summit ascent along a rugged but well traveled path.
Located at the corner of W Lone Mountain Rd and the Bruce Woodbury Beltway / Las Vegas Beltway / 215. Is a short but impressive ranked peak. Lone Mountain along with Lone Mountain Regional Park can provide the whole family with a day of fun filled activities and a short but rewarding summit ascent along a rugged but well traveled path. Special...
Demanding summit hike on a rough cut road. Duel summit ascents of Frenchman Mountain and Frenchman Mountain Northwest.
Frenchman Mountain is not part of any mountain range, rather the triangle peak was formed by the underlying fault elevating it. The mountain is made up of rocks similar to those found on the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The Frenchman Mountain fault is still considered a potential earthquake danger to the region. Communication towers dot the summit...
4.5 mile trail near Las Vegas, Nevada
Blue Diamond Hill, across from the main part of Red Rock Canyon, offers some great hiking trails. Many of these were created by mountain bikers and some were created by the horseback riding concession that operates near the trailhead. Parking for this hike is along SR 159 just outside the entrance to the horseback riding road. The hike takes...
A Valley of Fire loop hike with great views and water - year round.
This is a hike to a spring that has water year round. The spring seeps out of the ground and runs in a small stream through some grasses that result from this water in an otherwise dry area. There are numerous cat tails and tamarisk. There is evidence of recent rains bringing down mud and gravel when the water ran quickly down the wash to the east. We...
An easy hike in Red Rock Canyon outside of the Scenic Drive Loop.
This is a great hike at Red Rock Canyon without driving the Scenic Drive to get to the trailhead. The trailhead is the large parking lot at the exit of the 13 mile Scenic Drive. It's sometimes referred to as the horse parking lot. From the parking lot, cross the scenic drive exit just inside the tire spikes. The trail goes southwest toward the...
Pahranagat NWR was established to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl, and other resident wildlife
Pahranagat's water originates from large springs to the north of the refuge and is managed to obtain the most value for wildlife. Various types of wetland habitats support many plants favored as food by over 230 species of migratory birds and other resident wildlife. The refuge has four main water impoundments: North Marsh, Upper and Lower Pahranagat...
