Las Vegas Area Trails

01 La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada | Overview

The La Madre Mountains Wilderness in Nevada is unknown to most visitors and even many locals. Yet it is 4 times the size of Red Rock Park, bordering the North end of the park. The cliffs you see on the North end of Red Rock Park are a geological feature called the Keystone Thrust on the Southern border of the La Madre Mountains Wilderness. The La Madre Mountains Wilderness stretches from its Western point bordering the Mt. Charleston Wilderness at Lovell Canyon to its Eastern point bordering Las Vegas. The highest point is La Madre Mountain at about 8,154ft elevation. Best time of year for adventures in the higher elevations here: Fall and Spring. You may need to navigate snow during Winter months. When Las Vegas Valley temperatures rise above 95 degrees, the higher elevations can become uncomfortably hot and even dangerous. Follow thumbnail images on this page to view individual adventures in the La Madre Mountains Wilderness. Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…

01 Calico and Brownstone Basins Nevada Overview

Calico and Brownstone Basins sit just East of Red Rock Park in Nevada. There are numerous Jurassic Era Aztec colorful red and white rock hills in and around the basin which makes it a great place to explore, hike, run and climb. Red Springs Desert Oasis in the lower basic is a nice picnic area with a mile-long interpretive board walk. Further up past a small residential community there is a trailhead parking area for hikers and runners exploring the hills and canyon washes of the basin, which are fairly wild and untouched. Best time of year for adventures here: Mid-Fall to early Spring below 5,000ft; Fall to Spring above 5000ft. Temperatures at the higher elevations are usually in the mid-70s during this time even when Las Vegas Valley is up to 95 degrees! Winter temperatures in the lower elevations can be in the mid-60s! Follow adventure thumbnail images on this page to view individual adventures in Calico Basin. Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…

01 Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Overview

The 10,000 acre Red Rock Canyon is the signature wilderness area just outside Metro Las Vegas. Hike and climb on magnificent Jurassic era frozen sand dunes and calico hills — some reaching heights of 7,000 feet. Experience the Southwestern desert with the help of an elaborate visitor center featuring interpretive displays, movies, presentations and walks. Then, plan your adventure from a short hike to a challenging vertical rock climb and all the levels of difficulty between. Best time of year for adventures here: Mid-Fall to early Spring below 5,000ft; Fall to Spring above 5000ft. Temperatures at the higher elevations are usually in the mid-70s during this time even when Las Vegas Valley is up to 95 degrees! Winter temperatures in the lower elevations can be in the mid-60s! Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…

01 Mt Charleston Wilderness Overview | Lee Canyon Trails

In addition to Kyle Canyon, Lee Canyon in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness of Nevada is the second major canyon area. Lee Canyon is a destination for skiers and has a major ski lodge with 3 ski runs and ski lifts. Even during the Summer months, the ski area is open and converts to a Summer recreational destination. in addition to the commercial aspect of Lee Canyon there are a number of wilderness trailheads. Only one, The Bristlecone Pine Trailhead, is clearly marked with trailhead parking. But we have found a number of other unmarked “hidden” trailheads in Lee Canyon to beautiful, lightly traveled, wilderness destinations! Best time of year for adventures here: Early Summer to Mid-Fall. Temperatures at the higher elevations are usually in the mid-70s even when Las Vegas Valley is up to 115 degrees! Expect to navigate snow at other times of the year. Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…

01 Mt Charleston Wilderness Deer Creek Road Trails Overview | Spring Mountains, Nevada

Deer Creek Road is the passage way between the two major canyons in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness: Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon. There are a number of trailheads on Deer Creek Road to wilderness destinations. In addition there are recreational camping and picnicking destinations on Deer Creek Road along with youth camps. So, as you breeze along Deer Creek Road on your way between Kyle and Lee Canyons, watch for trailheads that lead to a premier rock climbing destination, the main Mt. Charleston North Loop Trail and “back door” hidden access to the vast, beautiful, secluded wilderness area surrounding Mummy Mountain. Best time of year for adventures here: Early Summer to Mid-Fall. Temperatures at the higher elevations are usually in the mid-70s even when Las Vegas Valley is up to 115 degrees! Expect to navigate snow at other times of the year. Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…

01 Mt Charleston Wilderness Overview | Kyle Canyon Trails | Spring Mountains, Nevada

Kyle Canyon is the main jumping off point for hikers, trail runners and mountain climbers in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. There are two main trailheads: Trail Canyon Trailhead and South Climb Trailhead. The Trail Canyon Trailhead (near Mary Jane Falls) is the starting point for completing the Mt. Charleston Loop from the North. The South Climb Trailhead, at the base of Cathedral Rock, is the starting point for completing the Mt. Charleston Loop from the South. It is also the shortest out-and-back route to the summit of Charleston Peak. Best time of year for adventures here: Early Summer to Mid-Fall. Temperatures at the higher elevations are usually in the mid-70s even when Las Vegas Valley is up to 115 degrees! Expect to navigate snow at other times of the year. Follow thumbnail images to view the details you will need to plan your adventures here. Click image or title above for more…