What are some of the first things that come to mind when you hear "Las Vegas?" Perhaps you think of the countless mega-resorts, casinos, fine dining, nightlife, or the array of entertainment located throughout the Strip and historic downtown.

In addition to all the things that Las Vegas is most commonly known for, many people don't realize it is also home to various scenic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and stunning geological formations just waiting to be explored. So, if hiking isn't already on your Las Vegas bucket list, you should definitely reconsider!

Many top rated hiking trails in and around Las Vegas are just a drive away from the Strip! Some of our favorite hiking trails in and around Las Vegas are Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Mount Charleston, and Valley of Fire.

Red Rock Canyon

• Calico Tanks Trail - The most popular hike at Red Rock Canyon is known as Calico Tanks Trail. Calico Tanks Trail is easily accessible and a great addition to any Red Rock Canyon day trip adventure. This trail is an approximate 40-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip and begins at the Sandstone Quarry trailhead inside the Red Rock scenic loop.
  
  On this hike, you will trek through multi-colored sandstone formations, gaze at the surrounding mountainscape, and witness breathtaking city views from a distance. Calico Tanks Trail is approximately 2.5 miles long and can take up to 2 hours to complete. In addition, dogs are welcome to accompany you on this hike but must remain on a leash.
  
  
• Ice Box Canyon Trail - Another popular hike at Red Rock Canyon is Ice Box Canyon Trail, which is approximately 50 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. The trailhead begins about 8 miles past the Red Rock Canyon visitor center.
  
  Ice Box Canyon Trail is a 2.2-mile hike that takes you through the heart of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This trail contains giant and loose boulders, seasonal waterfalls, and cool air and water temperatures due to the narrow canyons. Similar to Calico Tanks Trail, this hike takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and dogs on leashes are permitted.

Lake Mead

• Historic Railroad Trail - Travel 40 minutes outside Las Vegas and take a trip down memory lane with the unique Historic Railroad Trail. The Historic Railroad Trail, located in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, retraces the route of the original railroad used during the construction of the Hoover Dam.
  
  The Historic Railroad Trail takes you through various tunnels and other historical remnants from the Hoover Dam construction. On this trail, witness unparalleled views of Lake Mead and hike 1.5 miles after the final tunnel to reach one of America's engineering marvels, the Hoover Dam.
  
  This hiking trail is family friendly and contains little elevation gain. The Historic Railroad Trail is about 3.7 miles long and can take up to 4 hours to complete.

Mount Charleston

• Mary Jane Falls Trail - If you are an experienced hiker or up for a challenge, Mary Janes Falls Trail at Mount Charleston is the hike for you! Located 50 minutes west of Las Vegas is Mount Charleston, the most prominent of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. These mountains are home to various species of plants, animals, and insects found nowhere else in the world!
  
  Mary Jane Falls Trail is a top-rated hiking trail in the Mount Charleston wilderness area. On this hike, you will experience scenic views of the Spring Mountains, wildlife, caves, and a seasonal waterfall.
  
  This trail is moderately difficult due to its uneven surfaces and elevation changes. In addition, it is best to visit Mary Janes Falls Trail from spring through fall due to the heavy snowfall received during the winter. Mary Jane Falls Trail is about 1.9 miles long and can take up to 3 hours to complete.

Valley of Fire

• Fire Wave Hike - Only 1 hour and 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip lies a natural geologic wonderland called the Valley of Fire. The Valley of Fire consists of 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone, ancient trees, and petroglyphs dating back over 2,000 years. The Fire Wave Hike is one of the top-rated hiking trails at the Valley of Fire.
  
  The Fire Wave Hike is a short 1.5-mile scenic trek that provides visitors with intimate views of sandstone cliffs, multi-colored hills, and the Fire Wave. The Fire Wave is an interesting wave-shaped formation covered in swirling white and orange stripes.
  
  
• White Domes Trail - Another great hiking option at the Valley of Fire would be the White Domes Trail. This hiking trail is a 1.1-mile loop and contains 150 feet of elevation change. On the White Domes Trail, you will discover stunning sandstone formations made up of various shapes and colors, and wander through narrow canyons.
  
  The unique thing about the White Domes Trail is that it revisits old film sets! Popular movies, including The Professionals, Transformers, and Austin Powers were filmed in this area. In addition, this trail is pet-friendly and optimal for picture-taking, birding, and hiking.

As you can see, multiple hiking trails exist in and around Las Vegas. So whether you drive 30 minutes or an hour outside the Vegas Strip, you will discover something incredible!

If you don’t have enough time for a full-length hike, embark on our exclusive landing helicopter tour at Red Rock Canyon. On our Neon and Nature excursion, witness breathtaking aerial views of Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon before landing on our private bluff overlooking the entire valley.

Upon landing, explore the Mojave Desert terrain and surrounding wildlife, take lots of photos, and indulge in a champagne toast. Conclude your Neon and Nature helicopter experience with a scenic flight over the Las Vegas Strip before arriving back at our executive helicopter terminal.