Now that fall is here with some cooler temperatures, it’s a perfect time for us teens to enjoy some of the spectacular hiking options around southern Nevada. No matter what your skill level or experience, there’s plenty to choose from: short hikes when you’re craving a quick burst of activity to longer adventures you can plan a weekend around—and plenty in between.
Fortunately, the geography around Las Vegas is an outdoor paradise for hiking. Two major outdoor landmarks, the Mojave Desert and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, offer abundant hiking opportunities, plus plenty of slot canyons, sandstone formations, and even some forests (if you know where to look!). I’ve listed below five recommended hikes for teens around the Las Vegas area. Now, go take a hike!
Calico Tanks Trail, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
One of the most popular hikes in RRCNC, this 2.2-mile hike is accessible via driving around the one-way Scenic Drive. You’ll need sturdy shoes, as the hike delivers a fun mix of sandy stretches, boulder scrambling, and more. It leads to a natural water tank, and also offers panoramic views of the Red Rock Canyon and even the Las Vegas Strip. Depending on the time of year there can be special requirements for entry for Red Rock Canyon, so be sure to check the Recreation.gov site beforehand.
Historic Railroad Trail, Lake Mead National Recreation Area
All aboard, train lovers! This 7.5-mile round-trip hike follows the former railroad route that was used to transport materials during the construction of the Hoover Dam. Highlights include old railroad tunnels and beautiful views of Lake Mead. At the end of the trail, you can even take an elevator down to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center.
Fire Wave Trail, Valley of Fire State Park
You’ll want to take some selfies for this stunner of a hike, which is 1.5 miles round trip to what’s known as the Fire Wave. The geological wonder is a beautiful sandstone formation that looks like an ocean wave, with swirls of pink, orange, and cream. It’s an easy hike with some great photo payoffs. The 40,000-acre state park has dozens of other hikes, too, if you want to explore more.
Petroglyph Canyon Trail, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
History lessons don’t just come in the classroom. This 4-mile round-trip hike lets you see some of the most important petroglyph sites in southern Nevada up close. According to archeologists, the more than 300 rock writing panels, which have approximately 1,700 design elements, were created by native cultures thousands of years ago. It’s fun to imagine what the petroglyphs scattered on the canyon walls might mean. In addition, Sloan Canyon is considered one of the best records of volcanic activity in the Las Vegas area. This is a moderate hike, so be prepared to sweat!
Wetlands Park Nature Preserve Loop
This easy, 2.1-mile loop is great for animal lovers, as you can see local wildlife like roadrunners, quail, rabbits, and tons of birds. The hike also is mostly on paved paths, with very little elevation gain, so it’s great for anyone who needs a wheelchair or other mobility aid. The nature preserve is located near Whitney, about 30 minutes from downtown Las Vegas.
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