11 Short And Sweet Fall Hikes In Nevada With A Spectacular End View

Nevada is chock full of amazing hiking trails. From Lamoille Canyon to Great Basin National Park to Lake Tahoe and everywhere in between, there are some truly stellar hikes. However, given that autumn has arrived and the temperatures are cooling, this article highlights fairly short seasonally appropriate hikes with spectacular end views. Therefore, many of them are, indeed, in the southern part of the state where the temperatures are a bit milder. Of course, hiking in the snow with some good snowshoes is always an option for the true adventurer. Take a look at these 11 short and sweet fall hikes with stunning end views.

1. Fire Wave Trail, Overton

The Valley of Fire is a spectacular state park with several beautiful and interesting hiking trails; however, the Fire Wave Trail is, perhaps, the most spectacular. This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail provides amazing views of the park and the Fire Wave formation.

2. Mary Jane Falls, Spring Mountain

The area near Mt. Charleston has several spectacular hiking trails. The Mary Jane Falls Trail is an easy 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that ends at its namesake Mary Jane Falls; however, looking away from the waterfalls yields this truly magnificent view of the mountains.

3. Lone Mountain Trail, Las Vegas

This 2.2-mile hike is definitely short and sweet, and the end view of Las Vegas is truly stunning.

4. Huffaker Park Lookout Trail, Reno

This urban Reno trail provides amazing panoramic views of the city and the mountains. There are actually two loops here: one is 3/4 of a mile, and the other is 1.6 miles. Along the trail are interpretive signs detailing the area as well. Why not do them both?

5. Tahoe Meadows (Mount Rose), Reno

This 1.3-mile, mostly flat loop provides spectacular views of Mount Rose and Lake Tahoe. As the trail is over 8,000 feet high, it can get pretty chilly, and once the snow comes, snowshoes are required.

6. Tom Cooke Trail, Reno

The actual Tom Cooke Trail is a 2.7-mile loop that provides stellar views of Reno.

7. Calico Tanks Trail, Red Rock Canyon

This trail is the most popular in all of Red Rock Canyon. While only 2.5 miles, it is a bit challenging with some rocks to climb; however, the end view of the entire Vegas Valley and the Las Vegas Strip is fantastic. In fact, the views both going up and returning are constantly changing and truly epic.

8. Ice Box Canyon Trail, Red Rock Canyon

This 2.6-mile hike is in a true box canyon; therefore, it actually ends at a large canyon wall. However, along the way, there are some truly spectacular views of Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountains.

9. Big Falls, Spring Mountains

At the end of this 3.5-mile, semi-challenging hike is the largest waterfall in southern Nevada: the 100-foot appropriately-named Big Falls

10. Hidden Valley County Park Trail, Reno

This trail is only two miles long, but it is a bit steep. However, the views of the Carson Range and Truckee Meadows from the top are fabulous.

11. Red and Black Mountain, Boulder City

Depending on whether you choose the Red Mountain or the Black Mountain Trail this hike can be as long as six miles or as short as one. The views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, and the O'Callaghan-Tillman Bridge are awe-inspiring.

Have you tried any of these gorgeous short and sweet fall hikes? Did I leave your favorite off the list? Please comment below.

Check out this piece on some of Nevada's other incredible hikes.