Nevada is a state full of natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes that offer some of the best hiking experiences in the country. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you must check out some of the best hikes in Nevada. Here are the 18 best hikes in Nevada that you should add to your bucket list for 2024.

Best Hikes in Nevada

Nevada offers some of the best hikes, including Calico Tanks Trail, Monkey Rock, and Mary Jane Falls Trail. These trails offer beautiful scenery and a challenging workout for hikers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, these hikes are sure to impress. So grab your gear and hit the trails for an awesome adventure in Nevada.

1. Calico Tanks Trail

• Location: Las Vegas
• Mileage: 2.3-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: If you're up for hiking or running, this area is a popular spot to explore. Be prepared to see other people as it can get crowded. The ideal time to visit is between October and May. You can bring your dog along, but make sure it's on a leash.

The Calico Tanks Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Las Vegas, Nevada. It's generally considered a moderately challenging route, with some light rock scrambling later on. The route features beautiful sandstone formations across rolling hills and a nice view of Las Vegas. Up some boulders, you'll find a phenomenal lookout with all-around red rocks that are very immersive. It's easy at first but then becomes moderately challenging. Bring good hiking boots and water, and don't miss out on the beautiful views at the top.

2. Monkey Rock

• Location: Incline Village-Crystal Bay
• Mileage: 2.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This trail is quite popular for hiking, so you can expect other hikers on the trail. It's best to visit between April and October. If you're bringing your furry friend along, remember to keep them on a leash.

If you're looking for a fun hiking spot, you've got to check out Monkey Rock near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada. The carved granite rock (resembling a monkey) offers a panorama of Lake Tahoe. The 2.6-mile out-and-back trail is moderately challenging and takes an average of an hour and 16 minutes to complete. It's a great hike, just long and challenging enough to get the heart going, with fantastic views the whole way up.

3. Mary Jane Falls Trail

• Location: Mount Charleston
• Mileage: 3.3-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: If you're planning on exploring this area, keep in mind that it's a popular spot for hiking, running, and walking. You'll likely run into other people while you're out and about. The best time to visit is between April and December. You can bring your dog, but remember to keep them on a leash.

For anyone seeking a fantastic hiking destination in Mount Charleston, Nevada, Mary Jane Falls Trail is an absolute must-visit. This trail is quite popular and offers views of the waterfall and ridge. The path is well-kept, but be cautious of slippery areas, especially after rainfall. Weekends can be busy, so consider arriving early to snag a parking spot.

Best Short & Easy Hikes in Nevada

Nevada offers some of the best short and easy hikes for those looking to explore the outdoors. The White Domes Trail, located in the Valley of Fire State Park, is a popular choice due to its rock formations and desert landscape. Another great option is the Stateline Lookout, which offers views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. For those looking for a peaceful and scenic hike, the Spooner Lake Trail is a must-visit destination that takes hikers through lush forests and serene meadows.

4. White Domes Trail

• Location: Overton
• Mileage: 1.1-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This spot is great for birding, hiking, and running. You might encounter others while exploring. Dogs are allowed on a leash. There's a fee to enter the Valley of Fire State Park, but it's worth it.

Hiking on the White Domes Trail is a treat. The 1.1-mile loop trail features an old movie set, a small slot canyon, and picturesque scenery. The rockscape is gorgeous, and the slot canyon is a really cool feature. Despite the heat, it's worth braving, but be aware that most of the trail is sand, which can be harder to walk on than packed soil. Overall, the White Domes Trail is well worth the time and effort if you're in the Overton, Nevada, area.

5. Stateline Lookout

• Location: Crystal Bay, Nevada
• Mileage: 1.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: If you're planning on exploring this area, keep in mind that it's a popular spot for runners and walkers, so you're likely to encounter other people. It's recommended to visit between May and October. Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.

For a scenic hike that leads to an old fire lookout with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and mountains, the Stateline Lookout trail is a great choice. This 1.7-mile loop trail is near Crystal Bay, Nevada, and takes an average of 48 minutes to complete. The route is paved but steep for much of the path, so it is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly. You'll need to park on the side of the road and begin the trail by a gate.

6. Spooner Lake Trail

• Location: Glenbrook
• Mileage: 2.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Spooner Lake Management Area is great for birding, skiing, and hiking. Expect crowds. Open year-round. Dogs allowed on a leash. Entry fee required.

If you want to take a relaxing hike near Glenbrook, Nevada, Spooner Lake Trail is an excellent option. This 2.5-mile loop is ideal for families and typically takes under an hour. The trail is well-maintained and circles the lake, providing lovely views of the flora and opportunities for picnicking.

Hardest Hikes in Nevada

Among the hardest hikes in Nevada are Turtlehead Peak Trail, Charleston Peak South Trail, and Mount Rose Peak Trail. These trails require hikers to be in top physical condition and have experience with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high elevations. However, the breathtaking views and sense of accomplishment make the effort worth it for those who are up for the challenge.

7. Turtlehead Peak Trail

• Location: Blue Diamond
• Mileage: 4.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Keep in mind that this hiking area is quite popular, so expect to see other people while you're there. The ideal time to visit is between October and May. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

The Turtlehead Peak Trail is a 4.6-mile out-and-back route that takes you past petroglyphs and offers spectacular views of Sandstone Quarry. While the terrain can be rocky and challenging in certain areas, it's definitely worth the effort. Once you reach the summit of Turtlehead Mountain, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Las Vegas and the Red Rock Canyon mountain skyline.

8. Charleston Peak South Trail

• Location: Mount Charleston
• Mileage: 18.8-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Just a heads up, this area is a hot spot for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so anticipate seeing other people around. The prime time to visit is between May and October. Dogs are welcome, but do need to be leashed.

Charleston Peak South Trail is a challenging 18.8-mile out-and-back trail near Mount Charleston, Nevada. It takes an average of 10 hours and 42 minutes to complete and follows switchbacks up the backside of Echo Cliffs. At the top of Echo Cliffs, there's a fantastic overlook where you can view Kyle Canyon, Mummy Mountain, and Cathedral Rock.

9. Mount Rose Peak Trail

• Location: Incline Village-Crystal Bay
• Mileage: 10.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This trail is popular for hiking, so expect to see other people. The best times to visit are from May to October. Dogs are allowed, but should be leashed.

If you're up for a scenic hike, conquering Mount Rose is a must. You'll encounter alpine lakes, waterfalls, and stunning views of Lake Tahoe. The trail starts at the Mount Rose Summit Trailhead and loops around Tamarack Peak. Although it's a 2,000-foot elevation gain, the journey is pleasant and not too challenging. Don't miss out on the notable features like Galena Creek and Galena Falls on your way to the summit.

Best Waterfront Hikes in Nevada

If you're looking for a waterfront hike, you won't want to miss out on the Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector, Tahoe East Shore Trail, and Tunnel Creek Trail. These trails offer views of the lake and surrounding mountains, making them a must-see for any nature lover. So pack your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors.

10. Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector

• Location: Stateline
• Mileage: 6.4-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: If you're planning on hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing in this area, be prepared to encounter other people. The trail is open year-round and offers stunning views no matter the season. You can bring your furry friend, but please make sure they are on a leash.

The Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector is a 6.4-mile out-and-back trail in Stateline, Nevada. It's moderately challenging and takes around three hours and 15 minutes to complete. What's great about this trail is that it's easy to navigate, and you'll cross several streams and see a fantastic view of the lake in the first part of the hike. Plus, there are so many pretty flowers around that you'll likely spot plenty of bumblebees and honeybees buzzing around. To make the most of your experience, we recommend starting early in the morning to avoid the heat and big crowds.

11. Tahoe East Shore Trail

• Location: Incline Village-Crystal Bay
• Mileage: 2.6-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This area is popular for birding, road biking, and running, so expect to encounter others while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

If you're looking for an easy, family-friendly trail with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe, consider the Tahoe East Shore Trail. This 2.6-mile point-to-point trail takes under an hour to complete. The paved path starts near Tunnel Creek Café in Incline Village and ends at Sand Harbor. You'll find benches along the way for resting, and there's even a wheelchair-accessible picnic table at the south end of the trail. Don't forget to check out the Sand Harbor Beach Visitor Center.

12. Tunnel Creek Trail

• Location: Incline Village-Crystal Bay
• Mileage: 7.0-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: We recommend visiting this area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. It's a popular spot, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to go are from May through September. Also, dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

If you're in the Incline Village-Crystal Bay area and up for a good hike, you should check out the Tunnel Creek Trail. It's a 7.0-mile out-and-back trail that takes an average of 3 h 44 min to complete. The route is moderately challenging and popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. There are some areas of shade off the beaten path where you can check out the beautiful wildflowers and butterflies. The views throughout the hike are fantastic, and the soft surface underfoot makes for a comfortable trek. We highly recommend getting an early start to beat the heat and make the most of your day.

Best Winter Hikes in Nevada

Chickadee Ridge, Petroglyph Canyon Trail, and White Owl Canyon via 33 Hole are the perfect trails to take during the wintertime. These hikes offer views of the surrounding landscapes with opportunities to spot wildlife. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely winter stroll, these three trails are an excellent choice.

13. Chickadee Ridge

• Location: Incline Village-Crystal Bay
• Mileage: 2.4-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This area is very popular for hiking and snowshoeing, so it's likely you'll encounter other people while exploring.

We recommend checking out Chickadee Ridge, a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada. This moderately challenging route typically takes about an hour and is a popular spot for hiking and snowshoeing. Just a heads up, once you enter the woods, there's a lot of snow, so wear good hiking boots or waterproof shoes. It's a beautiful hike, but be careful around the rocks at the turnaround - the snow is very thin in that area. And you'll be delighted to know that you're likely to see cute birds and chipmunks during your hike, hence the name!

14. Petroglyph Canyon Trail

• Location: Sloan
• Mileage: 4.1-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: If you're planning on exploring this area, keep in mind that it's a popular spot for hiking and you'll likely come across other people. The trail is best visited from March through October, but please leave your furry friends at home as dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Also, note that from June through September, the access road is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Looking for a great outdoor adventure? Check out Petroglyph Canyon Trail. This 4.1-mile loop trail near Sloan, Nevada, is a must-visit destination. This 4.1-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is home to several petroglyphs that are sure to fascinate visitors. While the trail can be rocky and require some scrambling, those who prefer a less intense hike can take the 200 trail to see the pictographs. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as there is no shade. And if you're looking for tips, be sure to check out the reviews online, where visitors recommend going clockwise around the loop for the best views, paying attention to the stakes to avoid getting lost, wearing strong shoes, and bringing a backpack with at least 2 liters of water per person. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy this amazing trail.

15. White Owl Canyon via 33 Hole

• Location: Boulder City
• Mileage: 3.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This area is popular for fishing and hiking, so expect other people around. The trail is open all year and is stunning year-round. Leashed dogs are welcome, but there's an entrance fee charged by Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Have you heard of the White Owl Canyon via the 33 Hole Trail in Boulder City, Nevada? It's a 3.8-mile loop that takes you through two slot canyons and a mix of roads and trails. The hike is doable, but watch out for steep gravel hills at the beginning and end. When you reach a fork, remember to go left to avoid climbing up the steepest parts of the canyon. Enjoy the views!

Best Hikes near Carson City

Carson City is a great starting point for some fantastic hikes. If you're up for a challenging trek, check out Marlette Lake from Chimney Beach. For a more relaxed experience, Cove Beach (also known as a nude beach) is a beautiful option. And if you're looking for a stunning waterfall, Kings Canyon Waterfall won't disappoint.

16. Marlette Lake from Chimney Beach

• Location: Carson City
• Mileage: 5.8-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This area is popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Nevada State Parks charge a fee per entry.

The Marlette Lake from Chimney Beach is a 5.8-mile trail near Carson City, Nevada. It is challenging, but the views along the hike make it worth it. It's a great hike for any time of year; visitors particularly love to come for the fall foliage. So if you're looking for a challenging but rewarding hike with spectacular views, this is the trail for you.

17. Secret Cove Beach (Nude Beach)

• Location: Carson City
• Mileage: 0.9-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: If you're planning to hike or walk in this area, expect to see other people. May through October are the best months to visit, and dogs are welcome as long as they're on a leash. Secret Cove is a clothing-optional nude beach.

Try this fun and challenging hike near Carson City, Nevada, Secret Cove Beach. This 0.9-mile loop trail is moderately challenging and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It's a popular spot for hiking and walking, with several little trails that lead down to the nude beach. The hike back up can be a bit strenuous, but if you take it slow and steady, it's an easy hike.

18. Kings Canyon Waterfall

• Location: Carson City
• Mileage: 0.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This is a great trail for birding, hiking, and walking. Quieter times of day offer some solitude, so it's perfect if you're looking for a quiet escape. The best months to visit are April through October. Just remember, dogs aren't allowed on this trail, so you'll have to leave your furry friend at home.

The Kings Canyon Waterfall hike is super easy and perfect for families. The waterfall is absolutely stunning, and the trail is well-maintained. It's a short and easy ascent, so you won't have any trouble reaching the top. Definitely add this hike to your list if you're looking for a beautiful waterfall experience.

Have you explored these best hiking trails in Nevada? Are they the top hiking trails and best places to hike in Nevada? Let us know – we’re excited to hear from you!

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