These 6 Trails in Nevada Will Lead You to Extraordinary Ancient Ruins

Forget horror movies like "The Ruins" and the creepy fates that befall travelers who explore them. Ruins provide a glimpse into a colorful and oftentimes historic past, one that exemplifies Nevada. Take a look at these stunning hiking trails that lead into the past and to extraordinary ancient ruins and other historical markers. These hiking trails with ancient ruins in Nevada are some of our favorites, and might just become your new favorite outdoor adventures too.

1. Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail - Boulder City

This easy 8-mile round-trip hike provides a glimpse into the history of the Hoover Dam and its construction. This trail takes visitors through five railroad tunnels, each filled with remnants of the past, including ruins from arson fires. Visitors can see the remnants of old pioneer trails adjacent to the railroad beds. Learn more about what makes the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail such a unique Nevada adventure.

2. Sloan Canyon - Henderson

Next on our list of hiking trails with ruins in Nevada is Sloan Canyon. During this 5.5-mile loop, hikers can view spectacular rock formations and indigenous wildlife; however, the best part of this trail is the petroglyph gallery. Sloan Canyon has been called the Sistine Chapel of Native American rock art due to the size and significance of its many petroglyphs. There are more than 300 rock art panels containing an impressive 1,700 individual art elements, which archaeologists believe were created by indigenous cultures. Sloan Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most incredible natural wonders in Nevada.

3. Eldorado Canyon Trails - Nelson

The canyon is dotted with many trails that lead hikers to natural features such as Keyhole Canyon and Stone Bridge. However, the hike to the abandoned Techatticup Mine immerses visitors in Nevada's gold rush history and offers several relics and artifacts to see. While you're there, you can even take a gold mine tour.

4. Pine Creek Canyon Trail - Red Rock Canyon

Just 30 minutes west of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon and the Pine Creek Canyon Trail. One of the area's scenic hikes is a three-quarter-mile round-trip jaunt to Lost Creek. Another trail offers a 2-mile round-trip trek to the ruins of an old home surrounded by Ponderosa pines. Learn more about this beautiful ancient forest in Nevada.

5. Ward Charcoal Ovens Historic State Park - Ward

Trails to and from these amazing ovens await visitors in Ward. The charcoal ovens (measuring 30 feet high, 27 feet in diameter, with two-foot-thick walls at the base) are two miles south of the town, and six of them are in excellent condition. Additionally, the smelter, mill foundations, and a cemetery remain in the town. Photographed above is the view looking up from inside one of the ovens. Learn more about what makes Ward Charcoal Oven State Park so unique.

6. Osceola Ditch Trail - Great Basin National Park

This 0.3-mile hike in Great Basin National Park wanders through the remnants of an 18-mile-long ditch built by miners in the 1880s, as well as the remains of the town's cemetery and other mining artifacts and ruins.

Nevada is a state filled with history and nature. Hiking is a popular pastime, and what better way to blend one's love of both than by exploring one of these stunning trails to glimpse the past? Nevada truly is a hiker's paradise. For further proof, just take a look at the most beautiful hiking trails in Nevada.