7 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Nevada
No matter the time of year, many make the usual resolutions to eat better, work out more and reduce stress. Hiking is a perfect solution to get yourself outside and engaging in physical activity. What’s more, it doesn’t have to be difficult, either. There are many easy hikes that are a pleasure for even the most novice hiker. Here are seven of the best hikes in Nevada for those just beginning, or for those curious about what it’s about:
Many people, even Clark County locals, might be surprised to know such a lush, wet spot in this dry desert town exists. The Wetlands Park Nature Preserve in Nevada is a little oasis in the middle of Henderson. There are several short trails in the preserve and most are either paved or packed dirt roads that are easy to traverse. It's definitely child, stroller and wheelchair friendly as well. In addition to the water, you'll see lots of wildlife like roadrunners, rabbits, and quail. Take exit 64B off the I-215 going east, and then South Broadbent Boulevard to Wetland Parks Lane.
2. Floyd Lamb Park Tule Springs Park Trail, Centennial Hills (North Las Vegas)
This lovely park in Nevada is another hidden gem in the Las Vegas area. This 680-acre park has geese, ducks and peacocks roaming the property by shaded ponds and grassy hills. There are several picturesque picnic spots and you can also enjoy a visit to the horse barn run by Horses4Heroes, a community equestrian center. There are several paved walkways around the park and the trail is a little under one mile. It's perfect for a stroll all year long, and definitely appropriate for children, strollers and wheelchairs. From Las Vegas, take the I-15 north to the US-95 north to North Durango Drive. Take exit 93 from the US-95 north and continue to Tule Springs Road.
3. Railroad Tunnel Trail, Boulder City
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
This is a very popular trail that goes around Lake Mead on a gravel and dirt road through what were once railroad tunnels built to help with the construction of the Hoover Dam nearby. The views of the lake and marina are gorgeous and children will most likely enjoy going through the dark tunnels. The trail is 7.2 miles total out and back but you can go out as far as you wish and turn back so it's a good option for beginners. It's also a very popular hike in Nevada for mountain bikers and people walking their dogs. Be aware, it's open all year long but it can get very hot in the summer. If you intend to do it in the hotter months, make sure you bring plenty of water. From Las Vegas, take the US-93 south and turn left on Lake Shore Drive. You will see the parking lot for the trail about 500 yards down from the turn onto Lake Shore on your right.
This trail is 4 miles out and back that has the nice benefit of ending at a natural hot springs. If you're so inclined, you can take a dip before making your way back. The trail also features a river. Depending on the time of year you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get to the parking area as the roads can get quite muddy. The hot springs are also known as the Bishop Creek Hot Springs. To reach the trail and springs, take US-93 north/Great Basin Highway/NV-318 north and US-93 north to 6th Street in the town of Wells. Take 8th Street, North Metropolis Road and County Road to reach the Bishop Creek Dam to park. It's also fun to learn more about these hot springs in Nevada before you arrive.
This lovely nature trail in Nevada is a little under three miles out and back, and much of it is on boardwalks over wetlands with views of Swan Lake. The trail runs over a wildlife preserve spot so many of the marshy grass areas are overgrown, making this a very quiet place to walk and an easy hike for a beginner. Swan Lake Nature Study Area is actually a nationally recognized birdwatching area so be prepared to see many species of birds including swans. In Reno, from the US-395 north, take exit 74 and continue on Lemmon Drive, then Military Road to Sage Point Court.
Another easy hiking trail in Reno Nevada is the Tom Cooke Trail in the Toiyabe National Forest. The trail is dog and child friendly and has excellent views of the city and the Truckee River. The trail overall is easy although it's a bit steep at the beginning. To get there, from Reno take the I-80 west to exit 10 and continue on North McCarran Blvd. Take the NV-647 west/West 4th Street to White Fir Street.
7. Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, Baker
National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Located in Great Basin National Park, the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail is a 3 mile loop that is a good choice from March through October. The trail features several small Alpine lakes set among the breathtaking peaks and cliffs of the park. You will walk through forests of bristlecone pine, Englemann spruce, timber pine and aspens. It's particularly gorgeous in the fall when the trees change color. Great Basin National Park is located near Baker, off the US-93 north and the US-50, just near the border with Utah. This one is, hands down, one of the best hikes in Nevada.
Do you have a favorite hike you recommend to beginners? Which hikes in Nevada would you call the best hikes in Nevada? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
For more of the best hikes in Nevada, be sure to explore AllTrails and Only In Your State!
Address: 7050 Wetlands Park Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
Address: 9200 Tule Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131, USA
Address: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Address: 12 Mile Hot Springs, Wells, NV 89835, USA
Address: 12098 Sage Point Ct, Reno, NV 89506, USA
Address: 8597 White Fir St, Reno, NV 89523, USA
Address: National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Nevada
April 01, 2022
Tori Jane
What should be on my outdoor bucket list in Nevada?
Nevada is a state that’s famous for, mostly, one thing: the Las Vegas Strip. Sure, it’s cool to visit once in a while, but what other things are there to look forward to in Nevada (namely, when it comes to the great outdoors)? Some of our favorite items on our outdoor bucket list in Nevada are perfect for the adventurer; some are great for those who prefer low-key, quiet places, and others are great for those who enjoy an adventurous challenge. Some of those things are visiting the Hoover Dam, which is right on the Arizona/Nevada border and provides interesting and educational insight into supplying water for the desert southwest. Lake Tahoe is another must-see; it’s easily one of the most beautiful lakes in the continental US and we just so happen to have our very own little slice of it here. Wander the amazing Lamoille Canyon and enjoy the wildflowers, or head out to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for an amazing day trip close to Vegas.
What are some of the best easy hikes in Nevada?
Nevada is home to almost 1,000 awesome hikes and hiking trails, and with so many, there’s bound to be some wonderfully scenic-but-easy ones, right? Right! Some of our favorite easy scenic hikes in Nevada include gems like the Fire Wave Trail at Valley of Fire State Park; it’s a mile and a half of outrageously interesting geological formations and history. It’s the oldest and largest park in the entire state, and we promise it’s worth it! We also love the Railroad Tunnel Trail at Lake Mead; it’s longer, at 8.2 miles in length, but the tunnels, views, and unique features of the hike make it go by in no time. The Stateline Lookout trail within the Tahoe National Forest is another must-do, and so is Tahoe East Shore Trail. The possibilities are only as limited as your hiking skill set – you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy everything Nevada has to offer.
Address: 7050 Wetlands Park Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89122, USA
Address: 9200 Tule Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89131, USA
Address: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Address: 12 Mile Hot Springs, Wells, NV 89835, USA
Address: 12098 Sage Point Ct, Reno, NV 89506, USA
Address: 8597 White Fir St, Reno, NV 89523, USA
Address: National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
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Mychelle Blake is a freelance writer, website designer and social media consultant. She happily tolerates the insane Las Vegas heat with her three wacky pit bulls, one fish, one bird and one husband.
