11 Beautiful Nevada Hikes That Are Practically In Your Own Backyard
Just imagine a beautiful nature hike less than an hour from your home or office. While Nevada is known for its amazing mountains and state and national parks and all of the hiking opportunities there, few people realize how many spectacular and beautiful Nevada hikes are, literally, in their own backyards. Take a look at the best hikes in Nevada that are closer than you think.
1. Historic Railroad Tunnels Trail, Boulder City
Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Great views, local lore, and a history lesson await you on this flat, eight-mile hike. You can also ride your bike along this trail that takes you through five different railroad tunnels used to transport materials for construction of the Hoover Dam. It's one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Nevada.
Read more about the Historic Railroad Tunnels Trail.
Okay all of you Genoans, here's a gorgeous hike right in your own backyard. Just under ten miles one way, you have the option of an easy Sunday three-mile stroll or an intense twenty-mile run.
Learn more about trails in Genoa.
3. Wetlands Park Nature Preserve, Henderson
Wetlands Park Lane, Wetlands Park Ln, Whitney, NV 89122, USA
Just on the edge of Las Vegas is Wetlands Park Nature Preserve. This series of easy trails measure between one-half and one mile. These trails are a bird watcher's paradise and enjoying the nature makes one forget he or she is right on the edge of a big city.
Check out more about Wetlands Park Nature Preserve.
4. Clear Creek Canyon Trail, Carson City
Clear Creek Canyon Road, Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Golden, CO, USA
This ten-and-one-half mile long trail begins near Jacks Valley Elementary School. During the scenic hike, you will see high desert vegetation give way to a pine forest where deer, raptor, and eagle sightings are quite common, so bring your camera. This scenic trail ends near Tahoe Golf Club Drive and US Highway 50.
Find out more about Clear Creek Canyon.
If you're looking for a scenic hike in Nevada, this is the right one for you. This popular and heavily trafficked 5.8-mile trail winds along Hunter Creek. The best part, however, is the stunning waterfall at the end of the trail. Be careful, however, as some parts of this hike can be rocky.
Read more about Hunter Creek Trail.
6. Sloan Canyon, Henderson
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Nawghaw Poa Rd, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This five-and-one-half mile loop is an archaeological dream as the trail winds through rocks decorated with ancient petroglyphs. Add into the mix volcanic cliffs, washes, and a variety of flora and fauna and you have a fun and exhilarating hike just southeast of Las Vegas.
Learn more about Sloan Canyon.
Frenchman Mountain is the highest peak in the Sunrise Mountain Range on the east border of Las Vegas. During this scenic 2.2-mile hike, you will climb a whopping 2,000 feet on, perhaps, one of the steepest hikes in Nevada. Once you reach the summit, you will be wowed by the amazing views of Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Valley. Because it is so steep, beginners should pay special attention to potential tripping hazards and make sure to bring adequate water.
Check out more about the East Las Vegas Mountains.
Just 20 minutes from Heavenly Valley, Marlette Lake Trail is a 5.8-mile hike that provides stunning views of Lake Tahoe. This hike is also one of the rare ones in the state where your dog can legally be off his or her leash.
Read more about Marlette Lake Trail.
This dog-friendly backyard hike is a 4.1-mile trail near Henderson that provides several opportunities to view wildlife and the gorgeous scenery of the wash itself. This trail is fun for all ages and skill levels. Dogs are also welcome on this trail.
Find out more about Pittman Wash.
10. Evans Creek Trailhead, Reno
Evans Canyon Trailhead, N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, USA
Smack dab in the middle of Reno near Rancho San Rafael is Evans Creek trailhead, a series of multiple loop trails so you will never have the same experience twice. Hiking trails range from just under one mile to nearly four miles, and the scenery is truly spectacular. If you choose one of the shorter routes, you can take a nice easy hike in Nevada.
Read more about Reno.
11. Job's Peak, Gardnerville
Jobs Peak Drive, Jobs Peak Dr, Gardnerville Ranchos, NV 89460, USA
This moderately trafficked 4.4-mile hiking trail decorated with wildflowers is great for all ages and skill levels.
Learn more about Job's Peak.
Have you enjoyed any of these beautiful Nevada hikes? Have I left your favorite off the list? Please comment below.
Address: Wetlands Park Lane, Wetlands Park Ln, Whitney, NV 89122, USA
Address: Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Nawghaw Poa Rd, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Address: Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Address: Sierra Canyon Trail, Nevada, USA
Address: Marlette Lake Trail, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Address: Pittman Wash Trail, Henderson, NV, USA
Address: Evans Canyon Trailhead, N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, USA
Address: Clear Creek Canyon Road, Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Golden, CO, USA
Address: Hunter Creek Trailhead, Reno, NV 89519, USA
Address: Jobs Peak Drive, Jobs Peak Dr, Gardnerville Ranchos, NV 89460, USA
Address: Frenchman Mountain, Sunrise Manor, NV 89156, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Nevada
June 14, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Nevada?
Our state has lots of great hikes that you can do with the whole family, kids included! These family-friendly hikes in Nevada are great places to take the little ones because they’re not too long. One great trail is Wetlands Park Nature Preserve in Henderson. You might think Henderson is all desert, but you’ll get some gorgeous water views here. Floyd Lamb Park Tule Springs Park Trail in Centennial Hills is a pretty park with lots of wild birds that you and the kids will absolutely love watching.
Where can I hike to a cave in Nevada?
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a fun hike to a cave in Nevada for Great Basin National Park. Lehman Caves is a gorgeous spot and the interior of the cave is a wild sight! You definitely won’t see natural formations like this anywhere else. Take one of the official tours to get the full experience, and don’t forget to take lots of photos while you’re in there.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Nevada?
While the state is known for Las Vegas and its hot desert environment in the summer, there are also incredibly beautiful water features. We’ve come up with a list of the best waterfall hikes in Nevada that will blow you away at any time of year. One of the very best ones actually is near Las Vegas, at Mary Jane Falls in Spring Mountain National Recreation Area. If you go here in the winter, you can even witness a really special sight: a frozen waterfall!
Address: Wetlands Park Lane, Wetlands Park Ln, Whitney, NV 89122, USA
Address: Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Nawghaw Poa Rd, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Address: Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Address: Sierra Canyon Trail, Nevada, USA
Address: Marlette Lake Trail, Carson City, NV 89703, USA
Address: Pittman Wash Trail, Henderson, NV, USA
Address: Evans Canyon Trailhead, N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, USA
Address: Clear Creek Canyon Road, Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Golden, CO, USA
Address: Hunter Creek Trailhead, Reno, NV 89519, USA
Address: Jobs Peak Drive, Jobs Peak Dr, Gardnerville Ranchos, NV 89460, USA
Address: Frenchman Mountain, Sunrise Manor, NV 89156, USA
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