If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Nevada, Make Them These
Nevada is home to many spectacular trails which take hiking enthusiasts away from it all. Folks who live in Nevada never need to wonder, “are there any hiking trails near me?” The state overflows with amazing places to hike. From the stunning red rock formations in southern Nevada to the mountains of the north—and everywhere in between—here are the five best hikes in Nevada.
1. Mount Rose Trail, Washoe County
Mount Rose Trail, Mt Rose Trail, Nevada 89511, USA
This picturesque 10.6-mile hike on Mount Rose Trail to the summit is full of wildflowers, waterfalls, wildlife, and alpine forests. At the summit, you can see Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, Reno, and Washoe Lake. It's one of the most scenic hikes in Nevada.
2. Turtlehead Peak Trail, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Tucked within Red Rock Canyon approximately 30 miles east of Las Vegas, the Turtlehead Peak Trail is a challenging five-mile hike that will transport you to another world. While it is not one of the easy hikes in Nevada, it is definitely a showstopper.
In addition to the gorgeous red rocks, the trail is decorated with colorful wildflowers and unusual rock formations. Once at the summit, you are treated to a stunning panoramic view of Red Rock Canyon, and Las Vegas is visible in the distance.
At 13,063 feet above sea level, Wheeler Peak is a sight to behold. The 4.3-mile Wheeler Peak Trail gains nearly 3,000 feet in elevation as you travel through aspen groves and meadows; enjoy wildflowers and gentle streams; come face-to-face with majestic bristlecone pines; and observe wildlife like mule deer and wild turkeys.
Once at the summit, the awe-inspiring and panoramic views of Great Basin National Park and the Snake Mountains make the challenging hike well worth the effort. This is absolutely one of the best hikes in Nevada.
Located in northern Clark County near Indian Springs is Hidden Forest Trail. This ten-mile, out-and-back hike is moderately difficult as you hike through gravel, a sandy eroded wash, and scramble over rocks; however, it is well worth it.
In addition to spectacular views of the Mojave Desert and the ample desert flora and fauna, this trail takes you into a hidden forest in which an 1890's-era log cabin sits. Believed to be an old miner's cabin, it is now on the National Register of Historic Places. You can even spend the night in the cabin!
Located in the Gold Hill area of Virginia City is the Yellow Jacket Mine. In April, 1869, 39 miners lost their lives after fire broke out in the mine. Only 34 bodies were found in the collapsed tunnel debris, and the undiscovered five miners are said to haunt the mine and the miner's cabin.
Visitors have reported seeing glowing orbs and the apparitions of miners and hearing tortured cries during this haunted hike. Regardless of whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the Yellow Jacket Mine Hike is rather historic and scenic and should be on your Nevada bucket list. With the spooky history, this is one of the more kid-friendly hikes around Nevada.
Have you been on any of the best hikes in Nevada? Did I leave your favorite off this list? Please share your thoughts and experiences below.
Read about more Nevada hikes, then grab your gear and get going!
Address: Turtlehead Peak, Nevada 89161, USA
Address: Indian Springs, NV, USA
Address: Yellow Jacket Mine, Nevada 89445, USA
Address: Mount Rose Trail, Mt Rose Trail, Nevada 89511, USA
Address: Wheeler Peak, Nevada 89311, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Nevada
March 25, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Nevada?
As you can see in the article above, there are some really amazing hikes in Nevada. But not all of them are kid-friendly. Some are long, some involve rough terrain, and some have huge elevation gains. When hiking with kids, it is important to find a trail that matches their age, hiking ability, and patience. So with that in mind, you usually want to aim for a shorter hike that has little elevation gain. Lovely scenery is also a huge bonus. Fortunately, Nevada has a lot of excellent trails suitable for kids. Give Changing Canyon Trail in Lamoille a go, or try Exploration Peak Trail in Las Vegas. Both are awesome hikes perfect for the whole family. Read more about kid-friendly hikes around Nevada, then grab you gear and go hike!
What are some easy hikes in Nevada?
There are some really spectacular hiking trails in Nevada that should be reserved for expert hikers. But, there are also some really great easy trails that are under 3 miles and also offer breathtaking views and scenery. So don’t despair if you’re not an expert hiker and you simply enjoy getting outdoors for leisurely hikes among beautiful scenery. Take Calico Tanks Trail for instance. Located in Red Rock Canyon, this hike is only 2.2 miles and offers incredible red rock scenery. Or, try the White Domes Loop Trail in Valley of Fire State Park, which is only 1.3 miles and features sandy terrain, canyons, and even a natural arch. Read about 10 more easy hikes in Nevada, then choose one for your next hiking adventure.
Address: Turtlehead Peak, Nevada 89161, USA
Address: Indian Springs, NV, USA
Address: Yellow Jacket Mine, Nevada 89445, USA
Address: Mount Rose Trail, Mt Rose Trail, Nevada 89511, USA
Address: Wheeler Peak, Nevada 89311, USA
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