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. From the stunning red rock formations in southern Nevada to the mountains of the north—and everywhere in between—here are the five must-do hikes in the Silver State.
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Located between Lake Tahoe and Reno is Mount Rose; the highest peak in the Carson Range.
This picturesque 10.6-mile hike to Mount Rose's summit is full of wildflowers, waterfalls, wildlife, and alpine forests. At the summit, you can see Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, Reno, and Washoe Lake.
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.
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 hike 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.
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 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.
Have you been on any of these spectacular hikes? Did I leave your favorite off this list? Please share your thoughts and experiences below.
For more Nevada hikes, check out this article.
