7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Nevada That Are 1 Mile And Under
Spring is one of the best times to get out and explore Nevada. The insane heat of summer hasn’t set in yet, and the weather is usually just perfect for spending some time outside. There’s no better way to take advantage of this beautiful season than to plan a hiking adventure that the whole family can enjoy. These seven kid-friendly hikes are perfect for children because they are easy and short, but they boast some incredible scenery that is sure to please adults as well. Take a look. Have you completed any of these? Here are some of the best hikes in Nevada for families with little ones:
Lamoille Canyon is one of the most breathtaking sights in Nevada. The Changing Canyon Trail makes it possible for kids to experience the wonder of this beautiful place as well. This easy, 0.30-mile hike is great for all skill levels and is the perfect way to see the canyon if you're short on time. The trail leads you through gorgeous aspens, streams, and even a beaver pond. It doubles as an incredible fall colors hike in Nevada, too.
You've likely seen photographs of this iconic rock formation in Valley of Fire State Park. The trail to see this beautiful elephant-shaped rock is actually quite easy and short. The trail is about .3 miles out and back and provides picturesque views of many of the park's wonderful sandstone rock formations. You'll find Elephant Rock near the East Entrance of the park.
3. Floyd Lamb Tule Springs Park Trail, Las Vegas
Floyd Lamb Park, Racel St, Las Vegas, NV 89131, USA
Floyd R Lamb State Park is a beautiful park located near Vegas. This place is awesome for getting away from the city and surrounding yourself in nature. The park provides a .90-mile loop trail that takes you around several ponds and a natural spring lake. You'll often see people fishing in the lake. The trail is very well maintained and wheelchair accessible, as well. It's always a nice day to visit this local park in Nevada!
This trail really has it all. It's simple yet it boasts some seriously amazing views of Lake Tahoe. The hike is approximately .8 miles out and back and takes you over Highway 50. There is a small amount of easy climbing required. The payoff is a incredible view of the lake and the surrounding Toiyabe National Forest. Don't forget to bring your camera! Cave Rock Trail in Nevada is a must-do for hikers of all skill levels.
This is another simple trail located near Las Vegas, but it's noteworthy because it features a lovely hidden waterfall at the end of the hike. The trail is about .7 miles. You'll find the trailhead in Kyle Canyon at the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The hike leads you through groves of ponderosa pine and white fir trees before ending up at a quaint little waterfall. This is one short hike in Nevada you've got to add to your bucket list ASAP.
You'll find this fun and scenic trail in Exploration Park near Las Vegas. This easy trail takes you up to the park's signature peak and contains all sorts of interesting historical markers, including an authentic sundial. At the top, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding region. Afterwards, kids can play at the park's playground, archaeology dig site, water play area, and more.
7. Mountain View Nature Trail, Great Basin National Park
National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Looking for a kid-friendly way to explore the immense natural wonder that is Great Basin National Park? You'll find this lovely little nature trail at Lehman Caves Visitor Center. It's only about half of a mile and the trail takes you around the visitor center to explore the surrounding plant life. You'll even get a glimpse of the entrance to Lehman Caves.
What other kid-friendly hikes do you know of? Which ones would you call the best hikes in Nevada? Tell us about your picks in the comments, and then take a look at these 11 Beautiful Hikes In Nevada for even more incredibly outdoor adventures!
Address: National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Address: Exploration Peak, Enterprise, NV 89178, USA
Address: Floyd Lamb Park, Racel St, Las Vegas, NV 89131, USA
Address: Cave Rock Drive, Cave Rock Dr, Nevada 89413, USA
Address: Elephant Rock, Nevada 89040, USA
Address: Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
Address: Las Vegas, NV, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Nevada
April 10, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best easy hikes in Nevada?
Nevada is a wonderful state for anyone who enjoys a good hike. With more than 1,000 trails to pick from, it’s no wonder so many folks come here from out of state to explore (and we’re not talking exploring the Strip!). Some of our favorite easy hikes in Nevada – for those days you just don’t feel like putting THAT much effort into – include gems like the Floyd Lamb Park Tule Springs Park Trail, which is at the Centennial Hills in North Las Vegas. It’s a nice, pleasant hike around a lovely park complete with a pond and plenty of nice spots to stop and relax. Another favorite is the 12 Mile Hot Springs Trail within Wells. With more than 300 known hot springs in Nevada, many of them are host to excellent hikes, and 12 Mile Hot Springs Trail is one of the best. It’s four miles, out and back, and even just soaking your feet in the hot springs at the end makes it worth it.
What are the most scenic hikes in Nevada?
As we mentioned above, there are quite literally 1,000+ hiking trails in Nevada, all of which are very much worth the effort to do. Of course, there might just be entirely too many trails to explore even in one lifetime… but who said we can’t try? Why not start with some of the most scenic hikes in Nevada, like the Calico Tanks Trail at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s rated as moderately challenging and extends just 2.2 miles, featuring stellar views of Las Vegas from way above. The surrounding sandstone hills are a pleasant bonus! Then, try the Mary Jane Falls Trail within the Mount Charleston Wilderness; it’s 3.9-mile moderately challenging (uphill) hike, so do keep that in mind while planning your next big outing. How about an easy one to round them out? Be sure to do the Fire Wave Trail at Valley of Fire State Park; it’s easy and just a mile and a half in length, sure to please even the most seasoned of hikers.
Address: National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Address: Exploration Peak, Enterprise, NV 89178, USA
Address: Floyd Lamb Park, Racel St, Las Vegas, NV 89131, USA
Address: Cave Rock Drive, Cave Rock Dr, Nevada 89413, USA
Address: Elephant Rock, Nevada 89040, USA
Address: Lamoille Canyon, Nevada 89828, USA
Address: Las Vegas, NV, USA
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