Hiking is a terrific activity for everyone in the family. Thankfully Nevada is a mountainous state that offers loads of fantastic trails to explore. So whether you ramble, wander, or stroll while you bond with the kids at these hiking destinations near North Las Vegas, you’re bound to have some fun.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

One of the state’s best spots to explore is Red Rock Canyon. Ditch the glitz and glamour of the Strip and stretch your legs on the park’s 26 hiking trails, like the 2-mile-long Moenkopi Loop. This easy-rated path is ideal for families to discover after school as it provides the incredible opportunity to spot Triassic fossils.

Experienced hikers must hit the Turtlehead Peak Trail. This 4.6-mile trek takes between three and four hours to complete, and it can be challenging in spots. When you reach Red Rock’s summit, sweeping views of the canyon below are your reward.

Located just a few miles outside the city, the Bureau of Land Management oversees the park. Stop by the visitor center daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Red Rock Canyon offers loads of activities beyond hiking, including:

• Driving the 13-mile scenic route.
• Photographing native plants and wildlife.
• Studying geological features.
• Camping in a tent or RV.
• Learning through indoor and outdoor nature exhibits.
• Exploring cultural resources.
• Browsing the gift shop.

Valley of Fire State Park

Image via Flickr by kennejima Licensed CC BY 2.0

If you want a hiking adventure close to the city, pack up the kids and head to Valley of Fire State Park. This public recreation and nature preserve sprawls across 40,000 acres. Located 16 miles south of Overton, its iconic 150 million-year-old red sandstone and limestone formations dominate the view here. You can even spot petrified trees and petroglyphs that native people created 2,000 years ago.

Even your preschoolers can handle the short, easy hike at this outstanding state park. Take a stroll down the Fire Wave Trail. You’ll find this path is the perfect place to glimpse the Valley’s remarkable geology created by wind, rain, snow, and ice. Many families plan 90 minutes to enjoy this 1.-5-mile trail, or you can join a regularly scheduled ranger walk. With this guided hike, you’ll hear the fascinating history of this extraordinary landscape.

While you’re visiting the Valley of Fire, check out some of the park’s other amenities. It offers loads of family-friendly programs and activities. Get the kids involved in the annual Atlatl competition; participants test their skills with replicas of these ancient spears. Or, have a scenic picnic. Visit the Valley of Fire every day from sunrise to sunset.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Located in the McCullough Range on the southeast edge of the city, Sloan Canyon is another beautiful place to spend the day hiking. Leave the slot machines behind and head to Henderson to experience this natural wonder. There are more than 300 rock art examples at this one site. It represents one of the most significant cultural resources in Nevada.

This conservation area covers more than 48,000 acres and provides North Las Vegas residents with a place to hike in solitude, away from the bright lights of the Strip. This unique scenic area caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, with trails for every skill level. The Bursage Loop Trail is an easy-to-traverse 1.3-mile loop. It’s part of the Anthem East Trail system that also features a 0.6-mile long ADA-compliant section.

The Black Mountain Trail is ideal if you’re looking for a challenge. The last part of this strenuous 8-mile trek is steep, but you can see Arizona once you reach the peak. This park is always open, so take a hike whenever the mood strikes you.

Death Valley National Park

Within a few hours of Las Vegas lies Death Valley National Park. This area is one of the hottest and driest places on earth — and it’s also a great place to hike. Enjoy a hiking adventure in Death Valley between November and March, as summer temperatures make this activity dangerous. Death Valley straddles Nevada and eastern California and consists of over 3 million acres of designated wilderness habitats and breathtaking natural beauty.

From snow-covered peaks to vast fields of wildflowers in bloom, there’s more to this place than you might imagine from its name. This spot is a hiker’s paradise with various terrain, like canyons, salt flats, sand dunes, and mountain peaks.

Start the kids on the Harmony Borax Works. This 0.4-mile paved loop is relatively flat and easy for little ones to toddle along. Plan about 30-minutes or more if you want to enjoy the area’s stunning scenery. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Get your sneakers on and discover kid-friendly hikes in the unspoiled wilderness of Lake Mead. Everyone knows this popular destination because of the water, but did you know that it also offers miles of trails? Located just 40 minutes from North Las Vegas, this pick features 1.5 million acres to uncover, from mountains and valleys to slot canyons and towering rock formations. It’s America’s first national recreation area and offers visitors loads of striking landscapes to tour.

One of the best ways to get to know this year-round playground is on foot along The Historic Railroad Trail. Families with kids of all ages frequent the wide, flat, gravel path off Lakeshore Road. It features five tunnels that lead to the Hoover Dam, covering 7.5 miles round-trip. Of course, you don’t have to complete the loop, as there are tons of amazing things to see along the way, like Joshua trees and the Colorado River. Hop on the trailhead just east of the Lake Mead Visitors Center.

So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Las Vegas just shared with you some of the best places to go hiking near home. Did you like our picks? Did we miss a favorite outdoor destination of yours — one Nevada locals love? If we did, let us know! Drop us a line so we can add your suggestions to our list.