Pick a trail, any trail. It’s hard to go wrong at this spectacular state park, where ancient petroglyphs, natural rock arches, slot canyons and outcroppings of crimson sandstone vie for your attention. Most of the trails here are relatively short treks across sandy ground to rock formations sculpted over millions of years by wind and water. No matter which you choose, you’re bound to be awed by the views, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a special shoutout to the Fire Wave trail. Just across from parking lot no. 3, this mile-long route leads to an undulating rock “wave” with candy cane stripes that’s particularly enchanting in the warm light of dawn or dusk.
Visitors to Las Vegas often marvel at the mountains that ring the city, scrappy hills to the east, rocky peaks painted red in the west and snow-capped summits north of town, covered in forests of hearty pine. Yes, Sin City is about much more than the best Las Vegas casinos (just check out our list of the best things to do in Las Vegas for some more inspiration). Despite sweltering summers, the city is a hiker’s paradise, where trails for every fitness level and adventure appetite await within a quick drive. Whether you want to navigate slot canyons or sand dunes, explore hidden forests or hot springs, here are the best spots to go hiking near Las Vegas. Just be warned: You’ll want to make an appointment at the best spas in Las Vegas to recuperate your strength after all that exercise.