Hiking in Las Vegas

Hiking with kids here is better than people expect, as long as you follow the season. Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Lake Mead, the River Mountains Loop Trail on the Henderson side and the Summerlin trailheads give the valley a lot of trail, and the guided programs on this page (ranger-led hikes, nature center walks, youth group hikes, family hiking clubs) are the easy way to start.

If you are new to it

Pick a guided hike first. Ask how long the hike is, what the minimum age is, whether a parent has to stay with the group, and whether there is shade and water at the trailhead. The most common listed ages are 5 to 18.

If it is summer

Mount Charleston is the summer plan, because elevation means cooler air. The lower trails are a sunrise-only idea from June through September, and my rule is to turn around when the water is half gone, not when it is gone.

Cost

41 of the 79 options are listed as free, which is where the ranger programs and park trails live. 23 post a price range; ask whether a fee is for the guide, for park entry or for parking. 8 of these are in Summerlin, the closest side of the valley to Red Rock.