While it might not seem like it, Las Vegas (and Clark County as a whole) is full of hiking trails. Although national parks and nature areas surrounding the Valley are popular hiking destinations, residents also have access to a wealth of trail systems close to home. Here are several neighborhoods in Las Vegas where you’ll find plenty of hiking trails.

Summerlin

Red Rock Canyon photo by Shutterstock

Summerlin has long been known as one of the best neighborhoods in Las Vegas for trailblazing close to home. The residential villages include 150 miles of trails, which residents rank as the most popular amenity. The community’s amenities map offers a view of all parks as well as street-side trails and village trails, making it easy for residents to get to a trail for a quick hike or leisurely stroll. For experienced hikers, try Summerlin Peak; it’s just off Cliff Shadows Parkway and provides advanced hikers with a steep, five-mile loop and no shade. Or for leisurely hikers, the Hualapai Canyon Trailhead is a fully paved path that offers residents an easier trail for experiencing the surrounding nature.

Summerlin is also near Red Rock Canyon, so residents don’t have to drive far to discover even more great trails. A popular one is the Las Vegas Overlook Trail, a moderately challenging loop with an elevation of over 3,700 square feet, providing unexpected views of The Strip. 

Henderson

Sloane Canyon National Park photo courtesy of Ken Lund

River Mountains Loop Trail is just off Boulder Highway in Henderson. Because there are several starting points both in Henderson and the surrounding areas (as well as with biking trails), it’s important to use a map or go with a group of friends to avoid getting lost. Spanning neighborhoods across more than four major intersections, the Pittman Wash Trail near Green Valley South is broken up into half to full-mile stretches so families can go at their own pace. Also, the McCullough Hills Trailhead offers an 8.2-mile hike with views of the Las Vegas Valley and the Black Mountains. 

For those willing to venture a bit outside Inspirada in Henderson, Petroglyph Canyon in Sloane Canyon National Park Conservation Area is a 4.4-mile hike where you can a view ancient petroglyphs and the mountains.

All in all, Henderson has a pretty impressive array of both paved and natural trails. Cadence also prides itself on its trail system that connects with its subdivisions.

Whitney

Clark County Wetlands Park photo courtesy of keith schurr 

Clark County Wetlands Park—also known as the Las Vegas Wash—in Whitney is a great place to hike, and it’s not too far from residential areas. The park includes trails for all difficulty levels, including Wetlands Loop Trail, a 14-mile loop where walkers and cyclists can wander past rushing waters and plenty of greenery. This trail even connects with other trails in the park like Duck Creek Trailhead and Coyote Howl Trail, which are paved paths offering a shorter hike. For an easier trail, head to the Wetlands Park Nature Preserve Loop, a 1.6-mile hike that also overlooks the river. 

Closer to Whitney Ranch is Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve, where a one-mile trail takes hikers around the mesa which the area is named after. The City of Henderson also offers virtual tours of both the lower trails and upper trails.