Great Winter Hikes

It's cold in Vegas, but you can hike in warmer weather. The Lake Mead area is normally 5 to 7 degrees warmer than Las Vegas and 25 degrees warmer than the peaks at Red Rock!
 Lake Mead Hikes

1. ​Arizona Hotsprings - this is the time to enjoy the hotspring.  There are two ways to do this hike: The normal route or the Fortress Butte route. The normal route travels down White Canyon to the Colorado River. From there it's about 0.25 miles to the 100 degree plus water! The Fortress Butte route climbs an impossible looking butte and then the route goes to the hotsprings. You can download the normal route to the hotsprings here.
2. Gold Strike Hotspring - this is the most popular hotsprings, which makes it very crowded on the weekends. Due to a flood in 2005, the main hotsprings is dry.  There are smaller hotsprings in the canyon, but they only hold about eight people.  Be prepared to use ropes to reach the hotsprings.
3. Liberty Bell Arch - a cool arch in a shape of a liberty bell is one of the highlights of this hike.  Continuing a short distance and you can have lunch overlooking the Colorado River! This hike is all trail, so there's no scrambling or exposure.

Death Valley

Death Valley is less than two hours from Las Vegas and at least 15 degrees warmer. It offers some very unique hikes and believe it or not, it's very scenic. One word of advice: Don't do these hikes if it's windy.

1. Manly Beacon -  it stands like a beacon over Death Valley, yet it's less than 1000 feet in height!  The walk along the ridge to the summit is stunningly exposed. 
2. Golden Canyon - walk through the heart of this part of Death Valley. Great views of Manly Beacon and Red Cathedral. This is all trail, no exposure, good for the whole family.
3. The Sand Dunes - if you have never climbed sand dunes, you are in for a treat and a workout.  Your kids will love this. There's no exposure, just fun!

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China Date Ranch

China Date Ranch has some of the most unique hiking in the country!  All the mountains are dirt. After the hike, make sure to get a Date Shake.

1. Fence Post Peak - you will NEVER forget this hike. You must be strong enough to pull yourself up  100 feet of rope.
2. South Peak - another dirt mountain that appears to be impossible to climb.  Lots of exposure on this hike.
3. Date Palm - hike to a palm tree in the middle of nowhere! How did it get there? This is an easy hike.

Step by step directions for these hikes are in the Member's Only section of this website, plus another 375 hikes.