Fancy getting away from the bright lights of Sin City for a while? Put on your hiking boots and experience one of these five amazing hiking tours.
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Nevada is a world of remarkable contrasts. Drive for an hour in any direction and you’ll soon escape the garish wealth and feverish electricity of the city to encounter an arid land of desert canyons, bizarre rock formations that are older than the human race, and some amazing hiking trails. Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park are especially popular choices, with an array of tours available. These five excellent hiking tours allow plenty of time on location and offer local expertise so that you can spend more time experiencing the wilderness.
Red Rock Canyon Half Day Adventure Hike
On the eastern edge of Las Vegas, a spine of mountains rises from the land, colored in a dusty sienna. But at their heart is the pop of fiery red of Red Rock Canyon. This National Conservation Area draws climbers, who come to scale the many challenging crags and rock formations. An impressive mesh of canyons is strung together by various paths, which means hikers of all abilities will find a trail to suit them. The Calico Tanks Trail is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. From $105 per person.
Valley of Fire Guided Hiking Tour from Las Vegas
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To the north of Vegas is a more extensive State Park that contains a remarkable diversity of rock formations, prehistoric petroglyphs, fossilized trees and stunning canyons of varying colors. This five-hour tour allows you to hike a selection of the smaller trails or one of the bigger ones. Each trail reveals surprising details, including slot canyons, natural arches and sandy desert. Your guide is on hand to provide information about the natural processes that formed the area, plus point out the desert flora and fauna you may encounter along the way. From $119 per person.
Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour
Another great guided Red Rock Canyon tour is this four-hour option that includes at least two hours of hiking time. Your guide will help you select a trail to meet your experience level and preferences, while also offering fascinating insight into the history and natural processes at work on Red Rock Canyon. This tour departs twice daily at 8am and 1pm. The earlier option is advisable in summer, to help you to avoid the hottest part of the day. From $129 per person.
White Rock Canyon and Desert Hot Springs Hiking Day Trip
If you’d like to take a hiking trip from Las Vegas that is not as popular, and therefore crowded, as Red Rock and Valley of Fire, then White Rock Canyon is a great alternative. Hop over the state line from Nevada to Arizona, south of Lake Mead, where the Colorado River cuts a deep wedge to form the Black Canyon. You’ll delve into the tributary White Rock Canyon on foot here, seeking out the river and taking a dip in desert hot springs along the way. This exciting hike is moderate to difficult. From $150 per person.
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Valley of Fire Adventure Hiking Tour from Las Vegas
If you’re travelling with a group of between seven and ten people, this Valley of Fire tour ensures excellent value, plus at least three hours to explore the state park. You’ll get to do the White Domes Trail, an easy-to-moderate hike that includes a slot canyon and some impressive rock formations, the petroglyphs at Mouse’s Tank, and more. Snacks and water are provided. Please note that this tour is only available from Tuesday to Thursday. From $607 per group.