Enjoy the Spring Weather with These 5 Incredible Hiking Locations

Hiking Adventures in Las Vegas: 5 Scenic Locations to Explore on Foot

Valley of Fire State Park. Photo Courtesy of TravelNevada.com

Las Vegas may be known as a city of bright lights and glitz, but it's also surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in and around Las Vegas, and it's no wonder why. From towering red sandstone cliffs to colorful sandstone formations, the area offers a diverse range of hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Here are five of the best hiking locations in and around Las Vegas, along with a popular trail for each destination. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, these hiking locations are sure to provide unforgettable experiences.


Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located just 17 miles west of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a must-visit for hikers. The park spans over 195,000 acres and features towering red sandstone cliffs and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The park has over 26 hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging scrambles. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Calico Tanks Trail. This 2.5-mile hike takes hikers on a gradual climb up to a natural basin with water pools and stunning views of the Las Vegas Valley. Along the way, hikers can observe the park's unique geology, including rock formations that date back over 180 million years. The park also offers guided hikes, including a sunrise hike and a full moon hike.


Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston is a popular hiking destination located just a short drive from Las Vegas. The area is home to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and offers over 50 miles of hiking trails. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Cathedral Rock Trail. This 2.7-mile hike takes hikers on a challenging ascent to the top of a rocky outcrop with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult and requires some scrambling and rock hopping, but the reward at the end is well worth the effort. The Mount Charleston area is also a great place for camping, skiing, and snowboarding in the winter months. The area's high altitude and cooler temperatures make it a popular escape from the heat of Las Vegas.


Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire State Park is located about an hour's drive from Las Vegas and is a striking desert landscape with sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. The park spans over 46,000 acres and offers several hiking trails that take hikers through some of the park's most spectacular scenery. One of the most popular hikes in the park is the Fire Wave Trail. This 1.5-mile hike takes hikers through a colorful sandstone wave formation with stunning views of the surrounding canyons and red rock formations. Along the way, hikers can also observe ancient petroglyphs and the park's unique flora and fauna. The park also offers several other hiking trails, including the White Domes Trail, which takes hikers through a slot canyon and past towering sandstone formations.


Lake Mead National Recreation Area

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is situated just 24 miles east of Las Vegas and is the largest reservoir in the United States. It spans over 1.5 million acres and offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. The park has over 500 miles of shoreline and several marinas where visitors can rent boats and jet skis. The park also has several hiking trails, including the Historic Railroad Trail, which is a 7.5-mile round trip hike that takes hikers through five old railroad tunnels and offers stunning views of Lake Mead and the surrounding mountains.


The Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River and is a marvel of modern engineering. The dam is located just 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a tour of the dam and learn about its history and engineering or take a walk across the top of the dam and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mead and the surrounding area. The Hoover Dam also has several hiking trails, including the Historic Railroad Trail, which starts at the parking lot near the dam and takes hikers through five old railroad tunnels and offers stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also hike the Hoover Dam Trail, which is a 1.5-mile round trip hike that takes hikers to the top of a hill overlooking the dam and offers even more panoramic views.


In conclusion, Las Vegas and its surrounding areas offer some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country. Hiking is a popular activity that allows visitors to explore these diverse landscapes, ranging from towering red sandstone cliffs to colorful sandstone formations. These locations are five of the best hiking locations in and around Las Vegas, each with a popular trail that caters to all levels of fitness and experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, these hiking locations offer unforgettable experiences and a chance to escape the city and connect with nature. If you plan to go hiking, make sure you bring plenty of water and remain vigilant of the weather as during the summer months, temperatures can soar for all of these locations, and dehydration is extremely dangerous.


Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Summer 2025

June 9, 2025
This summer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas invites guests to its iconic Boulevard Pool for the return of Dive-In Movies, a unique poolside cinema experience. Every Monday evening from May 19 to September 1, guests can enjoy a selection of blockbuster hits and timeless classics projected on a 65-foot digital marquee, all while lounging poolside or taking a dip in the pool. Event Details: • Dates: Mondays, May 19 – September 1, 2025 • Doors Open: 6:15 PM • Movie Starts: 8:00 PM • Location: Boulevard Pool, Level 3, accessible via the Boulevard Tower escalators • Admission: $15 for non-hotel guests; $10 for Las Vegas locals with valid ID; complimentary for hotel guests, Identity Membership & Rewards members, first responders, and military personnel with valid ID; children aged 5 and under are free. Upcoming Movie Lineup: • June 9: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone • June 16: Wicked • June 23: The Goonies • June 30: Top Gun • July 4th: Top Gun: Maverick • July 7: Despicable Me • July 14: Inside Out 2 • July 21: Happy Gilmore • July 28: Elf • August 4: Lilo & Stitch • August 11: Twilight • August 18: Mean Girls • August 25: Legally Blonde • September 1: Good Burger  For those seeking a more luxurious experience, cabana and daybed reservations are available, which include a food and beverage minimum and complimentary admission to Dive-In Movies. Reservations can be made by calling 702.698.6797. Whether you're a hotel guest or a local resident, Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan offer a memorable way to enjoy a night out under the stars with the Las Vegas Strip as your backdrop. The above info is subject to change, stay up to date on The Cosmopolitans website. https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/dive-in-movies.html

Wagging Tails Rescue: Giving Hope to Homeless Dogs in Las Vegas

June 4, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Wagging Tails Rescue is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders. Unlike traditional shelters, Wagging Tails Rescue operates through a network of loving volunteers and foster homes, providing temporary safe havens for dogs — especially pregnant moms and orphaned puppies — until they find their forever families. With no physical facility, the rescue’s strength lies in its community of passionate foster caregivers who nurture these pups with love, care, and attention. Beyond rescuing dogs, Wagging Tails Rescue champions responsible pet ownership through education on spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and proper nutrition. Want to meet some of these adorable dogs and maybe even adopt? Keep an eye on their Instagram @waggingtailsrescuelv for updates on frequent adoption events. From fun puppy yoga sessions to gatherings at Petco and even “Puppies and Pints” at Lovelady Brewery, there are plenty of opportunities to support and connect with this amazing rescue. Every wagging tail tells a story — and at Wagging Tails Rescue, those stories always end with hope and a happy home.

Las Vegas Parking Guide

May 27, 2025
If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, the idea of paying for parking might not be as big of a deal as it is to those of us who’ve been around for a while. Just a few years ago, it was practically unheard of to pay for parking on The Strip. Free parking was a standard expectation for both locals and casino guests alike. But times have changed, and many of the big casinos along the iconic Las Vegas Strip have started charging for parking. While we’ll let you draw your own conclusions about whether or not parking fees are justified (locals, we feel your pain), we’re here to guide you on where to park on the Las Vegas Strip. So, buckle up, and check out our list to see where you can park for free as a local! First three hours of self-parking are free for locals: • The Aria • The Bellagio • Caesar’s Palace • The Cosmopolitan • The Cromwell • The Excalibur • The Flamingo • The LINQ • Luxor • The MGM & Park MGM • Planet Hollywood • Wynn & the Encore Free Parking across the board • Rio • The Palms As a final tip when it comes to visiting the strip: Check and see if the casino does any sort of parking validation. A lot of times they will give you free parking if you spend a certain amount of money inside, are a guest (on a staycation) or are a certain tier level among their rewards programs. Remember, it never hurts to ask. If you're visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check with your hotel about whether parking and valet services are included when you book your room. It's a cost worth factoring into your trip planning!
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