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.


Turn Extra Cash into Lasting Legacy: Help Your son/daughter Own a Home!

April 28, 2025
Helping Your Child Buy a Home: Smart Strategies with Tax Benefits  Many parents want to help their children buy a home, but doing so in a way that also provides financial and tax advantages is key. Here are a few strategies to consider when assisting your son or daughter with homeownership while maximizing tax benefits. 1. Gifting Money for a Down Payment The IRS allows individuals to gift up to $18,000 per recipient annually ($36,000 for married couples) without triggering a gift tax. If you stay within this limit, your child receives a down payment boost without tax consequences. 2. Loaning Money to Your Child Instead of gifting, you can lend money at the IRS’s Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), which is often lower than traditional mortgage rates. Structuring it as a formal loan allows your child to build equity while you may receive interest income. 3. Co-Signing or Co-Owning the Home Some parents choose to co-sign a mortgage or co-own the home. While this can help secure better loan terms, it also means shared financial responsibility. If you co-own, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on your tax return, depending on usage. 4. Buying the Home as an Investment Property If your child pays you rent, the home could be classified as an investment property. This allows you to deduct expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, and maintenance. However, rental income must be reported to the IRS. Final Thoughts Every financial situation is unique, and tax laws change. Consulting with a tax professional or estate planner ensures that your support aligns with your financial goals and tax strategy. Helping your child buy a home is a generous step—doing it wisely ensures benefits for both of you.

Using Our Screening Score Sheet for Rental Applications

April 21, 2025
When applying for one of our rental properties, we use a comprehensive screening score sheet to ensure all applicants are held to the same standard. The score sheet evaluates various aspects of your financial stability and rental history, helping the landlord make informed decisions while maintaining a fair and transparent process! Here’s a breakdown of how we assess your application utilizing the screening score sheet: 1. Length of Residency: While longer periods at previous residences typically suggest reliability and commitment, we understand that some applicants may be first-time renters. We welcome first-time renters, and on the screening score sheet, you can assign yourself a "1" under "Length of Residency" if this is your first rental experience! 2. Collections: We review any outstanding collections, including monthly utilities or bills, as well as loans (excluding medical bills). This helps us assess your overall financial responsibility. Your estimated monthly payment for all your loans, utilities and bills is also taken into consideration. 3. Rent-to-Income Ratio (per household): To ensure you can comfortably afford the rent, we require that your monthly income is at least 2.5 times the rent amount. This ratio helps us verify your ability to manage rent payments alongside other living expenses. 4. FICO Score: While there is no specific minimum FICO score, we do take it into account when evaluating your financial health. A higher score indicates a history of responsible credit management. 5. NSF/Late Payments & Landlord Disputes: We look into your rental history to ensure that there are no frequent NSF (non-sufficient funds) or late payments, and that there are no unresolved disputes with previous landlords. Please note that all application charges are non-refundable, and every occupant over the age of 18 must submit a separate application. Our scoring system ranges from 0 to 21, with 15 being the lowest acceptable score. All approvals or denials are ultimately decided by the property owner. We do not operate off a first come first serve basis, so if you are curious about the status of applications prior to applying, please don’t hesitate to call our office! By using our screening score sheet, we aim to create a rental environment where both tenants and property owners can thrive. This score sheet can be found on our site, under the Before You Apply Manual, as well as under “Rental Resources”.

Declutter and Earn: Join the Outdoor Swap Meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson!

April 16, 2025
Looking to declutter your home while making some extra cash? The outdoor swap meet at the Downtown Recreation Center in Henderson is the perfect opportunity! Whether you’re cleaning out your closets, clearing space in your garage, or finding a new home for gently used toys, books, and clothes, this event is your chance to turn those items into money. Each booth equals two parking spots, and registration is required at least one week in advance. All booths are assigned randomly, ensuring a fair and fun atmosphere for all. Remember, only second-hand items can be sold, so it’s a great way to recycle and give your items a second life. Event takes place April 19th & May 17th! The swap meet opens at 7am, so come early to shop! Admission is free for all ages, making it a perfect outing for families looking to find unique treasures. Ready to get started? Simply register on the City of Henderson website to secure your spot. It’s time to clean out, earn some extra cash, and find something new – don’t miss out on this exciting event at the Downtown Recreation Center!
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