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.


Las Vegas Ranked #9 for Diverse Food Scenes in the U.S.

September 8, 2025
When people think of food diversity in America, their minds usually go straight to New York City. But according to a recent study highlighted by the esteemed culinary school, Escoffier, the Big Apple doesn’t take the top spot. Instead, San Francisco claimed first place — praised for its bustling variety of cuisines and holding the title for the highest density of restaurants per capita among major U.S. cities. What’s even more exciting for us locals? Las Vegas earned the #9 spot on the list of the most diverse food cities in the country. Why Vegas Stands Out Las Vegas may be known worldwide for its neon lights and entertainment, but the dining scene is what keeps both tourists and residents hungry for more. From celebrity chef–driven restaurants on the Strip to hidden neighborhood gems serving authentic global flavors, Vegas has transformed into a true culinary destination. While seven of the top 10 cities named in the study were coastal (a trend Escoffier notes is tied to cultural diversity and a robust restaurant scene), Las Vegas proves that you don’t have to sit on the coast to experience world-class variety. Our city thrives on international influence — with dining options that range from Korean barbecue and Italian trattorias to Thai street food, upscale steakhouses, and plant-based fine dining. A Foodie Destination on the Rise Being ranked in the top 10 isn’t just a nod to the Strip’s luxury restaurants, but also to the everyday spots that locals love. With new eateries opening regularly, the Vegas dining scene continues to evolve and surprise. So, whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, Las Vegas offers something for every craving — proving once again that this city is more than just an entertainment capital. It’s a place where cultures, flavors, and creativity come together to make the dining experience as dynamic as the city itself.

The Power of Gratitude in Building Strong Business Relationships

September 3, 2025
In business, one truth always stands out: no one succeeds alone. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a large organization, your success is built on the connections you make. And one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to strengthen those relationships is through gratitude. At McKenna Property Management, we’ve made gratitude a core part of our culture from the very beginning. Our owner and broker, Jenni McKenna, personally hand-delivers gifts to some of our VIP agents every single month . While it may sound like a small gesture, it makes a big difference. These thoughtful touches show our VIP Agents how much we value their trust in us, collaboration, and hard work. But it’s not just about the gifts. Gratitude comes in many forms—thank-you cards, handwritten notes, or even a quick phone call to say “we appreciate you.” What matters most is the consistency and authenticity behind the gesture. Over the years, these small acts of appreciation have helped us build trust, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships that go beyond a simple business transaction. By showing genuine appreciation, we’ve created strong bonds with clients and agents alike, and those connections have allowed McKenna Property Management to grow into what it is today. If you’re a business owner or professional, here’s our tip: make gratitude part of your business strategy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—even the simplest “thank you” can strengthen relationships and open the door to new opportunities. At the end of the day, business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. And people remember how you make them feel. 💙

4 Days in Las Vegas – A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Trip

August 19, 2025
Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. As locals, we know how to balance the must-see attractions with spots that many visitors miss. This four-day itinerary blends the energy of the Strip with the character of the neighborhoods beyond it, giving you a true taste of what Vegas has to offer. Day 1 – The Main Event: Everything Happening on the Strip Morning: Start with brunch at Alexxa’s in Paris Las Vegas , where the drinks come in disco balls and the atmosphere is upscale, modern, and trendy. Every Saturday and Sunday, a live DJ keeps the vibe upbeat while you enjoy brunch from 7:00 AM to 2:45 PM . Afternoon: Stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens , an ever-changing floral masterpiece perfect for photos (and a break from the casino floor). Each season the gardens transform into a different showcase of sights, sounds, scents and colors. The conservatory team changes out the design, and replant and repurpose as much of the living plant material as possible. Evening: Dinner at Din Tai Fung inside ARIA. If you’ve never tried their famous dumplings, you’re in for a treat — and yes, the chocolate xiao long bao is as good as it sounds. Night: Dance the night away at Omnia Nightclub in Caesars Palace, or if clubbing isn’t your thing, see one of the incredible Cirque du Soleil shows on the Strip! Some of our team members recommended KÀ, or Mystère. Although Absinthe is not a Cirque du Soleil production, it is another great recommendation! This one is unapologetically raunchy and hilarious- and it is for ages 18+. More show recommendations can be found at the end of this blog! Day 2 – The Arts District Morning: Grab brunch at Makers & Finders , a lively Latin café with killer coffee and a creative menu. Afternoon: Spend time exploring the Arts District’s unique shops like Alt Rebel , Spilled Milk , and Antique Alley Mall . If shopping isn’t your scene, dive into something spooky different with Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum . And if you’re not into scary, check out the end of this blog for more exhibits/museums in Las Vegas! Evening: Dinner at Esther’s Kitchen , where fresh, handmade pasta and sourdough steal the show. Night: Head to Atomic Golf where you can explore four floors of immersive golf games, bars, food and private event spaces! Day 3 – Immersive Fun At Area 15 Morning: Start with breakfast at The Peppermill , a retro Vegas staple known for its huge portions and vintage diner vibe. Afternoon: Spend the day at AREA15 , where you can wander through the mind-bending Omega Mart , explore the Illuminarium , check out Wink World , and so much more. Evening: Dinner at Block 16 Urban Food Hall in The Cosmopolitan — a foodie paradise with everything from Momofuku to Ghost Donkey . Nightcap: End your evening with a glamorous cocktail or mocktail at The Chandelier Bar inside The Cosmopolitan. Day 4 – Vegas Local + Tourist Combo Morning: Breakfast at The Broken Yolk Café . A favorite amongst Vegas Locals with multiple locations throughout the valley! They serve up an amazing breakfast with unique drinks. Afternoon: Choose between hiking the Historic Railroad Trail (Lake Mead views!) or exploring the stunning Red Rock Canyon . You can hike Red Rock, or drive through and enjoy the scenery. Evening: Step into old-school Vegas with dinner at Capo’s Restaurant & Speakeasy . Night: Ride the High Roller observation wheel for breathtaking views, then grab a frosty cocktail at Minus5 Ice Bar to cap off your trip. Local Pro Tips Do not swim in the Beach Club pools — just trust us on this one. Avoid ATM fees in casinos by bringing cash ahead of time. Characters on the Strip aren’t free — they’ll ask for tips after photos. Don’t limit yourself to the Strip — Vegas has amazing off-Strip attractions. Escape rooms here are great! Try Escapology at Town Square or PanIQ Room at The Venetian. Bring comfortable walking shoes — distances on the Strip are deceiving. October is the best month for weather. Additional Show Recommendations: A Vegas Golden Knights Game A Raider’s Game ANYTHING at the Sphere (Postcards from Earth, The Backstreet Boys, Eagles, etc.) The Atomic Saloon Show inside the Venetian RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! At The Flamingo Las Vegas Exhibits/Museums to check out: The Bodies Exhibit The Titanic Exhibit The Neon Museum Madame Tussauds Mob Museum This 4-day plan mixes the best of the Strip with local treasures, so you’ll leave Vegas feeling like you’ve truly experienced it — not just skimmed the surface.