It is often a misconception from out-of-towners that hiking in Nevada is sparse. However, those who are from Nevada or know the area well, know that Nevada has some of the best hiking the country. From trails through blissful, snowcapped mountains, to the arid desert fit with cacti and wildlife, here are 11 of the greatest hiking trails on earth, right smack dab in our home state.
- Elephant Rock - Valley of Fire
Flickr Kim Seng The Elephant Rock Trail in Valley of Fire State Park is absolutely worth a look and a hike. As a simple out-and-back hike clocking in at 0.4 miles, it is a perfect hike for a stellar sunset for hikers of all levels. Valley of Fire has so much to see, but these special rock formations may just top the list.
- Liberty Lake - Ruby Mountains
Flickr Beau Rogers Hiking to Liberty Lake in the Ruby Mountains is always a stunning experience. This glacial tarn is moderately trafficked with an out-and-back of under 6 miles. Perhaps not for the beginners on the trails, but certainly something to work toward because the views are just that spectacular.
- Lehman Caves - Great Basin National Park
Flickr Travel Nevada The thing about Lehman Caves is that you need to be on a guided tour to enter, but the good news is cave tours are offered every single day throughout the year (except certain holidays). On this particular hike you’ll learn the geology, history, and ecology of the area, all while traveling into the depths of the Earth.
- Lamoille Canyon - Ruby Mountains
Flickr Antti Hiking the Ruby Mountains is always worth it, especially when you are able to hit the magical Nature Trail halfway up Lamoille Canyon. The trail is for hikers of all levels, clocking in at around 1-1.5 miles in length. The trailhead is right on the road where you pull off which makes it simple to access. Heaven is just a hop, skip, and jump away!
- The Beehives - Valley of Fire State Park
Flickr Jim Choate The best thing about Valley of Fire State Park is that there are so many different points of interest. But The Beehives sandstone formations may just be one of the cooler parts of the area. These magical mountains can be seen after taking the short path through a few hills, and voila—beauty in its rarest form.
- Tahoe Rim Trail
Flickr Jeff Moser You really can’t beat a 165-mile long trail that loops the Lake Tahoe Basin. Not that you have to hike all 165 miles! Entering the trail where you choose and enjoying the vista views and quality air, you’ll be amazed that Nevada has this beaut hiding up her sleeve.
- Cathedral Rock - Toiyabe National Forest
Flickr Alison P. The Cathedral Rock Trail in Toiyabe National Forest is nothing short of mind-blowing. Just under 3 miles, this trail is best used March through November, as the summits may become a bit trickier during wintertime. But fear not, the vistas along the way make this one well worth the wait.
- Black Rock Desert - High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails
Flickr BLM Nevada 800,000 acres of free land makes this gigantic area in Nevada a no-brainer for some quality, undisturbed hiking opportunities. A vast desert, stunning sunsets and camping trails in abundance, you do not want to miss a chance to close your eyes and enjoy a moment of complete and total silence in nature.
- Lake Marlette Trail - Carson City
Flickr Drew Kolb Perhaps one of the more well-known trails in the state of Nevada, one trip to this beauty and you’ll absolutely understand why. Over 8300’ above sea level makes this trail not only shows off the stunning views that Nevada has to offer, but also fresh air and an intense workout.
- Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs
Flickr Travel Nevada Really though, who wouldn’t want to hit the trails and wind up at a hot spring?! Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs is an adventure waiting to be enjoyed, with a 4.5 moderate hike through the canyons all the way to a few hot spring pools. While some may label this one difficult, those who can hack it will enjoy a nice long soak when they’re finished.
- Calico Tanks Trail - Red Rock Canyon
Flickr Wayne Hsieh Just imagine—2.2 miles, out-and-back featuring hidden pockets of water, giant sandstones and views for days. Known as a moderate hike, beginners have also been known to tackle and enjoy what Calico Tanks has to offer.
How many of these have you tackled? If you feel like sharing your favorites, make sure to add them in the comments! Otherwise, if you’re ready for more outdoor adventures in Nevada, take a look at This Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Nevada Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime.
Flickr Kim Seng
The Elephant Rock Trail in Valley of Fire State Park is absolutely worth a look and a hike. As a simple out-and-back hike clocking in at 0.4 miles, it is a perfect hike for a stellar sunset for hikers of all levels. Valley of Fire has so much to see, but these special rock formations may just top the list.
Flickr Beau Rogers
Hiking to Liberty Lake in the Ruby Mountains is always a stunning experience. This glacial tarn is moderately trafficked with an out-and-back of under 6 miles. Perhaps not for the beginners on the trails, but certainly something to work toward because the views are just that spectacular.
Flickr Travel Nevada
The thing about Lehman Caves is that you need to be on a guided tour to enter, but the good news is cave tours are offered every single day throughout the year (except certain holidays). On this particular hike you’ll learn the geology, history, and ecology of the area, all while traveling into the depths of the Earth.
Flickr Antti
Hiking the Ruby Mountains is always worth it, especially when you are able to hit the magical Nature Trail halfway up Lamoille Canyon. The trail is for hikers of all levels, clocking in at around 1-1.5 miles in length. The trailhead is right on the road where you pull off which makes it simple to access. Heaven is just a hop, skip, and jump away!
Flickr Jim Choate
The best thing about Valley of Fire State Park is that there are so many different points of interest. But The Beehives sandstone formations may just be one of the cooler parts of the area. These magical mountains can be seen after taking the short path through a few hills, and voila—beauty in its rarest form.
Flickr Jeff Moser
You really can’t beat a 165-mile long trail that loops the Lake Tahoe Basin. Not that you have to hike all 165 miles! Entering the trail where you choose and enjoying the vista views and quality air, you’ll be amazed that Nevada has this beaut hiding up her sleeve.
Flickr Alison P.
The Cathedral Rock Trail in Toiyabe National Forest is nothing short of mind-blowing. Just under 3 miles, this trail is best used March through November, as the summits may become a bit trickier during wintertime. But fear not, the vistas along the way make this one well worth the wait.
Flickr BLM Nevada
800,000 acres of free land makes this gigantic area in Nevada a no-brainer for some quality, undisturbed hiking opportunities. A vast desert, stunning sunsets and camping trails in abundance, you do not want to miss a chance to close your eyes and enjoy a moment of complete and total silence in nature.
Flickr Drew Kolb
Perhaps one of the more well-known trails in the state of Nevada, one trip to this beauty and you’ll absolutely understand why. Over 8300’ above sea level makes this trail not only shows off the stunning views that Nevada has to offer, but also fresh air and an intense workout.
Really though, who wouldn’t want to hit the trails and wind up at a hot spring?! Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs is an adventure waiting to be enjoyed, with a 4.5 moderate hike through the canyons all the way to a few hot spring pools. While some may label this one difficult, those who can hack it will enjoy a nice long soak when they’re finished.
Flickr Wayne Hsieh
Just imagine—2.2 miles, out-and-back featuring hidden pockets of water, giant sandstones and views for days. Known as a moderate hike, beginners have also been known to tackle and enjoy what Calico Tanks has to offer.
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