Las Vegas, NV

Outside LV: Mt. Charleston and Valley of Fire

Valley of fire state park winding road at sunset. The road twists and turns through the red, yellow, and orange rock

Mt. Charleston

35 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Numerous trail options. INFO

A significant mountain, rising from 3,000 to 12,000 feet. 52 miles of trails featuring trees like juniper, mountain mahogany, Aspen and Ponderosa pine. In summer, it is significantly cooler than Las Vegas. In winter, there can be snow…and skiing. Many of the hiking trails are run-able. For experienced, endurance trail runners, there are the North Loop and South Loop trails. This link has good info on the numerous trail options.

Info on Mt. Charleston Hikes and Runs

Valley of Fire State Park

6 miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

This is another opportunity to access some desert/red rock trail running. It’s 6 miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. A great destination if you’re near Lake Meade or on your way to Zion National Park.

Pro Tip: Try to catch Red Rock Canyon during a wildflower bloom. See our ‘Desert Blooms‘ List for info & annual calendars.

Note: bring water. No facilities whatsoever (as I painfully discovered on one hot hike/run).

Info on Valley of Fire State Park


Essentials
  • Numerous trail options
  • Mt. Charlston is 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas; Valley of Fire is 6 miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas

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Essentials
  • Numerous trail options
  • Mt. Charlston is 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas; Valley of Fire is 6 miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas