A 20-minute drive from the Strip, this nature preserve and wetlands park is a great spot for walking, birding, and running. There are two ‘sections’ of the park: a 210-acre wetlands nature preserve, with 3+ miles of flat, paved paths winding through interesting desert vegetation, a cottonwood grove, and boardwalks, with views of the mountains. This area is anchored by an 45,000 square foot Nature Center, which has a variety of exhibits and programs.
Trail marker on Loop Trail. Author photo.
There is also a 14-mile Wetlands Loop Trail, which follows the Las Vegas Wash east to Lake Las Vegas. The trail is paved for 11.5 of the 14 miles, and is a great spot for a run of any distance. There’s a North Loop and a South Loop, and multiple trail heads, so you can choose a run of any distance. Note there are crossings only at the east and west ends of the trail.
A 20-minute drive from the Strip, this nature preserve and wetlands park is a great spot for walking, birding, and running. There are two ‘sections’ of the park: a 210-acre wetlands nature preserve, with 3+ miles of flat, paved paths winding through interesting desert vegetation, a cottonwood grove, and boardwalks, with views of the mountains. This area is anchored by an 45,000 square foot Nature Center, which has a variety of exhibits and programs.
Trail marker on Loop Trail. Author photo.
There is also a 14-mile Wetlands Loop Trail, which follows the Las Vegas Wash east to Lake Las Vegas. The trail is paved for 11.5 of the 14 miles, and is a great spot for a run of any distance. There’s a North Loop and a South Loop, and multiple trail heads, so you can choose a run of any distance. Note there are crossings only at the east and west ends of the trail.
Might not be beautiful, but a one-of-a-kind run. Our guide to running The Strip and (unattractive) side streets. Best to go early. Also good to run at night. Video excerpts!
Downtown Las Vegas is more run-able than the Strip. While not exactly bucolic, running downtown gives a sense of the “Old Las Vegas”. Fremont Street Experience, other fun sites.
A 300 acre green oasis only a couple of miles from the airport. There's a 9-acre lake, and 3.5 miles of trails. Also playgrounds, picnic areas, and opportunities for multiple types of recreational activity. See park map for trail details.
In West Las Vegas & Summerlin, a terrific loop of up to 8 miles, using the Lone Mountain, Bonanza, & Angel Park multi-use trails, and a path through Pueblo Park. Also a running track at the Bette Wilson Soccer Complex.
Head 5 miles west of the Strip to run in the most pleasant residential neighborhood in Las Vegas. This 2-square-mile master planned community has many quiet streets around man-made lakes, featuring some of Las Vegas' most spectacular homes.
Paved, hilly 34-mile trail in the Las Vegas Valley surrounding the River Mountains, connecting Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, and Boulder City. Our favorite section is the northern 14 miles heading east, downhill with great views of Lake Meade.
This suburban rail trail runs along alongside an active railroad, separated by a fence. The northern terminus is Acacia Park in Henderson, 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas.
A great way to experience running in the Mojave Desert, only 17 miles from the Strip. 30 miles of trails, dirt roads, (many of them run-able), and a 13-mile Scenic Drive loop, which is safe for running. Gorgeous views. Hit at sunrise/sunset, or when there are wildflowers!
A wide, gravel-surfaced 2.2 mile perimeter path around the base of Lone Mountain. Only 20 minutes from downtown Las Vegas. Good views of the surrounding mountains. Hike to peak is a steep 1/2 mile.
A spectacular 3.5 mile gravel trail between the Lake Mead Visitor Center and Hoover Dam. About a 45 min. drive from Las Vegas. Great views and several tunnels.
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Essentials
Nature Preserve: 3+ miles of interlocking trails; Wetlands Loop Trail is a 14-mile loop, with North and South sections
Flat
Nature Center is a good anchor point for Nature Preserve; For Wetlands Loop Trail, several trailheads. See map
Parking at Nature Center, or at one of the multiple trailheads.
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