United States

Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas draws some 40 million visitors annually, including millions of conventioneers filling its 150,000 hotel rooms. The vast majority of visitors stay somewhere along the 4.2 mile Strip, which runs from Sahara Ave. to Russell Rd. Running in Las Vegas is a study in contrasts. The ‘Strip’ is certainly one of the more unique runs in the world, but if you can rent a car and get just outside the city, there are some great running destinations. If you’d like to have an in-person guided running experience in Las Vegas, we highly recommend our friends at Go! Running Tours.

Running on the Strip is a unique experience, and with all those lights, can be done at any time. It can also be a challenge, given the crowds, the heat, and the fact that there are spots where one must go up stairs and through a mall/casino just to cross the street. Our guide has lots of details on the best ways to run the Strip, with various distances. The best section from the main hotels such as the Venetian is to head north.

For access to more run-able downtown and some residential areas, stay at the southern end of the Strip so you can access E. Harmon Ave and the UNLV campus, or downtown. Most, but not all, side roads off the Strip have sidewalks and are run-able, though they’re a bit of a concrete jungle.

Once outside the city, your running options multiply and are really interesting. The must do run is the spectacular Red Rock Canyon, 20 minutes away.  Sunset Park is an oasis near the airport, with 3+ miles of trails. For an attractive residential run, head to The Lakes neighborhood. There is also good running in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, especially The Clark County Wetlands, 3+ miles of desert-y nature trails and a 14-mile loop trail, and the nearby River Mountains Loop Trail, which has some spectacular sections though canyons, with views of Lake Mead. The Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail, connecting Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, is an iconic run and less than an hour away. Pro Tip: Try to catch some of our favorite spots near Las Vegas during a desert wildflower bloom: Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire are spectacular. See our ‘Desert Blooms‘ List for info & annual calendars.

Topgraphically, Las Vegas is flat but there are some great hills and canyons for challenging trail running within 10–20 miles of the city. And as for the weather, this is the desert. Temps from May-September exceed 100 degrees almost daily. Please use caution — go early, use sunscreen, and hydrate, folks! Winters are more moderate and nights/early mornings can be cool.

Note: Las Vegas is a popular departure point for trips to national parks, especially Zion (2 hours), Bryce (4 hours), the Grand Canyon (4 hours),  Death Valley (2 hours), Lake Meade, and Hoover Dam (45 min.)

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Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Las Vegas, NV

The Strip

Might not be beautiful, but a one-of-a-kind run. Our guide to running The Strip and (unattractive) side... more...

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The Strip Route Video Preview

Virtual Tour Las Vegas Strip - Las Vegas Strip Virtual Walking Tour in Day and Night
  • All Routes
  • Iconic Routes
  • Weather & Climate
  • Where To Stay
  • Stores & Group Runs
  • Events

Sunset Park

Las Vegas, NV

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.
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Topgraphically, Las Vegas is flat but there are some great hills and canyons for challenging trail running within 10–20 miles of the city. And as for the weather, this is the desert. Temps from May-September exceed 100 degrees almost daily. Please use caution — go early, use sunscreen, and hydrate, folks! Winters are more moderate and nights/early mornings can be cool.

las-vegas-climate

STAY

Most of the signature hotels in Las Vegas are located on the Strip. The most elaborate ones, such as the Bellagio and the Wynn, are toward the southern end of the Strip. If you are determined to run in Las Vegas and want to avoid the Strip, try to stay at one of the hotels (Bally’s, Aria on the Strip, Hard Rock Hotel, Alexis Park on E. Harmon Ave.) near E. Harmon Ave., which is decent for running and takes you over to the UNLV campus. Another option, if you don’t need to be right in Las Vegas, is to stay at the Red Rock Casino Hotel, 17 miles away. They have great rooms, restaurants, a nice pool and fitness center, and are within a few minutes of Red Rock Canyon (car required). Among the Strip hotels, the ones with the best fitness centers are: Bellagio, Wynn, Mandalay Bay, Aria. There’s also a Canyon Ranch at the Palazzo hotel. Most of these hotels charge a (mandatory) resort fee.

Near Henderson and Hoover Dam, there’s a great Westin resort with excellent fitness facilities and proximity to fabulous running opportunities.

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Run Stores and Group Runs

On the Strip, there are outlets of some of the major chains such as Nike and Puma. Red Rock Running Company is the main running store game in town, with suburban locations in Summerlin (Red Rock), Henderson, and Cheyenne.

Stores by area:

  • STRIP: Fashion Show Mall. Across from the Wynn. Major chains such as Finish Line, Puma, Lululemon, Champs Sports, and Sketchers. The Forum Shops at Caesers. Nike Store
  • Downtown: Nike Factory Store (also near airport)
  • Las Vegas South Premium Outlets. Just south of airport. Nike & New Balance Factory Stores.
  • Summerlin/Red Rock Area: Red Rock Running Company.
    Group Runs: Thursdays 6pm from store.
  • Henderson Area: Red Rock Running Company.
    Group Runs: Tuesday 5:30am, Wednesday 6pm, Saturdays 6:30am (more experienced runner) from store.

Las Vegas Runners is the major running group in the area. Very active group with meetup page.

Las Vegas Running Tours

Looking for road or trail races in this area? Find them on RaceRaves, the best online race calendar and reviews community for runners!

Find races in Las Vegas, NV

Events

There is a very active running scene in Las Vegas with multiple events every week. Event Calendar.

Major Events

Rock ‘N Role Marathon and Half. November. This is a unique one. “Strip at Night”.

Running with the Devil. A race in the Mojave Desert designed to test heat endurance.