Field guide
Running routes in Las Vegas and nearby desert parks
A guide to running routes and hiking near Las Vegas. Find practical information for Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead from official sources.
Visitors looking for running routes near Las Vegas can find desert trails and paved paths in the region's parks. Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire offer extensive trail systems for hiking and running. Lake Mead provides easier, paved multi-use trails.
These areas are outside the city and require planning. Accessing them involves a drive from the Las Vegas Strip, and all three charge entrance fees. Hours, reservations, and seasonal trail closures can also affect your visit.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area | 13 miles | 8am – 5pm | Not listed |
| Valley of Fire State Park | Not listed | Sunrise to Sunset | Not listed |
| Lake Mead National Recreation Area | Not listed | Not listed | Stroller friendly |
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, this area has miles of hiking trails through the Mohave Desert. A 13-mile scenic loop drive provides a paved route through the landscape. The visitor center is a starting point for some trails.
A timed entry reservation is required to access the scenic drive from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. between October 1 and May 31. Public transportation is not available, and ride-share services can only access the visitor center and its trailheads.
- Type of place
- National Conservation Area
- Location relative to Las Vegas Strip
- 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159
- Travel time from Las Vegas Strip
- approx. 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip
- Scenic Loop Drive length
- 13 miles
- Timed entry reservation hours
- 8am – 5pm
- Timed entry reservation period
- October 1 to May 31
- Items requiring fees/reservations
- Timed entry tickets for the scenic drive, backcountry late exit pass, camping spots, large picnic area in Red Spring
- GPS address for visitor center
- Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, or 1000 Scenic Loop Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89161
Source: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (blm.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Red Rock Canyon hike and trail running information
Valley of Fire State Park
This state park contains 40,000 acres of red sandstone outcrops with trails for running and hiking. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and has a day-use entrance fee. Restrooms are available at several day-use areas.
Many trails are closed annually from May 15 to September 30 due to heat, including the White Domes Loop and Fire Wave/Seven Wonders Loop. The entire park is closed each year from December 1 through December 14. Official warnings state that hiking in high heat is dangerous.
- Park name
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Park description
- 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone
- Park address
- 29450 Valley of Fire Rd Overton, NV 89040
- Park hours
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Day use entrance fee (vehicle)
- $10.00 (Non-NV Vehicles: $15.00)
- Bike entrance fee
- $2.00 per bike
- Restrooms at day use areas
- Located at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sisters, the Cabins, near Mouse's Tank Trailhead and White Domes
- Annual park closure
- December 1 through December 14
Source: Valley of Fire State Park (parks.nv.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Planning a Valley of Fire hike: official information
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
The area around the visitor center is a starting point for three easy, pet-friendly trails. The Historic Railroad Trail and the River Mountains Loop Trail are accessible from here. Both are bicycle and stroller friendly, indicating a hard, even surface suitable for running.
The recreation area has entrance and lake use fees. The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Type of place
- National Recreation Area
- Main entrances
- Northshore, Lake Mead Boulevard, Lake Mead Parkway, Boulder, Temple Bar, Meadview, Willow Beach, Katherine Landing, Cottonwood Cove
- Visitor Center address
- 10 Lakeshore Road, Boulder City, Nevada 89005
- Historic Railroad Trail / River Mountains Loop Trail surface
- Stroller friendly
- Visitor Center trails difficulty
- Easy
- Visitor Center and park store hours
- Seven-days a week from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Entrance and lake use fees
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area has entrance and lake use fees. Lake Mead Annual Entrance Pass and Lake Mead Annual Vessel fees can be paid and purchased online or at entrance stations.
- Visitor Center trails dog rules
- Pet-friendly
Sources: Basic Information for Visitors to Lake Mead (nps.gov), Visitor Center (nps.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Check for seasonal closures before you go. Several major trails in Valley of Fire are closed from May 15 to September 30.
- Confirm if you need a reservation. Red Rock Canyon requires timed entry for its scenic drive between October 1 and May 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Prepare for desert conditions. The parks warn about the dangers of activity in high heat and the importance of hydration.
- Be aware of other users on multi-use paths, such as the bicycle-friendly trails at Lake Mead.
- All three locations require an entrance fee for access.
- Plan your transportation, as public transit does not serve Red Rock Canyon.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.