Henderson in Nevada has numerous trails whether you want to hike, bike, jog or enjoy spectacular city views. You can also explore other outdoor activities on these trails. Discover some kid-friendly routes, trails with historic sights, or views of nature in Henderson and surrounding areas perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The article highlights amazing hiking trails in Henderson and photos of the trails from hikers and nature lovers.
Black Mountain Trail
Black Mountain Trail is a relatively easy to moderate hike until you get to the very top, where you may scramble. Most hikers consider the hike to be strenuous due to its length and the top segment of the trail. Spanning a length of 10.9 km, it takes an average of four hours and eight minutes to get to the top. The wide and open trail makes it easy to see your destination. Plus, you are unlikely to roll your ankles on the rock. The best time to explore the trail is from September to May. The trail gets hot and lacks shade, so in warm weather, hiking is discouraged. However, if it is necessary, be sure to bring a brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face. It would be best if you also carried plenty of water.
Black Mountain Trail is popular for running and hiking so that you will meet other individuals. As you climb up, you will have incredible views of the valley below. As you go higher, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip, Joshua Trees, and Barrel Cactus. You will also notice the Teddy Bear Cholla clusters. Be careful when passing here as the cacti are painful on the touch. When getting to the peak, you will notice the steeper and more rugged terrain and the loose rocks. It may be best to free your hands to maintain stability. The views at the top are fantastic and worth the sweat. You can bring your dogs, but some areas require them to be on a leash.
Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve Trail
Whitney Mesa is another beautiful morning trail to hike and is open throughout the year. The trail is 4.7 km and takes nearly one hour and four minutes to complete. It is considered relatively difficult. The Mesa is steep, but the terrain on both sides is flat. The trail starts at the Cottonwood Coves and Whitney Mesa Nature Preserve road. The trail is considered the best for mountain biking, but you can also go hiking, horse riding, or bird viewing. You will also enjoy the views of wildflowers and wildlife. It is a favorite among locals and visitors, so you will likely encounter crowds of people while exploring. Most parts of the Whitney Mesa trail are rocky and paved and unpaved paths. You can access the trail through several routes in the parking lot off Galleria Drive. One access route is the sidewalk west of the parking lot, marked with a waypoint. The trail is paved and is about three to six feet wide. However, some trails have metal bollards which considerably reduce the width. The hiking trail is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. But, individuals using wheelchairs and families with strollers may need help on the steeper sections of the hike. The trail is suitable for families as it has fantastic picnic sites and barbeque grills.
What’s more, several benches are dotted along the route for resting. The area also offers excellent views of the city. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on a leash.
McCullough Hills Trail
It is an out-and-back trail that leads you through Henderson’s beautiful landscapes and views. Located in the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, the trail can be hiked in various directions and offers two viewing points of the scenery. McCullough trail is heavily trafficked and shared by hikers, bikers, motorcycle riders, and, once in a while, horseback riders. Each group has separate paths, so you will not run into each other. The trails form a spider web; therefore, they can be as short as you want them to be. The only long trail connects to Anthem. The route takes you from the McCullough Hills and leads you to the edge of the hillcrest. The departure point for cycling has washrooms and a picnic table. The trailhead also contains toilets and a drinking fountain convenient for long-distance hikers.
Additionally, the area has public parking and horse-trailer car spaces. The trail is excellent for all experience levels and ages and is peaceful. Although it is flat terrain, you will come across several hills that will give you a good workout. Furthermore, the McCullough Hills trail offers panoramic views of the Anthem Hills, Las Vegas Valley, the McCullough Mountains, and Mt Potosi. Plus, the views of the desert surrounding will also impress you. Once done with the hike, you can relax on the open grass area containing benches. Exploring the trail in winter or spring is recommended when it is unlikely for afternoon thunderstorms to occur. It gets hot out, so wear comfortable clothing, apply sunscreen and bring adequate drinking water. You can also bring dogs but ensure they are on a leash.
River Mountains Loop Trail
It is a public trail used for recreational purposes. On this route, you will likely see other hikers, bird viewers, runners, bikers, and walkers. River Mountains Loop trail leads you to the grand views of Las Vegas Valley, Lake Mead, the mountains, and plentiful wildlife. The unique desert environment and gorgeous views are fascinating about the trail. The track has several foot-wide paved paths for hikers and cyclists, leading to the main and different trails for equestrian use.
Additionally, it has campsites and restrooms in the parking area. It is an ideal place to get fresh air or exercise and guarantees unforgettable experiences. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trail, and horse riding is also acceptable.
Conclusion
Hiking trails in Henderson, Nevada, offer outdoor enthusiasts numerous exploration opportunities. Whether you want to go mountain biking, trail running, hiking, birding, or horseback riding, these top-notch trails have you covered. In addition, you will enjoy the impressive scenery and a relaxing walk in the desert. These trails also offer a great workout allowing you to get into shape.
