Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Las Vegas

Dog-Friendly Hikes at Mount Charleston

There’s a pine-covered mountain in Las Vegas? Yes, there is, and it’s the perfect place for hiking with your dog, especially in the summer months when the desert areas are unbearably hot. Mt. Charleston is about 50 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, and it’s the tallest mountain in the Clark County area at over 11,000 feet. Perfect for summer hikes or winter excursions through the snow, your dog will love every minute of their time here.

Mary Jane Falls

This heavily trafficked trail is one of the most well-known on Mt. Charleston. The 3.2-mile round-trip dog-friendly trail takes you through uphill switchbacks on a rock path that ends at a beautiful waterfall. Parking is right next to the trailhead, and the trail is closed in the winter due to the icy conditions. The best time to visit is in the early spring when the snowmelt-fed waterfall is at its peak. The path may not look that difficult, but between the shifting rocks and the consistent incline, you’ll definitely be feeling it in your legs. There are also plenty of beautiful areas along the way to stop and have a picnic. Your pup will have a great time going off-trail to sniff around, and you'll love taking a break to enjoy the scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Raintree Trail

Open from April to December, this is one of the few Mt. Charleston hiking trails that allow both dogs and snowy summit views. Rated as a harder trek, Raintree is a 5.2-mile out-and-back trail that winds through steep switchbacks at higher altitudes and offers views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. If your dog is on the calmer side, consider going at sunrise for the best chance of seeing some local wildlife. Be aware that if you go after it’s snowed, parts of the trail may be impassable, or the ice and snow may be too difficult for dogs to get through. It takes about 3.5 hours to complete, and you’ll usually see other hikers or even horseback riders on the trail. No matter the season, make sure to wear layers because the temperature drops the higher up in elevation you go.

Dog-Friendly Hikes at Lake Mead

The largest man-made lake in the US offers some breathtaking views and fantastic dog-friendly hiking trails for visitors. From walking along the top of the iconic Hoover Dam to exploring the deep canyons that meet the Colorado River, Lake Mead has an adventure for every skill level. Though these hikes aren’t recommended in the summer months due to the sweltering heat, the easier trails, viewpoints, and beaches within Lake Mead Recreation Area are great for visiting year-round with your furry friend.

Historic Railroad Trail

The easy 3.7-mile round-trip Historic Railroad Hiking Trail is fantastic for the entire family and older dogs who aren’t as spry as they once were. The dirt road follows the same path as the trains that helped bring supplies to the Hoover Dam during construction.There are plenty of artifacts left behind by the builders and plaques explaining the historical significance of the railroad. This dog-friendly trail also offers some fantastic views of Lake Mead, and your fur baby will love being able to smell the wildlife that calls the area home.

Historic Railroad Trail

Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

This difficult hike is for those looking for a challenging, dog-friendly trail that will put your stamina to the test. The 5.3-mile out-and-back trail begins with a descent into the canyon filled with scrambling spots, rope ladders, and giant boulders that lead you to a series of hot springs. Because of the difficulty, it would be helpful to have the ability to pick up your dog in case they have some trouble getting through the obstacles if you decide to hike the full trail. Bring more water than you think you need, and know that you’ll be trudging uphill the whole way back, so make sure you have enough energy for that so you don’t get stuck. The trail is closed in the summer months due to the extreme heat. 

Dog-Friendly Hikes at Red Rock Canyon

Beautiful Red Rock Canyon is home to a vast array of wildlife of both the plant and animal variety and is one of the most expansive hiking destinations near Las Vegas. This National Conservation Area offers multiple dog-friendly loop trails that pass by large sandstone formations, desert landscapes, and ancient petroglyphs. For the experienced adventurers, the backcountry trails offer more obstacles and wide open spaces but keep in mind that dogs must be on a leash the entire time they’re inside the park.

Calico Basin Trail

An easy trail great for a quick outdoor adventure with man’s best friend, this 1.5-mile round trip path is more of a walk through the Calico Hills than an actual hike. The landscape is filled with ash trees and greenery, and you can watch sport climbers make their way up the sheer, rocky cliffs in the distance. The best part about this trail is that entry is free, and there is plenty of parking at the trailhead.

Icebox Canyon Trail

Looking for somewhere to cool off? This is the hike to do it. Just like its name suggests, Icebox Canyon Trail is a strenuous, dog-friendly hike that leads into the bowels of the park, where you’ll experience the temperature drop as you enter the shady box canyon. The area rarely sees sunlight, and the cool water and air from the mountain keep it significantly cooler than the open desert plains. Just know that the 2.2-mile hike does require a trek through the open desert and some scrambling over boulders within the wash before reaching the refreshing oasis.

There’s nothing better than taking man’s best friend with you on an adventure. But owners know that finding dog-friendly hiking trails can be difficult, especially since most national parks no longer allow them on the trails. Luckily and unexpectedly, Las Vegas has your back with a variety of nature areas, from snow-tipped mountaintops to desert hot springs where you and your fur baby can hit the trail and enjoy the great outdoors together.