Grotto near Lake Las Vegas

Grotto near Lake Las Vegas

The hike to this grotto takes less than half an hour and is a short distance from the paved bike trail by Terrazzo Park in Lake Las Vegas. Park in the Terrazza Park parking lot and walk down the bike path towards the bridge over the wash. Walk over the bridge and up the hill until you see a dirt path going off to the right. The path is marked with cairns and go down and back up through some washes. The trail leads up and around the hill into a canyon where it leads to the grotto. The hikes is best in the morning because the sun shines up through the canyon. If you go in the evening the canyon will be shaded by the walls of the canyon. If it is a hot day stop at the wash to cool off.  You can walk down to the wash if you make a right hand turn on the dirt road right before the bridge. Right after the sign for the Wetlands Park you can walk down into the wash next to the weir (small damn).

Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail

Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail - This is a beautiful hike through a canyon with high walls that goes all the way to the Colorado River. There is a lot of rock scrambling and with some ropes that help you get down some of the harder areas. We didn't make it all the way to the river because it was getting too hot (and I was really tired). We started at 6 o'clock in the morning when it was quit cool, but by noon it was 90 degrees. This hike should not be done in the summer. We heard that they were going to close the trail two days after we hiked it because they had to rescue too many people who were not prepared for the desert heat. It is quite strenuous and the heat makes it that much more difficult, but the hard work is well worth the effort.

Take the road down towards the dam from Boulder City. The road to the trail head is just past the helicopter landing pad at Gold Strike Casino on the right. Take the left-hand turn that goes down towards the dam to get to the trail head.

Sloan Canyon Black Mountain #404 Trail

Black Mountain - Sloan Canyon #404 Trail

Black Mountain is between Henderson and Las Vegas. When you hike to the top of the mountain you have a wonderful view of the valley on both sides. You can see Red Rock, California, Solar Panels and much more. The trail is a little difficult at the top because of the loose gravel and steep climb. You have to be careful with every step you take. The proposed part of the trail is not marked very well so you really have to watch where you are going. There is a flag and a place to rest at the top and take in the amazing views.  It takes about five hours round trip.