Hiking is a thing here. Outdoor activity is a feature of living in the Las Vegas Valley with so many places to explore: Red Rocks, Lake Mead, and Mt. Charleston for a day trip, and an abundance of local hiking trails, community recreation centers, and parks – there are over 250 in Henderson alone! Schedule some quality fam time outdoors — get out, explore!
With so many options, we can’t possibly list them all, so we picked a few in each area of the valley with great trails, fantastic amenities (splash pad to take the edge off the Vegas summer, anyone?), and hidden gems. Do you have a favorite? Shoot me a text with your suggestions – we can keep this list growing with the local favs!
Southwest
Exploration Peak
Exploration Peak is an 80-acre park that features none other than, you guessed it, a peak! The 2,846-foot high peak features walking and bike trails, plus an unforgettable view of the valley. In addition to this unique natural element, the park also has an Old West setting that includes building replicas, a covered wagon play structure, and an archaeology dig site. If that isn’t quite enough for you, you and the fam will find picnic facilities, a playground, horseshoes, an amphitheater, volleyball, and a splash pad (had to save the best for last!).
Desert Breeze Park
The second largest park in clark county, Desert Breeze Park, is in the Southwest region. Serving as a hub of activity, within its 119-acres, you will find sports facilities – soccer, baseball, football, softball, basketball, and roller hockey – a fitness room, and a gymnasium! If those aren’t in your wheelhouse, take a dip at the water park or indoor pool, walk your pooch in the dog park, or take on the walking trails. Safe to say, they have a little something for everyone! Desert Breeze also hosts events during the year too!
Henderson
Arroyo Grande Sports Complex & Pittman Wash Trail
This 56-acre park contains a plethora of diverse facilities, plus Pittman Wash Trail – a paved 4.29-mile trail that has an oasis in the city vibe. Aside from the usual picnic areas and playgrounds, you’ll find bicycle terrain activities here, as well as Disc Golf, and a dog park!
Saguro Park
Saguro Park features Saguro Trail, which connects to Equestrian North and runs just over a mile and a quarter. Picnic areas, a basketball court, and a playground round out the standard park amenities here; however, you will also find the sought-after Splash Pad – a Las Vegas summer must have!
Cornerstone Park and StoryWalk
Cornerstone Park has some unique amenities, such as a Corporate Plaza Area, Exercise Stairs, and a Warming Kitchen, as well as the typical park fare (including a lake!). However, what really make this park stand out, is StoryWalk — StoryWalk is a 1.3 mile loop trail that features children’s books. The trail is the product of a collaboration between the City of Henderson Parks & Recreation Department and Henderson Libraries.
Story Walk is a 1.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Henderson, Nevada that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. Henderson Libraries has partnered with City of Henderson Parks & Recreation Department to bring books to the park for families to enjoy.
Summerlin
Gardens Park
Gardens Park is a favorite for families and dog walkers and includes picnic areas, basketball, playground facilities, volleyball, and tennis. For those who want a little more adventure, check out the walking trails, horseshoe pits, bocce ball court and roller hockey park. Even better, if you are looking for something to make the day unique, take a trip to the community center, take in the public art displays, or make your meditative way through the labyrinth. #namaste
Bruce Trent Park
Bruce Trent was the first Las Vegas parks superintendent, and this park honors his love of sports and exercise. When you are getting in touch with your inner Bruce, be sure to take a hike on the paved 2.66-mile Angel Park Trail, which offers panoramic view of the mountains and valley. In addition to the usual park faire, this park boasts a water play area and a farmers market every Wednesday.
North
Floyd Lamb Park
Similar to the Wetlands, Floyd Lamb Park features several hundred acres of wildlife, vegetation, lakes and stunning views! Within the park, there is also a historic working ranch, Tule Springs Ranch, that allows visitors to learn about its history, as well as early Las Vegas life. In additional to all these amazing features, there are walking paths, fishing, BMX bike trails, and the ever present picnic area.
Eagle Canyon Park
Located within Skye Canyon’s Phase 1 is Eagle Canyon Park. This newer park is just a short distance from all of Skye Canyon’s neighborhoods. It features a Tot Lot for smaller children, as well as an additional play area for older kids. In addition, there is a sports field, basketball court, and picnic areas (including two pavilions). Last, but not least, is the all important splash pad ensures this great little park has something for everyone in the family.
East
Sunset Park
Sunset Regional Park has been around since 1967 and is described as the jewel in Clark County’s park system. It is the largest park in the county, which is evident by the immense number of amenities and activities that are hosted there.
It checks all the general boxes – picnic area, softball, basketball, playground, and volleyball – and then gives you all the icing on top too. Choose from walking trails, fitness courses, running, disc golf, and tennis. Need a bit of relaxation after all that? Sit by the lake, take out some RC Boats, take a turn on the splash pad, or walk the family pooch in the dog park. Sunset Park also hosts numerous special events, including a Clark County signature event, the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival.
Clark County Wetlands
Wetlands in a desert? Who knew! Clark County Wetlands is not your average park (in case the name didn’t give you a clue), it is a 210-acre nature preserve that includes hundreds of species and a number of ponds. There are several paved and unpaved trails, which are multi-use. The visitor center offers family activities throughout the week or just explore on your own. Though it doesn’t boast any of the usual suspects when it comes to area parks, it is a truly unique experience that allows you and your family to connect with nature.
With so many options, we can’t possibly list them all, so we picked a few in each area of the valley with great trails, fantastic amenities (splash pad to take the edge off the Vegas summer, anyone?), and hidden gems. Do you have a favorite? Drop me a line with your suggestions – we can keep this list growing with the local favs!