The best walks and hikes around Boulder City
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1,203
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Hiking around Boulder City, Nevada, offers routes through a desert landscape situated between the McCullough Range and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The region features rugged canyons, expansive valleys, and trails that follow historic paths. This topography provides a variety of hiking environments, from level gravel paths to more challenging mountain trails, many offering views of Lake Mead and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Best hiking trails around Boulder City
- The most popular hiking route is Historic Railroad Trail — Boulder City, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This easy route follows a former railroad grade and passes through five large tunnels with views of Lake Mead.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Gold Strike Hot Springs — Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a moderate 5.3 miles (8.6 km) path. The trail descends through a canyon toward the Colorado River.
- Local hikers also love the Bootleg Canyon and Black Mountain, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) trail leading through desert terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 5 minutes.
- Hiking around Boulder City is defined by desert canyons, historic railroad beds, and paths with views over Lake Mead. The trail network provides routes suitable for different ability levels, from easy walks to difficult hikes.
- The routes in Boulder City are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 1,200 hikers have used komoot to explore Boulder City's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
3.0
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6
hikers
6.59km
02:05
290m
280m
When you hike Bootleg Canyon and Black Mountain, prepare for wide-open desert views and panoramic sights. This moderate route stretches 4.1 miles (6.6 km) and climbs 948 feet (289 metres), taking around 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete. You will find a mix of well-kept paths and rocky sections, with some parts needing light scrambling. Look for unique volcanic shapes and desert plants like Mojave Pineapple Cactus and Joshua trees. From the View of Lake Mead and Las Vegas on Black Mountain, you get grand vistas across Nevada and Arizona, including Boulder City and the distant Las Vegas Valley.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the area offers multiple trailheads. You can start your hike from options in Boulder City or on the backside of Red Mountain. Be aware that these trails are shared with a large mountain biking network, so stay alert for bikers, especially on shared sections. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for this route, making it easy to access.
This trail offers a rewarding experience for exploring the unique desert landscape near Boulder City, Nevada. The route stands out for its expansive desert vistas and the chance to see distinct volcanic formations. It provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural environment, with views extending to Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Valley, showcasing the vastness of the region.
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hikers
9.10km
02:40
260m
240m
Hike the moderate 5.7-mile Old Vegas to Railroad Pass Trail, gaining 846 feet for panoramic views of Las Vegas and Boulder City.
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12.1km
03:09
90m
50m
Hike the moderate 7.5-mile Burro Wash 4x4 Trail in Lake Mead NRA, offering desert views and access to the Colorado River.
2.49km
00:41
10m
90m
The Boy Scout Hot Spring Trail offers an easy 1.5-mile (2.5 km) hike through the desert landscape, with a minimal elevation gain of 17 feet (5 metres) that most people can complete in about 40 minutes. You will find yourself navigating through tall, picturesque wash canyons, with narrow sections that open up to impressive views of the Black Canyon Wilderness. The route features varied terrain, including gravel washes and some loose slopes, leading you towards the unique hot springs.
Planning your visit requires some thought, as the trail is not always as straightforward as its easy rating suggests for reaching the hot springs themselves. A high-clearance vehicle is often recommended to get to the trailhead. The best times to hike are during the spring or fall months, as summer temperatures can be extremely high, posing a significant risk of heat exhaustion. Always check conditions before you go.
This trail is notable for its adventurous character, guiding you through a spectacular desert canyon environment. While the initial listed stats are mild, the full experience to the hot springs often involves more challenging and technical sections, including scrambling and areas where fixed ropes are present to help with steep descents. These unique features make the route stand out for those seeking a more rugged exploration within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
1.31km
00:22
20m
50m
Embark on the Hoover Dam Lodge Trail for an easy hike offering expansive views of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin. This short route covers 0.8 miles (1.3 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 72 feet (22 metres), making it a quick and accessible walk that takes approximately 22 minutes. As you hike, you will see red desert slopes meeting the serene blue waters, with benches placed along the path to invite you to pause and take in the wide vistas.
When planning your visit, you will find ample parking available at the trailhead, which also includes convenient EV charging stations. The trail is family-friendly, and you can bring your dogs along, provided they are on a leash. Restrooms are located at a midpoint along the connected Historic Railroad Trail, ensuring comfort during your outing.
The Hoover Dam Lodge Trail serves as a direct connector to the longer Historic Railroad Trail, which is renowned for its impressive hand-carved tunnels. This makes it an excellent starting point if you wish to extend your adventure and explore more of the unique landscape and historical features of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
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Tips from the Community
Boulder City is a great place to stay for easy access to the Bootleg trails. You can use the dreamy bike paths to head up to the trails.
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The trail to get to the peak is challenging due to the elevation change. However, it is worth the effort because at the top you get great views of Lake Mead and Las Vegas.
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Skyline is a fun trail, but it is not purely downhill. You'll also pedal up technical pitches that will test your bike handling skills.
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Beautiful views of Lake Mead and Las Vegas
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Bootleg Canyon offers lots of world-class mountain biking trails and is located only 23 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. This trailhead offers toilets and showers. At the weekend there is also a shuttle service. Check out this site for more details: https://www.bootlegcanyonracing.com/shuttles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to hike around Boulder City?
The best times to hike in the Boulder City area are during the cooler months, from October to April. Summer temperatures can be extremely high, making hiking dangerous. Spring offers the bonus of seeing desert wildflowers in bloom.
Are there any family-friendly or easy hikes in the area?
Yes, there are several easy options perfect for families. The Black Mountain Overlook Trail is a relatively short and easy walk that offers great views. Another excellent choice is the Nature Discovery Trail in Bootleg Canyon, which is paved and features statues of local wildlife.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails near Boulder City?
Dog policies vary by trail. Dogs are generally permitted on leashes on trails within Boulder City itself and on the River Mountains Loop Trail. However, they are not allowed on many trails within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, including the popular Historic Railroad Trail and Gold Strike Hot Springs. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike.
What should I pack for a desert hike near Boulder City?
It's crucial to be prepared for the desert environment. Always carry more water than you think you'll need, at least one gallon (4 liters) per person. Other essentials include sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), salty snacks to replenish electrolytes, sturdy hiking shoes, a map, and a first-aid kit. A fully charged phone is also recommended.
Are there any hikes that lead to water or hot springs?
Yes, the region is known for its hot springs hikes. The Gold Strike Hot Springs trail is a challenging scramble down a canyon to pools near the Colorado River. Note that this trail is often closed during the hot summer months due to extreme heat.
Can I get to any trailheads using public transport?
Public transportation options to trailheads are very limited in the Boulder City area. Most trails, especially those in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Bootleg Canyon, are only accessible by car. It is best to plan on driving to your chosen trailhead.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The desert landscape is home to a variety of wildlife. It's common to see desert bighorn sheep, especially in Hemenway Valley Park on the edge of town. You might also spot lizards, roadrunners, and various bird species. The desert tortoise is a protected species, so if you see one, be sure to admire it from a distance without disturbing it.
Are there any long-distance or challenging hikes available?
For those seeking a challenge, the River Mountains Loop Trail offers a strenuous, 14.2-mile (22.9 km) section that is popular with experienced hikers. Additionally, the trails in Bootleg Canyon provide rugged terrain and significant elevation changes for a more difficult trek.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Boulder City?
The trails around Boulder City are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views of Lake Mead and the unique experience of walking through the tunnels on the historic railroad path. The dramatic desert canyon scenery is another commonly highlighted feature.
Are there any easy town walks for a quick stroll?
Absolutely. For a very easy and short walk, you can explore the Boulder City Historic District. This allows you to see the charming art deco architecture and learn about the town's history related to the construction of the Hoover Dam.
How many hiking trails are there around Boulder City?
There are over 35 designated hiking routes in and around Boulder City. These range from easy, flat paths suitable for all skill levels to difficult, rugged mountain trails for experienced hikers, offering a wide variety of options to explore the desert landscape.
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