Nevada is blessed with many wonderful canyon hikes. If you can only pick one canyon hike, you cannot go wrong choosing the Pine Creek Canyon Trail in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area.

Pine Creek Canyon Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 1,072 feet.

Christine L./Yelp

The meadows on the way to the canyon are a welcome surprise in the desert landscape. Hikers will pass the Wilson Homestead, the remains of a home built back in the 1920s.

Amelinda L./Yelp

The first section of the hike is relatively flat and then gradually moves up into the mountains with views of Mescalito Peak.

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Ponderosa pine, Singleleaf Pinyon pine, Ashy Silktassel and other native shrubs become more prominent the more you move into the canyon.

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Pine Creek Trail has water most of the year.

Andrew/Flickr

There are many small pools of water surrounded by more vegetation. You’ll have a hard time believing you’re actually in the desert as you move through this hike. During parts of the year a waterfall can also be viewed at the end of the hike.

Andrew/Flickr

Boulder and rock scramblers will enjoy the opportunity to exercise their climbing muscles.

Patrick Lewis/Flickr

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit while temperatures are cooler and desert flora are in full colorful bloom.

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Hikers are likely to have many opportunities to experience local wildlife up close. Some larger animals found on the trail are wild burros and bighorn sheep.

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If you choose to go in the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water to prepare for the high summer heat. Going early in the morning is a wise strategy, especially if you get to view a spectacular sunrise against the red rock cliffs.

Patrick Lewis/Flickr

To reach the trail, take State Route 159 from Las Vegas. When you reach the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, you will need to pay the day use fee. Go south on the paved road and make the first right. Drive until you see the Pine Creek parking lot.

Have you hiked the Pine Creek Canyon Trail? What were your impressions? Let us know, or share your number one “must do” Nevada canyon hike!

Christine L./Yelp

Amelinda L./Yelp

Tosh S./Yelp

njkuhr/TripAdvisor

Andrew/Flickr

Patrick Lewis/Flickr

Norm K./Yelp

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