Location: Red Rock Canyon, outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. Trail starts at Sandstone Quarry.

Level: Difficult. It's mostly uphill with switchbacks and rock scrambling.  

Miles: About 5 round trip. Took us about 4 hours. 

Essentials: Sturdy hiking shoes, CamelBak (plus extra water bottles), layers (it's cold at the top if it's windy), packed lunch (you'll get hungry), a walking stick wouldn't hurt (rocks cause you to slide), patience

Tips: You'll have 2-3 signs to help you follow the beginning of the trail. After that, you'll want to keep staying toward the left of the mountain. Follow yellow/green ribbons on plants if you lose your way. You'll always be able to see the summit, and know to keep going up. Even when you think you're close to the top, keep going. You don't want to miss that panoramic view.

Sightings: You'll see all of Red Rock Canyon, and the Las Vegas strip.

Read more on what I physically and spiritually learned from this hike.
Blog: https://www.thewritehike.com/blog/2016/11/29/cantturnbacknow

Note: Goldstrike Canyon closes May 15 through September 30 (according to the National Park Service). 

Location: Near Boulder City, Nevada. From Las Vegas, you'll want to take exit #2 for Hoover Dam. Turn right. You'll see a dirt road on your left. You'll drive on that for a bit. Park. Trail starts here. 

Level: Moderate to difficult. 

Warning: This is a dangerous hike. A sign states 3 people have died on this hike. Several others have been injured. It also warns of overheating and dehydration. If injured, officials recommend moving closer to the river for rescue. 

Miles: About 4.5 round trip. Plan to spend at least 4 hours or more on this hike. 

Essentials: The first part of the hike is a fairly easy walk (kind of boring too), but then you'll have to do some major scrambling. The hike has built in ropes to climb up large boulders (see pics). There are several of these along the trail. You should definitely wear hiking shoes with grip. Be careful doing this hike in the spring because it can still get hot. You'll need extra (I'm not kidding, extra!) water.

Tips: Take your time with the hike, so you don't get overheated. I also recommend bringing a lunch, so you can enjoy the hike on the way back without having an empty stomach. You'll also want the protein for strength. I recommend hiking/workout gloves for the ropes and rock scrambling. At times, it hurt my hands. If you want to go in the Colorado River, plan on bringing some water shoes. You can put them in your backpack, so you don't hurt your bare feet on the rocks. Do not just put your regular hiking shoes in the water, then plan to hike back. You do not want slippery shoes heading back up the hike. Some will have a hard time scrambling up the ropes and boulders, so I advise having someone strong to help lift you up. 

Sightings: Throughout the hike, you'll see hot springs and small waterfalls. You can go in the hot springs, but a warning is posted to NOT put your head in the hot springs water. At the end of the hike, you reach the Colorado River. The view is incredible. 

Location: Mt. Charleston outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Take Kyle Canyon Road all the way to the top, towards the Mt. Charleston Lodge. Before it, you'll see a sign on the right side of the road that labels Cathedral Rock. There's a lower and upper trail head parking. 

Level: Moderate, but can become difficult.

Miles: About 4 miles round trip (if you go up to the very top).

Essentials: Hiking shoes with grip to prevent sliding. Camelback, plus extra water. This hike is at a high elevation, so drink a lot of water before you start. 

Tips: This hike is mostly uphill. Take your time to prevent altitude sickness. 

Sightings: This hike is stunning! In June, it was extremely green. First, you'll hike through trees. About halfway up the trail. you'll see a tiny waterfall. This was also where we saw snow. As you gain elevation, you'll pass another source. You'll continue to climb the mountain until you get to the top. The view is worth it. You'll see all the Mt. Charleston canyon and valley, along with the snow-capped mountains behind you. 

Note: A nearly 30 ft. tree fell on the trail. During part of the trail you'll notice some trees uprooted, bending, or ready to fall. Be careful! See pictures. 

Location: Mt. Charleston outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Take Kyle Canyon Road. Keep going pass Fletcher Canyon. Before you turn the curve to the Mt. Charleston Lodge, take the road on the right side to more homes and a brown signs reads, "Mary Jane Falls". 

For parking, you'll see the first lot for Trail Canyon Trailhead. Keep following the sign to "Mary Jane Falls Parking" to save yourself some distance.  

Level: Moderate, but can be difficult. 

Miles: About 4 miles round-trip.

Essentials: Hiking shoes with grip to prevent sliding. Camelback, plus extra water. This hike is at a high elevation, so drink a lot of water before you start. 

Tips: Some parts of the switchbacks become very narrows, so hikers have to share the path to be safe. 

Sightings: waterfalls, cave

Location: Inside Zion National Park. It's close to Springdale, Utah. Hike starts at Riverside Walk.

Level: Moderate to difficult.

Miles: It's about 10 miles. You can go farther if you have a permit, or want to spend the night at a camp site. You can go as far as you want. This hike takes up most of your day.

Essentials: Sturdy hiking shoes, a walking stick, and waterproof pouch for your phone or camera are highly recommended. Bring a CamelBak and extra water. I also tied an extra pair of sneakers to my backpack for when the hike was over, so I didn't have to walk with wet shoes.

Tips: This is one of my favorite hikes. You will hike in water most of the time. I recommend going in late spring or summer, when it's not too cold. You can rent a wet suit for a fee. The rocks are slippery as you walk in the water. Be careful hiking in the water because some parts are deep, and you can't see the bottom at times. During the summer, the water was almost to our chest at some parts.

Sightings: Temple of Sinawava (waterfall cascades down a rock)

Read more on what I spiritually learned from this hike. 
Blog: https://www.thewritehike.com/blog/2016/12/8/thirstformore

Location: Kanarraville, Utah. From the I-15, take exit 42 for Kanarraville. Follow Highway 144, then turn left on Old U.S. 91. Take this road, then turn right on 100 North. You'll see a small white sign that labels the hike. The parking lot is on your left. 

Note: Get there early before the parking lot fills up. It costs $10 dollars to park here and it's cash only. 

Level: Moderate. This hike would be okay for older kids and big dogs.

Miles: About 5 round trip. 

Essentials: Dress in layers no matter the season. The first part of the hike is warm, but the water gets very cold as you hike closer to the canyon. The waterfalls are also in the shade. I recommend hiking boots with grip, not hiking sandals. Many hikers mentioned their feet were numb from being exposed to the water for a long time. I would also wear waterproof socks to help with that. 

Tips: Bring a lunch and extra water. You will work up an appetite, and can enjoy your lunch at several beautiful spots along the trail. I brought a waterproof bag case for my phone, in case it fell in the water. I also recommend bringing an extra change of clothes and shoes that you can leave in the car. 

Sightings: This is a beautiful and vibrant hike, with plenty of spots to take pictures or relax while enjoying the scenery. In the canyon, there are 2 waterfalls. The first has a ladder bolted into an old tree log, with ropes to help you up. 

Note: The parking lot to this trail may be closed because of construction until August. Check with Red Rock Canyon and Bureau of Land Management in Nevada. 

Location: Red Rock Canyon, outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. The trail is second to last on the scenic loop. 

Level: Easy to moderate. 

Miles: About 3 miles.

Essentials: You can hike this in sneakers, but just be careful because the trail is made up of mostly rocks at the beginning. If you plan on scrambling up the ledge, you need sturdy hiking shoes. 

Tips: This hike is one of my personal favorites, and has many hidden gems along the trail. As long as you do the main dirt/rock trail, it's fairly easy for kids. As you're walking, there's some signs to go off the main trail to the left, towards the ponderosa pine trees. Depending on the time of the year, there's streams and rushing water. It's truly a beautiful sight. 

Sightings: Lizards, antelope ground squirrels, rabbits, bighorn sheep (see pics.)

Location: Red Rock Canyon, outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. 

Level: Moderate to difficult, especially if you try to go all the way to the top. It does get sketchy. I've seen a few hikers slide and almost fall. 

Miles: About 2.5 round trip. 

Essentials: Hiking shoes with grip. You can hike it in regular sneakers if you don't want to climb all the way to the top, where there's another area of water and small waterfall (depends on the season.) Dress in layers. Bring a jacket, even if you do this hike in the summer. The trail is mostly in the shade and can get cold. I would also bring climbing or workout gloves when rock scrambling. Some are sharp on the hands. 

Tips: Most of this hike is rocky and uphill and you'll keep a steady heart rate going. You will scramble over some fairly large boulders. 

Sightings: Plenty of amazing views as you get closer to the end. When there's a lot of water (depending on the season), you'll see small waterfalls from the top of the canyon.

Location: Red Rock Canyon, outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. Hike starts at Sandstone Quarry. 

Level: Moderate.

Miles: About 2.5 miles round trip. 

Essentials: You can hike this in sneakers, but I would recommend hiking shoes with grip. There will be rock scrambling for the second half of the hike. You don't want to slip. 

Tips: It starts out fairly easy, but gets a little tough. At one part, there's a high ledge where only one person can go at at a time. You'll want to lean towards the mountain as you do this. There is another way to avoid this part, but it just depends if there's water in the watering hole. If you go in the winter, watch out for ice. In February, there were a few sketchy places where I almost fell from the ice. Depending on the year, there will be a watering hole. But keep on going up, you don't want to miss the sweeping view of Las Vegas.

Sightings: This is one of my favorite views of the Las Vegas Strip. It looks so tiny. 

Read what I spiritually learned from this hike:
Blog: https://www.thewritehike.com/blog/2016/12/31/thepathahead
https://www.thewritehike.com/blog/2017/3/15/balanceonthetrail

Location: Outside Red Rock Canyon. It's NOT in the scenic loop, which means it's free! You'll want to pass the Red Rock Canyon scenic loop entrance and exit. After the exit, you'll see two shoulders on the right. Keep going. You'll see a small brown sign that reads, "First Creek Canyon." Park here.

Level: This is easy to moderate, depending how much rock scrambling you do to reach the streams or springs. 

Miles: About 3 miles round trip. 

Essentials: You'll want sturdy hiking shoes with grip, if you plan to do some rock scrambling to get closer to the water. 

Sightings: Depending on the season, there's a secret waterfall. You might spot some burros as well. There's also frogs in the springs. 

Location: Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. 

Level: Easy. It's labeled as a hike for kids. 

Miles: It's not even three-quarters of a mile! Pleasant walk. 

Essentials: Hiking shoes with grip for the rock trail. It's doable in regular sneakers. Dress in layers. Half of the hike is in the shade, and close to the mountain. 

Tips: It's easy to get lost. When you see a sign, it will have arrows to other hikes, but just keep going straight. You will need to do some rock scrambling to get behind the waterfall. 

Sidenote for winter hiking: We hiked this when it snowed at Red Rock Canyon. The snow can make the trail and rocks very slippery. Be careful and take your time. If the stream is frozen enough, you can walk on it, but it will crack at some parts. 

Sightings: In the winter, this is one of the most beautiful hikes I've been on. The snow-capped mountains are a gorgeous backdrop. As you hike farther in, you'll see cactus. You'll come to a stream. Keep going. Depending on the season, the waterfall will welcome you at the end. It was frozen with icicles when we went. It was a stunning sight. 

Location: Mt. Charleston outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Take Kyle Canyon Road towards the Spring Mountains Visitor Center. The trailhead will be near there. 

Level: Moderate. 

Miles: About 4 miles round trip. You can go further in the canyon. 

Essentials: Hiking shoes with grip to prevent sliding. Many hikers had walking sticks, but I didn't feel like I needed it. Camelback, plus extra water. This hike is at a high elevation, so drink a lot of water before you start. 

Sightings: This hike is very green and mostly in the shade! Depending on the season, there will be springs and small waterfalls. 

Location: Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. Trail starts at Willow Springs Picnic Area. You can walk up a dirt road or those with four-wheel drive can park closer to the trailhead. I would recommend taking the road and parking by the trail, so you don't have to hike extra miles. 

Level: Easy to moderate. It's mostly uphill. 

Miles: About 4.5 round trip, including the dirt road up to the trailhead. 

Essentials: I always wear sturdy hiking shoes for every hike, but this is also doable in sneakers. However, be careful of slipping on the rocks. 

Tips: You'll mostly be walking uphill for this hike. You'll come across a remnant of an old cabin on the right. Keep going. The hike ends at an old concrete dam with springs, depending on the season. The trail does gets narrow as you go farther up. 

Sightings: Limestones, beautiful sweeping views of the mountains. 

Note: SMYC stands for "Spring Mountain Youth Camp."

Location: Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. Trail starts at Lost Creek. 

Level: Easy. The trail is well-maintained. To finish the hike, you'll go up about 3 to 4 flights of "stairs" made from rocks. 

Miles: Around 2.5 round trip (if you check out the overlook.)

Essentials: Sturdy hiking shoes, but it's doable in sneakers. Watch out for sand on the rocks, which can cause you to slide. The overlook is a nice spot to enjoy a packed lunch or just relax. 

Tips: This is a beautiful hike in the Spring! You'll find several kinds of vibrant flowers along the trail. There's plenty of sweeping views on the overlook and at the end of the hike. This is definitely an easy hike for kids and dogs. 

Warning: Watch out for cactus along the narrow parts of the trail. 

Location: Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, Nevada. It's the last stop inside the scenic loop. You drive down a dirt road for about a mile to get to the trailhead. I would recommend taking the dirt road to save you extra miles. 

Level: Easy. 

Miles: About 2 miles round trip. 

Essentials: I always recommend sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky terrain on the path, but this is doable in sneakers. Extra water, since the hike is mainly in the sun. 

Tips: This is a pleasant hike with gorgeous views of the mountains. In the Spring, there's plenty of vibrant flowers along the trail. 

Sightings: Flowers, lizards, chipmunks.

Warning: We heard a snake, but could not see it. Be careful out there!

Read more on what I spiritually learned on this trail:
https://www.thewritehike.com/blog/2017/4/26/thetherapytrail

Use the hashtag #trackthebloom and #flowerfriday. 

Location: Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Inside the scenic loop. Trail starts at White Rock. 

Level: Easy. 

Miles: About 3, if you plan to go to the overlook. 

Essentials: Hiking shoes with grip. There will be a lot of small rocks on the trail that can cause you slide/fall. You can do this in sneakers if you're careful. 

Tips: Once you see the turn for White Rock, you can park on the left shoulder, but I would recommend taking the dirt road to the trailhead. It will save you from hiking extra miles. I would recommend doing this hike early or on an overcast day. It's not in the shade, so it gets hot. 

Location: Phoenix, Arizona. Park at Echo Canyon, near McDonald Drive and Tatum Boulevard. 

Level: It's labeled extremely difficult. This is for experienced hikers. If you're new to hiking, do NOT do this. I would NOT bring kids. One of the trail signs mentions a hiker passed away after falling. 

Miles: About 3 round trip. 

Essentials: You need hiking shoes with grip. This hike requires a lot of climbing and rock scrambling. Bring a pair of climbing or workout gloves. Some of the rocks are sharp. I recommend a backpack with water, so you can keep your hands free for balance and climbing. 

Tips: Go early. It gets extremely busy! You'll start off with several switchbacks. You'll climb a rocky path uphill about 3 times, mainly back to back. Metal hand rails have been installed to help hikers up and down (see pictures). After that, you'll be scrambling large rocks the entire way up the mountain. 

Warning: There are bees up at the top of the mountain, so watch out. You'll also see a sign that warns about active bees. There is a "secret" cave off the trail to the left, once you see that sign. It's a neat spot to take pictures, but enter at your own risk. 

Sightings: At the top. you'll have a panoramic view of Phoenix. 

Check out more on hiking etiquette: 
https://www.thewritehike.com/blog/hikingisnotaboutyou

Location: Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah.

Level: Easy to moderate.

Miles: 1 to 2 miles round trip (but you can go further).

Location: Snow Canyon State Park in St. George, Utah.

Miles: 1.5 miles round trip.

Sightings: Lava tubes from a volcanic eruption.