Spring is long gone in Las Vegas. Desert natives know the cooler temperatures only lasts about a few weeks, before the scorching heat rolls in.
And with that, hikers have to adapt to enjoy summer hikes in Las Vegas.
Here’s our list of tips to prepare for the trail during the summer season.
1. Start as early as possible.
Extra time will be your main companion on the trail. The early mornings in Las Vegas are much cooler. Many state parks adjust their hours to open earlier during the summertime. If you’re planning to do an advanced or lengthier hike, keep this in mind so you don’t overheat.
We’ve learned our lesson the hard way. One summer at 9 a.m., we started the Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead. By 10 a.m., the heat was unbearable and there wasn’t any shade between the tunnels, which caused me to feel overheated. Luckily, we were able to make it back to the car in time.
Historic Railroad Trail, Lake Mead
2. Consider a hike with shade.
Depending on how much time you’re giving yourself in the morning, you should choose a hike with plenty of shade to take a break from the sun.
Mt. Charleston is our sweet spot in the summer. The area is about 20 degrees cooler than Las Vegas, and their hikes offer plenty of trees to take a break. Mary Jane Falls and Cathedral Rock are partially shaded and beautiful scenery year-round.
Keep in mind, Mt. Charleston is experiencing overcrowding.
Mary Jane Falls, Mt. Charleston
During this time, the selection of hikes are slim because some state parks are still closed due to COVID-19. When Red Rock Canyon re-opens, we recommend Ice Box Canyon. The trail is mostly shaded, which is why hikers love it for the cooler temperatures.
Bonus Tip: If you’re yearning to take a trip, consider cooling down in the Narrows at Zion National Park. This is one of our favorite hikes in the summer, thanks to the cold and refreshing water. A similar hike to the Narrows is Kanarraville Falls, which is also in Utah.
The Narrows, Zion National Park
3. Pack extra water & electrolytes.
For summer hiking, you’ll need to drink more water. Pack extra with you on the trail, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. Add ice in your Camelbak and Hydroflasks. Keep a cooler in the car with frozen water bottles for when you get back from the hike. You’ll thank yourself later.
In addition, bring Gatorade (or powdered electrolytes) on the trail, and stock them in the car.
During a summer hike, you can sweat out fluids and electrolytes. Beverages like Gatorade can help replenish those lost fluids and electrolytes.
4. Wear Sunblock & Sunglasses.
You’ve heard this hundreds of times, but sunblock and sunglasses are key especially in Las Vegas. The UV index can be very high (sometimes extreme) in the desert, and you don’t want to forget these essentials on the trail.
Let us know your major tips for hiking in the summer in the comments below. Share your summer hikes in a social media post using #thewritehike.
Happy summer hiking!