Trail running in Nevada: Lace up & hit the 15 best routes

Run through the desert, to waterfalls, up mountains, and into the wild on 15 of the best trail running routes in Nevada.

Nevada is home to some of the most scenic and rugged trails in the West. Few states give you the option to run along a shoreline, cut through open desert, follow an old railroad grade, or drop into a canyon—all in the same weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick loop or a full day of adventure, these Silver State trails are worth every step.

1. Historic Tunnel Railroad Trail 

Hop onto the Historic Tunnel Railroad, an out-and-back trail a little over 8 miles long, located near Boulder City, Nevada. Along the way, you’ll pass through five tunnels, see remnants of the Hoover Dam’s construction, and take in beautiful views of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin region. The trail is considered moderately challenging due to its length and nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Keep in mind, there’s very little shade, and it can get quite hot, so it’s best to start early and bring plenty of water.

The first tunnel on the Hoover Dam Historic Tunnel Railroad Trail near Boulder City, NV. (Don Barrett/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

2. Tahoe East Shore Trail 

If you’re searching for something a little easier, the Tahoe East Shore Trail—a flat, paved, and beautiful trail—is the one for you. This out-and-back, 5.2-mile route takes you alongside stunning, panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. It runs close to the road, so you might hear some traffic now and then, but the scenery more than makes up for it. You can start your run at Tunnel Creek Café or at Sand Harbor—there’s parking and bathrooms at both locations.

3. Tunnel Creek Trail 

Looking for some elevation gain? I got you. Check out the Tunnel Creek Trail near Incline Village–Crystal Bay. This 7-mile out-and-back trail has nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain (1,653 to be exact). You’ll start your trek at Tunnel Creek Café and head up past the Monkey Rock lookout, then keep climbing higher into the mountains. From the top, you’ll get unbeatable views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks. Once you cross Tunnel Creek, that’s your turnaround point—and then it’s all downhill from there. If you’re up for more mileage, you can hop onto the Tahoe Rim Trail and continue on to Twin Lakes for even more stunning scenery. 

A beautiful view from Tunnel Creek Road—a road close by Tunnel Creek Trail in Incline Village, NV. (Blake Everett Carroll/CC BY-SA 4.0).

4. Lake Las Vegas Overlook 

Want to take in all the iconic Vegas views on one trail run? Head to the Lake Las Vegas Overlook. This 3.5-mile loop offers spectacular views of Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead in the distance, and even the Las Vegas Strip. You’ll also pass by a pretty cool cave along the way. The trail is considered moderately challenging thanks to its 583 feet of elevation gain. You can tweak the difficulty depending on which direction you start. Going counterclockwise means a steep scramble early on, while going clockwise gives you a more gradual climb and saves the steep descent for the end. Like most Nevada hikes, there’s little to no shade—aside from the cave—so start early and bring plenty of water!

5. Middle Oak Creek Trail 

The Middle Oak Creek Trail is a great way to connect with nature, no matter the season. This 4.8-mile loop winds through some seriously scenic terrain, with just under 600 feet of elevation gain. The incline is gradual, making the trail feel pretty manageable for its moderate distance. In spring and summer, runners will pass plenty of wildflowers and lush greenery. Come fall, the trail is lit up with color from ash, aspen, and willow trees. And in winter, snow-covered canyons offer a whole new kind of beauty. This trail is an all-season hit! 

6. Tom Cooke and Steamboat Ditch Loop 

It’s hard to beat a trail run alongside a stream, and the Tom Cooke and Steamboat Ditch Loop delivers just that. This scenic 4-mile route follows the Truckee River and offers just under 400 feet of elevation gain, making it a great option for runners looking for a mellow climb with beautiful views. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the calm atmosphere of the river, a gentle climb into the foothills, some decent switchbacks, and a surprising variety of plant life and natural scenery.

The Tom Cooke and Steamboat Ditch Loop runs along the Truckee River, a beautiful stream that flows through California and Nevada (Ken Lund/CC BY-SA 2.0).

7. McCullough Hills: 701 Loop

Need to get out of town for a long run? The McCullough Hills: 701 Loop is a well-built 14-mile trail that offers the perfect escape from suburbia. Just outside Henderson, you can park at the McCullough Hills Trailhead (bonus—there are bathrooms!) and head straight into the desert. Don’t let the mileage scare you off—this trail is considered moderate compared to other mountain routes near Vegas, thanks to its steady, gradual incline. That said, the length and network of intersecting trails can be a little tricky to navigate, so it’s a good idea to download the route ahead of time. If you’re looking to tack on extra mileage, this is a great place to do it. With tons of options and seemingly endless trails stretching into the desert, you can keep going as long as your legs (and water supply) hold out. Just come prepared—this one heats up fast.

8. 3 Mile Smile 

It’s hard not to smile on the 3 Mile Smile Trail (yeah, cheesy—but come on, it fits). Despite the name, this route is actually a 9-mile loop. You’ll start and finish at the Late Night Trailhead, following the 6.5-mile Badger Loop and adding the 3 Mile Smile for—you guessed it—an extra three miles. And yes, it’s totally worth it. What sets this trail apart is the terrain. Unlike most desert routes around Vegas, this one winds primarily through open grassland—a rare find in Nevada. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, usually quieter than other nearby trails, though it’s a favorite among mountain bikers. Luckily, they’re generally happy to share the trail with runners, just be sure to stay alert as they pass by! 

9. Cowboy Trails: Fossil Canyon Lariat

Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is one of the most popular outdoor spots in Nevada, and with that popularity comes traffic, crowds, and the need for reservations. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head just across the road to the Cowboy Trails. This trail system has routes that are just as scenic, but without all the chaos. Specifically, the Fossil Canyon Lariat is a great option. This 4.5-mile lollipop loop might be small, but it packs a punch with about 763 feet of elevation gain. It starts off flat, then quickly climbs as you move through a changing landscape and make your way into the canyon. It’s a solid run with fewer people and some seriously good views.

Golden hour at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located just 20 miles outside of the Las Vegas strip. (Bureau of Land Management/CC BY 2.0).

10. White Rock Mountain Loop Trail

How many people can say they’ve hiked through a forest of juniper and pinyon pine in the middle of the desert? Pretty soon, you can. Jump (well, run) on the White Rock Mountain Loop Trail for a unique 6-mile hike with just over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, mixing desert, forest, and beautiful views. You can hike it in either direction, but going counterclockwise gives you better views and a steeper climb up front, while going clockwise offers a gentler, more gradual ascent. For a little extra mileage, park at the Petroglyph Trailhead and hike up to the loop near Willow Springs Picnic Area—or save some steps and head up the gravel road to park right at the trailhead.

11. Prospect Trail to White Domes Slot Canyon

Ready to scramble—or maybe encounter a little “fire”? The Prospect Trail to White Domes Slot Canyon in Valley of Fire State Park is calling your name. This roughly 9-mile trail offers a well-marked, backcountry trail running with fewer crowds than some of the park’s other spots—but you likely won’t be out there sweating alone. Expect a mix of jaw-dropping rock formations, vibrant colors, and classic desert terrain. Most of the trail is sandy and rocky, with some sections that require scrambling over larger rocks—but hey, that’s part of the fun, right? Since it’s a bit off the beaten path, be sure to download the route beforehand to stay on track.

12. Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop

Valley of Fire is so good, I had to list it twice. If you want to experience its stunning geology without committing to a 9-mile run, this 3-mile loop is the perfect pick. You’ll start at Fire Wave, where fiery swirls of red, orange, and white streak across the rock formations. Next, head to the White Domes and explore water-sculpted sandstone landscapes. Finally, wrap up on the Seven Wonders Loop, which features—you guessed it—seven distinct viewpoints, each showcasing something unique. Even though this loop is shorter, it’s still smart to download the route in advance. And fair warning: There’s a whole lot of trail sand.

An unbelievable sunset at the Valley of Fire State Park, located in Clark County, NV. (John Fowler/CC BY 2.0).

13. Hunter Creek Trail 

What’s something that’s guaranteed to make you run a little faster? How about the chance to dip your toes in a 30-foot waterfall at the end of the trail? Just outside of Reno, the Hunter Creek Trail offers exactly that. This well-marked, 6-mile route (with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain) is a local favorite for good reason. The trail is fairly exposed, so if you’re running in the hotter months, be sure to pack plenty of water. In the colder months, it can get icy and muddy, so bringing spikes is a smart move.

14. Cal-Neva Loop via Van Sickle Trail

Is Cali calling your name? The Cal-Neva Loop takes you right across the state line into the Golden State. This roughly 3-mile loop is flat, scenic, and honestly breathtaking (no pun intended). Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of Lake Tahoe peeking through the trees and the mountains rising behind it. Even though it’s just outside of town, it feels like a true wilderness escape. And the best part? You can do the impossible—stand in two places at once, with one foot in California and the other in Nevada.

15. Petroglyph Canyon Trail

Running through petroglyph-covered ancient stones is one thing. Running through petroglyph-covered stones alongside bighorn sheep? Now that’s something else entirely. This 5.5-mile loop offers a trail experience like no other. You’ll climb (and occasionally scramble) just over 500 feet while taking in messages left behind from long ago. Be patient—while the first stretch might feel a little “boring” (if you can even call being out in nature boring), once you hit the lollipop portion of the loop, things get a lot more interesting with unique rock formations and tons of petroglyphs. Just a heads-up: No dogs are allowed, and there’s no water access, so be sure to pack plenty (of water, not dogs) before heading out.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.