3 Unmissable Hikes in Nevada: Before the Wedding
There’s more to Nevada than neon and slot machines, darling. Beyond the casinos and Cirque shows lies a wildly underrated outdoor playground, with terrain that ranges from Martian-red sandstone to alpine forests and golden desert canyons that look straight out of a Beyoncé music video. Whether you’re looking to reset post-bachelorette blowout or planning a soulful solo trip with snacks and self-reflection, these hikes will serve both views and vibes.
Here are some of Nevada’s most iconic trails—and one fabulous detour into California’s Death Valley—you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
🔥 Fire Wave Trail – Valley of Fire State Park
If Sedona and Mars had a baby, it would be the Fire Wave. This 1.5-mile roundtrip hike in Valley of Fire State Park is short, sweet, and sexy as hell. The sandstone formations swirl in pastel pinks, oranges, and reds that look completely unreal—like Lisa Frank designed the terrain. It’s a must for sunrise or golden hour, when the colors turn magical and the crowds disappear.
📸 Pro tip: The best Instagram moment is about halfway through the loop, just before the descent into the wave. Bring a wide-angle lens and low expectations for solitude—it’s popular for a reason.
🧭 Trail Length: 1.5 miles RT
🥵 Difficulty: Easy, but exposed—shade is a distant dream here.
🧱 Calico Hills – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Just 30 minutes from the Vegas Strip (yes, you can hike off your hangover), the Calico Hills offer a vibrant, dynamic landscape of burnt-orange sandstone boulders. This trail is modular—you can start from either Calico I or Calico II parking lots and hike as far or as little as you like (up to ~6 miles one-way if you're feeling spicy). It’s great for groups, solo hikers, or even a low-key engagement photo shoot.
💡 Did you know: The layered rocks here are over 180 million years old? That’s older than your ex’s emotional baggage.
📍 Trail Length: 2–6 miles depending on how far you go
🎒 Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with plenty of scramble options for show-offs.
🌲 Bristlecone Trail – Mt. Charleston
Need a break from the heat and the drama? Head to the Bristlecone Trail up in Mt. Charleston, where the air is 30 degrees cooler and your skin doesn’t immediately crisp. This high-altitude loop (about 6 miles) weaves through dense pine forests and features—you guessed it—ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 3,000 years old. It's giving enchanted forest with a side of cardio.
🧊 Shade factor: 10/10. This is one of the shadiest trails around—tree-wise, not vibe-wise.
📏 Trail Length: 6 miles RT (loop)
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate, mostly due to altitude.
🌄 Death Valley Trail Trio – Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, Badlands Loop & Red Cathedral
If you’re feeling brave and have a masochistic relationship with the sun, Death Valley National Park delivers the drama. These trails all overlap or connect and can be looped for an unforgettable, if slightly apocalyptic, adventure.
Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral (3 miles RT): A canyon hike that ends at a soaring red rock formation with cinematic views. The trail's golden glow at sunrise is pure desert magic.
Badlands Loop (2.5 miles): Undulating terrain with candy-colored ridges that feel like you’re walking through a Dr. Seuss sketchbook. It connects to Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch for more ambitious hikers.
Gower Gulch Loop (4 miles): For those who want a bit more solitude and like their hikes served with slickrock and narrow washes. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones with better hydration and cuter boots.
🌞 Important: Don’t even think about these trails in summer unless you're a lizard with an umbrella. Temps easily hit 120°F.
Know Before You Go: Hiking in the Desert Isn’t for Amateurs
☀️ The Heat is Not a Joke
Desert hikes can go from dreamy to deadly fast. If you’re hiking in summer (don’t), start before 8 AM and be done before 10. In cooler seasons, midday is safer but still toasty.
💧 Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It
Because it literally does. Bring at least 1 liter per hour of hiking, per person. Electrolyte drinks or powders? Even better. If you’re hiking Death Valley, double everything.
🧢 Dress Smart
Sunhat, sunglasses, sweat-wicking clothes, and UPF layers are your new besties. Avoid cotton like your ex’s texts.
🎒 What to Pack
Sunscreen (reapply every 90 minutes)
First-aid kit
Trail snacks (salty > sweet)
Navigation app or offline map
Portable charger
Headlamp (sunsets sneak up on you)
📱 Prep Before You Step
Check weather forecasts & trail conditions
Download offline maps (AllTrails, Gaia GPS)
Tell someone your route and ETA
If you're going solo, keep your phone charged and set up emergency contacts
Nevada isn’t just roulette and regret—it’s red rocks, ancient forests, and jaw-dropping geology that rivals any national park. Whether you want shade and serenity or fire-hued fantasyland, these hikes promise unforgettable backdrops and a little soul reset in the process. Just remember: hydrate, plan ahead, and leave no trace (except maybe a fierce selfie).
