Pine Creek Canyon Trail Red Rock Canyon Nevada
Discover a desert oasis with creeks and waterfalls just minutes from Las Vegas. Hike scenic trails, enjoy picnics, and witness nature's beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Pine Creek Canyon Trail Red Rock Canyon Nevada
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a desert oasis with creeks and waterfalls just minutes from Las Vegas. Hike scenic trails, enjoy picnics, and witness nature's beauty.
"A must-do trail offering peaceful hikes and beautiful scenery, perfect for escaping the city."
🚗 Park Entrance Fee
There's a fee for the Red Rock Scenic Drive. Consider carpooling to save money!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails have loose rocks and dirt. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pine Creek Waterfall
Along the First Creek Trail
A charming baby waterfall and creek, perfect for a refreshing stop or picnic.

Fire Ecology Loop
Branching off Pine Creek Trail
Witness nature's resilience on this loop showcasing regrowth after a fire.
Scenic Overlook
End of the Pine Creek Trail
A fantastic photo spot offering panoramic views down the canyon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Entrance Fee
There's a fee for the Red Rock Scenic Drive. Consider carpooling to save money!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails have loose rocks and dirt. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Water Features
Enjoy creeks and a baby waterfall! Perfect for a picnic stop.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Many trails, including First Creek, are great for dogs. Keep them leashed!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Entrance Fee
There's a fee for the Red Rock Scenic Drive. Consider carpooling to save money!
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails have loose rocks and dirt. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Water Features
Enjoy creeks and a baby waterfall! Perfect for a picnic stop.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Many trails, including First Creek, are great for dogs. Keep them leashed!
♿ Accessible Boardwalk
A .5-mile boardwalk trail offers accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pine Creek Canyon for its peaceful atmosphere, well-marked trails, and beautiful natural features like the creek and waterfall. The scenic drive offers stunning views, and the option to explore branching trails adds to the adventure. Some note the presence of loose rocks and limited shade during midday hikes.
"This trail was very well marked. There are loose rocks and allot of dirt on this trail. Minimal shaded areas when I hiked at 3 pm. I would highly recommend this peaceful hike."
Wan Wan L.
"It's a great trail. Easy hike. There's a fee to get into the park, but once you're inside there access to several trails. Pine Creek has a secondary trail call led the Fire Ecology Loop. It's nice to see how nature can take back the land after a large fire"
Chris Geiser
"Definitely a must do trail. We went the day after rain, and the stream was beautiful!
It is in the red rock scenic drive, which you have to pay to enter ($20) per vehicle, and has connecting trails if you're not ready to head back. There is also a great photo opportunity at the end of the trail on top of all the rocks to look down on.
There are also markers throughout the trail, so you know you're going the right way.
Highly recommend!!"
liz cloud
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pine Creek Canyon is conveniently located about a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, making it an accessible outdoor escape.
There is an entrance fee for the Red Rock Scenic Drive, typically around $20 per vehicle. It's recommended to check the official Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area website for current pricing.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead, including areas with covered picnic tables. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
Public transportation options to Red Rock Canyon are limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or use ride-sharing services for the most convenient access.
Restroom facilities are available in the area, particularly near the picnic sites, making it a comfortable spot for families.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While you don't typically need to book specific tickets for Pine Creek Canyon itself, the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive may require timed entry reservations during peak seasons or busy periods. It's best to check the official website before your visit.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area generally opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to confirm on their official website.
The trails within Red Rock Canyon, including Pine Creek Canyon, are generally open year-round from sunrise to sunset. However, closures can occur due to weather conditions or maintenance.
Discounts may be available for certain groups such as seniors or military personnel. Check the official Red Rock Canyon website for details on potential discounts.
The Pine Creek Canyon Trail is located within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which requires an entrance fee for the scenic drive. You cannot access the trail without paying this fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pine Creek Canyon Trail is generally considered a moderate hike, around 2.5 miles round trip. It involves uneven terrain with loose rocks and dirt, requiring some navigation.
Yes, Pine Creek Canyon is family-friendly. The First Creek Trail is often cited as easy and suitable for kids, and there's an accessible boardwalk trail perfect for strollers.
While there's a 'baby waterfall' and creeks, swimming opportunities might be limited and depend on water levels. Some visitors mention creeks where people swim.
Expect a diverse landscape with majestic mountain peaks, pine trees, desert scrub, cacti, and a flowing creek. The views from the overlook at the end of the trail are particularly stunning.
The main Pine Creek Canyon Trail is generally well-marked with markers to guide you along the way. However, exploring offshoots can lead to getting 'lost in the beauty.'
📸 📸 Photography
The overlook at the end of the Pine Creek Trail offers a fantastic panoramic view. The creek and waterfall areas also provide beautiful photographic opportunities, especially after rain.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Midday can be harsh with minimal shade.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Conservation Areas like Red Rock Canyon. It's essential to check the specific regulations before flying a drone.
Look for blooming wildflowers in spring, diverse desert flora, lizards, and the unique geological formations of the red rocks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of desert plants and wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Pine Creek Canyon
For those seeking more adventure, the canyon provides access to several branching trails, allowing you to extend your hike and discover new areas. One popular offshoot is the First Creek Trail, which is often described as an easy hike and is noted for its baby waterfall and creek, making it a delightful spot for picnics and a refreshing break. Another interesting option is the Fire Ecology Loop, which offers a unique perspective on how nature reclaims the land after a fire.
It's important to note that while the main trails are generally well-marked, the numerous offshoots can make it easy to get 'lost in the beauty.' Always carry a map or use a reliable navigation app, and be prepared for varied terrain. The accessibility of the First Creek Trail and the presence of an accessible boardwalk trail also make parts of Pine Creek Canyon welcoming to a wider range of visitors, including those with strollers or in wheelchairs.
Best Times and Conditions for Visiting
Visiting after a rainfall can significantly enhance the experience, as the creek will be flowing more robustly, and the 'baby waterfall' will be more prominent. This is also when the desert flora tends to look its most vibrant. However, be aware that trails can be muddier and more slippery after rain.
Weekdays generally offer a less crowded experience compared to weekends. During the summer months, temperatures can soar, making early morning or late afternoon hikes essential. Always check the weather forecast before your visit, as flash floods can be a concern in desert canyons after heavy rain.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit