Fortification Hill Trail
Conquer a strenuous desert hike for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Fortification Hill Trail
Best Time
Beat the desert heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer a strenuous desert hike for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam.
"The views you get from the top is well worth the hike!"
Stay to the Right!
On the main ascent, stick to the right side for the best path. Going left can lead to backtracking. :arrowheadingup:
Scramble Smart
Be prepared for a short, steep scramble near the top. It's manageable but requires some effort. :rock:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake Mead Views
Summit of Fortification Hill
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the surrounding desert landscape.
Challenging Mesa Climb
Base of Fortification Hill
A steep, rewarding scramble up the mesa, testing your agility and offering a sense of accomplishment.
Sunset Spectacle
Fortification Hill
Witness a stunning desert sunset painting the sky over Lake Mead.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Terrain
Hydration is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stay to the Right!
On the main ascent, stick to the right side for the best path. Going left can lead to backtracking. :arrowheadingup:
Scramble Smart
Be prepared for a short, steep scramble near the top. It's manageable but requires some effort. :rock:
Dog-Friendly Adventure
Leashed dogs are welcome, but smaller pups might need a lift on the steeper sections. :dog:
Trail Navigation
The main trail starts straight up the hill on the right. Be mindful of loose rocks. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Stay to the Right!
On the main ascent, stick to the right side for the best path. Going left can lead to backtracking. :arrowheadingup:
Scramble Smart
Be prepared for a short, steep scramble near the top. It's manageable but requires some effort. :rock:
Dog-Friendly Adventure
Leashed dogs are welcome, but smaller pups might need a lift on the steeper sections. :dog:
Trail Navigation
The main trail starts straight up the hill on the right. Be mindful of loose rocks. :hiking_boot:
Water, Water, Water!
Crucial for this strenuous hike. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers rave about the absolutely stunning, panoramic views from the summit of Fortification Hill, calling them well worth the strenuous effort. The challenging climb and rewarding vistas are frequently highlighted. However, some find the loose, slippery terrain and steep sections to be quite difficult, especially on the descent.
"Stay to the right on the big belly! I made the mistake of starting my hike to the left on the lower portion snd had to backtrack like 3-400 yards. Be aware of your backtrack, especially when making the climb down the mesa section."
Jack Aldrich
"While it's only about a 2 mile hike to get to the top of Fortification Hill, the first mile is all up and by up, I mean there about a 1,400 ft. elevation gain. And, while that in and of itself isn't too bad for a seasoned hiker, the trail is very loose and slippery and in a lot of ways, my wife and I found the trip back to be harder. Also, when you get to the base of the mesa, there is one point where you kind of lose the trail it's because it goes pretty much straight up for about 10 feet. Again, not that big of a deal but something to be aware of if you're not used to scrambling on all fours. Otherwise, the views you get from the top is well worth the hike as you can see everything from the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, part of the Hoover Dam, Boulder City, pretty much all of Lake Mead, the casinos along the Las Vegas strip and even clear out to the snowy peak of Mount Charelston almost 60 miles away! I don't think I really need to mention it but you really want to make sure you have plenty of water for this one and do it during the cooler months."
Eddie
"Nice hard climb about 4 miles round trip. Some hard scrabble and a small cliff to easily scale with small difficulty. I pushed my climb up and back to about 2 hours. For most allow 4 hours"
Santiago
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fortification Hill Trail is located within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The trailhead is accessible by car, with an open parking area. Restrooms are available about 2 miles south on the road.
Yes, there is an open area for parking at the trailhead. It's generally not an issue, even on busier days.
While Google Maps can guide you to the general area, the exact trailhead start can be tricky to spot. Look for the trail going straight up the hill on the right after about 100 yards.
Yes, Fortification Hill Trail is situated within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Be aware of any entrance fees or regulations for the park.
For a more challenging ascent, take the direct trail up the hills. If you prefer a slightly easier start, follow the wash area trail until you reach the climbs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fortification Hill Trail is within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which typically requires an entrance fee. Check the official NPS website for current fees and passes.
As an outdoor trail within a national recreation area, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to visit during cooler parts of the day and cooler months.
Tickets are typically for park entry, not specific trail access. You can usually pay at the entrance station or purchase a pass online in advance for Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
There are no specific age restrictions, but the strenuous nature of the hike means it's best suited for individuals and families with older children who are comfortable with challenging terrain.
This is considered a strenuous hike due to the significant elevation gain and loose, slippery terrain. It's rated as a Class 3 hike by some.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 4 miles roundtrip, with a significant portion being uphill.
For most hikers, allow 2-4 hours to complete the roundtrip. Seasoned hikers might do it faster, around 2 hours.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Lake Mead, the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, and even Mount Charleston on a clear day.
The start of the trail can be hard to see, going straight up the hill. Once you're on it, it's generally discernible, but be aware of loose rocks and potential for losing the path briefly.
Yes, but with caution. You can hike a portion of the trail (about a mile or less) for amazing views without completing the entire strenuous climb.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of Lake Mead and the surrounding desert. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular.
Late afternoons and during sunset provide beautiful golden hour lighting. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer crowds.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the lake and sky.
The entire summit area provides excellent vantage points. Look for clearings that offer unobstructed views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam area.
While the trail is famously associated with the game Fallout: New Vegas and its 'Fortification Hill' location, there are no actual Caesar's Legion encampments there. The views are natural.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
This fee is per vehicle and often covers multiple days, making it a good value for exploring the area. Once inside, the hike itself is free. 🐕 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike: A Strenuous Ascent
Trail Variations
For those looking for a slightly less intense start, there's an option to take the wash area trail until it merges with the main climb.
Views from the Top: A Desert Panorama
Photography Opportunities
This location is a photographer's dream, particularly for landscape enthusiasts. The vastness of the scenery, combined with the unique desert light, creates stunning photographic opportunities.
Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the sweeping vistas. Consider bringing a polarizing filter to enhance the vibrant blues of Lake Mead and the sky. The sunset views are especially popular, painting the sky with a palette of warm colors. Fallout: New Vegas Connection
The connection is purely a nod to the game's setting, making it a point of interest for fans of the series who visit the area. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit