Pine Creek Canyon Trail

Pine Creek Canyon Trail is a gentle canyon walk in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, west of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pine Creek Trailhead sits on the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive at about mile 10.4, and the hike is reached by car or rideshare because no public transit serves the conservation area. The scenic drive charges about $20 per vehicle, and from October 1 through May 31 a timed-entry reservation is required for entry between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; current conditions are listed on recreation.gov. The round trip is about 3 miles (4.8 km) with roughly 400 feet (120 m) of elevation gain, and the hike is rated easy, normally taking one and a half to two and a half hours. The path begins on a wide, well-marked dirt track through desert scrub, then follows the canyon floor toward the base of the Wilson Cliffs. Along the way, hikers cross Pine Creek, which flows seasonally, and walk beneath ponderosa pines and other trees that thrive in the cooler, wetter canyon. Early in the hike, the stone foundation of the 1920s Wilson homestead, a former ranch site, stands near the path beneath the peak known as Mescalito. Farther in, the canyon narrows and the path becomes rockier, with views of towering red and white sandstone walls. Most hikers turn around where the trail becomes steeper and less defined, then return the same way. Shade is available in the canyon, particularly in the morning, but the early section is exposed. No dependable drinking water, shelter or refuge huts are present, so about 2 liters of water per person should be carried. Walking shoes are sufficient on most of the route, and a sun hat is helpful. Dogs and hikers must follow posted rules for the conservation area, and visitors should stay on the trail to protect the vegetation and the ruins. The conservation area can be reached at 702-515-5350.