Ghost Loop via Anthem East Trail

The Ghost Loop is an arid, rocky trail of constant climbing and descending weaving through the McCullough Hills near the Anthem East development. This 3.3 mile trail is a lollipop loop on rocky single track and remains somewhat popular as it is one of the lower and shorter area's that can be easily accessed and explored within the trail system.

The most direct entry to the Ghost Loop is via the Anthem East Trail which can be accessed at the end of McCullough Hills Parkway or from a paved path beginning behind the baseball diamonds in Anthem Hills Park. Some climbing on rough rocky trail leads to a fork marked with a signpost that cuts north. The single track trail descends and winds along with the hilly contours of the landscape. Vegetation is sparse, but cholla and barrel cactus can be seen amongst the dark stone. 

Aside from hikers, these trails see the occasional mountain biker, though the technical path often means they won't be racing by but instead carefully choosing their route. As the trail falls and gains in elevation, different views of the landscape open up, incluiding the uniformity of the Anthem subdevelopment, the towers of the Strip and Downtown Las Vegas, and the Spring Mountains to the west.

Near the high point of the trail, a spur heads .2 miles uphill to a bench at a breezy overlook point, which is absolutely worth visiting, and why we opted to take this hike in a clockwise direction and save this reward for the tail end.

Those equipped with navigation can tack on other trail sections to add to their hike, though many paths lead to alternate trail heads rather than looping back.

Pay attention to street parking signs at the trailhead, or consider parking inside Anthem Hills Park where there are bathrooms and water.