Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
390.00 ft (118.87 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.70 mi (4.35 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Bluffs Trail is a shadeless out-and-back hike covering 2.7 miles round trip paralleling the Las Vegas Wash that crosses a couple of peaks within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

The trail begins between sites 72 and 74 at the Las Vegas Bay Campground. Owing to its remote location, this trail will typically have a few other hikes, but rarely sees crowds. It begins by following a meandering route along the bluffs up above the southwest banks of the Las Vegas Wash. Even with the rolling terrain and the peaks that this trail crosses, there is only about 390' of total elevation gain on the out-and-back route.

The path is also popular amongst bird watchers who come to view the species that visit the stream and shady environment below. With the wash canyon and surrounding stout mountains, the landscape along the hike visibly changes over the course of the day and the changing shadows. 

Upon a final climb and the trail's end at a peak with panoramic views, turn around and retrace the path back to the campground trailhead.

Water, bathrooms and trash are available at the Las Vegas Bay Campground. There are no amenities and no shade along the trail.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Wide views. Bird watching.

Cons

Limited parking. No amenities.

Trailhead Elevation

1,260.00 ft (384.05 m)

Highest point

1,440.00 ft (438.91 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Bird watching
Family friendly
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Las Vegas + Southern Nevada, Nevada

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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