Pine Creek Canyon Trail, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada - Image 1
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Pine Creek Canyon Trail Red Rock Canyon Nevada

4.9
·250 reviews·Las Vegas, United States

Discover a desert oasis with creeks and waterfalls just minutes from Las Vegas. Hike scenic trails, enjoy picnics, and witness nature's beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Pine Creek Canyon Trail, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada - Image 1

Pine Creek Canyon Trail Red Rock Canyon Nevada

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.9
(250 reviews)

"A must-do trail offering peaceful hikes and beautiful scenery, perfect for escaping the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pine Creek Waterfall

Pine Creek Waterfall

Along the First Creek Trail

A charming baby waterfall and creek, perfect for a refreshing stop or picnic.

Fire Ecology Loop

Fire Ecology Loop

Branching off Pine Creek Trail

Witness nature's resilience on this loop showcasing regrowth after a fire.

Scenic Overlook

Scenic Overlook

End of the Pine Creek Trail

A fantastic photo spot offering panoramic views down the canyon.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving early, especially on weekends. The Red Rock Scenic Drive has an entrance fee, so factor that into your budget. Consider visiting after rain for a more vibrant creek experience.

Trail Conditions & Gear

While generally well-marked, some sections have loose rocks and dirt. Wear sturdy shoes! Some TikToks show people enjoying water features, so a quick-dry towel might be useful. Check weather for potential flash floods if planning a longer adventure.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
After rain
Why
Vibrant creek and waterfall
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy than weekends
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

First Creek Trail is nice for day hikes and picnics. It has a baby waterfall and lots of creeks.. there’s also a big creek where some people swim #redrocks #vegas #nevada #Hiking #dog
@amj_961
19.2K likes • 314.4K views

🚗 Park Entrance Fee

There's a fee for the Red Rock Scenic Drive. Consider carpooling to save money! Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

Trails have loose rocks and dirt. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. Reddit

Perfect now that the weather is getting cooler! First creek is an easy hike in Red Rock Canyon. Kid and pet friendly. #lasvegas #lasvegashiking
@vivajessvegas
6K likes • 97.3K views
Pine Creek Canyon is a very senic beginner hike in Red Rock National Conservation Area. The trail is 2.4 mile out and back. #hiking #nevada #mountain #fyp
mrcoldfrosty
54 likes • 550 views

💧 Water Features

Enjoy creeks and a baby waterfall! Perfect for a picnic stop. TikTok

🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails

Many trails, including First Creek, are great for dogs. Keep them leashed! TikTok

Red Rock Canyon, Clark County, Nevada. 30 minute drive from Las Vegas. This trip is well worth the sights if you go off trail a little and hike up the canyon, otherwise you will go through the valley of the canyon. Get out there and explore, see the world 🌎, you can do that right outside of major cities 🌆 without having to drive to far #travel #hikingadventures #hiking #sightseeing #adventureex...
travvelzz_
322 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Entrance Fee

There's a fee for the Red Rock Scenic Drive. Consider carpooling to save money! Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

Trails have loose rocks and dirt. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. Reddit

💧 Water Features

Enjoy creeks and a baby waterfall! Perfect for a picnic stop. TikTok

🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails

Many trails, including First Creek, are great for dogs. Keep them leashed! TikTok

♿ Accessible Boardwalk

A .5-mile boardwalk trail offers accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(250 reviews)

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

Peaceful and scenic
Well-marked trails
Creek and waterfall

What People Dislike

Loose rocks
Limited shade

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead, including areas with covered picnic tables. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot. Instagram

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. TikTok

Restroom facilities are available in the area, particularly near the picnic sites, making it a comfortable spot for families. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. InstagramReddit

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.' Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Midday can be harsh with minimal shade. Reddit

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. Instagram

Look for blooming wildflowers in spring, diverse desert flora, lizards, and the unique geological formations of the red rocks. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pine Creek Canyon is a fantastic choice for families. The First Creek Trail is a popular, easy option perfect for little legs, featuring a charming creek and a small waterfall that kids will love. TikTok+1 For even easier access, there's a stroller-friendly boardwalk trail that allows everyone to enjoy the scenery. Instagram+1 The area also has covered picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a family lunch amidst nature. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and keep an eye on children, especially near water features or on uneven terrain. Instagram

🐶 Pet Owners

Dog lovers rejoice! Pine Creek Canyon is a pet-friendly destination, with many trails, including First Creek, welcoming your furry companions. TikTok+1 Ensure your dog is on a leash at all times to respect other visitors and protect local wildlife. Be sure to bring extra water for your pet, as desert environments can be dehydrating, and check trail conditions for any hazards like sharp rocks. TikTok

♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Trails of Pine Creek Canyon

Pine Creek Canyon offers a variety of hiking experiences, from easy strolls to more challenging explorations. The main Pine Creek Canyon Trail is an out-and-back route approximately 2.5 miles long, known for its moderate terrain with loose rocks and dirt. Reddit It winds through a diverse landscape featuring majestic mountain peaks, pine trees, desert scrub, and cacti, culminating in a scenic overlook. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok+1 Another interesting option is the Fire Ecology Loop, which offers a unique perspective on how nature reclaims the land after a fire. Reddit

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.' Reddit 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. Instagram+1

Best Times and Conditions for Visiting

The ideal time to visit Pine Creek Canyon largely depends on your tolerance for heat and crowds. Early mornings are highly recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid the intense desert sun and the influx of visitors. Reddit This also provides a more peaceful experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

Weekdays generally offer a less crowded experience compared to weekends. Reddit 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. TikTok