This was not my first trip to Las Vegas… but the first one where I discovered there’s a hiking mecca not far from the bright lights of The Strip. Even before reaching my intended hike, I spot a hiking trail that starts near the edge of Highway 160, and decide I’ll see where it goes… I’m pretty sure, years later as I’m writing up the hike, that it’s the Blue Diamond Overlook trail.
The Blue Diamond Overlook trail is fairly flat for the first kilometre, with views to the north of the distinctly coloured peaks of Calico Basin.
As the trail ascends Blue Diamond hill, you can see Highway 160 to the south-west, snaking up to Mountain Springs and into the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
From the vantage point of the Blue Diamond Overlook, you can see Las Vegas in the distance to the east.
Almost directly below is the mining town of Blue Diamond, flanked by the hills of the Red Rock Canyon.
It’s then back the same way to the car, and onto Turtlehead Peak, my intended destination and hike for today!
Best time of year for Blue Diamond Overlook hike?
Like almost hikes around Las Vegas, it’s pretty exposed – so best to avoid summer, or start very early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Accommodation near Blue Diamond Overlook
Blue Diamond Overlook is a short drive from Las Vegas (which has has thousands of hotels!). It’s also a 15min drive from Red Rock Canyon, if you’re looking for a Las Vegas hike that’s a bit less busy than the more well-known trails.
Booking.com
0 Comments