The best running trails around Las Vegas

If you are looking for a consistent jogging workout in an urban setting, the Bonanza Trail offers a moderate 5.5 miles (8.8 km) route. You will experience a gentle climb of 215 feet (65 metres) over an estimated 54 minutes, making it a good option for maintaining your fitness. The path is wide and easy to follow, running alongside the Summerlin Parkway and providing a straightforward experience for joggers and cyclists.

Accessing the Bonanza Trail is convenient, especially if you are driving. You will find ample parking available near the Charlie Kellogg and Joe Zaher Sports Complex, which borders the route. This makes starting your jog simple and hassle-free, allowing you to get straight onto the path without searching for a spot. No specific permits or fees are required to use this urban trail.

The Bonanza Trail is notable for its accessibility and safety within the Las Vegas urban environment. While the scenery is more urban-adjacent, it provides a reliable and well-maintained path for your daily exercise. The route's proximity to the sports complex also suggests a well-integrated recreational space for the community.

The Northern Beltway Trail offers a dynamic jogging experience across its 12.2 miles (19.6 km) of paved surface. You'll find yourself navigating both relatively flat stretches and notable climbs, particularly as the trail ascends towards Summerlin, all while enjoying consistent views of the surrounding mountains. The route is well-maintained, featuring wide asphalt paths and modern pedestrian bridges that safely carry you over busy roads, making for a smooth and engaging run.

Planning your visit to the Northern Beltway Trail is straightforward, as it's a multi-use path designed for accessibility. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the trail's design with grade separations ensures a safe experience away from traffic. It's also a great option if you want to bring your dog along, provided they are on a leash and you clean up after them. For a comfortable 2-hour and 2-minute jog, especially given its difficult rating and 516 feet (157 metres) of elevation gain, consider an early morning or late afternoon start to avoid peak heat.

This trail is a vital part of the Southern Nevada Regional Trail System, envisioned as a major connector that will eventually link to other regional trails like the Upper and Lower Las Vegas Wash Trail System. The long-term goal is to create a continuous "trail necklace" around the City of North Las Vegas, potentially even connecting to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This makes it more than just a jogging path; it's a key piece of a larger recreational network, continuously being improved with new amenities like lighting and benches.

This 9.8-mile (15.8 km) jogging loop from The Venetian Resort offers a truly unique urban adventure, rated difficult due to its dynamic environment. You'll navigate the bustling sidewalks of the Las Vegas Strip, passing iconic architecture, dazzling lights, and elaborate attractions like waterfalls and volcanos. The route demands constant changes in pace and direction, as you weave through crowds and encounter frequent pedestrian crossings, stairs, and even detours through casino buildings, making it more of a 'fun run' than a continuous high-speed workout.

To make the most of this 1 hour and 38 minute journey, plan your run for the early morning, ideally before 8-9 AM. This helps you avoid the significant crowds that gather later in the day and escape the intense desert heat, which can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) from May to September. Hydration is essential, and starting early ensures a cooler, less obstructed experience.

The most notable aspect of this route is its one-of-a-kind urban environment, offering a close-up view of the famous boulevard's constant energy. While the primary terrain is flat sidewalks, the frequent interruptions add to the difficulty. For those seeking a less crowded alternative, parallel roads like Industrial/Dean Martin Rd. offer different perspectives, though with less scenic views of the Strip's main attractions.