Las Vegas, NV: Oak Creek Loop
This crowd-free, 4.2-mile hike in Red Rock Canyon features five-star views of the Sandstone Bluffs. You may even spot a flock of the area's resident bighorn sheep.
You’ll encounter Joshua trees, bighorn sheep, and jackrabbits on the 4.2-mile Oak Creek Loop in Red Rock Canyon. From the trailhead, head west into the cactus-studded desert on an old Jeep trail (keep an eye out for wild burros along the way). At .8 mile, fork left to start the clockwise loop and begin a gradual climb for about a mile.
After 1.7 miles, bear left at the junction and descend into a canyon with lush vegetation and great views of the mountains. Less than half a mile later, fork right at the junction and enjoy a spectacular view of Rainbow Mountain to the northwest. Keep an eye out for climbers ascending popular routes like Crimson Chrysalis, Solar Slab, and Slab Gully.
At mile 2.3, the route crosses Oak Creek (look for colorful rocks and boulders around the creekbed), then re-crosses it 0.2 mile later. As the trail winds to the south, look northward for a view of Red Rock Canyon’s Calico Hills. Complete the loop at mile 3.4 and turn left for the brief stretch back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Dave Miller
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.7
Waypoints
OCL001
Location: 36.089893, -115.449164
Pass through the marked trailhead gate and turn right onto the wide jeep trail. There is no water at the trailhead, but it is seasonally available in Oak Creek.
OCL002
Location: 36.08965, -115.451202
Continue straight at the intersection with an old Jeep trail.
OCL003
Location: 36.089823, -115.452104
At the entrance to the Oak Creek Trail system, follow the old Jeep trail into the desert. A variety of cactus and desert shrubs dot the landscape.
OCL004
Location: 36.094886, -115.459657
At mile 0.8, bear left at the Y-junction. Look for Mt. Wilson, Rainbow Mountain, and Bridge Mountain.
OCL005
Location: 36.096681, -115.473808
At mile 1.7, bear left at the junction and begin the descent into the canyon.
OCL006
Location: 36.099724, -115.477145
At mile 2, bear right at the junction. Watch for climbers scaling routes on Rainbow Mountain to the northwest.
OCL007
Location: 36.101761, -115.473497
Cross Oak Creek.
OCL008
Location: 36.102086, -115.470133
The trail re-crosses Oak Creek and begins heading southeast.
OCL009
Location: 36.100088, -115.468047
At mile 2.8, bear left at the junction. Continue east; look for Red Rock Canyon’s Calico Hills to the north.
OCL010
Location: 36.097049, -115.460585
The wash trail turns into Jeep trail.
OCL011
Location: 36.095294, -115.459684
Cross the road, then turn left at the trail junction. Re-trace the 0.8-mile route back to the trailhead.
Buckhorn Cholla
Location: 36.089581, -115.450301
Joshua Tree and Cactus
Location: 36.093083, -115.457768
Rainbow Mountain
Location: 36.095337, -115.460343
Rainbow Mountain
Location: 36.097383, -115.475407
Rainbow Mountain
Location: 36.098458, -115.476362
Rainbow Mountain
Location: 36.098978, -115.462983
Desert Landscape
Location: 36.102164, -115.471882
Oak Creek
Location: 36.101783, -115.473406
Oak Creek
Location: 36.102103, -115.470015