Las Vegas: The Strip
This 8.3-mile loop wins big for its endless slots, splashy waterfalls, huge buttes, incredible stars--even lions, and yeah, a few unmentionables, too.
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-Mapped by Bob Wold and Kris Wagner
Trail Facts
- Distance: 12.1
Waypoints
VSL001
Location: 36.114182, -115.172419
Note: Pace yourself and stay hydrated. This night-time hike is exhausting, possibly expensive, and dangerous for untrained amateurs. Bally’s trailhead: Turn N on main Strip, leaving the two 26-story rock towers
Pink Flamingos
Location: 36.118732, -115.172194
These are the largest flamingo feathers East of the Mississippi.
© Bob Wold
VSL002
Location: 36.118711, -115.172328
Pink flamingos flock near clear pools and palms of Harrah Valley. Stay N
VSL003
Location: 36.121792, -115.171459
Gigantic Venetian butte dominates the technicolor skyline
Venetian Butte
Location: 36.12174, -115.171212
Venetian butte and Phantom tower © Kris Wagner
Mirage Butte
Location: 36.124079, -115.17001
Careful: Hallucinations are common near Mirage Butte.
© Kris Wagner
VSL004
Location: 36.125172, -115.168999
Easy climb through trees. Ahead, several milky waterfalls burst from the dark walls of the Wynn monument
Wynn Falls
Location: 36.126801, -115.168122
A multi-tier waterfall near Wynn monument
© Kris Wagner
Falling Stars
Location: 36.134721, -115.162908
Look closely for Stardust.
© Kris Wagner
VSL005
Location: 36.134677, -115.163112
Trail enters the Riviera, a curved plateau streaked with fallen stars
VSL006
Location: 36.146118, -115.155701
Cross Las Vegas Blvd. to the Stratosphere, tallest “tower” W of the Mississippi. BASE jumpers sometimes dive its 1,149 ft. From here, swing S on Strip
VSL007
Location: 36.136826, -115.16205
Navigate a lonely stretch of trail past a wild circus and countless slots.
VSL008
Location: 36.12521, -115.1698
At waterfront, stop at shipwreck off Treasure Island.
Lonely Road
Location: 36.129266, -115.166641
The Frontier can be a lonely place for hikers. © Bob Wold
The Frontier
Location: 36.128639, -115.16787
Lots of cowboy hats and slots
© Kris Wagner
Easy Descent
Location: 36.125726, -115.16942
These descents are easy on the knees. © Al Wold
Treasure Island
Location: 36.12521, -115.169683
Look for a shipwreck off of Treasure Island.
© Kris Wagner
VSL009
Location: 36.117762, -115.173181
Volcanoes boom above as trail leads into marble amphitheater big enough for Caesar’s army
Pools
Location: 36.117931, -115.173256
One of many beautiful pools in the Caesar amphitheater. © Kris Wagner
Fountains
Location: 36.117946, -115.173492
A trio of fountains
© Kris Wagner
VSL010
Location: 36.114351, -115.173739
Always faithful: Geysers of the Bellagio blow as high as 240 ft. every 30 min. More monster buttes and peaks ahead
Always Faithful
Location: 36.11409, -115.17334
The Belliagio geysers shoot up 240 feet. © Kris Wagner
VSL011
Location: 36.100571, -115.173517
On R, see white castle said to be haunted by wizards and dragons. Pass famed Las Vegas sign
Castle Tops
Location: 36.100559, -115.173478
Colorful castle tops in the distance
© Kris Wagner
VSL012
Location: 36.100701, -115.169777
Be wary of rare species flaunting showy feathers–and more. Cross street near Tropicana; swing N. Caution: Watch for lions
VSL013
Location: 36.111976, -115.172676
Path runs by stone skyscrapers and pointy towers with European flair. Close loop @ trailhead
Is This Paris?
Location: 36.111994, -115.172532
More pools with European landmarks in the backdrop.
© Kris Wagner
Tunnel
Location: 36.114186, -115.172365
Optional: Hikers can cruise on the neon tunnel across The Strip. © Bob Wold