First Creek Canyon Trail Map & GPX Download

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Common Questions

Distance:: 1.54 miles
Class:: Class 1
Dogs:: Ok
Type:: One Way
Difficulty:: Easy
Parking:: Plenty of parking on the highway.
Restrooms:: No
Reception:: More probable than most other areas.
Access:: From Summerlin, pass Red Spring, the Scenic Loop entry and exit. Charleston turns into State Route 159/ Red Rock Canyon Rd. From Blue Diamond, take SR-159 north.
Good to Know:: The trail gets very rocky as you get closer to the mountains. It ends at the wilderness boundary.
Why:: Nice hike, and direct route to the Spring Mountains. Often used to access Mt. Wilson.
Wildlife Probability:: High chance of seeing wildlife in the canyon and surrounding desert.
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.08117, -115.44796 — Map

A Red Rock Canyon classic, First Creek Canyon offers an experience that blends wide-open Mojave Desert scenery with a dramatic, narrow canyon filled with seasonal water, tight paths, and rugged sandstone walls. The approach begins with a gentle walk through creosote bushes (estimated at 11,700 years old) and open desert, with constant views of the towering Wilson massif ahead. As you follow the trail westward, the landscape slowly funnels you into the canyon, where cooler air, vegetation, and the sound of trickling water (in good seasons) create a stark contrast to the heat and quiet of the basin behind you.

First Creek Canyon is also one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in the entire Red Rock Canyon region. Over the years, coyotes have been spotted trotting across the desert floor as well as full packs howling into the wind from the canyon ridges. Small herds of burros and deer may be seen—sometimes as many as ten at once—moving quietly between pockets of vegetation. This canyon and the surrounding desert remain far more wildlife-rich than areas adjacent to the Scenic Loop. The steady flow of cars along the loop seems to push many animals deeper into quieter, more spacious corridors. For visitors hoping to encounter wildlife naturally, First Creek Canyon stands out as one of the best opportunities.

First Creek Canyon to Mt Wilson

First Creek Canyon is also the most direct and traditional access route to Mt. Wilson, the highest peak in Red Rock Canyon. From the canyon’s end—marked by seasonal streams—the real climb begins. Ascending north-west from this point leads you into a steep, rocky, boulder and brush-filled ascent that is entirely different from the casual entry.

The route to Mt. Wilson is long, demanding, and involves substantial elevation gain, loose rock, and occasional route-finding challenges. Once you leave the canyon floor, there are stretches where the path becomes faint, and the terrain—steep sandstone slabs, gravel-covered ledges, and layered limestone—requires careful footing. The summit rewards you with staggering panoramic views of Las Vegas, the La Madre Range, the Rainbow Wilderness, and distant desert valleys stretching toward Pahrump.

Hiking Mt. Wilson from the First Creek trailhead is an all-day endeavor. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE this journey. The round trip can easily exceed 8 miles with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain depending on your exact route. If you plan to make the summit, start early to avoid heat and darkness. Ensure ample daylight, and give yourself enough margin for navigation. The reward is immense, but so is the effort.