Cat in the Hat Trail

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Common Questions

Distance:: .92 miles
Class:: Class 1
Dogs:: Ok
Route Style:: connector
Trail Condition:: Primitive
Tags:: exposed, mountain biking, remote feeling
Difficulty:: Easy
Parking:: Roadside pull-offs and informal parking areas along the SR-159 south side / Blue Diamond side are typically used for access to the Cowboy Trails network. Park legally, avoid blocking gates or shoulders, and expect conditions to vary.
Restrooms:: No
Reception:: No
Access:: Primitive desert trail network accessed from the Blue Diamond / SR-159 South side of Red Rock. Navigation is informal, intersections are not always obvious, and users should expect routefinding rather than trail marker access.
Good to Know:: This is a connector trail to a series of primitive/ unmaintained trails. Commonly used with Kibble-n-Bits and the Bunny trail.
Why:: Gateway to a unique area loaded with excellent mountain biking and hiking trails. Many of which provide extraordinary views of the surrounding areas.
Wildlife Probability:: Minimal
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.10105, -115.41680 — Map

Cat in the Hat Trail is a primitive route in Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas that moves through a fully exposed section of desert. Like most if not all areas of thereof, scenery is diverse. Expect new views, a narrow and direct trail coupled with medium vegetation in some areas.

This is not a maintained corridor with uniform terrain. Expect unmarked paths, few if any other hikers, and possible mountain bikers. Hikers comfortable with primitive routes will find the trail more interesting than difficult, but it is still best approached with careful attention.

One of the strengths of the Cat in the Hat Trail is how well it combines with nearby routes such as Bunny Trail and Kibbles n Bits. That makes it especially useful for hikers building custom loops through the broader Cowboy Trails-style terrain. The surrounding sandstone and desert textures give the route more visual interest than its mileage alone would suggest.

Because the trail is informal, conditions can change and the cleanest line is not always obvious at every fork. Carry enough water, expect sun exposure, and treat the route as a primitive outing rather than a sanctioned trek. In all, this is a crucial and reliable connector for hiking and mountain biking trails in Las Vegas.

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