Middle Oak Creek Trail

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Published: February 19, 2026

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Gas: Chevron & Terribles
Directions

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Common Questions

Distance:: 1.58 miles
Class:: Class 1
Dogs:: Ok
Route Style:: out & back
Trail Condition:: Maintained
Tags:: exposed, multiple trails combined
Difficulty:: Easy
Parking:: Off of the highway.
Restrooms:: No
Reception:: No
Access:: Via SR-159/ Red Rock Canyon Rd.
Good to Know:: Large groups of deer and burros are known to suddenly appear in this area. The desert region is not flat and will therefore enable animals to suddenly appear, then vanish.
Why:: A lesser traveled trail(s) with vast desert views that drastically change throughout the seasons.
Wildlife Probability:: High potential.
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.10207, -115.45006 — Map

Middle Oak Creek is one of those anomolous trails. The unassuming appearance is anything but indicative of what it offers. As is actually the case with Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in general and hiking trails in Las Vegas. Why do these trails change so drastically in terrain and appearance? One such reason is the entire 198,000 acre landscape is a crucial piece of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

And due to this unique microclimate of microclimates within one of the hottest places in the country, there's more rainfall here than surrounding areas. Rainfall, natural springs, and massive sandstone escarpments give way to a tremendously diverse collection of plants and animals. The Mojave Desert aside from any and all hiking trails is an exceptionally fascinating place.

In this ecologically dense area, comprised of Oak Creek, Arnight, Knoll, Middle Oak Creek, South Oak Creek, First Oak Creek, and an array of social trails, start and end—before and after—are vastly different. Middle Oak Creek begins as a spacious entry point and evolves in to an obscure funneling towards the Spring Mountains—ending at the mouth of a gargantuan canyon.

The journey to the end is largely clear with sporadic sections that are a bit vague. Eventually, the trail will collide with Oak Creek, then Knoll. Each of which provide access points to entirely different places. Hiking shoes are definitely advised here as the trail slowly transitions from a clear, dirt path to a trail littered with abundant rocks embedded in the walkway. Dense vegetation surrounds.

Middle Oak Creek possesses a high chance of spotting wildlife such as deer and burros—and not just one or two, but eight to ten traveling in a small herd. Come dusk, the towering mountains gobble up the sunlight, make conventional clouds look dramatic, and may even touch your soul, pulling you in to stay longer—into the desert night.

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