Wilson's Pimple Trail

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Gas: Chevron & Terribles
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Common Questions

Distance:: 2.07 miles
Class:: Class 1
Dogs:: Ok
Route Style:: out & back
Trail Condition:: Primitive
Tags:: family friendly, shade, summit
Difficulty:: Easy
Parking:: Directly off of the highway.
Restrooms:: No
Reception:: Probable—better than most areas.
Access:: From the South Oak Creek trailhead.
Good to Know:: You'll find little to no other hikers on this journey.
Why:: Gorgeous and very diverse terrain with unique views of the surrounding areas.
Wildlife Probability:: Low to medium potential
Trailhead coordinates:: 36.08949, -115.44923 — Map

The Wilsons Pimple Trail is a great hike with a questionable name—and it’s also unmaintained, which adds to its rugged character. The trail gets its name from neighboring Mt. Wilson, a near all-day, highly strenuous ascent to a massive peak. Wilsons Pimple is more of a mound by comparison, but the summit views are impressive.

From the top of the trail, hikers can look out toward Blue Diamond, and in the opposite direction see sweeping views up SR-159. One of the strengths of the Wilsons Pimple is its ecological diversity. The route transitions from fully exposed desert terrain into shady, nearly enclosed pathways as you move through South Oak Creek.

Along the way, this trail crosses seasonal streams and winds into dense vegetation on the backside of the mountain. It’s an unexpectedly lush and peaceful stretch of Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas—an ideal place to pause, hydrate, and appreciate the contrast in habitats.

Due to the dense vegetation, shaded areas, and other diverse sections, there's really no telling what type of wildlife may be attracted. There's places to hide. Places to dodge sun exposure. And water is nearby. Be on the lookout for burros, deer, coyotes, and an array of other wildlife. Wilson's Pimple may sound funny, but it's anything but.

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