Forget horror movies like “The Ruins” and the creepy fate that befalls travelers interested in exploring them. Ruins provide a glimpse into a colorful and oftentimes historic past; one that exemplifies Nevada. Take a look at these stunning hiking trails that lead into the past and to extraordinary ancient ruins and other historical markers. These hiking trails with ancient ruins in Nevada are some of our favorites, and might just become your new favorite outdoor adventures too.

1. Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail - Boulder City
Don Barrett/Flickr
Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA
Don Barrett/Flickr
This easy 8-mile round-trip hike provides a glimpse into the history of the Hoover Dam and its construction. This trail takes visitors through five different railroad tunnels, each of which is full of remnants of the past, including some ruins from arson fires. Visitors can see the remnants of old pioneer trails adjacent to the railroad beds. Learn more about what makes the Historic Railroad Tunnel trail such a unique Nevada activity.

Check out the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail near the Hoover Dam in Nevada in this video from That Adventure Life:
2. Sloan Canyon - Henderson
Ken Lund/Flickr
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Nawghaw Poa Rd, Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Next on our list of hiking trails with ruins in Nevada is Sloan Canyon. During this 5.5-mile loop, hikers can view spectacular rock formations and indigenous wildlife; however, the best part of this trail is the petroglyph gallery. Sloan Canyon has been called the Sistine Chapel of Native American rock art due to the many petroglyphs' size and significance. There are more than 300 rock art panels that contain an impressive 1,700 individual art elements that archaeologists believe were created by native indigenous cultures. Sloan Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most incredible natural wonders in Nevada.
3. Eldorado Canyon Trails - Nelson
Ken Lund/Flickr
Eldorado Canyon, Nevada 89046, USA
Paul Swansen/Flickr
The canyon is decorated with many trails taking hikers to such natural features as Keyhole Canyon and Stone Bridge. However, the hike to the abandoned Techatticup Mine immerses visitors in Nevada's gold rush history and offers several relics and artifacts to see. While you're there, you can even take a gold mine tour.

Exploring This Life takes us on the Eldorado Canyon Trail to see some historic sites in Nevada on this interesting hiking trail:
4. Pine Creek Canyon Trail - Red Rock Canyon
Tommie Guesman / AllTrails
Pine Creek Canyon, Nevada 89161, USA
Texas Dreaming/Flickr
Just 30 minutes west of the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon and the Pine Creek Canyon Trail. One of the area's scenic hikes is a three-quarter-mile round-trip jaunt to Lost Creek. Another trail takes hikers on a 2-mile round trip trek that leads guests to the ruins of an old home surrounded by Ponderosa pines. Learn more about this beautiful ancient forest in Nevada.
5. Ward Charcoal Ovens Historic State Park - Ward
Ken Lund/Flickr
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Trails to and from these amazing ovens await visitors in Ward. The charcoal ovens (measuring 30 feet high, 27 feet in diameter, with two-foot thick walls at the base) are two miles to the south of the town, and six of them are in excellent condition. Additionally, the smelter, mill foundations, and a cemetery remain in the town. Photographed above is the view looking up from inside one of the ovens. Learn more about what makes Ward Charcoal Oven State Park so unique.
6. Osceola Ditch Trail - Great Basin National Park
Paul Remmenga / AllTrails
Osceola Ditch Trail, Nevada 89311, USA
National Park Service/Wikimedia Commons
This 0.3-mile hike in Great Basin National Park wanders through the remnants of an 18-mile-long ditch built by miners in the 1880s as well as the remains of the town's cemetery and other mining artifacts and ruins.

Head out on the Osceola Ditch Trail with The Adventure Closet as they take some unique hikes in Nevada:

Nevada is a state filled with history and nature. Hiking is a popular pastime, and what better way to blend one’s love of both than by exploring one of these stunning trails to glimpse the past? What did you think of our list of hiking trails with ancient ruins in Nevada? Do you know of other trails that lead to fantastic ruins? We’d love to hear your thoughts – feel free to share your stories with a comment!

Nevada is a hiker’s paradise. For further proof, just take a look at the most beautiful hiking trails in Nevada. To keep up-to-date on all the latest hiking trail info, check out AllTrails+.

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hiking trails with ruins in Nevada

Beth C. | February 22, 2021

What are the most scenic trails in Nevada?

Some of the most scenic trails in Nevada include:

  • Black Mountain Trail, Henderson, NV
  • Hunter Creek Trail, Reno, NV
  • Mount Rose Trail, Incline Village, NV
  • Calico Tanks Trail, Las Vegas, NV
  • Mary Jane Falls Trail, Mount Charleston, NV
  • Marlette Lake Trail, Carson City, NV
  • Cathedral Gorge Trail, Panaca, NV
  • Railroad Tunnel Trail, Boulder City, NV
  • Wheeler Peak Trail, Great Basin National Park
  • Lamoille Lake Trail, Ruby Mountains

 

If you've never visited Nevada, one of the first things you'll realize is that this state is a nature lover's paradise. If you're looking to hike some of the most scenic trails, prepare to be dazzled by the neverending vistas, breathtaking canyons, and otherworldly landscapes. There are a number of trails in Nevada you simply must see to believe. Learn more about these bucket list trails in Nevada and why they are some of our favorites.

Which hikes in Nevada are kid-friendly?

Some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Nevada include:

  • Changing Canyon Trail, Lamoille, NV
  • Elephant Rock, Valley of Fire State Park
  • Floyd Lamb Tule Springs Park Trail, Las Vegas, NV
  • Cave Rock Trail, Glenbrook, NV
  • Little Falls Trail, Las Vegas, NV
  • Exploration Peak Trail, Las Vegas, NV
  • Mountain View Nature Trail, Grand Basin National Park

 

Nevada is home to countless epic trails, many of which require strong endurance and hours upon hours of outdoor time. Fortunately, there are plenty of hikes in Nevada suitable for even the youngest outdoor explorers. Learn more about a few of our favorite family-friendly hikes in Nevada.

Does Nevada have any natural wonders?

Yes! Nevada is positively brimming with natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. Some top natural wonders in Nevada that you absolutely must check out include:

 

Learn why we think these natural wonders in Nevada are pretty special in this featured article.

 

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