Bluffs Trail

Bluffs Trail is an unmaintained out-and-back from campsite 72 in Las Vegas Bay Campground to a rocky overlook above Las Vegas Wash. The mapped route is about 2.7 miles round trip; allow roughly two hours with time at the viewpoints. Published distances vary: one park listing says 3.9 miles, while detailed route directions and the mapped tread reach the Overlook at about 2.7. The longer figure’s turnaround is unclear. For a shorter walk, First Summit is about 2 miles round trip.

The dirt path starts between campsites 74 and 72 near the amphitheater. It follows the bluff above the green wash, crosses two smaller washes and passes broken ledges of hard conglomerate. About halfway, it bends south away from the water and crosses colorful mud slopes. The climbing is gentle until a steeper rise beside a dark volcanic outcrop. A junction lets you bypass First Summit; the mapped line visits it.

First Summit opens broad views toward the River Mountains, Las Vegas Wash, Lake Mead, Lava Butte and the Muddy Mountains. The trail drops into a low saddle, climbs to Second Summit, then follows a rocky ridge down to the final Overlook. From there, the ground falls steeply into Las Vegas Wash, with the Muddy Mountains beyond. Include some of the green wash below the rocky foreground to show the bluff’s height. The route is short enough to take your time, but watch your footing near the edge.

Along the wash, cottonwoods and willows stand out against the dry desert slopes. The contrast is part of the appeal, and the wash is a good place to look for birds. Water has also shaped the bluff: it cuts softer material from under the harder caprock, leaving slabs and blocks that can break away above the channel. Near First Summit, look for the small yellow flowers of Silverleaf Sunray in spring and summer.

Park by the campground restroom, then follow campground roads past the sites to the path entrance at 72. The campground is in the park fee area; accessible restrooms and water spigots are nearby, but there’s no water on the trail and no food at the trailhead. The path is not maintained, with loose rock and gravel, wash crossings and steep bluff edges. Heat is serious here, especially in summer, so start during cooler hours. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet.