As new residents to Nevada wanting to take advantage of the great outdoors as much as possible before our first summer kicks off, we were eager to check out Red Rock Canyon. At only 25 miles from The Strip, we heard it was home to some of the best hiking spots in Las Vegas.
What we did not know, was that some of those hikes at Red Rock Canyon are only accessible through the Scenic Loop that requires timed reservations during the peak months of October 1 – May 31. (Oops.) So as we pulled up to the park entrance and saw reservations were sold out, we had to scramble to find something new. Luckily another trail with a unique and memorable name had caught my attention while I was perusing Strava for moderate hiking trails in Red Rock Canyon.
Enter: Wilson’s Pimple. That’s right. Who knew the red bumps you can’t get off your face fast enough make for a hike you can’t wait to return to?
With scenic desert views, terrain changes and not one but two (easy) creek crossings, you won’t be reaching for a pimple patch any time soon. Okay, enough acne puns. Keep reading for everything you need to know to make the most of your hike to Wilson’s Pimple in Red Rock Canyon.
Hike Details
Trail Difficulty
Wilson’s Pimple offers a moderately difficult hike with rocky and sandy terrain. There is one steep section as you climb towards the “pimple” early in the hike if you approach it from the south – or going clockwise on the keyhole loop. Enjoy moderate rolling hills as you round the hill.
Elevation gain: 443 ft
Max Elevation: 4,145ft
Trail Length
This round trip hike to Wilson’s Pimple spans just over 4 miles, typically taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete depending on how many times you stop to take in the scenery.
You can also follow the South Oak Creek Trail as an out and back to and from the “pimple” for easy navigation which will run you just under 5 miles.
Gear and Equipment
There are areas with substantial rocks and uneven terrain and hiking shoes or sturdy trail running shoes are a must. My husband and I both wore our trusty Brooks Cascadia trail running shoes and were comfortable but also probably could have benefited from the additional ankle support of a true hiking shoe.
As the trail narrows and rounds to the north, the spiky desert plants start to close in. Give your legs an added layer of protection from both the plants and the sun with long, breathable pants.
There is minimal shade so be sure to bring protective clothing, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and a fully charged cellphone are essential.
Trailhead Access/Parking
Access the trailhead by driving to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and following signs past Calico Basin. If you’re coming from Las Vegas, you’ll pass the official park entrance and head 1.5mi down Charleston Blvd to the South Oak Creek Canyon Trail. Limited parking is available, so plan to arrive early.
- Google Maps directions
- Apple Maps directions
- Trailhead Coordinates: 36.089579, -115.449227
Navigating the trail
While the trail is gorgeous and one I highly recommend, there are several sections of the trail that are poorly marked. Download the trail map on All Trails before you leave the house
This particular hike features a keyhole loop so you start and stop in the same location but have a nice wide loop so you can enjoy a variety of views on your hike. For this route, we took the South Oak Creek Trail out (2.4 miles) and followed a route on Strava back. I’m not sure if it had a name but it did not appear to be the Middle Oak Creek you’ll see on the trail map.
Trail features
Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of Red Rock Canyon and its unique red stone rock formations during your hike to Wilson’s Pimple. As you round the north side, you’ll come across a field of buckhorn cholla, a squiggly, coral-looking cactus that almost looks like it was planted by a desert landscaper. You’ll also encounter two small creek crossings, though I wouldn’t worry about getting too wet. The water was pretty low and the rocks easy to step across.
I’ve heard you may even see wild burros in the open fields though we didn’t see more than the occasional lizard scurrying across the trail.
FAQ: Hiking Wilson’s Pimple Red Rock Canyon
Do you need a reservation to hike Wilson’s Pimple at Red Rock Canyon?
No! Wilson’s Pimple and the surrounding trails are outside of the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive and free to the public.
Can you bring your dog hiking to Wilson’s Pimple?
Pets are allowed in the Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area and along trails. This trail is also an active horseback riding trail and can get pretty narrow so you may want to leave more reactive dogs at home. There are also areas with lots of small, gravely rocks that may irritate some dogs’ paws.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and they must never be left unattended – especially not in a vehicle as the temperature inside can rise to unsafe levels. As always, bring extra water for your dogs and pick up after your pet.
Do I have to pay to park at Wilson’s Pimple?
Parking is free but limited near the trailhead. It’s recommended to get an early start to ensure you find
Is there cell service while hiking Wilson’s Pimple in Red Rock Canyon?
Cell service is spotty and unreliable, regardless of your provider. Download the map for offline use on All Trails or Strava before leaving home for easier navigation.
When is the best time of year to hike Wilson’s Pimple?
October through April generally offer more comfortable hiking conditions, with cooler temperatures and lower chances of extreme heat.
However, if you’re going in spring, closely monitor weather conditions as many of the best hiking trails are also prone to flash flooding.
If this doesn’t sound like the trail for you, no worries! There’s plenty more ways to enjoy Red Rock Canyon. Find all the hiking trails in Red Rock Canyon here.
Thanks for stopping by.
Stick around to stay up to date with the practical health and wellness for the consciously busy woman.
