Late Night Trailhead

Mule train silhouettes mark the parking lot entrance to Late Night Trailhead along State Route 160.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

State Route 160/Pahrump Valley Highway, Las Vegas, NV 89123

Significance:

Mule trains, loaded with trade goods, crossed this mountain pass in the mid-1800s on their long journey between Los Angeles, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico along the Old Spanish Trail. Today, the 23,000-acre Cottonwood Valley Recreation area is home to 35 miles of designated trails, more than 600 species of plants, desert tortoise, and wild horses and burros.

Designation:

National Conservation Area

MANAGED BY:

Bureau of Land Management, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Amenities

5 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Restroom - Accessible, Trailhead

Mule trains, loaded with trade goods, crossed this mountain pass in the mid-1800s on their long journey between Los Angeles, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Though the going was rugged, the area’s streams and springs provided essential water sources to traders and livestock making the route passable. Today, visitors can experience a little bit of what this travel was like on the Old Spanish Trail as they hike, bike, and ride horseback through this picturesque, arid landscape. 

Late Night Trailhead provides access to dozens of miles of trails that crisscross the mountain pass offering options for short walks or longer, more strenuous hikes. A large parking area is located along State Route 160/Pahrump Valley Highway, 15 miles west of its intersection with I-15. The entrance is marked with a sign and large, metal mule trail silhouettes. Visitors will find a restroom at the trailhead, as well as wayside exhibits that relate the story of the Old Spanish Trail.

Located in the 23,000-acre Cottonwood Valley Recreation Area of Red Rock Canyon, this spot is home to 35 miles of designated trail, more than 600 species of plants, desert tortoise, and wild horses and burros. 

The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), who remind you to help protect the cultural and natural resources of the area. The BLM is the largest administrator of public lands in the West. It adheres to the policy of multiple use, thereby providing recreational opportunities, protection for cultural sites, and the management of natural resources, including wildlife.

Late Night is one of several trailheads providing access to this trail system. For more information visit: Red Rock Canyon NCA

Site Information

Location (State Route 160/Pahrump Valley Highway, Las Vegas, NV 89123)
Travel 15 miles west on State Route 160 from its intersection with I-15/Las Vegas Freeway to reach the parking area.

• Bring drinking water. There is no water at the trailhead.
• Visit at cooler times of day and year. Summertime temperatures regularly surpass 100˚ F.
• The area is pet friendly. Please clean up after your pets.
• Practice “Leave No Trace”

Safety Considerations

More Site Information

Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Duration:

2 minutes, 1 second

Located 40 minutes’ drive from Las Vegas, Nevada, the Late Night Trailhead offers hikers, bikers, and horseback riders access to dozens of miles of trail though Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The network of trails crisscross the picturesque, arid landscape along the corridor of the Old Spanish Trail offering numerous options for a short walk or longer, more strenuous trek.