Can You Walk a Dog Off-Leash on Trails in Las Vegas?
If you’re planning to explore the trails around Las Vegas with your dog, it’s important to know the local rules before you head out. And the biggest one is this: dogs must be leashed on all public trails. While it might be tempting to let your pup roam free in the wide-open desert or through a quiet canyon path, off-leash hiking isn’t just discouraged — it’s illegal across most of the valley.
Las Vegas and surrounding areas fall under Clark County’s jurisdiction, which has strict leash laws in place to keep pets, wildlife, and people safe. And while some visitors assume remote or quiet trails might be fair game, local officials and park rangers do patrol these areas, and fines for leash violations are enforced year-round. Whether you’re hiking at Red Rock Canyon, taking a walk through Wetlands Park, or venturing into the Spring Mountains, leash up — every time.
Dogs Must Be Leashed on All Public Trails
In Las Vegas and the broader Clark County area, the law is clear: dogs must be kept on a physical leash no longer than six feet when in public spaces. That includes all city parks, hiking trails, walking paths, and even undeveloped areas that fall under public land management. The rule isn’t just a recommendation — it’s outlined in Clark County Code 10.36.040, and animal control or park rangers can and do issue citations to dog owners who break it. While you might spot an occasional off-leash dog on lesser-known trails, it doesn’t make it legal — and it definitely doesn’t make it safe. These leash rules are in place to reduce conflict between dogs, protect native wildlife, and prevent accidents. For pet owners, it also helps avoid injuries to your own dog from cacti, cliffs, or unexpected run-ins with snakes or coyotes. Even on trails that feel empty, that six-foot leash still needs to be clipped on.
No Off-Leash Trails in the Valley
Unlike some outdoor destinations that offer off-leash hiking zones or “voice-control” areas, Las Vegas has no trails where off-leash hiking is allowed — not even in the national or state parks. Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Sloan Canyon, Mount Charleston, and Valley of Fire all require dogs to be leashed at all times, no exceptions. It doesn’t matter how remote or quiet the trail is, or how well-trained your dog might be — off-leash hiking simply isn’t permitted under local or federal regulations. In fact, the more remote the trail, the more critical that leash becomes, since there’s often no cell signal, no nearby help, and no protection if your dog bolts or gets hurt. Some hikers figure they can take the risk on early mornings or weekdays when fewer people are around, but if a ranger sees your dog off-leash — or if another visitor reports it — you could be facing a fine or even be asked to leave the trail altogether. It’s just not worth the risk.
Where Off-Leash is Actually Allowed
If your dog needs off-leash time to burn energy or socialize, the good news is there are plenty of dedicated places for that around Las Vegas — you just won’t find them on trails. The city and surrounding communities maintain more than 30 fenced, off-leash dog parks where dogs can legally and safely run free. Some of the most popular include Dog Fancier’s Park near Sam Boyd Stadium, Barkin’ Basin in northwest Las Vegas, and the large dog area at Desert Breeze Park. These parks are purpose-built for off-leash fun, with secure fencing, double-gated entrances, separate zones for large and small dogs, shaded seating for owners, and in many cases, water fountains and agility equipment. Many locals use these parks to let their dogs run before heading to a leashed trail, so their pup is calmer during the hike. It’s a great way to give your dog freedom without breaking the rules or risking their safety.
Safety Is a Big Reason
One of the main reasons leash laws exist is because off-leash dogs can quickly get into dangerous or unpredictable situations — especially in the desert. Las Vegas hiking trails are surrounded by natural hazards like rattlesnakes, scorpions, cholla cactus, loose rock, steep cliffs, and even sudden flash floods in some areas. Coyotes and bobcats also roam many of the outskirts, and off-leash dogs can provoke or chase wildlife, creating a dangerous situation for everyone. Even if your dog is friendly, other hikers might not be comfortable being approached, especially if they have children, are afraid of dogs, or are hiking with leashed pets of their own. And if your dog gets injured or lost in the backcountry, the situation can quickly escalate into an emergency. Keeping your dog leashed is one of the easiest ways to prevent all of these problems and ensure that your outdoor adventure stays safe, fun, and stress-free for both of you.
