Anthem East Trail

A pretty good trail. I found this one while running around the Anthem area a few times and trying to see where I could get some trail running in. I like that it does have a paved path complete with scenic views and benches, but that it also forks off into different directions for the avid hiker, biker, runner, etc. I love the views and have run through this during the rain and on a nice sunny day. It has undergone some changes, including an enhanced parking area (took months to finish) close to the school, or you can still park at the the parking lot for the baseball field and playground.
Also, if you’re so inclined, it does have some areas where you could do some hill repeats for running, or even some pretty good inclines and declines. I use these to help with my trail running, but also for some good exercise. Definitely a great, hidden gem that is close enough to my side of town that I can work out in this area at least twice a week.

Wow wow WOW this place is a hidden gem considering it took me two & a half years to find it! It has everything I could want in a park like long, uphill jogging trails, AMAZING views (bring your camera!), and the freshest air in the city … Oh yea, and free parking =D

Super easy trails and a great way to work off some Mole Fries from Taco Y Taco.
If you’re thinking about hiking as an outdoors hobby or form of exercise, this is a great place to start. Anthem East Trails has very manageable inclines that you can bike, walk, or even use for horseback riding. Which I thought this was pretty unsual considering this hiking spot is in the suburbs.
PRO TIP:
Bring water and lookout for Rattle Snakes. I noticed multiple signs warning hikers of these scaly and deadly noise makers.

I love trails that are easy to get to and seem like Vegas is so far away. A great bit of nature in our own backyard! This trail is about 7 miles one way. It has some steep hills so be prepared to get a workout and be sure to bring your hydration pack in the summer, I don’t recall any water stops or shade from the sun. It does have a beautiful view of the city and friendly trail runners. If you are not physically fit, I recommend that you turn around at the end of the pavement. My super fit sweetie did this trail with ease and didn’t break a sweat. We went up Black Mountain a few weeks ago; it had a steady incline almost the entire trail. This trail was small inclines with a few very steep ones that could cause injury if you are not careful going up or down. There is nothing to hold onto except for another person!
Be careful and have fun!
Enjoy.

I have used this trail twice as the gateway for hiking. I have hiked to the peak of Black Mountain and today I used the trail as my gateway to hike to Park’s Peak, a shorter and less rigorous hike than the Black Mountain one.
The parking area could have been larger and I’m not sure if street parking is allowed. I was second in the lot this morning, so parking was not an issue and I saw several cars parked on the street. I looked for signs as I was leaving the area, but I saw none that were about parking.
I probably would rate this trail with more than 3 stars if I used more of it than just the short distance until you get to the Sloan Canyon NCA. Maybe I need to do more exploring in that area.

This weekend, I was set out to hike Sloan Canyon from Anthem Hills Park to the north side of Black Mountain. When I met up with the Anthem Hills traihead, I set out on a different adventure: Anthem East Trail.
Anthem East Trail is a seven mile half loop trail east of Anthem. It starts out as a paved, sinuous trail for approximately ¾ mile in Anthem Hills Park. When the trail travels through Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area the trail’s characteristics drastically change into a difficult to very difficult gravelly and rocky surface. The trail signs even state that it is very difficult. From my experience, it could be dangerous. One rocky stretch nearly took out my left leg and smart phone.
Anthem East trail is a great work out. I like to think I am in good shape. But the exhausting uphill climb between mile marker two and three gave me a beating. By the time I was recovering, the exhausting climb approaching mile marker 5 gave me another beating. I have never had a greater appreciation for water before in my life. So, I suggest bringing plenty of water. And hiking shoes. Exhausted, I stopped at mile marker five, and made my way back to Anthem Hills Park.
The beating that the uphill climbs gave my stamina was worth it. It was exercise– 11 miles round trip that burned 1,100 calories. The views of the Strip, Las Vegas Valley, and McCullough Mountain Range that I saw are magnificent. I was impressed by the nature that I saw. I saw lizards, squirrels, birds-​including a couple that look like turkeys (need a Field Guide), and bunny rabbits. For most of the trail, I was the lone hiker.
I recommend the Anthem East Trail to hikers prepared for a difficult hike. Please bring the following: sufficient water, sun screen, a cap, good sneakers, and a fully charged phone.
Happy and careful hiking.