01
Best overall pick
Amargosa River Trail
South Of Shoshone Along The River Corridor • Desert Riparian Out-And-Back • Local Favorite For An Easy Wander
A mellow river-side path that shows off the rare, green side of the desert with big-sky views and quiet birdlife.
Starting just outside town, this trail follows the Amargosa River as it snakes through low canyon walls and cottonwood pockets, making it a standout choice when everything else feels bone-dry. Footing is mostly gentle sand and dirt, but expect a few slightly rougher patches and the possibility of muddy spots after rare storms. Go early or late in the day for the best light on the canyon walls and a better chance of spotting wildlife.
02
Best history-and-views combo
Dublin Gulch Cave Homes and Dublin Hills
North Edge Of Shoshone • Short Historic Ramble With Hilltop Detours • Best For Curious First-Time Visitors
An easy stroll past old cave dwellings that quickly turns into a fun scramble onto low hills with wide-open valley views.
This route starts near the famous Dublin Gulch cave homes, where early miners carved their dwellings into the soft hillsides, and then continues onto informal paths climbing the surrounding ridges. It is a great way to stretch your legs after a long drive while getting a feel for the community’s mining past. The climbs are brief but steep in places, so sturdy shoes and a bit of balance go a long way.
03
Best in-town walk
Shoshone Historic Loop
In And Around Central Shoshone • Gentle Interpretive Loop • Best For Relaxed Walkers And History Buffs
A low-key walking circuit linking the old cemetery, historic sites, and desert edges right from the middle of town.
If you want something more like a walk than a hike, this loop is the easiest way to explore Shoshone on foot while still feeling the desert close at hand. The route typically passes the old cemetery and a handful of interpretive markers, mixing town history with open-sky views and a few short sandy stretches. It is ideal for stretching your legs at sunrise or sunset without committing to a longer backcountry outing.
04
Best tough peak day
Pahrump Point Trail
Along Ca-178 Between Shoshone And Pahrump • Strenuous Desert Summit Route • Best For Experienced Peak-Baggers
A demanding climb up a rugged ridge to a big summit that feels wild, remote, and far from the highway below.
Pahrump Point is a serious undertaking, with faint use trails, loose rock, and sustained elevation gain that will test your legs and route-finding. In return, you get sweeping views across the Amargosa Valley and into the muted mountains of the eastern Mojave, plus the satisfaction of tagging a summit few visitors ever see up close. Start at first light, carry more water than you think you need, and skip this one entirely in hot weather.
05
Best half-day adventure
China Ranch Date Farm and Amargosa Canyon Trails
Near Tecopa, A Short Drive From Shoshone • Canyon And Oasis Network Of Paths • Best For Varied Terrain In One Stop
A surprising mix of lush date groves, tight canyon walls, and wide desert views linked by informal but well-trodden paths.
Just down the road near Tecopa, China Ranch makes a perfect base for wandering into the lower Amargosa Canyon, with options ranging from easy riverbank rambles to longer explorations of side canyons and benches. The contrast between the green date oasis and the stark badlands-ridge backdrop makes this area especially photogenic. Plan to linger after your hike for a snack and extra water before heading back toward Shoshone.