Like most people, you probably have no idea what Blue Diamond Nevada is.
People hear Nevada and think Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, or Burning Man.
Keep reading to learn all about Blue Diamond and the best hiking and camping in the area.
Let’s dig in!
About Blue Diamond, Nevada
The Blue Diamond Corporation purchased a nearby rare gypsum mine in 1923. The company opened a mining plant in 1941, and they built up a town around it, establishing Blue Diamond the following year.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, 350 people live in Blue Diamond. The hamlet is home to the Cottonwood Station Eatery with outdoor seating with scenic views and serves Nevada beers.
Blue Diamond was a company-owned town until 1965, but the mine is still operational.
Where Is Blue Diamond, Nevada?
Located 40 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Blue Diamond is a rural town at the base of the Spring Mountain Range. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 8.5 miles away, and Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is 4 miles away.
The town is an oasis from the surrounding Mojave Desert with cottonwoods, elms, and mesquite trees. All over town, residents and visitors have unobstructed views of the surrounding rocky, red-orange mountains.
There are several springs northwest of the town center. You’re in the middle of the desert, and then there are these patches of vegetation supported by life-giving springs. The springs include Wheeler Camp Spring, Mormon Green Springs, Lone Willow Spring, and Bonnie Springs.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check out these 9 Best Things To Do in The Mojave Desert after exploring Blue Diamond.
Is Blue Diamond, Nevada, a Good Place to Live?
Blue Diamond has excellent weather and access to outdoor recreation, including hiking and biking. It’s also conveniently located near Las Vegas. The rural setting makes it a quiet place to live and raise a family.
Like many small towns, Blue Diamond is home to parades and seasonal festivals. The central village park is home to pig roasts and horseshoe matches.
In 2020, the small village experienced a surge in visitors. Locals typically welcomed tourists but found themselves overwhelmed and felt their quiet place was being overrun.
What is Blue Diamond Hill?
Rising 4,931 feet, Blue Diamond Hill borders Red Rock Canyon. It’s the home of the Blue Diamond Gypsum Mine and 25 species of cactus. Developers have been eyeing the area for decades.
The first plan for the land was for a hydroelectric power plant. Of course, there were many concerns about the impact on the environment and surrounding scenery. The critically endangered Blue Diamond cholla is among the cactus that live on Blue Diamond Hill.
The project remains unbuilt, although Blue Diamond Power Partners is still trying to move it forward.
In addition, developers proposed a housing project on Blue Diamond Hill in 2002. But, conservationists and residents opposed the project. The developers faced years of lawsuits and barriers. However, in 2021, the county commission approved the permits to begin development.
Best Hikes Near Blue Diamond, Nevada
There are many hiking opportunities around Blue Diamond, but we narrowed it down to two. Both hikes are loop trails, and digital maps are available to help you stay on the correct paths.
Spring Mountain Ranch Loop
Located in Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, the Spring Mountain Ranch Loop is a 1.5-mile easy trail. The loop is a family-friendly nature walk with little to no shade that should take about 40 minutes to complete.
The trailhead is located inside the park and close to the Ranch House Visitor Center. Stop at the center for additional information about the park and walking path.
The address is 6375 Hwy. 159, Blue Diamond, NV 89004. There is a fee to enter the park. Call ahead for current times and entrance policies.
Landmine Loop
With 7.7 miles of rocky trails, the Landmine Loop is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The trail loops through Red Rock Canyon, but it’s accessible from the center of Blue Diamond. It’s unclear if you must pay a fee once inside Red Rock Canyon. We recommend you call ahead to find out.
Set aside 3.5 hours to complete the hike. There’s no shade, so plan accordingly. Keep an eye out for wild donkeys and a peace sign.
There are two places to pick up the trail. We like starting at the fire station on Mariah Way and Cottonwood Drive. Cottonwood becomes a dirt road, and a small section veers left then becomes Landmine Loop. After weaving through Red Rock, the path loops back to town. Use your favorite hiking app to make sure you start and end in the right areas.
Our trailhead recommendation is at the fire station on 28 Cottonwood Dr in Blue Diamond, NV 89004.
Pro Tip: Make sure to pack these 7 Best Hiking Snacks to stayed fueled up while hiking through Blue Diamond.
Best Camping Near Blue Diamond, Nevada
Red Rock Canyon Campground
Suppose you’re interested in a launching point for exploring Red Rock Canyon. In that case, you might want to consider Red Rock Canyon Campground. It has 71 gravel campsites with picnic tables, grills, and campfire circles.
The campground welcomes RVers and tent campers. There are zero hookups, so make sure to prepare yourself for dry camping. Campers have access to vault toilets, trash cans, and a limited potable water supply.
Red Rock Canyon Campground is 15 minutes from Blue Diamond and 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Its located on Moenkopi Road in Las Vegas. It’s hard to see signs for the campground, so turn towards the BLM fire station.
Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort
If you have a Class A RV and require more from your camping experience, you might want to check out the Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort.
The resort has 407 full hookup campsites with lux amenities and swaying palms. You don’t even have to take your trash to the dumpster; staff will come by your site and pick it up for you!
Enjoy time at one of five pools, or maybe just head to the clubhouse for a relaxing time at the tanning pool. There are also whirlpools, an onsite restaurant, tennis courts, putting greens, and a fitness area.
Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort is 18 minutes east of Blue Diamond and 22 minutes south of the strip. You can find the park at 8175 Arville Street in Las Vegas, Nevada 89139.
Is a Road Trip to Blue Diamond, Nevada, Worth It?
We think so! Not only can you get some hiking in, but you’re also close enough to hit the Las Vegas Strip if you need to.
What do you think? Are you adding Blue Diamond, Nevada, to your road trip?
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Driving through Blue Diamond is gorgeous, but how can you get a tour of the gypsum mine?