The year-round dry climate of Las Vegas and surrounding areas maximizes time outdoors in the sun or under the stars. Clear skies, rugged landscapes and a buzzing city atmosphere allows for a wide array of activities to choose from. From The Strip to miles out, there is plenty to do in this area. Remember to pack sunscreen.
Camping
Kyle Canyon Campground in Toiyabe National Forest is a natural forest haven just 23 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Campers can mountain bike, hike, fish and enjoy time away from the city. The site is set alongside a picturesque creek that runs throughout the canyon. Kyle Canyon Campground has toilets, water and 25 camping slots that go fast, so reserving a few days in advance is highly recommended.
Mountain Biking
The term, "snake bite puncture," takes on a whole new meaning when you mountain bike in the desert. Red Rock Canyon is a mecca of single-track mountain biking just outside Las Vegas. There are 100 miles of single-track trails, many of which were originally blazed by wild horses. There are beginning up to advanced trails, all surrounded by stunning desert scenery and vegetation. If you don't have your own mountain bike, there are plenty of rental shops in Las Vegas.
Lake Mead
During the hot summer months, Lake Mead is a refreshing option in the Las Vegas area. Activities at this Colorado River reservoir include motor boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing and kayaking. Water activities aren't the thing only things to do; you can hike, cycle and camp around the lake. Who knows, you might even stumble upon a 10,000 year-old Native American arrowhead in the area.
Aquarium
The 1.6 salt-water gallon Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a popular attraction conveniently located right in the Vegas Strip. The aquarium is stocked with more than 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, piranhas and crocodiles. And this is not all--if you are a certified diver and a guest at the Mandalay Bay, you can pay to dive in the aquarium.
Walking And Jogging
You won't have to sit by a pool to soak up some rays. The Las Vegas Running Club sponsors an annual Come Run in the Sun 10k or 1-mile walk every year in or around May. The race starts at 7 a.m., so it won't be too hot yet to run. It is a good way to meet other runners of varying levels, see some of the city and get in a good work-out. If you are a more advanced runner, the Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon takes place every December, when tens of thousands of runners compete.
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