Things To Do In & Around Las Vegas

When you think about the best cities for outdoor activities, chances are Las Vegas doesn't come to mind. But look beyond the glamorous concerts, night clubs and casinos and you'll find such varied activities as water skiing, snowboarding and rock climbing in and around Las Vegas. The city is surrounded by several recreation areas offering places to hike, bike and experience nature.

Rock Climbing

Nevada's mountain areas provide great climbing opportunities. West of Las Vegas you'll find the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The canyon's Aztec sandstone rocks contain routes for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Because you may have to walk or hike significant distances to reach many of the routes, and because the desert heat can cause dehydration, climbers in Red Rock Canyon should bring plenty of water.

Water Sports

The Lake Mead reservoir on the Colorado River was created by the construction of the Hoover Dam, which began in 1931. The lake now serves as a recreation area for visitors from Las Vegas and beyond. Bring your own canoe or kayak to explore the hidden coves of the lake, or rent one from the Willow Beach Marina. You can also fish, boat or water ski on the lake.

Snow Sports

You may not think a desert city like Las Vegas can offer winter sports, but the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, more commonly known as Mount Charleston, is just a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas. With a peak of 11,916 feet, Mount Charleston is snow-capped at least half the year and gives visitors a chance to ski, snowboard or do some winter hiking. During warmer months, the mountain is a good place for rock climbing and mountain biking.

Nature

Established in 1935, Valley of Fire was Nevada's first state park. The red sandstone formations that give the park its name were formed 150 million years ago. The park is home to a number of plants and birds. For a nature experience closer to the city, consider Springs Preserve, a 180-acre facility dedicated to sustainable living. The preserve features walking trails and cactus, rose and food gardens.

Hiking

You can find good hiking at nearly all the parks in and around Las Vegas, including Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead and Mount Charleston. Red Rock offers a number of easy to moderate hikes, the most difficult being a five-mile trek to Turtlehead Peak. You can hike at a number of other wilderness areas throughout Clark County, including Black Canyon and the Muddy Mountains.