Nevada is located between Utah, California, Idaho, and Colorado. Las Vegas is the first association with Nevada. One of the most unusual and attractive places on the planet, it was built in the middle of the desert. Thanks to the vision and business sense of some people, the investment of effort and money in the construction of that Megapolis gave a superb result. Now, LV is a self-sustaining organism that brings enormous profits to the economy of Nevada and the entire economy of the USA.
Life in Las Vegas is specific because of the large flow of tourists, various types of jobs that are not found in other cities, and the constant urban tension, which cannot be avoided.
Many neighborhoods and suburbs live peacefully and do not have the pressure of a big city, but, in general, everyone is aware of the importance of outdoor activities in Las Vegas.
Residents are known for exercising all available recreation in nature. This is what fills people with vitality and restores energy.
It is also not enough for tourists to visit the city, restaurants, clubs, and casinos. Most of them curiously venture into various types of acquaintances around Las Vegas.
Parks and Nature Reserves
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area—This impressive creation of nature is the closest to LV of all the reserves. It is located in the Mojave Desert, 17 miles west of Las Vegas. It takes about 30 minutes to drive there.
This authentic place from the Jurassic era will transport you to a time when nothing disturbed the rule of nature. Native Americans walked these paths and built their civilization.
Even today, tourists who visit LV, lovers of nature and history, must plan a trip to this fascinating place.
If you don’t have much time, you can drive through the park for 13 miles and visit it in 1-2 hours. If you have set aside a day for this adventure, you can tour by hiking, riding horses, or mountain biking.
The most famous parts of Red Rock Canyon are High Point Overlook, Red Rock Overlook, Turtle Peak, Petroglyphs Trail, and Calico 1&2. Many trails lead to incredible places over and under red sedimentary rocks, whose photos are known around the world.
Behind every rock, there is a new, unforgettable view. This is one of the most visited outdoor adventures in Las Vegas.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
This park is located 15.2 miles west of Las Vegas, on the southern border with California. It was established in 1973 as an important historical and naturalistic resource. It allows a walk through Nevada’s early history. It is registered in the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest buildings in this area are the blacksmith shop and Sandstone Cabin, which dates from 1806. The park is located at an elevation of 3,727 ft.
Due to its altitude, this area is extremely rich in desert and woodland plants: desert marigold, Joshua tree, Mojave yucca, and Black brush. The animal world is characteristic of the desert, but some species are nocturnal, so you will not meet them. Lizards, snakes, squirrels, scorpions, coyotes, jackrabbits, badgers, mule deer, and bighorn sheep live at higher altitudes.
The most famous trails are the Ash Grove Trail, Sandstone Trail, and The Overlook Trail. It is wonderful to visit, sit, picnic, and study the plant and animal world here. There are guided tours, Living History programs, and a Super Summer Theater. Of course, it is mandatory to respect the rules on movement and stay for the sake of general safety and preservation of this historical core.
Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs
Las Vegas adventures also include visiting this attractive complex. It is located in Tule Springs and has existed since 1900. Old buildings are still present on its territory.
Now it is a wonderful place with plenty of water, where you can enjoy all water sports (kayaking, swimming, tubing, paddle boarding. Rainbow Trout and Channel Catfish are best for fishing (you must have a permit). Volleyball, walking, jogging, horse trails, mountain and BMX trails are arranged. Picnic areas and barbecue grills have all the necessary equipment. Enjoy the surrounding wildlife and historic places.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Hiking and biking are the most common activities around Las Vegas. Rent bikes or trust your legs and fitness, and a whole new world opens up before you.
Mount Charleston can never get boring because it is nature in its raw form. It always has to offer additional beauty and experience, but going there must include all safety measures.
This national recreation area has more than 60 miles of groomed trails that lead through different landscapes. Many start at 6000 ft and end at 11,916ft. You should go here fit, equipped with water and food, and appropriately dressed. Bikers must carry their spare parts and equipment.
Dehydration, intense sunlight, heat, and sudden weather events can endanger health and life.
Each trail has a detailed description and difficulty level. It is also necessary to follow the weather forecast and official notices about currently open or closed trails.
When you embark on this adventure, you will be greeted by scenic views you cannot imagine. Impressive peaks, forests, rocky and dirt paths, ascents and steep descents, and a gentle walk through gentler landscapes, you will see and experience a lot.
The River Mountains Loop Trail offers an exceptionally beautiful bike ride. All parts allowed for biking are asphalted, and access to motorized vehicles is prohibited.
The trail leads through a fantastic combination of meadows covered with aromatic desert plants and climbs and curves through the mountainous part.
It is 16 miles long in one direction and 34 miles in total. It climbs to a height of 750 ft and is rated as EASY. Along the trail are self-service bike repair stations, toilet pits, and trash/litter receptacles.
Driving through these areas is a total reset for the mind and body, so this track is very busy.
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is located near Henderson, a suburb of Las Vegas. In 2002, it was decided to declare it a protected area so that future generations could learn about this exceptional natural zone.
The volcanic origin of this Canyon is evident due to the visible deposits of lava, ash, and glassy zones.
There are also petroglyphs here, an exceptional cultural treasure that testifies to the periods Nevada went through with the Natives who engraved them.
Visitors and explorers are welcome but warned about summer heat, snakes, and fire safety. There are also recommendations for carrying water and food.
Water Activities
Considering the dry desert climate and sunny weather for most of the year, what could be better than being close to the water? Lake Mead is an artificial lake built over by the Hoover Dam. Nevada and Arizona share it.
This complex is constantly open and available to visitors. At the entrance, you can get information from tourist workers and rangers and brochures from the Visitor’s Center, devising a plan for enjoying this incredible area.
Along with camping, hiking, horseback riding, scenic driving, and biking, one of the primary enjoyments is on the water. Everything is available and tempting: swimming, fishing, scuba diving, boating, paddleboarding, water skiing, and canoeing. You can try a little bit of everything. Paddling on calm water is an absolute delight. Time spent at Lake Mead will refresh and invigorate you, so you’ll want to keep coming back.
Lake Las Vegas is a residential area of Henderson that looks more like a resort than a place to live. Luxury houses have direct access to the lake, but public access is prohibited. Water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking can be enjoyed in the aqua park or rental boat, but mass tourist visits are not represented here. There are several areas from where you can observe the lake or use it if you are a guest of one of the hotels.
Gardens and Arboretums
The monumental Hotel Bellagio complex comprises several imposing parts: large hotel buildings, a lake with a fountain in front of the hotel, a Spa Tower, and a Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The entrance is free, and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to visit this wonderful place.
The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens resemble a fairy tale. A huge team of designers, botanists, artists, engineers, and horticulture workers is united in designing and arranging incredible arrangements of various themes.
Fabulous floral combinations form different shapes depending on the current concept. The colors, smells, and shapes will take you to Wonderland.
The exhibition settings are changed five times yearly for each season and the Lunar New Year. The inspirations are different and unreal, and the effort to shape them is hard to describe. This place is located in the heart of Las Vegas, and inside there are restaurants, bars, and shops. It is open 24 hours.
Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden The cactus garden is located in the chocolate factory courtyard and is named after Frank’s wife. C. Mars. The factory and the Cactus garden are open to the public and located in Henderson.
While eating fantastic hand-crafted chocolates, you will visit this three-acre garden, full of the most diverse types of cacti. Truffles, nut clusters, and other exotic fillings with passion fruit, prickly pear, and others will forever remind you of cacti. An unusual combination, isn’t it?
Pet-Friendly Outdoor Activities
Las Vegas is home to several well-maintained dog parks and scenic trails that welcome pets of all sizes.
- Barkin’ Basin Dog Park: Located in the northwest part of the city, this park features separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, and plenty of shaded spots for pet owners.
- Desert Breeze Dog Park: Located within Desert Breeze Park, this dog park offers ample space for dogs to run and play off-leash.
- Centennial Hills Dog Park: This dog park is ideal for active dogs, with its spacious grounds and dedicated play areas. The park is well-fenced and you will find water stations.
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: This area features several pet-friendly trails. The Calico Basin Trail is a popular choice.
- Mount Charleston: Just a short drive from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston offers cooler temperatures and a variety of hiking trails. The Mary Jane Falls Trail is a great option for those seeking a more challenging hike with their dog.
- Lone Mountain Park: This trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pet.
Sports and Recreation
Outdoor things to do in Las Vegas include sports such as golf, tennis, and pickleball. As a wealthy environment where everything is available and possible, Las Vegas and its neighborhoods and surroundings have fantastic golf, tennis, and pickleball courses. Of course, some are private and much more expensive, but there are also public ones.
Some are Las Vegas Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Club, Las Vegas National Golf Course, Lorenzi Park Tennis Courts, Darling Tennis Center, and Summerlin Tennis Court.
For pickleball, go to: West Flamingo Senior Center, Bill Briare Park, and Stone Bridge Park.
Seasonal Outdoor Events
Each season has its market and its offer. Registration is required to participate in the sale, and the variety of goods offered is always impressive.
The selection of various things is huge, including furniture, gifts, home decor, souvenirs, carpets, and fabrics. The market is held in Downtown LV and is always extremely well attended.
Various concerts, plays, food festivals, and street parties are also held outdoors.
Outdoor Fitness and Wellness
It is common to see a group at a yoga class in a park or out of town. Individuals also engage in their meditations and training without any hindrance.
Such activities have become regular in big cities, where people don’t have time to go out into nature all the time and want to train outside. It is the same in LV. There are organized groups where professional yoga trainers hold classes that you can join.
Wildlife Viewing Areas
If you enjoy observing fauna and birdwatching, you will find many places for your hobby near Las Vegas. All the listed reserves, nature parks, canyons, deserts, and mountains will not disappoint you with their wildlife inhabitants.
Clark County Wetland Parks, Calico Hills, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, and Red Rock Canyon are just a few of them.
Bring equipment, binoculars, cameras, and mobile phones, and be quiet so as not to disturb anyone in your habitat, especially birds and animals with young.
Enjoy unobtrusively and respect nature.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Activities
Any outdoor activity can turn into a disaster if you go into it without key information. Remember that natural conditions are ruthless and harsh, and must rely primarily on yourself. It’s necessary:
- know where you are going and what kind of territory it is
- inform relatives and friends where you are going and when you are coming back
- weather forecast
- wardrobe and shoes must be adequate
- bring enough food and water
- means against insects, spray against bears, antidote for snakes
- plasters, bandages, and disinfectant
Particular caution and preparation are recommended if you are going with children. Pets must be on a leash wherever you take them.
Conclusion
You can get acquainted with different Las Vegas, not only neon lights, bars, buffets, gambling, and hotels. A completely different face of this incredible city and its surroundings is in front of you. In a short time, you are in the wilderness, in the desert, on the mountain, in the canyon, surrounded by plants and animals that have been there for millions of years.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, take advantage of this primeval beauty of nature for various new knowledge and complete enjoyment. And if you decide this the place where you want to leave, don’t hesitate to contact Muscle Movers LLC Las Vegas and move without too much stress.