Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas

Believe it or not, you can kayak in one of the most beautiful, serene places only an hour outside of Las Vegas. With emerald green waters nestled inside of the Black Canyon, the Colorado River offers calm waters, natural hot springs, and unforgettable wildlife.

About an hour away from the strip is the stunning Valley of Fire. Covered in fiery Aztec sandstone, you can find 3,000 year old petroglyphs, natural arches and one-of-a-kind views here; you also have a high chance of seeing bighorn sheep roaming around. We highly recommend taking a guided hiking tour with someone who knows all the best spots and history of the area – our favorite is Vegas Adventure Club.

Red Rock Canyon is a fantastic hiking spot, loved by locals and visitors alike. About 30 minutes West of the Strip you’ll find a thirteen-mile scenic loop littered with trails. Go for the drive or stop by a trail where you can see anything from a Mars-like landscape, to petroglyphs, to views of the city, and even waterfalls if you visit at the right time.

You may need reservations depending on the season and you will need a vehicle. Cell service is rare here so Uber/Lyft isn’t an option.

While we have tons of desert landscape, we also have a good ol’ fashioned mountain. Mt. Charleston is just under an hour outside of the Strip and offers a plentiful amount of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. During wintertime this is where the locals go to play in the snow, including a ski resort at Lee Canyon.

Hot springs are already incredible on their own, now pair that with soaking in between canyon walls, a gorgeous hike to get there, and being right next to the picturesque Colroado River. You can jump on the five-mile trailhead (which is considered to be strenuous) to get there or you can boat there if that’s more your speed.

Go shoot a M249 SAW Machine Gun from a helicopter in the Mojave Desert. What else do we need to say?

Hit the desert with your crew on an ATV tour. Go off-trail with this unique experience and let the adrenaline rush. Zip through the trails of Las Vegas Dunes, stop at the top of a peak for envy-evoking photos, and even learn the history of the area on your way there.

One of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders, the Hoover Dam is a must visit and is only 45 minutes away from Las Vegas. Entrance is free with guided and self-guided tours available, but just being there looking down the dam will leave you filled with awe.

Often referred to as the “birthplace of Las Vegas,” Springs Reserve served as the first source of water thousands of years ago for the Native Americans living here; established on Nuwuvi, Southern Paiute, territory. The Springs Preserve is filled with 110 acres of native habitats and archaeological sites with 3.5 miles of trails, a peaceful botanical garden, galleries, and the Nevada State Museum.

Mountain biking is an extremely fun and unique way to explore the Las Vegas desert. Located in Blue Diamond, about 45 minutes from the Strip, you’ll find the Trek Rental Center. With its close proximity to Red Rock Canyon, the Blue Diamond trails, and Spring Mountain you’ll have plenty of scenic routes to choose from. Once you’re done, stop by the Cottonwood Station right next door for a celebratory ice-cold beer.