Las Vegas area recreation
Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge
A popular location for photographers and city folks alike, Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge features unique plants, endangered pupfish, nature trails and picnic areas just outside Pahrump. Visitors can check out migrating birds in the fall and take a dip in the Crystal Reservoir during warmer months. More info
Brian Head Resort
Located a mere three and a half hours away from Las Vegas, you'll feel like you're a million miles away. The abundant greenery, lava flow formations and numerous lakes bring you into an entirely different world. During the winter, visitors can come here and ski without worrying about long lift lines. For a cool, crisp escape from the city, Brian Head Resort offers the ultimate seclusion. More info
Bryce Canyon
Located in Utah, approximately 270 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the gorgeous Bryce Canyon National Park offers amazing views of vibrantly-colored rock formations as well as a diversity of trees, flowers and wild animals. Bryce Canyon is made up of 50 million to 60-million-year-old rocks, including limestone, sandstone and mudstone. Visitors can enjoy 50 miles of hiking trails for all fitness levels. More info
Cedar Breaks Nat. Monument
Located in between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument sits at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Visitors can marvel in the beautiful red shades of the sandstone cliffs. You'll also catch views of wildflowers, green meadows, lakes and an abundance of trees. If you're looking for a change of scenery, then this place is for you. More info
Death Valley Nat. Park
The Death Valley Nat. Park is known for more than just heat. It features the Racetrack, an oval-shaped dry lake bed that has its famous rolling stones -- after a rain, winds blow the stones hard enough to fall off the cliff. The Ubehebe Crater (once a hangout for the infamous killer Charles Manson) measures an astounding 800 feet deep and a half-mile long. More info
Fiesta Rancho Ice Arena
Hockey fans, rejoice! The 31,000-square-foot Fiesta Rancho Ice Arena houses up to 500 people during hockey games and events. Free ice skating is available, but be prepared for a full house. Skate rentals are available. More info
Floyd Lamb State Park
Named after the former state Sen. Floyd Lamb, visitors can escape the city hype and sit amongst ponds, scenic paths and picnic areas at Floyd Lamb State Park, located in northwest Las Vegas. Many will be surprised by this attraction's history -- in the late 1920s, the Tule Springs Ranch inside this park served as a dude ranch for prospective divorcees. It also served as a cattle and vegetable ranch. Visitors can plan a fishing trip here as well. More info
Grand Canyon
Located 300 miles southeast of Las Vegas, the world-famous Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views of its towering, colorful cliffs and the ultimate escape from the city life. This well-known landmark measures one mile deep and almost 280 miles long. More info
Grapevine Canyon near Laughlin
Located in the Newberry Mountains between Searchlight and Laughlin, visitors venturing to Grapevine Canyon can witness ancient petroglyphs left by early Native Americans. For a little humor on your day trip, make sure to check out Christmas Tree Pass, where you'll see trees decorated with beer cans, plastic jugs and unmentionables. More info
Hot Springs
Want the Jacuzzi experience, but don't want to skip out on the nature scene? Believe it or not, Nevada is home to approximately 300 hot springs. More info
Lake Mead
Considered the largest man-made lake in the United States, Lake Mead is a short drive from Las Vegas. Visitors can swim, jet ski, sunbathe and relax at this attraction. Hoover Dam is also right next door. More info
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort
Skiing and snowboarding in Las Vegas? Yes, it is indeed possible. Located at Mount Charleston, the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is only a 45-minute drive from the city. Enjoy 30 acres of snowboarding terrain and beautiful scenery close to the glamorous city. More info
Mount Charleston
Popular for its crisp, fresh breezes and various hiking trails, Mount Charleston is only a short trip away from the Strip. Part of the Spring Mountain Range, Mount Charleston rises as high as 12,000 feet in elevation. Wildflowers, waterfalls and a variety of trees can be seen here. For a quick getaway from the city, cabins and campsites are also available. More info
Red Rock Canyon
Located only 15 miles west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon offers a quiet, secluded escape filled with greenery, unique plants, petroglyphs, wild animals and much more. More info
Red Rock Climbing Center
If you're seeking the thrill of rock climbing but aren't quite ready to take on the outdoors, then the Red Rock Climbing Center is for you. This facility features more than 9,000 square feet of climbing space. More info
Spring Mountain Ranch
Inside the Red Rock Canyon, the 520-acre Spring Mountain Ranch is a perfect place to have a picnic. The sprawling green pastures, quietness and fresh air make it a pleasant area to relax and have lunch. Inside the ranch house, tour guides are available to walk visitors through and share remarkable history of former residents including Howard Hughes. More info
Valley of Fire
Don't forget your camera! Valley of Fire offers radiant views of its fiery red sandstone rock formations. Visitors can climb and explore the 35,000-acre park and capture close-up views of this spectacular wonder. Valley of Fire is located about 50 miles north of Las Vegas. More info
Zion National Park
For a one-of-a-kind scenic experience, visit Utah's Zion National Park, located two and a half hours away from Las Vegas. Here, you'll have the opportunity to see canyon walls as high as 3,000 feet as well as the 6,555-foot-high Watchman at the south entrance of the park. Zion National Park is home to nearly 800 native species (Mexican spotted owls, Zion snails and peregrine falcons, to name a few), wildflowers in the warmer months and rich, colorful autumn foliage. More info
