Connect with the Great Outdoors: 8 Outdoor Activities to Do in Las Vegas
It’s official: we’re spending less time outside. According to research, over half of adults spend five hours or less in nature each week.
Our phones and mobile devices hold us hostage, keeping our attention with games and apps. Why spend time outside when we can experience the sounds and sights of nature through our phones?
Simply put, nature provides more than just something nice to look at. It reduces our anxiety and allows us to let go of daily stress.
Vegas is known for its nightlife and casinos, but it also has a lot to offer when it comes to the great outdoors. When you’re visiting the city, here are 8 outdoor activities to enjoy!
Explore Lake Mead
Think of this as a two-in-one outdoor activity. There’s Lake Mead, which is connected to the Colorado River, and Hoover Dam.
Start your adventure by visiting the Hoover Dam first. Take the tour to understand the complexity of the dam and all the effort it took to build it.
Then, explore Lake Mead either by driving or boating. If driving, be sure to check out the beaches and the marina where you can feed the fish and grab a bite to eat. Boating offers the most excitement as there’s plenty of hidden coves and caves to wander into. There’s also kayaking tours you can take.
Hike Mount Charleston
The highest mountain in all of Clark County, Mount Charleston sits just at 11,916 feet. For those who like excitement and thrills when outdoors, hiking here is definitely a must.
Hiking the trails aren’t without a little challenge. Those experienced will enjoy the Mount Charleston National Recreation trailhead, with a rating of “most difficult.”
Beginner hikers should explore Mahogany Grove. It’s a short trail with paved walkways but with beautiful views. You’ll see pine groves and the first campgrounds made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which dates back to 1930.
In the wintertime, Mount Charleston becomes a skier’s wonderland. The powdery snow piles up, creating the perfect cushion for snowboards and skis.
Golf at Angel Park
At an elevation of 3,000 feet, Angel Park Golf Club has views of both the Las Vegas valley and Red Rock Canyon. What makes this golf club so unique is that 36 holes were designed by legendary pro golfer Arnold Palmer. There are different courses you try your swing at, and some are floodlit for night play.
Not only is it a beautiful place to golf at, it’s also a wedding venue. Perfect for anyone looking for an outdoor wedding!
Jump Off the Stratosphere
Looking for more excitement than hiking, boating, and golfing? The Strat has what you’re looking for.
Their SkyJump attraction broke a world record by being the highest commercial decelerator descent. You leap from 855 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, descending at speeds of 40 MPH.
To make it even better, you can choose what part of the day to jump. Will you choose daytime, nighttime, or jump during a sunset?
Packages include a photo and/or video recording, documenting your awesome experience. There are no better bragging rights than saying you jumped from the Strat in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ride a Rollercoaster
You’ll find heart-stopping action over at New York-New York’s The Big Apple Coaster. It’s the world’s first coaster to feature a 180-degree “heartline” twist and dive maneuver.
To amp up the excitement, the ride now features a Virtual Reality option. Choose this and you’ll be handed VR goggles to wear on the ride, taking you on an adventure where you’ll defeat aliens and escape monsters.
Explore Red Rock Canyon
You can’t mention outdoor activities without listing Red Rock Canyon. It’s part of the Mojave Desert, featuring breathtaking red rock formations and open vistas.
There’s a lot of ways to explore Red Rock Canyon. You can hike, bike, or rock climb. No matter what you choose, you’ll enjoy the picturesque landscape.
At the visitor center, there are indoor and outdoor exhibits along with a live Desert Tortoise habitat. Going here first will lead you onto your journey. You can choose to head out for a scenic drive that stretches 13 miles through the canyon or hike one of the many trails.
When the weather is ideal, why not go camping there? There’s one developed campground named the Old Oak Creek Campground, located east of the visitor center.
Visit Clark County Wetlands Park
The best place to view all kinds of wildlife and vegetation is the Clark County Wetlands Park. There are numerous ponds filled with fish and turtles. Birds are also in abundance, along with different species of cacti, desert flora and fauna.
It’s a great area when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, it’ll make you feel like you’re in a different state! It’s quiet, calm, and you’ll walk away relaxed.
Zipline Down Bootleg Canyon
The zipline on Fremont Street has nothing on this experience. In between Sin City and Hoover Dam is where you’ll find Bootleg Canyon.
You wouldn’t think much of it, as there are only mountains but you can take in the views a different way—by ziplining. You’ll get picked up at the bottom of the mountain by a truck then take a short hike to the ziplines.
Once you arrive, you can zipline at speeds of 50 MPH on a series of ziplines. The longest zipline is half a mile!
Reconnect with Nature
Nowadays, we spend too much time with technology. It’s time to break up! Reconnect with nature by taking up one of these outdoor activities in Las Vegas.
Continue your quest to spend more time outside by checking out these day trips that are only an hour or two away from Vegas!
