The Strip and the lively entertainment in Las Vegas are well-known, but nature lovers can find some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in the U.S. just a short drive away. There are a lot of things to do outside of Las Vegas that will help you get away from the city’s excitement for a while. You can hike, go to national parks, or just enjoy the beautiful views.
Hiking Near Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon is one of the best places to hike near Las Vegas. There are many beautiful natural areas around the city. The Strip is only 30 minutes away from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which has miles of trails that are easy to walk and more difficult to hike. Anyone who wants to get outside and breathe some fresh air will love the beautiful desert scenery, with its striking red sandstone formations. A lot of people hike the Calico Tanks Trail to get to a beautiful view. The Turtlehead Peak Trail is a harder hike that lets you see all around you.
Going to Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is the place to go if you want both adventure and peace. This area is great for more than just hiking. You can also rock climb, bike, and take pictures here. Driving through the canyon is a popular way for people to see the beautiful views without getting out of the car. Along the 13-mile route, there are many places to stop and look at the beautiful cliffs and colorful desert plants. The visitor center has maps and other information that make it easy to plan your trip.
Tours of the Dam at Hoover
Another great thing to do outside of Las Vegas is to visit the Hoover Dam, which is one of the most amazing engineering feats in the world. You can take guided tours of the Hoover Dam that teach you about its history, how it was built, and why it matters. It is about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The tours usually include a trip to the power plant, an observation deck, and even a walk across the dam itself, where you can see the Colorado River and Lake Mead. The Hoover Dam is a great place to go if you like history or just want to see a famous landmark.
National Parks Near Las Vegas
There are many national parks close to Las Vegas that are perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. One of the most popular parks is Zion National Park in Utah. There are tall cliffs, narrow canyons, and hiking trails like Angel’s Landing and The Narrows. Another great place to visit is Death Valley National Park. It has very dry desert landscapes, salt flats, and the Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in North America. You can drive to both parks from Las Vegas in just a few hours. They are a nice break from the city’s bright lights.
FAQ
1. What are some of the best hiking trails close to Las Vegas?
There are a lot of trails in Valley of Fire State Park. Two of the most popular ones are the Calico Tanks Trail and Turtlehead Peak in Red Rock Canyon.
2. How far is it from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon?
It’s only about 30 minutes to drive from the Las Vegas Strip to Red Rock Canyon, so it’s a great place to go for a quick outdoor break.
3. What is the Hoover Dam tour like?
A tour of the Hoover Dam will teach you a lot about the landmark’s history and how it was built. You can also go to the dam walk, the observation deck, and the power plant.
4. Are there any national parks near Las Vegas?
Yes, Zion National Park and Death Valley National Park are both only a few hours’ drive from Las Vegas. They both have great views and lots of fun things to do outside.
Featured Image
Images are by Canva.com