Outdoorsy Fun in Vegas You Can’t Miss
What comes in mind when you hear Las Vegas? It’s the high-rise hotels and glamorous nightlife! But did you know there’s a whole new world of outdoor fun waiting to be explored? So grab your gear and your comfortable shoes- We’re going to Las Vegas! There is so much to do in Las Vegas than you could possibly imagine. With lots of attractions and probably so little time, you are probably wondering where to begin. Here are a few outdoorsy fun activities you might love during your visit.
Hiking Mount Charleston
There are many hiking destinations in Vegas, and the best places entirely depend on the season. In summer, you can head over to Mount Charleston to relieve yourself of the heat. The mountain can be up to 20 degrees cooler than in downtown Las Vegas. In winter, the mountain gets snow. So you and your family can go skiing at the ski resort. During summer, you can hike on the 6 mile Raintree Trail, which is forested all the way. One of the main attractions in this trail is an enormous 3000-year-old bristlecone pine tree. Besides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, you will get a decent workout as the trail gains 1,100 feet.
Sky-Jumping off the Stratosphere Tower
If you and your loved one are adrenaline junkies, then you should visit the Stratosphere Tower. The three-legged 350m tower is the tallest structure in western USA. To get to the top, you will use the tower’s high-speed lifts, which take less than a minute. You can then enjoy the breathtaking views of the Strip, which has neon flashing lights at night. Then, you can now get into your jumpsuit, and after a quick safety lesson, you can step over the edge of the aerial platform to experience a controlled free-fall of more than 100 stories.
Kayaking the Colorado River
If you are in Vegas with your family, consider going to the Colorado River, which is only a 40-minute drive from the Strip. The river carves its way through the Grand Canyon and spills over Hoover Dam. You can tour the dam and go deep underground to have a close look at the enormous electricity generators. One of the local tour firms, which offer comprehensive tours along the river is Evolution Expeditions (www.evolutionexpeditions.com). You and your family get to paddle downstream through the canyon and stop for a hike to a natural desert hot springs.
Zip-lining in Bootleg Canyon
If you are searching for something fun and different to do off the Las Vegas Strip, you will love zip lining in Bootleg Canyon. Whether you are by yourself, a group, or with your loved one, this exciting outdoor activity will quench your thirst for thrilling adventures. You can book with Flightlinz Bootleg Canyon Zip-line Tours (www.flightlinezbootleg.com/zipline-tour/). Their tours include different zip lines with the longest one being close to half a mile. If you are more of a sunset person, they offer sunset tours from April to October. You do not want to miss this.
Fly a Helicopter Over the Grand Canyon
If you are with your loved one, consider taking a 45-minute helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. You can book this tour on www.viator.com. The ride begins at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and ends at the North Rim. Through the panoramic windows, you will see the mighty Colorado River and the world’s most towering ponderosa pines in Kaibab National Forest. You can also take photos of the Marble Canyon, Desert View Watchtower, Point Imperial, the Painted Desert, and so much more. You will also get to choose the departure time that suits your schedule.
Bike at Lake Mead
If you are the sporty kind, then you will love biking around Lake Mead. The River Mountain Loop Trail is a well-paved bike path that connects the towns of Henderson and Boulder City to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The trail circles the edge of the River Mountain with stunning views of the Las Vegas Valley and Lake Mead. If you are lucky, you might see a large population of bighorn sheep. Check out All Mountain Cyclery (www.allmountaincyclery.com) in Boulder City, if you need to rent a bike. They are one of the best bike shops in the area and are conveniently located close to the trail access point at Bootleg Canyon.
Race a Dune Buggy in the desert
While flying into Las Vegas, you will notice the numerous dunes surrounding the city. If you want to really get out and have fun in the desert, with the wind blowing your hair around as you bounce over the terrain, you should rent a dune buggy. Sun Buggy (www.sunbuggy.com/lasvegas), located near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, allows you to bring along your friends for the Mini Baja Chase, a 30-minute race over the sandy hills. This is something you would not want to miss.
