Escape the Casinos: Must-Try Things to Do Outside of Las Vegas This Year

Smoky casinos. Flashing lights. Pool parties. These images pop off the top of my head when thinking about Las Vegas. But the most exciting things lie just beyond the neon glow, hiding outside Las Vegas itself. My move to Vegas opened my eyes to an unexpected discovery – this area serves as every outdoor adventurer’s paradise!

The Strip’s escape into nature requires minimal effort. Valley of Fire State Park’s 40,000 acres of vibrant red sandstone formations sit less than an hour from the city. The stunning rocks transform the entire valley into what looks like an inferno during sunset! Red Rock Canyon stands just 40 minutes from Las Vegas. Its famous 13-mile scenic route makes visitors feel like they’ve landed on another planet. These outdoor activities near Las Vegas create perfect escapes that won’t consume your entire vacation time.

My friends’ weekend visits to Vegas have become EPIC thanks to these nearby outdoor spots. Lake Mead’s status as America’s largest reservoir makes it perfect for kayaking, while Red Rock Canyon offers excellent hiking and rock climbing opportunities. The possibilities to trade slot machines for sunshine and fresh air seem endless. Ready to explore? The best outdoor adventures await within an hour’s drive from the Strip!

Hiking Adventures Near Las Vegas

The desert around Las Vegas holds amazing hiking trails that stand in stark contrast to the Strip’s artificial wonders. A quick drive takes you to stunning geological formations, alpine forests, and ancient cultural sites that showcase Nevada’s natural beauty.

Top trails at Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area sits just 35 minutes west of Las Vegas. Its towering red sandstone peaks and 21-kilometer Scenic Drive connect to numerous trailheads. This outdoor playground has trails suited to every skill level, making it ideal for serious hikers and families who want a quick nature break.

The Calico Tanks Trail stands out as the conservation area’s most beloved hike with an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 8,600 AllTrails reviewers. This moderate 3.5-kilometer path takes you through sandy washes and rocky canyons to hidden water pockets with amazing Vegas views. Families with young kids will love the Petroglyph Wall Trail, an easy 0.3-kilometer walk to 800-year-old rock art near the Willow Springs Picnic Area.

Ready for a challenge? The Turtlehead Peak Trail gives you a serious workout with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain over its 5-mile round trip. Your efforts pay off with some of the most stunning panoramic views in the area.

These tips help you dodge the crowds at this popular spot:

• Get there early (before 9am) to find parking at your chosen trailhead
• Pick weekdays instead of weekends
• Try less-busy trails like First Creek or Kraft Mountain Loop

Mount Charleston’s alpine hikes

Mount Charleston creates a completely different hiking experience just 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. This alpine paradise rises above 3,600 meters and stays 10-20°F cooler than Las Vegas. It’s the perfect summer escape when desert trails become too hot.

Hikers can explore over 60 miles of well-kept trails. Most begin above 6,000 feet elevation, with some reaching the 11,916-foot Charleston Peak. The Mary Jane Falls Trail ranks among the most popular routes – a moderate 6.4-kilometer out-and-back journey to a seasonal waterfall in Kyle Canyon. Nature lovers should check out the Bristlecone Loop Trail to see ancient pines that have lived for thousands of years.

This area feels like stepping into another world despite being so close to Las Vegas. Its forest greenery, cool mountain air, and snow-dusted peaks transport you far from the desert below.

Sloan Canyon petroglyph trail

History buffs will love Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, which sits minutes from Las Vegas suburbs. This 48,438-acre conservation area’s crown jewel is the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site. It features more than 300 rock art panels with roughly 1,700 individual designs created by native cultures from Archaic to historic times.

The Petroglyph Canyon Trail (BLM 100) takes you on a 4.7-mile round-trip adventure to this remarkable outdoor gallery. Most of the hike follows an easy sandy wash, but you’ll need to scramble over several pour-overs just before reaching the main petroglyph area. The Cowboy Trail (BLM 200) offers an easier route that avoids these obstacles.

Proper etiquette matters when exploring these ancient treasures. Stay in the wash instead of climbing hillsides, never touch the petroglyphs, and respect this special place’s spiritual significance. This cultural site blends outdoor adventure with historical exploration perfectly – all a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip.

Water Activities and Kayaking Spots

The Las Vegas Strip’s rocky trails and dusty landscapes lead to crystal blue waters just minutes away. Lake Mead and the Colorado River give you a refreshing break from Nevada’s desert heat. These spots are among the best things to do outside of Las Vegas.

Kayak to Emerald Cove

Emerald Cave stands as a natural marvel along the Black Canyon National Water Trail. This spot ranks as a favorite day trip from Las Vegas among water lovers. Sunlight bounces off algae-covered walls and clear blue-green waters to create an enchanting green glow that gave the cave its name. You’ll find this hidden gem about an hour from Las Vegas, with a 4-mile round trip kayak ride from Willow Beach Marina.

Tour companies run guided trips that last 3-4 hours, and prices start at $99 per person. Your tour package comes with kayaks, paddles, life vests, snacks, and water to keep you going. The guides tell great stories about the canyon’s history, river surveys, and how they built Hoover Dam.

Book an early morning tour to get the most out of your trip. You’ll dodge the crowds at this popular spot and catch the cave’s emerald colors at their brightest. The water stays cool at about 55°F year-round, making it perfect to beat the summer heat.

Paddleboarding at Lake Mead

Lake Mead’s paddleboarding scene keeps growing, and I can see why after trying it myself. America’s largest reservoir gives you endless routes with calm waters that work great for beginners.

The lake’s crystal-clear emerald waters let you watch fish swim right under your board. Rental shops around the lake make getting equipment easy. Most places set everything up when you arrive—just park, sign your papers, and hit the water.

Your time on the water brings more than just paddling. Watch for amazing wildlife like:

• Great Blue Herons by the shore
• Red Eared Slider turtles in the water
• Big Horn Sheep might appear on nearby cliffs

New paddlers can take private lessons from pros who’ll teach you the basics while you explore this beautiful place.

Swimming at Willow Beach

Willow Beach gives you some of the cleanest swimming spots near Las Vegas. The Colorado River’s sandy and smooth rocky beaches sit in the stunning Black Canyon, surrounded by emerald-green waters, tall rocks, and lots of wildlife [33, 35].

The beach area comes with picnic tables and grills for a full day out. Swimming is popular, but remember there aren’t any lifeguards in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Keep close watch on kids and swim away from boat traffic.

Safety comes first at any Lake Mead spot. The National Park Service says wearing life jackets could prevent most water deaths in the area. Don’t try swimming across coves—they’re usually bigger than they look.

Sundays and Mondays bring a special touch to your swim. The water north of Willow Beach becomes a primitive zone where motor boats can’t go. These quiet days let you enjoy nature’s sounds without interruption.

Scenic Drives and Roadside Attractions

Las Vegas offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenic drives in the Southwest that you can enjoy from your car. These routes showcase the desert’s dramatic beauty without any strenuous hiking—a perfect option for anyone looking for things to do outside of Las Vegas with different mobility needs.

Valley of Fire scenic route

Valley of Fire State Park’s scenic byway sits just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The road stretches 23 miles through fiery red Aztec sandstone formations that look like they’re ablaze in sunlight. The Valley of Fire highway stretches east to west through the park and crosses the 5.5-mile White Domes Road, also known as Mouse’s Tank Road.

This mesmerizing route lets you see:

• Elephant Rock – a natural formation that looks just like an elephant
• Beehives – sandstone formations weathered to look like their namesake
• Seven Sisters – massive eroded rocks that provide perfect picnic spots in the shade
• Fire Canyon Overlook – sweeping views of jagged, reddish-brown rocks

The park shows its true colors shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the landscape glows—that’s how it got its name. Remember that summer temperatures are nowhere near bearable at over 100°F, so many trails close between May and September due to extreme heat.

Red Rock Canyon Loop Drive

Red Rock Canyon’s 13-mile one-way scenic drive sits just 40 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and takes you right into this conservation area’s heart. The paved loop shows off vibrant red rock ribbons running through mountains, unique rock formations, and local wildlife.

The drive has several viewpoints and trailheads, and Calico Hills stands out as the most visited stop. The one-way system means you’ll need to circle the entire loop if you miss your parking spot—take it slow and plan your stops.

You’ll need timed entry reservations from October through May, which cost $20 per vehicle or $10 for motorcycles. This system helps manage the park’s three million annual visitors. Early morning arrivals work best to avoid crowds at this popular day trip from Las Vegas.

Seven Magic Mountains photo stop

Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone created Seven Magic Mountains with seven towers of colorfully stacked boulders that reach over 30 feet high. This eye-catching art installation stands about 10 miles south of where Las Vegas Boulevard meets St. Rose Parkway.

Getting there is easy—take I-15 south to Sloan Road (exit 25), head east to Las Vegas Boulevard, then drive south for about 7 miles until you see the artwork on your left. Both parking and admission are completely free.

This burst of desert color ranks as one of the most popular outdoor activities in Las Vegas area. Photographers should arrive before 8:00 am to avoid crowds. The site doesn’t have restrooms or amenities, but its proximity to Las Vegas makes it an easy half-day trip.

Wildlife and Nature Exploration

The desert around Las Vegas might look empty, but it’s full of amazing wildlife and natural history ready to be found. Nature lovers and families can find some of the best things to do outside of Las Vegas in these natural hideaways.

Birdwatching at Henderson Preserve

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is a top spot for birdwatchers with its 140 acres and nine peaceful ponds linked by five miles of trails. KNPR’s 2024 awards named it the “Best Place to Birdwatch,” and this surprising haven is Southern Nevada’s third-largest water body. The preserve attracts more than 270 species of local and migrating birds year-round.

Different birds show up with each season. Winter and early spring bring various ducks like Northern Shoveler, Green Wing Teal, and the beautiful Wood Duck. You might catch Peregrine Falcons and Northern Harriers swooping over the water. American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts build their nests here during summer. The preserve lets you borrow binoculars if you didn’t pack yours.

Desert wildlife at Springs Preserve

The Springs Preserve sits just minutes from the Strip and is home to 250 species of native Nevada wildlife in natural and restored settings. My walks along the trails revealed ground squirrels, lizards, and various insects living their daily lives.

You’ll see these desert animals in the preserve’s live exhibits:

• Gila monsters and cottontail rabbits
• Various snake and lizard species
• A gray fox and other mammals

The preserve’s 15-acre desert tortoise area lets visitors meet Mojave Max, Nevada’s official “spokestortoise”. The Butterfly Habitat opens seasonally and lets you watch free-flying butterflies interact with their host plants.

Fossils at Tule Springs

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument takes you back to Ice Age Nevada. This site north of Las Vegas holds fossils from 200,000 to 3,000 years ago. Paleontologists called it “mammoth central” because they found so many prehistoric elephants here.

Scientists have found many extinct animals besides mammoths. The list includes American lions, camels, horses, ground sloths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats. Tule Springs stands out as the first National Park Service monument focused on Ice Age fossil preservation and research.

The site offers more than just ancient bones. Lucky visitors might spot the rare Las Vegas bearpoppy flowers that add color to the desert landscape. You can’t take anything home, but walks through desert washes might reveal old bones or plant prints in the sediment layers.

Adventure Sports and Outdoor Thrills

Las Vegas’s surrounding landscape offers heart-pounding thrills that match any casino excitement. Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will find unforgettable outdoor activities in Las Vegas that deliver pure adrenaline rushes.

Rock climbing at Red Rock

Red Rock Canyon stands out as Nevada’s top climbing spot with over 2,000 routes that range from easy 5.6 climbs to tough 5.12+ ascents. This world-class area showcases soft, sandstone faces and black patina plates that create solid holds similar to indoor climbing gyms. The climbing scene here started in the 1970s when pioneers like Joe Herbst first discovered these massive monoliths.

The area has both single-pitch sport routes and multi-pitch traditional climbs reaching up to 2,000 feet high. Climbers should know that wet sandstone becomes dangerous and brittle, so they should skip climbing during rainy weather.

Mountain biking in Bootleg Canyon

Bootleg Canyon sits about 45 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip in Boulder City. This rider’s paradise boasts 36+ miles of mountain biking trails. The International Mountain Bike Association recognized this stellar destination with their “Epic Ride” designation.

Beginners can enjoy the lower trails while expert riders tackle the challenging upper sections with intimidating names like “Armageddon,” “Reaper,” and “Kevorkian”. The notorious “Elevator Shaft” section drops at a steep 22% grade. Riders can hit the trails year-round, but spring and early fall bring the best conditions—summer heat often hits above 100 degrees.

Cliff jumping at Nelson’s Landing

Nelson’s Landing, an hour from Las Vegas, lets thrill-seekers plunge into the refreshing Colorado River waters. This popular destination features different jump heights, with the main cliff reaching an impressive 60 feet.

The excitement comes with responsibility—safety measures are crucial here. Four-wheel drive vehicles handle the rough terrain best, as many sedans end up stuck on the tougher sections. Early birds catch the best experience at this popular day trip from Las Vegas spot before the crowds arrive.

Family-Friendly Outdoor Experiences

Want to find family adventures that everyone from toddlers to grandparents will love? The Las Vegas area has many kid-friendly outdoor experiences that create lasting memories away from the Strip’s noise and crowds.

Horseback riding tours

The western experience comes alive with family-friendly horseback adventures near Las Vegas. Silver State’s birthday party trail rides through Rainbow Gardens Desert come with riding tutorials and great photo spots. These guided trips teach you the basics before heading out, which makes them perfect for beginners. Wild West Horseback Adventures creates magic with their sunset ride and dinner ($159.99) or morning ride with breakfast ($129.99).

Springs Preserve educational trails

Springs Preserve, known as “the birthplace of Las Vegas,” spreads across 110 acres with 3.5 miles of trails that wind through native habitats and archeological sites. The main Exploration Loop Trail has full pavement and wheelchair access, making it great for strollers and young walkers. Kids love exploring the Desert Tortoise Habitat, rare plants exhibit, and archeological dig sites. The 8-minute narrated trackless train ride from the trailhead to Boomtown 1905 is always a hit with children.

Easy nature walks and picnic spots

The Wetlands Park Nature Preserve Loop gives families a relaxed 2.1-mile paved path that passes several ponds and scenic overlooks. The short 0.2-mile Petroglyph Wall Trail leads to ancient rock carvings that fascinate young minds. Clark County Wetlands Park sits just 16 kilometers from central Las Vegas, making it a quick 20-minute drive for families.

Conclusion

Las Vegas has so much more to offer than gambling and nightlife. In this piece, we’ve learned about amazing natural wonders just minutes away from the Strip’s neon lights. Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Mount Charleston, and Lake Mead are perfect escapes for travelers who want fresh air and adventure instead of smoky casinos.

The sort of thing I love about these outdoor getaways is how easy they are to reach. You don’t need full days for your trips – many of these beautiful spots are just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas Boulevard. On top of that, it has something for every type of traveler, whatever their fitness level or outdoor experience.

Families can take easy nature walks and go horseback riding. Adrenaline junkies will get their fix from rock climbing or mountain biking. Nature lovers can spot unique desert wildlife. Photographers can capture stunning landscapes unlike anywhere else in America. Even if you like to explore from your car, scenic drives show off the Mojave Desert’s dramatic beauty.

I’ve guided friends around these natural wonders countless times and watched their view of Las Vegas completely change. They come expecting only casinos but leave with memories of fiery red rock formations, emerald cave waters, and alpine mountain trails.

Next time you plan a Vegas trip, think about packing hiking shoes with your party clothes. The desert holds secrets way more valuable than any jackpot – ancient petroglyphs, crystal clear waters, and otherworldly landscapes. An outdoor paradise waits for you to explore beyond the blackjack tables and slot machines!