Discover the natural wonders of Las Vegas
When you hear the name Vegas, the first thing that comes to mind is gambling and partying. However, this place has more to offer. This city, along with its surroundings, has stories to tell, about things that are often overshadowed by the bright neon lights. You will discover its wonderful vegetation, remarkable hiking areas, ski slopes, activities associated with the lake and one of the natural wonders of the world, near the city.
mead lake
Lake Mead is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Fortunately, it’s not that far, just about an hour’s drive within the southeastern section of the strip. You can enjoy several different activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and kayaking. Here, you can see facilities such as covered picnic areas, hookup campgrounds, and three marinas. You can sail and have brunch, dinner, party or a romantic date.
mount charleston
You may want to explore Mount Charleston, which is 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Here, you’ll enjoy cool mountain breezes while surrounded by towering pine trees. You will find birds and animals such as wild donkeys, desert tortoises and deer. Each summer, Mount Charleston gets cooler, allowing visitors to escape the heat of Las Vegas. If you visit during the fall, you will be able to observe the changing colors of the foliage. You can hike, camp, or have a picnic during the spring, summer, and fall. Every winter season, you can ski, snowboard and go sledding.
red rock canyon
Leave Las Vegas for a while and go to Red Rock Canyon to experience the desert at its best. It is only fifteen miles on the west side of Las Vegas. Its towering red cliffs with wildlife such as bighorn sheep, burros, cougars, coyotes, bobcats, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, wild horses, hummingbirds, and rabbits welcome tourists, sightseers, climbers, hikers, and runners.
You can ride the scenic loop, which is about thirteen miles long, and take photos, hike, ride horses, or drive through the Red Rock Conservation Area.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Situated below the beautiful mountains, Spring Mountain Ranch offers stunning views and remarkable hikes. Every summer, you will find a musical theater. You can also visit historical sites consisting of a blacksmith shop, a farmhouse, a 2-hole toilet, and a graveyard. Bask in the glory of Lake Harriet with its abundance of ducks and fish. The ranch is teeming with animal life, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and lizards.
valley of fire
Due to its name from the flaming red sandstone, the Valley of Fire offers breathtaking views and comes with some of the oldest rock formations on earth. It’s almost an hour’s drive, on the north side of the Strip. The valley is known as the oldest state park in Nevada. During your visit, don’t miss the Seven Sisters, the Mouse Tank, the petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, Rainbow Vista, and Elephant Rock.