5 Ways Las Vegas Is A Paradise For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Randy Char   Las Vegas may be best known for its world-class indoor attractions, but the City of Neon Lights isn't only about extravagant casinos, luxury hotels, and fine-dining restaurants; Vegas also offers some of the most incredible outdoor adventures on the planet.

Whether you're looking for a fitness challenge, an adrenaline rush, or a relaxing day in the fresh air, Las Vegas has a wealth of one-of-a-kind opportunities to enjoy outside.

Here are just 5 reasons why Sin City is the perfect place for all the outdoor enthusiasts out there.

 1. You Can Take the Leap

If you've been searching for excitement, Las Vegas is the place for you — and not just so you can try your luck at the casino tables. We're talking about aerial adventures.

Several companies in the Las Vegas area offer skydiving lessons, so you can admire the views with a little extra edge. Take in the unique sights as you freefall solo or make a tandem jump with an experienced instructor.

Want to make your leap a little closer to the ground? Other facilities in and around the city offer zip lining and bungee jumping, so you can still quench your need for speed in the awe-inspiring outdoors.

2. You Can Get a Bird's Eye View

Maybe you want to see the sights from the skies, but just at a slower pace, so you can really take them all in. That's where an equally thrilling helicopter tour comes in.

Las Vegas tour services offer a variety of packages, but the most popular helicopter tours will take you across the desert to sites such as Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon. And the outdoor adventure doesn't end there; some tours will even drop you off at these hotspots so you can try another outdoor activity. Take a hike in the Grand Canyon, kayak down the Colorado River, or go horse riding through the desert scenery before heading back to the city in your helicopter.

For an added element of romance, choose a nighttime flight to see the spectacular sunset and the emblematic neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip.

3. You Can Hit the Slopes

Las Vegas may be a hot city in the summer, but that doesn't rule out winter sports.

The mountains nearby receive snow in the winter, which makes resorts at high elevations ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The best part is, the slopes are only about an hour away from the city, so you can be skiing in the morning and back home for dinner in the warm winter sun.

If you love getting outdoors and hitting the slopes, but hate the cold weather, Las Vegas is the best of both worlds during the cooler months of the year.

4. You Can Explore Nevada's History

Who says history should be learned indoors?

Spend a fun day outdoors while learning about Nevada's interesting past. Just a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours let you walk through the Techatticup gold and silver mine, which was active between 1861 and 1942. Once the richest of all the mines that brought prospectors to settle in Nevada, the mine now features an Old West-style town setting.

Make a day of it by enjoying lunch at the picnic area, and rent a kayak or canoe to paddle on the Colorado River nearby. It's the perfect way to combine your love of history and the great outdoors.

5. You Can Experience Unmatched Natural Beauty

Las Vegas is a great home base if you enjoy taking part in outdoor activities in sensational settings. Outdoor recreation areas that tourists travel thousands of miles to see are just minutes from your door in Sin City. Here are just a few of the absolute favorites:

Valley of Fire State Park

Less than an hour away from The Strip, Nevada's oldest state park features petrified trees and petroglyphs, which are believed to be more than 2,000 years.

If you're a casual hiker who wants a good walk and unique views without any strenuous climbing, this park is a great place to start. Take advantage of the picnic areas to make a day of your Valley of Fire outing. There are also campsites with tables, grills, and access to water for an unforgettable weekend trip. Just don't forget your camera, so you can capture incredible images of this impressive park.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Just a 45-minute car ride from Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open all year round.

Hikers and cycling-enthusiasts should seize the opportunity to travel the beautiful River Mountains Loop Trail. This paved bike trail is 35 miles long and boasts breathtaking views of Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Valley. Bighorn sheep roam the area around the trail, so you may see some as you pass through. Then afterwards, when you're ready to relax, you can take a scenic cruise on Lake Mead in a paddle-wheel boat.

Campgrounds are available for both RVs and tents. If you want to stay overnight, but don't want to camp, there are a few hotel/motel facilities onsite.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Located a short drive west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area features attractions to suit every kind of outdoor enthusiast.

Its 195,819 acres in the Mojave Desert include more than two dozen hiking trails spanning all skill levels. Guided hikes and educational presentations are held regularly, so you can learn about the local flora and fauna you see along the way. The 13-mile scenic drive is ideal for cyclists and provides a variety of desert vistas, while rock climbers and horse riders will approve of the wealth of opportunities.

Las Vegas is even more than a world-class city of indoor opulence; it also boasts a world of outdoor excitement to explore, so no matter your interests, you'll never be bored in the City of Neon Lights.

Do you have a favorite outdoor destination or activity in Las Vegas? Let us know in the comments!

Randy Char is a broker with Sky Las Vegas Condominiums in Las Vegas. Follow him on Facebook or LinkedIn.

More readings:

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