When people think about Las Vegas, they immediately envision the vivid lights of the Strip, the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign and the mega resorts. But there’s so much more to explore, especially when it comes to outdoor activities.
Best Hiking Trails Near Las Vegas
Grab your hiking boots and trek the stunning trails and panoramic views at Red Rock Canyon, about 25 miles west of the Strip. With 32 hikes and trails spanning more than 40 miles, there’s a path for every level of hiker that will bring you closer to nature. If you prefer horseback riding, designated trails allow you to experience this breathtaking landscape in a unique way. Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, just be sure to make a reservation beforehand. Please note that there is limited cell service in the area, so if you’re planning to take a taxi or rideshare, it’s best to arrange your pickup time and location in advance.
Head north for about an hour to Valley of Fire State Park for a blend of adventure and tranquility. This iconic destination offers campsites, picnic areas and hiking trails that meander through vibrant red sandstone formations. Don’t miss the swirling Fire Wave Trail, a scenic path of about 1.3 miles with colorful formations, or the curious Elephant Rock sandstone formations, fantastic subjects for photography enthusiasts. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep and colorful lizards, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation.
Another unique way to witness the beauty of Valley of Fire is through Maverick Helicopters’ Heli Yoga, where you’ll take a 45-minute private flight from the Las Vegas Strip to the top of the park, only accessible by helicopter. There, you’ll enjoy the most remote yoga experience you could ever imagine. The 75-minute class is good for all skill levels, and afterward, you’ll fly above the Las Vegas Strip for more breathtaking views.
For another nature escape that’s a little less than an hour’s drive from the Strip, head to Mount Charleston Recreation Area. Here, you’ll find year-round outdoor fun, including more than 60 miles of hiking trails winding through cool alpine forests, while winter visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Lee Canyon. For those seeking a deeper connection to nature, guided hikes and educational programs provide insights into the local ecosystem. One thing to keep in mind: Most trails begin elevation at more than 6,000 feet, so stay hydrated and be prepared for the higher altitude.
Water Sports, Paddleboard Yoga and Sightseeing Cruises
Despite its desert surroundings, Las Vegas offers plenty for those drawn to the water. Dive into a world of memorable experiences just moments away from the Strip.
Take a dip into water sports at Lake Las Vegas, where the serene 320-acre lake offers a wide range of water activities and a full-service marina. Glide across the water in a kayak or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. For a more laid-back vibe, rent an electric boat and cruise the sparkling lake. Daredevils can take to the skies with a flyboard or jet pack, or try e-foiling, an electric hydrofoil surfboard that lets you glide effortlessly above the surface.
Just 40 minutes from the Strip, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a desert oasis with over 750 miles of shoreline. Boating, waterskiing, kayaking and fishing are popular here, with marinas and rentals making it easy to get out on the water. Head to Hoover Dam and go kayaking with Desert Adventures. You can choose from a variety of tours, from short excursions to the all-day Black Canyon Kayaking Tour, where you’ll see bighorn sheep, slot canyons and multiple hot springs, and paddle into beautiful Emerald Cave.
Looking to find your Zen? Try a unique stand-up paddleboard yoga experience on Lake Mead or nearby Willow Beach. Las Vegas Paddleboard provides a private class for up to four people, led by a certified instructor for a personalized experience for beginners and yoga enthusiasts alike. The class is 90 minutes and includes an additional 90 minutes or paddleboard rental time.
For a leisurely experience, take a 90-minute Hoover Dam sightseeing cruise aboard a paddle wheeler, complete with breathtaking views and an onboard snack bar.
Off-roading and Racing Adventures
Las Vegas offers plenty of ways to get off the beaten path. Book an excursion with Pink Adventure Tours to navigate rugged desert terrain in luxurious all-terrain vehicles. Options include the Red Rock Rocky Gap Off-Road tour or a visit to the Eldorado Ghost Town, blending history and thrills in a four-hour journey. The Eldorado excursion includes views of historic cars, rustic buildings and Hollywood film backdrops, unique geological features and desert landscapes, and a guided tour of the famous Techatticup gold mine.
If you’re craving even more excitement, check out SunBuggy Fun Rentals, where you can drive custom off-road vehicles designed with 360-degree roll cages for safety. With complimentary SunBuggy bandanas to shield you from desert dust, you’ll ride in style while creating lasting memories.
At SPEEDVEGAS, car enthusiasts can push the limits of speed on a 1.3-mile Formula One-inspired racetrack. Choose from exotic supercars like Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche, and navigate 10 hair-raising turns and high-speed straightaways for the ultimate driving experience. You can also race outdoor go-karts or enjoy going airborne with a Baja race truck experience on a dirt track.
Adrenaline Rush Activities
Get your hands dirty at Dig This Vegas, the city’s one-of-a-kind construction playground. Command the controls of full-size excavators, bulldozers and more as you dig, stack and even crush cars. For families, kid-sized excavators allow little ones to join in on the fun. It’s the perfect way to combine excitement with a truly Only Vegas experience.
If you’re looking for exciting outdoor activities in Las Vegas without leaving the pulse of the Strip or Fremont Street, soar to new heights with an exhilarating zipline experience. A terrific addition to the itinerary for anyone looking to make lasting memories with friends and family.
See the city from an exhilarating new angle by soaring above its iconic streets. At The LINQ Promenade + Experience, you’ll find Fly LINQ Zipline, the only zipline on the Strip. Launch from a 12-story tower, zip across over 1,000 feet and land near the High Roller observation wheel — all while reaching speeds of up to 35 mph. Choose your flight style: seated, lying flat or even backward. With space for up to 10 riders to take off simultaneously, it’s great for groups.
For a downtown twist, head to Fremont Street for SlotZilla Zipline, a high-flying attraction beneath the dazzling Viva Vision canopy with two options: the Zip-Zilla, a seated ride from a 77-foot-high platform, covering 850 feet across Fremont Street, and the Super-Hero Zoom, a pulse-racing flight from an 11-story platform in a prone position, soaring 1,750 feet across five blocks. Take advantage of all-you-can-fly deals Monday–Friday, and special VIP ride packages and other available promotions to ramp up your ziplining experience.
Whether outdoors or indoors, Las Vegas is a destination packed with adventures for every type of explorer. You’re sure to work up an appetite, so fuel up at any of these must-visit restaurants and then enjoy the can’t-miss residencies that you’ll only find in the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. Your next adventure in Las Vegas is just around the corner!