Vegas really is a playground for the masses on every level! Even after living here for so long, I am still amazed at the demographic of people that come here, whether that’s for, nightclubs, pool parties, shopping, PBR, or even sampling some of the best food in the world, the people that it pulls is staggering!
With that said, one of Vegas’s great treasures is, it’s mass of stunning landscaped for hiking, skiing, trail-blazing, bouldering and so much more.
We want to share a few of these beautiful locations with you so that you know where to go for something a little “different” when in Vegas. Granted I am sure many of these places are already in copious amounts of guidebooks, but let’s face it, who has time to read them all and then compile a list?!
That said, if you are in town for a long weekend these are the ones that you should consider if you want to explore the great outdoors;
This place is absolutely breathtaking, only 50 miles outside of Vegas, and a few hours round trip, it is well worth allowing some time to take in these sights.
Valley Of Fire is believed to be around 150 Million years old and is filled with stunning rock formations. They are quite something when you actually get up close to these 3,000-year-old rocks that even have Indian rock art (petroglyphs) engravings on. But just don’t touch them.
There is also hundreds of hiking spots all over this national park, where you can stretch your legs and climb all over the stunning red rocks. If you make it to the top of some you should definitely sit back and take in the sights as they are quite something. You can see all the rock formations and see how the winds and water of old, have carved and sculptured these sandstones into what they are today.
It only costs $10.00 for a car to get into the park and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, while the visitor centre is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
From experience you can have a beautiful hike and picnic and be back in Vegas within 6 or 7 hours, or if you are looking for more of an adventure you can camp there overnight, as the park is open 24 hours for camping.
There are plenty of petrol stations en route if you get hungry and thirsty, though if you have the access to a supermarket, I would recommend getting some scooby snacks for a picnic on your way so you can indulge in some down time while in the park.
Seeing and being present in this stunning landscape is well worth leaving Vegas for.
Mount Charleston
Mt Charleston is 11,916ft of pure natural beauty that looks over the valley of Las Vegas and is located 35 miles from the Vegas Blvd, it takes around an hour to get to by car and will take you north-west of the city.
Now there are quite a few things you can do here depending on the season that you go in.
In the summer, it makes for a nice break from the heat down in the valley. Temperatures are normally around 20 degrees cooler than the strip which is very much welcomed at times.
There are copious amounts of trails that you can hike, or even trail run if you have your running shoes on. These hikes can take you to some beautiful spots up on the mountain, probably the most famous of them all is Raintree north loop trail. This is loop is probably most famous due to one of the oldest living trees in Nevada. The tree is thought to be around 3000 years old and is found at the peak of the hike, when you have reached the top Raintree lays open to a stunning view of the mountain. It really is a breathtaking to see.
The hike will take you around 3-4 hours to do and is rated as, “difficult”, and is so worth the effort. Along the way you can expect to see nature at its finest, beautiful wildflowers, fresh smell of the pine trees and above all else, the freshness of the air at this altitude is so refreshing!
If you’re looking for a pit-stop before heading back to Vegas check out the Mt Charleston Lodge which is located off Kyle Cannon and sits around 7000 ft. They have a full menu and bar available and is open from Sun-Thur: 8AM-8PM and Fri-Sat: 8AM-9PM. There are some great views to take in from their patio as well.
The winter at Mt Charleston is a whole different beast all together. The weather can turn very quickly at the peak and can be interesting when coming down the mountain through a snowstorm.
When the snow does arrive (typically in January or February) it can be a lot of fun, there is a ski resort located on the mountain as well, if you are wanting to hit the slopes?
Snow-chains are sometimes required depending on the snowfall to access Kyle or Lee Canyon, so it’s recommended to check the weather on the day of travel, it may save you a wasted trip?
A fresh crisp winters day up here is absolutely beautiful!
Lone Mountain Hike
If you’re looking to get out and about to see a different aspect of Vegas, Lone Mountain is a great spot for a quick hike in the suburbs of Summerlin – north-west of Vegas. Only 25 minutes from Las Vegas Blvd by car, this hike is not to challenging, albeit a little steep in places.
You can comfortably climb this within an hour, taking in the beautiful landscape that is unfolding below you.
Once you reach the top, the views are breathtaking, with all of Las Vegas laying bare directly in front of you. You get to see a 360-degree view of the valley, including the Las Vegas Blvd on the horizon, with the hotels on The Strip looking more like pieces from a monopoly set.
For more information about what is and will be happening in Vegas for your trip contact us directly to find out more. It will be an unforgettable experience!