Looking for exciting outdoor activities near Las Vegas, beyond the casinos and bustling nightlife? This vibrant city is surrounded by sprawling natural beauty, from red sandstone peaks at Red Rock Canyon to tranquil waters at Lake Mead.
In this post, Happiest Outdoors Contributor Shannon will guide you through the best outdoor adventures around Vegas. It includes thrilling hiking trails, serene water bodies, and adrenaline-fueled desert adventures. She is a Vegas local, so she knows all the best spots. Get ready to uncover a wilder side of Sin City!
This list of incredible outdoor adventures around Las Vegas includes:
- A Las Vegas outdoor activities map that shows the location of all the places mentioned in this post.
- Hiking and nature trails: hike at Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, and Mount Charleston
- Water activities: paddle a kayak or SUP at Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and Lake Las Vegas
- Camping: Where to camp at Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, and Mount Charleston
- Extreme Adventures including mountain biking, ATVing, and horseback riding
This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.
Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn
Las Vegas Outdoor Activities Map
If you’re staying in Las Vegas, you’re probably wondering how far out of town you will need to go to get to outdoor adventures spots. We made a custom Las Vegas Outdoor Activities Google Map just for you that shows you all the places Shannon recommends in this post.
For some of these activities you can arrange transportation with a tour company, but for others, you’ll need to drive yourself. I like to use Discover Cars to book rental cars since it lets me compare prices across tons of companies.
Hiking and Nature Trails Near Las Vegas
Hiking at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a breathtaking landscape for avid hikers. This area, located just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, hosts some of the best hiking trails near the city. Once you enter the park, you’ll find a one-way 13-mile scenic drive that leads you to many of the trailheads for hiking and exploring. The trails range in difficulty so it’s easy to pick one suited to your fitness level or desired challenge.
For first-time visitors, swing by the Visitor Center. The friendly staff provide information about various recreation opportunities tailored specifically for outdoor enthusiasts like you!
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the more popular trails:
The White Rock Mountain Loop is a strenuous trail that stands out with its different scenery, cooler temperatures, and tranquil picnic spots under pine trees.
Moenkopi Loop is a popular pick. It offers varied terrain and stunning desert vistas on an easy trail.
Calico Hills Trail gives hikers up-close views of brightly colored sandstone formations and hidden slot canyons.
The Calico Tanks Trail includes a hidden water tank at the finish line – a true oasis in the desert. Explore further along this strenuous trail for amazing views of the Las Vegas Strip.
Hiking to Turtlehead Peak gets your heart pumping while rewarding you with panoramic views of Las Vegas.
Keystone Thrust Trail brings geology to life as it passes through an exposed fault line.