There’s no need to gamble when it comes to planning an active itinerary to Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mojave Desert provides endless trails and treasures for those who know where to look! Below, discover some of our favorite ways to get outside the city—and our pro tips to experience the urban highlights, too.
This story was created in partnership with Las Vegas Territory.
Kayak Above or Below the World Famous Hoover Dam
This is without a doubt one of the best ways to cool off in Nevada! Take a kayak out on the Colorado River with Evolution Expeditions. This local guide service based out of nearby Boulder City offers a variety of outings to meet your needs, from a three-hour kayak to picturesque Emerald Cave to a full-day tour complete with a hot springs hike. Visiting during the summer months? No worries! The guides tend to pack a water gun or two. As you paddle, keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep who make easy work of the staggering red canyon walls, crafty coyotes on the shoreline, and more. No matter what time you visit, you can anticipate beautiful views and interesting history lessons from your guide.
Mountain Bike Miles of Lava Rock Trails
Spin off all your Sin City indulgences with a bike ride on some of the area’s best singletrack in Bootleg Canyon. Located just a few blocks away from All Mountain Cycles in Boulder City, this trail system provides a range of options for all abilities. You might start with a climb on the moderate 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) Girl Scout Trail, then circle around on one of several Caldera routes. Alternatively, you could embark on a longer ride towards Henderson on Ernie’s and Mother. For those who have never been mountain biking, there are also miles of paved paths with beautiful views to discover around Lake Mead. Keep in mind that you should always carry extra water while adventuring outside in the Las Vegas region, no matter the season.
Go Off-Roading at Gold Butte National Monument
Gold Butte National Monument is a mecca for off-road enthusiasts. This remote and rugged landscape was only recently recognized as a national monument, but people have been exploring here for years. Millenia, actually. Hundreds of petroglyphs can be found throughout the region, etched into the sandstone above prickly Joshua trees. Unusual rock formations–like those found in the popular Little Finland area–and stunning vistas await at the end of winding, sandy washes. Here in Gold Butte, you are as likely to encounter wild burro traffic (or at least their droppings!) as you are another vehicle.
Pro tip: If you’re not ready to take your rental car out there, Vegas Jeep Tours has you covered.
Just under three hours from Las Vegas, Gold Butte National Monument is best accessed with an overnight stay at Aravada Springs Campground. This oasis is the largest water source in the Mojave Desert, and their naturally-fed swimming pool is refreshing any time of year. With a variety of comfortable cabins, historic fruit trees, disc golf course, petting zoo, and much more, Aravada is truly one of a kind.
Note: Gold Butte National Monument is one of the most remote places in the American West. There is no cell reception or services, so be sure to pack enough fuel, water, and food for your visit.
Sample the Strip: With a Twist
Once you’ve run out of provisions in the desert, it’s time to return to civilization. Go big with a night on Fremont Street! Some might argue that this is the true heart and soul of Las Vegas. Commonly referred to as “old town,” this is the home of Las Vegas’s first casino and the trademark neon waving cowboy, “Vegas Vic.” But there’s nothing old about Fremont Street today. It is home to the world’s largest LED canopy screen; a mesmerizing installment that spans four city blocks above the pedestrian zone below.
Discover the highlights with a Taste Buzz Food Tour. Their three-hour, local-led experience takes visitors on a sensory journey from barbecue to Thai food—and a bubble waffle-cone ending you won’t want to miss. Afterward, there is no better way to cap off the evening than with a scenic flight over the Las Vegas Strip. The friendly pilots at Papillon take guests on the ride of a lifetime over icons like the Sphere, Stratosphere, and Luxor. You may just find yourself asking your pilot for another lap!
Continue the Adventure in Nearby Communities
That’s not the end of Las Vegas Territory. In fact, you’ve barely scratched the surface. Nearby Henderson has an up-and-coming area called Water Street District, and their Artisan Booze District is burgeoning as well. (Don’t miss dinner at the Las Vegas Distillery, where the black-and-white vibe is the perfect backdrop for decadent cocktails and live music.) And of course, destinations like Laughlin, Mesquite, Jean, and Moapa Valley beckon with more outdoor adventure.
