The weather in Las Vegas is perfect! Time to head outside

Here’s a secret Vegas locals know: Some of the most spectacular outdoor adventures in the American West are hiding in plain sight, just beyond the Strip’s glittering lights. From towering red rocks and snow-capped mountains to ancient petroglyphs and natural hot springs, the Las Vegas area offers an embarrassment of riches for those willing to trade the casino floor for a trail. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning hike or a multiday expedition into some of Nevada's most remote wilderness, there’s a surprise at every turn.

In Las Vegas

You don't even need to leave the metro area to find world-class outdoor recreation. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area sits just 17 miles west of the Strip, offering over 20 hiking trails that range from leisurely family strolls to challenging scrambles up towering sandstone formations. The 13-mile scenic drive provides awesome photo ops around every curve, while serious climbers tackle routes that have attracted adventurers from around the globe (hello, Free Solo-er Alex Honnold). Don’t miss the Calico Tanks trail—the panoramic views of the Vegas Valley from the top are simply incredible.

For a dose of history, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, adjacent to Red Rock, offers a glimpse into Old West ranching life at the historic ranch where Howard Hughes once lived. You can explore preserved buildings, tackle easy hiking trails and occasionally catch living-history demonstrations in this picturesque mountain setting.

When summer temperatures soar past 110 degrees in the Valley, locals know exactly where to go: Mount Charleston. This high-elevation oasis boasts more than 60 miles of hiking trails winding through fragrant pine and aspen forests. Cathedral Rock is a must-do hike for all levels, but for those feeling ambitious, the 18-mile Charleston Peak—at 11,916 feet and the highest point in Southern Nevada—is a bucket-list feat. When the snow comes, these mountains are a sledding playground for kiddos and adults alike.

Speaking of snow: Lee Canyon, adjacent to Mount Charleston, serves as Nevada’s premier ski destination. During winter months, you can hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding, then return during warmer seasons for world-class mountain biking trails and chairlift rides that offer awesome views.

Back in the valley, the Wetlands Nature Preserve is an unexpected urban oasis where boardwalks and trails wind through a thriving desert wetland ecosystem. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise: Bring binoculars to spot herons, ducks and migratory birds—more than 200 species have been recorded. The miles of paved paths make it perfect for cycling, too.

For prehistory buffs, check out Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, one of the Southwest’s most significant petroglyph sites. More than 300 panels contain thousands of ancient rock art images, and the easy 1.1-mile interpretive trail leads to spectacular red sandstone formations—all just a short drive from Las Vegas.

Water lovers should head to Willow Beach, where you can launch kayaks for a scenic paddle toward Hoover Dam or the stunning turquoise waters of Emerald Cove. The Colorado River here offers excellent rainbow trout fishing, while the beach area provides picnic spots and easy access for swimming.

Of course, no discussion of Las Vegas water recreation would be complete without mentioning Lake Mead. America’s largest reservoir offers endless possibilities: Rent houseboats for multiday adventures from Callville Bay Marina, explore the lake by powerboat or jet ski from Las Vegas Boat Harbor at Hemenway Harbor, paddleboard in protected coves, swim at Boulder Beach or explore hidden hot springs tucked into canyon walls. For a land-based adventure, hike or bike the Historic Railroad Trail: five massive tunnels carved through the mountains in the 1930s during Hoover Dam’s construction now form a spectacular 3.7-mile trail with panoramic views of the lake below.

Just Outside of Town

Once you venture beyond the immediate metro area, the adventures get even more spectacular. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s oldest, showcases otherworldly landscapes of brilliant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. Key trails include Fire Wave for those Instagram-worthy shots, Mouse’s Tank for impressive rock art and White Domes for slot canyon exploration that feels like stepping onto another planet.

For a genuine Wild West experience, head to Nelson, a true-blue ghost town where original buildings, vintage cars and mining equipment lie scattered throughout the desert landscape. The nearby Techatticup Mine offers fascinating underground tours into the area’s mining past.

Road trip enthusiasts shouldn't miss the ET Highway, Nevada’s most famous stretch of asphalt. This 98-mile section of Highway 375 cuts through desolate, weirdly beautiful desert landscape. Stop at the quirky Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel for a burger, keep your eyes peeled for UFOs and experience the vast, empty beauty of the Nevada desert. The highway runs adjacent to the infamous Area 51, the top-secret military installation that’s fueled decades of speculation and conspiracy theories.

Farther Afield

For those willing to venture deeper into Nevada and California’s desert regions, the rewards are extraordinary. China Date Ranch serves as your gateway to Death Valley, where you can sample fresh dates, learn about desert agriculture and stock up on supplies before heading into one of America's most extreme national parks. (The delicious date shakes alone are worth the trip.)

Death Valley National Park itself offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth. Drive through Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. Explore the colorful mineral deposits of Artist’s Palette, hike through dramatic Golden Canyon and slide down massive sand dunes. Camping under Death Valley’s star-filled skies ranks among the best outdoor experiences anywhere.

For art lovers, stop in Beatty to visit the outdoor Goldwell Open Air Museum, featuring large-scale installations including the famous “Last Supper” sculpture. The small town also serves as another gateway to Death Valley.

Finally, there’s Great Basin National Park, arguably Nevada’s crown jewel. Yes, it's a five-hour drive from Vegas, but experiencing some of the darkest skies in the continental United States makes every mile worthwhile. During the day, explore the otherworldly Lehman Caves, hike to pristine alpine lakes or summit Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s second-tallest mountain. Fair warning: It’s a butt-kicker. Pack a tent—Wheeler Campground might just be the most beautiful campground in the entire state.

Oh, those views!

After a day scrambling up red rocks or summiting mountain peaks, the lights of Las Vegas take on a different glow. Sure, the city knows how to put on a show, but the real spectacle lies just beyond the neon—in slot canyons and dark skies, ancient rock art and endless desert horizons.

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