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Hiking Las Vegas Blog
When most people hear the words ‘Las Vegas’, their minds conjure images of the bright lights and the big city; in particular, the iconic Strip, with its palatial hotels and casinos, glittering billboards, gambling tables and crowded nightclubs where you can party into the small hours.
But the truth is that the area surrounding Las Vegas is just as much of a mecca for hikers and outdoor adventurers. In fact, Las Vegas boasts some truly awe-inspiring scenery, rugged landscapes, and hiking trails and rock climbs of varying levels of difficulty. If you are a keen hiker, or if you just love taking the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and recharge your batteries, read on to discover some of the most breath-taking sites to visit while you’re in Las Vegas. Making Your Way To Vegas Millions of people fly to and from Las Vegas every year, with Harry Reid International Airport recently breaking the record for its monthly passenger numbers in June 2022. As a result, getting to Las Vegas won’t be a hard task. However, you can simplify your journey by making sure you pack everything you think you will need for exploring the hills and the back country. Some of the essential items you should bring are comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, backpack, camera, and a map or GPS device. You should also check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly. Las Vegas can get very hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so layering your clothing is a good idea. If you are flying in from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), you can also save time and money by booking your airport parking with Enjoy Travel. Enjoy Travel has partner with reliable parking operators near LAS to offer affordable parking deals that include free shuttle service to and from the terminal. You can choose from self-park, valet park, or covered park options and reserve your spot online in advance. Secure A Safe Parking Spot As well as packing efficiently, you should also make sure you find low-cost secure parking near the airport you are flying from. Fortunately, Parkway Parking offers plenty of cost-effective options for you to choose from, so, for example, if you are flying from Fort Lauderdale, you can choose from a wide range of parking services. Experience Horticultural Delights At The Bellagio Once you have reached Las Vegas, you won’t have to go far to begin reconnecting with the natural world. The world-famous Bellagio is home to a 14,000sqft Botanical Gardens and an elegant glass-ceilinged Conservatory. The Gardens feature expertly prepared seasonal displays throughout the year, using living plants and blooms, and they are home to a beautiful array of trees, plants and flowers, cared for by 120 staff. You will also find a series of ponds, bridges and stately gazebos where you can pause to drink in the sights and smells of the plant life all around you in this unlikely haven. Explore Red Rock Canyon Situated just 17 miles from the bright lights and bustle of the Vegas Strip, you will find the wild majesty of Red Rock Canyon. The two destinations couldn’t seem further apart, but they are easily accessible from one another, so it won’t be long before you are surrounded by the rugged canyons, ramparts, gullies and rock chimneys that characterize this remarkable landscape. During your time in Red Rock, you can go on a scenic drive, or explore the canyons on foot or via bike. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, some more challenging than others. If you are keen to view the region’s ancient rock art, you can take the easy 30-minute Petroglyph trail, which brings you up close and personal with the Native American petroglyphs etched into a rock wall. These images are believed to be at least 800 years old and provide a fascinating window into the past. Venture Into The Valley Of Fire Consisting of 40,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone, interspersed with more somber grey and brown limestone, the Valley of Fire is a popular geographical and cultural attraction. Not only will you find an array of fascinating geological features, but you will also be able to admire centuries-old petroglyphs left etched into the rock by both the Basketmaker culture and the Pueblo who first inhabited this land centuries ago. You should also look out for legendary geological features such as the Mouse Tank, named after a Southern Paiute, Little Mouse, who tried to evade capture by hiding in the canyon after murdering two prospectors. As well as exploring the hills and canyons under your own steam, the national parks offers a range of events for you to take part in throughout the year. These include nature talks and astrological events, including full moon hikes and even meteor viewings. Take A Trip To Death Valley If you don’t mind taking a two-hour drive, you can pay a visit to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations, renowned for its searing heat, twisted rock formations, billion-year-old stone, and unique species of wildlife. Of course, if you’re planning an excursion to Death Valley, then you need to make sure you come prepared. Bring plenty of water, as the temperatures here in summer can easily reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also need to wear appropriate clothing, including hats to shield your head from the blazing sun. While you are exploring the Valley, be sure to check out some of its most remarkable features, such as the mysteriously moving stones at Racetrack Playa, and the Devil’s Golf Course (which isn’t a real golf course at all, but an astounding geographical phenomenon). You can also marvel at the volcanic crater of Ubehebe, and drink in the spectacular sunset views from Zabriskie Point. This may surprise you, given the arid nature of the landscapes here, but Death Valley is home to an array of fauna and flora – so if you’re a keen birdwatcher or just love searching for wildlife or unusual plant specimens, this is a great place to indulge your passion. Be sure to watch out for desert bighorn sheep nimbly ascending the slopes, as well as kangaroo rats and, of course, both coyotes and road runners. Final Thoughts While Las Vegas is undeniably a fun place to visit if you want to enjoy world-class entertainment, the thrill of a gamble, and luxurious accommodation, it can also offer a window to some of America’s most unspoilt and majestic landscapes. So, if you are keen to explore the wild beauty of the arid canyons, soaring cliffs and history-etched hills surrounding Sin City, it’s time to start planning your perfect trip. The hardest part will be choosing which unforgettable natural attraction to visit first. |
AuthorBranch Whitney is the author of Hiking Las Vegas and creator of the 52 Peak Club where members hike to the best 52 Peaks around Las Vegas, NV Archives
October 2023
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