It is easy to get caught up in the bright lights, glitz, and glamour that Las Vegas has to offer, and there is nothing wrong with wrapping yourself up in all the excitement. However, Nevada also offers plenty of outdoor adventures. From national parks and the Valley of Fire to the famous desert bighorn sheep, there is another side of Nevada waiting for you to explore.
A tour we think you'll love
1) Adventures Just Beyond The Las Vegas Strip Await – Outdoor Recreation
The neon lights are not the only attractive sight in town. There are beautiful beaches, sandstone canyons, glowing green waters, and other hidden gems worth exploring. At Trek Las Vegas, we want to show you why we love Nevada.
Our small group tours keep it fun and personal. Whether you are a beginner and want to explore the magical waters of Emerald Cave or an avid kayaker who wants to tackle the Black Canyon Narrows, we have a tour for you:
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Emerald Cave – Choose either a half or full-day excursion to explore the magical green waters of the Colorado River. See the remains of the historic Hoover Dam while watching for desert bighorn sheep and bald eagles flying high above.
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Ancient River – Get ready for a journey to the Colorado River’s wild side. Season paddlers will paddle through hidden coves while taking in the beautiful landscape. The tour includes a scenic hike and time on Burro Wash beach.
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Emerald Cave Sunset Tour – As the sun begins to set, your glowing kayak will lead the way through the waters as the colors of the gorgeous sunset light up the sky. Enjoy a short hike that will offer some of the best views in town.
Add some outdoor excitement to your Las Vegas trip! Trade in the bright lights for the beautiful colors that only nature can make, and book an unforgettable tour today!
2) Red Rock Canyon – A Short Day Trip
Just a short driving distance from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers a change of scenery. The one way route is a 13-mile loop, allowing you to enjoy the landscape and have access to rock climbing areas. For those who want a closer look, Red Rock Canyon has 21 trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes:
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Calico Hills – Vibrant red and orange rock formations create a stunning backdrop perfect for photos and easy exploration.
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Lost Creek Trail – A peaceful trail leading to a seasonal waterfall, ideal for a short, scenic walk surrounded by nature.
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Ice Box Canyon – A more challenging hike with shaded paths and cool rock walls, great for escaping the heat and spotting wildlife.
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Keystone Thrust – Offers breathtaking views of ancient rock layers formed by geological shifts, a must-see for nature lovers.
Fun Fact: Dating back 600 million years, the sandstone formations were once dunes. The sand was compressed and formed rocks.
3) Escape To Lee Canyon – Your Mountain Retreat Just Outside Las Vegas
Lee Canyon offers a refreshing escape into the Spring Mountains, where cooler temperatures and scenery provide relief from the heat. Whether you visit in winter for skiing and snowboarding or in summer for hiking and mountain biking, this year-round destination has something for every outdoor enthusiast:
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Skiing & Snowboarding – With 27 trails and a terrain park, winter visitors can carve through fresh powder.
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Scenic Chair Rides – Take in breathtaking views of the Spring Mountains from above.
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Hiking & Mountain Biking – Explore trails winding through pine forests and rugged landscapes.
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Disc Golf – A fun way to enjoy the outdoors, with a course set against stunning mountain scenery.
Fun Fact: Thanks to the high elevation in the mountains, the temperatures average 30 to 40 degrees cooler than Las Vegas. A 100-degree day in the city is a pleasant 70 degrees day in the mountains.
4) Discover The Enchanting Black Canyon – Paddle Through Emerald Waters And Explore Timeless Trails
Black Canyon is an oasis with towering cliffs and winding waterways. Whether you’re paddling through its emerald waters or exploring its rugged trails, this desert escape is a must-visit:
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Black Canyon Trail – The 80-mile trail follows a historic route once used by prehistoric Native American travelers and traders. It offers rugged terrain, scenic desert landscapes, and river crossings ideal for runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
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Arizona Hot Springs – Hidden among slot canyons, the natural hot spring by a 3-mile hike or boat. The pools’ temperatures can reach up to 120°F and are surrounded by towering canyon walls, creating a private oasis.
Fun Fact: The canyon walls keep some areas from getting less than 30 minutes of sunlight each day. The shadows created by the rocks keep areas in darkness, earning it the name Black Canyon.
5) Arizona Side – Day Trip Beyond Las Vegas
Looking for more day trip options? Look no further than Arizona – where engineering marvels, desert landscapes, and hidden waterways create the perfect escape. Whether you’re gazing over the Grand Canyon, paddling through Willow Beach, or exploring the historic Hoover Dam, this day trip delivers adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery:
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Hoover Dam & Lake Mead – Just 30-45 minutes from Las Vegas, making it an easy half-day trip. Enjoy kayaking on Lake Mead and taking in the panoramic views, or take a scenic boat tour on the lake.
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Willow Beach – About an hour away, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
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Grand Canyon West – Approximately 2-2.5 hours from Las Vegas, the Skywalk Experience is worth the day trip. Step onto the glass bridge to take in the views from above the Grand Canyon.
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Grand Canyon National Park – A designated Dark Sky Park, the national park offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way from scenic overlooks like Lipan Point and Yavapai Point.
Fun Fact: The Hoover Dam was constructed with a secret escape tunnel. However, when tourists discovered the passageways, they were closed for safety.
6) The Mojave Desert – A Stunning Outdoor Playground
Just an hour from Las Vegas, the Mojave Desert is a world of extremes-where towering dunes, ancient rock formations, and hidden oases create a playground for adventure. From the fiery sandstone of Valley of Fire to its rugged beauty, Mojave offers breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences:
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Valley of Fire State Park – Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, Valley of Fire, is known for its red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and scenic hiking trails.
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Kelso Dunes – Listen to the dunes sing as the sand shifts, creating a deep, clear sound.
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Death Valley National Park – The park is home to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, and surreal landscapes like Zabriskie Point.
Fun Fact: The petroglyphs in the Valley of Fire State Park are over 3,000 years old, carved by the Ancestral Puebloans. One carving features an atlatl, which is an ancient spear-throwing tool that predates the bow and arrow.
7) Take A Day Trip To Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park offers a landscape of towering boulders, Joshua trees, and a place of endless adventure. Whether you want a picture with the famous Joshua trees or looking for a new adventure, a day trip here is nothing short of unforgettable:
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Cholla Cactus Garden – A dense patch of spiky cacti that have a golden hue at sunrise.
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Keys View – The overlook offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault.
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Barker Dam – A historic water reservoir where bighorn sheep often visit.
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Hidden Valley Nature Trailhead – A boulder-filled wonderland for hiking and rock scrambling.
Fun Fact: The park is home to rocks dating back 1.7 billion years. The ancient rocks have been shaped by wind, water, and seismic activity, creating its unique landscape.
Best Day Trips From Las Vegas
Las Vegas may be known for its dazzling lights and high-energy entertainment, but just beyond the city lies a world of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable adventures. Whether you want to see the Emerald Cave, Valley of Fire or visit the famous Hoover Dam, there is something for everyone.
At Trek Las Vegas, we want to take you away from the bright lights and show you the breathtaking landscape that surrounds the city. Our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable experience that highlights the breathtaking landscapes allowing you to connect with the awe-inspiring environment just beyond the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.
Whether you desire to chase the sun or find hidden canyons, your perfect day trip starts by booking your tour today!
