AMAZING OUTDOOR RECREATION -
Just A Short Drive Away
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Nevada is the most mountainous of all states, 314 identified
ranges and fourth in biodiversity. Such diverse terrain is also ideal for adventurous vistors and southern
Nevadans. The state offers a surprising number of outdoor
recreation opportunities and most are only a short drive away
from Las Vegas. |
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The closest, located just 15 miles west of the Strip, is Red Rock
Canyon National Conservation Area, which offers a 13-mile
scenic drive, hiking, biking, and rock climbing. A visitor center at the base of the scenic drive offers in-depth, interactive information about the area's history, recreation, geology, wildlife and vegetation.
Red Rock Canyon, spanning some 197,000 acres, features colorful
sandstone formations, canyons and a spring, and is
home to a variety of wildlife, including bobcats, desert
bighorn sheep and wild burros. The latter are said to be the
descendents of animals used by miners in the early 1900's. |
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For alpine attractions, residents can drive to Mount Charleston, 35
miles northwest of Las Vegas. Located in the Toiyabe National Forest, Mount Charleston features panoramic views, horseback riding and hiking trails. At 12,000 feet, the mountain has the distinction of being the third-highest peak in Nevada. Mount Charleston is also home to a variety of and picnic areas. The Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort at Lee Canyon offers ski runs for all skill levels. |
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An easy 55-mile drive from Las Vegas,
the Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and biggest state park. The Valley of Fire takes its name from fiery sandstone formations, which were formed by shifting sand dunes. The geology is similar to Red Rock, but the area also offers a glimpse into early Native American cultures. It was frequently visited by the
ancient Basket Maker people and Anasazi, who used the area for
hunting and religious ceremonies. Excellent examples of their rock
art and petroglyphs are found throughout the area. |
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Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Hoover Dam is a 30-mile ride east of Las
Vegas for those interested in water sports. The lake is the world's
largest man-made reservoir and provides a wide variety of year-round
recreational activities, including boating, swimming, hiking, scuba
diving and sport fishing. The 1.5-million acre recreation area that surrounds the lake is equally unique. Three of the nation's four desert ecosystems meet here - the Great Basin, and the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. More... |
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For more scenic wonders, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a
day drive (300 miles) southeast of Las Vegas in Arizona. The canyon,
carved by the Colorado River, is one mile deep, more than 200 miles
long, and varies in width from four to 18 miles. The South Rim is
open to visitors year round and features walking trails and mule
trips. It also has restaurants, lodging and a visitor center. Geology of the Grand Canyon . |
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For those looking for a destination that has a bit of everything, Zion
National Park in Utah fits the bill. The 229-square-mile park is a 2-
1/2-hour ride from Las Vegas and features many scenic waterfalls,
and canyons carved by the Virgin River. It is home to 75 species of
mammals, including mountain lions and mule deer, 271 different
birds and 32 species of reptiles and amphibians. Zion also has an array of recreational opportunities, including camping,
biking, backpacking, canyoneering, climbing, swimming and
tubing. Like most areas, amateur photographers can capture the
countless scenic views. In Zion, the Kolob Arch - at a span of 310
feet - is the largest natural arch in the world and one of the park's
most famous landmarks.
One hour further away, Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-see for visitors to Utah. The area is a geologic wonder - its colorful limestone has been carved by erosion into thousands and thousands of arches, spires and mazes, called hoodoos. Visitors won't want to miss the canyon's Grand Staircase, which is a series of colored sandstone cliffs, in order of age, stretching between Bryce and the Grand Canyon. |
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As with any outdoor recreation, these southern Nevada getaways are
beautiful but challenging. Safety should always come first so visitors should always bring plenty of water and dress for the season.
Enjoy the beauty, but get home safely to talk about it. |
More Attractions, Activities and Las Vegas Fun
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