Las Vegas, Things To Do in Las Vegas

Top Outdoor Activities In & Near Las Vegas [Updated in 2023]

seven magic mountains las vegas nevada outdoor activities

Last Updated: April 11, 2023. 

If the idea of a day spent cooling off in the air conditioned comfort of the casino floor gives you pause, you’ll be glad to learn that some of the best things to do in Las Vegas are actually outdoors. From lounging by one of the many impressive pools to dune-buggy driving in the desert, these are some of the best outdoor activities in and around Las Vegas:

Dive in

Whether it’s a poolside or lakeside, the Mojave desert offers a surprising number of watering holes to cool off in.

If you’re in search of a relaxing pool or poolside experience, nearly every casino in Vegas has its own impressive pool situation. From the Mandalay Bay Beach to Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods, there is a pool to suit every preference. You can even party it up poolside at one of Vegas’s many dayclubs.

If a more nature-adjacent water experience is what you desire, head east of the city to Lake Mead. This man-made reservoir boasts beaches, sand bars, bays, coves, and harbors, offering activities such as boating, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, horseback riding, and scenic drives.

If actually getting in the water isn’t really your thing, parking yourself poolside, taking a gondola ride down the Grand Canal at the Venetian, or cruising along the Colorado River by paddle boat are great ways to take advantage of Vegas’s many watering holes without actually diving in.

Take a hike

If the great outdoors calls to you, consider challenging yourself with one of the many hiking trails available near Las Vegas—don’t worry, there are lots of options for less ambitious hikes as well. Here are some of our favorite hiking spots within driving distance of the Strip:

Red Rock Canyon: This nearby National Conservation Area offers some incredibly beautiful views of desert landscape. It’s actually visible from some parts of the Strip, and it’s only a quick 30 minute drive outside the city if you’re looking for a short morning or afternoon trip.

Learn more about Red Rock Canyon with our list of 5 reasons to visit.

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area: Home to Mount Charleston, the highest mountain in Clark County, Spring Mountains NRA has an increased elevation that makes it a cooler spot for hiking in the summer and the ideal place to ski & snowboard in the winter.

TRAVEL TIP: Just because it’s cooler on Mount Charleston doesn’t mean you can skip taking precautions! Bring lots of water and sunscreen—dehydration and sun exposure are still a risk because of its higher elevation.

Valley of Fire: Renowned for its bright red Aztec sandstone, the Valley of Fire State Park is an incredible sight to behold and a popular filming location for sci-fi movies. It’s home to ancient petroglyphs, unique desert flora and fauna, and several “can’t-miss” colorful hikes, including Fire Wave, White Domes, Pastel/Pink Canyon, and Rainbow Vista.

Check out 7 Burning Reasons to Visit the Valley of Fire.

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Located east of Death Valley National Park, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge features “24,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands” and is “so unique that it is recognized as an wetland of international importance” (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service). It is the “largest remaining Oasis” in the Mojave Desert and is home to dozens of plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else on earth.

TRAVEL TIP: When hiking around Las Vegas, it is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Las Vegas and its surrounding area are part of the Mojave Desert, and it can get incredibly hot—temperatures exceeding 110℉ (43℃) hot. In some locations, such as Death Valley, the National Park Service recommends that you “travel prepared to survive” and avoid hiking after 10am.

If a more “indoor” outdoor experience is closer to your speed, consider enjoying a few of these beautiful spots from the comfort of a temperature-controlled automobile:

Red Rock Canyon Tours (1)

Valley of Fire Tours (1)

For more hiking spots, road trip destinations, and parks worth passing through, visit our Southwest US Travel Guide.

Hit the links

If—contrary to a commonly misattributed-to-Mark-Twain quote—you think nothing improves a walk like a game of golf, then make your way to one of Vegas’s many golf courses open to the public, including Trip Advisor’s top 5:

  • Paiute Golf Resort
  • Bali Hai Golf Club
  • Shadow Creek Golf Club
  • TPC Las Vegas
  • Angel Park Golf Club

Take in the sights

Las Vegas has lots to offer in terms of unique scenery and sightseeing. If you’re looking to explore some of Las Vegas’s many points of interest and landmarks, make sure you stop by these special spots:

  • Seven Magic Mountains by Ugo Rondinone – Located just outside the city, this unique art installation is worth seeing up close.
  • Fountains of Bellagio – A classic Sin City must-see spot, the Bellagio Fountains display a beautiful choreographed water show set to music several times throughout the day.
  • “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign – Every tourist needs a photo with the iconic Las Vegas sign, just don’t let anyone trick you into paying for it—there is no admission to see it and selfies are free.
  • The Volcano at the Mirage – Swing by The Mirage to see a volcanic eruption without risking your safety.
  • The Mantis at Downtown Container Park – Originally created by artist Kirk Jellum for Burning Man, this pyrotechnic piece has had a home in Las Vegas since 2013 (though she spent most of 2020 and the start of 2021 in hibernation) and lights up the sky each night starting at sundown.
  • The Mirage Aquarium – Experience underwater beauty at one of the most visited and recognizable aquariums in Las Vegas. This 20,000 gallon saltwater tank is home to over 450 fish from 85 different species.

Find more points of interest to see in our guide to 32 Totally Free Things To Do In Las Vegas.

Fly on a zipline

There are several options for flying high on a zipline in Las Vegas. From the Strip to Downtown, there are two popular options within the city:

And outside of it:

Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour with Optional Skywalk

$95

Grand Canyon Helicopter Floor Landing with Las Vegas Strip Upgrade

$599

Grand Canyon Exclusive Floor Landing Helicopter Tour

$499

For more thrill rides (and other activities), check out the Best Things to Do in Las Vegas During the Day.

Quench your thirst for destruction

Places like Adrenaline Mountain and Dig This Vegas give you a unique kind of outdoor experience—the kind of outdoor experience that provides you with the opportunity to lay waste to cars. At these specialized spots, you can shoot big guns—the kinds you see in movies—at stationary targets and exploding targets, try your hand at archery and axe throwing, drive monster trucks, crush cars, or drive excavators, mini-excavators, bulldozers, and track-type skid steers.

Off- and on-road

If you’re in the market for a faster-paced outdoor experience, consider the many off- and on-road experiences Las Vegas has to offer. Whether you are interested in tearing up the desert sand in a dune-buggy or taking precision turns on the track in a lamborghini, Vegas has a number of racecar and off-road vehicle options to get your heart racing:

  • Exotics Racing, SPEEDVEGAS, Dream Racing, and more, offer you the chance to drive the fancy race car of your dreams. From Mustangs to Lamborghinis to Teslas, learn what it’s like to drive a car you probably can’t afford.
  • For off-roading, Vegas offers lots of options for tearing up the desert, including dune buggies and ATV tours.

Eldorado Canyon ATV and Gold Mine Tour

$278

See Eldorado Canyon’s historic gold mine and experience the colorful history of the Old West before driving through the beautiful desert on an ATV!

Reserve Tour Now

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for a leisurely experience or an active outdoor adventure, Vegas and its surrounding area have lots of options for spending time outside, enjoying the sun, and having fun, including:

  • Pools and lakes
  • Loads of hiking trails
  • Golf courses
  • Plenty of sightseeing spots
  • Ziplines
  • And, adrenaline-pumping activities such as car crushing, target shooting, car racing, and dune-buggy driving

Featured IMage Photo by Tim Trad on Unsplash

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About Ria Borja

Ria is a Customer Experience Manager at Canyon Tours and an avid lover of the outdoors. When she isn't helping other travelers check destinations and dream vacations off their bucket lists, she's busy exploring the Southwest. Her favorite place to visit is (unsurprisingly!) the Grand Canyon.