{Rugged|Jagged|Rough} mountains, red rock {canyons|chasms|ravines} and {deep|unfathomable|cavernous} desert valleys offer the locals of Las Vegas {stunning|dramatic|dazzling} scenery and dozens of {outdoor|open-air|al fresco} {recreational|leisure} opportunities. The {climate|typical weather|temperature} makes outdoor activity {extremely|tremendously|enourmously} {attractive|eye-catching} to all outdoor types all year.

It’s {effortless|simple|easy} to kick back and simply {enjoy|take pleasure in} Mother Nature’s {beauty|splendor}.

Located within 25 miles:

Red Rock Canyon (15 miles) – Red Rock Canyon State Park features {scenic|picturesque} desert cliffs, buttes and {spectacular|magnificent|brilliant} rock formations. Each tributary canyon is {unique|distinctive}, with {dramatic|stunning} shapes and vivid colors. The park’s wildflower displays are stunning after wet winters. Even after a dry winter, the {beauty|loveliness} of the desert still makes this park a camper’s {favorite|beloved} destination. Miles of trails {meander|wander} through the dramatic {landscape|backdrop} of the park, and hiking is an intimate way to experience the desert. One of the most {popular|well-liked} hiking trails is into Pine Creek Canyon. This is a 2-mile round trip hike near a running creek and surrounded by large ponderosa pine. Or if you prefer to sightsee in the comfort of your car, the 13-Mile Loop Drive offers sightseeing, vistas and overlooks. There are {several|a number of} short hikes accessible from the loop drive.

Lake Mead Recreational Area (25 miles) – Lake Mead Recreational Area offers a wealth of things to do and places to go year-round. {Created|Shaped} by the Hoover Dam and filled by the Colorado River, Lake Mead is one of the {largest|biggest} man-made lakes in the world. It caters to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers. It is also home to thousands of desert plants and animals, {adapted|modified} to {survive|live} in an extreme place where rain is {scarce|sparse} and temperatures soar. The warm-water recreation isn’t the only thing {drawing|alluring} visitors every year. Adventurers can {explore|discover} the rugged and {remote|isolated} backcountry. And for those looking for rest and relaxation, why not rent a houseboat and {cruise|tour} the waters?

Spring Mountain State Park (30 miles) – {Located|Situated} within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, {beneath|below} the {colorful|multihued} cliffs of the magnificent Wilson Range. The 520 acre {retreat|oasis} was developed into a combination working ranch and luxurious retreat. If the spring brings {ample|adequate} rainfall the {scenery|landscape} will {explode|burst} with wildflowers. Most of the wildlife is nocturnal and will go {unnoticed|unseen} during the daylight. {Characteristic|Typical} desert animals include a variety of lizards and snakes, antelope ground squirrels, jackrabbits, cotton tails, kit fox, coyote and wild burros. Cultural events are put on by Super Summer Theater every May through September.

Located within 50 miles:

Mt. Charleston (35 miles) – {A variety|An assortment} of trails and mountaineering {trails|routes} to numerous peaks awaits any {explorer|adventurer} at Mount Charleston. The cool mountain breezes, fresh air and all-around {picturesque|scenic} beauty of Mount Charleston can {tempt|entice|lure} any Las Vegas tourist away for the day. Located only 35 miles from the Las Vegas strip, you’ll feel in a world where you’re the only {occupant|inhabitant}. Whether you’re a {novice|beginner} or advanced hiker, you’ll find a hiking trail at Mount Charleston. The Mary Jane Falls trail is {ideal|perfect} for families. A seasonal waterfall and cave await the kids on this hour long 2-mile trail. And the 10-mile Bonanza Peak trail might allow you to watch the wild horses roaming.

Located within 100 miles:

Valley of Fire State Park (55 miles) – The oldest and largest state park in Nevada, the Valley of Fire State Park is only six miles from Lake Mead. {Bursting with|Full of} red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert, when the sun hit’s the eroded sandstone the park appears to be on fire. Driving along park roads, you’re sure to see blossoming desert marigold, indigo bush, and desert mallow in the springtime.

Mojave National Preserve (60 miles) – Singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6 million acre park. A {stopover|visit} to its canyons, mountains and mesas will {expose|reveal} long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. Visitors will find the {serenity|tranquillity} and {seclusion|solitude} a nice change of pace in comparison to the big city. Hikers can {decide|choose} between two developed trails, or find an old mining road, canyon or wash. The backcountry is {accessible|available} for camping to all backpackers and hunting is {allowed|permitted} in designated areas. And then there’s the 1,200 miles of road to keep any off-roader busy – just make sure the vehicle is street legal before you go.

Located over 100 miles away:

Death Valley (135 miles) – A {unbeatable|superlative} desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, {multihued|multicolored} rock layers, water-fluted canyons and 3 million acres of wilderness. Home to the Timbisha Shoshone and to plants and animals {exclusive|unique} to the harshest desert. {Situated|Located} on the border between California and Nevada, Death Valley is {thought of|considered} by most as strictly a winter park, it is possible to visit year-round.
When visiting Death Valley, make sure to drink at least one gallon of water every day and carry plenty of extra water in your car just in case. {Bear in mind|Remember}, this is one of the hottest places in the world and it’s easy to {misjudge|underestimate} the effects heat will have on you. Other dangers to be {conscious|aware} of include flash floods during rain storms and the dangerous animals that might be hiding. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders are not {unusual|rare|uncommon} and you don’t want to go poking into their shelters. And with more {deserted|abandoned} mines than any other national park, adventurers need to be careful as they are {innately|inherently} dangerous.

Zion Canyon (158 miles) – Utah’s oldest and most visited national park, Zion Canyon {attracts|draws} around 3 million {tourists|visitors} each year. Zion means “a place of peace and refuge” in ancient Hebrew. You’ll agree when you see the {enourmous|immense} sandstone canyons, beautifully sculptured rock formations, {towering|soaring} cliffs and {awe-inspiring|breathtaking} landscapes. The cliff-and-canyon {backdrop|setting} is full of unexpected beauty. Here, the Virgin River has carved a spectacular forge into the red and white sandstone. The {bottom|floor} of the canyon is covered with trees, grasses and the river. The canyon walls loom high above; in most places they are 2,000 to 3,000 feet high. And don’t be surprised when you happen upon an abandoned cliff house or rock art. These are gifts left behind by the original inhabitants, the Anasazi.

Bryce Canyon (210 miles) – The {distinctive|unique} outdoor exhibition consists of thousands of red rock spires and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters. Wind, water and general geologic {havoc|mayhem} {etched|shaped} the pink cliffs at Bryce Canyon. {Officially|Technically} it’s not really a canyon, but the eastern slope of the Paunsaguant Plateau. {Celebrated|Famous} for its night sky, you can be introduced to the many wonders of the night through one of Bryce Canyon’s Astronomy programs. Full Moon Hikes are available, at no cost, but the hikes are {restricted|limited} to 30 people – so get there early, sign-up begins at 8:00 a.m. The {combination|mixture} of shadows and moonlight is said to create a “spooky” personality. It is so dark at night; you’ll be able to see 7500 stars on a moonless night! Every June you’re welcome to attend the Astronomy Festival.

Grand Canyon (300 miles) – The largest {ravine|gorge} in the world, it’s no surprise that the Grand Canyon is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. The Colorado River slices through the Granite Gorge and allows visitors to see some of the oldest rocks. Hikers, mule riders, or river runners see the Inner Canyon. No matter what your interest, there are various activities available and depending on the time you plan to visit you can personalize your Grand Canyon experience. The South Rim is the most {easy to get to|accessible} part of the park and is open all year. This area will attract nearly 5 million people every year. The North Rim is less accessible, especially when the heavy snows cause the road to be closed from late October to mid May.