As much as I would LOVE to win that big jackpot at the casino, I know I have a much better chance at losing all my hard-earned money (I stress if I lose 5 dollars at the blackjack table). So instead of spending our time in Vegas gambling, we decided to take advantage of the cheap flights to Vegas and explore epic outdoor scene nearby. This guide will give you the ULTIMATE LIST of adventurous outdoor activities near Las Vegas. From dune buggy racing to epic hikes, you’ll be anything but bored (and a whole lot less angry at the slot machines) in the famous neon city. Happy adventuring!
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Table of Contents
Las Vegas Outdoor Adventures
***Sorted by distance from the Strip***
Mini Golf
Distance from the strip: On the strip
For those looking for a bit of competition (but the kind that doesn’t involve losing hundreds of dollars in the casino), head to one of Vegas’s many mini-golf courses. The Twilight Zone offers a massive 10,000 square ft glow-in-the-dark course or you can check out the one and only KISS-themed course.
You can even add a little Vegas flare to the game by making a bet. Loser buys dinner??
ATV Tour
Distance from the strip: Hotel pick up on the strip
Las Vegas ATV tours offer one of the most adventurous things to do in all of Nevada. There are three different tours to choose from ranging from 2 hours to 8 hours. You can choose between touring the Colorado River, Lake Mead, the Movaje Desert, or the Las Vegas Dunes.
Check out more ATV tours here!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Distance from the strip: 1.8 miles (meeting point)
I had no idea you could go on a hot air balloon ride less than 2 miles from the strip! This is definitely on my list for next time.
Vegas Balloon Rides take you on a magical sunrise float above the colorful Mojave Desert. In addition to the epic views, you’ll also get a champagne toast and complimentary transportation to the take-off site.
TIP! Before making your itinerary, be sure to check out the Las Vegas GOCITY pass to save money on over 35 attractions!
Jeep Tour
Distance from the strip: 2.3 miles (with many different lengths and distances of tours to choose from)
I’m sure you’ve seen the quintessential Pink Jeep Tours plastered all over Instagram. BUT I was under the impression this was just a Sedona thing. Much to my surprise, they also operate just over 2 miles from the strip (They actually have 5 locations in the US).
There are several different tours to choose from that range from 3 to 10 hours. Some are rough, off-road adventures, while others are paved tours in a different type of jeep. No matter which you pick, you’re guide will be a Las Vegas expert providing all the fun facts + you’ll get to see all the best sights!
Springs Preserve
Distance from the strip: 5.1 miles
The Springs Preserve is a unique and protected 180-acre outdoor (and some indoor) museum. At just 5 miles from the strip, you’ll find a botanical garden, butterfly garden, live animal exhibits, a wetland bird habitat, and many (many) other exhibits that highlight the Mojave desert and other unique aspects of the area.
The Springs Preserve is open Thrusdays-Mondays from 9am-4pm and admission is only 9.95 per adult! If walking is not your thing, you can also rent a bike or hop on the train that will take you around to the exhibits!
Wander around The Neon Museum
Distance from the strip: 6.2 miles
The Neon Museum is a one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring all the retired neon signs of Vegas. It is a popular spot due to its proximity to the stip. With this being said, its recommended to buy your tickets online before visiting. You can choose between general day admission, guided night tours, and portrait walks. Three’s even an option to fly over the neon lights in a helicopter!
Ethel M. Botanical Cactus Gardens
Distance from the strip: 8.7 miles
Okay, this may not be the most adventurous item on this list, but it is a unique outdoor activity very close to the Las Vegas Strip! The Cactus Botanical Gardens sit on 3-acres of land and features Nevada’s largest collection of cacti and other succulents.
After you are done exploring the grounds, you can even tour the chocolate factory that is on-site and take a chocolate-making class. (You don’t have to ask me twice to indulge in deliciousness).
Clark County Wetlands Park
Distance from the strip: 9.2 miles
Whaaaat?! Isn’t Nevada just a giant Desert?!
The Clark County Wetlands Park protects over 2,900 acres and features a nature center, 5 hiking trails, and other events and educational programs. It’s free to enter and explore and is open daily from dawn to dusk. During your hike, you’ll likely spot turtles, wading birds, and maybe even a coyote. The preserve is actually home to over 70 different wildlife species!
TIP! Before making your itinerary, be sure to check out the Las Vegas GOCITY pass to save money on over 35 attractions!
GoKarting
Distance from the strip: Several locations to choose from
Las Vegas is home to some of the best and most unique Go karting tracks in the world. If you are hoping for something a bit slower and manageable (me!) head to the Mini Grand Prix track. Gene Woods Track is located conveniently at Freemont Street and offers an exciting indoor track. But, if you are feeling the need for speed, head to the fast go-karts in Las Vegas at K1 Speed.
Heavy Equipment Playground
Distance from the strip: 13 miles
This one is still on my list…but how cool is it to be able to “play” with the heavy equipment you drive by (you know the neverending construction on your local freeway) each day. There are many different experiences to choose from including driving a bulldozer or even smashing a car during the Agression Session. Prices range from 175-800 depending on the chosen experience.
Dune Buggy
Distance from the strip: 17 miles
Las Vegas Elite Off Road offers 1, 2, and 4-seater Dune Buggy’s to rent while you follow an experienced guide around the Nevada desert. Each tour lasts about 2 hours (of ride time), and includes pictures, helmets, water, and shuttle service to and from the strip. Sun Buggy Fun Rentals also has ATV, UTV, and dune buggy rentals!
Horseback riding
Distance from the strip: 18 miles
A quick google search of “best horseback riding in Las Vegas” will give you a plethora of choices to choose from. Many of the tours go into the Red Rock Canyon to enjoy the wild west landscapes. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including the big horn sheep, jack rabbits, and road runners!
If looking for an extra unique experience, be sure to check out the Wild West BBQ & Sunset Ride.
Hike at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Distance from the strip: 17 miles
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area covers a massive 200 thousand acres! There are over 25 different trails to choose from that vary in length and difficulty. If you only have time for one hike, I recommend checking out the 2.2-mile Calico Tanks Trail for some cool rock formations and amazing views overlooking Vegas.
Ride an Electric Bike around Red Rock Canyon
Distance from the strip: 17 miles
If hiking is not your thing, but you still want to admire the beauty of Red Rock Canyon, you can try an e-bike tour! With Red Rock E-Bikes, you can see the best sights of the park during a 16-mile ride. E-bikes can actually go up to 20mph so no worries about getting too tired. The tour takes about 3 hours, but they also offer an option to be picked up from the strip.
Lake Mead
Distance from the strip: 34 miles
Lake Mead is actually the first AND largest National Recreation area in the United States. The whole park covers a massive 1,495,806 acres and is home to so many adventurous things to do. You can swim, boat, camp, hike, fish, and bike. There are several marinas on the lake where you can even rent a boat, jet ski, or paddleboard!
Climb to the Goldstrike Hot Springs
Distance from the strip: 38 miles
Did you know Las Vegas is home to some epic hot spring hikes?! There’s nothing quite as unique as hiking to a hot spring in the middle of a desert. With this being said, be sure to plan this activity during the winter, because no one wants to sit in 109-degree water when it’s 100 outside. ANDDD this particular trail closes from May 15-September 30th!
Anyways…. the Goldstrike Hot Springs are located along a challenging 6-mile hike. Once you get closer to the springs, you will be met with several steep climbs and ropes. Make sure you are prepared with a lot of water and proper hiking shoes.
Once you make it to the springs, you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing soak and beautiful views of the Colorado River.
Raft tour at the Hoover Dam
Distance from the strip: 39 miles
Although you can see the Hoover Dam via a guided walking tour, it’s even cooler to check out in a raft! Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures offers a 6-hour tour with over 3 hours on the river. You’ll learn about the unique history and wildlife of the area while taking in the breathtaking views of the Black Canyon and Colorado River.
Soak in the Arizona Hot Springs
Distance from the strip: 42 miles
Another fun hot spring hike just minutes from The Hoover Dam and The Goldstrike Hot Spring hike. The Arizona Hot Springs (sometimes referred to as Ringbolt Hot Springs) are found along a hard 5.9-mile hike. They are actually situated inside an epic slot canyon! Again, this hike is challenging and you may find fellow hikers in their birthday suits in the tubs. There’s even a (slightly sketchy) ladder down to the Colorado River to cool off.
Important note: Dogs are allowed on the trail, BUT please be careful in the water. Dogs do not regulate their body temperature the same as us (and cannot tell you when its too hot) which can lead to overheating. I’d suggest just sticking to the Colorado River with your pup.
Mount Charleston
Distance from the strip: 43 miles
Another unique find in the middle of the desert. Mount Charleston is an epic alpine retreat nestled inside the Movaje desert. While visiting you’ll find miles of trails for hiking and biking, picnic shelters, and camping.
The winters will sometimes see snow, which is great for sledding, skiing, and winter hikes. But, be aware though…when snow in on the horizon, the area becomes extremely congested. Plan accordingly.
Explore the Valley of Fire State Park
Distance from the strip: 56 miles
I’m sure you’ve seen this quintessential park plastered all over Instagram. It’s less than an hour away from Vegas, but a true outdoor-lovers paradise. Valley of Fire State Park is the epitome of an adventurous outdoor activity near Las Vegas. Although you are less than one hour from the neon lights, it’ll feel as though you have landed on a different planet.
My favorite stops here were the viewpoints along Mouse’s Tank Road, the Fire Wave, and the slot canyon along White Domes Trail. For a full one-day itinerary, click here!
Kayak to Emerald Cave
Distance from the strip: 57 miles
Can you believe this place is less than an hour from the strip?! You can reach this magical cave via a guided tour or by renting your own kayak right at Willow Beach Marina. The cave itself is located 2 miles down the Colorado River, but the entire trip is breathtaking.
Read more about this adventurous outdoor experience near Las Vegas here!
Road Trip to Death Valley
Distance from the strip: 118 miles (Furnace Creek Visitors Center)
A road trip to Death Valley is a must when visiting Las Vegas. At just over 2 hours away, you will be surrounded by some of the most breathtaking and unique landscapes. From sand dunes to badlands, and all the epic hikes you could easily spend an entire day (or days) here.
If you get an early start and head into the park with a plan, you’ll be able to see most of the highlights in just one day. Some of my favorite stops were Artist Pallette Drive, Badwater Basin, and Mosaic Canyon trail, but for a full one-day itinerary, click here!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas?
As much as we love outdoor adventures, we also like good restaurants, fancy hotels, and the city life. For these reasons, we choose to have the best of both worlds and stay on the strip. This way we could explore during the day and return to the city at night. It’s also a great home base for all of these outdoor activities. Many of the adventurous tours even offer hotel pick-up and drop-off!
We personally stayed at the Mandalay and it was a great experience. But, other top-rated strip hotels include The Bellagio, The Venitian, The Cosmopolitan, and The Mirage (if hoping to save a bit of money).
You can stay off of the strip too, but we have not had the best experience with those hotels. To me, spending a few extra dollars a night to stay right on the strip is worth it.
Who’s ready for all the adventurous outdoor activities near Las Vegas?!?
Is your mind blown?! Can you believe how many fun and adventurous outdoor activities are near Las Vegas? Start checking google flights now to find an affordable flight to sin city. Then rent a car and get ready for all the adventures!
Buuuuut avoid visiting in the summer at all costs. These outdoor activities aren’t fun when its 100 out.
What other fun outdoor activities would you add to this Las Vegas list? AND if you are looking for more adventures, check out these 27 weekend trips to take from Vegas!
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