Las Vegas is famously known as Sin City, where visitors can indulge in casinos, shows, shopping, and nightlife along the lively Las Vegas Strip. But there’s much more to explore beyond the bright lights of the Strip. Surrounding Las Vegas is a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, winding canyons, vast lakes, and arid deserts that showcase the area’s natural wonders. From breathtaking parks and preserves to fascinating geological formations, there are plenty of incredible outdoor attractions and activities within easy driving distance from the Las Vegas Strip.
Majestic Mountains and Canyons
Red Rock Canyon
Just 17 miles west of the Strip lies the magnificent Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park is renowned for its striking red sandstone cliffs, steep canyons, and pine-covered peaks rising up to 3,000 feet. Visitors can embark on scenic drives along the 13-mile long park loop road, stopping at various overlooks to admire the striking natural scenery. There are also miles of hiking trails that wind through the canyon, leading to sights like the Lost Creek Waterfall and Petroglyph Wall showcasing ancient rock art. For an unforgettable bird’s eye view, rock climbers ascend the park’s towering sandstone walls.
Valley of Fire State Park
Further northeast is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, the Valley of Fire. This park truly lives up to its fiery name, with its bright red Aztec sandstone formations that glow brightly when lit by the sun. The 40,000 acres of desert wilderness contain petrified trees, petroglyphs, and narrow slot canyons to explore on foot. Highlights include the iconic Beehives, a cluster of red and white sandstone mounds, and the Seven Sisters, seven rock towers soaring up to 30 feet high. Visitors should also drive through Silica Dome Road to marvel at the swirling patterns in the sandstone at places like Rainbow Vista.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Straddling the border of Nevada and Arizona lies the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which offers stunning desert scenery surrounding the reservoir. Lake Mead was formed by the construction of Hoover Dam along the Colorado River. The lake itself stretches for 110 miles, edged by rugged cliffs and canyons just waiting to be explored. Some of the most scenic spots include the overlook at Hoover Dam as well as Hemenway Wall and Arizona Hot Springs along the lakeshore. The area also contains hiking trails threading through slot canyons and old mining sites in the surrounding Black Canyon.
Unique Geological Formations
Grand Canyon Skywalk
One of the newest attractions near Las Vegas is the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon Skywalk, on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. This horseshoe-shaped glass bridge juts out 70 feet from the canyon rim, suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. As visitors step out onto the glass platform, they can gaze down at the dizzying depths of the canyon beneath their feet for unparalleled views of the natural landmark. The Skywalk is part of Grand Canyon West, where you can also take a helicopter tour down into the canyon or ride a pontoon boat on the Colorado River.
Bryce Canyon Hoodoos
Just a few hours northeast of Vegas lies Bryce Canyon National Park in southern Utah. The park is famed for its whimsical hoodoos – spire-shaped rock formations created by millions of years of erosion. The palette of orange, red, pink, and white sandstone hoodoos appear like a fantasy landscape. Sunrise and Sunset Points offer phenomenal views over the entire amphitheater of hoodoos glowing golden in the sun’s rays. Hiking trails like the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail wind right through the forest of hoodoos.
Mojave Desert Landscapes
Much of the landscape around Las Vegas falls within the Mojave Desert. This arid region contains various geological sights, from extinct volcanoes to Joshua tree forests to fields of cholla cacti. Nearby attractions where you can experience the Mojave’s natural diversity include Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area’s petroglyphs, the alien-like trees of Red Rock Canyon, and the scenic drive through Valley of Fire. Just remember to bring plenty of water when exploring the hot desert!
Conclusion
Beyond the slot machines and stage shows, Las Vegas is surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty waiting to be explored. From fiery red canyons to the vast waters of Lake Mead to the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, there are endless outdoor adventures and unique geology that showcase the diversity of the desert landscape. So next time you visit Sin City, take a break from the Strip to discover the magnificent natural wonders found in the parks, lakes, and canyons around Las Vegas.
