Las Vegas Is Full of Adventures
Luckily for you, these involve no slot machines—only glassy waters for paddling and natural playgrounds for climbing
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Las Vegas has a reputation for keeping secrets. But the best-kept one of all has to be the top-notch rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, and paddleboarding just minutes from the strip.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
More than 2,000 sandstone bouldering routes less than 30 minutes from the craps tables at Mandalay Bay. Try Pork Chop, a classic V3 boulder problem, or Dream of Wild Turkeys, a ten-pitch moderate trad route.
Lake Mead
The average annual high in Vegas is 80 degrees. Cool off by exploring the islands and beaches of Boulder Basin on a paddleboard.
Bootleg Canyon
Vegas’s other man-made wonder: more than 35 miles of flow trails and technical singletrack for mountain bikers just southeast of the city. Find speed, sweeping turns, some air, and a bit of exposure on the 1.5-mile POW Trail.
Yoga at the Mirage Hotel
The Mirage’s “underwater” studio shares a glass wall with a dolphin tank. Yeah, at $50 it’s expensive—and total Vegas kitsch—but how often do you get to dolphin-pose with actual dolphins?
Las Vegas Cyclery
This LEED platinum-certified shop has bikes galore and guides to lead you on multi-day adventures. You can even demo a new steed on the trail circling the property.
Mount Charleston Wilderness
This 56,600-acre spread west of town has 40 miles of hiking trails winding through evergreen forests, slot canyons, and ice-cold springs. The 1.9-mile Fletcher Canyon moves through a gorge with 200-foot-high walls.
Local Joe: Rob Erekson, Race Director, Desert Dash
“Cottonwood Valley is really close to town and has 100 miles of trails and dirt roads that are great for running. It’s mostly flat, but there are a few good gnarly climbs.”
Local Pro: Alex Johnson, Rock climber
“I fill up at Krayvings, just outside Red Rocks, after almost every climb. They do all kinds of healthy juices and salads. I’m addicted to their protein plates with quinoa and steak.”