Gambling Isn't the Only Thing
to do in Las Vegas
by: Monica Marty
Do you think the only thing to do in Las Vegas is
gamble? Would you believe that there are a multitude
of great hiking trails in a place where
all-you-can-eat casino buffets are par for the
course? Southern Nevada is chock full of great
hiking trails ready to be discovered. Hiking areas
near Las Vegas include: Red Rock, Mt.Charleston,
Lake Mead, and the Eastern Sierra. These hiking
trails are interspersed between canyons, mountains,
chutes, and gullies.
Red Rock: Red Rock is located 20 miles west of
Las Vegas. The hiking trails range between 1-12
miles and can accommodate hikers of any skill level.
Camping is available. Currently, it costs $5 per car
and $20 for a yearly pass.
Mt.Charleston: Mt.Charleston is 35 miles
northwest of Las Vegas. It is filled with
mountainous terrain. Mt.Charleston has summer
temperatures that are nearly 30 degrees cooler then
Las Vegas. The hiking trails range from 1-20 miles
and will bode well for beginning to advanced hikers.
Currently, it costs $6 per car.
Lake Mead: Lake Mead is 20 miles east of Las
Vegas. Lake Mead is an easy hike. It is generally 10
degrees warmer than Las Vegas. Therefore, consider
hiking Lake Mead during the winter months. There are
hot springs and eye-catching rock formations to
admire while hiking around Lake Mead. The hiking
trails are 1-15 miles long. Currently, it costs $5
for certain hikes.
Eastern Sierra: The Eastern Sierra mountain range
is a 3.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. It is worth the
drive when you experience the many peaks it has to
offer. The highest peak is Mt. Whitney which stands
at 14,494 feet. There are numerous trails to choose
from that explore the peaks that make up the Eastern
Sierra mountain range. The trails range from 1-20
miles long. There is no entrance fee. However, some
of the trails require permits while others do not.
Also, be aware that the Eastern Sierra mountain
range is home to a bear population so take
precautions when hiking and camping.
So turn in your poker chips and skip the slot
machines when you head to Las Vegas. The area has
many spectacular hiking trails to offer. Try hiking
in fall, winter, or spring because Las Vegas has
sweltering heat in the summer. Take in the fresh air
and rocky scenery of Las Vegas area hiking trails.
They are a little known secret waiting for you to
discover them.
