15 Fun Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas If You Love Adventure

15 Fun Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas

1. ATV Tours →

35°50’43.0″N+115°14’56.7″W, map

If you want to drive on a dry lake bed or see the natural desert landscape near Las Vegas, an ATV Tour is a great way to do it.

We’ll admit that we had too much fun driving over mounds, learning to fishtail, and doing donuts to pay attention to our surroundings though.

They teach you everything you need to know, and then you can go at your own pace. You can meet them at their tour site (a good choice if you plan activities before or after) or they offer pick-ups on the Strip.

Local Tip: Wear clothes you’re okay to get dirty in. You will get covered in dust.

See More: 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Bucket List

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2. Flyboarding at Lake Las Vegas →

15 Costa Di Lago, Henderson NV, 89011, US, map

UPDATE: Unfortunately it doesn’t look like they are currently offering Flyboarding anymore, but check out E-Foil Lessons. That’s something we’ve always wanted to try!

Our first flyboarding experience was here in Las Vegas. We were nervous since we don’t have much experience with water sports, but our instructor assured us that if you can stand, you can fly! He was right, and we had so much fun.

After we finished, we asked the pros to show us some tricks. We reserved it for next time! ;)

Local Tip: Keep in mind that it is cold in the winter in Las Vegas so this is only available during the summer.

See More: 15 Unique Bucket List Experiences in Las Vegas

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3. Ziplining →

3545 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map

You’ll find a few different zip lines on the strip, like this one at the LINQ Promenade. Our favorite one near Las Vegas was Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon Zipline, but unfortunately it is closed now. Until another one opens up, check out the ones on the strip.

See More: The LINQ Promenade – Your Ultimate Guide on What to See and Do

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4. Mountain Bike Bootleg Canyon

1000 Yucca St, Boulder City, NV 89005, map

We have friends who have been trying to get us to start mountain biking. If you love exploring on two wheels then you need to check out Bootleg Canyon. 

There are over 20 mountain bike trails for all skill levels, including some of the gnarliest ones we’ve ever seen. 

Local Tip: If you’re visiting and don’t want to bother bringing your own bike, there are plenty of rental options nearby.

See More: 7 Breathtaking National Parks Near Las Vegas You Need to See

5. Hiking and Rock Climbing at Red Rock Canyon →

1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, map

The biggest reason we moved back to Vegas is that we started rock climbing after we moved away. We quickly learned that people from all over the world come to Red Rock Canyon to climb. Our favorite areas are Kraft Boulders (more touristy) and Willow Creek (more local).

If you don’t climb, some popular hikes are:

• Calico Tank Trail
• Ice Box Canyon
• Calico Hills

There is also a scenic drive and plenty of picnic spots for you to enjoy. Plus, you’ll regularly see people biking the scenic loop.

Local Tip: Weather is generally 5-10 degrees cooler than in town. Also, most of the trails are exposed, so bring plenty of water and sunblock. If it has been raining at Red Rock within 48 hours, please climb indoors instead. Come say hi to us at Refuge Climbing (where we climb) or check out Vegas’ best climbing gyms.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in Red Rock Canyon

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6. Hike or Climb in Mount Charleston

6-34 Kyle Canyon Rd, Mt Charleston, NV 89124, map

When it’s too hot at Red Rock, we all head to Mount Charleston. It’s the perfect local getaway to escape the summer heat. And in the winter, it’s often covered in snow.

The popular hikes are Mary Jane Falls Trail and Lee Canyon. In the winter, it’s the closest spot to ski and snowboard.

We haven’t done much of the popular trails yet, because we end up climbing instead, but eventually, we’ll do them all.

Local Tip: Cell service is hard to get up there, so be sure you know where you’re going before heading there or download offline google maps. 

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7. Star Party or Climb at Mount Potosi →

Have you heard of a star party? It’s where a group of amateur astronomers get together to observe the sky. We had no idea what it was until our friend threw one for his birthday.

It was a lot of fun to nerd out and see the stars and planets with their powerful telescopes.

Also, there’s climbing. Do you see a pattern? If there are climbing routes, we’re going to climb them! Our friend and old boss, Andy (in the photo below), has been developing this area for a while. 

Unlike climbing with crowds at Red Rock, there’s a good chance you’ll have this place all to yourself. It’s also quite an approach.

Local Tip: Contact Las Vegas Astronomical Society to see when they are having events.

See More: Star Party on Mount Potosi Las Vegas

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8. Explore Valley of Fire →

29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, map

Valley of Fire is our favorite outdoor spot to photograph in the Las Vegas area. We’ve been dozens of times, and we continue to take our visitors here. 

If you look at the photos, you’ll probably recognize some of them from Instagram. In-person, they do not disappoint and most of the hikes there are short. Check out our full guide here.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Valley of Fire

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9. Enjoy Lake Mead National Recreation Area →

10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, map

Whether you want to play on the water or hike a trail, Lake Mead National Recreation Area has a lot to offer.

You can rent a boat from Lake Mead Mojave Adventures and go on a self-guided tour. Watersports like boating, kayaking, SUP, etc are perfect for the hot summer weather. When the weather is cooler, check out hikes like the Historic Railroad Trail or explore the hot springs (see the next item on the list!).

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

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10. Gold Strike Canyon Hot Springs →

601 Great Basin Hwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, map

If you’re looking for an adventurous hike with natural hot springs at the end, check out the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail.

It’s a fun hike where you get a bit of everything. There are sections where you have to use ropes to get up and down.

You can also check out the nearby Arizona Hot Springs hike.

Just keep in mind that these are not ideal during the summer. The hikes are exposed and it’s too hot to enjoy the springs.

Local Tip: If you go past the hot springs, you can hike all the way down to the Colorado River.

See More: How to Hike Gold Strike Hot Springs

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11. Cliff Jump at Nelson’s Landing

35.708106,-114.8091724, map

Nelson’s Landing is a local favorite during the summers. Thrill-seekers go there to cliff jump while others come to cool off in the water.

While you’re there, make time to check out Nelson’s Ghost Town. It’s a popular spot for photoshoots.

Local Tip: Check the water levels and jump at your own risk. The jump gets higher every year as the water level goes down.

See More: Nelson’s Landing + Ghost Town – What You Need to Know Before You Go

12. Skeet Shooting and Shooting Machine Guns at Pro Gun Club →

12801 Old U.S. 95, Boulder City, NV 89005, map

Pro Gun Club has all types of guns to shoot and a world-class 17 station sporting clays course on their huge 160-acre property. To really spice things up, you can also shoot at exploding targets or a run-down vehicle. Everything is customizable.

Local Tip: They can help you charter vehicles, buses, or helicopters to pick you up from wherever you’re staying.

See More: Shooting Machine Gun at Pro Gun Club Las Vegas

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13. Stroll Through Springs Preserve →

333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107, map

If you love nature but don’t want to rough it, the Springs Preserve is a beautiful 180-acre property with nature trails, museum exhibits, and attractions perfect for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend the day outside with all the comforts nearby.

Local Tip: Locals get a discount and if you plan on visiting often, become a member.

See More: Your Guide to Springs Preserve

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14. Dune Buggy Adventure →

6925 Speedway Blvd c106, Las Vegas, NV 89115, map

Zip, zag, and zoom over rough terrain and sand dunes just north of the city. Dune buggy tours are a great way to get the heart pumping. 

The only thing that will slow them down is you (I drive like a grandma). If you can keep up with the pros, you’ll be flying through the desert.

Local Tip: Don’t bring unnecessary loose items with you. They do have lockers in the office where you can store your stuff. It was a bit of a rough ride, so keep that in mind.

See More: Sunbuggy Las Vegas Dune Buggy Tours

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15. Ethel M Botanical Cactus Gardens →

2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014, map

If you’re looking for a free, relaxing activity, head over to the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Gardens. My mom loves plants, so she especially loved walking through marveling at over 300 species of desert plants.

Plus, it’s always nice to drop into the chocolate factory to get some free samples. Check out our guide here.

Local Tip: During the holidays (Christmas + Valentine’s) they dress up the garden with lights making it extra magical.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

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What outdoor activities in Las Vegas have you tried? Which of these do you want to try next?