Adventure and Nature Activities in Las Vegas

To fully enjoy the best things to do in Las Vegas, you have to go beyond the limits of your comfort zone. The city is famous for its canyons and rock formations, which lend themselves to a motorcycle ride, bike ride or hiking trail. In addition, you will find unique activities such as the experience of becoming a cowboy for a few hours.

The desert environment is ideal for sports such as kayaking, while enjoying crystal clear waters and caves with ancient Native American heritage. You can also appreciate the twinkling lights from the heights either by paragliding, helicopter or hot air balloon. I leave you with all the options for you to have a great time in Sin City!

Visiting the ranches of Las Vegas is ideal for those who enjoy plans on the outskirts of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. Here you can learn about the cowboy lifestyle and typical cowboy dishes, while enjoying a horseback ride. This type of activity invites you to discover the trails used by the outlaws, where local wildlife such as wild burros, rams, roadrunners and hares abound.

Immerse yourself in the natural environment of the Nevada desert to become an experienced rider. This is one of the best activities in Las Vegas, as you will hear stories from real cowboys who will guide you through the safe trails. As a precaution, you are not allowed to leave the group or gallop quickly.

If you like to add adrenaline to your vacation plans, you can't miss an ATV ride through the desert dunes. Beyond the typical attractions of Las Vegas, you will also find this type of experience that combines adrenaline and speed. You will be able to spin through the sand formations and discover the animals that live in the area. The most famous are the Nellis Dunes, as they are accessible to different levels of experience and offer unparalleled panoramic views.

You cannot ride the dunes on your own, due to state regulations and safety standards. Most activities of this style are organized through guided tours that guarantee the safety of participants and respect for the environment. In general, there are guided experiences that start at 89 € per person, which usually include a professional guide, the necessary equipment and transfers.

Another alternative is to book a dune buggy tour, which is different because you will be able to pilot an off-road vehicle and do deadly stunts. You will be safe at all times, thanks to its steel roll cage and harness-type safety belt. Additionally, you may visit the facilities where these vehicles are manufactured. Please note that it is a bit more expensive, with prices starting at 150 €.

Take one of the most exciting challenges of the desert and shoot in a controlled manner at a professional shooting range. It is a de-stressing activity that allows you to practice your aim, and do something uncommon in other parts of the world.

You can choose from more than 70 weapons with models that stand out as icons present in movies, series and video games. Feel like James Bond in one of his missions, while improving your safety and marksmanship with the support of professional instructors. The experience takes place outdoors, in a desert environment that adds a unique touch. You can sign up for as low as $132, with the price increasing according to the number of guns chosen with packages of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 or 21 guns.

In general, there are a variety of shooting range experiences in Las Vegas. In addition to outdoor ranges, you can enjoy video game-inspired themed ranges, rainy day indoor ranges or women-only ranges.

If you go to a city that combines adventure and natural beauty, you can't miss a kayaking tour. During this type of tour you will enjoy the vibrant colors of the water, while immersing yourself in a more tranquil experience. It takes place outside of Las Vegas, so wear your most comfortable sneakers. This way, you'll be prepared for a short hike through the depressions and curves leading down to the river.

Of course, you need to have back strength and no medical conditions so you can paddle and enjoy the ride. If you do not have experience, equipment, or do not know the terrain, you should not go out on your own. In this case, guided tours are a more economical and flexible option, as they usually cover equipment, permits, transfers and professional accompaniment.

In general, make sure you choose kayak tours in Las Vegas that fit your preferences, abilities and expectations. Here are my favorite options:

Black Canyon Kayaking.

If you want to visit Black Canyon without traveling long distances, this experience may be just what you need. Booking a kayaking excursion to Black Canyon allows you to enjoy the scenery of the Colorado River without getting too far from the city. To optimize time, these tours depart from Willow Beach and reach the canyon in record time. Plus, you may even stay for a sunset and a campfire with marshmallows.

Emerald Cave Kayaking

Another alternative is to take a kayaking excursion to the Emerald Cave, known for its crystal clear waters. Get ready to get in touch with nature, and even spot blue herons or American eagles. This experience is ideal for beginners and professionals, as it takes place in a calm and controlled environment.

Kayaking at Hoover Dam

A good option is to sign up for a kayaking excursion to Hoover Dam. This type of experience allows you to learn about the history of this engineering monument, which provides electricity to Nevada, Arizona and other areas of California. Later, you'll likely enjoy nature in the surrounding area. To make the activity more pleasant, you can visit the nearby hot springs and take advantage of their health benefits.

An excursion to the Hoover Dam is a must on your adventure itinerary. It is worth discovering it in depth to see the turbine halls and glide between its viewpoints. In addition, the exterior allows moderate-risk hikes along the top of the structure. This way, you will be able to appreciate different angles that offer unparalleled views of the Mojave Desert.

You can venture out on your own considering that the entrance to the exterior is free. However, if you want to enter the rooms where the magic happens and learn about its history, you can only do so with a guided tour. Another factor is that transfers are easier and cheaper with organized tours. On average, a cab can cost around 100 €, while tours usually cover the routes and start at 56 €.

Riding an off-road vehicle offers a sense of power and safety, as well as adrenaline without limits. In the rugged deserts of Hidden and Primm Valley, you'll enjoy the extreme twists and turns, and you'll even see extinct lava terrain. In fact, you will be able to access areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach, enjoying dreamlike panoramic views. The idea is to reach the highest viewpoints and take special trails for this type of vehicle, such as the McCullough Range.

It is important to do the activity with professionals, who will explain its operation so that you can accelerate to between 30 and 80 kilometers safely. Generally, you will not have to change gears since they are automatic off-road vehicles suitable for beginners. In addition, off-road tours in Las Vegas usually offer helmets, gloves and safety goggles.

Balloon rides in Las Vegas are a must-do activity that offers another facet of the city. During the tour you will soar over desert landscapes and witness a spectacle of colors at sunrise.

Marvel at the views of the Spring and Nopah mountain ranges, the wildlife of the Mojave Desert and part of Death Valley. You will also see the Pahrump Valley, where there are authentic ranches and farms.

Unlike other noisier and faster activities, this experience allows passengers to relax and enjoy the best views of Las Vegas. It is common to receive safety briefings on the runway and must be done with professionals, as well as take off with a certified pilot.

If you're excited about exploring Las Vegas in the great outdoors, you can't miss one of its most famous trails. The Valley of Fire stands out for its rock formations in reddish and orange hues, where you can choose from routes of varying intensity. From beginner trails to more demanding paths, ideal for discovering petroglyphs and pictographs left by native peoples.

You will witness a natural water basin, known as Mouse's Tank, where you will surely hear ancient stories. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes because the trails wind through rocks with depressions like Elephant Rock and along the bed of lakes. In general, there are plenty of things to do in the Valley of Fire on a hiking trail, such as camping and bird watching.

An interesting fact is that the rocks change color depending on the position of the sun, so don't forget your camera. It is undoubtedly one of the best hiking trails in Las Vegas, thanks to its nature-defying formations and 7,000-year-old paintings.

Experience an extreme adventure in the Mojave Desert as you ride a scooter through its red sandstone depressions and peaks. Specifically, I recommend Red Rock Canyon for being a preserved area suitable for hiking, biking, motorcycling and rock climbing. It was originally a sea, but its sedimentation began approximately 600 years ago.

This scenic drive is ideal for learning about the canyon's geological features and reaching remote areas. You can also explore the Keystone Thrust fault, or visit its main viewpoints. You can rent a motorcycle and go out on your own, but you must establish an itinerary, and for safety reasons, do not exceed the 40 kilometers per hour limit.

If this is your first time doing this type of activity, it is advisable to take advantage of the excursions to Las Vegas National Parks to enjoy comfort, tranquility and leave the organization in the hands of professionals.

Alternatively, you can hire an electric bike tour in Red Rock Canyon that offers a safe and effortless route.

When it comes to adventure, you can't miss a motocross ride through the natural grottoes of Las Vegas. Discover trails and mountainous terrain on the outskirts of the city, while you enjoy the adrenaline rush as you challenge rocks and other obstacles. The most appropriate places for this activity are Hidden and Primm Valley, where you can climb into canyons and cross the Roach Dry Lake.

It is one of the best trails in Las Vegas and can also be done in the Nellis Dunes, which have a less structured free terrain. Alternatively, get to Lake Mead and ride over small puddles that will add a dose of fun.

Enjoy a 60-second free fall from an altitude of 4.5 kilometers above the Nevada desert. Generally, the adventure begins with a plane ride that offers panoramic views of the city. From the sky it is possible to glimpse the Grand Canyon, the Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe. To ensure the safety of the process, it is recommended to do this activity only with professionals.

This experience attracts many visitors, so I recommend that you book the skydiving experience in advance. An advantage is that it usually includes transfers, a professional guide and the necessary equipment.

Las Vegas at night is a complete spectacle, considering it is a city surrounded by uniquely illuminated buildings. Dare to fly in a helicopter to appreciate the neon lights of the hotels and casinos on the Strip, or iconic monuments such as the Bellagio and the replica of the Eiffel Tower. In addition, you will get to the height of the tallest building in the city known as the Stratosphere Tower.

A helicopter ride allows you to appreciate the replicas of other world monuments such as the pyramids of Gizah, the Statue of Liberty or the Trevi Fountain. Not for nothing is it one of the best night tours, as it takes you all over the city in record time. It is an attractive activity that usually offers dinner so you don't have to worry about where to eat.