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.
