Las Vegas Activities: Mountain Activities

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The natural attractions of Las Vegas. Red Rock Canyon.

• Rock Climbing. Would you believe that Las Vegas has some of the best climbing in America? Red Rock Canyon, www.redrockcanyonlv.org is on the western edge of the Las Vegas city limits and features hundreds of traditional/gear and sport routes. Climbing is possible year-round, though Spring and Fall tend to be most comfortable. There are a couple of guide books that detail the routes. Though the area does not receive much precipitation, it is worth remember that if the sandstone becomes wet (from rain or snow) it becomes brittle and you'd be wise to avoid it for at least two day before checking if it dried out.
  • There is also a scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon, which will take you about 30 minutes to complete, though there are opportunities to park up and get out of the car. Entry is five dollars per car unless you have a National Park pass and includes access to the visitor centre.

• Dayhiking and Backpacking. North of Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains have five peaks over 11,000' which is Bristlecone Pine County. At 11,918 ft (3,362 m), Mt. Charleston reaches the treeless alpine zone and is Nevada's fourth highest peak. The geology is mainly limestone which soaks up rainfall and snowmelt up high and releases it in lower canyons. Carry plenty of water for hikes along the crest. Expect snow at higher elevations October through May or June.

• Hot Springs Day Hikes' in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Boulder City and Hoover Dam. Info on hiking available at the National Park Service Alan Bible Visitor Center, www.nps.gov/lame/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm Guided hikes and info available through Desert Adventures in Boulder city (702)510-4746 or www.kayaklasvegas.com

• Skiing. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort in the Spring Mountains is reached by State Highway 156, 45 minutes from Las Vegas. Brian Head Resort in southern Utah offers more vertical feet but is about a three hour drive via I-15.

• Mountain Biking. Bootleg Canyon in nearby Boulder City provides excellent technical cross-country and downhill trails, 30 minutes south of "The Strip" by Highway 93. Blue Diamond just south of Red Rock Canyon is the location of less technical riding, but with amazing views.

• www.redrockcanyonlv.org
• www.nps.gov/lame/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
• www.kayaklasvegas.com