Category: Las Vegas

Among all of the outdoor activities there are to do in Las Vegas, skateboarding is another popular one. Las Vegas is home to some of the best skateparks including the brand new Craig Ranch Skatepark! The list below is a guide for those looking to skateboard in the area.

1. Craig Ranch Skatepark

Rated the number one skatepark in Nevada, Craig Ranch is fairly new. Located in the Craig Ranch Regional Park in north Las Vegas, this 65,000 square ft. outdoor concrete park features a flow bowl, two pool bowls, a skate plaza in the corner, a half pipe and mostly square rails with an exception of one round rail.

2. Anthem Skatepark

Located about 10 minutes southwest of downtown Las Vegas, Anthem Skatepark is considered one of the best in the area. The outdoor park opened in 2003 and features a big flow area with depths ranging from 3’ to 9’ as well as a kidney pool with steep transitions. Make sure you wear a helmet here because you can get ticketed for not wearing one!

3. SkateCity Skatepark

This recently remodeled indoor skatepark features a mix of large and small ¼ pipes, a mini ramp, banks, ledges, stair sets, handrails and an awesome foam pit. BMX riders and skateboarders are welcome here.

4. Hollywood Skatepark

This 29,000 square ft. skatepark features concrete bowls connected by an 18’ full-pipe, and 11’ deep kidney bowl and a number of stairs and ledges. If you’re bringing your kids here be careful as some of the bowls might be too deep.

5. Metro Skatepark

This skatepark is located in Northwest Las Vegas. It features a half pipe area, pyramid in the center of the park and a good sized bowl with some stair sets. Be careful as the concrete here is very slippery!

In recent years, the gambling capital of the U.S. has become increasingly known for the other forms of entertainment it offers. Sin City is home to some awesome music festivals and concerts as well as some of the nations most adventurous outdoor activities. If you’re looking for some awesome ways to get your adrenaline pumping check out the list of activities below!

1. The Vegas Mini Baja Chase at Sunbuggy Fun Rentals

The Mini Baja Chase in Las Vegas is a fast-paced tour through 15,000 acres of varied desert terrain perfect for dune buggy racing! Just located 15 miles away from the Las Vegas strip allows racers to drive at their chosen pace in timed events ranging from 15-120 minutes in full roll cage vehicles with 4-point harnesses. Helmets, goggles, and gloves are all provided as well. Don’t wear your favorite clothes because you will get dusty!

2. Vegas Indoor Skydiving

Always wanted the experience of flying but not quite ready to jump out of a plane? Vegas Indoor Skydiving is America’s first indoor skydiving facility and  Las Vegas’s popular spot for recreational body flying. It’s a great activity for team building and an awesome adrenaline rush! No experience is necessary, instructors will teach you everything.

3. SkyJump Las Vegas

This is probably among the most extreme activities to do in Las Vegas. The SkyJump in Las Vegas is essentially a 108 story-freefall from the Stratosphere Hotel. Well, you are attached to a cable that is also connected to a descender machine and guide wires keep you on course for a safe controlled landing at the bottom, but what makes this jump so awesome is that it is the only jump in the U.S. and not to mention the highest in the world!

4. Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Like most of us, not everyone has daily access to a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, or other exotic cars. That’s where the Las Vegas Motor Speedway comes in! Come here for the chance to race 5 to 8 laps in one of their luxury, exotic, or muscle cars. Different package options allows drivers to choose the type of car and experience they are looking for.

5. Kayak at Lake Mead

Just outside Las Vegas, Lake Mead is a great location for exploring and kayaking. Looking for a more personalized outdoor experience? The team at Lake Mead is known for their customized kayak lessons, trips and fitness experiences!

Las Vegas is a rather unique city in that it provides such a wide array of activities, both indoor and outdoor. Thanks to all the wonderful canyons and rocky landscapes as well as indoor climbing facilities, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your rock climbing fancy. Whether you’re looking for guided climbs, indoor climbs, or some decent bouldering outdoors, this list can be a great starting point.

1. Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a 197,ooo acre conservation area nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Due to its varied terrain, everything from boulders to large walls, Red Canyon has quickly become one of the most popular rock climbing sites in the Las Vegas area. Shuttles are available to pick up interested climbers from various hotels and designated pickup points and bring them to the canyon where they can learn about mountaineering and even take classes from experienced climbers.

2. Mescalito South, Cat in the Hat

Cat in the Hat, one of the most approachable peaks within the Red Rock Canyon. At first glance this peak may seem ordinary, however, Cat in the Hat is the perfect spot for new climbers looking for big belay ledges and easy repels. This route features steep walls with great cracks and broken ledges.

3. Mescalito North, Dark Shadows

This route, comprised of 4 pitches, takes approximately 2 hours to complete. This route gets its name Dark Shadows from the black, polished walls leading up to the top. In addition to the sleek walls, this route features pools of water and surrounding trees making it a unique option from other climbs within Red Canyon.

4. Dream of Wild Turkeys, Black Velvet Canyon

Another route located within Red Rock Canyon, Dream of Wild Turkeys is a great climb for returning Red Rock Canyon climbers. This route is about 3-5 hours long with 11 pitches over 1000 feet of varied terrain.

5. Red Rock Climbing Center

Located just minutes away from Red Rock National Conservation Area, Red Rock Climbing Center is known for its sandstone sport and traditional climbing. This indoor climbing facility offers over 8,000 square feet of climbing walls including top-rope and lead climbing as well as roof routes and overhangs. The wide array of routes are designed to accommodate all ages and levels of experience so that everyone can give it a try!

6. Mt. Charleston

Mt. Charleston offers great climbing terrain for the moderate to advanced climber. Located Northwest of Las Vegas within the Spring Mountains National Recreational Area, Mt. Charleston is unique for its cooler temperatures and  scenic waterfalls and limestone rocks.

Las Vegas, conveniently located at the bottom of a basin surrounded by numerous mountain ranges, makes it the perfect stomping ground for those looking to explore the Mojave Desert. With atmospheric conditions of low humidity and rocky peaks reaching elevations above 10,000 feet, Las Vegas is a great option for hikers of varying abilities. Whether you’re already familiar with some of the trails in the area or considering hiking through the desert mountains for the first time, this list of  the best day hiking trails near Las Vegas can serve as a great reference point.

1. Calico Tanks Trail

Located 16 miles outside of Las Vegas in Red Rock Canyon, Calico Tanks Trail is a great daytime adventure for hikers and they’re dogs alike. This 2.5 mile rocky trail features picturesque views of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. This popular trail is accessible from September to May and is an enjoyable hike for all ages and levels of experience.

2. Mary Jane Falls

Mary Jane Falls is a moderately difficult trail with an elevation gain of 1040 ft. over a span of 2.4 miles total out and back. It is open to the public from March to November and features waterfalls as well as a beautiful view at the end where hikers are allowed to bring lunch and picnic together.

3. First Creek

First Creek is open from February to May and is notorious  for its waterfall that is so hidden many hikers miss it. Due to the short, 3 mile flat, desert terrain, this trail is great for a quick midday hike with whole family (Fido too)!

4. Fern Canyon

Open from September to May, this 3.5 mile hike is unique from others in Las Vegas due to the abundance of ponds, creeks, lush vegetation and a seasonal waterfall at the end. Fern canyon provides a variety of trails including some that are steep and rocky and great for those who enjoy bouldering. There are numerous rest spots for lunch breaks and plenty of streams and pools to explore on the way up.

5. Ice Box Canyon Trails

The Ice Box Canyon Trails are accessible year-round and are a great option for those looking for a little bit of a challenge. These lightly trafficked trails an excellent source for wildlife sightings. Ice Box Canyon’s 2.5 mile loop is a great option for a fun, slightly more difficult, day hike.