{"id":43284,"date":"2019-01-31T13:51:05","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T21:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=43284"},"modified":"2025-01-13T16:38:45","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T00:38:45","slug":"las-vegas-outdoor-activities-exploring-the-desert-southwest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/las-vegas-outdoor-activities-exploring-the-desert-southwest","title":{"rendered":"Las Vegas Outdoor Activities: Explore the Southwest"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If imagining a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, brings to mind bottomless drinks, sky-high hotels, sparkling casinos, kitschy wedding chapels and miles of clubs, you\u2019re not alone. But Las Vegas is also a gateway to the desert Southwest, a part of America that includes vast, spectacular landscapes, colorful rock formations, unique flora and fauna, canyons and mountaintops.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some outdoor adventurers kick off their Southwestern trips in Las Vegas for a night or two before chasing a \u201cnature cleanse\u201d in one of the many surrounding national parks, like Death Valley, Zion or Grand Canyon. Others skip the casinos altogether and use Las Vegas as a staging point for their journey. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a visit to Vegas\u2014and the surrounding natural playgrounds\u2014sounds like a dream come true, this guide will cover:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why-visit\">Why Visit the Desert Southwest via Las Vegas?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-sites\">The Top Sites and Things to Do Around Las Vegas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-outdoor\"> The Top Outdoor Activities Around Las Vegas <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"why-visit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Visit the Desert Southwest via Las Vegas?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Las Vegas may be known for its exuberant parties, it\u2019s also a gateway city to the desert Southwest and, by extension, the Colorado Plateau, two spectacular regions that REI Adventures Program Manager Andrew Kronen says many Americans take for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43291\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43291\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43291\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/WZS_051616_41860-crop.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A hiker plods through The Narrows in Zion National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43291\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A woman enjoys a moment of reflection while hiking through The Narrows in Zion National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviewjournal.com\/business\/business-columns\/inside-gaming\/las-vegas-is-an-ideal-base-camp-for-outdoor-adventure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Las Vegas Review-Journal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recently reported that while the Nevada Division of Tourism is funded largely by the revenue generated from hotel room taxes in Las Vegas, most of its promotional budget is now aimed at teaching people about the more rural parts of this often-ignored part of America.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYou won\u2019t find landscapes like this anywhere else in the world, and if you live in the U.S., this is in your own backyard,\u201d Kronen says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Las Vegas\u2019 location makes it a great jumping-off point for outdoor excursions: You can visit many national parks and federal lands in six hours (or fewer) of driving from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mccarran.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">McCarran International Airport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you want to combine the urban landscape with time spent in nature, you can devote a day or two to exploring the Las Vegas Strip before renting a car and leaving the city. <\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"top-sites\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Top Sites and Things to Do Around Las Vegas<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting your trip from Las Vegas means you\u2019ll have great access to some of the most beautiful national parks and public lands in the U.S., says Kronen. Popular outdoor trips from Las Vegas include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blm.gov\/programs\/national-conservation-lands\/nevada\/red-rock-canyon\"><b>Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just 20 minutes (without traffic) from McCarran International Airport, you\u2019ll find Red Rock Canyon, easily viewed from a one-way, 13-mile scenic drive through colorful rock formations. Hiking is popular on this BLM property, with options ranging from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7023357\/calico-tanks-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calico Tanks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hike (2.2 miles, moderate) to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7029372\/turtlehead-mountain-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turtlehead Peak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (4.6 miles, strenuous). Additionally, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/105731932\/red-rock\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rock climbing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is very popular in this area, with many established routes for all skill levels. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife in the park, including ringtails, kit foxes and bighorn sheep. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Rock Canyon is open year-round for visitors and makes for a solid day trip\u2014or overnight camp mission\u2014from the big city.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"http:\/\/parks.nv.gov\/parks\/valley-of-fire\"><b>Valley of Fire State Park<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might also consider a day trip to the Valley of Fire State Park, which is only an hour from the Las Vegas city center. This park offers 40,000 acres of bright red sandstone outcrops nestled in limestone, which adds a striped effect to all of the geological formations you\u2019ll see as you hike. The Valley of Fire State Park is open year-round.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/index.htm\"><b>Death Valley National Park<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48. It\u2019s a land of extremes: It contains the lowest point in America, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/places\/badwater-basin.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Badwater Basin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a vast landscape of salt flats at 282 feet below sea level; as well as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/planyourvisit\/telescope-peak.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telescope Peak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which reaches just over 11,000 feet above sea level. The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134 degrees Fahrenheit, at Furnace Creek in Death Valley in 1913. The past two Julys in Death Valley have set the record for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/63234-death-valley-heat-record.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hottest monthly temperature<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43289\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43289\" class=\"wp-image-43289 size-article_body\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/DVC_072417_73205.png?resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"A hiker peaks a sand dune in Death Valley National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43289\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A hiker peaks a sand dune in Death Valley National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe ecosystem and geology [in Death Valley] are diverse,\u201d says Kronen. \u201cYou get mountains, rocks, huge sand dunes, vast salt flats, peaks that tower up above you at 10,000 feet and so much more. It\u2019s stark and it all makes for a very spectacular picture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Death Valley is also popular for its <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/deva\/learn\/nature\/wildflowers.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spring wildflower bloom<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cEvery six to seven years, you get a super bloom,\u201d Kronen says. \u201cThat occurs when there\u2019s the right rainfall and spring temperatures are warm enough. It\u2019s stunning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Death Valley is a year-round park, although winter visitors may see a bit of snow and summer visitors need to be equipped for extreme heat. Gas stations and amenities are few and far between. Depending on your destination within this large park, the drive is approximately 2.5 to four hours from McCarran International Airport.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/zion\/index.htm\"><b>Zion National Park<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zion is a smaller park in comparison to Death Valley. But, Kronen says, \u201cthis park is a jewel.\u201d Zion is known for its steep-walled \u201cheart,\u201d Zion Canyon, which is threaded by the sparkling Virgin River. It&#8217;s also known for its scenic driving route. Among the multicolored rocks and grottoes of the canyon are several iconic hikes, including vertigo-inducing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7000108\/angels-landing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angel\u2019s Landing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with its chain handrail and sheer drop-offs, and the riverbed hike known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7001726\/the-narrows-bottom-up-route\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Narrows<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which takes you wading knee-deep through the Virgin River (be sure to check the weather report as flash floods can be sudden and fatal).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cEven when I think about all the hikes I\u2019ve done around the world, I think back on these hikes [in Zion] as being unusual and dramatic,\u201d Kronen says. \u201cThey showcase the landscapes in a way that a lot of other parks don\u2019t do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zion is another year-round park, although the cold temperatures of the winter months ensure that most travelers visit in the spring, summer and fall. During the summer months, temperatures can top 100 degrees. Zion is an approximately three-hour drive from McCarran International Airport without traffic. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: In peak season, arrive early or late in the day; otherwise, there may be long lines of cars trying to get into the park, so plan to park in Springdale and ride the free shuttle.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><em>Read more:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/blog\/travel\/zion-national-park-visitor-guide\">Zion National Park Visitor Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/brca\/index.htm\"><b>Bryce Canyon National Park<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often tackled alongside Zion because of their close proximity, Bryce Canyon is especially well known for its hoodoos, or fantastical columns of eroded rock. Bryce sits along a high plateau at the top of the Grand Staircase, a vast swath of cliffs and step-like terraces; parts of the park reach elevations of up to 9,000 feet above sea level. (Some visitors may feel the physical effects of higher elevation; see the CDC\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wwwnc.cdc.gov\/travel\/page\/travel-to-high-altitudes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recommendations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for sleeping at altitudes above 8,000 feet.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visitors often come to Bryce Canyon to explore the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7007939\/fairyland-loop-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fairyland Loop Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7007943\/queens-garden-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queens Garden Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThe highlight of this park, if you go, is to see the Bryce Amphitheater with its sandstone pinnacles,\u201d says Kronen. \u201cAlso, hike among the hoodoos and make a point to be at the rim for a sunrise or sunset. These are some of the most dramatic views in the U.S.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bryce Canyon is about four hours from Las Vegas and, like Zion, most people choose to visit in the fall, spring or summer months. Because of the elevation, winter in Bryce Canyon can be brutally cold and snowy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Read more:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/blog\/travel\/how-to-explore-bryce-canyon-national-park\">How to Explore Bryce Canyon National Park<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kronen says the varied landscapes of this national monument are not to be missed: \u201cThis park incorporates the geology of Zion, plus canyons and cottonwood-lined rivers, and it\u2019s much less known, so it\u2019s not as crowded.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This part of Utah was only set aside as a national monument in 1996, so researchers and explorers are still getting to know its landscapes. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers many popular hikes, including the relatively easy but picturesque <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7052008\/escalante-river-escalante-town-to-highway-12-bridge\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escalante River<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hike, and the difficult <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7048996\/coyote-gulch-loop-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coyote Gulch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> canyon hike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Monument is located in south-central Utah, roughly a four-hour drive from Las Vegas. Plan to visit the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument during the spring, summer or fall.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grca\/index.htm\"><b>Grand Canyon National Park<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The realm of Vishnu schist and Zoroaster granite, the Grand Canyon is an immense watershed that drains the entirety of the Colorado Plateau. The canyon itself is roughly 277 river miles long, 18 miles wide and one mile deep (depending on location). The canyon\u2019s more remote North Rim is higher than the South Rim by a couple thousand feet, which makes it difficult to access in the winter due to deep snow. In fact, park services on this side of the rim are closed during the winter months.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43288\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43288\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43288\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Harnois_041918_5516.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"Backpackers take in the topographic contours of Grand Canyon National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43288\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Backpackers take in the topographic contours of Grand Canyon National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis is definitely a spring, summer and fall destination,\u201d says Kronen. The park\u2019s North Rim opens to visitors on May 15 every year; lodging and camping is limited, so plan ahead.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 1928 Grand Canyon Lodge <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grandcanyonforever.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North Rim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, built of stone and timbers in traditional national park style, along with its historic log cabins, is the only accommodation on the North Rim. Be sure to book ahead, eat in the grand dining hall and enjoy sunset from the chairs on the rim terrace. Some visitors choose to camp and use the lodge as a trailhead for popular hikes such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grca\/planyourvisit\/upload\/north_kaibab_trail.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">North Kaibab Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling to the North Rim Lodge on the edge of the Grand Canyon requires about six hours of driving from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Read more:\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/blog\/travel\/grand-canyon-national-park-visitor-guide\">Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Guide<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"\/blog\/travel\/grand-canyon-backpacking-packing-list\">Grand Canyon Backpacking List<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/care\/index.htm\"><b>Capitol Reef National Park<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located about six hours from Las Vegas by car and about 2.5 hours past Bryce Canyon, this park is on the outer limits of outdoor destinations accessible via Las Vegas\u2014but it\u2019s well worth a visit, according to Kronen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis park is a wrinkle in the Earth\u2019s crust,\u201d says Kronen. \u201cThe Waterpocket Fold spans the length of the park. You can find great hiking, too; it\u2019s a massive jumble of multicolored rocks with trails throughout, allowing you to get out there and have a crash course in some of the region\u2019s most interesting and fascinating geology.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/care\/planyourvisit\/trailguide.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 day-hiking trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in this park, ranging from the relatively easy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7014742\/capitol-gorge-trail\">Capitol Gorge<\/a> hike (just one mile each way) to the strenuous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7014757\/golden-throne-trail\">Golden Throne<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> hike, which offers views of the Capitol Gorge from on high. Consider visiting Capitol Reef in the summer, spring or fall months, as winter is quite cold and many of the region\u2019s visitor centers are closed.<\/span><br \/>\n<a name=\"top-outdoor\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Top Outdoor Activities Around Las Vegas<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Cycling (Mountain Bike &amp; Road) <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you enjoy mountain biking and road cycling through picturesque landscapes, each of the above parks offer different options. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtbproject.com\/trail\/163073\/red-rocks-trail\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Rock Bike Trail<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Red Rock Canyon includes Tunnel Climb and a trip across layered sandstone in the Kodachrome Basin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kolob Canyons Road in Zion National Park<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can travel below cliffs and through valleys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43294\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Parrish_092810_0719a2.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"Cyclists pedal through the interior of Zion National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Hiking and Backpacking <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wildly varied landscapes of the desert Southwest make for epic hiking trips, including wanders through water on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7001726\/the-narrows-bottom-up-route\">The Narrows<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0hike in Zion National Park and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hikingproject.com\/trail\/7007939\/fairyland-loop-trail\">Fairyland Loop Trail<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0in Bryce Canyon, among many other hike options. Hiking in the desert Southwest means being prepared for extreme heat and dusty landscapes, as well as iconic canyons and beautiful rock formations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Climbing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The desert Southwest offers some of the best outdoor rock climbing in the United States. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/105731932\/red-rock\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a short drive from Las Vegas, has myriad options for climbers of all skill levels. You can also tackle the limestone caves at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/105850026\/mount-charleston\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mount Charleston<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you\u2019re craving a challenge, or head to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountainproject.com\/area\/105731977\/01-calico-basin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calico Basin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a day trip from the Vegas strip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. River Rafting <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Southwest\u2019s rollicking rivers offer many opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping during a river rafting trip. Take advantage of overnight trips or single-day itineraries along the Colorado River. And If you\u2019ve got weeks to spare, a multiday <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grca\/planyourvisit\/whitewater-rafting.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rafting trip through the Grand Canyon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers some of the most superlative boating in North America. Permits required.<\/span><i> <\/i><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43292\" style=\"width: 485px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43292\" class=\"wp-image-43292 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Hermit-chocolate-002-e1548966463534.jpg?resize=475%2C311\" alt=\"A rafter pushes through Hermit Rapid in Grand Canyon National Park at high water.\" width=\"475\" height=\"311\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43292\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A rafter pushes through Hermit Rapid in Grand Canyon National Park at high water. (Photo Credit: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moenkopiriverworks.com\/\">Moenkopi Riverworks<\/a>)<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><b>5. Kayaking <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you\u2019re headed to the desert, but you\u2019ll still be able to find quite a few solid paddling areas. Only a short drive from Las Vegas, you can explore the coves and lagoons of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake\/planyourvisit\/canoekayak.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lake Mead<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Also nearby, the popular <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake\/planyourvisit\/black-canyon-water-trail.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black Canyon section of the Colorado River<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> features flat, moving water, hot springs and a grandiose sense of scale and adventure. Further afield, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/glca\/planyourvisit\/kayaking.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lake Powell<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers flatwater kayaking options, swimming and the opportunity to paddle amongst red rock canyons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: Most paddling areas require a permit, so be sure to do your research before getting to the put in.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><br \/>\n<a name=\"how-to\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b>When should I visit?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summer is peak season in the Southwest, and this can mean massive crowds and long lines. Temperatures can also hover around 100 degrees (or higher) in many of the parks. Thus, to avoid the crowds and the snow but chase down moderate temperatures, Kronen recommends heading out in the spring and fall months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFall, in particular, is great at Zion and Bryce because you get the cottonwood and aspen trees turning gold, which adds another dramatic punctuation point to these landscapes,\u201d he explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What to pack?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning to hit the town on the Vegas strip, pack a <a href=\"\/c\/womens-dresses\">dress<\/a> or collared <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-shirts\">shirt<\/a> and a decent pair of <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-pants\">pants<\/a> and shoes, just in case the establishment you choose has a dress code. For outdoor activities beyond the city, Kronen recommends packing layers. \u201cWhen you\u2019re in the desert, you\u2019re dealing with temperature extremes,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s usual for temperatures to vary from 80 degrees during the day to 30 degrees at night, especially in the spring and fall.\u201d Thus, Kronen favors bringing lots of <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-shirts\/f\/f-moisture-wicking\">layers<\/a>, including a <a href=\"\/c\/hiking-jackets\">warm jacket<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_43297\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-43297\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43297\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Harnois_041918_4367.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"Campers enjoy cups of tea.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-43297\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The desert is a land of extreme temps, so if camping, be sure to pack for the heat\u2014and the cold.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sun in the desert can also be strong, so bring <a href=\"\/c\/sun-protection\">sunscreen<\/a> and consider wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts for sun protection. A hat with a wide brim can also help protect your face and neck from the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan to do any amphibious canyon hiking in places like the Narrows in Zion National Park, where you\u2019ll be wading through knee-deep water, you\u2019ll want to wear shoes you don\u2019t mind getting wet. Some people wear old tennis shoes, says Kronen, while others opt for water shoes. \u201cOpen-toed shoes are not what you want to be wearing, though,\u201d says Kronen. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Transportation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Las Vegas McCarran International Airport offers 500 flights per day to and from more than 150 cities around the globe, according to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lasvegassun.com\/news\/2016\/dec\/25\/mccarran-international-airport-by-the-numbers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Las Vegas Sun<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> report on Federal Aviation Administration data. Thus, you\u2019ll likely be able to find a flight to Las Vegas from most major international and U.S. cities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve arrived in Nevada, most visitors to Las Vegas opt to rent a car if they plan to adventure outside of the city or even off of the Strip. While the Strip may look compact, the blocks are long and you should be aware that you\u2019ll spend a lot of time walking within the city\u2019s most populated areas. Taxis and ride shares are available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning to escape city limits immediately, depending on the time of your flight, you can usually make it out to one of the above destinations on the same day, before nightfall. For those who want to spend the night before setting off on an adventure, Kronen recommends staying in <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cityofhenderson.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Henderson, Nevada,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (about 16 miles southeast of Vegas) for a night, to avoid the higher costs of staying on the Strip.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t want to rent a car, \u201cthere are shuttles from Vegas to Zion,\u201d Kronen says. \u201cThey take you to Springdale, at the southern entrance. And in Zion, you\u2019ll need to take the shuttle into the park anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Accommodations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Las Vegas, most people stay in hotels on the Strip, which range from low-end to high-end. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wynnlasvegas.com\/RoomsSuites\/EncoreResort\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Encore at Wynn Las Vegas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, for example, boasts pools with decadent chairs and cabanas, gilt tile work, royal purple carpeting, a massive casino and several nightclubs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinoriental.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Mandarin Oriental<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has multiple swimming pools, a tea lounge, Chinese art and 400 luxurious rooms. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mgmgrand.com\/en.html?kbid=2584521&amp;cvosrc=ppc.google.mgm%20grand&amp;cvo_crid=296074707525&amp;Matchtype=e&amp;kbid=2584521&amp;cvosrc=ppc.google.mgm%20grand&amp;cvo_crid=296074707525&amp;Matchtype=e&amp;ecid=PS_BB_HO_EV_ED_LV_MG_100818&amp;s_kwcid=AL!4737!3!296074707525!e!!g!!mgm%20grand&amp;ef_id=Cj0KCQiA6JjgBRDbARIsANfu58HCfYOqJmU_oZIZM92FM9Ee0U9eBAB7ZUoZntxaC3ESg-r9xwhB8DsaAnBZEALw_wcB:G:s&amp;s_kwcid=AL!4737!3!296074707525!e!!g!!mgm%20grand\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MGM Grand<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is visible from far away because of its neon signage. Inside, you\u2019ll find five swimming pools, plus a lion statue guarding the entrance and the famous Hakkasan nightclub.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellagio.com\/en.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bellagio<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is best known for its dancing fountains. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caesars.com\/caesars-palace\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caesars Palace<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is covered in Roman-style decor. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.venetian.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Venetian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gives you a taste of Venice, Italy, including gondoliers paddling down canals. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All of these hotels will cost you a pretty penny and there are, of course, other budget hotel options available in the area, depending on your preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-43308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/01\/Koval_030616_2516.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"A camper with an REI Adventures trip awakens with the sunrise in Death Valley National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019re outside of Las Vegas, you can stay in a hotel, lodge, Airbnb, cabin or a tent in the desert. Many people choose to camp during the summer, spring and fall months. (If you plan to backcountry camp, make sure you have a permit secured before you arrive.) Some parks also offer \u201cglamping\u201d options, like covered-wagon cabins. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYou\u2019ll want to stay in a hotel or lodge in the winter months, though,\u201d Kronen says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Phone Reception<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be aware that you may lose cell reception while driving in this region, especially in places like the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is relatively isolated. If you rely on cell service for GPS capabilities, plan to bring a paper map along with you or download directions ahead of time<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If imagining a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, brings to mind bottomless drinks, sky-high hotels, sparkling casinos, kitschy wedding chapels and miles of clubs, you\u2019re not alone. But Las Vegas is also a gateway to the desert Southwest, a part of America that includes vast, spectacular landscapes, colorful rock formations, unique flora and fauna, canyons [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":43285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[15,1715,734,707,1757,1540,349,12],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-43284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-backpacking","tag-biking","tag-climbing","tag-hiking","tag-las-vegas","tag-mountain-west","tag-paddling","tag-travel"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/las-vegas-outdoor-activities-exploring-the-desert-southwest","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Las Vegas Outdoor Activities: Explore the 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