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.
