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.
