Scenic
Getaways: The Natural Wonders of Las Vegas
LAS
VEGAS—Travelers drawn to the lights and excitement of Las Vegas
are surrounded by the wonders of Mother Nature when they venture
away from the city. The extremes of giant mountains and desert
valleys provide an escape into the primeval world of nature where
some of the oldest trees on earth have survived atop Nevada
mountains and cactus slowly grow into rulers of the desert.
In a region where the climate is conducive to outdoor activities
nearly year-round, Las Vegas offers a wealth of opportunities
outside the resort corridor.
Natural Attractions
MT. CHARLESTON—35 miles (56 km) from Las Vegas’ highest
elevation 11,918 feet (3,615 meters). Temperatures average 20-30
degrees cooler than Las Vegas. Winter skiing, picnicking, hiking,
horseback riding, tours available. For
information, call 873-8800.
DEATH VALLEY—135 miles (216 km) from Las Vegas, 40 minutes by
plane, lowest elevation on the North American continent at 280
feet below sea level (84.93 meters). Zabriskie Point, 20 Mule Team
Canyon, Scotty’s Castle; tours available.
GRAND CANYON—300 miles (480 km)from Las Vegas, one-hour flight
by plane. Over millions of years, the Colorado River carved this
natural wonder that is one mile deep and 277 miles long.
Sightseeing air tours depart Las Vegas daily for half-day,
full-day and overnight excursions.
RED ROCK CANYON—15 miles (24 km) west of Las Vegas’ 3000-foot
(910 meters) escarpment produced by thrust fault. Bureau of Land
Management visitor’s center, scenic area of rock formations and
desert, home to feral horses, wild burros, bighorn sheep and
coyotes. Open to the public year-round.
VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK—55 miles (99 km) from Las Vegas.
Scenic landscapes of hidden canyons and unique red rock
formations, petroglyphs and remains of ancient American Indian
civilizations, Nevada Park Service visitors center, tours
available. Open to the public year-round.
BRYCE CANYON—210 miles (338 km) northeast of Las Vegas in
southwestern Utah. Bryce Canyon offers an outdoor exhibition of
unique rock formations with imaginative names like Pink Cliffs,
Silent City and Cathedral. Open year-round.
MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE—60 miles (97 km) southwest of Las
Vegas, this 1.6 million-acre preserve protects one of the most
diverse environments in the world. It is profuse with sand dunes,
volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests and mile-high
mountains. Preserve visitor centers are in Baker and Needles,
California. Open year-round.
ZION CANYON—158 miles (254 km) north of Las Vegas, across the
Utah border. Colorful sandstone canyons, hot rocky deserts and
cool forested plateaus are all part of Zion National Park. Zion
Canyon is the largest and most visited canyon in the park. Here,
the Virgin River has carved a spectacular forge into the red and
white sandstone. The floor of the canyon is covered with trees,
grasses and the river. The canyon walls loom high above; in most
places they are 2,000 to 3,000 feet high.
Destinations
BOULDER CITY—30 miles (48 km) from the Las Vegas Strip en route
to Lake Mead. Built in the 1930s for the families of Hoover Dam
construction workers; quaint shops, native American jewelers; site
of the historic Boulder Dam Hotel; the only town in Nevada that
does not allow gaming.
RHYOLITE—Well preserved ghost town 120 miles (193 km) north of
Las Vegas. Ruins of the Potter General Store, Newton’s Grille, a
school, several major banks, a bottle house and railroad depot.
Located near the small community of Beatty, Nevada, which bills
itself as the “Gateway to Death Valley.”
BONNIE SPRINGS RANCH/OLD NEVADA—20 miles (32 km) west of Las
Vegas near Red Rock Canyon. Bonnie Springs Ranch was built in the
1840s as a cattle ranch and watering hole; adjacent is the
re-creation of an Old West town complete with gunfights, horseback
riding, children ’s petting zoo and mini-train rides. Open to
the public year-round.
HOOVER DAM—35 miles (56 km) southeast of Las Vegas. This
engineering wonder of the world tamed the mighty Colorado River
and created Lake Mead. Construction of the 726-foot-high
arch-gravity dam that is 660 feet thick at its base forever
changed the face of the western United States. On-site tours of
the dam available to the public year-round. For more
information see Hoover Dam Calmed the Colorado
River
LAKE MEAD RECREATIONAL AREA—25 miles (40 km) from Las Vegas at
its closest point. More than 550 miles (880 km) of shoreline.
Swimming, water skiing, camping, boating, fishing, marinas, tours
and cruises. Open year-round.
SPRING MOUNTAIN STATE PARK—30 miles (48 km) west of Las
Vegas.This historical ranch was a stop over for travelers on the
Mormon and Spanish trails. It was once owned by industrialist
Howard Hughes, radio personalities Lum and Abner and German
munitions heiress Vera Krupp. Site of seasonal outdoor theater.
Open year-round.
For more information go to
Nevada Hotels and
Resorts
Nevada Family
Attractions
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