Discover The Natural Wonders Surrounding Las Vegas

Visiting Las Vegas is not only about the glitz and glamour. Surrounding Las Vegas is a world of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. If you are ready to leave behind the Las Vegas shows, casinos, and nightclubs for a while, you will journey into a world full of breathtaking nature. When you travel away from the city, you will feel as if you have entered an entirely new world. Escape to the mountains where you can find some of the oldest trees and to the desert valleys where cactus slowly grow.

Venture into the beautiful scenic areas of Las Vegas and discover a world of exquisiteness and magnificence. Take a drive 35 miles from Las Vegas onto Mt. Charleston. Mt. Charleston reaches a height of 11,913 feet and is the third highest peak in Nevada. It runs along the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. At the lowest level of 2,080 feet, you will notice Joshua Trees, but as you move your way up, you will begin to see cedar trees. By the time you reach the top, you will be surrounded by Alpine. Not only will you see these trees, but you will witness the oldest tree on earth, the Bristlecone Pine. Be sure to bring a jacket, as temperatures are generally 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Strip. Enjoy winter skiing, picnics, hikes, horseback riding and tours.

Venture 135 miles from Las Vegas to Death Valley, which is the lowest elevation in North America at 280 feet below sea level. While it is one of the hottest and driest locations, you will be amazed by the different areas you can experience, such as: sand dunes, multi-colored layered rocks, water canyons, and three million acres of stone and even snow capped mountains.

Red Rock Canyon is only 15 miles west of Las Vegas. Here, you may run into feral horses, wild burros, coyotes or bighorn sheep. Its rock formations and the desert are remarkable. Just 55 miles from Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire State Park. This park has hidden canyons with extravagant red rock formations. There are tours available and is open to the public all year round.

If you enjoy fishing, just 20 miles from Las Vegas is Floyd Lamb Park that features four ponds and an area to barbeque. Not only can you fish, but you can check out the interesting fossils and remains of bison, camels, sloths, horses and even mammoths!

Of course, you can't visit Las Vegas and not visit the Grand Canyon. Just 300 miles from Las Vegas, you will feel as if you have entered into a new era. The Grand Canyon stretches for more than 277 miles and spans over 18 miles. This spectacular site dives five thousand feet below the rim. The natural erosion from the Colorado River is responsible for this awe-inspiring scenic landmark. There are half-day and full-day photo tours available. These photo tour tickets are amazingly affordable and worth every penny spent. The breathtaking scenes you will experience will create the most beautiful scrapbook of your Las Vegas adventures.