Top 10 Outdoor Activities In Las Vegas, Nevada - Updated 2024

Katie
Katie 
Updated
| 5 min read

You might know Las Vegas for its bright neon lights, rows of casinos, and the 24-hour entertainment scene. But did you know that aside from the extravagant hotels and buildings, another world awaits? Since the city of Las Vegas is located on the Mojave Desert, you can easily access magnificent natural sites and attractions such as sand dunes, Red Rock Canyon, fairytale-like caves, and even Hoover Dam. So, if you feel like you need a change of pace from the usual Vegas strip, book one of these great outdoor activities in Las Vegas, Nevada. Read on to find out what else Las Vegas has to offer.

1. Capture the beauty of Zion National Park (from USD 149.0)

This is an excellent tour to see the beauty of Zion National Park from the comfort of a four-wheel drive. Your knowledgable tour guide will take you to a few “secret spots” that are ideal for taking selfies and professional photos. You’ll also have time to explore popular Zion views such as Angels Landing, The Narrows, or the spectacular Canyon Overlook. After a busy day of exploring, you’ll get to enjoy a quick dinner before heading back to your accommodation.

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An Amazing Zion Experience

Duration: 14 hours

22 reviews

2. Go on a hiking and kayaking tour to Emerald Cave (from USD 119.0)

You’ll first be given full instruction on how to use the kayaks, then paddle your way through the crystal-clear waters on this three-hour tour, where you’ll discover the magic of the Colorado River and the beautiful Emerald Cave. Kayaking into this magical cave will feel like you’ve been swept into a distant fairytale land. After the kayaking tour, you’ll take a break at a historical site to enjoy a healthy snack and recharge your energy. It is worth noting that there is a short five-minute hike to the historical site.

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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour Las Vegas

Duration: 6 hours

1108 reviews

3. Check out Hoover Dam and the local wildlife (from USD 199.0)

Ever wanted to see the true size of Hoover Dam? Well, on this 12 mile (19km) downstream kayaking adventure, you could. Your guide will provide you with your NPS permit for this tour, then you’ll be spending around seven hours in total on the water. After you launch from this site, you’ll be guided through hot springs and your host will point out notable landmarks. You’ll gently glide past the breathtaking canyon walls of Emerald Cave, before stopping to enjoy lunch on a beach. You’ll be able to relax in hot springs, encounter waterfalls, and see the unique local desert wildlife.

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Hoover Dam Kayak Tour Las Vegas

Duration: 8 hours

28 reviews

4. View the breathtaking sunset at Red Rock Canyon (from USD 119.0)

You probably have seen a lot of beautiful sunsets, but watching the sunset over Red Rock Canyon is something special. You’ll explore the unique land formations, from colorful sandstones to limestone backdrops, for plenty of photo opportunities. This four-and-a-half-hour tour will take you along Red Rock’s 13-mile (21 km) Scenic Route within this natural conservation area. At the end of the tour, you’ll be gifted with a gorgeous sunset. Here, you’ll be able to see the sky change colors from a beautiful crystal blue hue to fiery reddish-pink.

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Watch the Sunset at Red Rock Canyon with Photographer Guide

Duration: 4.5 hours

28 reviews

5. Use night vision goggles and hunt for UFOs (from USD 80.0)

For something different, we recommend this exhilarating UFO hunt. You’ll don a pair of special military-grade night goggles. You’ll be able to see more stars than normal using these goggles, up to 50,000 times more stars than the naked eye. The number of stars in the night sky will blow you away! You’ll also be able to learn more about star systems and galaxies, and also about other secrets that might catch your curiosity. The host will share with you lots of stories about her own and others’ encounters with UFOs.

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UFO Watch & Night Vision Goggle Tour

Duration: 2.5 hours

175 reviews

6. Hike the Grand Canyon (from USD 219.0)

This multi-stop, 14-hour tour is a great way to find out where the “real magic” of the Grand Canyon lies. The knowledgeable hosts will guide you to many lesser-known, awe-inspiring spots. First, you’ll pay a visit to the impressive Hoover Dam where you’ll be walking along the top while learning all about its history and construction. Next, you’ll be moving on to Route 66 where you’ll be amazed at just how many unique and historical places there are along this infamous route. Finally, you’ll spend three hours on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon admiring the views and even hike inside the canyon.

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Unique Grand Canyon Tour from Las Vegas

Duration: 14 hours

141 reviews

7. Learn all about firearm safety (from USD 189.0)

Deep in the desert is an ideal place to safely test your shooting skills. At this dedicated shooting area, you’ll be given a full explanation of how to use semi-automatic pistols, rifles, and even shotguns. The host has lots of experience as a firearm instructor to ensure the safety of guests. All the necessary equipment you’ll need, such as eyewear and ear protection, will be provided. Each person will have 75 rounds worth of ammunition, so you’ll have more than enough to practice your aim.

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Shooting in the Nevada's Desert

Duration: 4 hours

171 reviews

8. Pamper yourself with yoga, a hot bath, and a hearty homemade meal with a local (from USD 69.0)

For something more relaxed, how about a nice outdoor yoga session? Starting in the garden of a private residence located between the Las Vegas Strip and Red Rock Mountains, you’ll have a guided yoga session followed by an organic breakfast. Once you’re refreshed, you can enjoy hiking up the nearby Calico Hills for beautiful views. This is where the Pacific and North American continental plates collide. You’ll then return back to the hosts’ home to enjoy a garden dinner of hearty, and healthy stew with freshly baked bread. Capping things off, you’ll be having a drink or two while enjoying a nice soak in the hot tub under a sea of stars.

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Outdoor Yoga - Hike - Dinner - Hot tub

Duration: 7 hours

18 reviews

9. Learn how to snowboard (from USD 150.0)

Ever wanted to try snowboarding but not sure where to start? This tour will teach you how. Your host will carefully select your snowboarding and safety gear before taking you up to the resort. At the destination, you’ll receive easy to understand instructions on the basics of using a snowboard, as well as how to get around using the various lifts. There are a number of restaurants and eateries at the site, but you can also bring your own food and drinks. This is a great tour for beginners and intermediate snowboarders alike.

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Spring Snowboarding at Lee Canyon Ski Resorts Done By Noon

Duration: 4 hours

24 reviews

10. Go on an epic trail tour through the desert (from USD 195.0)

Guaranteeing you more trail time, this tour is a fantastic way to explore the desert. You’ll follow your experienced guide through different types of terrain in your very own RZR 900. You’ll weave around the mountains and stop at a few scenic spots along the way so that you can take pictures. This is a great, family fun activity. Keep in mind that there are only two seats per vehicle.

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Hidden Valley and Primm Extreme RZR Tour From Las Vegas

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

1185 reviews

Explore the hidden delights of Las Vegas, Nevada

There’s more to Las Vegas than just the downtown strip. Whether you are traveling solo or with family, you’ll surely have a lot of fun on these tours. Be sure to book early and get ready for a thrilling experience with any of these great outdoor activities in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Katie is a committed full-time global wanderer and volunteer. She possesses an unerring compass that guides her to the obscure and distant corners of the Earth, where she explores jungles,...Read more

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