Las Vegas Best Kept Secret
No, it isn’t which slot machine pays off the most. It’s better than that. It’s not how to get a free buffet. It’s much better than that. So, what is it? You want something that’s exciting, fun, healthy and inexpensive, don’t you? I thought you did. The secret is the tremendous amount of outdoor activity just minutes from the Strip. I am specifically writing about hiking and rock scrambling.
Are you thinking it’s too hot to go outdoors in Las Vegas.
Actually Las Vegas does have seasons. In January the average daytime temperature is 58 degrees! Here’s what most people don’t know. There’s almost a 10,000 foot difference in elevation from the area around Lake Mead (30 miles from the Strip) to Charleston Peak, which soars 11,918 feet into the air! You lose four degrees for every 1,000 feet you ascend. When it’s 100 degrees in Las Vegas, it’s only 70 degrees in Mt. Charleston, 35 miles from the Strip.
It gets even better. Las Vegas has three very distinct hiking areas, which differ greatly. Red Rock Canyon (20 west of Las
Vegas) is home to the best scrambling (climbing up, over, around, and down rock) routes in the world. If you liked mazes when you were a kid, you will love Red Rock Canyon. There are over 100 hikes ranging from very easy to very challenging.
Spring and autumn are the best time to experience Red Rock Canyon.
Mt. Charleston is home to the big mountains. You already read about Charleston Peak. There are several peaks in the area. Some have trails, but most are cross country routes that will really challenge you. Due to the higher elevation, hiking in Mt.
Charleston is best done in the summer, although you can snowshoe during the winter.
It can get cold, at least by Las Vegas standards, in the winter.
That’s when you head toward Lake Mead. Bet you did not know there are three hot springs located around the lake along with several other hikes.
There’s no other city in the United States that has this much hiking diversity and no permits are needed for day hiking. Most Red Rock hikes have a fee to enter the canyon ($5.00 per car currently. America the Beautiful pass is accepted.) as do some of the Lake Mead hikes. Where can you have this much fun for five bucks and do something healthy? Also you will find peace while you hike in the mountains. How much is that worth?
Where can you find more information about hiking around Las Vegas? I am glad you asked! www.hikinglasvegas.com is my web site. I am also the author of Hiking Las Vegas, Hiking Southern Nevada and the upcoming books, Best Hikes in the Southwest and Hiking the High Sierra (March 2010).
My web site has all the information you need along with thousands of photos, over 100 slide shows and dozens of videos.
You can purchase trail maps and descriptions to help you find your way. The trails and routes are poorly marked. Many routes are more like a maze than a hiking trail, so a route description is highly recommended.
I end with this dear reader: Take a hike and have fun.
About the author:
Branch Whitney has been hiking, climbing, and exploring in southern Nevada for 14 years. He is the author of “Hiking Las Vegas,” “Hiking Southern Nevada,” and the “CD 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond.” His web site:
www.hikinglasvegas.com is the ultimate source of hiking and mountaineering information for southern Nevada.
