Adventure and Nature Activities in Las Vegas

To fully enjoy the best things to do in Las Vegas, you have to go beyond the confines of your comfort zone. The city is famous for its canyons and rock formations, which lend themselves to a motorbike ride, bike ride or hiking trail. In addition, you'll find unique activities such as the experience of becoming a cowboy for a few hours.

The desert environment is ideal for sports such as kayaking, while enjoying crystal clear waters and caves with ancient Native American heritage. You can also appreciate the twinkling lights from above in a paraglider, helicopter or hot air balloon - here are all the options for you to have the time of your life in Sin City!

Visiting the ranches of Las Vegas is ideal for those who enjoy the outskirts of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. Here you can get a taste of the cowboy lifestyle and dishes while enjoying a horseback ride. This type of activity invites you to discover the trails used by the outlaws, where local wildlife such as wild burros, rams, roadrunners and jackrabbits abound.

Immerse yourself in the natural environment of the Nevada desert and become an experienced rider. This is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas, as you'll hear stories from real cowboys who will guide you along the safe trails. As a precaution, you are not allowed to leave the group or gallop quickly.

If you like to add adrenaline to your holiday plans, you can't miss a quad bike ride through the desert dunes. Beyond the typical Las Vegas attractions, you'll also find this type of experience that combines adrenaline and speed. You'll be able to spin through the sand formations and discover the animals that live in the area. The most famous are the Nellis Dunes, as they are accessible to different levels of experience and offer unparalleled panoramic views.

You cannot ride the dunes on your own, due to state regulations and safety standards. Most of these activities are organised through guided tours that guarantee the safety of the participants and respect for the environment. Guided experiences generally start at €89 per person and usually include a professional guide, all necessary equipment and transfers.

Another alternative is to book a dune buggy tour, which is different in that you get to drive an off-road vehicle and do some killer stunts. You'll be safe at all times, thanks to the steel roll cage and harness-type seatbelt. In addition, you may be able to visit the facilities where these vehicles are manufactured. Note that this is a little more expensive, with prices starting at €150.

Take on one of the desert's most exciting challenges and shoot in a controlled manner on a professional shooting range. It's a de-stressing activity that allows you to practice your marksmanship, and do something rare in other parts of the world.

You can choose from over 70 weapons with models that stand out as icons from films, series and video games. Feel like James Bond on one of his missions, while improving your safety and marksmanship with the support of professional instructors. The experience takes place outdoors, in a desert environment that adds a unique touch. You can sign up from £132, with the price increasing according to the number of guns chosen with packages of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 or 21 guns.

In general, there are a variety of shooting range experiences in Las Vegas. In addition to outdoor ranges, you can enjoy video game-inspired themed ranges, rainy day indoor ranges or women-only ranges.

If you're going to a city that combines adventure and natural beauty, you can't miss out on a kayaking tour. During this type of tour you'll enjoy the vibrant colours of the water, while immersing yourself in a more tranquil experience. It takes place just outside of Las Vegas, so wear your most comfortable sneakers. This way, you'll be prepared for a short hike through the depressions and curves leading down to the river.

Of course, you need to have back strength and no medical conditions so you can paddle and enjoy the ride. If you have no experience, no equipment, or no knowledge of the terrain, you should not go out on your own. In this case, guided tours are a more economical and flexible option, as they usually cover equipment, permits, transfers and professional accompaniment.

In general, make sure you choose kayaking tours in Las Vegas that fit your preferences, abilities and expectations. Here are my favourite options:

Black Canyon Kayaking

If you want to visit the Black Canyon without travelling long distances, this experience may be just what you need. Booking a kayaking trip to Black Canyon allows you to enjoy the scenery of the Colorado River without getting too far from the city. To optimise time, these tours depart from Willow Beach and arrive at the canyon in record time. Plus, you might even stay for a sunset and a campfire with marshmallows.

Emerald Cave Kayaking

Alternatively, take a kayaking trip to the Emerald Cave, known for its crystal clear waters. Be prepared to get in touch with nature, and even spot blue herons or American eagles. This experience is ideal for beginners and professionals alike, as it takes place in a calm and controlled environment.

Kayaking at Hoover Dam

A good option is to sign up for a kayaking trip to Hoover Dam. This type of experience allows you to learn about the history of this engineering monument, which provides electricity to Nevada, Arizona and other parts of California. Afterwards, you're likely to enjoy nature in the surrounding area. To make the activity more enjoyable, you can visit the nearby hot springs and take advantage of their health benefits.

A trip to the Hoover Dam is a must on your adventure itinerary. It's well worth a deep-dive to see the turbine halls and glide through the observation decks. In addition, the exterior allows for moderate-risk hikes along the top of the structure. This way, you will be able to appreciate different angles that offer unparalleled views of the Mojave Desert.

You can venture out on your own considering that the entrance to the exterior is free. However, if you want to enter the rooms where the magic happens and learn about its history, you can only do so with a guided tour. Another factor is that transfers are easier and cheaper with organised tours. On average, a taxi can cost around €100, while tours usually run from €56.

Off-road driving gives you a sense of power and safety, as well as an adrenaline rush. In the rugged deserts of Hidden and Primm Valley you'll enjoy the extreme twists and turns, and you'll even see extinct lava terrain. In fact, you'll be able to access areas that would otherwise be impossible to reach, enjoying dreamy panoramic views. The idea is to reach the highest viewpoints and take special trails for this type of vehicle, such as the McCullough Range.

It is important to do the activity with professionals, who will explain how it works so that you can accelerate to between 30 and 80 kilometres safely. Generally, you won't have to shift gears as they are automatic off-roaders suitable for beginners. In addition, off-road tours in Las Vegas usually offer helmets, gloves and safety goggles.

Ballooning in Las Vegas is a must-do activity that offers another side of the city. During the ride you'll soar over desert landscapes and witness a spectacle of colour at sunrise.

Marvel at the views of the Spring and Nopah mountain ranges, the wildlife of the Mojave Desert and part of Death Valley. You'll also see the Pahrump Valley, where there are authentic ranches and farms.

Unlike other noisier and faster activities, this experience allows passengers to relax and enjoy the best views in Las Vegas. It is common to receive safety briefings on the runway and must be conducted by professionals, as well as take off with a certified pilot.

If you're excited about exploring Las Vegas in the great outdoors, you can't miss one of its most famous trails. The Valley of Fire is noted for its reddish-orange rock formations, where you can choose from trails of varying intensity. From beginner trails to more demanding paths, ideal for discovering petroglyphs and pictographs left by native peoples.

You will witness a natural water basin, known as Mouse's Tank, where you will surely hear ancient stories. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the trails wind through rock depressions such as Elephant Rock and along the bed of lakes. In general, there are plenty of things to do in the Valley of Fire on a hiking trail, such as camping and bird watching.

An interesting fact is that the rocks change colour depending on the position of the sun, so don't forget your camera. It's undoubtedly one of the best hiking trails in Las Vegas, thanks to its nature-defying formations and 7,000-year-old paintings.

Experience an extreme adventure in the Mojave Desert as you ride a scooter through its red sandstone depressions and peaks. Specifically, I recommend the Red Rock Canyon as a preserved area suitable for hiking, biking, motorcycling and rock climbing. It was originally a sea, but sedimentation began approximately 600 years ago.

This scenic drive is ideal for learning about the canyon's geological features and reaching remote areas. You can also explore the Keystone Thrust Fault, or visit the main viewpoints. You can rent a bike and head out on your own, but you must set a route, and for safety's sake, don't exceed the 40-kilometre-per-hour limit.

If this is your first time doing this type of activity, it is advisable to take advantage of the excursions to Las Vegas National Parks to enjoy comfort, tranquillity and leave the organisation in the hands of professionals.

Alternatively, you can book an electric bike tour in Red Rock Canyon which offers a safe and effortless route.

When it comes to adventure, you can't miss a motocross ride through the natural grottoes of Las Vegas. Discover trails and mountainous terrain just outside the city, while enjoying the adrenaline rush as you challenge rocks and other obstacles. The best places for this activity are Hidden and Primm Valley, where you can climb into canyons and cross the Roach Dry Lake.

This is one of the best trails in Las Vegas and can also be done at Nellis Dunes, which has a less structured free terrain. Alternatively, get to Lake Mead and ride over small puddles for an added dose of fun.

Enjoy a 60-second freefall from an altitude of 4.5 kilometres above the Nevada desert. The adventure usually begins with a plane ride that offers panoramic views of the city. From the sky it is possible to catch a glimpse of the Grand Canyon, the Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe. To ensure the safety of the process, it is recommended that this activity is only done by professionals.

This experience attracts many visitors, so I recommend you book your skydiving experience in advance Las Vegas Tandem Skydiving Experience An advantage is that it usually includes transfers, a professional guide and the necessary equipment.

Las Vegas at night is a complete spectacle, considering it's a city surrounded by uniquely illuminated buildings. Dare to fly in a helicopter to appreciate the neon lights of the Strip' s hotels and casinos, or iconic landmarks such as the Bellagio and the replica of the Eiffel Tower You'll also get up close to the tallest building in the city known as the Stratosphere Tower.

A helicopter ride allows you to see replicas of other world monuments such as the Pyramids of Gizah, the Statue of Liberty and the Trevi Fountain. Not for nothing is it one of the best night tours, as it takes you all over the city in record time. It's an attractive activity that usually offers dinner so you don't have to worry about where to eat.