http://www.scenic.com/ | Las Vegas and the surrounding desert is home to many state parks and conservation areas that are popular hiking and camping destinations. Take in the sights of Las Vegas on foot with one of the many hikes included in this guide, or by air with a Las Vegas tour from Scenic.

2. If you’re looking for stunning views of
the Las Vegas desert, consider a hike
through the area’s natural parks. One
of the most breathtaking is Red Rock
Canyon, which offers views of rock
formations and craggy peaks in
shades of brightly colored sediment.
Visitors can take a scenic 13-mile
drive to see the area’s many peaks
and valleys, or set out on foot and
explore more than 30 miles of hiking
trails, rock climbing, mountain biking,
nature observation, and more.
Camping is also available if you’d like
to witness sunrise and sunset at the
park: the reflection of the sun’s rays
makes the red rocks light up at
different hours of the day.

3. Home to 1,700 ancient petroglyphs
(rock drawings) carved by indigenous
tribes that once called this area
home, the 48,000-acre Sloan Canyon
National Conservation Area is a piece
of desert history. Though overnight
camping is not permitted in this
protected area, hiking, biking, and
horseback riding are encouraged on
existing roads and trails.
After a morning hike in Sloan
Canyon, travel 30 miles to Boulder
City for a Scenic Airlines Grand
Canyon Tour from Las Vegas. You’ll
see panoramic views of the entire
area, including the majestic Hoover
Dam, the Colorado River, and the
West Rim of the Grand Canyon.

4. On select Las Vegas tours from Scenic, you’ll be treated to views of spectacular Lake
Mead. Created by the construction of the Hoover Dam, this manmade reservoir has the
capacity to grow to 112 miles long. It’s a popular spot for escaping the hot desert sun,
and locals can be found enjoying boating and fishing during weekends at the lake.
After seeing Lake Mead from the air, take a closer look at the area with an overnight
camping trip. There are several campgrounds at Lake Mead, including primitive
backpacking locations as well as convenient vehicle camping.

5. For a relaxing hike to finish a day of touring Las Vegas, the Historic Railroad Trail near
Boulder City, NV is a perfect fit. The 7-mile trail is wide and meandering with a mostly flat
grade that passes through historic railroad tunnels. Built over one of the rail lines that
serviced the Hoover Dam area, this route played a role in one of America's most
prominent construction projects. This trail is designed for history lovers, as opposed to
expert trailblazers looking for a tough workout. However, remote sections of the trail still
promise excellent views of Lake Mead as well as the surrounding desert. Keep an eye out
for desert fauna such as bighorn sheep, lizards, or bats.

6. No other peak in the
area provides better
views of Las Vegas than
Frenchman Mountain.
The triangular peak of
Frenchman Mountain is
technically not part of
any mountain range;
however, its 4,000-foot
altitude surpasses the
mountains that form
the eastern border of
the Las Vegas valley.
Though steep, the hike
up Frenchman
Mountain is a favorite
among locals.

7. Black Mountain gets its
name from vibrant black
lava cliffs that can be seen
from miles away. Once
you’ve climbed to the top of
Black Mountain, you’ll be
afforded views of the Las
Vegas area as well as sights
of Henderson, NV. In
addition to a sweeping
perspective of the desert
floor, several mountain
ranges and other parks can
also be seen from the
summit, including the Red
Rocks, Spring Mountains,
Jean Dry Lakes, and more.

8. Dedicated in 1935, Valley of Fire State Park is the oldest park in Nevada. Covering an area
of 35,000 acres, Valley of Fire gets its name from vibrant red sandstone rock formations
that appear to be on fire when hit by the sun’s rays. The area was originally home to
prehistoric farmers who left their mark with detailed petroglyphs that can be viewed at
several locations throughout the park.
Hiking and camping are both permitted in Valley of Fire year-round. In the springtime,
visitors can enjoy a variety of flora, including several cactus species and desert wildflowers
such as desert marigold, indigo bush, and desert mallow.

9. After your Scenic tour, depart
Boulder City for nearby
Goldstrike Hot Springs. A one-
of-a-kind nature experience,
the adventure starts with a
series of boulder climbs using
fixed ropes. After a few hours
of carefully traversing the rocky
trail, you’ll arrive at the
ultimate oasis: a collection of
hot spring pools. Depending on
the time of year you visit –
winter and spring are best –
you’ll be able to soak in one
large pool or several smaller
pools. The naturally warm
waters of the springs make for
the perfect post-hike soak.

10. Scenic is the largest and most experienced
aerial tour operator in the world. Founded
in 1967, the company showcases the most
impressive landscapes of Southwest’s
beautiful National Parks, specializing in
Grand Canyon air tours. Scenic also
develops customized airplane tours for
groups, companies, or incentive programs.
For more info, visit http://www.scenic.com/
or call 800-634-6801.