Las Vegas Is More Than Casinos

Did you realize most people that fly to Las Vegas never experience many of the great attractions the Las Vegas area offers? Most people that arrive by plane, take a taxi or shuttle to their strip area hotel, stay there two to three days, and then head back to the airport. The Las Vegas area offers so much more so get out of the casino for a little while and see everything else the Las Vegas offers.

Hoover Dam, originally called Boulder Dam and Boulder Canyon Dam is located about 30 minutes southeast of Las Vegas in Black Canyon on U.S. 93. Construction of the dam began in 1930 and was completed in less than five years. The dam is named after Herbert Hoover, America's 31st president. The dam generates 4 billion kilowatts of electricity every year from the Colorado River that feeds it.

Red Rock Canyon is located just west of Las Vegas and has some spectacular views. From the red cliffs and desert beauty to the abundant wildlife, Red Rock Canyon is an oasis of natural beauty just a few minutes from the Las Vegas strip. There is a 13 mile scenic loop which offers views of the geological history of the canyon and there are many, many spectacular photo opportunities.

Mt. Charleston is located west of Las Vegas and is about a 30-45 minute drive depending on where in Las Vegas you are. Mt. Charleston is a wonderful place to visit anytime of the year. In the summer, temperatures typically are 20-30 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley area which means when you are trying to beat the 115 degree heat, its about 80 degrees at Mt. Charleston.

Mt. Charleston is part of the Spring Mountain Range which has peaks from 3,000 to 12,000 feet. Mt. Charleston is the eighth highest peak in Nevada. There are many activities on the mountain including hiking, camping for both tent campers and RV's, skiing, and more. There is also lodging available at the Mt. Charleston Hotel and there are cabins you can rent.

Lake Mead was created by Hoover Dam and is the 16th largest man-made lake in the world. The lake is about 1.5 million acres and has 820 miles of shoreline. The lake area is managed by the National Park Service and offers year round recreation including boating, hiking, and swimming. Lake Mead also offers campgrounds, motels, RV parks, five marinas, beaches, restaurants and more.

Laughlin, NV is located about 90 miles south of Las Vegas and sits right on the banks of the Colorado River. Laughlin offers stunning views of the mountains and its riverside setting offers an enjoyable and peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. There are many casinos in Laughlin, but its main appeal is the beauty of its location, just ask any of the five million visitors every year. Laughlin is the third most visited casino and resort destination in Nevada.

Valley of Fire is a 35,000 acre state park located about 45 minutes to one hour northeast of Las Vegas where visitors can see breath taking views of a valley formed millions of years ago. A two mile drive through the park gives you the chance to stop and explore the beauty of the valley. The park offers a couple trails to hike. A quarter mile hike allows you to get a glimpse of a water basin that was used as a hideout for an American Indian in the late 1800's. The longer of the two hikes is a three mile hike through Fire Canyon. This hike has some awesome views so be sure to bring the camera.

So the next time you visit Las Vegas, get out of the casino for a little while and you will quickly find out why so many people are making the Las Vegas area their new home.