Las Vegas Is Full of Adventures

Las Vegas has a reputation for keeping secrets. But the best-kept one of all has to be the top-notch rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, and paddleboarding just minutes from the strip.

Red Rock Canyon ­National Conservation Area

More than 2,000 sandstone bouldering routes less than 30 minutes from the craps tables at Mandalay Bay. Try Pork Chop, a classic V3 boulder problem, or Dream of Wild Turkeys, a ten-pitch moderate trad route.

Lake Mead

The average annual high in Vegas is 80 degrees. Cool off by exploring the islands and beaches of Boulder Basin on a paddleboard.

Bootleg Canyon

Vegas’s other man-made ­wonder: more than 35 miles of flow trails and technical singletrack for mountain bikers just southeast of the city. Find speed, sweeping turns, some air, and a bit of exposure on the 1.5-mile POW Trail.

Yoga at the Mirage Hotel

The Mirage’s “underwater” studio shares a glass wall with a dolphin tank. Yeah, at $50 it’s expensive—and total Vegas kitsch—but how often do you get to dolphin-pose with actual dolphins?

Las Vegas Cyclery

This LEED platinum-certified shop has bikes galore and guides to lead you on multi-day adventures. You can even demo a new steed on the trail circling the property.

Mount Charleston Wilderness

This 56,600-acre spread west of town has 40 miles of hiking trails winding through evergreen forests, slot canyons, and ice-cold springs. The 1.9-mile Fletcher Canyon moves through a gorge with 200-foot-high walls.

Local Joe: Rob Erekson, Race Director, Desert Dash

“Cottonwood ­Valley is really close to town and has 100 miles of trails and dirt roads that are great for running. It’s mostly flat, but there are a few good gnarly climbs.”

Local Pro: Alex Johnson, Rock climber

“I fill up at ­Krayvings, just outside Red Rocks, after almost every climb. They do all kinds of healthy juices and salads. I’m addicted to their protein plates with quinoa and steak.”