Four of Alex Honnold’s Favorite Nevada Adventures

In his new five-part travel series, “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold,” the renowned climber sets out to get to know the unique people and places that define his home state of Nevada. His adventure starts close to his Las Vegas home, on Mt. Charleston—the most prominent summit in the state—with his wife, Sanni McCandless Honnold. But even for Alex there’s more to adventure than all-day hikes and Red Rock Canyon climbs. In Episode 1, Alex and Sanni bring the kids along on a float below Hoover Dam, then meet some locals—both cute and otherworldly. Want to follow in Alex’s footsteps? We’ve got the travel tips you need.

Mt. Charleston

Nevada’s most prominent peak is only 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, but that’s where the “onlys” stop. This challenging trail gains almost 5,000 feet of elevation in just over 8 miles, winding through aspen forests and mountain meadows toward the exposed ridgelines that mark the second half of the ascent. The views from the nearly 12,000-foot summit are remarkable, but the entire hike is stunning, with towering limestone cliffs for company throughout.

Rafting in Black Canyon

Witness the marvels of both man and nature on the Black Canyon National Water Trail. You can rent your own canoes or kayaks, but a guided rafting tour comes with more color. Learn about the construction of Hoover Dam, the formation of the canyon, and the mighty Colorado River. Bonus adventure: Hike to the hot springs in Gold Strike Canyon (open seasonally) and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep.

Outpost 51 Alien Museum

The truth is out there, right? But before you take a trip down Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway, you’ve got to know what you’re looking for. The Outpost 51 Alien Museum in Boulder City has you covered, with info on crash sites, government experiments (and cover-ups), and all manner of alien encounters. The Hollywood-grade exhibits will make you feel like you’re in a UFO when you’re really just 30 minutes off the Strip and 15 minutes from Hoover Dam.

Grandma Daisy’s Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor

Every road trip needs ice cream, and this is where to get it in the Boulder City area. Grandma Daisy’s Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor is a family-owned shop that offers delicious ice cream, old-fashioned malts, nostalgic candies, fresh caramel apples, and homemade fudge prepared daily. The small-town charm of “the town that built the Hoover Dam” is on full display here, as it is in many of Boulder City’s shops and stores.

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