Beyond the neon and glitz of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip lie numerous opportunities for families to discover Southern Nevada’s colorful and often overlooked natural landscape. From flourishing desert meadows to red, rusty cliffs to pine tree-covered mountain peaks, just a short drive from The Strip visitors can experience hours of exploration and fun.

Located in the middle of the city and built on the site of the birthplace of Las Vegas, visitors can start their adventures at the 180-acre Springs Preserve, offering a glimpse at the region’s geology, desert plant-life and numerous animal species that call Southern Nevada home. Children are amazed by the wild jackrabbits, lizards, insects and desert tortoises on display at the Origen Experience. For those not afraid of getting a little wet, a popular exhibit is the flash flood simulator where visitors experience the exhilarating rush of water that results from the summer rains in the area deserts, canyons and mountains. 

The Springs Preserve also features nearly two miles of picturesque walking trails and lush gardens. Bottled water is recommended for exploration during the hot summer months. A visit to the Springs Preserve is also not complete without lunch at the Café by Wolfgang Puck. Pick a spot on the terrace and enjoy a view of the gardens and the nearby Las Vegas Strip. General Admission prices range from $6.95 to $18.95 and annual family passes are a great bargain for frequent visits.

A 25-minute drive west from the Las Vegas Strip is the 197,000-acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Once the bottom of a vast ocean, millions of years of exposure and oxidation have created a breath-taking canyon of red and orange. A 13-mile, one-way scenic drive through the canyon provides many picture-taking opportunities. For adventurous families, nearly 20 trails offer easy, moderate or strenuous hikes into the canyon where wild burros and other animals roam and ancient petroglyphs await discovery. Designated picnic and camping areas are also available.  Maps and information on seasonal trail conditions can be found at the Visitor’s Center near the entrance to the canyon. Like the Springs Preserve, bottled water is recommended for exploration during the hot summer months. Entry into Red Rock Canyon is $5.00 per vehicle with annual passes available for purchase.

Rising high above the Las Vegas Valley to the northwest, Mt. Charleston offers visitors a dramatic change in climate and scenery. The highest peak of the Spring Mountains Range in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Mt. Charleston’s temperatures are typically 20 to 30 °F lower than in Las Vegas, making it a popular place for visitors to escape the heat of the desert floor. Mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and camping are popular summertime activities atop the mountain, as is enjoying the spectacular views. Winter transforms the mountain into a snow-covered playground for sledding and snow play. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort features 11 trails for beginners, intermediate and skilled winter sports enthusiasts. Ski and snowboarding lessons are available for both adults and children. Equipment rental, restaurants and bars are all onsite.

For accommodations on the mountain, the Mt. Charleston Lodge features 23 comfortably furnished log cabins nestled along a mountain ridge. The Mt. Charleston Hotel features 62 charming bedrooms, with a choice of mini-suites, king suites and a Presidential suite. Early booking is recommended for the holiday season.

Photos: Red Rock Canyon by Superfish/Springs Preserve by Jason Roth

Ahhh, Las Vegas. How shall I describe thee? Shall I liken thee to a summer day? Or to an old lover you still can’t shake your feelings for? Are you like any other city, but more so? Or are you but a mirage, a fata morgana? Certainly you are not Like a Virgin. But I can say this: you are a destination for which opinions vary widely. Some people love you. Many people hate you. Few have mixed feelings. But even among those who love you, it often  comes with a time limit, or recommended dosage (avg recommended dosage: two days).

On my most recent trip – six guys celebrating a 40th birthday – we dutifully adhered to the two day rule. But for two days, we really did rule.  We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel where the pool scene is like Spring Break for the 30+ set. We dined at Nobu where we discovered a small amount of Kobe Beef can cost $190. And in what is probably the smartest idea our 40-year old friend ever had, we got a private rooftop table at Pure atop Caesar’s Palace Hotel. Truly if there is a heaven worthy of two days time, it was this.

The thought of staying for the Hard Rock’s Rehab party on Sunday was tempting, but like Amy Winehouse, we said “No, No, No“. Low on money, lacking in sleep, and ready for spring break to be over, we happily headed home on Sunday.

I heard a metaphor that is my new favorite: Vegas is like Cotton Candy. The first few bites make you say, “wow, this is great”. By about the third bite, you start to think that your teeth will rot off and by bite five (if you get that far) your stomach is upset. So stop after two bites.

What is your maximum Vegas time limit? And what is your favorite Vegas metaphor?

Photo courtesy of basic sounds.