You say you are in Las Vegas and you want something to do? You think it’s all just gambling?

You will be glad to know that there is a lot more to Las Vegas than just gambling. Las Vegas offers a huge variety of activities from golfing to hiking, boating to skydiving, swimming to roller coasters; as well as some of the most interesting museums and world-class entertainment. In addition, with Las Vegas’ geographical location, you are just a short drive away from Utah, Arizona and California. Whether you are a teen, senior or a family, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

National Parks

We have several National Parks in the area that you will want to explore and discover for yourself. Year-round these parks are a marvel of nature and provide some breathtaking vistas; perfect for photo ops!

Listed below are names of some National Parks that are located in the area.

• Death Valley National Park
• Grand Canyon Nat’l Park
  602-638-7888
• Great Basin Nat’l Park
• Hoover Dam
  702-293-8367
• Lake Mead Nat’l Recreation Area
  702-293-8990
• Mt. Charleston
  702-872-5500
• Red Rock Nat’l Conservation Area
  702-515-5350

For the latest information on driving conditions, lodging, sightseeing areas, and pricing go to the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/parks.html

Lake Mead

Measuring 110-miles long, with a surface area of 274 square miles, the lake has more than 500 miles of shore for the thousands who boat, swim, water ski, hike, and fish it every day. You can access this national park off Interstate 15 in Nevada; U.S. Highways 93 and 95 in Nevada and Arizona. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located about 30 miles south of Las Vegas via U.S. Highway 93.

The lake and surrounding area boasts five developed beaches and marinas with campgrounds and other services, including Overton Beach, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, Las Vegas Bay, Temple -Bar and Boulder Beach. Boating of all kinds and personal watercraft use are popular within Lake Mead NRA. Water skiing is a favorite activity on the broad expanses of open water, along with kayaking and canoeing. Of course, swimming is a major form of water recreation during summer months when lake temperatures warm into the 80-degree range. No lifeguards are present. Fishing enthusiasts can find some excellent sport fishing at Lake Mead, including varieties like largemouth bass, rainbow trout, striped bass, channel catfish, black crappie and bluegill. Only a few designated trails exist in the park, allowing those with experience to go out and explore on their own with the help of detailed maps and instructions to the most popular areas. The designated trails range from 0.5 to 1.25 miles. Short desert hikes lead to places you will never see from a boat or car. One such place is the area of colorful sandstone formations near Red Stone Picnic Area along Northshore Road. Another is a canyon where Indian petroglyphs were carved in a rock wall hundreds of years ago.

There are eight camping sites at Lake Mead – Boulder Beach, Hemenway, Las Vegas Bay, Katherine, Echo Bay, Callville Bay, Temple Bar and Cottonwood Cove. There are also six RV campgrounds with hookups. Paddlers can take two river trips, one runs from Hoover Dam south through Black Canyon on Lake Mohave; the other begins in upper Lake Mead and explores the western gorges of the Grand Canyon.

Tours & Rentals

Seven Crowns Resorts
800-752-9669
Operates houseboat and power boat concessions at Lake Mead Marina, Echo Bay, Temple Bar, Arizona, and Katherine Landing on Lake Mohave, near Laughlin. Daily houseboat rental rates range from $300-$400 depending on season and size of boat. Weekly rates, $1,095 – $1,975. Houseboats sleep 6-10 people. Bass, patio, small fishing and ski boats. Ski and fishing tackle rentals.

Forever Resorts
800-255-5561
Operates houseboat and power boat concessions at Callville Bay on Lake Mead and Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mohave. Min. rental time f or houseboats is three days, for power boats, two hours. Houseboats rentals $995-$3,595 for three or four nights; $1,200- $4,500 for seven nights, depending on season. Powerboats, 16 and 20 foot, rent for $400-$1,100 per week, $60-$350 per day and $60.00 per hour, all year.

For more Lake Mead info: http://www.nps.gov/lame

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is 727 feet high, 1,244 feet long, 660 feet thick at the base, and 45 feet thick at the crest. It weighs 5,500,000 tons and contains 3,250,000 cubic yards of concrete. Hoover Dam is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on State Highway 93. A 400 passenger parking garage is adjacent to the Visitor Center. Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a m. to 5 p.m.

Fees
Parking $5.00 Adults 17 to 61 $10.00 Adults over 62 $8.00
Military $8.00 Kids 7 to 16 $4.00
Kids under 6 Free

Your admission fee entitles you to the use of all facilities and services, which include: 35 minute guided I tour, 25 minute historic film, exhibit hall and scenic overlook (If you wish not to take the tour, an exhibit ticket only is available for $4) For Tour Reservations call 702-293-8367

The tour through the dam and power plant is ½ mile and lasts for approximately 35 minutes. The tour is fully accessible and wheelchairs are available. You start the tour by descending 520 feet into the canyon wall and then walk through a tunnel into the power plant. The tour is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia or for those who use pacemakers or deliberators.

For more information go to the Hoover Dam website at http://www.hooverdam.com

RedRock

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located 20 miles west of Las Vegas. Within the boundaries of the 197,000-acre area is a 13-mile scenic drive, many miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and a visitor’s center with an exhibit room and bookstore.

Red Rock’s most significant geological feature is the Keystone Thrust Fault. About 65 million years ago, two of the Earth’s crustal plates collided with such force that part of one plate of gray limestone was thrust up and over the younger red sandstone. The fault extends from the Cottonwood Fault north to the vicinity of La Madre Mountain. The 13-mile Scenic Drive is a one-way road that also allows bicycle traffic. Sightseeing and hiking trails can be accessed from the parking areas on the side of the road. The Scenic Drive is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The entry fee is $5 per carload, and you can purchase a $20 pass that is valid for 12 months. Entrance is free for those who walk or ride their bicycles through the gate. Golden Age, Golden Access and Golden Eagle Passes are all valid at Red Rock. Bicycles are permitted only on designated roads and trails. The BLM advises cyclists to wear helmets, bright clothing, carry water, obey traffic laws and pay attention to drivers who may be distracted.

Favorite Spots

Bonnie Springs – Old Nevada
It is a privately owned enterprise featuring a reproduction of an 1880 western mining town with gunfights, hangings, melodramas, silent movies, saloons, restaurants and displays.

Spring Mountain State Park
Spring Mountain Ranch, a 520-acre area located at the base of Wilson Cliffs, offers historic tours, picnic sites and summer plays. The main house and historic grounds are open on select days. The picnic sites are open from 8 a.m. to dusk.

Wildlife

Numerous varieties of wildlife inhabit Red Rock Canyon. BLM officials ask visitors not to feed any of the wild animals and warn that all animals can be dangerous, especially the burros. Feeding burros encourages them to congregate on roadways where many have been killed or injured by vehicles.

More info on Red Rock: http://www.nv.blm.gov/vegas/redrock/red2.htm

Recreation Centers

CITY OF LAS VEGAS

Valley View Recreation Center

500 Harris Street
702-565-2121
The center features a 40,000 Square Feet space, Gymnasium, 3 Racquetball/Volleyball Courts, 6 Meeting/Classrooms, Multi-Fitness Room, Multi-Use Room, Game Room, and V ending Area. The first full-service recreation center to open in the City of Henderson, the Lorna J. Kesterson Valley View Recreation Center services the Valley View area. Located adjacent to Morrell Park. This center services all ages in all areas of interest, however is best known as being the home for the Henderson’s Civic Symphony. Monday through Friday 8 a m. to 9 p.m, Sat 9 a.m to 5p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5p.m

Chuck Minker Sports Complex

(Next to Rivera Park) 275 X. Mojave Rd
702-229-6563
The Sports Complex features a Gymnasium, 8 Racquetball courts, Cardiovascular equipment, sauna & Jacuzzi, 2 weight rooms, free & machine weights, multipurpose room, video games, and locker rooms. Gym and multipurpose room for rent. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Doolittle Community Center

(Next to Doolittle Park) 1950 North J St.
702-229-6374
The recreational center features fitness room, full sized basketball court, game room, gymnasium, 3 meeting rooms, a conference room, and kitchen facilities. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information please call.

HENDERSON

Black Mountain Recreation Center and Aquatic Complex

599 Greenway Road
702-565-2880
The Black Mountain Recreation Center/Aquatic Complex is the first to sport a zero-depth entry aquatic complex which features a three loop slide, interactive water apparatus and raindrop waterfall. The complex features 41,000 square Feet, Gym, 3 Racquetball/Volleyball Courts, 3 Meeting/Classrooms, Multi-Fitness Room, Multi-Use Room, Game Room, Vending Area, and Beach-entry pool. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

Silver Springs Recreation Center

1951 Silver Springs Parkway
702-435-3814
Serving the entire Green Valley area of Henderson. Whether it be tots to seniors, or teens to adults, you will find it at this center which like any of the City’s full-service recreation centers is open seven days a week Throughout the summer months, enjoy the Silver Springs Outdoor Swimming Pool as well. Features a 36,000 square feet of space, Gym, 3 Racquetball/Volleyball Courts, 6 Meeting/Classrooms, Multi-Fitness Room Multi-Use Room, Game Room, Vending Area, and Clubhouse. Monday through Friday 8 am to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a. m to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Whitney Ranch Recreation Center & Aquatic Complex

1575 Galleria Drive
702-450-5885
The center features 41,000 square feet space, Gymnasium, 3 Racquetball/Walleyball Courts, 2 Meeting rooms/ 3 Classrooms Dance & Aerobics Room, Conference Room, Game Room Vending Area, Computer Lab, and a Boys & Girls Club Satellite. It is the first to have a Boys & Girls Club Satellite Center and a computer lab. Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve & Water Reclamation Facility

2400 Moser Drive Henderson, NV
Following the mapped trails you’ll find several observation stations with benches and signage available for the convenience of bird watchers and all those interested in enjoying the wonders of nature. Larger school and community groups are welcome to make appointments for guided tours by calling 566-2939. OPEN DAILY from 6 a.m. -3 p.m

SUMMERLIN

The Trails Park

A 28-acre linear park in The Trails Village. The Trails Park includes three lighted baseball fields, a community center and swimming pool, children’s play area, a meadow area and numerous picnic ramadas.

The Arbors Sports Park

A 60-acre joint-use facility designed and constructed by the City of Las Vegas, Clark County School District and The Howard Hughes Corporation. The park incorporates the 42-acre campus of Palo Verde High School and an 18-acre sports complex. The complex features which includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, locker facilities, children’s play area, picnic area, soccer field and two additional softball fields. The sports complex complements the facilities and amenities available at the high school, which include a football field, soccer field, baseball field, eight tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts. Plus a 40,000-square-foot community center that will house a full-size gymnasium, shower and locker facilities and meeting and programming rooms.

The Gardens Park and Recreational Center

The center is located on 20.6 acres in The Gardens. It is a large oval shaped park with a variety of distinctive uses including an active recreational area with basketball and tennis courts and Summerlin’s first roller hockey rink and rollerblade area; a community center with gardens, bocce, horseshoe and shuffleboard courts; and a large open festival lawn area.

NORTH LAS VEGAS

Recreation Center

638 N. Bruce Street North Las Vegas, NV 89030
702-633-1600
The Recreation Center serves the entire City of North Las Vegas offering a myriad of programs for tots, teens, adults, and seniors. The Center is open six days a week. In addition, the center offers outdoor swimming programs throughout the summer months at the City’s three municipal pools. Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information on special activities please call.