The Sin City, the city of lights, the city of neon signs – this is not a complete list of all Las Vegas’ names. However, in reality, Las Vegas is much more than nightlife, lights, hotels, and casinos.
It may be unexpected, but there are some amazing wilderness spots in and around the city. They hide in parks, nature reserves, valleys, and canyons. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, rent a car and travel to the following natural locations within driving distance of Las Vegas:
Springs Preserve
With an area of 73 hectares, Springs Preserve is located just 5 miles away from Las Vegas. Therefore, a trip to this oasis among desert valleys in a rental car will be very short and won’t take much time. In the reserve, you can’t only walk along its many themed trails, but also admire the local Botanical Garden dedicated to desert plants, visit an innovative interactive exhibition, and even go to an outdoor amphitheater.
In addition, the reserve is home to the Nevada State Museum, which was completely relocated here from Las Vegas in 2008. It stores a lot of natural exhibits about the history of the region and the development of springs that feed the nearby reservoir, which, in turn, provides Las Vegas with water.
Red Rock Canyon
This reserve is just 15 miles away from Vegas, so it’s easy to take a day trip in your rental car. These unique formations often attract the eye of travelers. Due to their proximity, they are visible from almost anywhere in the city.
The rocks are really red, especially at sunset. You have a happy opportunity to observe the change in all shades of this color and enjoy the natural beauty and harmony of nature. That’s why the reserve attracts 1 million tourists annually.
The road that runs through Red Rock Canyon leads to the most beautiful places. However, the further you drive, the bumpier the road surface becomes. Therefore, we recommend picking up Jeep rental Las Vegas to explore the canyon by choosing the routes you like.
Through the efforts of sandstone and the so-called “keystones” clinging to each other, entire walls, peaks and mountains appeared. Some of them reach a height of 910 meters and become a real lure for climbers.
The highest point of the Red Rock Canyon is Mount La Madre with a height of 2,485 meters. Each of the 26 routes running along the canyon leads to a completely new, unique landscape.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park is one of the largest green areas in Las Vegas. It’s located near McCarran Airport, in the southeastern part of the city. Initially, in 1909, the park was a purebred horse ranch, but in 1967 the current territory of the park was acquired by Clark County and turned into a park.
With an area of approximately 57,000 square meters, Sunset Park is home to a variety of waterfowl and fish. A distinctive feature of the park is a small island located in the center of the pond. Sunset Park is a favorite picnic spot, so it’s a great idea to grab some food and drive your rental car there for a bite to eat.
There are 8 outdoor tennis courts, basketball and baseball courts, picnic tables, and barbecues. The most popular is the pond, where you can fish for trout or catfish. All this makes the park an excellent resting place for the body and soul.
Spring Mountains
The Spring Mountains is a National Recreation Area administered by the United States Forest Service. It is located west of Las Vegas, Nevada, and covers an area of more than 1,000 square kilometers. On the territory of the reserve, there are meadows and mountains, the highest point of which is Mount Charleston with a height of 3,633 meters.
The Spring Mountains are home to many species of plants and animals. Some of them are on the verge of extinction. This became the goal of creating a reserved recreation. The reserve hosts many activities every year, from picnic trips to skiing. You will need to know about Limo Find
Lake Mead
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States, located on the Colorado River, near Las Vegas. It was formed during the construction of the Hoover Dam. The length of the lake is 110 miles, and the total volume of water is 35 cubic kilometers.
Thousands of travelers visit Lake Mead every year for open-air relaxation. You can also go there in your rental car for a breath of fresh air in the middle of the desert. The most popular activities are boating, fishing, water skiing and much more. There are many picturesque coves with rocky shores and beautiful beaches, as well as a small botanical garden.
What do you need to rent a car in Las Vegas?
Usually, you need a credit card, passport, and driver’s license to rent a car. However, sometimes you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your domestic license doesn’t meet the requirements. Keep in mind that the IDP is valid only together with the original driver’s license.
