Las Vegas is a sprawling neon-washed city in the sunny desert state of Nevada. Rightly known as the City of Lights, it has a dazzling array of luxurious casinos, mega-hotels, and plush resorts. Buzzing bars and live shows ensures the fun never stops after sunset. Once done with gambling and stage performance, you can enjoy a round of fun and adrenaline in the city’s many theme parks. Even shopping is a form of entertainment on its own. A few hours at Fremont Street, Miracle Mile Shop, or The Forum Shops at Caesars ensures a visually impressive experience. it on its own.
Las Vegas isn’t all about indulgent entertainment. There’s an intense art scene with many excellent galleries and museums. Standouts include the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, the Pinball Hall of Fame, and the Mob Museum. Beyond the city, the surrounding area is full of rugged desert beauty, including the iconic Grand Canyon.
The Best Natural Wonders in Las Vegas
The best natural wonders in Las Vegas prove that there’s more to this city than the bright lights of the Strip. But this dazzling line-up of neon casinos, hotels and performance venues is only part of the story when it comes to getting to know Las Vegas and its striking landscape.
Both inside and surrounding this world-famous city are a wealth of equally impressive natural attractions. Ranging from lush wetlands and mountain hikes to iconic rock formations, check out these unmissable landmarks to ensure you experience everything that Las Vegas has to offer.
Clark County Wetlands Park
Clark County Wetlands Park is a flourishing desert landscape with extensive hiking and biking trails. Spanning 2,900 acres, this wetland presents outstanding wildlife watching opportunities, with a wide array of creatures – ranging from turtles to coyotes – taking shelter from the heat in the park’s ponds and shaded spots.
However, the standout highlight at Clark County Wetlands Park is the 210-acre Nature Preserve trail. This highly immersive hike is great for kids as it has vibrant displays and activities that’ll keep them entertained for hours. Look out across the park from the trail’s scenic viewing platforms and enjoy this peaceful escape during the early morning or late afternoon.
Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is where you can experience Nevada’s unique scenery without having to leave Las Vegas at all. Situated just 3 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, this 180-acre spot has desert succulents, green botanical gardens, a butterfly house, and an interactive early 20th-century boomtown.
Springs Preserve also has 3 miles of hiking and cycling trails that are lined with native plant life. There’s a family-friendly train that makes its way through the park, along with a selection of museums, animal enclosures and exhibits exploring Las Vegas’ natural history.
Lake Mead
Lake Mead is recognized as one of America’s top vacation destinations, but it only exists due to the construction of the towering Hoover Dam. As the largest reservoir in the United States, each year millions of visitors make their way here to enjoy boating, fishing, and the seemingly endless sunshine.
With approximately 750 miles of shoreline, Lake Mead offers a massive range of activities. For instance, you don’t want to miss the stunning view from the top of the Hoover Dam. You should also leave time to hike along the Historic Railroad Trail before taking a break at Willow Beach overlooking the Colorado River.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
The Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is considered one of the world’s best places to see Ice Age fossils. As among the best natural wonders in Las Vegas, it’s also ideal for history and science lovers. The 22,650-acre site is positioned just 20 miles from the center of Las Vegas. Here, you will find fossils dating back 200,000 years that have been dug up throughout this enormous archeological site.
You will have to use your imagination to appreciate how this incredibly dry landscape was once a lush wetland thousands of years ago. With prehistoric creatures drawn to the region’s food and water, fossils of Columbian mammoths, Camelops, and sabre-toothed cats have been discovered in the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.
Valley of Fire State Park
The Valley of Fire State Park is located to the north of Lake Mead. It’s where you have to head if you want to experience Nevada’s renowned rock formations. With these striking natural sandstone structures estimated to be 150 million years old, landmarks such as these don’t come along every day.
Alongside world-class hiking trails, one of the Valley of Fire State Park’s highlights is the aptly named Elephant Rock. This towering rock formation is a must-visit for photographers. Other formations in the area are where you’ll see ancient Native American rock paintings and carvings.
Mount Charleston
Mount Charleston is a remarkable place to visit, whether you arrive in Las Vegas during the summer or winter. Naturally, the warmer months mean the 60 miles of trails on offer are accessible for experienced hikers. With these trailheads culminating in the incredible Charleston Peak at 11,916 ft, summiting this mountaintop isn’t for the faint-hearted.
However, the winter months provide a much different experience compared to the rest of Las Vegas. While city temperatures can drop to the mid-teens, Mount Charleston drops to sub-zero as intense snowfall transforms it into an exceptional winter sports destination. Head along to the Lee Canyon ski resort for the best slopes.