Las Vegas can inspire some serious overindulgence. However, along with its numerous bars and casinos, the region is full of outdoor and active experiences.
If you need more of a workout than dancing the Strip, there are plenty of ways to sweat in the great outdoors best enjoyed during the cooler climes of Spring and Autumn. Plus, you can expect a few left-field, calorie-burning alternatives around the hotels.
Walking & Hiking
The surrounding desert and local peaks offer stunning vistas and a real change of scenery from the glitz of the Strip.
Ranging from easy to advanced, popular hiking trails can be found at Mount Charleston, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon, where the paved 20-kilometre scenic loop offers access to many of the trailheads. Lizard, snake, frog and bird spotting opportunities abound.
Mountain Biking
Single-track riding, extreme downhill and cross-country mountain biking options are all available with excellent trails found throughout Southern Nevada, including at Lake Mead, Boulder City and Red Rock Canyon.
Technical riders who appreciate a good climb and a smooth single trail should head to Cottonwood Loop.
Horse Riding
Saddle up and make like a cowboy through the canyons and prairies of Red Rock Canyon and other home-on-the-range venues.
Leave the city slickers behind and ride off into the sunset for sensational photo ops. Tours often include a genuine western meal. Giddy up!
More Adventure
Rock climbing, rappelling, quad bikes, white-water rafting, kayaking tours, rope courses and zipline adventures are all an option for intrepid types who want to tackle the physical side of Las Vegas.
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What to do on a holiday in Vegas
Yoga
Classes are provided by many hotels or they can point you in the right direction so you can practise your downward dog, bird of paradise and other asanas.
At The Mirage you can even stretch amongst the dolphins in the underwater viewing area. There’s also a Saturday class at the Las Vegas Boulevarde Plaza and outdoor yoga next to the Bamboo Pool at The Cosmopolitan.
Indoor Hike at The Spa at ARIA
This novel concept involves a solid workout in and around the most scenic parts of the resort. You’ll do your push-ups on benches adjacent to Dior and Tiffany’s, your sit-ups beside beautiful statues, your lunges and step-ups next to Jenny Holzer’s LED light installation ‘Vegas’ and tackle lots of stairs in sessions run by personal trainers.
SlotZilla Zipline
A highlight of the Fremont Street Experience, the 10-storey high, 55-kilometre-per-hour slot machine-themed flying fox zooms along the 400-metre-long overhead canopy roof.
You can sit in a harness or fly prone – they call it ‘superhero-style’ – and gaze down on the non-stop party below.
The Gun Store
Blow away a few cobwebs from the night before with a spot of shooting at the Gun Store. Choose from dozens of weapons, including Beretta 9mm, ‘Dirty Harry’ 44 magnum and an AK-47 machine gun at this truly American experience. Individual instructors are provided and no license is required. It might just "make your day".
