Top 10 May Outdoor Activities Near Las Vegas
Heading to Las Vegas in May? Sure, the weather will be warmer, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up in your hotel room until evening time. Las Vegas and the surrounding area are filled with outdoor adventure and it’s calling your name.
Take a look at our top 10 May outdoor activities near Las Vegas below.
Houseboat on Lake Mohave
There’s arguably nothing better to do on a hot southern Nevada day than to head to the lake. If you’re looking for a place to kick up your feet and enjoy some sunshine with your closest friends or family members, then you’ll want to rent a houseboat at Lake Mohave.
At Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina, we have six different houseboat models to choose from as well as a number of personal watercraft to add to your week of fun. Parents, tweens, toddlers, and kids of all ages will enjoy this vacation. Trust us when we say this–you’ll want to tack on one extra day to your reservation because you won’t want to go home!
Rent a Boat
If you’re only planning one day off The Strip, renting a boat is the perfect way to cool off while having a blast and enjoying the many lakes surrounding the city. Lake Las Vegas is a quick drive outside the city and offers multiple rentals ranging from paddle boards to yachts.
Lake Mead, which is also not far from the city, is another popular lake people travel to to get away for a few days. This lake is known for its fishing, boating, scuba diving, houseboating, recreational activities, hiking and so much more. To learn more about where to rent a houseboat or watercraft, visit Callville Bay Resort and Marina’s website.
Jeep Tour
Off-roading in the desert is kind of a big deal for people who live in the Southwest. It’s a time where you can experience nature all while sitting in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle designed to trek through terrain most cars wouldn’t dare to attempt. Plus, it’s a great activity for people of all ages, especially those who are not able to hike or walk long distances.
Near Las Vegas, there are plenty of Jeep tours to choose from. You could even take a tour of the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam if you have a full day to spend. Make sure to bring your camera and wear comfortable shoes for sightseeing and stretch breaks.
River Rafting
Perhaps a ride down the Colorado River during your Las Vegas vacation never crossed your mind. We’re here to remind you that there are endless possibilities when it comes to things to do outside The Strip.
Nevada is home to beautiful wildlife and towering canyons as far as the eye can see. To make the most of your trip, you’ll want to take a river rafting tour. Unlike whitewater rafting trips, which are usually a minimum of 3 days long, a smooth water rafting trip can be either a half-day or full-day affair, perfect for those looking to spend only a few hours outside.
Hiking
Before the weather becomes unbearably hot during the scorching southern Nevada summer, locals and visitors flock to the nearest hiking trails. This inexpensive, yet fulfilling nature activity is easily the most popular thing to do on this list. From seeing hot springs to petroglyphs, Nevada has a wide variety of trails to explore.
River Mountains Loop Trail is one of our favorite trails to walk, jog and bike. It is located near Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is approximately 34 miles long. Other popular hiking trails include Fire Wave Trail, Las Vegas Overlook Trail, and Calico Tanks Trail.
**We highly recommend checking the weather forecast before you head out. If the forecast shows a particularly warm day, make sure to bring extra water and sunscreen and try to plan your hikes around sunrise and sunset.
Scooter Tour
A super fun way to enjoy the Red Rocks outside of Las Vegas isn’t by car, bus, or train, but by scooter. Feel the wind flowing through your hair and let the sweet smell of nature fill your senses as you cruise 25 miles-per-hour along the open road (or in this case a 13-mile closed-loop road).
Red Rock Scooter Tours is rated #1 on Tripadvisor’s list for Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas and has gathered over 2,500 positive reviews. Check out their website for more information on tour dates and prices.
Kayaking/Canoeing
Not up for maneuvering a boat around the nearby lakes? A kayak or canoe is the next best thing. They are easy to operate and don’t require too much work — other than a good arm workout!
Traveling by smaller vessels also has its perks. It allows you to reach places you otherwise wouldn’t be able to in a large boat like small inlets that lead to secret hiking spots, or coves that are great for taking a quick dip in the water.
Exotic Car Rental
Have you ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a super rare sports car? Well, in Vegas, anything is possible. Test your NASCAR skills around a real-life race track or act like a boss rolling around in that Porsche you’ve always wanted to own for a day. This is the time to fill up your phone’s camera roll with pics of you driving your dream car, so make sure you bring along a friend for the ride.
Golf
If there’s one thing (other than The Strip) that Las Vegas is known for, it’s good golf. Even in the middle of May, eager golfers are making their way to the tee box hoping for their shot at a hole-in-one. With multiple top-notch courses to choose from, you’ll be enjoying the weather and scenery all while sipping on a cold drink handed to you by the beverage cart server.
Sightsee at Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire State Park is a place you might have only imagined existed in movies, which in part, is true because there have been several filmed here. Just under an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is famous for its red rock formations that light up in the sun like a glistening fire, thus where its name derived. You could spend up to an hour driving around and stopping at some of the lookouts, or make a full day of it by stopping and hiking many of its trails.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and wear loose protective clothing if you plan on being outside a lot during the middle of the day.
Eager to get outside this May? A houseboat trip is a perfect way to start off your vacation. For more information about renting a houseboat or watercraft at Lake Mohave, give us a call at 877-262-8212 or visit our website today.