Tours

Las Vegas rarely gets the credit it deserves. As a city of more than one million inhabitants, it seems to be only known by its "Sin City" reputation. Certainly, the casinos and nightlife are what bring visitors here, but there really is life away from the slot machines and showrooms.

Nature Lover's Tour Mount Charleston serves as an escape for many during the summer months. Summer temperatures are pleasantly lower in the mountains, usually by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Often temperatures fall below freezing during winter. The drive to Mount Charleston is short, approximately 40 minutes from the Strip hotels, and the roads are accessible year-round. Take US-95 North to exit 157, also known as Kyle Canyon Road. Desert landscapes change to greenery as the elevation increases. During spring, the area is dotted with wildflowers. There are two hotels on Mount Charleston, which locals lovingly refer to as the Old Lodge and the New Lodge. The New Lodge, formally called the Mount Charleston Hotel, is lower down the mountain so you will see it first. Approximately 10 minutes further up the hill is the Old Lodge, or the Mount Charleston Lodge. Both offer scenic views, restrooms and a place to relax and enjoy a nice meal. You will find campgrounds and picnic areas up in the Toiyabe National Forest area, so make a day of it and bring a lunch and a blanket. Trees rustle in the wind, the air is fresh, and there are no buffet crowds pushing and shoving. One little-known feature at the Mount Charleston Hotel is the nine-hole, par-35 Mount Charleston Golf Course. Horseback riding is also a fun way to spend the afternoon; set up reservations with Mount Charleston Riding Stables.

Scenic Loop Tour This scenic day trip will take you to Red Rock Canyon, an area of blood-red sandstone popular with hikers, campers and sightseers. To get here, take Charleston Boulevard west approximately 16 miles from downtown Las Vegas. The drive here is peaceful, but burros and bicycles may well cross your path, so keep your eyes open and your brake foot ready. There are plenty of rest areas and picnic spots. Give up the slots for a few hours and enjoy. There is a small entrance fee to the park and no fuel or dining is available. Along with burros, desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, wild horses and snakes can be found here. For the less adventurous or those traveling with small children, the car trip is a perfectly suitable way to see the red sandstone. One can also take a side trip to Spring Mountain Ranch. This lovely park area is home to plays, picnic areas, and concerts.

Water in the Desert Lake Mead is the world's largest man-made waterway. This tour encompasses two of Nevada's greatest wonders, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. On this trip, you will find boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, sunning and relaxation all waiting for you. Drop by the visitor center for directions to specific docks and coves. At night, try the Lake Mead Cruise for dinner and dancing, as well as beautiful scenery. Hoover Dam is one of Nevada's proudest possessions. Guided dam tours are available every few hours.