Lake Mead

Created upon the completion of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is much more than a reservoir. It’s a watery oasis in the middle of the desert attracting water worshippers looking to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating or to simply loll about under the scorching sun.

The incredibly huge park contains two lakes and more than 1.5 million acres of surrounding land. Those looking to learn about their natural world should take a complimentary tour with a National Park Service Ranger. Locations and schedules vary so check out the schedule online at www.nps.gov/lame/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm.

Suggest a cruise on a paddle wheeler boat to Hoover Dam with Lake Mead Cruises. They offer daily boat tours, specialty dinner and dancing cruising and sunset excursions. Call (702) 293-6180 or visit www.LakeMeadCruises.com. Those looking to rent a boat for fishing, waterskiing or speed should call the Overton Beach Marina at (702) 394-4000. They even have houseboats that have room for more than a dozen people.

Mount Charleston

Escape the heat with a trip to Mount Charleston, which is on average 30 degrees cooler than in the heart of Las Vegas. Located about 35 miles northwest of the city, it’s an easy ride up on a couple of highways.

Mount Charleston rises up more than 11,000 feet and is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The park is more than 6 million acres and the forest is the largest in the 48 continental states.  Drivers can go more than 7,000 feet up and see incredible views of Nevada and the city of Las Vegas. Make sure to tell your clients to bring a jacket. Such high altitudes can also cause a little breathing discomfort so suggest they pull over frequently to let their bodies adjust to the lower level of oxygen in the air. Learn more online at www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf or call 775-331-6444.

Grand Canyon

Though it’s a four hour drive to either rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, this is the closest many of your clients have ever been to this world wonder. The ride through the desert is an experience in itself, but if heading to the less crowded North Rim, the route cuts right through Zion National Park.

The South Rim is the more popular and is visited by millions more annually. It’s open all year, while the North Rim is only open May 15 through mid October. The South Rim features such areas as Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest and Desert View. Hermit Rest is an eight mile scenic route that takes about two hours and must be taken on a complimentary shuttle bus. Desert View Drive is a 25 mile route open to vehicles and stunning views at any pace.

However, the newest and most unique way to see the depth and awe here is by visiting the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Since last spring visitors are walking right over the Canyon. Hovering 4,000 feet above the canyon floor, this glass semicircular bridge provides spectacular views as well as stoking the fear of heights. Don’t worry; it can support 71 million pounds. The only catch is visitors need to purchase the bridge as part of a package, starting at $49.95. Some packages include helicopter rides to the canyon floor.  Call 877-716-9378 or visit online www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/tours.html for more information.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts (www.grandcanyonresorts.com) offers six unique hotels featuring different experiences on the grounds of the Grand Canyon. A Registered National Historic Landmark, the charming El Tovar Hotel opened more than 100 years ago and featured 78 rooms and suites. It was renovated in 2005 and has hosted Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein. Rates for the remainder of the year range between $142 and $322. The budget priced Bright Angel Lodge was built in 1935. It’s a Registered National Historic Landmark and is the check in point for the ubiquitous canyon mule rides. Thunderbird Lodge (rates between $139 and $170) is located on the Canyon rim; and some rooms feature partial canyon views. It’s been called ideal for families, but guests must visit El Tovar or Bright Angel for meal service.

Vegas.com offers a seven hour day trip featuring a flight to the Grand Canyon, and a bus tour upon arrival. Lunch is included and costs $274 for adults and $244 for children.

Part 1 of Great Outdoors of Vegas

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