Viva GranScala!

I used to think of Las Vegas as a place to gamble and visit casinos, and this is probably why I had never been to the area before. Actually on a recent trip I made there, I realized that Las Vegas truly has a great deal to offer for many different types of visitors. This city is actually near some of the best outdoor adventures available and the scenery of the surrounding areas is incredible.

Try the Boating, Hiking or Biking
Sports minded people enjoy the area because of all that it has to offer. There are great hiking, biking and boating areas in Las Vegas. In fact Las Vegas has been voted one of the toughest triathlon courses in the nation.

Lake Mead
Near Las Vegas you will find Lake Mead which is the largest reservoir in the United States, and on which you will find several different marinas. Activities you can enjoy at Lake Mead include swimming, water skiing, boating, hiking and exploring. This lake is located just about 30 miles from Las Vegas. Many visitors enjoy renting a houseboat to sleep in, and enjoy the water by day. While in this area you will also want to check out Hoover Dam.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Park
Another interesting park located just 15 miles from downtown Las Vegas, is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Park. Here you will see some of the interesting and unique red rock formations, and if you look close enough you may even see them along the Vegas strip, once you are through exploring the park. The highest mountain peak is that of Keystone Thrust and is about 3000 ft high. On your way in to the park be sure to pick up a trail map so you don’t get lost.

Biking and hiking are favorite sports in the area. A great area to bike ride is the loop road in the Red Rocks conservation park. Other people are slightly more adventurous and enjoy rock climbing. If you really want to enjoy yourself spend a night camping in the park.

Watch one of the Triathlons
When you get tired of nature but are still in the mood for sports, you can either take part in or watch one of the many professional triathlons that takes place here. The weather and the Lake draw many of the triathlon athletes. The hardest of these competitions is the Iron Man Distance, or the Silverman Triathlon.

The Theater
For people that are not sports minded there are still many things to do in Las Vegas that have nothing to do with gambling. This city is known to have some of the best entertainment shows in the world, and some are even more glamorous and fun than those found in New York. You will find a show going on here every day of the year, and whether looking for a fun Cirque du Soleil event, or a great concert, you wont be disappointed with the talent of Las Vegas.

Restaurants
You will also find many great restaurants in Las Vegas. You will come across the famous buffets but there are also some great 4 and 5 star restaurants to enjoy. Every one of them is unique and often theme based.