Heading to Las Vegas for something other than the casinos and nightlife may sound a little crazy to some, but many folks love to come to Southern Nevada for the beauty of the many national parks nearby. Most people think of national parks as forests, but they come in many shapes and sizes, desert areas included. Las Vegas National Park tours can help you discover a world away from the glitz and glamour of the strip.
The two national parks within reach if you are staying in Las Vegas are Lake Mead Recreational Area, and Grand Canyon National Park. Both are day-trips for the vacationer who starts in Clark County and branches out, with the possibility of more time spent at either location. Zion 's National Park is up I-15 about 2-3 hours, into Utah, and a great hiking spot as well.
Lake Mead has great opportunities, with water skiing, house boating, and is best seen by boat. Lakemeadcruises.com has lots of options, including daily cruises around Hoover Dam, discount tickets, cheap meal deals and the like. If you have your own boat, try spending a week. It's very relaxing--one of my favorite spots for just hanging out in the water. Nps.gov gives you more Lake Mead information and National Park hours.
The Grand Canyon almost speaks for itself. It's a must-see at some point in your lifetime, and an easy one-day trip. Try Vegas.com or Lasvegas.com for about 60 choices of Grand Canyon tours. Reservations and tickets run from $100-$500, depending on activity and time. Before booking, ask if the tour is the South or West rim. The West Rim is closer, but the South Rim is more spectacular.
I love the National Park system, and LV National Park tours help get you back to nature, and away from the madness in town for a little while.