Las Vegas. Sin City. Disneyland for adults. Gambling Capital of the World.
Called by many such names, this ever popular travel destination, located in the Mojave Desert of Nevada, is famous all across the globe for a variety of reasons. With its world-class casinos, resorts, hotels, and restaurants, Las Vegas manages to attract people from all over, all year round. With its thriving gambling scene, electric nightlife, exhilarating entertainment, delicious fine-dining and high-end shopping, a trip to Vegas makes for the most luxurious and sinful vacation ever!
However, apart from all this, there is one more, lesser-known but highly convincing reason why tourists and local Americans alike flock to this city in large numbers - and that is its whole host of Las Vegas Adventures. Vegas has a number of heart-stopping and adrenaline-pumping things to do and in this article we are going to go through all of the fun, outdoor activities in Las Vegas that will enthrall you!
Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas
Yes! There are a lot of Las Vegas Adventures you may not have known of. Well, they are are not bang in the middle of the infamous Las Vegas strip, but is definitely doable while in Las Vegas. We have divided the outdoor activities in Las Vegas into different categories, so click on the ones you fancy, check our curation of the best in that genre and get out of the casinos for a different kind of adrenaline rush. It's totally worth it!
PS : Most outdoor activities from Las Vegas are inclusive of pick up/drop off at the hotel, so you don't have to worry about getting about in the desert land.
Las Vegas Adventures
Are you a fan of white knuckling activities that bring your heart to your mouth? Well, here's our curation of the top fun adrenaline pumping Las Vegas Adventures. From Skydiving to Baja chases, river rafting and ATV rides, these Las Vegas Adventures require a short travel to Grand Canyon and the nearby areas, but we say, that's a part of the adventure too!
Vegas Mini Baja Chase
One of the most sought-after Las Vegas Adventures is the Mini Baja Chase. Get the opportunity to rip through the sands in an off-road buggy, designed specifically to travel at breakneck speeds through the harsh terrains of the Mojave Desert.
Hop into your vehicle and prepare yourself for 30 minutes of absolute mayhem, as you maneuver your Baja past unpredictable dunes, hills, creek beds, valleys, and gravel! With only seven buggies on the move at a time, try catching the Dunie (professional driver) while also ensuring the other drivers are eating your dust.
Duration - 3 hours 30 minutes (30 minutes driving time)
Starting times - 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Grand Canyon SkyDiving Experience
Perhaps the most exciting, nerve-racking and fun things anyone can do in their lives is to go skydiving. And to make things even more exciting, nerve-racking and fun is to go skydiving down the Grand Canyon. Yes, this is what skydiving in Vegas offers you - a chance to jump out of the sky and head straight down into the world’s most famous gorge. Step into your bus in Vegas, arrive at the Grand Canyon, finish all formalities, board your plane, head for the skies and then the movement you’ve been waiting for - jump out! If you're booking this Las Vegas adventure from Headout, get a chance to combine your Grand Canyon skydiving experience with Full Day South Rim Bus Tour and save a few bucks!
Duration - 11 Hours
Timings - 8:30 AM to 7:30
Black Canyon River Rafting
Another highly exciting and exhilarating activity to do in Sin City is to go river rafting down the serene and expansive Colorado River. On this tour, fly in a helicopter from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and take in the lovely sights of Mojave Desert, Lake Mead, Guano Point, and Eagle Point along the way. Once you reach, explore the Canyon from the ground, enjoy a quick breakfast and then head to Hoover Dam for the water leg of the tour. Embark on an 11-mile rafting journey down the Colorado River through Black Canyon, and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings from the waters. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even jump out and swim!
Duration - 10 hours
Starting time - 6:30 AM
Grand Celebration at Eldorado Adventure with ATV
A trip to Las Vegas is incomplete without visiting and experiencing the Grand Canyon. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is truly a sight to behold, and on this tour, you get the chance to witness the beauty of this natural phenomenon from the sky and on the ground! Soar over America’s greatest landform on a 70-minute helicopter ride and catch glimpses of the Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead, before making your way down into the valley for a delicious picnic. Now that you’ve seen the view from the skies, experience the Canyon on the ground as you hop on your ATV’s and head out for a 2-hour ride across the open desert.
Duration - 8 hours (70 minutes Helicopter Time, 30 minutes at the floor of the Grand Canyon and 2 hour ATV ride at Eldorado Canyon)
Starting time - 6:30 AM
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Quick Tips For Las Vegas Adventures
- For the Skydiving experience, to ensure complete safety and adherence to rules and regulations, the tandem master will carry out a thorough assessment to ensure that you are eligible to do the activity. In case you are injured, pregnant or inebriated, you will not be allowed to skydive.
- For the Mini Baja Chase, in case you are not comfortable driving and operating the vehicle but you still want to enjoy the experience, you can choose to be the passenger alongside an expert driver. Take in the fun of sitting in a buggy without the worry of driving it.
- As you may have noticed, most (if not all) of these tours are full-day tours. To make the most out of these experiences, it is recommended that you do not exert yourself too much the previous day and that you get a good night’s sleep the previous night.
Horse Riding in Las Vegas
Howdy! Saddle up and immerse yourself in the rugged, wide-open beauty of the Nevada desert. Feel like a true cowboy as you ride on a horseback into sunset, trodding the rocky terrain and winding along a mountainous trail through desert shrub and inspiring rock formations. You'll feel Yeehaw by the end of this horse riding expedition and we guarantee that!
Black Canyon River Rafting
Get transported back to the days of the California Gold Rush and live the life of a cowboy on this one-of-a-kind tour. Trot along the rugged and untouched landscape of Red Rock Canyon upon horseback, and roam the lands of forgotten memories. Before setting out on your wild adventure, enjoy a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, flapjacks and orange juice at the ranch.
Duration - 5 hours
Starting time - 7:00 AM
Wild Wild West - Horse Ride into Sunset
A trip to Nevada would be incomplete without experiencing the desert firsthand, and what better way to see the sand than on horseback! Get a glimpse of the Wild West as you saddle up and ride into the desert wilderness. Learn how the Cowboys and Paiute Indians of the olden days dwelled and lived in the wilds of the desert. Get a chance to observe the jackrabbits, bighorn sheep and coyotes in their natural habitat, as you ride past them on your mighty stallion. Lastly, relish the opportunity to devour some delicious desert fare out in the open by a soothing campfire.
Duration - 5 hours
Starting time - 4:00 PM
Quick Tips For Horse Riding In Las Vegas
- If you are new to riding horses, you don’t have to worry as the helping hands at the ranch will guide you on how to ride them and will also help you pick out a horse that suits your height and weight.
- Ensure that you come for the tour wearing shoes and avoid wearing loose clothing. The shoes help ensure that your feet stay in the stirrups and by wearing tight or fitting clothing, you eliminate the possibility of your clothes getting entangled with the equipment.
- Due to the nature of the tour, pregnant women and guests with certain disabilities may not be allowed to sit on a horse. This can be checked and confirmed at the ranch as well.
- Horseriding in Nevada is one of the most quirky things to do. Be a true cowboy and let go of all your fears!
Canyon Tours From Las Vegas
Why visit just the Grand Canyon when you see other more pristine, less crowded canyons around? From the Death Valley National Park ( it's not as scary as the name), the Bryce Canyon and Eldorado Canyon choose your pick and embark on a premium tour that takes you to the path less troden. Also, all our Canyon Tours on Headout include hotel pick up and a sumptuous All-American meal. A total bang for your buck!
Eldorado Canyon & Techatticup Mine Tour: Premium Group Tour
Take a huge step back in history and experience one of North America’s most scenic areas and oldest gold mine on this half-day tour of Eldorado Canyon and the Techatticup Mine. Start your day in Vegas as you are picked up in a luxurious coach and make your way to Boulder County. On the way, enjoy a quick photo stop at Hoover Dam and enjoy its serene beauty. Once you reach your destination, explore the Eldorado Canyon, a site filled with geological marvels and then head to the Techatticup Mines, once America’s most productive and largest mines, for a guided tour.
Duration - 5 hours 30 minutes
Timings - 7:00 AM
Death Valley National Park Day Trip - Premium Group Tour
Death Valley, located in the northern part of Mojave Desert, is famous for a couple of reasons - Firstly, it is one of the hottest places in the world during summertime with temperatures reaching the early 50’s (and that’s Celsius). And secondly, the Badwater Basin situated here, is the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet below sea level. On this guided tour, you get to experience the untouched beauty of this valley and see amazing sights like the Funeral and Black Mountain ranges, the Borax museum and the Twenty Mule Team Canyon.
Duration - 10 hours
Starting time - 7:00 AM
Bryce Canyon National Park Day Trip - Premium Group Tour
On this exclusive tour, travel and explore one of America’s most under-appreciated and underrated national parks, Bryce Canyon. Here you will get the opportunity to see some of the world’s most distinct geological structures - hoodoos. These are essentially rocks of different colours (red, orange, white) that have eroded over the years by water, ice and gravity. Take in nature’s beauty and gaze at the multitude of colours surrounding you. Enjoy walking down the beautiful trails and spend some time at the Sunrise and Sunset points.
Duration - 13 hours
Starting time - 7:00 AM
Quick Tips For Canyon Tours From Las Vegas
- All of these tours are half-day experiences or more, meaning that you will be away from Vegas for at least 6 hours. Prepare yourself the previous night with a good night’s sleep in order to make the most out of your day.
- It is recommended that you carry some eatables with you (something small) so that you have something to munch on in case you get hungry. Major meals like breakfast and lunch will be provided when necessary.
- In case you have dietary restrictions, please let the tour operators know at least 24 hours in advance so that the necessary preparations can be made.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be in the outdoors and you will be walking a considerable amount. A good pair of shoes and socks goes a long way in ensuring you have a great time at the tour.
Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas
A short distance of 40 miles away from Las Vegas and about 95 miles away from the Grand Canyon stands the millenia old - Hoover Dam, a concrete mammoth against the brute force of the Colorado River. Get a chance to explore the interiors of the massive Hoover Dam or discover the surrounding beauty with a cruise on Lake Mead. Whichever way you choose to explore Hoover Dam, it's an assured taste of the southern lifestyle.
Hoover Dam Tour
Take a trip to one of America’s most famous man-made monuments and gape at the utter brilliance and mastery of this mammoth structure. Built in 1936, when technology and engineering were in their infancy, the Hoover Dam is a pure testament to the architectural prowess of the United States. On this tour, you get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Hoover Dam and admire it in all its beauty. Check out the massive generators and even get a glimpse of the balustrades and the several eagle statues that adorn the Dam. This is definitely a tour you will never, ever forget.
Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Cruise
A trip to Hoover Dam is one the most popular activities to do when you’re in Vegas, and with over 1 million people visiting this colossal structure year after year, you just know there’s something magical about this place. Your tour begins with a pickup at Las Vegas. The drive is just a short 30 minutes and you’ll be at the Dam before you know it! Once you reach, take in the sheer magnitude of this engineering and architectural marvel (considered one of the seven engineering wonders of the world), and relish the sights before you. Enjoy stunning views of Memorial Bridge and the Penstock Intake Towers. To make the trip even sweeter, relax and unwind on a Mississippi-style paddle-wheeler upon Lake Mead and enjoy a delicious meal.
Duration- 6 Hours
Timings - 7:15 AM and 3:30 PM
Quick Tips For Hoover Dam Tours From Las Vegas
- The Hoover Dam tours involve a considerable amount of walking so make sure you come prepared with a good, comfortable pair of shoes and socks.
- You are not allowed to carry any large bags or suitcases into the Hoover Dam for security reasons, so make sure that you leave all heavy belongings in your hotel room.
Airplane & Helicopter Tours From Las Vegas
Six million years in the making, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most stunning geological wonders, and seeing this wonder from the sky is nothing short of breathtaking. There are a multitude of Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours that take you to different parts of the Grand Canyon, but to make things easy for you, here are the top 3 Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas that gives you the best views of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Airplane Tour with Optional Landing and Skywalk
Come face to face with one of America’s greatest landforms, the Grand Canyon. This 2 billion-year-old gorge is an absolutely wondrous sight to see, and if you are in Vegas, you simply have to visit it. This tour takes you on a flight from Vegas to the Grand Canyon on a luxury, sightseeing aircraft. Take in the amazing sights of Lake Mead, Mojave Desert, Colorado River below you as you soar above them. Once you land at the Canyon, walk around and revel in nature’s beauty as you explore the Canyon. To make the most of your tour, you can even choose to walk on the world-famous Grand Canyon SkyWalk.
Duration- 4 to 7 Hours
Timings - Multiple slots through the day, starting from 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Grand Canyon All-Inclusive: Airplane, Helicopter & River Cruise
This is perhaps the most comprehensive and thrilling Grand Canyon Tour anyone can take from Las Vegas. See this Wonder of the World from every angle and every perspective possible! On this tour, you first fly from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim. From the flight, enjoy a birds-eye-view of Colorado River, Lake Mead, Mojave Desert, and Hoover Dam. Upon landing at the West Rim, get off the plane and embark into the helicopter which will take you 4,000 feet down into the Canyon! Once you touch the ground, take a short hike to Colorado River and hop onto a Pontoon boat for a relaxing and highly enjoyable cruise. Take in the beauty all around you from the waters and gaze up at the Canyon walls encompassing you. Truly the grandest way to experience the Grand Canyon.
Duration- 7 Hours
Timings - 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:15 AM
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Landing & Champagne Picnic
This is one of the most popular Grand Canyon Tours as it lets you enjoy the Grand Canyon from the sky and on the ground, along with a delicious champagne picnic upon a private plateau. Start off the tour as leave Vegas and make your way to Boulder City Airport. Here you will board your luxurious helicopter, which will take you to the very bottom of the Canyon! Along the way, gaze at the wonderful sights below you and admire the natural beauty from the skies. Once you reach the bottom of the Canyon, get treated with a mouth-watering picnic along with champagne. Surrounded by the Canyon Walls, this will surely be one of the most memorable and enjoyable meals of your life!
Duration- 4 hours 30 minutes
Timings - Multiple slots through the day, starting from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Quick Tips For Airplance & Helicopter Tours From Las Vegas
- All of these tours provide complimentary pickup and drop off to your hotels, so you do not have to worry about transport.
- All major meals like lunch and breakfast will be provided (unless specified otherwise). If you have any dietary restrictions, please let the tour operators know at least 24 hours in advance.
- Since these tours are long in duration, it will do you well to wear comfortable clothing. Ensure that you also wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.
- The helicopter tours do have certain weight restrictions, so please ensure you check on this before making your reservation.
- Carry your camera with you! You will have a ton of photo opportunities on all of these tours.
Ready For Your Las Vegas Adventures?
Here are a few more guides and tours that could come handy to better plan your Las Vegas Adventure.
