Outdoors

Take a walk through the Arboretum and Xeric Garden on the University of Nevada-Las Vegas's campus, located east of the Strip. The Arboretum covers the entire 335-acre (135.5-hectare) campus, showcasing trees and plants native to the area. The Xeric Garden is a 1.5-acre (0.6-hectare) plot located at the entrance to the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History and is designed to show how dry-climate plants and a water-efficient irrigation system can work together to create a attractive landscape while conserving water. Both plots are open to the public all the time.

An information center and nature preserve run by volunteers show visitors the importance of the local wetlands and the plants and animals that live there at the Clark County Wetlands Park. Enjoy the hiking trails, bird viewing blind, ponds, and scenic views in this 100-acre (40.5-hectare) wetlands park. The information center is open daily from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and the preserve is open from dawn until dusk.

Dubbed one of the seven wonders of modern engineering and ranked as the second-highest dam in the United States, Hoover Dam is located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Las Vegas on the Nevada-Arizona border and worth the 30-minute drive. Parking on the Arizona side of the structure is free, and you can walk across during daylight hours. Tours inside the power plant cost extra, but there is no charge to stop by the visitors center, which is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Biking, hiking, camping, and climbing are just some of the popular activities offered at Red Rock Canyon National Preservation Area. It's free to visit the visitors center, scenic overlook, or to bike or hike into this conservation area located in the Mojave Desert just a few miles west of Las Vegas. The visitors center is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.