From hot springs to amazing desert hikes, Las Vegas is a surprising mecca for outdoor adventures! If you’re curious about what to do in Las Vegas BEYOND the strip, this post is for you! We’re sharing a perfect 3 day outdoor adventure itinerary for Las Vegas. 

Las Vegas is famous for its glittering Strip, world-class entertainment, and endless nightlife. But if you’re wondering what to do in Las Vegas beyond the casinos and shows, you’ll want to save this guide to the outdoorsy side of Las Vegas! Just outside the city, you’ll find rugged desert landscapes, jaw-dropping hikes, natural hot springs, and historic landmarks like the Hoover Dam. Add in scenic drives through Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire, and you’ve got an itinerary that proves Las Vegas has way more to offer than neon lights and blackjack tables.

In this guide, we’re sharing exactly how to spend a weekend in Las Vegas, with a three-day weekend itinerary packed with our favorite hikes, scenic drives, and a hot spring on the Colorado River! Our outdoorsy guide to Las Vegas includes all the best outdoor adventures and places to eat in this amazing desert city.

What to do in Las Vegas: 3 day outdoor adventure itinerary

What you need to know before planning a trip to Las Vegas

How to get to Las Vegas

Flying into Las Vegas is incredibly convenient for this itinerary. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is centrally located, just minutes from downtown Las Vegas. From the airport, pick up a rental car for maximum flexibility. While Las Vegas will serve as your basecamp for this itinerary, many of the best adventures –  like Hoover Dam, Goldstrike Hot Springs, and Red Rock Canyon – are just outside the city, so having a car is essential. The drives are scenic and easy, and they’ll give you the freedom to explore beyond the neon lights.

The best time of year to visit Las Vegas

Southern Nevada truly shines in early spring, winter, and late fall, when temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures. Winter brings cooler weather and fewer crowds, making it another great option for exploring the desert. We visited in mid-April and the weather was ideal – sunny skies and comfortably warm temperatures.

Summer, however, is a different story. From June through August, the heat can be extreme, and because this itinerary is packed with outdoor activities, we don’t recommend visiting during those months for safety reasons.

Travel Tip: No matter when you go, pack a large water bottle, water filter, and sunscreen. The desert sun is intense year-round, and staying hydrated is key for enjoying your trip.

Where to stay in Las Vegas: our favorite quiet hotel on the strip

Las Vegas offers endless options for hotels and lodging, from luxury resorts on the Strip to charming historic stays downtown. When we visited Las Vegas for this outdoorsy itinerary, we chose the El Cortez Hotel and Casino, located just a couple of blocks from the vibrant Arts District. This historic hotel surprised us with its comfortable and quiet rooms, a welcome contrast to the city’s usual hustle. Best of all, El Cortez is usually very reasonably priced.

Las Vegas weekend itinerary: the best outdoorsy things to do in Las Vegas

We hope you enjoy exploring the outdoorsy side of Las Vegas as much as we did! If you’ve been wondering what to do in Las Vegas besides casinos and shows, below you’ll find a full 3-day itinerary for exploring the outdoorsy side of Las Vegas. This guide is complete with scenic hikes, natural hot springs, charming local eats, and vibrant art. It’s perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking for adventure beyond the neon lights and nightlife.

Las Vegas itinerary Day 1: Red Rock Canyon hikes and Arts District murals

Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Begin your day with one of the most iconic outdoor experiences near Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This stunning desert landscape is just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip and offers a 13-mile scenic drive with jaw-dropping views of red sandstone cliffs. 

This area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and from October 1st through May 31st, requires timed entry reservation from 9 AM through 5 PM. Your reservation will give you access to the Scenic Drive and all the trailheads along the Scenic Drive.

Below you’ll find our favorite trails within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. I recommend downloading these hikes on AllTrails before heading out, since there is no call service in the park. You can use this link to get 30% off AllTrails Plus ($35.99/year) and AllTrails Peak ($79.99/year), which gives you offline access to trail routes and way finding.

• Guardian Angel Pass Loop (3.3 miles round trip) – A rugged trail with dramatic rock formations and sweeping desert vistas; one of our favorites! Some boulder-hopping required.
• Red Springs Boardwalk (0.6 miles round trip) – An easy, family-friendly stroll along a wooden boardwalk surrounded by vibrant red rocks and desert plants.
• Calico Tanks Trail (2.4 miles round trip) – A moderate trail that winds through colorful sandstone and ends with panoramic views of Las Vegas in the distance.
• Ice Box Canyon Trail (2.2 miles round trip) – A shady canyon hike with seasonal waterfalls and cooler temps, perfect for escaping the desert heat.

Trail tip: Pack at least 2 liters of water per person and sturdy hiking shoes – the desert sun is strong even in cooler months!

Lunch at Cottonwood Station

After exploring, head to Cottonwood Station in the tiny town of Blue Diamond, just minutes from Red Rock. This cozy café serves fresh paninis, wood-fired pizza, and salads, plus the best fresh-squeezed lemonade I’ve ever had. They have a fantastic deck for outdoor seating. 

Explore the Las Vegas Arts District

Drive back to Las Vegas and spend your afternoon and evening wandering the Las Vegas Arts District, a creative neighborhood packed with colorful murals, vintage boutiques, and eclectic galleries. If you’re wondering what to do in Las Vegas that’s artsy and local, this is it. Don’t miss the Neon Museum for a peek at classic Vegas neon signs and history.

Dinner at Tacotarian

End your day with dinner at Tacotarian, a plant-based taco spot that’s so good we eat here every time we visit Las Vegas. Their creative taco menu and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-try, even if you’re not vegetarian!

Las Vegas itinerary Day 2: Boulder City, Hoover Dam tour, and Goldstrike Hot Springs adventure

Drive to Boulder City

Start your second day by heading to Boulder City, a charming historic town just 30 minutes from Las Vegas. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Las Vegas beyond the Strip, this day is all about iconic landmarks and more outdoor adventures. Looking for more things to do in Boulder City? Check out our full family-friendly weekend itinerary for Boulder City!

Breakfast at Dam Roast House

Enjoy breakfast and coffee at Dam Roast House, a cozy café known for its fresh, generous portions. We ordered the avocado toast and it was piled high with creamy avocado and crisp veggies. It was absolutely delicious, especially with their cold brew coffee – which was strong!

Tour Hoover Dam

After breakfast, head to the Hoover Dam for a tour inside this engineering marvel! We highly recommend taking the Guided Dam Tour, which takes you deep into the chambers of the dam. You’ll explore historic tunnels, ride the original elevator to the top of the dam, and walk through the inspection tunnels at its center. One of the highlights was viewing the Colorado River through the inspection ventilation shaft – a perspective few visitors ever see.

Tour tip: The Guided Dam Tour tickets CANNOT be purchased online, and are only sold on-site, in person, on a first come-first served basis. The entire group must be present at time of purchase. These tours routinely sell out, arriving early is recommended. 

Lunch at Boulder Dam Brewing Company

After your tour, head back into town for lunch at Boulder Dam Brewing Co. This local spot serves up hearty pub fare and their own craft beers in a laid-back setting. It’s the perfect place to recharge before your afternoon hot spring hike.

Hike to Goldstrike Hot Springs

Next, make your way to the Goldstrike Canyon Trail, one of the most unique hikes near Las Vegas. This 6-mile out-and-back route descends into a dramatic canyon along the Colorado River leading to several natural hot springs pools. Along the way, you’ll navigate several short rope sections and scramble over boulders, adding a technical element that makes this hike both challenging and rewarding. At the bottom, you’ll find natural hot springs tucked along the riverbank. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and allow enough time for the return climb.

This trail is best tackled in cooler months for your safety. In fact, the trail shuts down for hot weather because it is too dangerous to attempt in the heat. Please respect closures, and be mindful of your health!

Dinner at Fox Smokehouse BBQ

End your day back in Boulder City with dinner at Fox Smokehouse BBQ, a local favorite for smoky brisket, ribs, and classic sides. They also have excellent vegetarian options (including AMAZING mac and cheese)! After a day of hiking and exploring, this hearty meal hits the spot. Afterward, drive back to Las Vegas for the night. 

Las Vegas itinerary Day 3: Explore Valley of Fire State Park and dinner in the Arts District

Breakfast at Bungalow Coffee

Start your morning at Bungalow Coffee, one of the best coffee shops we’ve ever been to. The vibe is bright and modern, and the drinks are creative. I ordered the Cold Fashioned – a bold mix of cold brew concentrate, bourbon-aged maple, aromatic bitters, and orange bitters – and it was incredible. Pair it with one (or two) of their breakfast sandwiches before hitting the road.

Pack a Picnic and Head to Valley of Fire State Park

If you’re wondering what to do in Las Vegas that feels completely different from the Strip, Valley of Fire State Park is a must-do. About an hour’s drive from downtown, this park is famous for its fiery red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. Bring a picnic lunch and pack plenty of water! You’ll want to allot most of the day to exploring these stunning trails. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle (for non-Nevada residents).

Here are our top trail recommendations for Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada:

• Fire Wave, White Domes & Seven Wonders Loop (3.2 miles) – Our favorite hike in the park! This loop showcases swirling striped sandstone formations, a slot canyon, and stunning pink sandstone formations that look like something from another planet.
• Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse’s Tank Trail (0.7 miles) – A short, easy hike where you’ll see incredible petroglyphs of bighorn sheep etched into the rock walls.
• Atlatl Rock Viewpoint (0.1 miles) – A quick climb up a staircase to view pristine petroglyphs of people and bighorn sheep, and peculiar swirls etched into a massively tall boulder.
• If you have extra time, I also recommend enjoying the short scenic drive down White Domes Road, and searching for the “elephant” on Elephant Rock Loop Trail.

Trail tip: Practice Leave No Trace principles during your visit. Petroglyphs and pictographs are irreplaceable pieces of history – please do not touch, carve, or deface them in any way. Oils from human skin can cause long-term damage, and carving destroys cultural heritage. Help preserve these ancient artworks so they remain pristine for generations to come.

Dinner at Yu-Or-Mi Sushi & Ramen

After a day of hiking, head back to Las Vegas and treat yourself to dinner at Yu-Or-Mi in the Arts District. This stylish spot serves incredible ramen and sushi – including vegetarian sushi options that are just as flavorful as the classics. It’s the perfect way to end your trip on a high note.

Final thoughts on what to do in Las Vegas: why you should plan an outdoor adventure vacation to Las Vegas

If you’re looking for what to do in Las Vegas beyond the Strip, we hope this 3-day outdoor adventure itinerary for Las Vegas helps you plan an unforgettable adventure!

From scenic hikes at Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire to historic tours of Hoover Dam and relaxing soaks in Goldstrike Hot Springs, Las Vegas offers so much more than bright lights and casinos. We truly love visiting Las Vegas for the abundance of incredible outdoor adventures. In fact, I actually think it’s one of the best outdoor adventure locations in the United States. There are SO many epic places to explore near Las Vegas. From neon to nature, Las Vegas has you covered!  

Looking for more epic adventures nearby? I recommend checking out our guide to Death Valley National Park, and our Zion National Park itinerary. The Highway 395 Scenic Byway is another great option to have on your radar, and is a great drive for getting from Las Vegas to Reno.