After a day or two in the Las Vegas casinos and indoor attractions, you might be on the lookout for a little fresh air. Luckily, Las Vegas boasts average January temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit—downright balmy weather for those traveling from frigid climates. Take advantage of this mild weather and hit Vegas’ top outdoor hot spots:
1. SkyJump above the Strip.
Hit North America’s highest jump at the Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & Tower’s SkyJump Las Vegas, which allows you to plummet 108 floors to the platform below. Jumpers must meet height and weight requirements.
2. Hike in the Valley of Fire.
Drive an hour northeast of the Strip to Valley of Fire state park to explore natural rock formations scattered across the desert landscape. The park is open 24 hours and admission is $10 per car.
3. Kayak the Colorado River.
Evolution Expeditions offers Kayak tours that launch below the Hoover Dam (a 40-minute drive from the Strip) and continue downstream through the river canyon. Tours include a stop to hike to natural desert hot springs.
4. Zipline over the Mojave Desert.
FlightLinez at Bootleg Canyon gives you the chance to zipline at speeds up to 60+ mph down the Red Mountains in Boulder City—30 minutes off the Strip. Be ready for light hiking to the first zipline.
5. Hit the greens.
Golfers will have no trouble finding a tee-time in Las Vegas, but those looking for a true golfing experience Vegas-style should try Angel Park. The course offers 36 holes designed by pro-golfer Arnold Palmer and great desert views seen throughout the park..
6. Cycle around Red Rock Canyon.
This Red Rock Canyon natural conservation area is 30-minutes from the Strip and offers sandstone bluffs, seasonal waterfalls and desert hiking trails that allow prime visibility of wildlife. Bike or drive the park’s 13-mile trail. Bike rentals are available outside the park and van shuttle service to the canyon is also available.
7. Snowboard in the desert.
Winter in Las Vegas means snow just 30 minutes northwest of the Strip. The Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort on Mount Charleston sells day passes and offers ski and snowboard equipment rentals.
8. Race a dune buggy.
Traverse desert terrain in a Mini Baja Race course located near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, just minutes from the Strip. Sun Buggy offers this 30-minute desert racing experience complete with buggy rental and transportation to the course.