Amazing Winter Activities in Las Vegas, Nevada

If you are thinking about visiting this city of lights during the winter months there are lots of activities for you to partake of, indoors and out. Winter months can be the best time of year for many outdoor activities, as the weather is temperate with mostly clear and sunny days. Here are a few of my favorite activities in and around the Las Vegas, NV area.

Outdoor Activities:

A 45 minute drive delivers you to a gorgeous 12,000 ft high mountain. Here you will find dense woods, filled with streams, hiking trails, camping and picnic areas that will put you in touch with nature, rejuvenate your body and energize your spirit. My favorite day hike is Fletcher Canyon, ending at a small waterfall. In winter there is lots of snow to play in or ski if that's your niche. The Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort is the place to be for fun on the slopes. Take highway 95 north to route 156 until you come to the resort, about 40 minutes from the strip. If hiking or skiing is not for you, then visit one of the two hotels on the mountain and spend a night sipping hot toddies next to the fire.

Mt Charleston Resort: Open year around, this newly remodeled 62 room resort has a nice restaurant, deli, bar and conference room. Their "A Cut Above" restaurant is open M-Th 7am - 8pm Fri-Sun 7am - 10pm. Call 888-559-1888 or visit them on the web, Mount Charleston Resort. Take highway 95 north to Route 157, turn left and head up the mountain, about 35 minutes from most of the strip hotels.

Mt Charleston Lodge: Located near the top of the mountain, with 23 cabins that rent year around, their restaurant is open 8am -9pm M-Th & Sun, and 8am - 10pm Fri & Sat. The lodge is located off Highway 157. Call 702-872-5408 or visit Mt Charleston Lodge for questions or to reserve a cabin for that cozy winter getaway. Follow Route 157 all the way to the top of the mountain, past the Mt Charleston Resort.

Valley of Fire: Located in Overton, NV, 6 miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles from the Las Vegas, NV Strip this park is worth every minute of the drive to get there. It is one of the most spectacular and colorful natural parks I have ever seen. When you see it, you will understand why they named it the Valley of Fire. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park with 3000 year old petroglyphs and petrified logs along many of the hiking trails and picnic areas. There are also several camp grounds, a group use area and RV areas among the vibrant red rocks. There is a 2 mile loop that encompasses the campgrounds and petroglyph sites of Atlatl Rock, Poodle Rock ( featured in the above photo ), Arch and Piano Rock. Open year around this promises to be a day adventure you will not want to miss, especially the sunset drive to White Domes through the Rainbow Vista. The natural beauty is breath taking! Park entry fee is $6 per car, visitor center is open 8:30am -4:30pm. Camp sites are $14 per night with an additional $10 fee for RV's that want electrical and water hookups. Visit Valley of Fire for full details.

Red Rock Loop: This is a miniature rendition of the Valley of Fire located only 17 miles west of the Las Vegas, NV Strip on Charleston Blvd ( Rt 159 ). There are 30 miles of hiking trails, and picnic areas. If you are a mountain climber, this is the place for you! Lots of great steep red cliffs to scale against the vibrant clear blue sky. This park features a 13 mile scenic drive with the trails and picnic areas all along the way. Open year around 6am to sunset, the entrance fee is $5 per car, with the visitor center open from 8am - 4:30pm. This is a beautiful and peaceful way to spend the day, only a hop skip and a jump for your hotel.

Balloon Rides Anyone? If you would like to experience this beautiful and scenic valley from above, drifting slowly along this is for you. You can even get married in one of these balloons, high above the Vegas skyline! How's that for a unique and different wedding?

Adventure Balloons one of the oldest balloon companies in the valley. Open noon to 5 pm, M- Fri. (702)-247-6905.
Not that daring? Then check out Cloud 9 Balloons. They are a large group tethered balloon ride that allows you to see the colorful strip for a minimal fee. Located at the south end of the Strip across for Mandalay Bay they are open 10am - 2am every day. Adults $22.50 and up, children $17.50 and up, (800) 585-8688.

Opportunity Village Magical Forest: Is a holiday wonderland for young and old. Put on by Opportunity Village, a local charity since 1954 that aids men and women with disabilities, the outdoor spectacular sports a train ride, photos with Santa, a carousel and plenty of brightly decorated trees and displays for the holiday season. All proceeds go to support the charity. Open every night from November 21 to January 2, Sun - Thurs 5:30pm - 9pm and 5:30pm -10pm Friday -Saturday. Adults tickets are $9.50, children $7.50, Passports ( include rides ) are adult $16.00 and children $14.00. The village is located at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146, (702) 225-XMAS.

Indoor Activities:

Bellagio Hotel: Around the Holiday season there is no place more beautiful than the atrium at this 5 star hotel. They set up a gorgeous live flower and tree spectacular in their hotel just off the main lobby and hotel registration. This is a wonderful site to visit and take pictures, stroll through or have something to drink and a bite to eat. If you are visiting Las Vegas during the holiday season be sure you do not miss this. Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week during the holiday season.

City Center: Centrally located on the Las Vegas, NV strip, next to the Bellagio Hotel and across from the Paris Hotel is this newly opened, internationally renowned hotel, entertainment and shopping complex. There is everything you can want or desire right here in this fabulous complex from the 5 star Mandarine Oriental Hotel to the internationally famous stores and restaurants in the Crystals complex. The new Cirque Du Soleil show "Viva Elvis" is also located here. This show is a tribute to the life and music of the King himself, Elvis Presley! The show officially opens December 18, 2009 with preview performances until January 28. 2010. Ticket prices are between $86.68 and $148.38 for those shows. After January, 2010 the prices are $99 to $175. More information visit Cirque Du Soleil, Viva Elvis.

Mandalay Bay Hotel: This hotel on the south end of the Las Vegas, NV strip, sports some awesome restaurants and the 5 star Four Seasons Hotel for dining and relaxing. But for me the star here is their Shark Reef. This is a wonderful aquarium that will amaze and entertain you and your children for hours. They have 2000 animals, 100 different species, featuring 15 different types of sharks. There is an almost 360 degree view acrylic tunnel teeming with fish and sharks for visitors to experience, and a touch pool for first hand sensory input. Open all year from 10 am to 7pm Mon - Thurs and until 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Admission prices: Adults $16.95, Children ( 5-12 ) $$10.95. Value packages also available. Visit Shark Reef.

For other Las Vegas activities.

What ever you choose to do while you are visiting the city, I hope you have a wonderful and fun experience you will always remember. Happy Trails!!