Natural Wonders

Grand Canyon – The old country buzzard flies high above the phenomenal geological formation of the Grand Canyon, soaring along its steep sided gorges harshly carved by the Colorado River to produce artistic fault lines, superimpositions and erosions. The mysterious and dangerously alluring peaks, located 278 miles from Vegas in Arizona, tempt numerous visitors to admire its scenic beauty and indulge in a plethora of exciting adventures across its rugged landscape.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park is refuge to rare and scattered vegetation and animals of both terrestrial and reptilian origin. The sandstone structures, spread across the boulder floors, form a picturesque display of barren yet classically pretty desert country. The West Rim’s swift rapids on the Colorado River and the haunting wilderness of the Hualapai Indian Reservation offer amazing experiences.

Take the helicopter ride above the Canyon or trudge along the rocky path on an exciting hike. Camp, and sky dive, ride a horse, kayak or go rafting in the frothy waters - adventure possibilities in the Canyon are infinite.

Red Rock Canyon – Drive an hour from western Las Vegas and you are greeted by the burnished sandstones of the Red Rock Canyon - ancient caves, peaks and walls of the Keystone Thrust painted in cross-layers of red and grey limestone formations dating back to over 65 million years.

The Aztec sandstone, Calico Vista points and the 13-Mile Loop Drive is fabulously suited to adventure hiking, trekking, sightseeing and photographic pleasure. The Sandstone Quarry, Calico Vista, Lost Creek and Icebox are exceedingly popular as picnic spots and for their hiking trails.

The southern end of the Conservation area is home to the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, the ghost town replica of Bonnie Springs and the Blue Diamond village.

Death Valley – The hottest, driest and lowest land in North America, the Death Valley has been the home of the Native American tribe of Timbisha since the past 1000 years. The seat of prospectors’ influx during the 1849 California Gold Rush, its English name was drawn based on the many alleged deaths in this area.

Visitors love to revel in the mysteries of the 1900’s Scotty’s Castle and stories of death and its victims in this lowland valley. Today, the Death Valley, with its 3.3 million acres of desert area, is an attractive adventure locale, drawing millions to its Ubehebe Crater and Zabriski Point that overlooks the colourful panorama of the desert valley. The tour of Furnace Creek Ranch Resort and Twenty-Mule Team Canyon is delving into the borax mining history of the 1880’s. A walk through the barren and deserted Ghost Town of Rhyolite is eerie and exciting.

Valley of Fire – Lying 50 miles from northeast Vegas, the Valley of Fire is the oldest park in Nevada. Its layered sandstone colourations and ancient caves extend over a variety of flora and fauna, while the fair sand dunes and bright red sandstone plates clash delightfully in formations, 150 million years old.

Stop to admire the preserved Indian petroglyphs at the Atlatl Rock and remnants of rock art of the Fremont and Anasazi tribes or visit the Jurassic geological formations at The Beehives, Petrified Logs, Mouse's Tank, Fir Canyon, White Domes, Seven Sisters, and the Elephant Rock adventure points in this area.

Lake Mead – About 45 minutes on road from Las Vegas lies the impressive Lake Mead, resplendent in deep azure and distinct flora and fauna. If you miss the tranquil sea, sun and sand experience amid the flashy and loud Vegas Strip, Lake Mead compensates admirably for the former’s lack. Swimming, boating, kayaking, scuba diving and surfing – every water sport you love is here to enjoy.

Terrestrial adventurers experience no dearth of trekking, hiking, biking and backpacking trails or camping sites.

Historical Attractions

Las Vegas Springs Reserve – Originally, the site of three large springs and historically the gathering place of Native Americans and then early settlers of the Vegas Valley, towns laid in 1905 and the consequent construction of railroads, laying of pipelines and reservoirs saw the drastic recession of water in this area. Today, the Springs Reserve is an educational and recreational site for thousands of visitors.

Uncover the geological history of Mojave Desert or relive the history at Big Springs Gallery through its Native American dwellings and historic railroad car exhibits. Children will love the interactive multi-media attractions of the New Frontier Gallery and the live exhibits of reptilian, invertebrates and native animals of the desert. Plant lovers will enjoy the various activities along the garden trails and learn from the Botanical Garden classes and educational programmes.

Floyd Lamb State Park – The Floyd Lamb Park is centered on the Tule Springs, a series of small lakes that form an oasis within the Mojave. The area was originally the home of Native Americans in the pre-Columbian period. In the 1940’s, it served as a guest ranch for people seeking residency for a quick divorce.

Green and quaint, the park, its grass lawns, ponds and cotton trees are contrastive to the grave Mojave setting. Adorned with four sparkling ponds, family picnic and barbeque areas and sports facilities, the park is a great place to unroll a blanket and lay down a picnic basket. If you have a Nevada fishing license, you may fish in the ponds. Catches are limited to three fishes per person.

Hoover Dam – One of the largest dams ever built, the magnificent Hoover Dam, built in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, is a stunning exemplar of the thriving American economy. The Dam’s history dates back to its creation in the 1920’s America, during the years of her economic turmoil, and is a tribute to the thousands of jobless families who braved the Boulder Canyon to create a modern day architectural specimen of excellence.

Eureka Locomotive – Manufactured in 1875, the Eureka Locomotive is the oldest locomotive built for the Eureka and Palisade Railroad. Originally designed to carry silver and lead from the mines of Eureka to Central Pacific, the Eureka locomotive is the only remaining operational locomotive of its type.

Mormon Fort – Built in 1855 by the Mormon missionaries, the Mormon Fort was abandoned in 1857 and eventually purchased by Octavius Gass, who developed it into a large ranch. From the Stewart family to San Pedro and today, the fort is a museum and visitors’ center.

Other historical attractions in Las Vegas include:

• Bonanza Underpass
• Fifth Street School
• Frank Wait School
• Henderson House
• Huntridge Theater
• JD Smith District
• John S. Park Historic District
• Woodlawn Cemetery
• Railroad Cottages
• Moulin Rouge
• Old Spanish Trail
• Westside School

Amusement Parks

• Adventuredome Theme Park – The flashy pink dome of the ever popular Circus Circus offers the most daring rides.
• The Amusement Pak at Buffalo Bill's Hotel and Casino – The Primm Valley Buffalo’s Bill Park has the best hyper-rides, including the spine chilling Desperado which is a 225-foot drop in just 2 and Ѕ minutes - a complete family entertainment locale.
• Wet 'n Wild – Families splash and dip in the water kingdom and enjoy through a range of rides and water activities.

Other amusement parks that you will enjoy spending a day in:

• Wild Island
• In Search of the Obelisk
• Manhattan Express Coaster
• Speed-The Ride
• Star Trek
• Stratosphere Tower Thrill Rides

Museums

• Elvis-A-Rama Museum – Offers largest private collection of Elvis’s memorabilia and includes live performances on Elvis songs.
• Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum – From political figures like Mandela and Gandhi to Hollywood and Asian film stars, Madame Tussuad’s has wax replicas of the world’s most famous personalities.
• Guinness World of Records Museum – Videos, artifacts and exhibits present the strangest records.
• Hollywood Movie Museum – The Golden Era of Hollywood presented through the 20’s to 50’s themes around the museum.

Other museums you can visit:

• M&M's World
• Boulder City - Hoover Dam Museum
• Bellagio Gallery Of Fine Art Museum
• Wynn Collection of Fine Art
• Liberace Museum
• Las Vegas Art Museum
• Nevada State Museum & Historical Society
• Lost City Museum
• The Planetarium
• Thunderbird Museum at Nellis Air Force Base

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