VegasChatter

There are documented cases of rock-climbing enthusiasts who moved to Vegas only because of its proximity to Red Rock, which happens to offer some of the best rock climbing terrain in the country. A well-organized trail system also offers excellent hiking opportunities in the easy to challenging range. Meanwhile, you can really get a feel of the majesty of the landscape while taking a road biking tour along Red Rock’s 13-mile loop. Escape Adventures, which operates out of Las Vegas Cyclery, offers four-hour guided bike tours. The $119.99 price tag includes transportation from the Strip, your guide, helmets, gloves and water.

The 13-mile loop you’ll bike includes a couple of miles worth of hills, so you can expect to huff and puff for at least part of the ride. It’s all worth it, as the payoff comes when you crest the hill and that beautiful, gold-and-red sandstone vista reveals itself. Your guide makes scheduled stops at Willow Springs, Ice Box Canyon and Red Rock Wash for photo ops.

You’ll then be delivered back to your hotel in time to get ready for your very Vegas-y night on the town. For the energetic Vegas visitor, it makes for the perfect getaway: invigorating outdoor recreation by day and pounding Vegas entertainment by night. We couldn’t ask for anything more in our vacay.

Escape Adventures offers tours from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

[Photo: kcolwell]