72 Hours in Las Vegas - Outdoorsy Version
Viva Las Vegas! Vegas truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, partier, foodie, shopper or gambler, you can find plenty to do in this desert oasis. But have you ever thought of Vegas as a haven for the outdoorsy people among us? If not, this quick itinerary is for you!
WHERE TO STAY
Although a lot of this trip has activities outside of downtown Las Vegas, I still recommend staying on or near the strip for night time activities! Most of the major casinos will have great hotels (usually at a great price!), but I have put together a list of my recommendations.
Number one on this list is the Downtowner - an adults only boutique hotel. The amenities here are impressive and as a newer hotel, the hotel is clean and well appointed. The pool is much more private than the major pools in the large casinos and with a 24 hour bar on site, a day at the pool can be just as fun.
For the budget conscious Vegas-goer, I love Flamingo or SAHARA. You can usually get a great deal at one of these two, without sacrificing anything during your stay. The rooms are clean, although small, and very well laid out. These two spots are perfect if you want to be close to the strip and stay at a big casino.
If you're looking for a private (or private-ish) pool and more space, I recommend AirBNB like this apartment, this home, or this home.
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WHEN TO GO
You can find something to do in Las Vegas year round! There is skiing in this itinerary, I recommend going in late winter/early spring if you're looking to ski. The good news is, that mountain has even more to do in the summer months so this itinerary can apply to your trip then, too!
DAY ONE
Catch the first flight out of your homebase (shout out fellow Kansas Citians - our new airport is gorgeous!) and land in Vegas as early as possible - you're going to want as much of a full first day here as possible.
Walk or uber from your hotel to the iconic Peppermill Las Vegas on the strip. This spot has been a favorite of many celebrities since the 1970's - including Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Guy Fieri, Criss Angel, Floyd Mayweather and my favorite, Holly Madison. If you have a wait, be sure to grab a drink in their fireside lounge while you wait. This feels like you've stepped back in time to the coziest lounge (and yes, there's an actual fire pit in there!). I love the famous Bloody Mary or the Strawberry Daquiri (add the whipped cream, trust me). They serve the entire menu all day long, but I suggest the French Toast Ambrosia (Warm slices of thick French toast with cinnamon and vanilla, crowned with succulent chunks of seasonal fresh fruit, whipped topping, served with blueberry syrup) or Munch's Breakfast (peppers, onions, sausage, mushrooms and tomatoes, stirred into hash browns, topped with three eggs any style and finished with cheddar and jack cheeses, served with toast or muffin). Be sure to add the rainbow sugar to anything you can - I was obsessed!
Once you are fueled up with food from a classic spot, you're going to head to Red Rock Canyon for the afternoon. This is about a 30 minute drive from downtown Las Vegas, depending on where you stay and there is plenty to do! To know before you go - timed reservations are required for vehicle entry to the Scenic Loop between 8am-5pm from October 1 through May 31! You'll reserve your time slot here. You will quickly see how this canyon got its name - the red stripe through the rock is absolutely gorgeous. Feel free to stop for any hike you see since they are so well marked. I recommend the Calico Hills (Moderate), Moenkopi Loop (Easy), or Lost Creek - Children's Discovery (Easy/Moderate). Be on the lookout for petroglyphs on the rock formations! My heart always skips a beat when I spot the 800 year old rock art.
You can easily spend hours hiking these trails, but I recommend saving some time for a unique visit to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park just down the road. This historic ranch has been owned by some interesting folks - from German actress, Vera Krupp, and business magnate, Howard Hughes. You can tour the original ranch house and it was definitely a highlight of our day! There is even a bit of a true crime touch to the tour, so if that's your thing, you'll be in for even more of a treat!
Once you're ready to head back to the Strip, I recommend checking out the rooftop bar at BrewDog. This is a brewery fell in love with in Scotland, so when I saw a location in Vegas, I was thrilled! The rooftop has all the views of the Strip but feels like a little oasis in the heart of the chaos. Grab a beer (they are ALL good) and some dinner. From lobster rolls to burgers, there is something for anyone! Think elevated taproom food with plenty of sharables or full entrée options to choose from.
DAY TWO
Day two is going to be spent in the mountains! Did you know there is a great ski resort only about an hour from the Strip? Lee Canyon is the perfect size for a day on the slopes - with 3 chair lifts and 30 runs, you will have plenty to explore all day long! Or if Après Ski is more your thing - there's a great little bar with an outdoor patio on the slopes. It's perfect to spend the afternoon and enjoy some beer. Be sure to give yourself extra time if you're going on the weekends because the drive in can get a little congested on busy times! I had so much fun at skiing at this little resort, but they have mountain biking, hiking, archery, mountainside yoga, disc golf and more during the summer. It's an outdoorsy haven in Las Vegas!
After a day full of skiing or exploring, you are going to head back to the strip for a quick visit to Fremont Street for dinner and people watching. This itinerary may be focused on outdoor activities, but I had to include just a little bit of a traditional Vegas trip! Fremont Street was one of the original thoroughfares through Vegas and it still feels like the Vegas of yore. The people watching can't be beat, so I recommend grabbing a drink on the street and walking for a bit! For dinner, I recommend Park on Fremont for a gorgeous patio and great burgers! There are tons of old school casinos on Fremont as well, so roll the dice and hope to win big!
DAY THREE
If you have time before your flight, I recommend walking the Strip to get a little taste of how wild Vegas can be. The casinos take up entire blocks and are open 24 hours a day, so there is no shortage of exploring you can do. It's a great way to get some activity in without driving too far away from the airport. The most impressive stops are Caesar's Palace (the most elaborate casino on the Strip) or the Linq Promenade (this feels like a little European inspired street with shops, restaurants, and more. It's darling!).
Head to the airport to fly home and relax after your outdoorsy trip to Las Vegas! If you’re looking for a more traditional Vegas guide - stay tuned!
