Every hiker who has heard of it dreams of walking the Bright Angel Trail, the famous footpath that snakes from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon all the way to the Colorado River on the canyon floor, with spectacular scenery almost every step of the way.

One of the best scenic drives in Southern Nevada starts only about a half-hour west of the Strip at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

For an outdoor experience that’s different enough to make long-lasting memories, consider the Rings Loop Trail in the Mojave National Preserve, Calif.

Arches National Park, just outside of the town of Moab, Utah, is a feast for the eyes. There are more than 2,000 natural stone arches in the park, the largest density in the world.

The heart of Zion National Park in southeastern Utah is Zion Canyon, a magnificent chasm carved into the edge of the Colorado Plateau. This is where the North Fork of the Virgin River snakes its way downstream flanking the six-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The beauty of this area is complemented by the thick vegetation that lines the river including the impressive, old-growth Fremont cottonwood trees.

Outdoor lovers who are looking for an exciting few days away from Las Vegas won’t be disappointed visiting Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

If you are up to traveling a long, rough and remote back-country road, you’ll be rewarded at the far end of this drive with one of the most breathtaking views in the West.

Less than a half-hour drive from Las Vegas, you can step back in time and experience a historic and interesting ride on the unique Nevada Southern Railway in Boulder City. This train can be an exceptional experience for everyone, as it facilitates accessibility for people with limited mobility, whether they are using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters or canes.

Just a two-hour drive north of Las Vegas lies the ghost town of Rhyolite.