Trails, parks keep Southern Nevadans active in summer

As the school year winds down and evenings grow longer, many people may be wondering, is it time to head inside? Actually, there is a great selection of activities and places to visit that can keep all ages outside and active all summer long. These options include:

n Hike on your own or join programs at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area or the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Check out public lands and learn from their great interpretive staffs. Have fun while learning about natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.snap.gov/.

n Seeing beautiful birds of all kinds doesn't mean a trek out to the distant countryside. Visit the city of Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve for programs all summer long, ranging from walks on your own to beginning birding for kids and junior naturalist days. For more information, call 267-4180 or go to www.cityofhenderson.com/parks/.

n The city of Las Vegas offers many ways for the community to discover, explore and enjoy the new trails that have been built in neighborhoods throughout Las Vegas. There are 45 miles of trails for walking, biking and other nonmotorized activities that feature landscaping, rest areas, benches, lighting, trash cans and pet waste stations. There also are 11 miles of equestrian trails. For more information on parks and trails in Las Vegas, go to www.lasvegasnevada.gov/.

n All summer long, the city of North Las Vegas hosts movies in the park. Be sure to check out a movie at the Nature Discovery Park, just one of the great parks and trails areas in North Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com/.

n The Spring Mountains Natural Recreation Area, which includes Mount Charleston, features hikes and walks that take you away from the heat to cool breezes. Hikes range from shorter trails that go to Cathedral Peak or Mary Jane Falls to longer trails such as Griffith Peak Trail or the Bristlecone Trail. For more information, go to www.gomtcharleston.com/.

n The summer is a great time for morning and evening rides on the River Mountains Loop in Boulder City. The view of Lake Mead helps clear the mind while getting a great workout. If you're feeling like a mountain bike ride, check out nearby Bootleg Canyon, which also features a 1.5 mile zip line.

Southern Nevada has great trails and parks to explore all year long. For more information, visit www.neontonature.org or www.outsidelasvegas.org, and for more activities for children and families visit www.nvoutdoorkids.org.