How To Off Roading Off The Strip

What comes to mind when you hear "Las Vegas"? Slots, casinos, showgirls, money, glitz, spectacular shows, and some of the best buffets in the States, right? Significantly few people realize that Southern Nevada has some of the best outdoor activities in the Southwest United States. Lake Meade National Park not only offers a great view of the Hoover Dam, but Lake Meade is a great place for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and even scuba diving. The roads that wind around the lake are frequented by motorcyclists, cyclists, joggers, and walkers. If you go far enough into Lake Meade National Park, you'll come across the Valley of Fire, a park named for its spectacular fiery red rocks and stunning landscape. At the west end of Las Vegas are Red Rock Canyon, a more spectacular landscape for horseback riding, hiking, camping, rock climbing, biking, and motorcycling. And let's not forget the trails for the ATV crowd. There are two main areas in Las Vegas where locals go to ride. The first of these is about half an hour outside of Las Vegas at the north end of the strip just past Nellis Air Force Base. There are two ways to get to Nellis Dunes. You can either follow Las Vegas Boulevard (aka the Las Vegas Strip) north and past the Las Vegas Speedway until you reach its end, or take I-15 to the Apex exit and turn right. You can't miss the Dunes on this lonely stretch of road. If you exited I-15 the Dunes will be immediately on your left, you will actually see them from the exit ramp. Trailers and RVs are parked at the Dunes every weekend. From the road, you can watch kids and adults ride the trails on ATVs and motocross bikes. If you follow the Boulevard south as far as you can, you will parallel I-15 towards California. This stretch of road will take you to the Jean Dry Lake Beds. The area here is also a wide open desert with plenty of room for ATV trails and should only take twenty to thirty minutes from the Strip. Heading outside of Las Vegas, you can find another ATV hotspot, the El Dorado Dry Lake Valley Area. Take US 95 or Boulder Highway south toward Searchlight. Seven miles past the Railroad Pass Casino before you reach Searchlight you will find the trails. And finally off US 93 is the Logandale Trails System. An inexperienced rider or first-time visitor to Las Vegas may want to consider hiring a guide. Most of these trails are unmarked and difficult to follow unless you are familiar with the area. A guide will also help you overcome the rougher sections of the trail. All ATV suppliers in Las Vegas offer ATV training to make sure you understand how to operate the vehicle. Off-road vehicles in Nevada typically do not require registration, license, or permit to drive, but drivers under the age of 15 require adult supervision and everyone must wear a helmet. Headlights must also be on from dusk to dawn. Another safety precaution is to have a brightly colored flag attached to your ATV when riding on the trails so other riders can see you. Do not drive your ATV on roads or highways; trail your vehicle into place and stick to the trails. Above all, do not operate an ATV or other motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.