Las Vegas hiking this month?
 

My husband and I visited Las Vegas without the kids and have always wanted to take them back to enjoy the hiking outside of town. I have found a great deal on flights for Dec. 20th but I am concerned about weather. Are the pools open and heated? What about hiking in December. Is this a good time? Thanks!

The weather should be ideal for hiking! I would suggest packing lightweight layers with a fleece on top and long pants, and you should be fine. It's been very warm - we still haven't had a cold snap yet.

As for the pools, I'm not really sure, maybe someone else can help with that. I believe they're open but not sure about heat. The air does have a chill, so while it's warm-ish in the sun, you probably wouldn't want to be in and out of the pools.

Not sure where you have hiked previously, but I can give you some great suggestions if you want them. Most people find their way to Red Rock pretty easily, but there is some great scenery in Valley of Fire and some unique hikes in Lake Mead NRA.

Pools are closed. There may have been one heated outdoor pool a few years ago, not sure if it still remains.

REALLY GOOD HIKING in Red Rock and Valley of Fire. Both are close to Vegas. A little further (4 hrs-so not really a day trip, you would need to spend the night) is GREAT HIKING at Zion and Death Valley. Death Valley is an awesome place to go in the winter. You might consider spending a night in Death Valley and spending two full days there. The pools in Death Valley is thermally heated to around 84. It is spring-fed and is not chlorinated. There is a huge turnover of water, so they don't even need chlorine. Furnace Creek Inn is deluxe and Furnace Creek Ranch is good family place to stay. They are about 1/2 mile from each other and each of them have a pool. Golf Course is there also. Lowest elevation Golf Course in the world.

How old are your kids? the pools are closed. We are staying at the mandalay bay and the pool is the big attraction but we'll manage to do without.