I'm visiting Vegas with some friends in April, staying at the Bellagio. I'd like to take a day off from the Strip to go hiking, but am the only one of my group interested in this. Are there any organized hiking trips that I could join leaving from the Strip or downtown?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

There are Red Rock Canyon hiking trips, usually offered on weekend mornings. I tried to join one a couple of years ago and was told the wrong time. The trips don't leave from the Strip, however. You'd have to drive out to the visitor center at the canyon. Here's a link to the park web site: http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/

There's a hiking tour available (translation: it costs money). "Hike This!" ( http://www.hikethislasvegas.com/ ) offers hikes and rock scrambles; you're picked up at your hotel on The Strip or downtown. It's a custom hike: you discuss your desires and abilities, and Neil Sobelson (the owner/operator) will select an appropriate hike/scramble. Neil has become very popular as of late; he's sold out for February and March, and April is going fast.

I have no relation to Neil Sobelson, other than using his services very frequently.

We found that renting a car was very inexpensive in LV, and Red Rock Canyon was an easy drive--of course, that is only a good idea if you're comfortable hiking alone.

I would not hike Red Rock Canyon alone. It's not safe, especially if you're not familiar with the area. It's much better to go with a group.

Thanks, all. It's true that I don't feel comfortable hiking alone. I'll look into the Sobelson option, but would prefer being with a group.

If I did want to join one of the hikes leaving from the Visitor's Center, does anyone know whether it is possible to rent a car for the day? I'd prefer not to rent at the airport and have the car with me, unused, the whole trip other than this excursion.

Thanks again!

I'm sure there are others, but I think Budget has a location on the Strip.