Scenic / Walking Day Trip from Las Vegas
 

My daughter, 47 and in great shape and I, in good shape, are looking for a one day outing while visiting Vegas. We love the beauty the outdoors has to offer in the West and the maintained trails for walking. (We are from Michigan.) We have been to Red Rock Canyon and Zion National Park on previous one day outings the first week of May. This trip however, will be the third week of June. We are willing to drive 3-4 hours for our one day trip. Any suggestions?

3 or 4 hours from Vegas in most directions will still be desert and VERY hot in late June. And you want to drive 6-8 hours all in?

But IF you are willing to drive 4 hours each way -- then you could go up 395 a bit . . . to say Lone Pine, and hike up into the hills

http://www.hikingwalking.com/destina...ses/lone_pine/

Thank you JanisJ. We'll check out LonePine. I know it sounds crazy to drive 6-8 hours in all but it is an annual mother-daughter trip in which anything is acceptable to spend time together. I have a feeling though that the heat may put a damper on the side trip.

>>I have a feeling though that the heat may put a damper on the side trip.<<

That's why I suggested up on 395. That is on the back side of the Sierra and is at altitude so will be cooler.

Try to visit Valley of Fire SP and when you get hot, go visit Boulder Beach. http://www.riverlakes.com/boulder_beach.htm
(Beware of broken glass).
Lake Meade is 140' below full pool.

If it is not summer, then Death Valley would be my choice, but I wouldn't want to do any hiking at the June Temperatures. Valley of Fire will be hot too.

You might find it much cooler at Cedar Breaks NP or Bryce, a bit farther north and much higher altitude.