One of the best things about living in Inspirada is the easy access to outdoor living in Las Vegas, Henderson, and the surrounding cities. With mountains, desert vistas, local parks, golfing, and even lakes, there are lots of choices for our outdoor-enthusiast residents to spend their free time. We’ve compiled six different ways to experience the natural beauty of our area.
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Situated in our “backyard” sits over 48,000 acres of desert wilderness to explore: the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.
Inside the park is an area known as the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site. This site is on the National Register of Historic Places because it contains approximately 1,700 designs on over 300 rock art panels that date back to the archaic and historic eras. These “petroglyphs” were made by early Native Americans and are true marks of history.
When you’re done marveling at the petroglyphs, there is more to explore. Multiple trails are available for hiking and biking. Or, simply visit to escape the light pollution of the city and see some stars.
For more information about the conservation area, petroglyph site, and trails in Henderson, be sure to check out this packet from the Friends of Sloan Canyon.
Lake Mead
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, is only a 45-minute drive. Visitors of Lake Mead can explore the area by camping, hiking, boating, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, and more.
Gold Strike Hot Springs
For those looking for a unique experience and hike, Gold Strike Hot Springs, in the Lake Mead area, offers an adventure. To reach the hot springs you first have to hike a difficult trail, with rope climbs and class III scrambling. The reward is a soak in the natural hot spring pools — ranging from 85 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The trail is closed seasonally, make sure to check if the park is open before planning your trip.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
This 140-acre preserve features wheelchair-accessible trails and nine ponds available to view resident desert birds and migratory waterfowl. In between periods of binocular usage, visitors can enjoy mountain and desert vistas. The preserve is operated by the City of Henderson and is free to visit. Make sure you check the operating times as they change depending on the season.
ATV Tours
See our desert landscape in a completely new way through an ATV tour. Imaging zooming past mountain landscapes and feeling the rush of wind as you zip through a stretch of open land. Just make sure you brush up on ATV safety tips before you ride.
Whether you’re experiencing outdoor living in Las Vegas through camping, sitting lakeside, hiking, birdwatching, even ATV riding, or anything in between, make sure you do it safely. Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of drinking water. And, when you’re in the neighborhood, check out one of our four parks and over 35 miles of trails. Now, get outside!