Las Vegas excitement stretches beyond city limits

(ARA) - Everyone goes to Las Vegas for the Strip, and you should too. But if you plan to extend your trip for a couple of days, there are plenty of day-trips you can take.

If you're into hiking, beautiful natural scenery, wide open spaces, a little Native American history or viewing the power of natural elements and how they shift and shape the landscape, then Las Vegas is your home base for plenty of opportunities.

Book your hotel anywhere in Vegas - on the Strip or away from the bright lights. And then start planning. If you are a photographer, Zion National Park is a great place to start. The Virgin River has carved several canyons out of brilliant red rock, and you can see the scenery from the free shuttle bus tour that runs frequently throughout the day, or along the many miles of hiking paths that wind through tight canyons among towering cliffs.

Another hot photographic spot is the Valley of Fire, located northeast of Las Vegas. This park features tall, spindly red rock formations that take your breath away as they stretch toward the sky. The road itself winding through the valley is frequently photographed and videotaped for car commercials.

Don't miss out on man-made wonders; plan a day-trip to Lake Mead. You can find several Las Vegas deals for day-trips to this scenic spot, which is east of the city. The lake, created by the magnificent Hoover Dam, gives you the opportunity to canoe, fish, swim and sunbathe. You can also see unique frog and fish species in the smaller warm springs that feed the lake. And make sure you take in the architecture of Hoover Dam, either from a bus, car or helicopter.

Get up higher in elevation with a trip to Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains, which is only about a 35-mile drive northwest of the Las Vegas hotels where you will be staying. This is the perfect spot for picnicking and hiking more than 50 miles of trails that crisscross the mountain. Plus, at the higher elevation, you can escape the baking heat of the desert for cooler and refreshing mountain air. This area is a great place to see nature at its best, including Joshua Trees, wild burros, the Bristlecone Pine, eagles and woodpeckers.

Make sure you plan some extra time into your next Las Vegas vacation for a day-trip or two. Make your travel arrangements and find great deals through online sites like Travelocity.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent