Fit in the City: Las Vegas

Vegas has nearly every activity under the sun, including the ones that help you get fit.

Las Vegas isn’t exactly known for healthy lifestyles, but if you look beyond the flashing lights, the city has a surprising number of fun, fitness-focused activities to enjoy.

With parks, lakes and mountains, some just minutes from the Strip, it’s easy to explore a different side of Las Vegas.

Here are seven activities that prove a visit to Sin City doesn’t mean you need to gamble with your health.

1. Red Rock Canyon

Engage in your favorite outdoor activities among the towering natural formations of Red Rock Canyon. Located just 20 miles outside of downtown Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon and surrounding conservation area span 195,819 acres within the Mojave Desert. The canyon is the perfect environment for hiking, biking, climbing or camping.

Novice and experienced climbers alike can follow popular routes on their own or scale the soaring cliffs of the canyon as part of a guided climbing expedition. If you prefer to stay grounded, there are nineteen hiking trails throughout the conservation area where you can take a closer look at the desert’s flora and fauna.

Take in even more of the sprawling landscape by biking through 125 miles of trails woven in between gullies and peaks. The alternating flat stretches of dirt and steep inclines make biking through the canyon a killer workout. After a long day of physical activity, put your feet up at the conservation area’s established campground and enjoy expansive views of the clear night sky.

2. Lake Mead

Picturesque Lake Mead is a favorite place for locals and visitors to escape the city heat. You can enjoy the water in a canoe or kayak, stroll around the lake’s perimeter, or dive in for a swim. While you’re in the area, stop by Black Canyon and take in the jaw-dropping heights of the Hoover Dam — after all, the dam’s construction is what created Lake Mead.

3. Stratosphere Tower

Adrenaline junkies can visit the Stratosphere Hotel and brave the “SkyJump,” an open-air leap from 829 feet above the Las Vegas streets. Jumping off the tower isn’t necessarily going to improve your fitness (although it will definitely get your heart pumping), but check with the hotel for other activities. Throughout the year, the Stratosphere hosts races, which give athletes the opportunity to climb all 1,455 steps, or 108 floors, of the Tower. The long climb to the top makes for a challenging workout, with the payoff being a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas skyline.

4. Clark County Wetlands Park

Nevada isn’t all sand and deserts. Take a brisk walk, jog or bike ride through Clark County Wetlands Park to explore 2,900 acres of wildlife habitat. With scenic views aplenty, the park has miles of trails winding throughout the wetlands, where you can see local Southwestern plants and animals in their natural environment.

5. Trampoline Arena

If the weather is looking bad, stay inside for some active entertainment at FlipNOut Xtreme. There is no age limit at this 15,000-square-foot trampoline center, which also contains a laser tag arena, indoor zip-line, parkour-style obstacle course and rock wall. You can bounce to your heart’s content while blasting calories. And trampoline jumping burns upwards of 400 calories per hour for the average adult.

6. Mount Charleston

If you need a break from the desert heat, head 35 miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas to Mount Charleston. It boasts the most prominent peak in the state of Nevada and is snow-capped for half of the year. The mountain’s many hiking trails take you through pine forests dotted with Nevada wildflowers. Be sure to pause along the alpine slopes and take in the stunning views that stretch from California to Utah. The trails are also open to horseback riding in the spring and summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in the snowy months.

7. Yoga with Dolphins

If you’re looking for a unique activity that’s a little more low-key than mountain biking or trampolining, check out Dolphin Yoga at the Mirage. The resort holds weekend classes in its underwater dolphin viewing area, where yogis of all experience levels can practice their asanas in front of a flippered audience.

In a city known for over-the-top experiences, the Las Vegas outdoor and fitness-oriented activities stand out just as much as the spectacle. There is plenty to keep you busy, but if you have an all-club membership and want to get in your regular workout, stop into any of 24 Hour Fitness’ 12 club locations in the Las Vegas area.

Some of what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but the results you earn from staying physically active are something you get to take with you.