BOULDER CITY. Located 25 miles outside of Las Vegas, Lake Mead National Recreation Park Area allows a great deal of relaxation and fun year-round. With 1.5 million acres, it's twice the size of Rhode Island and is America's largest manmade reservoir. Interestingly, three of America's four desert ecosystems ­ the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran Deserts ­ also coincide at Lake Mead. With 50 miles of shoreline, the park offers multiple marinas, boating, fishing, and water sports. It also caters to hikers, climbers, campers, and car tours.

MOUNT CHARLESTON. Located about 40 minutes from Las Vegas, Mount Charleston sits within Toiyabe National Forest and is sometimes referred to as Spring Mountain. One of the state's highest mountains, it offers an abundance of recreation. In winter, snow skiing is a top draw; when the weather warms, hiking trails become incredibly popular. Camping and picnicking are also prominent, and folks have been known to encounter wild horses and elk when they're taking advantage of the terrain's natural beauty.

WEST LAS VEGAS. Part of the Mojave Desert, Red Rock Canyon is an easy escape from the fast pace of the Glitter City, located just 17 miles from downtown Vegas. The area showcases spectacular scenery, complete with rugged red rock formations, desert vegetation, and open vistas. The visitor center can help you orient yourself to the landscape, and a gift shop and exhibits are available. While many folks opt to bike, hike, or rock-climb, others make the most of the 13-mile scenic loop, which lets you drive a picturesque circuit and offers stop-offs for photography.

OVERTON. This grand geological park, located 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, is Nevada's oldest state park. Its brilliantly colored sandstone formations were generated from 150 million years of weathering in the Mojave Desert. In fact, the park's name comes from the vibrant appearance of sunlight on the ruddy rocks. A visitor center acclimates folks to the onsite attractions and talks about the power of natural forces. Fifty-one campsites are available for an additional fee (first-come, first-served).