If you're looking for a desert excursion, Red Rock Canyon is only about 20 miles from your favorite roulette wheel. Photo: Las Vegas News Bureau RELATED LINKS Return to Las Vegas City Guide

When you’re up to your eyeballs in neon lights, outrageous architecture and all-you-can-eat buffets, it’s easy to forget that Las Vegas is surrounded by miles and miles of sublime desert scenery. Even if your visit is mainly centered around the Strip or a business convention, try to set aside a few hours for an excursion to Red Rock Canyon, a magnificent nature reserve only about 20 miles from your favorite roulette wheel.

You’ll need to rent a car for the journey. The drive from the Strip to Red Rock normally takes less than half an hour, and parts of the weathered sandstone landscape can be seen from your car on a 13-mile scenic loop, but if the day is not unbearably hot, consider taking a short hike for a closer look at desert life. Either way, stop first at the Bureau of Land Management visitor center (www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov) for maps and background information. If you plan to hike, remember to wear sturdy shoes, protect yourself from the sun and bring your own drinking water.

Red Rock is also a popular spot for rock climbing, offering dozens of established routes rated at varying degrees of difficulty. Unless you are a very competent climber and bring your own gear, you’ll probably want to hire a guide service for technical climbs in the area. See the "Outfitters and Guides" page of the BLM Web site (www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov/Planning/outfitters.asp) for listings of approved services. Permits are required for all multi-pitch routes.