As the weather cools down, adventure enthusiasts can indulge in thrilling outdoor experiences and world-class entertainment just a short drive from Las Vegas. From the charming landscapes of Boulder City to the festive spirit in Laughlin and Mesquite, the autumn season offers dynamic activities waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for serene hikes along the Colorado River or unique experiences like the Desert Ranch Experience by Camel Safari, fall is the perfect season for uncovering the hidden gems of these nearby destinations.
Can’t-miss events and activities include:
Boulder City
Pumpkinman Triathlon
Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 26, the scenic, point-to-point race starts at Lake Mead and finishes in Boulder City's Wilbur Square. Participants can choose from a variety of distances, including a Sprint Triathlon, Olympic Aquabike and multi-sport relays, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to triathlons, the challenging course offers something for everyone.
Best Dam Wine Walk
Get ready to sip, stroll and explore Historic Downtown Boulder City at the Best Dam Wine Walk on Saturday, Nov. 9. Wine Enthusiasts can sample a variety of wines at local merchants and restaurants while enjoying the small-town charm and extended shopping hours.
Get Out on The Green
With three stunning courses, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery in Boulder City. Featuring towering red mountain peaks and lush fairways, Cascata Golf Club is one of Nevada’s premier golf destinations. The meticulously manicured, 72-par course offers stunning vistas at every turn and a luxurious 37,000-square-foot clubhouse, ideal for relaxing when not on the green. Boulder Creek Golf Club is a public, 27-hole facility created for golfers of every skill level. Oasis-themed holes feature palm trees, beach bunkers, lakes and waterfalls. Golfers can also check out Boulder City Golf Course for wide-open fairways, two lakes and a clubhouse, as well as a driving range where visitors can practice their swing or take golf lessons.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Famous for its connection to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is made up of the 112-mile-long lake, and includes trails, scenic drives and campsites for those looking for a quick outdoor escape. Adventure outfitter companies like Vegas Glass Kayaks, Blazin’ Paddles and Evolution Expeditions offer a variety of kayaking options for every skill level and desired experience. Visitors can partake in leisurely tours through Black Canyon or excursions from the Hoover Dam down the Colorado River. The recreation area is open year round, 24 hours a day.
Gold Strike Hot Springs
The two-mile trek through Gold Strike Canyon leads to a collection of hot springs right next to the Colorado River. The trail is recommended for advanced hikers due to the steep 600-foot descent through the canyon, which incorporates eight ropes to help navigate down. Peppered through the canyon are pockets of hot pools, grottos and waterfalls.
River Mountains Loop Trail
Great for hiking, climbing and cycling, the 34-mile-long trail connects Lake Mead National Recreation Area with the Las Vegas Valley. The long loop winds through the quaint town of Boulder City before quickly escaping to the more primitive desert surrounding the River Mountains. Visitors can enjoy views of Lake Mead here, with several places to pause and admire the scenery. The trail then winds through Henderson before returning to Boulder City.
Art Mural Walking Tour
Visitors can enjoy Boulder City’s eclectic art scene by simply taking a leisurely stroll around the small town. To navigate the town’s sculptures and vibrant murals, a downloadable map is available that highlights artists’ works. For a step-by-step tour and in-depth look at each sculpture and mural, visitors can download the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce app.
Desert Adventures
Desert Adventures provides unforgettable day trips, including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, ATV tours, horseback riding, ziplines and adventures in nearby national parks, Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Known for its expertise in paddling, the company has 175 boats in their fleet, as well as other camping and outdoor gear available to rent.
Laughlin
Enjoy Live Entertainment
This fall, visitors can look forward to an exciting lineup of live entertainment in Laughlin. Whiskey Myers will take the stage at the Rio Vista Amphitheater at Harrah’s Laughlin on Friday, Nov. 8. Spend An Evening with Priscilla Presley at Don’s Celebrity Theater at Riverside Resort from Friday Nov. 22 to Sunday, Nov. 24. Blood, Sweat & Tears will perform at The Edge Pavilion on Saturday, Nov. 16, and comedian Jay Leno will bring his show to Edgewater Casino Resort on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Halloween Haunt & Glow Car Show
Kick off your Hallo-Weekend at the Halloween Haunt & Glow Car Show on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. Enjoy a thrilling car show, spooky chili bar, live music and a costume contest. Drive in and experience all your Halloween favorites—admission is free to view the cars.
Hike the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail
Visitors can hike in the picturesque desert wilderness and enjoy 10.5 miles of light trails that run alongside the Colorado River. The paths feature unique desert wildlife and natural formations along the way, all while taking visitors to the base of Davis Dam, a wonder of American engineering.
Get Out on the Green
With six courses in three states, golf enthusiasts have a plethora of options when planning a golf outing in Laughlin. Each of the courses offer impeccably manicured greens, unique character and options for golfers of all skill levels. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, golfers can hit the green year-round at courses including El Rio Golf Club, Huukan Golf Club, Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, Los Lagos Golf Club, Mojave Resort Golf Club and Rivers Edge Golf Club.
Explore the Laughlin Labyrinths
Discover the beauty and serenity of the Laughlin desert by exploring the nearby labyrinths, which consist of nine stone mazes within a quarter-mile radius, ranging from 25-55 feet. Visitors can check out the collection’s newest additions: a 36-foot, seven-circuit octagon and a 33-foot, seven-circuit square labyrinth. Marked by a monument marker with a purple etched disc, the labyrinths can be found on the east side of Thomas Edison Drive, between Bruce Woodbury and Casino Drives, a quarter mile from the intersection.
Cruise the Colorado River
With a wide variety of river tours and rentals, visitors can enjoy the Colorado River feature in more ways than one. London Bridge Jet Boat Tours allows guests to experience the river and all its wonder in a sleek and quick jet boat. Those looking for a more relaxed tour of the river throughout the fall season can either enjoy the only dinner cruise on the Colorado River by Laughlin River Tours, or board the U.S.S. Riverside for a guided excursion detailing the history of the Colorado River region.
Mesquite
Nevada Open Golf Tournament
With over 40 years of championship history, the Nevada Open is one of the most respected and anticipated golf tournaments in the state. With a $150,000 prize purse, the event runs Tuesday, Nov. 5 to Thursday, Nov. 7 with the championship round taking place at the CasaBlanca Golf Club on the final day.
CasaBlanca II-Man
This year, the CasaBlanca II-Man golf tournament will be expanding to take up to 150 teams. Taking place from Friday, Nov. 8 to Sunday, Nov. 10 across three stunning golf courses—CasaBlanca Golf Club, Conestoga Golf Club and Palms Golf Club—the tournament will offer Gross and Net Flights, as well as six flights.
The Desert Ranch Experience by Camel Safari
Visitors can experience the desert in a new and unique way at this ranch situated on 176 acres along the Virgin River. With tours available via tram or ATV, participants will learn about and interact with several exotic animals such as camels, sloths, llamas and sand cats.
Moapa Valley
Just down the road from Mesquite lies the beautiful and eclectic Moapa Valley, home to the scenic communities of Overton, Logandale, Glendale and Moapa. Visitors can enjoy a trip to the Moapa Valley Corn Maze, where they’ll find a variety of fun attractions like hayrides, petting zoos, a pumpkin patch, zombie paintball and much more. On Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2, don’t miss the Pomegranate Art Festival, an event for everyone to celebrate the Moapa Valley pomegranate harvest season with arts, crafts, food trucks and entertainment.
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About Boulder City
Boulder City is known as a green oasis in the desert. Located approximately 20 miles from the glitter and excitement of Las Vegas and just a few miles from the grandeur of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, the destination offers a quiet, relaxed living environment. Boulder City takes pride in its quality recreational facilities such as Bootleg Canyon Mountain bike trails, Boulder City Golf Course, and Boulder Creek Golf Club. For more information, visit www.visitbouldercity.com.
About Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes nearly 2 million visitors annually. This oasis along the Colorado River boasts many options for water sports and boating activities, including eight resorts with stunning accommodations that offer fine dining, spa experiences, golfing, and a close proximity to the recreational paradise known as Heritage Trails. Laughlin has also become a leading special event destination in the Southwest. For more information, visit www.visitlaughlin.com.
About Mesquite
Close to home and yet a world away! Mesquite is located 90 miles north of Las Vegas and offers visitors an excitingly laid-back experience. Choose from several fabulous championship golf courses; explore astonishing, nearby national and state parks; or lounge by a sparkling pool. If you’d rather play indoors, then unwind and be pampered at a luxurious day-spa, practice your skill at bowling, dance the night away, or try your luck at the tables and slot machines. For more information on the destination, visit www.visitmesquite.com.