From November 21-23, Las Vegas will be the ultimate destination as it hosts the highly anticipated Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. The city will be the epicenter of entertainment, and there will be plenty of activities for anyone looking for adventure.
For the adrenaline junkie looking to experience the thrill of the Grand Prix themselves, the event promises plenty of recreation to take part in.
If you’ve got the need for speed, K1 Speed at Resorts World Las Vegas offers high performance e-go karts. Race down the indoor track that features sharp turns, high-speed straights as you’re riding in the high-performance, eco-friendly electric go-karts to feel the wind in your face within the city limits. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team will take over the ARIA lobby to set up racing simulators and a show car for fans to interact with.
But the race-themed fun doesn’t stop there. The city will be buzzing with fan zones, show cars, and immersive experiences celebrating race culture. This includes MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Car Show which allows several opportunities with the Team Show car, a race-inspired art show hosted at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a curated-experience on the Brooklyn Bridge in front of New York-New York courtesy of the Williams Racing Fan Zone, and the Ultimate Fan Experience hosted by the Las Vegas Grand Prix themselves that promises to be a worthwhile experience for fans.
For those looking to venture beyond the track, Las Vegas offers stunning outdoor recreation. To get insider info on the best outdoor recreation in the Las Vegas area, Complex tapped city native photographer Greg Anderson. He was kind enough to take pics and let us in on the local gem that is Red Rock Canyon, which boasts trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well rock climbing, and a surprising amount of space for road biking. Take a look, then hit your choice or Red Rock Canyon rec spots with plenty of sun protection and water in tow.
Hiking
Take a break from the speed of urban life and get a taste of the miles of land the Las Vegas area has to offer with a scenic hike. At Red Rock Canyon, there are tons of trails for all skill levels from family-friendly to hardcore. Whether you want a blast from the past with a short hike to see 800-year-old cave drawing or you want to walk through the Calico Hills to a Girl Scout picnic area, there is something for all just outside Vegas. For those looking to learn more about the rolling hills, take a guided hike with the Alpine Institute. Elevate your trip to the Vegas Strip with a truly one-of-a-kind experience exploring the legendary Red Rock Canyon.
Mountain Biking
For those speed freaks out there, Red Rock Canyon offers a number of mountain biking routes and tours. Hop on a full-suspension bike, grab your helmet, and burn rubber as you fly over rocks and dirt through the hills and valleys. Escape Adventures offers mountain bike tours for everyone but the smallest children, with the option to kick it up a notch and challenge advanced riders on the technical obstacles Red Rock has to offer. Take a guided tour on the Cottonwood Valley/Mustang Trail singletrack and build your skills as an offroad warrior. With everything you need for a successful trip included in the rental, you'll be up to speed in no time.
Road Biking
As you leave the sharp corners of the city you’re met with endless miles of desert just beyond the Vegas strip. If you want to feel the wind in your face and get a workout with a view then hop on a road bike. Escape Adventures also provides top-tier road bikes and guided tours, taking visitors along smooth roads to great views. It’s worth it to take this unique chance to experience the wide-open skies, tumbling tumbleweeds, and dramatic landscapes on a sprawling 13-mile park loop through Red Rock Canyon.
Rock Climbing
Las Vegas is not only home to famous rock climbers because it's surrounded by world class routes and blessed with good weather. Visiting Vegas offers the perfect opportunity to get out and test your skills on the Red Rock Canyon sandstone. To help get you there and set you up with instruction, safety training, and proper gear, contact the Red Rock Climbing Center. Racing towards the blue on a rock face is a whole other side to the freedom Vegas has to offer. Try it now.
Horseback Riding
Before Vegas became a modern metropolis hosting F1 races, local transportation options included horses, wagons, and rail. Visitors to the city can revisit that decidedly Western history and take in the sights with a horseback ride. Cowboy Trail Rides offers guided horse tours through Red Rock Canyon. In addition to gentle, sturdy steeds, tack, and a cowboy guide, certain Cowboy Trail Ride options end with a BBQ. A unique way to experience the Las Vegas area.