The natural beauty of this gorgeous piece of the Mojave Desert just a few miles outside of Vegas may make the glitz of the Strip pale in comparison. You can take a one-way scenic drive through the 13-mile preserve, past dramatic coral-hued rock formations and waterfalls, or get out and walk. Hiking trails range from the .75-mile children’s discovery trail to more strenuous 5-mile loops, and allow you to take in more of the amazing surroundings — from petrified wood and petroglyphs to springs and canyons. (The wildlife lovers may catch a glimpse of desert dwellers like rattlesnakes, roadrunners and gila monsters.)