by LVRAY » Thu Jan 13, 2011 6:19 pm
I have lived in Vegas for the last 14 years and there is not a lot backpacking that can be done in the immediate area. There are plenty of good day hike opportunities in Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Mt. Charleston, Lovell Canyon, Black Canyon and the Lake Mead area, etc. For a true backpacking experience, I agree with going to Zion National Park. It is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive north of Vegas and most areas should be accessible that time of year. If you have never been to Zion, I would cetainly recomment you see the valley and do some day hikes. For a good 2 night backpack, I would suggest LaVerkin Creek. It should be open that time of year, though I have been snowed on down there as late as the early May.