The Silver State is a land of exhilarating contrasts. It’s where glitzy entertainment hubs sit amid a neverland of natural beauty. Here, you can get an eyeful of cowboys, entertainers and outdoor adventurers all on the same day. Embrace Nevada’s spirit of discovery by exploring America’s first national recreation area and traversing rugged terrain overflowing with soaring sandstone formations. When you’ve conquered enough, let yourself indulge in the casinos and luxury resorts of Sin City.

1. Pahrump

Starting point

Pahrump is a small desert town that’s big on luxury. If you love cars, head to the Spring Mountain Motor Resort to get behind the wheel of a Corvette Stingray. Put the pedal to the metal as you navigate a 3.5-mile course filled with banked turns, blind drops and more. Round out your visit with wine tastings and a guided tour at Pahrump Valley Winery, the state’s largest wine producer.

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Drive 53 miles • 59 minutes

Red Rock Canyon is just a stone’s throw away from Las Vegas, but it sure feels a world away. Bursting with vivid red canyons and ancient petroglyphs, this captivating landscape is a mecca for hikers with over 30 trails to traverse. Beginners can follow the accessible Keystone Thrust Trail for 360-degree views of the Calico Hills or the White Rock/Willow Spring Loop Trail for a chance to spot bighorn sheep. Those looking for a challenge can give the strenuous Turtlehead Peak Trail a shot – the five-mile route weaves past gullies and sandstone crags.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

3. Las Vegas

Drive 21 miles • 29 minutes

Every Vegas visit starts with a stroll down the Strip. Gawk at opulent casinos, nightclubs and hotels lining the flashy boulevard and dine at restaurants run by celebrity chefs. Next, head to the Neon Museum to wander through an outdoor graveyard filled with neon signs from the city’s golden age. Take a tour around sunset to see some of the displays light up. Not far is the Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall with free live music and Viva Vision light shows. If that’s not enough excitement for you, take a ride on SlotZilla, the slot machine-inspired zipline that whizzes like a bullet through the promenade.

4. Boulder City

Drive 27 miles • 30 minutes

Make Boulder City your launchpad for exploring two of Nevada’s most popular attractions. Hoover Dam is just 15 minutes away and offers guided tours that give you exclusive access to original construction tunnels. A few miles away, Lake Mead National Recreation Area contains many bodies of water so you can enjoy everything from boating and fishing to swimming and rafting. On land, you’ll find numerous hiking trails that bring out the peaceful beauty of the Mojave Desert.