Cool places to run series: Las Vegas

Las Vegas - believe it or not, has much more to offer than just casinos.
If you haven't explored Red Rock National Conservation Area or Valley of Fire, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam than you haven't seen Las Vegas like you should.

Runs I did in Vegas
29 Half Marathons
3 30-mile (48 km) runs
2 16-mile (25 km) runs
2 50-mile (80 km) ultra marathons
1 50-mile (80 km) on wooden shoes :)

Vegas is surrounded by beauty and here are some of my favorite running areas

Red Rock Canyon is a great way to experience running in the Mojave Desert, only 17 miles from the Strip. This 185,000 acre National Conservation Area 30 miles of trails, dirt roads, (many of them run-able), and a 13-mile Scenic Drive loop. I like the scenic loop, since it is a road and it is only a one-way lane so you don't need to worry about upcoming traffic. There are beautiful views, and the light hitting the rocks, especially early or late in the day, is a sight to see. Your best bet is to park and choose a section of the loop road, or one of the trails. The 6-mile White Rock Loop, and the 11-mile Grand Circle Loop are popular trail runs. Note: restrooms, but few other facilities once inside the park. Bring water because are no shops once you leave the entrance area.

Lake Mead national Park
Great location for running. Not too hilly - just a few minor climbs when following the road.
The terrain looks desolate and when running alone, you indeed feel desolate and deserted.
Not a lot of traffic once you leave the campground area at the beginning of the park.

Valley of Fire
Great area for running with some nice roads, trails and dirt roads but keep in mind that this is not close by the Strip. If you want to go for a scenic run when staying on the strip and you have a car: Red Rock is the closest park and my fave