Las Vegas is surrounded by some of the most spectacular geology in the American Southwest. Looking outward from the glittering city center, one can see evidence of nearly two billion years of the Earth's history expressed in the rugged mountains that border Las Vegas Valley. Thick sections of limestone, sandstone, and shale, similar to rocks of the Grand Canyon, can be found. There are remnants of volcanoes and the volcanic rocks fill basins formed by faulting in the last few million years. Erosion of these geologic features by wind and water in this desert climate has resulted in the amazing landforms that can be seen today.
Each of the five geologic tours in this newly revised and expanded guidebook takes the traveler to a different area of special geologic interest within a short driving distance of Las Vegas. Travelers can visit one of the three national recreation areas, two Nevada state parks, and even a national wildlife refuge protecting Desert Bighorn Sheep. These tours provide options for side trips, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and even fishing and boating at Lake Mead.
