Nevada has long been known for outdoor pursuits, a place where groups can enjoy golfing, hiking, biking and everything in between. Whether the adventure is in the air, on the water or with feet firmly on (or at least near) the ground, attendees will appreciate getting outside.
Earth
One of the best ways to explore the "Biggest Little City in the World," according to the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, is via a Segway tour with (775.223.4173). After a half-hour training session, the two-hour tour, which is offered twice daily when in season, starts inside the Silver Legacy Resort Casino and covers areas including downtown, the Riverwalk District, California Avenue and Idlewild Park. As participants zip around town, tour guides share information about Reno's history, architecture and popular hangouts.
When convening in Las Vegas, Henderson or Summerlin, groups often partake in tours of the surrounding area, including Hoover Dam, Death Valley, Red Rock Canyon, the Grand Canyon's South Rim, Valley of Fire or Eldorado Canyon via Pink Jeep Tours (888.900.4480). An outing could include a team-building element, and Pink Jeep Tours will work with planners to arrange a customized tour.
Water
Gorgeous Lake Tahoe is one of the first places that come to mind when thinking of water in Nevada. There are a variety of ways for groups to enjoy the largest alpine lake in North America, from kayaking and boating to kicking back on a beach and enjoying the spectacular views.
On the South Shore, Zephyr Cove Resort's Lake Tahoe Cruises (775.589.4906) features three unique ways for groups to get out on the water: the M.S. Dixie II, a Southern-style steamboat; the Tahoe Queen, an authentic paddle wheeler; and the Tahoe Paradise, an upscale yacht. All three vessels are available for private group events.
In North Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor State Park (775.831.0494; ), located just outside Incline Village, is one of Lake Tahoe's most popular beaches. Beach-goers can partake in boating, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving and walks on nature trails. A group use area, set on a pine-dotted, rocky point, accommodates groups of up to 100 people.
In Lake Las Vegas groups might like to try stand-up paddleboarding with outfitter Paddle to the Core (702.335.3036). The sport is fast becoming an alternative to surfing, as it is easier to learn and many participants appreciate the use of a paddle to stay upright on the board. Stand-up paddle boarding is also gaining recognition as a terrific team-building activity, as it allows for camaraderie outside of the meeting room. Rentals and beginner and advanced lessons are available.
In Reno, Sierra Adventures (866.323.8928) provides several ways for attendees to get out on the Truckee River. Kayaking and boogie boarding are among the most popular options, in addition to white-water rafting, a great team-building endeavor that combines lazy and adventurous rapids for people of all skill levels.
Air
Most people are content to gaze upon canyons and other natural sights of beauty from an overlook near their vehicles. Others like to get a bit more up close and personal, such as being suspended from cables in a paragliding harness and floating above the wonderful views.
Easily accessible from Las Vegas and Henderson in nearby Boulder City, Bootleg Canyon Flightlines (702.293.6885) offers just this type of zip lining experience for groups of 12 people. During a 2.5-hour tour, attendees will "fly" from the top of Red Mountain for a total of 1.56 miles.
Mesquite-based Sky Dive Mesquite (702.834.5611) kicks the fear factor up a notch and invites attendees to skydive in tandem from a plane 10,000 to 13,000 feet above the ground. The outfitter says today's skydiving technology is increasingly safer, and that first-time skydivers are allowed to take off after only a few minutes of instruction. After a scenic 15-minute flight upward, participants fall through the sky at 120 miles per hour for approximately 50 seconds until it's time to deploy their parachutes.
Located in the front lobby of Harrah's Laughlin Hotel and Casino is, Laughlin Adventure Tours (702.298.2345), which offers a variety of exciting options for groups, including dune buggy tours, tours to the Grand Canyon Skywalk at the West Rim and air tours from Laughlin to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.
