Las Vegas outdoors

Guides Darren Clarke and Briana Finlay, world-class kayakers, lead overnight camping trips that take participants paddling along the Colorado River. The trips start from Willow Beach Marina in Arizona, south of Hoover Dam.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Kayakers explore the Colorado River. Adventure kayaking trips can be a peaceful endeavor but are also strenuous. Prepare those oblique muscles!  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Darren Clarke kayaks on the Colorado. His outfit will take participants 8 1/2 miles upriver to where hot water pools among rocky canyons. There, they sink in for a natural hot-tub experience.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Calico Hills, 17 miles west of the Las Vegas, has more than 2,000 rock-climbing routes, including easy boulder hops and more difficult climbs. Those who are new at it can benefit from the help of a guide. L.A. Times reporter Hugo Martín climbs the “Magic Bus” at Red Rock Canyon with the help of Mike Ward.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Craggy monoliths attract climbers with ropes and gear. Climbing expert Ward maneuvers easily in Red Rock Canyon.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Hikers and rock climbers in the canyon west of Las Vegas can find shade, and some greenery, between the rock walls.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Flyaway Indoor Skydiving in Las Vegas gives wannabe thrill seekers a chance to feel what it’s like to sky dive. A 120-mph wind tunnel keeps an L.A. Times reporter airborne.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Brett Butler of Indoor Skydiving is airborne. A giant fan driven by a 1,200-horsepower motor keeps participants up in the air for a brief ride. A netted trampoline is underneath.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Family members and friends can watch their adventurer ride the wind at the Flyaway facility, just off the Strip in Las Vegas.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)