Active Pursuits

You need not be a slot-hypnotized slug when you come to Vegas. The city and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities for active sports. In addition to many highly rated golf courses (described above), just about every hotel has a large swimming pool and health club, and tennis courts abound. All types of watersports are offered at Lake Mead National Recreation Area; there's rafting on the Colorado, horseback riding at Mount Charleston and Bonnie Springs, great hiking in the canyons, and much, much more. Do plan to get out of those smoke-filled casinos and into the fresh air once in a while. It's good for your health and your finances.

Bowling

There are a number of serious bowling options listed in this section, but for those who take their strikes less soberly -- more on that in a moment -- there is Lucky Strike at the Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Blvd. (tel. 702/777-7777). It has only 10 lanes, but you don't come to this clublike spot to bowl. You come to eat items like fried mac 'n' cheese and other salty, tasty snacks. This then makes you thirsty for various goofy drinks, such as cotton candy-flavored martinis (the glass is lined with the vibrant spun sugar, and when the drink is poured into it, a curious colored effect appears) or the Mambo for Two, from which dry ice dramatically froths out. You then lounge on some couches and think "Bowling? Eh." Open daily from 2pm to 2am; no one under 21 admitted after 9pm.

More serious bowlers have some good options to choose from. Gold Coast Hotel, 4000 W. Flamingo Rd. (at Valley View; tel. 702/367-7111), has a 72-lane bowling center open daily 24 hours. The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. (tel. 702/365-7111), has 70 lanes, a pro shop, lockers, meeting rooms, and more; it's also open daily 24 hours.

Out on the east side of town, you'll find 56 lanes at Sam's Town, 5111 Boulder Hwy. (tel. 702/456-7777), plus a snack shop, cocktail lounge, video arcade, day-care center, pro shop, and more. Open daily 24 hours.

In 2005, Sunset Station, 1301 W. Sunset Rd., in Henderson (tel. 702/547-7777) added a high-tech 72-lane facility called Strike Zone. It's got all the latest automated scoring gizmos, giant video screens, a full bar, a snack shop, a pro shop, a video arcade, and more.

Up north at Santa Fe Station, 4949 N. Rancho Rd. (tel. 702/658-4900), you'll find a remodeled 60-lane alley with the most modern scoring equipment, new furnishings, a fun and funky bar, a small cafe, and much more. Just down the road is sister hotel Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane (tel. 702/631-8128), with a 60-lane alley, video arcade, billiards, snack bar and lounge, and more. Open 24 hours.

Suncoast, 9090 Alta Dr., in Summerlin (tel. 702/636-7111), offers 64 lanes divided by a unique center aisle. The high-tech center with touch-screen scoring has become a regular stop on the Pro Bowlers tours. Open daily 24 hours.

South Point, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. (tel. 702/796-7400), opened in 2006 and features a 64-lane facility with a similar divided layout to its sister at Suncoast. It has all the latest gee-whiz scoring and automation plus the usual facilities. Open 24 hours.

Desert Hiking Advice

Except in summer, when temperatures can reach 120°F (49°C) in the shade, the Las Vegas area is great for hiking. The best hiking season is November through March. Great locales include the incredibly scenic Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park.

Hiking in the desert is exceptionally rewarding, but it can be dangerous. Here are some safety tips:

1. Don't hike alone.

2. Carry plenty of water and drink it often. Don't assume that spring water is safe to drink. A gallon of water per person per day is recommended for hikers.

3. Be alert for signs of heat exhaustion (headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and cool, damp, pale, or red skin).

4. Gauge your fitness accurately. Desert hiking may involve rough or steep terrain. Don't take on more than you can handle.

5. Check weather forecasts before starting out. Thunderstorms can turn into raging flash floods, which are extremely hazardous to hikers.

6. Dress properly. Wear sturdy walking shoes for rock scrambling, long pants (to protect yourself from rocks and cacti), a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

7. Carry a small first-aid kit.

8. Be careful when climbing on sandstone, which can be surprisingly soft and crumbly.

9. Don't feed or play with animals, such as the wild burros in Red Rock Canyon. (It's actually illegal to approach them.)

10. Be alert for snakes and insects. Though they're rarely encountered, you'll want to look into a crevice before putting your hand into it.

11. Visit park or other information offices before you start out, and acquaint yourself with rules and regulations and any possible hazards. It's also a good idea to tell the staff where you're going, when you'll return, how many are in your party, and so on. Some park offices offer hiker-registration programs.

12. Follow the hiker's creed: Take only photographs and leave only footprints.

Rock Climbing

Red Rock Canyon, just 19 miles west of Las Vegas, is one of the world's most popular rock-climbing areas. In addition to awe-inspiring natural beauty, it offers everything from boulders to big walls. If you'd like to join the bighorn sheep, Red Rock has more than 1,000 routes to inaugurate beginners and challenge accomplished climbers. Experienced climbers can contact the visitor center (tel. 702/515-5350; www.redrockcanyon.blm.gov) for information.

Tennis

Tennis used to be a popular pastime in Vegas, but these days, buffs only have a couple of choices at hotels in town that have tennis courts.

Bally's (tel. 702/739-4111) has eight night-lit hard courts. Fees per hour start at $15 for guests of Bally's or Paris Las Vegas, and $20 for nonguests, with rackets available for rental. Facilities include a pro shop. Hours vary seasonally. Reservations are advised.

The Flamingo Las Vegas (tel. 702/733-3444) has four outdoor hard courts (all lit for night play) and a pro shop. It's open to the public daily from 8am to 5pm. Rates are $15 per hour for guests of The Flamingo, $20 per hour for nonguests. Lessons are available. Reservations are required.