River Rafting in Las Vegas? Maybe not quite in Las Vegas, but close enough to trade the energy and excitement of the Las Vegas strip for the energy and excitement of the Colorado River for a day.It may be hard to imagine having any sort of outdoor adventure in Las Vegas while surrounded by slot machines and buffets, but there’s a good reason why Nevada is billed as one of America’s great outdoor adventure destinations. The rugged beauty of Nevada does extend to Las Vegas, and those who come to Southern Nevada and never leave the casinos are really missing out in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.The 1,450 mile-long Colorado River runs through the borders or states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada. The Las Vegas Colorado Rafting tour actually starts right from the Las Vegas, where adventurers can take a bus from their hotel on the strip. The bus delivers Las Vegas tour ticket holders to Boulder City, which is about 23 miles from Las Vegas. Boulder City is home to Hoover Dam, and the Colorado River Rafting Tour starts as the base of Hoover Dam.Las Vegas Colorado River Rafting participants grab a raft and get in the water for an 11-mile trip down the river. While the Colorado River offers some of the most exhilarating rapids in the world, this part of the Colorado River is calm with not a rapid in sight. Participants won’t be “shooting the rapids,” but the trip down the river offers just the right balance of relaxation and adventure. A trained professional “raft captain” leads the way. Because the river is so calm along this stretch, this rafting trip is ideal for children and people of all skill levels.The lazy ride down the river offers the opportunity to see everything along the way. The scenery along the trip route is breathtaking, and there’s plenty of natural beauty to see. Along with the natural scenery, it’s entirely possible that rafters will see a glimpse of wildlife as well. The Colorado River is filled with rainbow trout and various other types of fish. Along the rocky banks of the river, lucky rafters may spot the Nevada State animal, the majestic Big Horn Sheep. In the air, they may spot hawks and other birds of prey.Along with the flora and fauna that abounds, this area is also richly steeped in history. The Hoover Dam, for example, is a national historic landmark. Lying on the border of Arizona and Nevada, the dam was built in 1935 and is named for U.S. President Herbert Hoover who played an instrumental part in its construction as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.At the end of the rafting portion of the tour, there’s more fun and surprises to look forward to. A delicious box lunch awaits, along more fun and laughs. At day’s end, participants are dropped off in the same spot they were picked up, making this a hassle-free and relaxed day.