Originally Posted by fflier_9999

I'm thinking of taking my girlfriend to Vegas in early august. I've been once (stayed at Luxor right after it opened), she's never been. She's, how should I put this, not really the "Vegas type", (no all you can eat buffets for her) instead, she's into outdoors-related stuff (hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, etc.). I was wondering about the viability of a vacation where we could spend days hiking/biking and nights on something a bit more cultured. Also, I'd rather not camp. ;-) We'd eat decently well, though we little interest in clubbing or gaming. . .

Anyway, a few questions.

1) Is Vegas too hot in August to spent a significant amount of time outside?
2) Are there any decent places to explore nature in the Vegas area? What's Red Rock like? Lake Mead? Others?
3) Are there decent places to stay around there? Looked at Red Rock Resort, which even has packages, but they seem pricey (biking package, which included 2 nights, bikes, and massages was almost $500). Happy to spend the money, but that, well, seemed expensive for what it gave. Better to stay on the strip and head out? Happy to spend 100-200/night on a room if it buys something worthwhile. . .could FHR help me as well?

Anyway, this is still amorphous to me (still in the planning stages)--any suggestions?

Thanks.