Las Vegas is well know for the Strip and its casinos, nightclubs, hotels, etc. However, there's another place that isn't quite as well known, but still worth visiting: Red Rock Canyon. Red Rock is on the western outskirts of Las Vegas, near Summerlin and Blue Diamond. I have an annual pass and visit there about once monthly. It's very scenic; a great place for hiking, picnics, rock climbing, or just sitting down and enjoying nature. Though still in the desert, I noticed more greenery at Red Rock than Death Valley.
The drive is a 13 mile scenic one-way loop, and the scenery changes from beginning to end. At the beginning is the Calico Hills area, which is probably why this place is called Red Rock. This area features really interesting red rock formations, with some bushes interwined. I hiked the Calico Hills trail (most recently in June) and noticed many yellow wild flowers.
Another trail I really like to hike is Sandstone Quarry. I really enjoyed how rock formations came up to the hiking trail without being too steep, so I could climb up on the rocks and get great views. This is a less strenuous trail, though the hiking path is covered with smaller rocks. If you're looking for more of a leisurely hike, this trail is worth checking out. There was a light rain, which created a really nice scent and enjoyable sensation, since this was in July.
I also really enjoyed hiking the Icebox Canyon trail. If you go at certain times of the year, there's a waterfall. I went in February of last year, and saw a beautiful three level waterfall.
Toward the end of the scenic loop, there's more greenery, including an area with many pine trees. That's something I appreciate about Red Rock Canyon, how it combines the desert atmosphere with different types of vegetation not always found in deserts. At the beginning of each hiking path, there's a sign saying the difficulty levels, with paths ranked as easy, moderate, or difficult. Since many of the paths fork in different directions, be very observant of your surroundings and remember your path.
Here's a link to more information:
http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/nv/field_offices/las_vegas_field_office/red_rock/keystone_spring_summer/keystone_2011.Par.15516.File.dat/NEW%20RRC%20Keystone%20vFINAL.pdf.