Mount Charleston is about 20-30 degrees cooler than Vegas. It reaches 11,918 feet (3,615 meters) at its highest elevation. Don't feel obligated to climb the whole thing, though; there are plenty of other activities to keep you enthralled while you're there. From horseback riding to skiing to picnicking, Mt. Charleston is a great family getaway. Camping is a great way to experience the trip May through September, but hotels are available year-round. Check out deals for hotel accommodation at eye4vegas (www.i4vegas.com).

Mt. Charleston is a great place for hiking and camping, but you can also opt to stay in one of the area hotels or lodges. Either way, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) offers a 316,000-acre haven to enjoy bird-watching and wildlife-spotting. Bring your camera and get ready to see wild horses, desert tortoises, deer, elk, burros, and even foxes, bobcats, and coyotes. Break out your zoom lens for those last animals, though; you don't want to get too close!

Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, you’ll still have fun; all the trails are clearly marked, and some of them are even paved (specifically for handicapped access, but anyone can use them). Experienced hikers can enjoy more difficult trails, while newbies can stroll along the shorter, less steep paths. For those who still want the view, but not the legwork, visit the Mt. Charleston Riding Stables. The stables offer three-hour tours on horseback through Fletcher Canyon.

Most of the runs are geared toward intermediate skiers (60 percent), but the other 40 percent are split down the middle, with 20 percent of the runs for beginners and advanced. You can book at the LVSSR from Thanksgiving to Easter. Enjoy three power lifts to transport you to the tops of the slopes (in the old days, skiers had to be pulled by ropes and horses).

Too tired to head back? There are great accommodations around the ski area that will give you a great opportunity to get warm, fed, and rest up for the journey back.

The New Mount Charleston Hotel is also an ideal spot for weddings. Get married on their Canyon Terrace in front of the stunning mountain backdrop. If you're looking for incredible wedding photos, this is definitely the location for you. The Hotel also offers a personal wedding coordinator to assist with your arrangements.

• Spring: Expect a mixture of cool and warmer weather as the season transitions from winter.
• Summer: Daytime temperatures are between the 80s and 90s. Nighttime can fall into the 40s. Expect summer thunderstorms. (Very romantic!)
• Fall: Cooler weather to start, season ending in cold air and snow. As the season changes, you can see leaves change color, even from the highway.
• Winter: Just what you’d expect: cold and snow.