$3.6 million Las Vegas home features rock-climbing wall — PHOTOS

Less than a decade ago, most people probably would not have named Las Vegas as an outdoorsy American city, even though it is in the West. It was no Denver, Seattle, San Diego or Salt Lake City. It is too hot, dry, neon, cheesy and suburban. So said the naysayers.

While Vegas is indeed ever-twined with the glitzy worlds of gaming and entertainment — and it does get ferociously at times hot during summer — it has become a true modern outdoor adventure sports town in the past few years.

There are many outdoors amenities in the metropolitan area. The lofty, sandstone walls of Red Rock National Conservation Area have become an internationally renowned rock-climbing destination. Mount Charleston's forested limestone in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area on the city's western horizon draw travelers and residents. The entire valley is ringed and crossed with an impressive network of bike paths.

And of course, this concentration of some 2 million inhabitants is surrounded by national parks in Utah, Arizona and California, all within easy drives.

This natural recreational bounty has changed the contemporary real estate market, says Chris Armstrong, vice president of Olympia Cos. The firm just launched Skye Canyon, a 1,700-acre development in the northwestern part of the valley with close access to Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort, Kyle Canyon, Lee Canyon and Desert National Wildlife Range. Targeted at 9,000 homes to be constructed by Pulte Homes, Woodside Homes and Century Communities, the neighborhood will eventually feature outdoors-oriented amenities such as a bike shop and a lap pool for triathlon training.

"Our geographic location and proximity to Red Rock National Conservation Area, Mount Charleston, Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon make it exciting and enticing for people who have an interest in the outdoors," Armstrong said. "We really see our location as a base camp to the great outdoors."

Armstrong points out that the data are clear: This is definitely a nature-friendly region. The Outdoor Industry Association says 57 percent of Nevada residents are "great outdoors" enthusiasts and 30 percent lead an active lifestyle that includes daily activities such as running, biking, hiking or rock climbing.

This abundance of outdoors activities has made its way into the Las Vegas luxury home market.

Queensridge home has rock-climbing wall

One of the most daring examples of incorporating adventure sports into an upscale home can be found in exclusive Queensridge. There a home has a rock-climbing wall in its living core — the great room. Over the fireplace mantle and a media center, a two-story angled wall is studded with formed handholds and mechanisms for safety ropes and harnesses.

It doesn't look like a sporting wall found in REI or an indoor climbing gym, however. It's classy and well-designed.

"It's done like a piece of art," said Florence Shapiro of Shapiro & Sher Group with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Nevada Properties. "It takes a while before you realize what it is. It's really very pretty."

The 8,691-square-foot, five-bedroom residence is listed at $3.6 million. It also features a huge outdoor sand volleyball court. And, for reliving memories of heliskiing in the Canadian Rockies, it has a helicopter pad.

Road cycling has become increasingly popular in the region recently. With high-performance bike price tags easily reaching into the thousands, it's an activity embraced by many luxury homeowners.

Lake Las Vegas is exceptionally well located for cycling. Most importantly, it's just astride the wonderful River Mountains Loop Trail, a 34-mile circuit that passes through Lake Mead National

Recreation Area, quaint Boulder City and burgeoning Henderson.

Lake Las Vegas homes near hiking and biking trails

A 5,868-square-foot, four-bedroom residence listed by Windermere Prestige Properties at Lake Las Vegas is strategically positioned to access the two-wheel friendly path, says broker Reba St. Clair.

"At Lake Las Vegas, you can easily access the Lake Mead National Recreation Center's hiking and biking trails, the extensive Henderson network or blaze your own path through the surrounding terrain," St. Clair said.

The home has a gorgeous patio and pool area for relaxing after road rallies. It is on the market for $2.475 million.

Another home at Lake Las Vegas is also perfect for adventure sports aficionados and their fellow thrill seekers.

"This particular house is set up for entertaining friends that come to Vegas," said Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty. "It's unique in that it has two casitas."

He adds that one casita has a full kitchen and can accommodate visitors long-term. Additionally, the property has a pool and whirlpool as well as a barbecue-ready patio. There is a theater room. It makes for a fantastic place to watch the Tour de France on television with fellow cyclists. The 3917-square-foot complex is listed at just under $1 million.

A $12.5-million Summerlin home near Red Rock Canyon

Las Vegas is not just for skinny road bike rubber. It's also a hub of fat tire activity. World-class mountain biking can be enjoyed by riders on Blue Diamond Hill. Just east of this trail system is the incredible residence known as CAVU. Looking directly onto the rocky edge of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, this 13,255-square-foot, five-bedroom, three-story postmodern castle is listed at $12.5 million.

"CAVU is the ultimate retreat for the outdoor lover, especially after a day of biking and hiking in the wild Las Vegas desert that's just steps away," said Mark Fitzpatrick, CEO of RUHM Luxury Marketing, the firm representing the mansion located in Summerlin's The Ridges community. 

CAVU is filled with luxuries that active residents will embrace after shredding Blue Diamond's single-tracks, such as a Vichy spa, steam room, built-in massage table and Japanese-style soaking tub. An 1,800-bottle wine cellar and triple beer taps will come in handy after a tough ride, as well.

The Red Rock Canyon hiking trails close to CAVU include Ice Box Canyon and La Madre Springs.

Mount Charleston lodge has high elevation

For serious skiers and mountaineers, living up in the green Spring Mountains is a quintessential choice. In the high-altitude hamlet of Mount Charleston, a deluxe 4,100-square-foot, three-bedroom home designed like a lodge is the preeminent permanent shelter. It looks like a rustic but swanky bit of Sun Valley, Idaho or Jackson Hole, Wyo., was imported to the Mojave Desert.

"You're literally surrounded by the Toiyabe National Forest," said Garry Tomashowski, owner of Mount Charleston Realty, Inc., the listed agent on the property.

"It's the highest located home in Southern Nevada," he said, noting its 9,400-foot elevation in a grove of iconic bristlecone pine trees.

"It has 80-mile views, including downtown Las Vegas and Lake Mead."

It is on the market at $2.75 million.

Henderson home has lazy river

River running is one of the most engaging activities for local adventurers. While Las Vegas is close to the Colorado River, it's impractical for most to visit frequently, especially its famed rapids in Grand Canyon National Park. That's when flowing water in the backyard just might be the perfect stand-in.

A 5,686-square-foot residence in Henderson's Calico Ridge neighborhood has just such a sparkling feature.

"It has a lazy river that goes around a pool with four different waterfalls, plus there's your own private island with a gazebo," said Thomas Dean of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty.

"It's such a unique feature for any home in any price range," he said of the $1.189 million listing.

Finally, for dedicated hikers with an interest in anthropology and history, building a custom home in Henderson's monumental Ascaya might be the route to take. Located on the flanks of the McCullough Hills, it's close to a large trail system. For a more lengthy trek, a few rugged miles to the south lies the ancient rock art of Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. It is a showcase of more than 300 priceless panels of figures incised into the volcanic, stony landscape.

From rock climbing to cycling, modern Las Vegas glitters with luxury real estate for adventure sports lovers.