Fort Union National Monument
(http://www.nps.gov/foun/i...), about 30 miles east of Las Vegas via I-25, preserves the ruins of a major military installation along the Santa Fe Trail. There are interpretive exhibits and a 1.6-mile trail among the ruins. Day use, 7 days a week closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years; $3 fee, Park Pass applies. There are no services near the monument.Santa Fe National Forest
(http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/sfe/) popular destinations near Las Vegas include Gallinas Canyon and Pecos Wilderness. The Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/s...) has full details.Historic Route 66 the "original" version passed just southwest of town. Check its itinerary page for ideas on things to do as you move on from Las Vegas to your next destination east or south.
Villanueva State Park
(http://www.emnrd.state.nm...) is located 38 miles southwest of town. Take I-25 to the Villanueva exit and drive south 15 miles. Well-regarded for its picturesque setting, the park has overnight camping for a fee. The drive on SR 3 south from I-25 is especially appealing for those with a taste for rural Spanish settings.