Las Vegas Attractions: Volcano at the Mirage

Several times each evening the peaceful lake and waterfall in front of the Mirage Hotel Casino in Las Vegas transforms into a violent - and spectacular - erupting volcano. The 54-foot high structure spews fire and smoke more than 100 feet into the air and turns the volcano's serene waterfall into a savage lava flow. Don't worry, though; it's all in good - Las Vegas style - fun. The attraction, opened in 1989, was one of the first of the city's lavish outdoor attractions. The Volcano at the Mirage has recently been reworked by the Wet Design people, who operate the popular Fountains at Bellagio attraction, and is bigger and better than ever.

The show is free and begins each hour, on the hour, every day from 7pm until midnight, although the resort occasionally cancels the show due to high winds or inclement weather. Arrive about ten minutes before the hour for the best view. By the way, that Pina Colada smell: it's piped in by the resort to mask the natural gas fumes created by the attraction. Cocktail anyone?