This trip to Vegas I spent very little time on the “strip” and instead visited some great outdoor areas.
There were many benefits to this the least of which is saving money staying away from the casinos!
Another side of Las Vegas is that there are some great pools for lap swimming. Best of all I found an outdoor 50 meter pool and was able to get in some great morning workouts.
Las Vegas is a sprawling city but is contained by beautiful mountain ranges. Man has been able to crate amazing glitz and glamor in Las Vegas, the architecture, the lights are at times sensory overload. But I still have yet to see anything that can beat the majesty and wonder created by Mother Nature. On the border of the city a wetlands preserve offers visitors getting away from the glitz an opportunity to walk along open space filled with a wide variety of birds.
My next stop was a visit to Lake Mead National Recreation Area where the Ranger at the Visitors Center recommended the Historic Railroad Trail.
The 6 mile trail led through several tunnels that had been built for the railroad that hauled supplies for the building of the Hoover Dam. In it’s heyday this railroad section consisted of 9 steam and 4 gas locomotives as well as 71 railroad workers.
This section was abandoned after the completion of the dam in 1935. Lots of great views of the lake as well as a hike that allowed dogs.
My plan was to leave Las Vegas on December 2nd to head for Death Valley. Fortunately the weather did not cooperate and was calling for wind with gusts up to 40 mph between Vegas and Death Valley.
I say fortunately as this caused me to change my plans and stay in Vegas for an extra day and add another hike to the list. I had visited the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in previous trips to this area.
Another area that allows dogs on the trails, Cory was allowed to come along on the White Rock / La Madre Spring loop trail. I love loop trails and this was an amazing example with wonderful views around the back side of the loop into a beautiful canyon that felt a million miles away from the glitz of Las Vegas.
“Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit.” –Edward Abbey
The Red Rock Conservation Area managed by the Federal Bureau of Land Management is visited by more than two million people each year and offers many recreational opportunities. Only 19 miles from the heart of Las Vegas this area is amazing and should be on your must visit list next time you are here.
Thanks to the wind for keeping me here another day to experience this great trail.
“Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.” Walt Whitman
Next stop – Death Valley National Park
50 meter pool !!! (Natural beauty was nice too.) 🙂 Looking forward to hearing your impressions of Death Valley. I was there last winter about this time. Nights were cold as I recall!