hiking, mountain biking, road biking

rock climbing, scenic driving, camping

so many things to do

in Vegas… just not in Vegas.

After my 4-day backpacking trip to Havasupai, I drove back to Vegas for some R&R, you know – the Strip, the casinos, the shows, food and drink, night life, pleasure of the flesh… Nah!!!

I drove straight to Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, 30 minutes away from the Vegas that many people know. I went to the Visitor Center to get some information on what activities are best for this time of year. Camping and hiking were the primary reason why I came here. I saw a lot of cyclists enjoying their scenic bike ride in and out of the park. The park has a 13 mile one-way scenic drive from the park entrance looping around with several viewpoints for sight-seeing and short hikes. This place offers a lot of hiking trails, from short and easy, to long and strenuous. It is also popular among rock climbers, from bouldering to rope-assisted climbs.

I stayed in the Red Rock Canyon Campground for 3 days / 2 nights, doing the Grand Circle hike on the 2nd day. I found a Filipino restaurant in the nearby town, where I had a late lunch on the 1st day. There was also a Jollibee, in another town, where I had (another) late lunch after my hike on the 2nd day. I also bought some take-out for dinner later. I could not believe it could get cold and very windy at the campground. I had to eat my dinner inside the car because it was just too freakin’ windy outside.

Vegas is well known as one of the capital entertainments of the world. But there is another place just outside the city, that is worth visiting. And it’s quiet and beautiful. Just go out and drive away from the allure of the city lights.

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