What Happens in Las Vegas – More than you ever imagined
June 11, 2009
The Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada
Outside of the flashing lights, spectacular fountains, and posh hotels lies a quieter, wilder place that many people traveling to Las Vegas never see.
Millions of people flock to Las Vegas every year for a chance to strike it rich, monetarily. It’s what Vegas is known for to most of the world, but if you are looking for something else from Las Vegas, what lies outside of the city is some of the most amazing scenery and opportunities the United States has to offer.
Red Rock Canyon
Natural wonders abound in this desert climate. Red Rock Canyon just 15 miles west of Las Vegas and is almost 200,000 acres of land protected as a National Conservation Area. Easily seen from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon is visited by over a million visitors each year.
What makes this area so spectacular to see is the what it is named for, its red sandstone peaks popular for hikers and climbers. Its highest point is La Madre Mountain at 8,154 ft. It is Nevada’s first National Conservation area and offers scenic drives, hiking trails picnic areas, a visitor center and even a campground for those who prefer to rough it.
The history of the Red Rock area is filled with native peoples due to its geography. It offers water and shelter that before civilization arrived, didn’t exist in the surrounding desert. From as early as 900 A.D., Native Americans have been living in the area as noted by the numerous petroglyphs and pottery fragments that have been discovered in the area.
Red Rock is a part of the Mojave Desert and is home to over 600 plant species in an otherwise harsh barren landscape. What makes it spectacular are the complex geologic features that surround. The Red Rock area is an ancient seabed exposed to air which literally caused it to rust, hence the red coloration.
With a host of activities to participate in, Red Rock Canyon is a trip in and of itself. If you are looking for horseback riding, hiking, camping, or some of the best rock climbing you can imagine, you should definitely consider Red Rock Canyon as the place to visit.
Of course there are other amazing natural or man made places to visit in the Las Vegas area if gambling is not what you crave.
Valley of Fire State Park
Another wonderful place to visit is the Valley of Fire State Park. Also near to Las Vegas and filled with stunning red cliffs and natural wonders, Valley of fire is littered with rock drawings, unique rock formations and camping facilities as well.
Ghost towns, Springs, four wheeling, sky diving, the Hoover Dam, Canyons and waterfalls abound in this spectacular area, consider Las Vegas a destination worth visiting for your next vacation, you won’t be disappointed.
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What Happens in Las Vegas – More than you ever imagined…
Outside of the flashing lights, spectacular fountains, and posh hotels lies a quieter, wilder place that many people traveling to Las Vegas never see….