5 Places to Get off The Las Vegas Strip
I know I come off as a Vegas-hater. I have been here damn near 20 times. I’m over it. However I do have the luxury of having family that’s been living here for about the last 10 years so I’m fully aware of the good stuff to do off the strip. Albeit not being able to make it to any of these places on this trip, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to visit these fun places in the past.
1. Valley of Fire State Park
North of Vegas on the I-15. Numerous hiking trails here, or if you’re lazy you can just drive the road through the the park. You will inevitably pass through here if you are headed to Utah to check out Zion National Park and beyond. So make the stop and come in. It’s better than the strip. Featuring rock formations that look they’ve been set afire and many petroglyphs.
2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
On the outskirts of the city to the west. Another park designed for the active and the lazy-ass so you’re bound to keep everyone happy. It is a 13 mile loop road that has parking around most trailheads and attractions. Many red rock formations and sandstone peaks around the park.
3. Mt. Charleston
North of Vegas on the I-15 (before Valley of Fire). Resort up in the mountains, offers skiing and snowboarding if you happen to be visiting in the winter. Still is a nice summer get away because temperatures are noticeably cooler.
4. Hoover Dam
The giant damn that actually creates Lake Mead. It was built in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. The dam provides electricity for utility companies in Nevada, Arizona and California. Take the US-93 south to get here. Many tours of the dam are offered daily.
5. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
One of largest reservoirs in the country. It is formed by the Hoover Dam blocking the Black Canyon along the Colorado River as mentioned above. A fun place to get out on the water with plenty of boating and fishing along with hiking that can be done around the lake.
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This entry was posted in City Information, Hiking trips., National & state Parks, North America, Travel Advice
