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 Although competition from online casinos is increasingly strong with nonstop offers for players such as promotions from Borgata, Las Vegas remains the world's mecca for gambling lovers, where fans of roulette, slot machines and blackjack dream to go at least once in a lifetime. But if you are visiting this place, it could as well be because you already know that around this sleepless city there are also wonderful places to discover.
Not more than 20 miles from the lively center of Las Vegas, not far from the bustle and the artificial lights of the Strip, there is a wonderful natural park whose trademark, needless to say, is the red rock typical of this area. Red Rock Canyon is in fact a natural stage where it is possible to admire splendid formations of red rock, inserted in a surreal and rather fascinating scenery. The Keystone Thrust Fault is undoubtedly the most interesting geological element of the canyon. According to studies by scientists interested in the area, this fault was formed approximately 65 million years ago, when two crust plates collided with such force that one of the plates was pushed even over the earth's crust. The fault is clearly indicated by the sharp contrast between the grey limestone and the red sandstone. There are many hikes to take. If you are an expert, we strongly advise you to hike to Turtlehead Peak trail. Don't take this route lightly, because it is a hike that tests even the most experienced hikers: some points of the climb on the rocks are complex, but the view from the top of Turtlehead Peak is worth all the effort. Calico Tanks is a real lesson in geology and prehistory in the open-air right in the heart of the canyon, between strange rock formations and narrow paths in the shade of its red walls. One of the most intriguing excursions in Red Rock Canyon is the Ice Box Canyon trail. After a nice bit of walking in the desert, you will arrive near the most covered area of the canyon, where you will find small natural pools and waterfalls. If the area of Ice Box Canyon is relatively refreshing, it is also true that to reach it you have to suffer a bit of heat during the warmer months: equip yourself accordingly, bringing a good reserve of water. The trailhead is 7.7 miles from the Visitor Center. If you are a family and want to choose easy paths, we recommend two other trails. From Calico Hill you can reach two different and very evocative viewing points, easily accessible by all. Also, the Moenkopi Loop is an easy path that starts from the Visitor Center and progresses along a desert area of the park, where you can enjoy the reddish panorama of the Wilson Cliffs, walking between Triassic fossils and stubby cacti on the side of the path. You can walk through the loop and return to the Visitor Center or follow the path along the area of Calico Hills that we mentioned earlier.  The Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon and the Valley of Fire are some of the most picturesque natural and human-made wonders of the world. These locations are all within a comfortable driving distance from the city of Las Vegas and offer a unique contrast to the glitz, glamour and bright lights of Sin City. Many people make Las Vegas the destination for their vacation every year, whether it be a short break from somewhere else in the United States, or a holiday of a lifetime from somewhere else in the world. For many, the lure of the casinos and the opportunity to practice their poker playing is all they need from Vegas. For many others, the city's surroundings are just as attractive and for those looking for an opportunity to explore, the hot springs are a great location. What are Hot Springs? There are many hot springs in the world, and although there is no universally agreed definition, a broad description is that they are bodies of water, where the water is heated geothermically (from the warmer rocks underneath). Common places to find hot springs are around volcanoes. There are around eight hot springs around Las Vegas and over 20 in the whole state of Nevada. Hiking Tour From Las Vegas There are several options for hiking tours from Las Vegas, with hikers picked up directly from their hotel. Tours to the Hot Springs are a great option for those looking for something unique. Tours generally don’t run in the summer months of June, July and August as these are the hottest months in Nevada. For the rest of the year, tours take place daily, although times vary slightly depending on the season. The tours offer excellent opportunities to admire the local wildlife, soak in the geothermal pools, and relax with a picnic lunch (there’s nowhere around you can buy food from, so picnic is your only choice). The hike will take you along volcanic rock formations and loose desert sand, with some steep inclines in sections. Although the path is not technically very challenging and suitable for beginners, it should be noted that it will be physically demanding for anyone not used to such activities. Of course, you’ll have time to rest and relax in the hot springs, as well as on the ride back to the city. Lake Mead  The hot springs are located in Black Canyon, near to Lake Mead. The lake was formed after the creation of the Hoover Dam and water from the Colorado River flowed into the area. The lake supplies water to several US states and to some parts of Mexico and is the largest reservoir in the United States of America. Black Canyon The Black Canyon is located on the state line between Arizona and Nevada, having been formed 15 million years ago. Hiking through this area to reach the Hot Springs will see you navigate your way down the canyon walls to rich the pools of the hot springs, as well as explore along the riverside.
Hiking in this area can be a fantastic experience for both experienced and beginner hikers. The Hot Springs provide a great combination of different elements, including great views and hiking through beautiful scenery. Whatever your experience level, make sure to carry plenty of water, food, gloves for the ropes you will use, and other supplies with you, but be rest assured since you’ll be under the supervision of a guide. Most importantly, make sure to have fun! For many people, hiking provides them with the ultimate adventure. This is something you can do on your own, with a partner, with friends, and even with family members. When you go hiking, you can enjoy a totally unique outdoor adventure that lets you get close to nature, enjoy the wholesome fresh air, spend time outdoors, and enjoy a variety of new experiences.
In order to make the most of your hiking trip, you do need to ensure you have the right equipment and gear to take along with you. By planning ahead and getting yourself organized, you can take the stress out of the whole process and ensure you have everything you need for an exciting and memorable hiking trip. Some of the Key Items You Need So, what are the key items you need for your hiking trip? Well, first off, you should make sure you have a good, high quality backpack so you can carry all the items you need to take along with you with ease. There are plenty of different options available with bags of all sizes on the market. So, finding the right one for your needs won’t be an issue. You also need to make sure you have the right clothing for your camping trip, which means taking along a raincoat in case of bad weather as well as buying clothes that you can layer so you can add or remove as necessary. A good pair of hiking boots is essential, as these provide you with practicality as well as comfort when you are hiking. If you are going to be camping over as part of your hiking trip, you need to ensure you have a suitable tent. A pop up one is ideal, as these are lightweight and very easy to put up so you won’t be left struggling. You also need to ensure you have a comfortable sleeping bag for your trip. There are many different sleeping bags you can choose from, so you can find one that fits in with your budget as well as your individual needs. You can get different sizes too so you can choose from single and double bags depending on your needs. If you plan to hike in unfamiliar territory, it is advisable to take along a compass so you can get your bearings while you are on your trip. In addition, make sure you invest in a good, solid water bottle to carry around with you so you can stay hydrated while you are camping and hiking. If you plan to camp for a few days while you are on your hiking trip, make sure you look at extras you may need such as a camping stove for cooking. By planning ahead and making sure you list everything you need, you can ensure you don’t miss any vital items you need for your camping and hiking trip. You can then make the most of your outdoor adventure and enjoy a really memorable and exciting experience in the great outdoors. 
Hiking Las Vegas Blog won another award, the Western Travel Blogs Award 2018. Hiking Las Vegas began blogging before the term blogging became popular. Our first article was all the way back in 1998. Since then we have authored well over 600 articles! We will continue to post articles that help inform all hikers. Real casino with real dealers and make a free bet: Try Novibet This blog covers hikes and routes in Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead Area, Mt. Charleston, Zion, Grand Canyon, The Sierra and other hiking areas in the Southwest. We have found and documented many routes in Red Rock Canyon and Mt. Charleston. We also authored the book: Hiking Las Vegas, an Amazon best seller and are the creators of the 52 Peak Club. The 52 Peak Club helps you hike to the best 52 Peaks around Las Vegas. No more getting lost! Each time you hike to a peak with the 52 Peak Club you earn an unique card. Your goal: earn all 52 cards by hiking all 52 Peaks. During your journey you will overcome your fears, push yourself more than you thought possible, and have the time of your life. Our YouTube channel has over 300 hiking videos. You can find articles on the blog by clicking on the month (to the right) or the categories. You can search the site in the upper right corner and also connect with our Facebook hiking group page and our YouTube channel. You can also become a VIP member of this website where you will have access to over 400 hiking guides throughout the US. Think of it as an ebook that's well over 2,000 pages! Of course you don't have to download all the hikes at once. You can download the hikes that you want to do. The hikes will display on any device that can read a PDF file (most devices can).  Cassia Costa is the newest 53er in the 52 Peak Club. To become a 53er a hiker must be a member of the 52 Peak Club and hike to all 52 Peaks with the 52 Peak Club. Hiking to all 52 Peaks means a hiker has hiked over 300 miles and gain 120,000 feet in elevation! This is not an easy thing to do. There is no time limit to become a 53er. Some hikers have done it in less than six months; others have taken six years! There are now 155 hikers who have earned the status of a 53er. Cassia was determine to become a 53er in spite of her difficulties. She could only hike once a week at most and fought asthma and allergies. She was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to the United States when she was 22. She lived in New York City and California before moving to Las Vegas. Cassia has two beautiful daughters and loves living in the United States. She had mixed feelings of excitement, accomplishment, and happiness when she became a 53er. She told me, "It was the biggest physical challenge I ever experienced. I now feel a lot more confident, my fitness level is at its best, I feel much stronger and I have now learned how to control my fears." Her advice to new hikers: Listen to the leaders, never hike ahead of them and don't think you know more than they do. No matter how many hikes you have done, leaders can help you reach the peaks and make the hikes easier and safer for you if you listen to them. The video below is Cassia receiving her 53er Plaque on Charleston Peak. Welcome to the 53er Club, Cassia. Good work.
 Palm Springs has long been a sought-after vacation destination for the rich and famous. It’s no wonder that hiking may not initially come to mind when imagining an escape to this city in the Sonoran desert. However, within a 60-mile radius of Palm Springs, CA., area, you can find an abundance of scenic desert hikes, which is why it's fast becoming a favorite hiking destination. In fact, hikers come from around the world to take advantage of the luxurious Palm Springs vacation rentals while testing their fitness on some of the country’s greatest hikes. The following are six hikes that will encourage you to start planning your next trip to Palm Springs. 1. Lost Palms Oasis TrailThis 7.2-mile-long trail is of a moderate difficulty and will take roughly four hours for the average hiker to complete. Located on the southern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park, which is roughly one-hour from the heart of Palm Springs, this trail cuts through low mountains and offers spectacular views of wildflower, unique desert shrubs, and the famous palm trees for which the trail is named. It also travels along several fault lines, and you'll notice water seeping to the surface in some spots. At some of the viewing points along the journey you'll be able to see the region’s surrounding mountains, such as the San Jacinto Mountains located to the west. This hike is best in the cooler spring, fall, and winter months, as the heat can be oppressive in summertime. No matter the season, it’s essential to bring enough water for the entire journey. It’s also important to note that pets are not allowed on this trail.  Photo credit: oliver.dodd 2. Willis Palms TrailThere are more than 25 miles of hiking trails in the Coachella Valley Preserve, and the Willis Palms Trail is a must-try. It's a 4.5-mile loop and is great for beginner to intermediate-level hikers. The Willis Palms Trail is one of several oases that can be found by venturing along the San Andreas Fault. Take your time to spot some of the 183 bird species and rare lizards, and you can complete this hike in just a few hours. 3. Palm Springs Museum TrailIf you're visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, you may want to give yourself a little extra time to complete the Palm Springs Museum Trail. It's located behind the north parking lot of the museum and is a free hike that's just two scenic miles in length. However, with a 900-foot gain in elevation, you'll want to make sure you have proper hiking shoes and plenty of water. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy spectacular views of the city and valley from the top. This is the ultimate hike for a day you don’t feel like venturing too far from the heart of Palm Springs.  Photo credit: Tips for Travellers 4. Palm Canyon TrailThis trail takes hikers through the jungle-like river bottom of Palm Canyon, but it ends in the backcountry High Desert plateaus. The 6-mile hike offers a range of natural settings in a single journey. As you travel up to the plateau, you'll experience postcard-worthy views of the desert and the city of Palm Springs behind. A variety of waterfalls and exotic pools fed by small streams pass through rock gorges, creating an oasis type setting in an area known for desert sun and heat. The trading post at the start of the trail is a great place to have lunch upon your return. 5. Spitler Peak TrailThe Spitler Peak Trail is a strenuous hike for adventurers who are well prepared and experienced on more difficult treks. You’ll hike more than 2,000 feet in elevation and a 12.3-mile out and back journey. For less experienced hikers, it's recommended to complete three miles and then turn back along the same route. However, this difficult hike, which intersects the Pacific Crest Trail, is well worth the effort for those who are ready. The trail explores the San Jacinto Mountains to the west and east along Thomas Mountain and Garner Valley. The scenic journey makes for a great mountain experience and is available to hike year-round. Of course, the cooler months are best for this physically demanding hike.  Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/palm-springs-california-mountains-198917/ 6. Big Split Rock Slot Canyon WalkaboutThis six-mile hike takes about three hours to complete, but it's an easy hike and is great for hikers of all ability levels. The Mecca Hills, created by the convergence of fault lines, are located in the northeast corner of the Coachella Valley.
Hikers will notice contorted, compressed land with vibrant colors due to the high mineral content of the soil. The hike involves passing through a slot canyon and you'll get to see a San Andreas Fault fracture close-up. Get an early start when you choose this hike as it can get hot during midday. Whether you're an experienced hiker or are just getting started, the Palm Springs area offers a variety of hikes to fill your vacation with adventure. Choose a simple walking trail to get started or try one of the more challenging hikes to take in the picture-perfect views from mountain vistas. Be sure to plan ahead and carry plenty of water, snacks, and supplies, and you’ll have an unforgettable time on any of these trails and the countless others in the area. We look forward to seeing you out there!  If you are not into gambling, visiting Las Vegas for more than three days can start to get boring. After two days you start to get fed up, because the sparkling lights and excesses of sin city can become a bit heavy. When there is nothing to do, I like to visit hiking destinations. I cannot spend the day at the pool knowing that near Las Vegas there is a wonderful world to discover. Below are tips on some Las Vegas Hiking areas to change your American trip to the adventurous side. Let’s begin! How to get around in Las Vegas? The best way to visit Las Vegas Hiking areas is definitely renting a car, you have a lot of freedom and it is also convenient economically. I decided to compare car rentals at Las Vegas Airport via Holiday Autos. I wanted to have a car and did not want to rely on expensive shuttle services or taxis. The experience was amazing and I saved a lot of money customizing everything I needed. I had a blast!  Red Rock Canyon Red Rock Canyon is 40 km (24 miles) west of Las Vegas. A National Conservation Area which, as the name indicates, hosts a series of red rock formations. The most popular activities are hiking and climbing, since there are many walls that reach almost 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) in height. Entering the park currently costs $15 per vehicle.  Lake Mead Lake Mead is also not far from Las Vegas, it's about 60 km (37 miles). It is a large artificial lake created thanks to the Hoover Dam, which lies on the border between Nevada and Arizona and which takes water from the Colorado River, the same that flows into the heart of the Grand Canyon. The area, a National Recreation Area, is very popular with those who want to relax for a few days by camping and fishing. There are some very scenic hikes around Lake Mead. Entering the park currently costs $20 per vehicle. Valley Of Fire State Park The Valley of Fire State Park is a little further, about 90 km (55 miles) northeast of Las Vegas. It is a protected area, a valley characterized by the massive presence of rocks whose colors range from deep red to straw yellow. A mix of warm colors that makes the landscape really interesting. Entering the park currently costs $10 per vehicle. Death Valley  Heading west (241 km - 150 miles), into California, we find the fantastic national park of Death Valley that offers lunar landscapes. You should always visit with caution as the summer temperatures reach 50 ° C (122 degrees). It is better not to venture too far if you do not know what you are doing. Entering the park currently costs $25 per vehicle.  The Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is one of the preferred destination for those staying in Las Vegas. It is not very close; both the North Rim and the South Rim are about 450km (279 miles), this means that if you make a quick visit, allow at least one night. Undoubtedly the Grand Canyon is one of those wonders that all visitors to Las Vegas should see. Entering the park currently costs $35 per vehicle.
 All hikers, especially those who love to travel deep into the woods, face the possibility of getting lost. So, what effective solutions can you employ? You can use a GPS that can provide you the information regarding your location while hiking, which would help you feel safe. There are other tools you can use, such as a rangefinder. Some important factors in choosing a GPS include the unit’s display quality so you can read the GPS under bright light or dark skies. If you like to store waypoints in your GPS, you might want to buy a GPS with a larger memory capacity. Furthermore, you can choose a GPS which is lightweight and waterproof if you know that you are more adventurous and would likely encounter bad weather. After choosing a GPS, here are some ways how you can keep yourself safe when hiking! Using the Distress Signals A GPS usually does not send any information because it is just a radio signal receiver with a logic chip that translates timing signals into Lat-Lon positions. Therefore, unless you buy a GPS that can attach to a cell phone or other transmission devices such as the ACR ResQ Personal Locator Beacons, you would not be able to send out distress signals. There are two kinds of transmitters which you can buy, the personal locator beacons and satellite messengers. Personal locator beacons give out distress signals by utilizing the Distress Alerting Satellite System (DASS). This method can only be used in emergency situations. Usually, we would use the satellite messengers when we are met with dangers. For example, there might be situations where we our hurt and we know that we need help. Satellite messengers can be purchased and used with your GPS to ensure help can be notified if needed. Always Plan Your Hike This is important because scouting would give you the information you need which is useful in emergency situations. By scouting properly with a quality pair of binoculars is also a great idea, a compact & lightweight pair is recommended. you would be able to understand the terrain you will encounter. Use internet resources such as Google Maps to look at topography or aerial views. This would give you a good idea about the landscape you will hike, and you can plan your hike more effectively. You can mark down locations which interests you using waypoints. These waypoints can be transferred to your GPS. When you hike, those waypoints can be used as your reference and the chances of you getting loss would be significantly reduced. Utilizing Different Navigation Methods You can explore different navigation methods that are available in your GPS and choose the one that is most comfortable to you. This is important because effectively using your GPS can keep you on your route and lower the probability of getting loss. Different navigational methods include navigating by touching 3D locations on your screen or you can follow Point of Interests which you have previously set. If you are not familiar with which navigational method is best for you, experiment! If you get lost, it would be much easier to get back to your route if you use your GPS correctly. Have a Contingency Plan When Traveling A GPS can help you to make important decisions concerning which back-up plan you should use. Psychologically, a GPS can help keep you calm whenever you feel lost, which would aid you in making clear-headed decisions on how to get back on route. Also, a GPS assists you by informing you of your position, the orientation you are heading and by providing feedback on whether you are travelling to your intended destination. All of this information is imperative because missing any of them could mean that you are travelling the wrong way. Your coordinates, which is the latitude and longitude, can help you communicate where you are to your friends as well! You might want to seek help from them if they are familiar with your location. Conclusion Learning how to use a GPS can go a long way in keeping yourself safe. Remember that your GPS is only useful if it works. It must be able to get satellite reception and you need to have backup batteries. You should also consider data sharing and how convenient is it to share data with the GPS unit you are using.
With these tips you can reduce your chance of getting lost, and if you do get lost, you can make informed decisions. This will make sure that you are not the next hiker who gets lost and calls Search and Rescue. If you have any other tips on how to use your GPS, feel free to share below! Author Bio: I am John Lewis, a blogger, survivalist and outdoor enthusiast. You can follow me at Epic Wilderness.  History (skip if not interested)Mack's North Peak (9,820 feet) or Mack's Peak North is on the north end of the ridge that runs north to south. On the southern end of the ridge stands the much more popular Mack's Peak (10,033 feet). Both of these peaks are in the Mt. Charleston area, which is 35 west of Las Vegas, NV.
Mack's North Peak was probably first done in 2003. When I did it I found no evidence of anyone being there before: no cairns, no paths, and no sign in book. The original route started from the north via Cold Creek Road. It was a long and bumpy ride on Forest Service road 571, a gravel road which needs a 4WD vehicle to reach the trailhead which is unmarked. The route started off easy following the road and quickly turned into a trail. Once the trail reaches a highpoint you head south along a ridge. There's nothing to exciting until you get to the wall. This is serious Class 4 climb. There are ways to avoid the Class 4 parts of the wall. Georgia is a beautiful country with clean lakes and high mountains, warm sea and endless alpine meadows, rich forests and stormy rivers. Georgia is a country of great opportunities for travelers. You can spend an unforgettable time in a chic five-star hotel with a view of the sea, or enjoy the sunset by the fire in the forest. No matter what your choice will be, we are ready to help you. At this time we will take a virtual tour about the most beautiful and popular national parks in search of interesting trekking routes. Why is it advised to choose national parks for trekking? Of course, there are hundreds of other popular trekking routes around the country, however, if you have limited time and you want to see the beauty of the country, the national park is a perfect option. For more saturated hiking tours in Georgia just contact local tour operators.  Borjomi - Kharagauli National Park Location: Borjomi Area: 85.000 hectares Borjomi health resort is a true paradise of Georgia. It became popular due to its healing mineral waters, clean air, and forests. Today we'd like to tell you about trekking in Borjomi- Kharagauli National Park. It will take more than 10 days to visit all the beautiful corners of the park. The part of the reserve is closed to visitors, but there are nine perfect trekking routes. On the way, there are parking lots with water and places for a fire, where you can organize camping. One of the trekking routes takes up to the Mount Lomi, which offers the best view of the park and the Caucasian Range. The national park of Borjomi-Kharagauli is a vast subtropical forest. In such a beautiful park with the pure air and virgin nature, you can spend the night in a tent, and meet the dawn with the singing of birds.  Mtirala National Park Location: Adjara, Chakvi Area: 6.000 hectares Mtirala National Park is located in the Black Sea resort of Adjara, 30 km away from Batumi. Most of the territory is a subtropical forest. Due to the high humidity and mild climate, the flora of the national park is one of the most diverse in Georgia. Once in a park, you will feel in a fairy tale with virgin nature. In the deep forests of the park, you can find small lakes that look like from popular pictures of rainforests. The waterfall of the park is even more exciting. Looks cool to swim. There are two routes for trekking in the park. One path leads to the lake and the waterfall along the Kolkhide forest. The second one is longer and more complicated, it passes through the wild forests.  Kazbegi National Park Location: Mtskheta-Mtianeti Area: 8.707 hectares Kazbegi Reserve is considered one of the most visited parks in Georgia. It is located on the bank of the Terek River, on the northern slope of the Caucasian ridge. On a large territory of the park, there are forests with more than 150 species of trees and plants, a great variety of fauna, historical monuments, and, of course, the ultimate, indescribable view of the Kazbegi mountain. The most of the park is covered with alpine meadows, mountain ranges and impenetrable rocks. The best season for trekking in the park is in summer. In the mountains, it is never hot for day trips. Winters here are severe.  Lagodekhi National Park Location: Kakheti Area: 17.818 hectares Lagodekhi National Park and Reserve is located in the gorge of Lagodekhi, in the north-east of the country, at the foot of the Central Caucasian ridge. The reserve was one of the first in the country. The park is more than 17000 hectares of wild nature including alpine meadows, forests, ponds, several lakes, springs and about thirty waterfalls. There are five routes of trekking along the most picturesque corners of the park. The passage of the longest route takes three days. This trail is suitable for both trekking and horse riding. In the park, you can rent tents for camping or stay at the hostel.  Tusheti National Park
Location: Kakheti Area: 83.000 ha Tusheti National Park is located in the historical region of Tushetia in the north-east of the country. On the territory of the park, there is a nature reserve, a landscape reserve, settlements and historical monuments. The weather in Tusheti is quite severe, and the best season for trekking is summer. Despite the climate, the reserve is characterized by a variety of flora and fauna. There are few water resources on the territory, however the spectacular view of the mountains covered with forests is incomparable. There are 11 routes of different length and complexity in the park. The routes pass along the architectural monuments and villages, where you can stop for an overnight. Why should you choose Tusheti National Park for trekking? First of all, it is about the picturesque mountains and nature. Plus, you will get acquainted with the locals and traditions, and at last, you will find out the secret of the longevity of the mountaineers. And lastly, we’d like to note that apart from Georgia hiking in Armenia (the neighboring Caucasian country) will also be an excellent choice. Therefore, we advise you to combine visits to these two countries and have Armenia and Georgia hiking tour. |
AuthorBranch Whitney is the author of Hiking Las Vegas and creator of the 52 Peak Club where members hike to the best 52 Peaks around Las Vegas, NV Archives
October 2018
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