Flashing lights, ringing bells, concerts and flashy performances - all of these are signs of the glitz and glam that make Las Vegas the stuff of dreams.
But sometimes the lights and glamour get to be too much.
Perhaps it's time to take a day off, get back to nature, and get a hold of reality.
Fortunately, there are many beautiful and fascinating places to go within a day's trip of Las Vegas.
If you enjoy the mountains, take an hour's trip north of the big city to the Mt.
Charleston Scenic Byway.
This 36 mile route takes you into the east end of the Spring Mountains to the highest elevations in southern Nevada.
Be sure to bring some warm clothes as the temperatures average 20 degrees cooler than down in Las Vegas.
There is even skiing available at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.
For a totally different experience, try driving 15 miles out of the city to Nevada's first National Conservation Area, Red Rock Canyon.
A visitor's center, operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), offers information about the unique geology, ecology, and recreational opportunities in the canyon.
The 13 mile long, one-way Backcountry Byway is fully paved and offers opportunities to experience desert wildlife, red and cream sandstone formations, petroglyphs and waterfalls.
Designated stops allow you to get out of the vehicle for a picnic lunch or a hike through the wilderness.
Following Red Rock Canyon Road eventually leads to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, where you can tour the historic ranch buildings and learn about its history.
Check out the Wilson Cemetery, the Sandstone Cabin, the Blacksmith's Shop, the Ranch House, and many other historical attractions.
About 30 minutes northeast from Las Vegas lies the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway.
This byway is 8 miles long and is located in Nevada's largest and oldest state park, the Valley of Fire State Park.
Because of intense summer heat, it is recommended that you only use this byway during the milder fall, winter and spring seasons.
Named for its shifting shades of red, brown and orange rock, the Valley of Fire is best seen just after sunrise or sunset.
Enjoy beautiful views of formations such as Rainbow Vista, Piano Rock, and Arch Rock.
The route continues to White Domes Road, where the huge white domes of rock form a marked contrast to the redder tones surrounding them.
Another interesting rock formation can be seen along Silica Domes Road.
There are many interesting hiking routes throughout the Valley of Fire State Park.
You can get a close-up look at many of the amazing rock formations and even see some native petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and along Mouse's Tank.
When traveling in the southern regions of Nevada, remember that the climate is very hot in the summer with temperatures over 100 degrees.
The desert lands may seem empty at times, but be aware that they are quite fragile, and can be damaged by careless visitors.
Stay on approved routes, stop at designated stopping points, and take out any garbage that you bring in with you.
All plants, animals, rocks, and minerals are protected by state law - you cannot take them with you, so enjoy them where they are, and take pictures.
Likewise, any Native American artifacts that you find must remain where you found them.
If you take care of the environment it will remain healthy and ready for those who follow you.
But sometimes the lights and glamour get to be too much.
Perhaps it's time to take a day off, get back to nature, and get a hold of reality.
Fortunately, there are many beautiful and fascinating places to go within a day's trip of Las Vegas.
If you enjoy the mountains, take an hour's trip north of the big city to the Mt.
Charleston Scenic Byway.
This 36 mile route takes you into the east end of the Spring Mountains to the highest elevations in southern Nevada.
Be sure to bring some warm clothes as the temperatures average 20 degrees cooler than down in Las Vegas.
There is even skiing available at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.
For a totally different experience, try driving 15 miles out of the city to Nevada's first National Conservation Area, Red Rock Canyon.
A visitor's center, operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), offers information about the unique geology, ecology, and recreational opportunities in the canyon.
The 13 mile long, one-way Backcountry Byway is fully paved and offers opportunities to experience desert wildlife, red and cream sandstone formations, petroglyphs and waterfalls.
Designated stops allow you to get out of the vehicle for a picnic lunch or a hike through the wilderness.
Following Red Rock Canyon Road eventually leads to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, where you can tour the historic ranch buildings and learn about its history.
Check out the Wilson Cemetery, the Sandstone Cabin, the Blacksmith's Shop, the Ranch House, and many other historical attractions.
About 30 minutes northeast from Las Vegas lies the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway.
This byway is 8 miles long and is located in Nevada's largest and oldest state park, the Valley of Fire State Park.
Because of intense summer heat, it is recommended that you only use this byway during the milder fall, winter and spring seasons.
Named for its shifting shades of red, brown and orange rock, the Valley of Fire is best seen just after sunrise or sunset.
Enjoy beautiful views of formations such as Rainbow Vista, Piano Rock, and Arch Rock.
The route continues to White Domes Road, where the huge white domes of rock form a marked contrast to the redder tones surrounding them.
Another interesting rock formation can be seen along Silica Domes Road.
There are many interesting hiking routes throughout the Valley of Fire State Park.
You can get a close-up look at many of the amazing rock formations and even see some native petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock and along Mouse's Tank.
When traveling in the southern regions of Nevada, remember that the climate is very hot in the summer with temperatures over 100 degrees.
The desert lands may seem empty at times, but be aware that they are quite fragile, and can be damaged by careless visitors.
Stay on approved routes, stop at designated stopping points, and take out any garbage that you bring in with you.
All plants, animals, rocks, and minerals are protected by state law - you cannot take them with you, so enjoy them where they are, and take pictures.
Likewise, any Native American artifacts that you find must remain where you found them.
If you take care of the environment it will remain healthy and ready for those who follow you.
SHARE
