Las Vegas for exploration

[29palms]

I've come to think of Las Vegas as not only a great hanging out haven to kick back, enjoy, gamble, relax whatever, but also for exploring the desert Southwest area. Why not, rentals are fair, and so are hotel rates for the most part. The flights to Vegas always seem doable. We've never been stuck there and there seems to always be a wide open flight. Caifornia, Nevada, Arizona, Utah all close by with interesting geographical parks, with interesting desert fauna, rock formations and wildlife. I have yet to hit he Grand Canyon, even though I see it from the air everytime fly into Vegas. I understand its about 4 hours to there. Somebody at work was telling me about VALLEY OF FIRE outside of Las Vegas, heading on I-15 north about 58 miles. I was checking it out online and on the map, I know where I'll go next time I head out to Vegas. Anyone check out surroundings of Las Vegas? Any tips?

[29palms]

Here's an under- estimated tune that doesn't get much respect anymore in the radio world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZU-9KoGp8w

[29palms]

Here is a very forgotten tune. Here take this. Get some culture brought to you in courtesy of JACKSON BROWN.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMjLK7bhgQw

[Tony757]

I lived in Vegas for about 7 months back when National Airlines was operating (not the original National, but the one that flew all 757's). I can recommend Valley of Fire for sure! The outlet mall at the south end of the strip, past McCarran, is pretty good. I still go there when I need to restock the work clothing lol. Also in other news, I hear Bill's Gaming Hall closed (used to be Barbary Coast). Some other swanky joint is going in there now.

[29palms]

What about UTAH? I see on the map, its only a short drive to ZION NATIONAL PARK. Have you gone there? I'm thinking of doing that run next trip, stopping by the Valley of Fire.

[29palms]

That outlet mall is pretty nice. They have some cheap shirts there, I picked up about three shirts for under 8 bucks a piece. I think the mall is called the PREMIUM OUTLETS. It's ok. Not really a big deal. I hate malls but in Vegas, its a bit different for the moment.

[Migflanker]

What about UTAH? I see on the map, its only a short drive to ZION NATIONAL PARK. Have you gone there? I'm thinking of doing that run next trip, stopping by the Valley of Fire.

I visited Zion a couple of years ago. It’s about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Vegas,
We stayed in Springdale at the Desert Pearl Inn, (riverside room) right outside the park.
I had a comfy bed, a nice warm shower, fridge, microwave, internet and every morning I walked down the road and had a very nice breakfast at Oscar‘s Café. There’s a free shuttle right outside the door that takes you down to the park’s entrance.
Our traveling buddies “the Daniel Boone Brigade”, pitched a tent in the park- no hookups, no showers.
They slept in sleeping bags, ate lots of fig bars, vanilla wafers, instant potatoes and something in silver pouches that nobody every talked about.
They also had a nice bottle of wine!
We all went hiking everyday - I brought sandwiches, which by the third day the “brigade” were most grateful for.
Great hiking, I really liked the Emerald Pool (middle) trail. Daniel Boone, minus the brigade, really liked hiking the trail to Angels Landing (about 5 miles round trip) a 1,500 foot ascent with huge drops-offs, there are chain railing sections -serious stuff.
Tip- stop in Vegas on the way back ( steam rooms, saunas, massages)

[Migflanker]

Also in other news, I hear Bill's Gaming Hall closed (used to be Barbary Coast). Some other swanky joint is going in there now.

Bill’s closed, wonder if I can pick up one of those tacky chandeliers.

[29palms]

Sounds good. I think I'll make it a trip there next run to Vegas. I like the idea of getting a motel in Springdale and running with the shuttle, jump on jump off idea to check out the sites. I will probably do one day of this so don't plan on walking 5 miles in steep inclines however, I'm sure there will be plenty of walking either way you look at this. As whenever you end up in a park. The Daniel Boone's brigade must have come out of that park quite pungeant smelling. Like Marines coming out of the field on maneauvers. Let me get this straight. If you want to go camping, it cost 16 dollars per campsite? Or is it per person, plus the fare to get into the park. No showers....ok, I get that you can get outstanding views, feel as though you're part of the geography, and jump in the river or whatever, but for a few bucks more, I got privacy, showers, toilets, breakfast at a local motel. Aint gotta worry about snakes, bears, some whacko scoping out your things.

[Migflanker]

We stayed in Springdale at the Desert Pearl Inn, (riverside room) right outside the park.
I had a comfy bed, a nice warm shower, fridge, microwave, internet and every morning I walked down the road and had a very nice breakfast at Oscar‘s Café.

I forgot to mention I also had a nice view of the river.