The vision of illuminated casinos dominating the nightlife, clichéd Elvis impersonators and tacky souvenir shops instantaneously comes to mind when the great American city Las Vegas is mentioned.
Popular culture portraying Sin City over the years has continually emphasised that this is in fact the party capital, where spontaneity and the unexpected may happen at any time; recent box office hit The Hangover is the perfect example of this. However, don’t be blinded by the bright lights. If we take away the slot machines, wedding chapels and entertainment complexes, what remains is a vast area of formidable landscapes waiting to be explored and the perfect way to do this is most certainly by car.
A 60 mile drive from Las Vegas, the breathtaking Valley of Fire State Park awaits you. Shaped by incredible sandstone formations and painted in luscious shades of reds and oranges, this part of spectacular Nevada scenery will leave you lost for words. Here you’ll be able to go on hikes and discover rocks dating to over 150 million years old. In addition, a rare opportunity to see Native American petroglyphs, carved rock murals created by Anasazi Pueblo farmers (ancient people that once lived in the area), makes any trip here all the more special. Getting here is straightforward; simply take the I-15N from Las Vegas and then follow the Valley of Fire exit.
From one geological wonder to another, the Red Rock canyon is a beautiful conservation area of large red rock formations and sandstone peaks known as the Keystone Thrust. Located only 20 miles away from Las Vegas, the Red Rock canyon is a clear juxtaposition to the nearby metropolis. With abundant wildlife, numerous exciting hiking trails and designated picnic areas with enchanting scenery, this is the ultimate getaway from all the chaos. From the Strip, follow Route 159 until you see the entrance.
From natural hot spots to amazing manmade attractions, the Hoover Dam is an essential on any visitor’s list of places to see. Recognised as one of the finest engineering works of all time and attracting a staggering one million tourists annually, there is plenty to do and see here. You can drive across the dam or park your car nearby and walk along the top of it. From these sidewalks, you can view the dam face, the winding Colorado River, the huge towers and also the peaceful Lake Mead. There is also a visitors’ centre and guided tours where you can learn all about this gargantuan landmark. Driving to Hoover Dam is a 30-mile journey southeast from Las Vegas. Take the I-515 in the direction of Henderson and Boulder City. Just after you get to Henderson, the I-515 will become the US 93, which will lead you to Boulder City and once you get here, follow the signs to the dam.
So here you have it, for a true taste of what real America has to discover. Las Vegas car hire will take you there; follow a trail off the beaten track and see Nevada at its purest.
Valley of Fire picture by Bob Haarman.
