We want to go Off the beaten path in Las Vegas
May 2nd, 2008, 05:47 AM
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We want to go Off the beaten path in Las Vegas
I was very pleasantly surprised last week to receive a phone call from my boyfriend saying that he has booked us a flight to Las Vegas at the end of May. WOO HOO! I have never been there, he has many times over, but he is leaving the planning up to me. He thinks that because he has done most everything there is to do there and because I have never been, that it would be better if I plan out the itinerary. BUT WHAT?? I have no idea. Sure, I want to gamble and see some local sights, the strip, shopping, etc., but I'd also really like to take in some "non-touristy" scenes. We are both very active people and definitely enjoy hiking, rafting, nature things like that. We have a place to stay, that's all figured out, but now I have to find out where to go and what to do. We're both pretty gutsy, we've already discussed taking a ride on the rooftop rollercoaster and that other shoot you up high ride, but that's about it. We will be there from Thursday evening to Monday night, so we have a couple of days. I would really love a rafting trip someplace, and my hope is that it will not be too much of a drive (less than three hours). Anyone have any past experiences with these kinds of activities they'd like to share?! Any suggestions? I have three weeks and counting! lots of pressure! Thanks for the help!
May 2nd, 2008, 06:11 AM
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I can only think of a half day spent with a rental car going to 1-Red Rock Canyon or 2- Mt Charleston ..
I didn't enjoy the trip to the dam so I am not suggesting that long drive to sit in traffic to see a big dam.
Red Rock is great fun if you plan for it..we had the hotel make us a lunch and took that with us, we found a place to picnic..we took hikes and one year we just sat and watched those (totally insane) people climbing the rocks..it is worth the price of admission to watch them sometimes.
And you get to see a really cranky wild burro sometimes.
Otherwise, I liked the Bellagio spa and shopping..( I know, no imagination but we won a lot of $ lol)
I didn't enjoy the trip to the dam so I am not suggesting that long drive to sit in traffic to see a big dam.
Red Rock is great fun if you plan for it..we had the hotel make us a lunch and took that with us, we found a place to picnic..we took hikes and one year we just sat and watched those (totally insane) people climbing the rocks..it is worth the price of admission to watch them sometimes.
And you get to see a really cranky wild burro sometimes.
Otherwise, I liked the Bellagio spa and shopping..( I know, no imagination but we won a lot of $ lol)
May 2nd, 2008, 06:21 AM
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Two primary spots for hiking and nature are Red Rocks State park, which Scarlett mentioned and Valley of Fire State Park. Both are desert landscape with a variety of canyons, slopes, and unusual geologic formations. However, at the end of May it is likely to be very hot. If you do go, be sure to wear a broad-brimmed hat and sun screen. You also need to be sure you have plenty of water.
A little cooler destination would be Mt. Charleston. I'll leave others to discuss that since I'm not very familiar with it.
Within your 3 hour driving window, you could also reach Zion National Park and I'd highly recommend that. You could hike there for weeks and not see all there is to see. It is also likely to be cooler than the teo parks in Nevada.
Have a good trip.
A little cooler destination would be Mt. Charleston. I'll leave others to discuss that since I'm not very familiar with it.
Within your 3 hour driving window, you could also reach Zion National Park and I'd highly recommend that. You could hike there for weeks and not see all there is to see. It is also likely to be cooler than the teo parks in Nevada.
Have a good trip.
May 2nd, 2008, 08:31 AM
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You could make a really nice "off the beaten path" trip by following the previous suggestions for Valley of Fire and/or Red Rock - take a picnic - LOTS of water - and spend the day. Out by Red Rock is a quaint (OLD!) little place called Bonnie Springs Ranch that's kind of fun and definetely different than what you'd expect to visit in Las Vegas. I haven't been out there in a while, but we used to get a kick out of it. There is an old version of "Main Street" - complete with a shoot-out that happens every so often during the day. It's just a quirky place that you might enjoy.
Spend another day driving up to Mt Charleston, as previously suggested. I love going up there - especially to escape the heat during the summer. It's a beautiful drive, too - as you climb up out of the desert it's really neat to see the landscape change from desert to mountain - and to feel the temperature drop. There is a very nice hotel you come to first - they have a restaurant if you're interested. We prefer taking a picnic and going to one of the picnic grounds - there is a nominal fee (like $6 or so per car) - but they have bbq spots, parking places, restrooms nearby. There is also a nice restaurant with a knock-out view at The Lodge - near the picnic grounds. I love Mt Charleston and my grandkids like climbing and hiking around up there. It really is a stark contrast to the glitz of Las Vegas.
I think you'll be there too early to see any plays at the Spring Mountain Ranch theater under the stars - also out by Red Rock - but you can check on it. It's really cool to watch locals put on a play while lounging under the stars. I've seen several of them and it's always fun. Hills Park in Summerlin often has weekend concerts which are very nice as well.
There is a new addition to Las Vegas that your BF may not be familiar with. It's called the Springs Preserve and is located off of Valley View & the 95 and is supposed to be a beautiful place - an oasis in the desert. I haven't had a chance to get over there yet, but they have lots to offer and may be worth checking into. I believe their website is www.springspreserve.com.
Hope you have a really nice visit whatever you decide to do.
Spend another day driving up to Mt Charleston, as previously suggested. I love going up there - especially to escape the heat during the summer. It's a beautiful drive, too - as you climb up out of the desert it's really neat to see the landscape change from desert to mountain - and to feel the temperature drop. There is a very nice hotel you come to first - they have a restaurant if you're interested. We prefer taking a picnic and going to one of the picnic grounds - there is a nominal fee (like $6 or so per car) - but they have bbq spots, parking places, restrooms nearby. There is also a nice restaurant with a knock-out view at The Lodge - near the picnic grounds. I love Mt Charleston and my grandkids like climbing and hiking around up there. It really is a stark contrast to the glitz of Las Vegas.
I think you'll be there too early to see any plays at the Spring Mountain Ranch theater under the stars - also out by Red Rock - but you can check on it. It's really cool to watch locals put on a play while lounging under the stars. I've seen several of them and it's always fun. Hills Park in Summerlin often has weekend concerts which are very nice as well.
There is a new addition to Las Vegas that your BF may not be familiar with. It's called the Springs Preserve and is located off of Valley View & the 95 and is supposed to be a beautiful place - an oasis in the desert. I haven't had a chance to get over there yet, but they have lots to offer and may be worth checking into. I believe their website is www.springspreserve.com.
Hope you have a really nice visit whatever you decide to do.
May 2nd, 2008, 10:31 AM
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how long is your trip duration?
it sounds like you both want the best of both worlds...
gamble, shop, and do some other things that most other visitors to vegas dont do.
as far as gambling, the north area of the strip is known for looser slot machines than the south strip is.
if you plan to return someday, be sure to sign up at the casino info desk for players club membership. from then on, youll recieve tons of great offers on room rates for your future trip back (it sounds like your boyfriend may have already done so, since he's an avid traveler to sin city)
ive been to vegas twice, and if theres one thing i can say for certainty its that you are rarely in your hotel room at all. so with that in mind, my advice would be to find a cheap (yet decent) room rate
if you look towards the north part of the strip, thats where youll find a lot of the best deals at (stratosphere, riviera). theres a great hotel off of fremont street called the el cortez that also in known for great service.
but if you demand luxurious, or semi luxurious accomodations, its best to be as flexible as possible with your dates..by doing so, you can see which hotel has the best rates on any given dates.
but no matter where you stay, i would recommend at least a 3 night stay. there is so much to do in vegas, it will blow your mind,.esp considering this will be your first trip.
make sure to plan it out very well. do tons of research, it will save you money and stress from any given inconvienences.
it sounds like you both want the best of both worlds...
gamble, shop, and do some other things that most other visitors to vegas dont do.
as far as gambling, the north area of the strip is known for looser slot machines than the south strip is.
if you plan to return someday, be sure to sign up at the casino info desk for players club membership. from then on, youll recieve tons of great offers on room rates for your future trip back (it sounds like your boyfriend may have already done so, since he's an avid traveler to sin city)
ive been to vegas twice, and if theres one thing i can say for certainty its that you are rarely in your hotel room at all. so with that in mind, my advice would be to find a cheap (yet decent) room rate
if you look towards the north part of the strip, thats where youll find a lot of the best deals at (stratosphere, riviera). theres a great hotel off of fremont street called the el cortez that also in known for great service.
but if you demand luxurious, or semi luxurious accomodations, its best to be as flexible as possible with your dates..by doing so, you can see which hotel has the best rates on any given dates.
but no matter where you stay, i would recommend at least a 3 night stay. there is so much to do in vegas, it will blow your mind,.esp considering this will be your first trip.
make sure to plan it out very well. do tons of research, it will save you money and stress from any given inconvienences.
May 2nd, 2008, 11:06 AM
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"He thinks that because he has done most everything there is to do there and because I have never been, that it would be better if I plan out the itinerary. BUT WHAT?? I have no idea."
Your boyfriend's logic is faulty. With 3 weeks to go, he needs to be involved at least somewhat to help with this. Based on his experience (with Las Vegas and you) he would be in the best possible position to know what to do and what to steer clear of.
That said, the only rafting that I've heard of close by is in Black Canyon below Hoover Dam (at least that's what I think the name of the canyon is). There's also an indoor skydiving place that would be fun.
Your boyfriend's logic is faulty. With 3 weeks to go, he needs to be involved at least somewhat to help with this. Based on his experience (with Las Vegas and you) he would be in the best possible position to know what to do and what to steer clear of.
That said, the only rafting that I've heard of close by is in Black Canyon below Hoover Dam (at least that's what I think the name of the canyon is). There's also an indoor skydiving place that would be fun.
May 2nd, 2008, 11:44 AM
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All good suggestions... drive in the direction of Red Rock Canyon (tons of hiking options - stop at any of the marked trailheads). You could combine Lake Mead and Valley of Fire into a day long trip, for a scenic desert drive and some hiking options. Zion National Park is AWESOME. The drive is pretty enough to not be a waste of 2 and a half hours each way. Get up early, drive up there, and do a few of the highlight hikes (search Zion on this board, you'll find the popular ones).
But you specifically mentioned rafting, so I have a couple water suggestions. Rent jet skis and zip around Lake Mead - the lake is pretty warm and should be pretty decent in late May. Go to google and type in "Hoover Dam rafting" or "Hoover Dam kayaking" - you'll find a ton of tours available. It won't be "white water" rafting, as the water is very calm below the dam, but they have some "float" options. Kayaking might be more appealing to you. I know there are several tours that stop at side canyons and allow time for you to soak in the hot springs along the canyon walls. Finally, if you decide to go to Zion, rent a wet suit (water will be COLD in May) and some canyoneering boots in Springdale and hike up the river in the Zion Canyon Narrows. This is an awesome hike.
Have fun! There's TONS of "off the beaten path" stuff in Vegas that many people don't try - and it's good stuff!
But you specifically mentioned rafting, so I have a couple water suggestions. Rent jet skis and zip around Lake Mead - the lake is pretty warm and should be pretty decent in late May. Go to google and type in "Hoover Dam rafting" or "Hoover Dam kayaking" - you'll find a ton of tours available. It won't be "white water" rafting, as the water is very calm below the dam, but they have some "float" options. Kayaking might be more appealing to you. I know there are several tours that stop at side canyons and allow time for you to soak in the hot springs along the canyon walls. Finally, if you decide to go to Zion, rent a wet suit (water will be COLD in May) and some canyoneering boots in Springdale and hike up the river in the Zion Canyon Narrows. This is an awesome hike.
Have fun! There's TONS of "off the beaten path" stuff in Vegas that many people don't try - and it's good stuff!
May 2nd, 2008, 01:40 PM
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Not necessarily off the beaten path, but a real hoot: They have a water park in town with a 75'water slide - simply amazing..you said you were "gutsy" so you oughta like this! I was in LVG in January, but didn't go to the water park, so check it online to see if it's still there.
May 5th, 2008, 06:45 AM
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Thank you everyone for your VERY helpful input. We are staying in a house in Red Rock, so there will definitely be hiking up there. I love the Mt Charleston idea and talked it over with Tim and he's equally excited as he has been there, but not all the way to the top. I love the indoor skydiving idea, so I'm going to check into doing that. I did hear that the Hoover Dam is a bit uneventful, so we'll skip that for my first time out. I also told Tim that some people don't agree with having ME plan everything; he laughed and agreed, so now he is planning two of the days! I think we are going to eat at Trader Vic's...Anyone have any thoughts on that restaurant? It looked really neat on the webpage. Oh, and as far as how long we will be visiting, we are flying in on Thursday afternoon and taking the red eye out on Monday night, so we have three and a half good days. We are both avid golfers, so that will have to be sqeezed in. I love the spa idea too, Scarlett, I only hope I win as much $ as you did! This was my first time ever using this site and what an awesome amount of information. You were all so helpful! Thanks for taking some of the pressure off
May 9th, 2008, 04:36 PM
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If you like roller coasters there is a great one about a half hour outside of vegas in Primm valley. Its called desperado and it is inside buffalo bills. It used to be one of the top 10 in the world not sure if it still is. They also have a three casinos there and an outlet mall. I don't know if you or your boyfriend rides motorcycles but that is something me and mine have done on two different occasions. We rent a bike and use it to go to Red Rock Canyon and Mt Charleston. Really great way to enjoy the scenery. Have a great trip!
