Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps. It is world renowned for its commitment to hospitality, entertainment, and gambling. Throughout my lifetime an amazing transformation has taken place and Las Vegas has become one of the top entertainment destinations in the world. The city draws celebrities, high rollers and, ordinary citizens enticing them to let their hair down and have some fun. Most everyone who has visited Vegas at some point has uttered the line “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. This is an incredibly successful slogan created by the advertising firm R & R Partners in conjunction with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in 2003.
My first visit to Las Vegas was in 1997 to spend time with extended family, my daughter was just two years old. We toured many casinos and I was amazed. Their attention to detail and grandeur was off the chart. None of us were gamblers and spent the majority of our time enjoying the many natural places throughout the city and in the surrounding area. The desert is incredible and I was hooked. I visited on several more trips over the years to attend trade shows and vacation with family and friends. It has never lost its mystery.
When Jess and I became full-time RV’ers Nevada was the perfect choice for our domicile state. We loved the desert and the energy which surrounds the city of Las Vegas. Over the last couple of years we have spent an enormous amount of time in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. I have broken down the activities into sections and presented them in no particular order. The information provides an overview, allowing you to pick and choose activities you are interested in. This is part 1 of a 4 part Las Vegas series.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is a couple hour drive from the city of Las Vegas. The drive quickly transitions from big city lights to long stretches of highway surrounded by nothing but high desert. The vastness of the land reminds me how vulnerable we are in this big world. Death Valley is home to the lowest place in North America, Bad Water Basin is 282′ below sea level. Adding to its infamy Furnace Creek located in the basin recorded the world’s highest air temperature of 134 degrees in 1913.
This marvelous view of the park is near the top of Dante’s View. It is an amazing drive and short hike to the highpoint at 5476′. Be prepared for the incredible feelings the 360 degree views in this place can invoke. How the vastness of Bad Water Basin below contrasts the high mountain ridges surrounding the valley is stunning. On a clear day Mt. Whitney (14505″), the highest point in the Continental United States, can be seen in the distance.
Death Valley is an amazing place and well worth the drive, I have lost track of how many times I have visited the park. When I was trying to select a couple of pictures to use in this piece I realized a few paragraphs would not be enough. I decided to dedicate an entire blog to this incredible place. Coming Soon: Visiting Death Valley.
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam was built in Black Canyon on the border between Nevada and Arizona during the great depression. Its goal was to tame the mighty Colorado River, provide flood control to communities downstream, harvest its energy to produce power for multiple states, and create the enormous reservoir which is now Lake Meade.
The dam is 726′ tall and 660′ wide at the base. Various sized square forms were constructed, allowing concrete to be poured in locations throughout the dam. These shallow blocks (less than five feet) tall allowed for continuous pouring and proper cooling. The history of this project highlights the ingenuity of the time. In addition to diverting one of the most powerful rivers of the world, a community was simultaneously being built to house thousands of workers and their families. The conditions in the remote Mohave Desert were harsh and many people perished.
I highly recommend the guided dam tour, currently $30 per person. This tour allows you to experience firsthand the inspection tunnels within the dam as well as the power plant tour. In addition to the very informative visitors center there are many observation points for incredible pictures. Be aware, there is a security checkpoint and dogs are not allowed. Ensure you allow time to walk the pedestrian trail up to the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. An engineering feat of its own, the bridge 1900′ long, sits 900′ above the river and bypasses the Hoover dam. What a view!
Clark County Wetlands Park
The Clark County Wetlands Park was the first place we visited, in our RV, on our journey west to our new home state. We had boondocked our way across the country and arrived in Las Vegas too early to check-in at the RV Resort which was our final destination. I researched places that would be acceptable for us to hangout for the day. I hit the jackpot!
Las Vegas Wash is a continuously flowing wash that cuts through the city. It provides the water which creates the wetlands park. The park includes bicycle and dog friendly trails as well as an incredible children’s playground. Jess and I took many afternoon walks through the nature preserve, every time noticing something new. Birds and turtles can be seen in the many pond areas. We were followed by road-runners and even spotted a coyote crossing the wash.
The wetlands loop trail is fourteen miles long and paved. It is addictively fun with little ups and downs and twists and turns. The trail additionally provides access to trails around Lake Las Vegas and other bike trail systems.
The visitor center is top notch and a wonderful place for children (or kid at heart adults) to touch, play, and learn about the natural environment. It focuses on desert animals and plants and the importance of water in the desert environment.
Boulder City
Boulder City was built originally to house the workers building the Hoover Dam. It has since turned into a city of almost 15000 people and interestingly gambling is forbidden. However, Boulder has something better the Ram Cam. This picture was taken in 2021 while we were visiting Hemenway Park in Boulder. We had learned on a previous trip it was common for the Bighorn Sheep to graze in the park.
We took a chance, drove to the park, and were rewarded with this incredible view. As I researched more about the area, I learned it is common to see 40-60 sheep looking for water and foraging in the park, on no particular schedule. The unusual sight draws many visitors including tour busses.
The city received calls on a daily basis from people inquiring when the sheep would be in the park? The idea of a Ram Cam surfaced in 2022 and after solving the logistical problems the camera went live in 2023. Now, the Big Horn sheep can be watched from anywhere with an internet connection.
Rhyolite Ghost Town
Rhyolite Ghost Town is a few miles west of the town of Beatty, Nevada on highway 374 just north of the entrance to Death Valley National Park. The above sign provides a lot of information about the town. It was a mining boom town which blossomed to about 8000 residents. Currently all that is left of the town is a handful of buildings in various states of disrepair.
This was one of our favorites! It’s the Cook Bank building, which I later learned is one of the most photographed ruins in Nevada and has appeared in many movies. In its heyday it was the most opulent of the four different banks located in Rhyolite. It was a poured concrete three story building with the post office occupying the basement.
There were no expenses spared when it was built, the interior was finished with marble and mahogany accents. It even had indoor plumbing and electric lights. The bank failed in 1907 along with many other banks across the country. After only a few years in business, the bank was closed and all the fixtures sold off.
Tom Kelly Bottle House
The Tom Kelly Bottle House was built in 1906. Because of the lack of trees in the desert miners built their homes from any materials readily available. Tom used over 50,000 bottles to construct the home. He paid local kids ten cents for a wheelbarrow full of bottles, a good price for the time. After completion he decided not to live in the home and instead chose to auction it off. He sold 500 tickets at $5 apiece, the Bennett family lived in the home until 1914. The bottle house has also appeared in many movies over the years.
We visited Rhyolite on a whim. It was on our loop drive from Vegas to Death Valley through Pahrump then back to Vegas via the northern route around Mt. Charleston. It was a wonderful surprise and an incredible find, I would definitely recommend!
Vegas Shows
Vegas shows are one of the reasons many people travel to Las Vegas. On the Las Vegas strip any night of the year scoring tickets to the top shows is the equivalent of winning the jackpot. Cirque du soleil offers many shows in various casinos. Including Mystere, KA, Michael Jackson, The Beatles Love, O and more. I am amazed every time we watch a show with the artistry and athleticism the performers display.
The Blue Man group first performed in the Luxor in 2000 and various other casinos along the strip since. The Group has returned to the Luxor and wow’s its audience with an immersive show, filled with music, art, and dance. Jabbawockeez is another popular show where a musical journey spanning many styles blends perfectly with energetic and exhilarating dance. Considered a family friendly show for all ages.
Variety shows and comedy clubs featuring top comedians, world famous magicians and ventriloquists perform in Las Vegas. In addition, Las Vegas is a top destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, the city of sin does not disappoint. With adult shows like The Thunder Down Under or Fantasy, and a healthy dose of burlesque and drag shows, there is something for everyone.
Allegiant Stadium Tour
Who knew we could tour the stadium? I love tours. I am always looking for factories that allow ordinary people to get behind the scenes and see how stuff is made. A stadium tour was nothing I had considered, and was thrilled when I saw it.. How awesome to see a state of the art stadium like Allegiant, we scheduled the tour right away.
We were new to Las Vegas and did not follow the Raiders, but the nostalgia and artifacts in the building definitely made an impression. The tour took us from the state of the art natural grass field, which they move in and out of the facility. To the Raiders locker room where we were able to view the individual players lockers.
As we traversed the lower levels of the facility we visited the press room and cheerleader’s locker room. There were special staircases and elevators providing us access to premium lounges and catering facilities. We even spent time in the owner’s suite. The view was the best!
From the famous torch to learning about Al Davis and his “Just win baby” motto, to standing in places I would have never had the opportunity to stand in. The entire experience was incredible even if you are not Raiders fan.
Counts Kustoms
Count’s Kustoms is the home of Counting Cars, a reality TV series featured on the History channel for ten seasons starting in 2012. The show was about a group of real-life characters whose daily job consisted of renovating and customizing classic cars. They were led by the shop’s owner Danny, also known as the Count.
The show’s extremely talented employees (artists) produced amazing quality pieces of work on every episode. The characters became household names in many families. We were familiar with the show and decided we should check out the shop for ourselves. Counts Kustoms is open seven days a week from 10am-4pm. There is free admission to observe the Count’s personal collection of hot rods, choppers, and exotic cars.
“Horny Mike” one of the show’s popular, and incredibly talented artists found out he had a fan visiting the museum. He took time from his busy day to come outside, sign autographs, and take pictures. It made our friend’s day! It was a wonderful experience.
Rock Climbing Gyms
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area with over 2000 climbs is one of the premier climbing destinations in the United States. Therefore, the amount and quality of indoor climbing gyms in the valley is not surprising. Climbers hone their craft, build strength, and test their limits in the relative safety of the gym. Practicing moves, learning from others and becoming part of a climbing community is an important part of climbing.
Jess and I love the challenge and fun a climbing gym provides. We rarely climb outside because we do not own the necessary gear nor do we possess the rope skills. Climbing in the gym provides us the ability to increase our skill level, get the fitness benefits, and be surrounded by some cool people. Climbers can be anyone, all ages, professions, and income levels. We meet people who live in their vans, next to lawyers, and single moms. Climbing has a way of equalizing and putting everyone on the same playing field.
The Nevada Climbing Center was our favorite gym, and it was closest to our home base in Las Vegas. This was Vegas’ first climbing gym and definitely showed its age. However, we liked the feel. It is relaxed and inclusive, offering ladies nights once a week and pride nights once a month. They offer bouldering walls, Top-rope, auto-belays, and lead climbing walls, in addition to many classes from core strengthening to rock yoga. Their rates are affordable and they have many special events.
Touring Casinos
Just because we do not gamble that does not mean we do not love casinos. It’s like adult Disney, when we’re walking through New York, New York on cobble streets passing by shops with New York façades and smelling New York style pizza. It’s easy to feel transported there. Over the years we have walked the length of the Las Vegas strip and explored every casino.
I vividly remember the first time I stepped out of the elevator at the Venetian. In front of me was a gondolier paddling a couple along the canal. Disoriented, I looked up for guidance. Above me there was a beautiful blue sky and this only added to my confusion. This type of experience is special and it’s what Vegas is all about, the blending of fantasy and reality.
The Bellagio has its fountains and the Luxor allows you to surround yourself in the mystery of the great pyramids. Caesar’s palace transports you to the times and opulence of the height of the Roman Rulers. Contrasting these themed hotels the Aria offers 5-star rooms, amenities, a vibrant nightlife, and sophistication. While Circus Circus caters to families with an entire area dedicated to arcade games, and the Stratosphere draws in thrill seekers. There is something for everyone.
My advice to exploring the many casinos is to take your time. Between restaurants and shopping one can easily lose an entire day in just one casino. Of course that is partly because the casino designers do a marvelous job making all the paths lead to the casino floor. We often end up walking in circles for hours, but on a positive note we do see a lot more!
Sphere Las Vegas
The Sphere is a state of the art performance, cinematic, and entertainment space. U2 was the opening act to perform in 2023 and held residency for several months performing over forty shows. The performances and venue both received rave reviews. However, the sphere offers so much more than its high quality sound, imagine beyond an I-Max experience.
The sphere experience is available daily to visitors. It’s a two-stage event beginning when you walk into the facility. One of a kind technology greets guests in a fully immersive space where you are interacting with robots and holographic images. The next part of the event requires people to take their seats in the theater to view Postcard from Earth.
The show is a sci-fi journey of reflection from our future selves. It is presented in a multi-sensory format, on the world’s largest hi-definition screen. Seats and lighting which synchronize with the film. Aromas, fog, and wind add to the immersive feeling of the experience. Wow! The sphere is the newest Las Vegas Attraction and is just getting started. I love seeing the visuals on the outside of the sphere. It’s a magical place and I hope it has a successful future.
Las Vegas Part 2, 3, and 4. will be coming soon. Thanks for reading. Live Simple Live Happy
