Nevada is the seventh-largest state in area, and geographically covers the Mojave Desert in the south to the Great Basin in the north. About 86% of the state's land is owned by the US federal government.

Nevada Trip

Sept 1999

LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas is recognized as a major entertainment, restaurant and shopping capital of the world. It may be the most dynamic, spectacular city on earth. At the start of the 20th century, it didn't even exist; now it is home to well over one million people. All its growth has been fueled by tourism. The Las Vegas Strip comes closest to seeing the world in an hour. You can go from New York to Italy to France to Egypt for a preview of the real thing. Each of the huge hotels is much more than a mere hotel. They are self-contained fantasylands, stretching as much as a mile with flamboyant showrooms, swimming pools, luxurious guest quarters and restaurants, high-tech rides and attractions. The casinos lure you in with moving walkways, encouraging your presence from the Strip sidewalk. You will need to cross the casino floor innumerable times to find your destination. Finding your way out is almost impossible.

Replicas of New York, Paris, Monte Carlo and Venice now compete on the Strip along with Disney models. What the visitor wants, Las Vegas provides. You can dine in the finest restaurants, shop in the most chic stores and watch world-class entertainment; it will cost, of course, but bargains are there. Try the numerous buffets, they are one of the bargains. You can get a downtown 3 day monorail pass for $28.00 a person and stay on Fremont Street and experience "Old Las Vegas".

You'll be welcomed in its stores, restaurants, and above all its casinos. Las Vegas makes certain that you have such a good time that you don't mind losing a bit of money. And, it has become a real family destination.

RED ROCK CANYON

Red Rock Canyon is a stunningly beautiful desert canyon with red and orange rock rising from the desert basin. It is named for the deep red 3000-foot-high Navajo sandstone cliffs that are perched above the dusty wastelands of this part of the Mojave Desert. It is only 20 minutes from Las Vegas. A scenic 13-mile loop winds among the imposing, rust-red sandstone towers. It takes you from the valley floor to an elevation of several thousand feet. The view from any part of the park is breathtaking, and there are numerous places to stop for pictures. There is a visitor center, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas. From Las Vegas, head west on Charleston Blvd. directly to Red Rock canyon.

There are hikes from 25 minutes to several hours. There are numerous trails that highlight various terrains. Horseback riding is available, as is rock rappeling. Plantlife covers the desert with cactus, tiny wildflowers, and you can see various bird species. Waterfalls are visible at certain times of the year but are off the beaten track. The visitor center has a plantlife walk that honors the victims of 9/11. There are wild burros in the area that are so tame they walk right up to you expecting a carrot. Be aware there is a $50.00 fine for feeding them. There are also wild horses in the area who are not so friendly. Bring plenty of water for it is hot.

Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is the antithesis to the frantic, gambling-driven pace of Las Vegas. It is a peaceful and serene canyon with a good number of recreational activities, though it is probably best known for its rock climbing

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK

The red sandstone formations from shifting sand dunes dating back to the dinosaur age give the name to Valley of Fire State Park. Extensive erosion and uplifting of the region have created the present landscape. Other rock formations include limestone, shale and conglomerates. Fine examples of rock art of the Anasazi Pueblo farmers have been found at sites in the park. Summer temperatures can exceed 110 degrees.

HOOVER DAM

Located in Black Canyon between Arizona and Nevada, the dam (named after Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the USA), is a national historical landmark. Construction began in 1931. It has also been called Boulder Dam. It paved the way for the construction of storage dams and the delivery facilities on the Colorado River. It was built to: 1)improve flood control; 2)meet the water needs of millions of people in homes and businesses in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson and other Southweatern cities and Indian communities in Arizona, Nevada, California; and 3)to generate low-cost hydroelectric power. It serves a total of seven states.

LAKE MEAD

Recreation, titlehough a by-product, has become a major use of the lake, created by Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Lake Mead, with a shoreline of over 550 miles and a maximum depth of 500 feet, is a very popular recreation area attracting millions of visitors each year for boating, swimming and water sking. It is also the source of water for Las vegas.

MT. CHARLESTON

Mt. Charleston hosts at least 25 species of animals and plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Golden eagles, owls, hawks, fox, deer and wild horses can be spotted in the spectacular scenery, along with the Mt. Charleston Blue Butterfly. Notice the sage and a mix of Joshua tree, pinion pine, ponderosa pine, juniper and white fir trees along the mountainside. This is an hour's drive north on US 95 from Las Vegas. Roads making up this scenic byway provide easy access to many recreational areas of the Humboldt-Toiyabe Nationa Forest. You will find it 20 degrees cooler from the heat of Las vegas. There is also Mt. Charleston Lodge and sking at the Las vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Nevada Photo Gallery

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