Episode 08: Mojave
Red Rock Canyon. The same says it all. I’ve always wanted to visit but never seemed to make time for it, however after visiting Arches National Park, I just had to take the family and check it out. Located in the Mojave Desert and outside of Las Vegas, there is a one way loop road that’s 13 miles long and takes you around many of the parks main attractions, as well as side roads with parking and access to the trails. There is also a visitor center at the start of the loop. The park is a national conservation area and you will need a parks pass to get in. Once you enter the park you are welcomed by all the surrounding Joshua tree’s and tortoises that are native to the Mojave Desert. Driving through the loop trail and it's otherworldly scenery, seems as if you were on another planet. The canyon below is beautiful and fun to walk around near the rim. There’s a nice echo every time someone yells or screams. The sandstone across the canyon rises above thousands of feet, which makes it a great spot for climbing.
Elijah found a Joshua tree.
Las Vegas
Day 2 of our three day trip we decided to take the boys around sin city and show them around “the strip". We took the Monorail to get around easier and got the day passes which not only helped but was also a great value for the price. Often called the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has something for everyone, from world class dining and entertainment to unique outdoor recreations. Since this was our boys first trip there, we wanted to show them the landmark locations first. We walked up and down the strip and showed them the many different “themed” hotels. At Paris, the boys loved seeing the half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower.
The Stanleys at Seven Magic Mountains.
After Paris, we walked across the street and visited the Fountains at Bellagio. At Bellagio, more than a thousand fountains sway in front of the hotel, enhanced by music and light. The display spans more than 1,000 feet with water soaring as high as 460 feet into the air. What a sight, and also one of the few spots we had to see at night. Afterwards we visited the Volcano at Mirage and the fabulous Las Vegas sign before stopping by a steakhouse for dinner. We used the remaining time on day 2 as a swimming day at our resort.
Lake Mead
On our last last day we spent much of our time exploring our resort and visiting all the shops around the area. Afterwards we drove down to Lake Mead on the Nevada-Arizona border near the Hoover Dam. Lake Mead is a National Recreational Area and you will need a parks pass to get in. When you arrive you are greeted by park rangers and given a park map highlighting the parks main attractions. Over the last several years the desert southwest has experienced extreme droughts and has shrunk Lake Mead down to nearly half the size it was at its peak water level in 1983. Honestly it was sad to see the water level line on the rock wall and see actually how bad it really is. The area it self is breathtaking and provides a sense of peace and tranquillity apart from the busy life on the strip.
Lake Mead
Conclusion
When you think of Las Vegas, you don’t really think about it being a kid friendly city, however I found that it is a very family friendly environment. If you decide to take your family make sure to always plan ahead. Vegas can get busy at times and be crowded with very long lines. Some little ones will not have the patience or even understand what is going on. Apart from everything we did there is still many more things to do and see. Whether it would be going on the Gandola rides at the Venetian or riding on the Ferris Wheel in the city center. Plan on alot of walking, and a backup plan is always needed. Lastly, have fun, make memories, live life. Be amazed.
