Journal destination
Stories from this city location. Explore published field notes, guided trips, and local perspectives.
The collection
01Ascend Paris Las Vegas’ half-scale Eiffel Tower for a 360-degree take on the Strip—sunset views, fountain choreography, and the Mojave mountains beyond. Practical tips for timing, tickets, and photography included.
02Swap neon for sandstone in a half-day loop that reorients a Vegas trip. A self-drive from Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa through Red Rock Canyon lays out big views, short hikes, and practical ways to experience the Mojave without giving up comfort.
03A raw Mojave butte that rewards early starts: pair a 2–4 hour summit hike with a Grand Canyon helicopter flight or a river kayak in Black Canyon for three perspectives on the same ancient landscape.
04Hidden Valley Nevada compresses the Mojave’s geology, light, and open-plain thrills into a short drive from Las Vegas. Hop a Polaris RZR for technical rock gardens, fast wash runs, and golden-hour vistas that make the desert feel immediate and elemental.
05Cycle flanked by cattails and skyline—Clark County Wetlands Park is an urban restoration project revealed on two wheels. Learn the ecology, history and practicalities of a three-hour guided ride through this desert wetland corridor.
06A short, high-stakes walk across the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge delivers panoramic views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River—plus a compact lesson in engineering, geology, and desert conservation.
07A short desert pilgrimage from the Las Vegas Strip, Seven Magic Mountains is a vivid public-art installation that pairs perfectly with off-road adventures or a Hummer tour. Here’s how to experience it well—timing, gear, and what to expect in the Mojave.
08A desert lake with surprising variety: from boatable coves and rail-tunnel hikes to shoreline campsites and world-class fishing. Here’s how to plan and what to expect for a safe, rewarding visit to Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
09Hoover Dam is equal parts engineering spectacle and desert drama. Walk its crest, descend into the generator rooms, and add a boat or helicopter ride to see how water, rock and concrete shaped the modern Southwest.
10An easy half-day from Las Vegas delivers towering red domes, ancient petroglyphs, and sweeping vistas. Learn why a small-group tour is the smartest way to see Valley of Fire—and how to prepare for the desert’s extremes.
11Spend a day navigating sandstone waves, ancient rock art, and cinematic viewpoints in Nevada’s oldest state park. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and why a guided day tour from Las Vegas makes the most of a short but spectacular landscape.
12Skip the slots for shimmering water: a short drive from Las Vegas, Black Canyon’s volcanic walls and the glow of Emerald Cave offer an immersive Colorado River escape—half-day paddles to full-day narrows, with hot springs, wildlife, and quiet beaches to discover.
13Paddle through the basalt walls of Black Canyon to Emerald Cave and discover a slice of the Colorado River that balances hush with adventure. Whether you’re after a quick half-day kayak or a full-day journey to hot springs and hidden caves, this is Nevada water touring at its best.
14An hour from the Strip, Valley of Fire compresses Jurassic geology, thousand-year-old petroglyphs and dramatic hikes into a single spectacular day—ideal for photographers, hikers and anyone who wants to feel the desert’s pulse.
15Less than an hour from Las Vegas lies Mount Charleston—a high Mojave mountain with alpine trails, snow in winter, and fast UTV access to sweeping views. Read how to pair a private off-road tour with classic hikes and plan a day that feels worlds away.
16A short drive from Las Vegas, Calico Hills offers high-contrast desert scenery, steep sandstone slabs, and a range of hikes and scrambles for day adventurers. This guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and the best ways to experience the hills safely.