During my trip to Vegas, I wanted to explore… outside of the city. After getting a little taste of the bright city lights, hotels and casinos I was anxious to take a break from the tourist herds traipsing up and down The Strip.  To balance my over-stimulated senses, I suggested we drive out into the Mojave desert.

Court and I stocked up on multiple bottles of water (you’ll need them!) and drove west of Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon. Surprisingly, it isn’t that far of a drive – maybe 15-20 minutes from Vdara.  You can either drive through the 13 mile park, or choose one of many hiking trails. We weren’t prepared to do any extreme hiking, especially in the summer.

The Mojave is so beautiful – desert grass, yucca and Joshua trees framed by red rock canyons, sandstone mountains and a crystal clear blue sky.
One thing that really stood out was how quiet it was. No bugs, birds, traffic or people. Even the breeze was quiet. Out in the desert, the sun appeared to be ultra-bright – almost florescent.  Surreal.

While we were exploring the canyons, I kicked off my sandals and climbed around. Under the scorching sun, the sandstone felt incredibly smooth and cool beneath my feet.  I was blown away by the rock formations which were created by ancient sand dunes that hardened over time.  I honestly felt like I was visiting another planet!

Visiting Red Rock Canyon was just what I needed to make me feel grounded again. It’s easy to get caught up in over-indulgences; especially in a hectic city like Vegas. Balance and moderation is key for my well-being!