Tag Archives: Off Strip Activities

Las Vegas - Off Strip Activities, Outdoor Activities, Travel

Rail Explorers of Las Vegas

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If you are like me, you can only take so much of the Las Vegas strip before you crave a change of scenery. Most likely, this is exactly why people go to Vegas for shorter periods of time. I am not one of the people who goes for a long weekend. I book ten-day trips to see family and explore all of the possibilities outside of the strip.

If you like the open air and traveling at wind-roaring speeds, give the Rail Explorers of Las Vegas a go. You will get a chance to fly down the tracks on one of the black and red pedal cars, viewing beautiful scenery as you kick-back and relax. There are several different ride options to choose from. We decided to do the night lantern package and it was a total blast, though the ride does go by quickly.

If you are worried about pedaling, it is not all that bad. There is only one short stint toward the end of the ride where you have to pedal uphill. Your other party members will be pedaling along with you, so it really is not difficult. Once the ride has ended, you will board the train and return to the station.

Along with the railcar experience, you will be able to view the small train museum located on the premises. It was fun to wander around and check out the different artifacts and read about the history. As per the norm, I took tons of photos.

This is an experience that most anyone can enjoy and appreciate. If you would like further information, checkout the below website. Be sure to choose the Las Vegas location, since they are located in other states as well.

Experience the magic of the railroad like never before – Rail Explorers USA

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Las Vegas - Off Strip Activities, Uncategorized

The Hoover Dam

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Many years ago, in 1931, during the Great Depression, construction on the Hoover Dam was kicked off. The Hoover Dam is a stunning example of our countries capabilities during times of hardship. At the time of completion the Hoover Dam was the tallest dam in the United States, at 726 feet tall. Now Oroville Dam in California is the tallest at 770.5 feet.

The Hoover Dam is located on the border of Nevada and Arizona. I recommend walking the bridge above the dam, at one point you are in Arizona and the next you are in Nevada. This site has long since been a popular tourist attraction and it is something that we take most of our Las Vegas travel companions to see at least once.

The views from the bridge above are phenomenal. You can feel the whole thing shake as traffic flies by, but don’t let this stop you from walking out into the middle. You will be able to get some great photos and/or selfie’s if you so choose. Be sure to bring a jacket if you are there in spring or fall, the wind is a little intense.

For a more personal experience getting to know the dam, you can partake in one of the many dam tours. If you are more interested in the views you can drive the roads surrounding the bridge and stop at the different look out points to take photographs. No matter where you are surrounding the dam, you can walk away with some great memories and photographs to document them.

For more information on the Hoover Dam, please visit:

http://www.history.com/topics/hoover-dam

https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/index.html

Hiking, Las Vegas - Off Strip Activities, Uncategorized, Utah

A Taste of Bryce Canyon

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This past October, my husband’s aunt and uncle took us for a drive to Bryce Canyon, from Las Vegas. If you are okay with a 4 hour car drive, perhaps you would like to take this scenic drive as well. Bryce is definitely a trip you want to make when you have a full day, or more.

We chose to take this drive in October, because we were hoping to see some of the fall colors. While the colors were not as plentiful as that of the Midwest, it was still a pretty drive. Had we chosen to go a little earlier in the season, I think there would have been more to see, since the trees had already dropped quite a few leaves. The varying colors of the rock in the canyon, and the changing light as we went from midday to evening, gave us plenty of colors to look at aside from the foliage.

Upon reaching Bryce Canyon, we did a driving tour and stopped at many of the lookout points. The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon are definitely a beautiful and impressive sight. We saw quite a variety of rock formations throughout the canyon, and of course, we took lots of photographs.

My husband and I only went down one hiking trail, but had we arrived with more time to burn, we would have spent a great deal more of our visit hiking. Even with the long drive there and back, Bryce was totally worth seeing. I will definitely come back again sometime and stay somewhere nearby overnight. I would like to hike and evaluate some of the trails and get even more photographs of the impressive rock formations. Definitely look for more information on Bryce Canyon in the future; this trip did not quite fulfill my desire to explore.

For more information on Bryce Canyon, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm