Las Vegas Daytrip: Red Rock Canyon, Bonnie Springs, Mount Charleston

Many people come to Las Vegas and spend all their time in the casinos, restaurants, or shows. Yet, there is a lot more to do and see in and around Southern Nevada. Following is a suggested trip to make in a rental car that will give you an interesting view of our area.

Something that surprises many people visiting Las Vegas are the mountains surrounding the valley. They are uncovered by vegetation and show streaks of different colors of rocks. They look pretty in a strange way but most visitors do not realize that they are seeing a literal historical record of Planet Earth. Each layer and color represents millions of years of Earth's History and the changes that have occurred during the eons.

The bright red rock formations are called Aztec Sandstone and get their color from iron deposits. A great place to view them is Red Rock Canyon a few scant miles west of Las Vegas. While there, one also sees layers of dark rock made up of various types of volcanic deposits - the area is actually a volcanic caldera several hundred miles in diameter with the nearest volcano less than 150 miles to the west on the eastern flanks of the Sierra Nevada (Spanish for Snowy Mountains). The lighter layers are forms of limestone that have played an important part in the founding of Las Vegas.

To get there, drive west on Charleston Boulevard until you enter the park area and see the Visitor's Center. Charleston Boulevard crosses Las Vegas Boulevard near the downtown area. Take the time to stop and view the well put together exhibits that not only explain the rock formations but show the various forms of wildlife in the area and some background on the Native Americans who lived in this area.

You are now ready to take the scenic drive around the area. A tip to the wise … if you are planning to hike off trail or climb the rock formations - tell someone ahead of time! Every year we have people who do this and get lost or stuck and have been lost for several days before someone searches for them. There are many viewpoints and well-marked places to stop, take pictures, and generally enjoy some breathtaking sights. If you are lucky, you might see pictographs left by ancient people or even fossils from millions of years ago. You should also stop and walk around Willow Spring. And remember, rattlesnakes will not strike at you unless they feel threatened and can't get away.

You will certainly see wild burros and, please, do not feed them! They develop dependannce upon humans and then cannot fend for themselves and become nuisances. They can also get very bold and have been known to bite visitors. You may also see wild horses off in the distance and a rare Bighorn Sheep. Remember, it's only the males who have horns.

After leaving the Scenic Drive, continue south the Bonnie Springs/Old Nevada. It has a small train from the parking lot to the entrance and one pays a nominal fee to enter. During the tourist season, they put on shows to include gunfights in the street and a truly horrid stage show that's so bad it's hilarious. Upon leaving there, you can walk next door to a modest zoo. There are stables for those who wish to go horseback riding. Both locations have restaurants with decent food and a wide variety of drinks.

Continuing south, you will go through an almost-town called Blue Diamond and will pass sulfur mines belong to the Blue Diamond Match Company. Before returning to I-15, you may want to stop at The Silverton Hotel and Casino and, if you're a sportsman, the massive Bass Pro Store there.

To make this a full day's trip, you might want to drive north on I-15 to US 95 north, drive about thirty miles north of Las Vegas, and take the turnoff to Lee Canyon. Many visitors are astonished to find a full Ponderosa Pine Forest so close to Las Vegas and it has The Mount Charleston Hotel at the entrance, riding stables if you want to go horseback riding, a lodge further up the mountain will a full service restaurant and plenty of trails to hike and enjoy the brisk mountain air. You can also take the high road to Kyle Canyon that provides an awe inspiring view of the Spring Mountains and continue on\ to the Ski and Snowboard resort. From there, it's less than an hour's drive to return to Las Vegas and The Strip.