Vacation Time? Head To Las Vegas

It's Spring / Summer Time in Las Vegas again! The Temperatures are well above average. Tourists are crowding the normal Area Attractions and well published Sights and those of us that live here know just what to do. We get out of the City and enjoy the lesser thought off Attractions. So pack your Bags, put on your hiking Boots and take plenty of Water and ice. A few sandwiches and sunscreen. Are you ready yet, we are going fishing, camping and hiking. Along the way, catch a couple historical Sights and perhaps a Museum or two.

Are you ready? I am assuming you know the standard camping, fishing and hiking essentials, but i can not stress enough to bring plenty of liquids and ice. You are in the dessert and you will dehydrate quickly.

We enter the Lake Mead Area. A wonderful and scenic landscape all around us. Who could have possibly thought that Rock Surfaces can come in so many Shades of earth Colors. In the Spring it is especially delightful. The Cacti is now starting to bloom and beautiful Blossoms are springing up in all directions.
Lake Mead Recreational Area has a fee, but it is well worth it. If you are here for an extended time you might want to invest in the annual Pass. I promise you that the $20.00 you spend will be well worth it over and over again.

Lets find you a nice little Camping Spot. If you want to avoid some of the Construction that is currently going on and you want to have some convenience like a Marina, Water, Showers and a small Marina Store, I suggest Callville Bay. My personal Spot for Camping. The daily Cost for a camping Spot is only $10.00 and the area is well maintained. You do want to come earlier during the Week however, Wednesday or Thursday, since it is a popular location with the locals and fills up fast on the weekends. RV's are easily accommodated and us Tent Folks are happy too. Fire Rings and/or Barbeque's are on the Camp Spots. Sorry no electricity. Quiet Hours are from 10pm - 6 am and fairly well enforced. It is a nice spot. The Marina is great and even has Boat Rentals available.

If you are looking for a more Resort Style with Houseboat Check ins, a hotel, Marina and more check out Echo Bay. That is about 40 miles up the Road.

Set up your campsite and lets sit back and plan out the next day. Here are some options for you.

Overton Beach. The Bay is dried out and Camping is now very primitive.

Overton has a quiet, little "two Horse Town" Charm. Check out the "Lost City Museum". Located on 721 S Moapa Valley Blvd. The Museum is dedicated to the History of the Anasazi a Native Tribe that dates back to the A.D. Period. Artifacts and examples of their dwellings tell their Story. The Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The Entrance fee is more then reasonable at $2.00 per adult and anyone under 18Years gets in free.

Heading towards Boulder City you come across the Train Track Trail. Only 1.5 miles but extremely scenic. Pick up a little pamphlet and let it tell you about the history of this little trail.

If you need to go to Boulder City, bypass the newer parts and go into the old or historical Area. It is relaxing and nice to stroll along the little shops and cafe's. A small Hoover Dam Museum is to be found inside Boulder City Hotel, which has been turned into a Arts and Hoover Dam Museum upstairs and a Restaurant Downstairs. Again the fees are more then reasonable at $2.00 a person.

The Valley of Fire is a must see attraction as well, but plan on spending several days hiking. A Vehicle cost per day is $6.00 and even so Camping is available i recommend that you do not take advantage of it. The Campground is currently under Construction. Any other Time, $14.00 a day gives you a campsite for up to 8 People.

Stop by the Visitors Center and look at the Artifacts and displays inside. (It is free) and pick up a Map and Trail Guide for the Valley of Fire. A cheap Souvenier at $4.00 that comes in quiet handy.
I advice you start out with the Mouse's Tank at only 0.75Miles. It will get you a good idea what it is like to hike in the Sand and Rock Covered Desert Terrain of the Valley of Fire.

However there are more then 11 Trails to be explored. Make sure to bring your Camera and take pictures of the wonderful surroundings and especially the small animals. The lizards are positively conceited here. Even our desert animals are "Show People" and ham it up. All kidding aside. Please keep in mind that the Trails are only open for use from Sunrise to Sunset. The Petroglyphs are all along the Rocks on the black Rock Surfaces. Splendid.

What about Fishing?
Government Wash is a decent spot. Craw daddy Cove. Off the 8 mile marker (quiet a ways in).

Other Attractions away from Lake Mead include. Mount Charleston, Beatty and its Ghost Town. Searchlight and of course Red Rock.

After a wonderfully active and/or relaxing Time in the Wide open spaces of our Desert, you can always return to the hectic and overly civilized City.

Fremont Experience gives you plenty to look at. Keep your purse and wallet close by. On the Weekend you can enjoy free Concerts.

The Adventuredome inside the Circus Circus is a popular Family Spot (for older Children) but expect to pay up to $29.99 a ticket. However for those of you on a Budget, there is the Arcade, and free Shows inside the Circus Circus.

Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is open 24hours a day and free.

Are you a Trekie? Check out "Star Treck; the Experience", located in the Las Vegas Hilton.

Want to visit a few more Museums? Try:
The Atomic Testing Museum at 755 E Flamingo Road

The Auto Collection and Collectibles at the Imperial Palace it a fantasy for any Classic Car Lover. 3535 Las Vegas Blvd. S.

The Tomb and Musuem of King Tut at the Luxor is an absolute must if you are into Egyptian History. Here is my advice, purchase the Adventure Pass for $29.99 and get a Bunch of different Attractions in the Same Area, including the Shark Exhibit.

University of Nevada Las Vegas Barrick Museum of Natural History is located at 4505 Maryland Parkway.

And for Art Lovers try the Wynn Collection at Wynn Las Vegas

Would you rather Golf? No Problem there are 49 Golf Courses throughout Las Vegas and Henderson Area.

Don't forget to visit the Fantasy Faire Midway at the Excalibur Museum. A nice Family experience.

If you come in April you can join us for the Grand Prix, the NHRA Races and more.

As you can see, Las Vegas in Spring, not just a Wonderland for Gamblers and Bar Hoppers.