Hiking the Red Rock Canyon Trails

Nothing contrasts the glitz and fireworks of the Las Vegas Strip quite like its neighbor, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. A 33-minute commute of only 22.7 miles from Polo Towers to the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center will transport you from the bright lights of the Strip to the majestic beauty of sandstone formations in the Mojave Desert.

There’s hardly a better day trip from Las Vegas than to visit Red Rock Canyon.

Red Rock Canyon has 195,819 acres of natural beauty, just begging all those high rollers in Vegas to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. 26 hikes and trails have been mapped out for hikers to explore the vast geologic formations all throughout the canyon. If you think the desert sounds boring or bland, then you haven’t seen Red Rock Canyon!

“The unique geologic features, plants and animals of Red Rock represent some of the best examples of the Mojave Desert.”

Iron oxide causes the “red, orange, and brown-colored rocks” in the area. The iron concretions and limestone add their own stories to the natural history of the canyon. Even dinosaur tracks can still be seen in the Aztec Sandstone – at three different sites still being investigated by researchers.

Red Rock Canyon is full of wildlife and plants, like the beautiful Crimson Columbine, a red and yellow flower, and the Joshua Tree. The animals that make their home here are something to behold, and include the Chorus Frog, with his black stripe across his eyes, and the Sagebrush Lizard, with his stripes and spots that blend in well with his surroundings. Check out this select list of plants and wildlife.

Hikers can get up close to see interesting petroglyphs and pictographs left behind by past civilizations that lived or passed through the canyon. The hiking trails like Calico Tanks and Ice Box Canyon give hikers exposure to the geology, waterfalls, and open desert of the area. To help you in choosing your trails, this guide gives valuable information, such as distance, average time, and difficulty.

But not all of us are hikers. For those less inclined to climb boulders and scramble up a mountain, the Scenic Loop is a great alternative. Whether riding in a car or on a bicycle, this one-way road has many scenic overlooks and trailheads for you to explore.

“Reaching the park is a breeze and much can be seen from a 13-mile long Scenic Drive. Several trails depart from the Scenic Drive allowing visitors to explore rugged canyon and unique rock formation.”

Where to Stay

Spacious, well-appointed rooms and an ideal location in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip make Polo Towers the place to stay during your next trip to Vegas. The resort is just steps away from fantastic restaurants and world-class casinos, including the MGM Grand and Caesars Palace, and within driving distance of stunning national parks and all the outdoor adventure you can handle. Once you’ve had your fill of Las Vegas for the day, take in the city’s neon lights from Polo Towers’ rooftop pool and spa or sneak in a workout at the on-site fitness center. Make your next Las Vegas vacation unforgettable at Polo Towers.

Girls’ Getaway Trip to Las Vegas

Las Vegas, the oasis in the desert, is the perfect location for your next vacation with your girlfriends. Las Vegas has it all—Shows! Dining! Shopping! Entertainment! and best of all – Pampering! There’s a reason they say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Come visit Sin City for yourself, and you and your girlfriends will create special memories – to be shared with the world or kept secret among best friends.

Spas

Nothing says pampering quite like spas. When splurging traveling, creature comforts are a must—massages, foot rubs, robes, custom-blended essential oils, aromatherapy, body exfoliation, hot stones, deep tissue massage, full body algae wrap, facials, and steam rooms. You can go as a group, pair off, or even as individuals for a little “me-time.” Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas specializes in spa treatments from the Far East. In addition to the 18 different spa treatments, Mandarin Oriental offers beauty treatments, a Chinese foot spa, a beauty salon, and fitness and yoga.

“One of the few spas in the world to receive the esteemed Forbes Five-Star award, our spa offers a seductive retreat for mind, body and soul, high above the Las Vegas Strip.”

The Spa at ENCORE has a more decadent feel to it.

“The theme feels partly Indian and partly Moroccan, starting with the dramatic entrance: guests walk down a river-rock path lined with gold lanterns, to be greeted at the end by an 8-foot, hand-carved sculpture of Buddha.”

The environment was designed to help you relax and let the experts work their magic on your body. Between the waterfall showers, garden villas, Polynesian massage, and all the details designed with you in mind, your body will be rejuvenated and your skin will have a fresh glow.

 

 

Dining and Wining

Las Vegas is one place where you can really spend some money. And why not? This is what luxury travel is all about. When you’re out painting the town red, do it in style! Check out Jetsetter’s suggestions of high-end restaurants.

“Whether or not you hit the jackpot, Las Vegas has a restaurant for you. Be it over-the-top tasting menus with spendy plates, or hole-in-the-wall comfort cuisine – here are 10 Las Vegas restaurants where you can eat like a high roller right now.”

 

 

Shopping

What would a girls’ getaway trip be without shopping? Some of the best stores in Las Vegas are right on the Strip, like The Shops at Crystals, a collection of “50 of the finest luxury retailers in the world.”

“If you’re looking exclusively for designer names, The Shops at Crystals is home to the largest collection of flagship and unique-to-the-market locations in Las Vegas, including Prada, Gucci, Sisley and Tourbillon.”

The Forum Shops at Caesars has more than 160 shops in a high-end shopping mall that looks like a street in ancient Rome. Next door to Caesars Palace on The Strip, The Forum Shops have some of your favorite brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. Chanel, and H&M.

Outlet shopping is here in Vegas, too! Check out Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas (south of the city), Las Vegas North Premium Outlets (closer to downtown), and Las Vegas South Premium Outlets (south of The Strip).

A vacation with just the girls is needed once in a while. Without the kids. Without the husbands and boyfriends. Just the girls. Las Vegas—it’s not just for the high rollers anymore.

 

Where to Stay

Polo Towers

Spacious, well-appointed rooms and an ideal location in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip make Polo Towers the place to stay during your next trip to Vegas. The resort is just steps away from fantastic restaurants and world-class casinos, including the MGM Grand and Caesars Palace, and within driving distance of stunning national parks and all the outdoor adventure you can handle. Once you’ve had your fill of Las Vegas for the day, take in the city’s neon lights from Polo Towers’ rooftop pool and spa or sneak in a workout at the on-site fitness center.

 

MORE: Las Vegas City Guide!

 

Las Vegas – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Ask just about anyone what Las Vegas is known for, and the vast majority of responses will be its world-famous Strip. But Las Vegas has much more to offer than neon-lit evenings spent gambling at its casinos or dining at top-of-the-line restaurants.

Las Vegas is near many of the most spectacular state and national parks in the United States that are a treat for anyone who loves playing in the great outdoors. The best thing about these magical places is that, in most cases, they’re all within one hour of the Las Vegas Strip, making them as accessible as they are beautiful. Read on to learn a little bit more about these natural wonders.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a 195,819-acre park located less than 20 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. As you might guess from its name, the conservation area is best known for its dramatic red and orange sandstone formations that provide a visually delightful contrast to the beige soil of the Mojave Desert. Due to its scenic beauty, the conservation area is a favorite stop for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and fossil hunters. There are numerous hiking trails of various lengths and degrees of difficulty, or you can see the highlights from the comfort of your car by following the 13-mile scenic loop.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park, the oldest and largest of its kind in Nevada, boasts unforgettable sandstone formations that look like they’re from another planet. The best known of these is Elephant Rock, an arch that can be seen from the Valley of Fire Highway that cuts through the nearly 42,000-acre park. Like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park has a wealth of native plants and animals you can see, including cholla cactuses, coyotes, kit foxes, and black tailed jackrabbits. Valley of Fire State Park is only an hour’s drive from the Las Vegas Strip, making it an ideal day trip from Polo Towers.

Photo by: Joseph Rossbach – Website: Click here

Lake Mead

Yes, you’re reading that correctly; there’s a lake in the desert. Lake Mead is an artificial lake that is about 40 miles east of Las Vegas. The intersection of the sparse rocky desert terrain with the deep blue waters of the lake is striking, which may be why the area is popular with photographers, hikers, and those looking for a great spot to have a picnic. Not only that, but Lake Mead is a spectacular place to go swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, activities you may not necessarily associate with the desert. If all that isn’t enough for you, there is a scenic driving route that takes you through colorful mountains, valleys, and canyons.

Mt. Charleston

Escape the desert heat in Mt. Charleston, a small community located high in the Spring Mountains about 40 miles west of Las Vegas. In fact, Mt. Charleston is typically 20 degrees colder than Las Vegas, and during the winter there’s often enough snow to go snowshoeing and sledding. Mt. Charleston is the staging point for exploring two canyons, Lee and Kyle, that are part of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. In the summer, you can explore 51 miles of hiking trails that take you through pine forests to waterfalls, the tops of mountains, and canyons.

Where to Stay:

Polo Towers is located in the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip. Check out the bright lights from your private balcony, slide into the rooftop pool or work out at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Turn up the music on the surround-sound speakers in your suite, as you get ready to open the door to Vegas.

Polo Towers