Traveling to the Desert in Vegas
Nevada (Silver State) is in the west of the United States. The most important and most famous city in the state is Las Vegas, the center of gambling and entertainment. Another major city is Reno, while the state capital is Carson City. Nevada borders to the west and southwest of California, to the north of Oregon and Idaho, to the east of Utah, and to the southeast of Arizona. Let’s learn more about what to explore in the desert in Vegas.
Las Vegas sits in the middle of the Nevada desert and impressive natural beauty and the desert are in its surroundings. There is beautiful scenery, rivers with clear water, and ghost towns everywhere you look.
Few people know that the state of Nevada offers much more attractions than the fun of Las Vegas, with unforgettable programs and many adventures in the desert. If you’re planning to travel to the desert, get ready to catch a glimpse of beautiful landscapes along the road before reaching the neon city of Las Vegas. In 1 hour on the road, everything can change. And with each change, you will fall more and more in love with this state that borders California, Utah, and Arizona.
Nevada is a state of surreal landscapes. Almost all of Nevada’s territory consists of desert or semi-desert. Most of the state is in the Great Basin, a vast arid plateau. The area’s aridity is due to the Sierra Nevada mountains, which block the flow of humid air from the Pacific Ocean.
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What Does Desert In Vegas Look Like?
Along the California border is the highest mountain in the state, Boundary Peak at 4,005 meters high. The northern part of the state is characterized by the presence of the Great Basin desert, an altitude desert, located between 1,200 and 3,500 meters.
In southern Nevada is the Mojave Desert, located between 1,000 to 2,000 meters high. The Nevada area was explored by the Spanish in the 16th century and was nominally in their possession until Mexico’s independence in 1821. In 1848 Mexico, defeated by the United States, had to cede the territory of Nevada.
Taking advantage of the tips from this post on tours and cities near Las Vegas is a great option. Schedule a day off from the madness of the casinos and the hype of Sin City. The destinations you will discover are perfect for a quick and trouble-free day trip. In this post, you can check more info about an amazing day trip for you and your family! I am sure that traveling to the desert will blow you away!
There are beautiful parks, lakes, grand buildings, festivals, art, and culture to discover in the state. In addition to a lot of history, myths and cowboys help compose the typical scenery of the region. But, one thing is for sure: there is the best way to arrive at all the places listed below. Book luxurious ground transportation to take you to your destinations and make sure you have the best experience possible. Please, contact Vegas VIP Limousine and enjoy! Got interested? So just scroll the screen to keep learning about the desert in Vegas!
What Should I Visit?
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is a National Conservation Area, just 30 minutes west of the Strip. It is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159. More than two million people visit the area each year! It is an excellent destination near Las Vegas for those who want to enjoy the desert with incredible scenery and exciting trails!
Red Rock offers enticements of a different nature including a 13-mile scenic drive, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnic areas, nature observing, and a visitor center with indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as a bookstore.
In 1990, special legislation by the Nevada congressional delegation changed the status of the Red Rock Recreation Lands to a National Conservation Area, the seventh to receive this status nationally.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is another great option. This massive dam, located on the Nevada-Arizona border, is just 40 minutes from the Strip and is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Las Vegas. In addition to immersing yourself in the history of the Hoover Dam, you can also enjoy spectacular views from the desert and take some of the best photos of your trip to Las Vegas.
It is a very interesting option to discover in a short time and at a reasonable price. The Hoover Dam tours generally last between 4 and 6 hours, visiting the exterior and interior of the power plant that supplies electricity to Nevada, Arizona, and Southern California.
It was built between 1931 and 1936 during the American Great Depression, being inaugurated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin Roosevelt. Its construction was the result of a huge effort, involving thousands of workers, costing hundreds of lives. The dam got its name after President Herbert Hoover. This region was studied for the construction of a dam since the mid-1900s, when experts evaluated whether the geology of the place would be able to support and control an enormous amount of water flow to produce hydroelectric energy.
In approximate values, the Hoover Dam spent 676 million dollars. The dam measures 221.4 m high, 379.2 m wide, 200 m thick at the base, and 15 m at the top. Its energy production capacity is 2.08 GW.
And for those who enjoy cinema, it is worth mentioning that the films Superman (1978), Transformers (2007), and Earthquake: the San Andreas Fault (2007) had scenes recorded at the Hoover Dam.
The Valley of Fire
Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best Las Vegas day trip tips. There you will find surreal rock formations, petrified trees, petroglyphs, and stunning landscapes! Located in the state of Nevada, the State Park of the Valley of Fire is one of the natural beauties close to Las Vegas.
The beauty of Valley of Fire State Park is no accident. The rock formations found in the desert are the result of several elements, including rain, erosion, winds, and tectonic movements.
Thus, what is there is, in itself, a historical process. But it doesn’t stop there! Prehistoric people inhabited the region thousands of years ago, including cave paintings in the area of the park. They were known as the Anasazi or Pueblos. Estimates account for their presence in the Valley of Fire dating back to 300 BC. to 1150 A.D., with agriculture as its main activity.
Coming to more recent history, several films were recorded in the area. Among the best-known are the first Transformers, from 2007, Star Trek: Generations, from 1994, and Total Recall, from 1990.