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Sights to see in surrounding areas?

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by gguerra, May 6, 2013.

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  1. gguerra

    gguerra High-Roller

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    I am planning a day trip or two on my next trip in June and was wondering what people think about some of the sights close to town. I've been to Lake Mead/Hoover Dam numerous times (although I've not seen the new bridge) and was wondering about some of the other sites such as the following

    Mt Charleston Ski Area
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Charleston

    Red Rock Canyon
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Rock_Canyon_National_Conservation_Area

    Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
    http://parks.nv.gov/parks/spring-mountain-ranch-state-park/

    I realize that it will be hot in June but the Mt Charleston area is supposed to be 20-30 degrees cooler at higher elevations. I am surprised that it is not more popular than it is (at least on this board).
     
  2. johnvic

    johnvic VIP Whale

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    Mount Charleston is a welcome relief, in terms of temperature, as compared to the strip. I loved it and also did a very basic hike.

    Red Rock will be hot but worth seeing, bring water.

    Also, you could go to Valley of Fire, which ill be hot. But it is beautiful. Again, bring water.

    I'm not sure if I did Spring Mountain. I think I did and it was fine, but the others are better.
     
  3. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    The Mount Charleston does sound interesting especially during a July/Aug visit.

    How far travel time from the strip? I see some tours listed as 4 hours and would like to know how much is travel and how much is actually walking around.

    Red Rock is awesome. Our last visit was during July with trip digits. We heard the lady telling people you need 1 liter of water per person per mile you plan to walk while there. This is definitely something that you would appreciate more in the cooler weather.
     
  4. Reston

    Reston VIP Whale

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    I did a hike at Mt. Charleston last August. It was 100 degrees plus in the valley, a little over 70 at the trailhead.

    Red Rocks is nice as well if you've never been.

    Walking on the new bridge at Hoover Dam is pretty cool. You're so high up you look down on the dam.
     
  5. Chuckberry1

    Chuckberry1 Tourist

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    Cathedral rock at Mt Charleston is a nice 1.5 to 2 hour hike. I like it because you end up at somewhat of a peak, though not the highest point around. Great view though - I think that you can see part of the city. Don't know about tours. I've always had a rental car. It's about a 45 minute drive from the strip. you can look it up on localhikes.com
     
  6. VegasBJ

    VegasBJ VIP Whale

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    for me, the surrounding area is the casino next door or across the street. If I don't golf during my stay, I very rarely go outside of my home casino.
     
  7. johnvic

    johnvic VIP Whale

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    I think Cathedral Rock is the hike I did. I'm not a hiker but a good walker, it wasn't too tough at all. I did it in sneakers, so don't worry if you don't have proper footwear. I forget how long it took to drive from the strip, but Google Maps says an hour. I don't know if they're taking into account that the mountain will be a slower drive.

    Stopping at Red Rock Casino for a snack or meal is worth it.
     
  8. gguerra

    gguerra High-Roller

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    It looks like Mt Charleston for sure and Red Rock either on the way up or the way back.. Then a stop in China Town for a good meal. The Hoover Dam trip will be the next day.. Valley of Fire seems nice too but maybe a little too far?
     
  9. Buddha

    Buddha VIP Whale

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    We actually enjoyed the drive through the Valley of Fire even more than Red Rock Canyon ... but it does take longer.

    The drive "UP" Mt. Charleston is slower, but be careful coming back "DOWN-hill". You will definitely need a good set of brakes to keep your speed manageable. :eek:
     
  10. Big Tip

    Big Tip VIP Whale

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    Mountains. State parks. Valleys. All things you can see anywhere. pffft.

    Go to Pahrump to see something you can't see anywhere else.

    :evillaugh

    Oh, and the sights to see in Pahrump are air conditioned.



    Sorry, I couldn't resist.
     
  11. Buddha

    Buddha VIP Whale

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    We took a Sunday morning drive out to Pahrump during our April trip. Nice relaxing drive, but not a whole lot to see for about 35 miles, until you get closer to Pahrump. We spent a couple hours at the Pahrump Nugget ... a nice, clean, modern casino (hardly any full-pay VP, though), and a very acceptable Sunday brunch buffet.

    *** ALSO ... ACG book has a Nugget coupon for $25 free-play for new members !!
     
  12. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Even if you don't want a hike, drive up to My Charleston Lodge for lunch and just sit and relax and enjoy the sights.

    http://www.mtcharlestonlodge.com/#/mtcharlestonlodge/

    On the way back down take Lee Canyon Rd (hwy 156) and you can coast all the way back down in neutral. Then head over to the Pauite golf course just off of Hwy 95 and have a drink or sandwich at the course restaurant. Just a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert.
    If you smoke, they also have a tobacco outlet store as you enter the reservation. Very cheap prices.
     
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