2023 has been the year of trying to find balance – good news – I made it through June
Hiking was put on hold for a while – work, life, everything in existence happened to stop me from getting to the top of a mountain.
I went to Las Vegas for a conference in the beginning of June and decided it was time to get back into my boots and get some red rock ingrained into the seams.
I found a local company that provides hiking tours in the Vegas area. Love Hikes , offers different tours based on area and difficulty. I chose the moderate hike, which was a 3-5 hour journey. A nice guide, Nick, picked me up at a nearby hotel, along with two other “hikers” and drove us to Valley of Fire State Park, which was roughly an hour from the Vegas strip.
We showed up around 7am so there was no one else out on the trails. As we drove to the trailhead we saw some sheep/rams getting their breakfast in before the crowds took over.
Most of the hikes in the park are only a short loop, Nick took us off the trail and into the massive red rock maze. Before we set out on our hike he provided us with a fantastic snack selection, including slimjims and water and gatorade for us to take. He also had extra backpacks, which was great incase you didn’t pack one.
To prepare hikers for the challenge they are entering, they have included a new sign to warn you of things to come.
YOU MIGHT DIE.
Nick was extremely informative of the area, including the history of the park, the insects and plants that surrounded the other planet terrain we were entering.
Everywhere you looked there were different formations of what was left of a pre-existing sea. It is amazing to think that at one point this was all underwater – truly a different world as it stands today.
We stopped on a nice shaded rock to enjoy our snacks and get out of the sun for a few minutes. It was pure silence and clear mind – taking all that was in around us.
As we walked back to the main path, we went through a small cave, and enjoyed a few scenic spots to take pictures – to ensure that we can brag we have been in this unbelievable spot.
Before ending our hike we were able to see hieroglyphics that are still visible on the rocks from a life previously lived in this amazing atmosphere. I did not capture a photo, other than in my mind where it will stay for now. By the time we ended the hike the visitors center was open. They have a small museum and a shop.
Overall it was a great experience and I highly recommend LoveHikes for any adventure you plan on taking near Vegas.
Valley of Fire re-ignited my passion for the love of the hike – ironic.
Take a Hike 