Rikki and I just recently returned from a trip to Las Vegas and had an incredible time exploring the surrounding areas. I have been to Las Vegas a few times and it never lets me down. Whether you’re a city dweller that enjoys the nightlife or an outdoorsy person like me that loves to explore, Vegas has you covered.

Most people have a certain image in mind when they hear the word ‘Las Vegas’. Generally, the word comes with certain connotations like larger-than-life-shows, casinos, parties and a lively nightlife. It’s basically an adult Disney world on steroids.

However visiting Las Vegas for me is much more than a strip filled with hotels, casinos and a bit of sensory overload. Beyond the neon lights and bachelorette parties lies the Mojave desert: Beautiful desert landscapes and formations that are ready to be explored.

Here’s a round-up of our four fun-packed days in Las Vegas!

Day 1:

After arriving in Vegas, we checked into our hotel, The Berkley, Las Vegas. It was off the strip, which was perfect for us to get out on our daytrips to the desert and surrounding areas. This place was a great location and very reasonably priced. We had a big studio room with awesome views of the mountains!

Oh, and it had a pretty sweet pool! It was hot (think, record highs) while we were there, so we took advantage of the pool every day we were there.

Since we were tired from traveling, our first day in Vegas was pretty chill. We stopped at Target—my favourite store ever—and then grabbed some food from Chipotle and hung out by the pool.

The Berkley, Las Vegas - Photo c/o: Trip Advisor

Day 2

We woke up bright and early at 5:00 a.m. to get on the road towards the Valley of Fire State Park. We wanted to make it for sunrise to beat the crowds. I’m so glad we did because it was a magical day and we had so much fun exploring the park!

The Valley of Fire is just 45 minutes away from Vegas but seems like a world away! It’s famous for its super unique rock formations that are a stunning red colour—talk about amazing photo ops! We visited the main stops like Mouse’s Tank Road, Bee Hives, and Fire Wave. And, in classic “Lost with Luis” style, we also made our way off the beaten path and found some cool rock formations on our own.

Pro tip: Put away the map and go exploring! You can always make your way back to the main road, but you never know what you’ll find out there on your own!

What we ate: We were hungry from hiking and exploring the park, so it was serendipitous to find an authentic Mexican food truck at a gas station! We bought some tacos and margaritas and just devoured them. I love Mexican food, so it was the perfect way to end to the day!

Day 3

Not ones to pass on an adventure, we went for a morning horseback ride at Red Rock Canyon. We went with Cowboy Trail Rides and had so much fun riding along the cliffs. I cannot recommend this experience enough. They have incredible reviews and all for god reason. The views were simply incredible and there was something special about seeing it from horseback! I’ve been horseback riding many times in my life but this experience was like no other.

In the afternoon, we explored Red Rock Canyon, which is a conservation area about 17 miles from the Vegas Strip. It’s not too far, but a whole other world! The Canyon is beautiful, with options for a scenic drive or hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.

What we ate: We went to In-N-Out Burger for a quick dinner. This is a must-visit place for me when I travel out West! We don’t have it in Ontario, or anywhere near me! I always make the point of visiting because, well, we all know how good it is.

Pro tip: If you’re interested in the history of the area or unique geography, check in at the Visitor’s Center. They can also help set you up with information on where to go or what trails to check out

Day 4

Some of the best activities are the ones you didn’t even plan. And that’s exactly what happened on our last day! We stumbled across the Nelson Ghost Town totally by fluke, but it ended up being so awesome.

Located just 45 minutes from Vegas, it’s well worth a trip. It’s an old mining town that is in the middle of nowhere. After the area was hit by a flash flood, many of the precious resources were washed away and the town was abandoned. Today, remnants of the town remain—old antique cars, crashed planes, and tons of random and weird memorabilia. It’s a little creepy, but cool!

Pro tip: Watch for rattlesnakes! The owner told us to be on the look out.
Pro tip #2: Take some photos. Tons of movies and TV shows have been filmed here because it looks like the Wild West. It’s a fun place to snap some photos and make memories!

What we ate: This night was a special night! Rikki and I celebrated our anniversary at the Lotus of Siam restaurant, which was recommended to me via a travel group I’m part of. Even the late Anthony Bourdain sung its praises in one of his TV episodes. I backpacked through Thailand years ago, and absolutely love Thai food. Let’s just say that this experience brought me back and didn’t disappoint!

At the encouragement from the group and Anthony Bourdain, we ordered from the Northern menu. Highlights included nam kao tod (crispy rice with sour pork sausages and spices), garlic prawns, crispy duck khao soi (Burmese-influenced dish served with egg noodles), and thum ka noon (shredded young jackfruit and ground pork).

It was delicious. Highly recommend this restaurant for both the food and the environment. An amazing way to celebrate our anniversary.

Final Thoughts

Our time in Las Vegas was probably not the typical trip that most people have! Instead of hitting all the casinos and clubs, we wandered off the beaten track and visited some of the most amazing parks and landmarks around Las Vegas.

And whether you love the Vegas strip or want to try something new, make sure to make the trip what you want it to be! Vegas has something for everyone! What’s your favourite Vegas memory?