2023 was the year I tried to find balance – good news – I survived until June
Hiking was on hold for a while – work, life, everything in existence kept me from reaching the top of a mountain.
I went to Las Vegas for a conference in early June and decided it was time to put my boots back on and anchor some red rock in the seams.
I found a local company that offers hikes in the Vegas area. Love Hikes, offers different circuits depending on the area and difficulty. I chose the moderate hike, which was 3-5 hours. A friendly guide, Nick, picked me up from a nearby hotel, along with two other “hikers”, and drove us to Valley of Fire State Park, located about an hour from the Vegas Strip.
We arrived around 7am so there was no one else on the trails. As we headed towards the trailhead we saw some sheep/rams having breakfast before the crowds took over.
Most hikes in the park are just a short loop. Nick took us off the trail and into the huge red rock maze. Before we hiked, he provided us with a fantastic selection of snacks including slimjims, water, and gatorade to take with us. He also had extra backpacks which was nice in case you didn’t bring one.
To prepare hikers for the challenge they are embarking on, they have included a new sign to warn you of things to come.
YOU COULD DIE.
Nick was extremely informative about 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’s amazing to think that at one point all of this was underwater – a truly different world than it is today.
We stop on a pretty shaded rock to have our snacks and protect ourselves from the sun for a few minutes. It was pure silence and clear mind – taking in everything around us.
Returning to the main path, we passed through a small cave and enjoyed a few scenic spots for photos – so we could brag about having been to this amazing place.
Before finishing our hike we were able to see hieroglyphics still visible on the rocks from a life previously lived in this astonishing atmosphere. I didn’t take a photo, except in my mind where it will stay for now. By the time we finished 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 are planning to have near Vegas.
Valley of Fire reignited my passion for the love of hiking – ironic.