I suddenly had my birthday off, with nothing to do, when I got (surprisingly) invited on a last minute off-roading tour in the Vegas desert.
Yes, Vegas usually brings forth images of bright lights, buzzing and binging of casino slot machines, and open orgies with Scarface-esque, free flowing piles of blow. But I hate to tell you, that isn’t true (at least most of it). Vegas is an oasis surrounded by hundreds and possibly thousands of old desert trails you can still use as long as you have a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle. Which my friend does. And he also used to do desert tours for tourists, so damn skippy I jumped at the chance to ride around with him on my birthday!
Batman, brought Batsy, into Bat Country!
This is my friend Dave who brought me on this trip, and who also used to run tours through this area. And yes, his car says Batsy. You should see his Batman collection. He has a museum in his house. Nerd-tastic!
And of course take some photos.
Bullet Holes riddle this sign on one of the dirt roads in the middle of the desert. These paths are often used for people wanting some target practice.
It’s hard to believe you are only a few miles form Las Vegas in this photo. There is no real separation between the big, bright city and this beautiful, deserted landscape.
Just outside of the city limits you start seeing dirt paths up into the hills. Take any of these unmarked paths and you are in for a treat. My birthday treat was some amazing views and a few hours trip out to the Pioneer Saloon – a famous bar built in 1913, and which taking main, paved roads is only a 20 minute drive from Vegas (but what fun would that trip be?)
This face in the mountain I was told is the Old Indian Man who looks over Las Vegas (you can vaguely see the outline of the city way off in the background). I’m pretty sure this face is a natural formation, like the Man in the Mountain that used to be in New Hampshire.
Another view of the Old Indian Man with some of the colored rocks found in the desert. The colors naturally occur due to various minerals and compounds, but the small pile is obviously man-made
Off-roading in Vegas is awesome. You can feel so far away from the bustle and tourist hell of the city, yet still be so close (as long as you know where you are going, because you can’t rely on cell service or GPS out there). But that adds to the adventure. Just bring water. and good walking shoes. And a jacket. Just in case.
E (another friend) points at another trail we come across. Trails crisscross the desert and it is easy to get lost if you don’t know your way. But man is it always a good time!
Adventure Las Vegas!
About Dani Blanchette
