Viva Las Vegas

PROOF ON THE ROAD

Viva Las Vegas LAS VEGAS TO GRAND CANYON AND BACK 984 miles

Viva Las Vegas

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hat happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, they say. But there’s no reason to stay in Las Vegas when so many incredible natural wonders are within a day’s drive. First head to Springs Preserve for a whirlwind primer on area history, geology and critters. A hidden gem, this 180-acre nature preserve features indoor interactive exhibits on living sustainably in the desert, the humble beginnings of Sin City and

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the habits of its ancient and modern inhabitants. From there, explore the crazy rock formations of Valley of Fire State Park, the inner workings of Hoover Dam and the water scene on Lake Mead. Then, head south to the Hualapai Reservation in Arizona to raft through the western end of the Grand Canyon. Dry off and take Historic Route 66 toward the Grand Canyon's South Rim. On the next few pages, check out highlights of this fantastic trip that takes you far beyond Sin City’s gleaming lights.

ELEPHANT ROCK IN VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK

PHOTO BY DEPOSIT

From glittering Las Vegas to rapids in the Grand Canyon, you’ll be on a winning streak during this 984-mile adventure.

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MYGRANDCANYONPARK.COM


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HIT NATURE’S JACKPOT Take a break from The Strip’s neon lights and explore Springs Preserve.

SPRINGS PRESERVE

he flash flood at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas started with a crack of thunder, sending a torrent of 5,000 gallons of water rushing down the slick, narrow canyon walls. But the five people standing on the metal platform just several feet above the deafening rush of water weren’t in harm’s way. Consisting of recycled water, the flash flood happens every 20 minutes at the Springs Preserve, a stunning 180-acre natural oasis with three miles of footpaths, botanical gardens and a state-of-the-art indoor interpretive center just minutes from Las Vegas’ legendary Strip. “It’s unexpected,” says Springs Preserve staffer Dawn Barraclough. “Most people come here and say, ‘This isn’t Las Vegas,’ which is nice. It’s a great place to get history and background on the things you might see on your road trip like the Hoover Dam or regional animals or geology.” Learn about the native people who inhabited the area and see real animals that live in the Mojave desert like a Gila monster, desert tortoise and gray fox. Tour the outdoor shade-dappled paths that include Cactus Boulevard, climb aboard an early 20th-century-replica train that took passengers to Las Vegas and watch original news coverage of the construction of the Hoover Dam. Then fuel up at Divine Cafe, a hip, second-floor eatery with views of The Strip and Springs Mound, an original source of water for Las Vegas.

PHOTO BY DOLLAR

ON THE ROAD

Viva Las Vegas LAS VEGAS TO NEARBY ATTRACTIONS 5-54 miles, 10-56 minutes

MIX FIRE AND WATER FOR DESERT FUN While Las Vegas offers plenty of entertainment, get in touch with your wilder side at these three unique spots near Las Vegas.

Valley of the Fire State Park

Hoover Dam

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Moapa Valley, Nev. Named after its red sandstone formations, this state park 55 miles from Las Vegas is home to 3,000-year-old petroglyphs, hiking trails and petrified wood; parks.nv.gov/parks/valley-of-firestate-park.

Boulder City, Nev. Completed in 1936, this engineering marvel is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, stretching 726 feet. Take one of two dam tours, which include a 500-foot elevator descent to the base of the dam; usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam.

Boulder City, Nev. Splash in the nation’s largest man-made reservoir, covering 1.5 million acres with nine access points. Rent a boat, kayak or walk to St. Thomas, a ghost town drowned by Lake Mead but now accessible due to severe drought; nps.gov/lake.

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PHOTO COURTESY SPRINGS PRESERVE, SHUTTERSTOCK (2), COURTESY LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Visit Springs Preserve at 333 S. Valley View Blvd.; 702-822-7700; springspreserve.org



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GUANO POINT AT GRAND CANYON WEST

PHOTO COURTESY SPRINGS PRESERVE, SHUTTERSTOCK (2), COURTESY LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

PHOTO BY DOLLAR

Tour Like A Local

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f you are headed from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West, download the Grand Canyon West GyPSy Guide app before you leave The Strip. The app uses your device’s location to play commentary about roadside attractions as you drive. Stops along your 120-mile adventure include the Hoover Dam and the Hualapai Ranch. The best part is the app features backstories, so it feels as if you are traveling with a local.

Right now is a good time to explore our indoor and outdoor exhibits and learn about the wild side of Nevada.

follow us on:

702-822-7700 • U.S. 95 and Valley View Blvd.

Learn more at gypsyguide.com/package/grand-canyon/

CONFLUENCE is an upcoming documetary following Indie Folk Band THe infamous Flapjack Affair on a journey through iconic National Parks of the Colorado River Basin on the heels of the National Park SErvice’s Centennial Anniversary.

Follow the adventure:

www.confluencethejourney.com

Along the way, the band explores the people and places that depend on this endangered river system, and turns their experiences into original music. MYGRANDCANYONPARK.COM


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ON THE ROAD

Viva Las Vegas LAS VEGAS TO PEACH SPRINGS, ARIZ. 153 miles, 2 hours and 35 minutes

THE OTHER SIDE Join the Hualapai tribe members for an unforgettable day rafting through the Grand Canyon and taking a helicopter to its rim.

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here are few days that top rafting the Grand Canyon, stepping off your raft to a helicopter and ascending 4,000 feet of the Grand Canyon to the rim. For travelers and families with older kids, this Hualapai River Runners trip on the western side of the Grand Canyon is one to make the memory books. Not only is it full of adventure, but it enables you to step beyond the historical cliches of headdress-wearing Native Americans and glimpse into the modern-day lives of today’s Hualapai Indians. Your epic trip starts at the Hualapai Lodge, an immaculate base that’s home to a restaurant where you can fuel up with breakfast and dinner and sample Native American traditional foods. From there, it’s about an hour drive down a dirt road past bighorn sheep and wild donkeys to river mile 226.

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“We offer a one-day rafting experience, which a lot of companies don’t,” says Luka Montana, Hualapai tribal member. “It’s a fast and easy outing for people who want to get back to Las Vegas.” After the first 12 miles of action-packed rapids, the river mellows out, which is why the Hualapai power their iconic turquoise rafts with motors. Enjoy deli sandwiches while relaxing on a white sandy beach before coasting to arguably one of the world’s most stunning helicopter landing pads. Get whisked away for a breathtaking eight-minute ride past the Grand Canyon's ancient walls. When you land on the canyon rim, walk on the Skywalk, a glass bridge that seemingly floats above the canyon. No cameras or personal belongings are allowed on the Skywalk, so you'll store those in a locker. A bus ride to the lodge gives you time to reflect. Learn more at grandcanyonwest.com.



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PHOTOS BY COURTESY

HUALAPAI MEMBER LUKA MONTANA, RIVER GUIDE ANDRE WAKAYUTE (BACK) AND TWO FAMILIES MOTOR DOWN THE COLORADO RIVER.

Towering 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon is the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway. Built in 2007, the Skywalk gives you the feeling you are walking on air. In fact, you’ll see some tourists anxiously grab the handrails with their eyes shut. Don’t miss the exhibits on Hualapai history and culture inside the Skywalk building. A stone's throw away is Eagle Point, a sacred formation for the Hualapai. Tour guide Cory Majenty says an elder told him that in the early days, his people lived at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and an eagle flew down to warn the people of a great flood. As the eagle flew up, it stayed near the top of the canyon to watch over the people. Then it turned to stone. Today, see the mighty eagle in mid-flight with its wings spread out.

PHOTOS COURTESY CARY BRICKER, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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ON THE ROAD

Viva Las Vegas PEACH SPRINGS TO GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM 141 miles, 2 hours and 33 minutes

WHICH GRAND CANYON? What’s the difference between the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West? A lot. To start, they are in opposite corners of Arizona, with the South Rim closest to Williams and Flagstaff and Grand Canyon West closer to Las Vegas, Nevada. Grand Canyon West is operated by the Hualapai tribe, so it has a completely different history and vibe than the South Rim, which is operated by the National Park Service. Learn more below.

National Park Service

Managed by

Hualapai Tribe

$30/vehicle

Entrance Fee

$71.68/adult (includes meal and Skywalk)

Nearly 5 hours (278 miles)

Hours from Las Vegas

Just over 2 hours (122 miles)

Park ranger talks

Cultural Bonus

Hualapai exhibits, performances

Camping and lodging at rim

Closest Lodging

Hualapai Ranch near rim

Personal photography allowed

Photography

No cameras on the Skywalk

Inner canyon hiking trails

Unique Attraction

A glass bridge suspended over the Grand Canyon

Start in Page, Ariz.

One-Day Rafting Trips

Start near Peach Springs, Ariz

For more information on Grand Canyon’s South Rim, go to www.nps.gov/grca

Want to know more?

For more information on Grand Canyon West, go to grandcanyonwest.com

Learn more about the North Rim at mygrandcanyonpark.com/park-access-overview.

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PHOTOS BY COURTESY

GRAND CANYON WEST

PHOTOS BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE, TORI PEGLAR

GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM