Headed to Vegas, Early August

[heri0125 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close heri0125]

Hey everybody,

I am in the process of booking a trip down to Vegas from the 11th through the 15th of August (just a final getaway before football season starts). Normally I go and stay on the strip but I figured I'd take advantage of my newly acquired HGVC property to take that part of the trip cost out of the equation.

Normally I tend to gamble and hit up tons of restaurants, but since its a last minute thing, I'm wanting to check out some of the other stuff Vegas (and the surrounding area) might have to offer (and also utilize my kitchenette).

I've decided I'm definitely making the "drive" out to Hoover Dam. I was wanting to go to the Grand Canyon but it seems it would take anywhere from 4-6 hours (depending on route) to get there alone. I'd also chuckled at the idea of going to the mailbox on the "Extraterrestrial Highway" or at least making the drive up/around Area 51. Is there anything else y'all would recommend I check out?

Again, I've seen the "free" stuff on the strip like the Bellagio's Fountain, the TI show, the new Mirage Volcano show, etc. I've also done the Fremont District...

Someone had mentioned there being a good state park near by, but I don't remember how far it would be either...

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Kentonmag Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kentonmag]

Since you are going to the Hoover Dam, I would then continue east and visit the Glass Viewing Bridge at the Grand Canyon, it's only another 1 1/2 hour away. You look through the glass floor, which juts out 70 feet from the cliff edge and its a 4,000 feet straight drop. It was an unbelievable feeling. My wife went around on her hands and knees, I've never seen her look so terrified ha ha.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

You can go to Red Rock Canyon which is a short drive from Las Vegas. You can easily do it in less than 3 hours including the loop through the canyon.

[fnewman Member Find all posts View Profile Close fnewman]

Since you are going to the Hoover Dam, I would then continue east and visit the Glass Viewing Bridge at the Grand Canyon, it's only another 1 1/2 hour away. You look through the glass floor, which juts out 70 feet from the cliff edge and its a 4,000 feet straight drop. It was an unbelievable feeling. My wife went around on her hands and knees, I've never seen her look so terrified ha ha.

Yes, that area of the Grand Canyon (West RIM is at least a picturesque as the South Rim, IMHO. However, when returning to LV you still have to come back across the dam and you can expect afternoon delays of as much as 2-3 hours.

[Pstreet1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pstreet1]

There's another state park--can't remember the name--that's almost in city limits. Google Las Vegas + parks and it will turn up; it's about 15-30 minutes from the strip.

[MargeS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MargeS]

If you go to the west rim of the Grand Canyon (Indian Res) be EXTREMELY mindful of the frequently changing speed limit sign through town near the Canyon road. Speed trap city. 10 over fined $345; and pulled over a few feet past where the sign (we didn't see) lowered the limit.

Much more expensive than the South rim (Nat'l Park), but much closer as well. If you are active/retired military, there is a discount.