Trips on the Planning Table

Some of the interesting trips we would like to do are listed here.

Caliente

Since the last Westwood 4WD excursions have been so much fun, it's soon time for another one! That ol' crusty outdoorsman and miner, Chuck, has discovered yet another cool off-road trail to go explore. Basically, we take I-15 north to Glendale exit, and then head for the dusty trail. The weather is perfect!

There are supposed to be ruins, petroglyphs, old settlements, rusty stuff, abandoned mines and mining camps, dirt, river washes, stream beds, rocks, volcanic terrain, and other cool stuff. Once we finally reach Caliente, it will be a 2-hour drive back on pavement (I-93). 4WD and high-suspension vehicles are strongly recommended for the trail. None of us have ever adventured on this trail, so who knows what we'll discover.

So, if you'd like to get your big SUV out of the mall parking lot and into the wilderness -- or would simply like to ride along as we trash our own off-road vehicles -- please feel welcome to attend! :-) We'll start blocking out seats in the designate vehicles as soon as the responses start pouring in. Last time, there were plenty of vehicles and room for everyone.

Calico Hills

There are some medium sized hills at Calico Basin near Red Rock Canyon. These hills are covered with brightly colored red sandstone rocks. Nearby springs water the trees at the hill's base. The hills themselves are easy to climb. The view from the top of the hills encompass Red Rock Canyon and the surrounding terrain. Good photo opportunity. The area is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. This would be a half day trip, but you should be at least marginally physically fit for the climb.

Mormon Well Road

There is a dirt road through the Desert National Wildlife Range. This road tours past historical sights and mountain scenery. Opportunity for sighting bighorn sheep is present. This would be a day trip -- mostly 4-wheel driving with little hiking.

Bitter Springs

Get off the paved road, slow your pace down, enjoy the scenery and you may be fortunate enough to spot some of the bighorn sheep that inhabit this area. This 28-mile road is an excursion through the other side of Nevada. Discover old mining properties such as remnants of the old American Borax mill. Open mineshafts and tunnels are inviting, but hazardous; stay out and stay alive!

Lone Mountain

A hike to the top of Lone Mountain. This mountain is located near Las Vegas and, as far as mountains go, is not high. It has a hiking trail that leads to the top and commands a spectacular view of the city. It would be a short (half) day trip consisting more of hiking than driving. Great photo opportunity here, especially if the hike occurs at sunset/twilight.

Red Rock Canyon

This is a sensory delight for the mind's eye and an experience that won't be forgotten. Escape from Las Vegas and experience the natural wonders of the Mojave Desert. A tapestry of red and crème-colored sandstone holds secret canyon treasures within their folds. Hundreds of waterfalls appear after a brief desert storm, some hundreds of feet high. Scramble across fossilized sand dunes, explore the recesses between the rocks, climb sheer rock walls, or just sit back and enjoy the scenic beauty of the burgundy and crème-colored sandstone. Watch as rock climbers dangle on the side of the cliffs in this world-class paved, scenic loop drive, visitor center and day-use area. This National Conservation Area also has a fee campground for your overnight use.

Also, featured is the 13-mile paved, scenic loop drive, which is the Back Country Byway. This is all just a short 20-30 minute drive west of Las Vegas.  Click here for Red Rock Photo Gallery.

Cathedral Gorge State Park

The highlights of this state park are the dramatic and unique patterns formed in the soft bentonite clay by erosion. There are many trails for exploring the cave-like formations and cathedral-like spires. Excellent views of the canyon can be found at Miller Point, a scenic overlook just north of the park entrance on Hwy 93. Recreation includes hiking, picnicking, camping and ranger programs. Park facilities include shaded picnic areas, shaded campground, dump station, showers. A regional visitor center is located 2 miles north of Panaca on Hwy 93 at the entrance to Cathedral Gorge, which offers interpretive displays and information about eastern Nevada and 7 state parks

Other Places