Trip of the Week

Nature abounds inside valley at Floyd Lamb, Gilcrease

Despite encroachment by urban housing tracts, portions of the northwestern Las Vegas Valley retain their rural feel, especially at Floyd Lamb State Park at Tule Springs, a former “divorce ranch” as well as working livestock spread.

Don’t miss spectacular wildflower show, other fun at Eldorado Canyon

Weathered remains of yesteryear dot Highway 165 to the old mining town of Nelson. The pavement continues through rugged Eldorado Canyon to a superb overlook above the Colorado River where steamboats used to dock at Nelson’s Landing. This 18-mile highway through history lies just 10 miles south of Railroad Pass on U.S. 93, within minutes of Las Vegas but a world away from urban bustle.

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve great place to see avian visitors

Springtime rates as the top season for spotting a wide variety of birds in the desert. One of the best places for bird watching in our area is the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve just off Sunset Road, east of Boulder Highway, at 2400 Moser Drive. Birders list more than 200 species of birds, both resident and visitors, at the site on the grounds of the Henderson Wastewater Reclamation Facility. When you first arrive, you may notice odors from the treatment plant, but most visitors soon get used to them and stop noticing.

Death Valley’s wildflower show should be better than usual

Intermittent winter rains in the desert promise wildflowers in the spring. In our area, late autumn rains brought the inch of rain needed to trigger seeds to sprout in some areas, encouraged by mild to warm temperatures in January. Rain and snow from following storms furthered the tender greening on the desert. Winds carrying moisture did not dry out the seedlings. The conditions add up to a better than average wildflower show, but you have to know where and when to look.

Festival in Laughlin will appeal to those who love nature

Wonderful opportunities await nature enthusiasts during the first Wings and Wildlife Festival set for March 12-15 along the Colorado River, centered in Laughlin. Organized by a coalition formed in 2006 and called the Southern Nevada Bird and Wildlife Trails Partnership, the event showcases unique creatures frequenting varied habitat along the Colorado River in a tri-state region. The festival brings together experts from local, state and federal agencies, organizations involved with birds and wildlife, outfitters, tour companies and tourism agencies.

Las Vegans don’t have to travel far to play in the snow

Despite often balmy days in Las Vegas at this time of year, snow-capped Charleston Peak, rising west of the city, reminds us that winter isn’t finished yet. Every storm front moving clouds across our valley carries the promise of fresh snow in the mountains. Whether the clouds deliver or not, the promise is enough to lure crowds to forested mountain slopes for snow play.

field	question	answer
i_1	I'm staying on the Strip. What's a must-see attraction?	The Las Vegas Strip is full of iconic sights. We narrowed down the list to a handful that you can check out for free or at a (relatively) low cost. The attractions range from a free, 14,000-square-foot garden at Bellagio to riding a gondola through the Venetian, as well as The High Roller, Shark Reef, Sphere Experience, rides at the Strat and The Fountains of Bellagio. Check out the attractions.
i_2	Where should I grab a drink in downtown Las Vegas?	As the downtown Arts District has grown in recent years, so has its bar scene. We highlight five of the best spots to grab a cold one or a high-end cocktail. This list has something for everyone, including a punk rock dive bar, a hidden experimental cocktail bar, locals' favorites and many more. Stop by Liquid Diet, Velveteen Rabbit, Berlin Bar, Rebar, Garagiste and others. Check it out.
i_3	What are the most unique experiences in Las Vegas?	Plenty of gems throughout the Silver State await those who are willing to wander outside of the Las Vegas Valley. For those with desert wanderlust — or who would enjoy a skydiving free fall with views of Hoover Dam at 120 mph — the list is fodder for bucket lists and exploration. It also includes a hot spring in ghost town Gold Point, mining Nevada's state gemstone, climbing Mount Whitney near Reno, zip-lining the Fremont Street Experience and clear-boat canoeing on Lake Tahoe. Read the guide.
i_4	What are some family-friendly things to do in Las Vegas?	The first day of school is fast approaching for K-12 students, but there’s still time for summer fun. Whether the family wants to get up close and personal with wildlife, explore nature, experience immersive art or cool off in a nice pool, Las Vegas offers something for everyone before school bells toll again Aug. 12. This includes seeing big cats at Lion Habitat Ranch, the Flamingo wildlife habitat, the "origins of Las Vegas" at Springs Preserve and more. See our guide.
i_5	Which resort pools admit Las Vegas locals?	As the sun beats hotter and hotter on the Las Vegas Valley throughout the summer, locals without an easy way to cool down may find themselves jealous of the tourists relaxing on their poolside lounge chairs. But there’s no need for bad vibes. Several resorts around the Las Vegas Valley allow area residents into their resort pool areas — some even for free, like Palms and Park MGM. Get your swim on.
i_6	I want to hit the club but don't know where to start. Where should I go?	Twenty-thousand-pound chandeliers, lighting rigs designed to look like spacecraft and $40,000 bottle service. No, there’s nothing quite like the nightlife scene in Las Vegas. But with so many high-end clubs vying for your dollar (dollars by the thousand, to be more accurate), where to begin? Right here with this guide to some of the biggest and best spots on the Strip: Drai's, Hakkasan, Marquee, Omnia and others.