Las Vegas and Beyond - Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park

Still Another Early Morning

Well the last of the day trips had arrived.  This one was to Joshua tee National Park.  This park may have been a bit of a stretch for a day trip but we had tried to get to it from the west coming from San Diego but after stopping in Palm Springs we just didn't have the time to make it to the park.  So when we saw that it was about a 4.5 hour drive from Las Vegas we knew it would be long but figured we would give it a try.  We were getting a bit road weary by this time but were anxious to make it to Joshua Tree.  

We headed out pretty early this morning knowing that it was going to be a long day.  We had also done some research on the drive and once again realized that we were going to have to pick up snacks and drinks for the drive as we were once again going to be in the "middle of no where".  This may have been an understatement.....

Kelso Sand Dunes

Kelso Sand Dunes

Kelso Sand Dunes

Kelso Sand Dunes

Kelso Sand Dunes

As we were traveling along some very sandy roads on our way to the park, we saw some sand dunes in the distance.  Soon we realized that we heading right toward the Sand Dunes and they were HUGE!  We had seen the Mesquite Sand Dunes at Death Valley National Park the day before and they were no where as large as the ones that were appearing before us.  There was a small, unpaved road that led down closer to the Sand Dunes and we decided to go ahead and take the drive in to see them up close.  This was an excellent choice.  We didn't stay long but it was really a cool sight to see these huge dunes rising up from the desert.  If you have time you can climb on the Dunes, we just took some pictures and saved the climbing to others. 

Joshua Tree Visitor's Center

Joshua Tree Visitor's Center

Joshua Tree National Park - Dr. Suess Meets the Flintsones

Joshua Tree

The drive to the park is really off the beaten path. We were glad we had a GPS because we would have had no idea where we were at. We also encountered some rain during our trip (wasn't really expecting that in the desert!). It was an overcast day but we were still able to see the things that we wanted to see in the park.

The visitor's center was several miles outside of the park itself. This is a little different but make sure you stop by the visitor's center and acquaint yourself with the park. There are restroom facilities and the rangers were very informative about locations to be sure to see within the park. 

Once we got into the park, I am not sure that we were quite prepared for what we were going to see. There are huge rocks unlike rocks that I had ever seen. They looked like a giant had piled them up and then there were some that just looked like homes out of the town of Bedrock. The Joshua Trees we had started to see on the drive in but the amount in the park was just crazy and they smelled so good!  They also looked like something from a Dr. Suess book!  

Skull Rock

Keys View was amazing. It was a bit overcast on the day we were there but we were still able to see for a long distance. The Cholla Cactus Garden was also worth taking a look at. 

I overheard a little girl while we were looking at the rocks. She summed the park up very well.....
"Even though it's just rocks.....it's still awesome!" 

We spent a couple hours in the park....the road through is well paved and things to see are very well marked alongside the roadway. If you are in the area....it is definitely a stop worth making.

Keys View

Cholla Cactus Garden

Back to Civilization

Because of the rain on the day we were at Joshua Tree we were a bit anxious about getting back since we had passed many signs on the way to the park telling us that the roads flooded when it rained!  Believe me these were not roadways that you would want to be stuck on during a flood!

The total time spent on this road trip was about 12-13 hours.  It's definitely a full day trip so add this one to your itinerary only if you don't mind a lot of travel on roadways with no cell phone service for miles.  

We kept trying to find a place to stop and eat on our way back to Vegas but just weren't able to find something that we wanted in the small town that we came to so since we had cell phone service for a few minutes we hopped on our Open Table App and booked a return visit to the Ruth's Chris at Harrah's for a late evening dinner.  

Once we arrived back at the hotel we did a quick change and headed to the restaurant for another wonderful dinner!  We have found that you can always count on the consistency of Ruth's Chris for a great meal and service.

After dinner we headed back to the Flamingo and then on to the hotel for a much needed night's rest.  The next day was our last in Vegas and we were spending it in the city.

Coming Up Next:  Las Vegas and Beyond - Day 10:  Last Day in Vegas

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Las Vegas and Beyond - Day 8: Death Valley National Park

Heading into Death Valley National Park

Back to the Road

After a day off, we were up early and back on the road.  Today's trip was one that we were really anxious to do.  We were headed to Death Valley National Park.  I had done some research on the park but no amount of research would prepare me for the amazing beauty that I was about to see.

The drive to Death Valley wasn't terribly long. It was just a little over 2 hours and while a remote drive, it was not a boring one.  I would recommend picking up some snacks and drinks to take along for the ride because once again there are no amenities on the road to Death Valley.  Make sure you gas up your vehicle before heading into the park also.  There is a gas station in the park but it is very expensive as you would expect.  After the Great Basin trek, this drive was a welcome relief.  As soon as we got close to the park, the scenery began to change and the colors of the desert began to appear.

Mesquite Sand Dunes

Death Valley National Park

Mesquite Sane Dunes

Mesquite Sand Dunes

We took Route 190 into the Park from the East. Made a quick stop at Furnace Creek Visitor's Center. There are restroom facilities at the Visitor's Center and quick orientation of the Park. There is a small gift shop here also.  There are a few places nearby to eat but since we  took snacks with us, we kept on going. A little further west on 190 we came to the Mesquite Sand Dunes. This was a really cool area. You could actually get out, park and take a walk on the sand dunes. The day we were there it was relatively cool (86 degrees) so we were able to do a little exploring. 
After the Sand Dunes, we headed back toward Furnace Creek and then took Badwater Road. 

Devil's Golf Course

Badwater Basin

Badwater Basin

We stopped at the Devil's Golf Course on our way and then went straight to Badwater Basin. This is the lowest elevation in North America at 282 feet below sea level. This was an awesome place to see. You have the salt flats stretching out in front of you leading up to beautiful mountains in the distance. After walking around and taking in the sights, we headed back up Badwater Road and stopped off at Artist's Palette. This is a beautiful area....not to be missed! There is a one way scenic drive (Artist's Drive) that will take you around the sights. If it isn't too hot, make sure you stop off and take a walk around. You will be amazed by the colors you will see!

After our detour down Badwater Road we headed back on Route 190 and stopped at Zabriskie Point and Dante's View. Both were well worth the stop. There is a bit of a steep walk at Zabriskie Point to get to the observation area. Take your time if you must, but make it up there....the view is worth the walk! Dante's View was also breathtaking. It's a bit of a winding road to the top but if you have the time, it is worth the visit. 

We ended up spending about 4-5 hours in the park and felt like we got to see most of the highlights. I really can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this park. It was just so unexpectedly beautiful!

Just take a look at some of the amazing beauty we saw:

Artist's Palette

Zabriske's Point

Zabriske's Point

Zabriske's Point

Zabriske's Point

Dante's View

Dante's View

A Short Drive Back

This day trip took us about 8-9 hours with travel time and was well worth the time to visit.  We were lucky that the day we chose was a cooler day.  I can imagine that on a warmer day, it would be a little harder to traverse some of the walkways but if you are able, get out and do a little exploring at this park.  It is well worth the time! 

We were able to get back to the City by the time that night set in so we headed out on the town.  We decided to have dinner at the buffet at Caesars.  Here is a tip for the Buffets at the "Total Rewards" hotels which we weren't aware of and not informed of when we purchased the buffet.  The buffet at these resorts is $50.00/person.  However, if you keep your receipt, you can eat at the breakfast/lunch/dinner buffet at any of the resorts for 24 hours without an additional charge.  

Since we didn't realize this important tidbit about the buffet, we were rather shocked at the price.  While this buffet had quite a bit of diversity, we found the offerings to be much less appealing than the buffet at the Bellagio and more expensive (since we didn't have the opportunity to go to another buffet in the 24 hour period).  This really wasn't one of our best dining experiences in the city.

Soon it was time to head back to the hotel and get ready for our next (and final day trip)...Joshua Tree National Park.

Coming up Next:  Las Vegas and Beyond - Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park

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Las Vegas and Beyond - Day 7: Vegas Day and David Copperfield!

Finally a Day with No Driving

After four days of driving to Red Rock Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park and Great Basin National Park, we were ready for a day of no driving!  We left the car parked and took to the streets of Vegas for the day.  The first few days we were in town we only left the Venetian long enough to go to dinner at the Ruth's Chris inside of Harrah's so on this leg we


planned to see the sights of the city.

Honestly it was nice to just sleep in past 6:00 AM for a day so we took our time getting moving and then headed back to the Bellagio for lunch at the Buffet.  Yes...we had just eaten there the night before for dinner but honestly I just can't say enough about this buffet and I am NOT a buffet person! The food was just amazing and the selections were plentiful.  There was really something for everyone.  The lunch buffet was a transition from breakfast so it really was brunch for awhile and then as items went they completed the switch to lunch.  Again it is not inexpensive but you got a lot for your money at this buffet.

We had tickets for the David Copperfield 7:00 PM Show at the MGM Grand which was a ways down the Strip. Remember everything in Vegas is bigger than life so "a ways down the strip" translates to quite a long walk!  However we figured we had all day so there was no rush and we would just check out other resorts along the way.  

We actually had a great time walking the strip seeing the sights and just doing some people watching!  You never know what you might see next.  We played a few slots along the way and ended up at the MGM in time to have some dinner at the Rainforest Cafe (located just off the casino) before it was time to check in for our show.

David Copperfield

Ok.....I grew up adoring David Copperfield. I wasn't sure what to expect in the live show but I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to see him in person!

We purchased full price tickets online a couple months before the show.  The reason that we did this was because with all the places we were traveling to on our itinerary we really needed to lock in the date and time of the show.  That being said, there are half price ticket booths lining the strip and lots of people who are willing to give you "deals" on tickets.  If you have a flexible schedule this may be the best way to go.  Tickets for shows aren't cheap so any deal you may be able to get may allow you to either get to a show or get to more shows during your stay.

The doors to the theater open a half hour before the show begins.  I would recommend getting there right about the time it opens if you plan to purchase drinks or snacks for the show.  Service was very good and efficient when we arrived but as the crowd filtered in, the service bogged down.  Also, there is limited service during the show so if you want something make sure to order before the show begins.

There are several set ups of tables. We sat at a 4 top table with chairs.  It's a bit crowded but comfortable enough to watch the show.  There are also some booths that hold 4 people.  Those are a bit more crowded so if you have a preference get tickets early.

Once the show started we were absolutely amazed.  This show definitely didn't disappoint.  From "big" illusions done on stage to smaller magic done in the audience, everything was pure "magic".  David Copperfield is an amazing illusionist and fantastic performer.  He makes you feel as though he is doing his magic just for you.  The show is really something for all ages.  There is a bit of slightly off color humor but nothing that detracts from the show for a younger audience.  

There are many audience participants that chosen at random....so be prepared to possibly participate!  It really is a very entertaining and amazing performance and I would highly recommend going to see the show if you are interested at all.  

After the Show

After the show was over, we decided to take the monorail back to the Flamingo to save some steps.  Once we found the monorail, it was really quite a convenient method of transportation with great views of the city at night.  Simply purchase the ticket you want (single or multi ride) from the machine, use it in the turnstile and board the monorail in the direction you want to go.  It is a timesaver as well as saving your feet after a long day!

It was still early in "Vegas Time" so we headed down to the LINQ shopping area and decided to take a chance on the High Roller

High Roller

The High Roller is the new attraction in town.  It is a 550 foot Observation Wheel that gives you an awesome view of the city.  Like any other attraction in Vegas, tickets are not inexpensive.  A ride during the day is cheapest at $19.95/person while a nighttime ride will set you back $34.95/person.  The nighttime ride is pretty amazing though so I would recommend choosing that ticket if you can afford to do so.  

This is how the attraction works.  First you stop and purchase a ticket at the ticket booth area.  The night we went there wasn't a line at all but I would imagine that a busier week may be a different story.  You can also purchase tickets in advance online at the High Roller Website http://www.caesars.com/thelinq/high-roller.html#.U6riBRaidKk  

There are sometimes special offers for $5.00 off tickets if you stay at certain resorts so be sure to take advantage of that if you happen to be at one of the resorts that qualify.

Once you purchase your ticket, you will proceed through the line to enter the attraction.  There is a security person there who will check your bags.  Since we had just come from the David Copperfield show where I had purchased a drink in a souvenir glass, I had a bag with the glass in it.  Security identified this as a possible weapon because it was glass so I had to take it next door to the concierge for safe keeping during the ride.  So just a heads up because there were quite a few of us with glasses that had to be checked.  The concierge is only open till 10:00 PM and we were getting close to the time.   The concierge told us that we would have to pick it up by closing or we could get it the next day during their business hours.  Luckily we were able to collect it by closing time.  It's just something to keep in mind when you are riding.  If you have anything that would need to be checked you may want to stop off at your room before heading to the High Roller.

After checking the glass in, we headed back through the security line and then on into the attraction.  You will wind your way around several hallways.  There is an area with a green screen where a photographer will take a photo of your group.  The photo is available for purchase in the gift shop once your ride is complete.  

Once you get to the ride you will be combined with other groups to make up a larger group to enter your pod.  We happened to have a disabled person on our pod who used a wheelchair and it was very handicapped accessible.  They simply stopped the pod, pulled a ramp out and very easily helped him embark and disembark with minimal disruption to the ride.  

The ride actually moves very slowly and takes about 30 minutes to make the complete circle.  This gives you plenty of time to look at the city from every angle and take some great pictures of the strip. You are free to move around the pod so make sure that you get all the pictures you want!  There is a multimedia show that plays on the tvs in the pod.  It shows how the wheel was built and counts down your arrival at the top.  It makes for some interesting and fun entertainment while you are traveling.

If you have ever been to London and ridden the London Eye...this is a very similar experience.  The pods are a little bit larger for the High Roller but really the two are quite similar.

I would recommend taking a ride on the High Roller if you have a chance to do so.  I am not sure I would go back and do it again but it certainly is worth the ride at least once!

The End of the Day

After taking some time to enjoy the sights of the city at night, it was time to head back to the hotel and get ready to get up early for our next day trip to Death Valley National Park.  

Coming up Next:  Las Vegas and Beyond - Day 8:  Death Valley

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