Off the Beaten Path

 By Francesca Maria For those who have a liking for an adrenaline rush or cliff jumping, Nelson’s Landing might be the perfect experience you are seeking. Believe it or not – it’s family friendly. There are no sharp rocks below the cliffs, so you don’t have to worry about hitting anything. There are cliffs of different heights, so even young children who know how to swim, or who have a life vest on and are accompanied by an adult, can have a good time jumping off of the smaller cliffs. For those who really like to have a long jump it’s only a short walk out to the higher cliffs. There are coves all around and shallow swimming areas that are shaded by the high rocks. This location is really “Off the Beaten Path.” Most people do not even know about these cliffs, but once you make the drive or boating trip out there you will want to go back. HOW TO GET THERE BY WATER: Nelson’s Landing is on the Nevada side of Lake Mohave, about 16 miles north of Cottonwood Cove by water if yo...

By Francesca Maria ALL ABOARD!  Located inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you can have excursions on Lake Mead to Hoover Dam, all aboard the “three-decker Mississippi-style paddle-wheeler.” The Desert Princess vessel was built mainly to cruise the clean, blue waters of picturesque Lake Mead. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a fun combination of spectacular scenery and good food on regularly scheduled cruises and private charters. Escape the Vegas grind and have some “Off the Beaten Path” entertainment for an outrageously great time on the water. Lake Mead was formed by the creation of Hoover Dam and is the 16th largest man-made lake in the world occupying 1.5 million acres with 820 miles of shoreline. Approximately 30 minutes away from Las Vegas. Lake Mead is home to a vast array of animal species such as the desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, coyotes and much more. Also, various indigenous plants and trees are a regular feature in the area. One of the most p...

By Francesca Maria Hello Las Vegas High Rise Life Vegas fans!  I always look forward to writing my column “Off the Beaten Path” because I love to share the experiences of escaping the city for a getaway. This month I wanted to talk about the Grand Canyon, however, I cannot cover everything about the Grand Canyon into this one section, so I decided to write about the South because the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most visited rim at the Grand Canyon. It’s open year round and has hotel and lodging options both inside the Canyon as well as in nearby towns. For most South Rim visitors, one day is enough to take pictures, walk around the rim and even take a helicopter tour or bus tour. If this sounds like your plan, consider staying in a nearby town like Williams, Flagstaff or even Sedona. These places offer more hotel, dining and entertainment options than in or near the Grand Canyon, and will enhance your experience of the Great Southwest. However, if you’re plannin...

By Francesca Maria Hello Las Vegas fans!   This month I am writing about Bryce Canyon, because with the temperatures rising here in Las Vegas, you may be seeking a getaway to cooler climates. Bryce Canyon National Park has an arid climate, and at the same time you will enjoy the colorful geology and natural settings with dramatic color contrasts, while getting an education all at the same time. Bryce Canyon National Park offers something special for everyone. The National Park is famous for its fantastic views and historical geology. Originally established as a national monument in 1923, in 1928 it became an official National Park when the park’s enabling legislation was passed and signed into law. Then later in 1977, the park was designated a Class I air quality area, receiving the highest protection under the Clean Air Act. The purpose of the park is to protect and conserve resources integral to a landscape of unusual scenic beauty exemplified by high colored and fanta...

Hello, for you Southern California dwellers or for your travelers coming through the Southwestern parts of California, I am sharing with you a place close to my heart. I grew up in the high desert of California, and Joshua Tree National Park was my closest neighbor.  I have hiked every trail, and climbed every rock. I swam in the small lakes of water after big rain storms, and had hundreds of picnics with family and friends. I taught my kids how to camp and climb rocks in this park. I drank the water that comes up out of the springs at the oasis found in the middle of the desert, that you can hike to on a hiking trail. And I played hide and seek in the over sized palms next to the oasis pretending to be Billy the Kid. (Who also once came through the area and hid in the long hanging leaves of the palm trees when he was being chased by the Marshal and his posse. The memories I store from the years I lived out there are the most pleasant of all. I urge anyone who loves nature...

Bootleg Canyon  by Francesca Maria This month, is the time for outdoor adventure! For all you nature enthusiasts and athletic creatures if you have not explored Bootleg Canyon yet, then this is one place you must make time for your next outdoor excursion.  Bootleg Canyon is known for its outstanding hiking trails where you will have beautiful views of Lake Mead, and if you love to go mountain biking, then this is the place to be! You will enjoy some of the best mountain biking in the country in Bootleg Canyon. A world-famous mountain bike park, with over 36 miles of trails, the lower trails are for beginners or people who want less strenuous trails.While upper trails will challenge your biking skills. For those seeking beauty combined with adventure, hike or grab a shuttle to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views of both the Las Vegas Valley and Lake Mead as you navigate the steep maze of technical downhill trails. Bootleg Canyon is in the River Mountain R...