From Zion I went straight to Red Rock Canyon. The scenic drive runs a 13-ish mile loop through varying terrain. But honestly my favorite part was hopping out of the car to see an unassuming waterfall about a quarter mile off the road. There are other strenuous trails as well, but I’ll save them for another day.
Red Rock Canyon is a conservation area just outside of Las Vegas, and is also a world class rock climbing destination. Red Rock doesn’t quite measure up to the landscapes I found in Utah, but is worth checking out none the less.
Low on stored electricity, I made the executive decision to head to the Vegas Strip after the scenic drive to recharge. Monday night got me a room at the Flamingo for less than a Motel 6 in Moab.
The time I spent on the Strip was jarring. Zero to 100, I went from walking the Hidden Canyon of Zion alone to walking the Strip alone in the overbearing neon lights.
Zion predates human existence. Whomever has settled there in the last three centuries saw the same views I saw this past week.
Contrast that with Vegas. The very hotel/casino I’m staying in may be next in line for demolition. If my grandpa visited Vegas, we could hardly relate.
I’m not saying Vegas is wrong. Vegas is very much in the present. But also very much different than my time in Utah. That’s okay. I can dig it.
Honestly the blackjack table in Vegas and campgrounds anywhere have a lot in common. Complete strangers will interact openly in both places like no where else.
And I do like Vegas.
Tomorrow, I’ll swing up to Death Valley. And eventually I’ll start this long walk to Canada. But it won’t be tomorrow, or the next day…
