The overlook at Inspirada is a great place to just pull up, park and hang out for a bit. The…read morepurpose of my visit today was just to enjoy the view of the closely located valley and homes below and the much further in the distance Las Vegas strip/skyline and have lunch with my girl. The area is spectacularly clean. It was nice and quiet and overall very enjoyable. The Inspirada community is located in the southeastern part of the Las Vegas Valley within the city of Henderson, Nevada. It is a master-planned community situated in the southern part of the valley, offering a suburban lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of the larger Las Vegas area. Key Details City: Henderson, NV Region: Southeast Las Vegas Valley Proximity: Close to the I-15 freeway and the St. Rose Parkway, giving easy access to the Las Vegas Strip. Characteristics: Known for its parks, trails, schools, and community-focused atmosphere.

Rising above the Las Vegas Strip on the southern rim in Inspirada is a 2.2 acre overlook that…read moreprovides breathtaking views. It is the Inspirada Overlook (also called The Overlook at Inspirada).      One of the things I enjoy doing is touring Google Maps looking for new places. This is how I learned about the Inspirada Overlook. This morning it progressed from a virtual tour to real life when I parked at Anthem Highlands Shopping Center then partook in a walk through Inspirada that included the Inspirada Overlook.    This is a very small park that features a 2.5 desert garden with a gazebo structure. The diminutive walking paths lead to the gazebo structure and open grass space where the overlook is. Although the park is around five years old there was a plentitude of mature trees. Throughout the very short walkways to the overlook are plaques that mention interesting facts such as the exact lines of longitude it stands on, when Henderson was born, and other cool stuff. Above me on the trees, I heard the songs of birds. What I didn't hear was the song of dogs. This is a dog friendly park with a dog waste station.    I spent the most time at the open grass space overlook. This is an awesome spot to take in spectacular views of both Las Vegas and south Henderson. I will explain the view going in a clockwise starting from 12 o' clock at the north. At 12 o' clock (north) it looks down at a grand view of the Las Vegas Strip. From 1 o' clock to 3 o' clock  (northeast) it overlooks the northern neighborhoods of Anthem with the distant Sheep Mountain Range. From 3 o' clock to 5 o' clock (east) the view features Inspirada and the Anthem Highlands with Black Mountain and the surrounding mountains. From 6 o' clock to 7 o' clock (south) it takes in the mountains of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. From 8 o' clock to 12 o' clock (west) in place of an overlook there are new homes going up. When I spent time here around eight in the morning, it wasn't the best time to visit. I believe that the best times to visit would be during sunrise or sundown when the sun puts on a majestic show over the Las Vegas Strip and mountains.     Although I arrived here by walking, there is a moderate size paved parking lot to the south. The fact that there is a parking lot leads me to the impression that this is more than a park for strictly Inspirada residents. There is the possibility that maybe one day in the future the City of Henderson will take over the deeds of the park from Inspirada and expand the amenities. There are currently zero benches or picnic tables.    The centerpiece gazebo structure with the Inspirada name on it is both a community landmark and marketing tool that Inspirada uses to sell new homes. When taking these two things into consideration, it seems evident that Inspirada will leave the open space overlooking the Las Vegas Strip undeveloped.    In the future I plan to return here. Preferably it would be during sunrise or sundown when the sun puts on a mesmerizing show over the Las Vegas Strip and mountains.

I don't come to the Pabco Trailhead very often despite it being so close to home. I usually visit…read morethe Wells Trailhead a couple of miles down stream. Starting a walk at Pabco has its perks though. More trees and more densely packed brush. Plus some side trails taking you close to the water's edge. Also some elevation change making the walk a little more challenging and interesting than plain flat land. Then, about half way to Wells Trailhead is a little semi-hidden outpost. An oasis if you will. A tree covered xeriscape garden space with access to the weir. A hidden gem off trail in a somewhat secluded setting. This is usually my turn around point where I head back to the car. Nice to have the peaceful landmark to look for.

Great trail and very safe for bikers... whole loop not yet done though... i will ride here a lot...read more

This is a favorite trail of mine. It's a paved walking path for a good first leg and then gets a…read morelittle rough, depending on how far up you go. It has a gradual incline which can be a pleasant challenge for some. During the hotter months it can be a bit of a punishing experience as there's no shade or trees, so just be aware. This trail is in proximity to a baseball field (fly balls should be considered if you intend to park your car at the trail head base) and a large park which is busy most times I've visited. The trail itself is not as busy, though, which is pleasant. Something else that is pleasant are the lovely panoramic views of Henderson and the Vegas Valley. This trail is for sure worth visiting.

Currently training for a 5k race that's coming up next month and I decided to hit up Anthem East…read moreTrail over by Del Webb Middle School. I've hiked this trail a couple times before with my fam and it's been a long time since I've been back. The weather is finally cool enough for me to take walks outside again and I like that. With the record breaking heat that we had over the summer, it was just too hot to go for a walk outside. My favorite part about hiking these trails is that I get to enjoy the amazing views of the mountains, The Strip, and all other parts of the Las Vegas valley while I get my steps in. Dogs can tag along with you, but be aware that coyotes and rattlesnakes are very active along this trail. Also be sure to carry plenty of water and fully charged phone just in case. I hiked solo and didn't want to go way far out on the trail, so I just stayed where I could see all the views of the city. But I managed to reach my goal of 3.5 miles!

What amazing jewels are in your backyard?…read more Go outside and explore the beautiful world around you. Shall we close our eyes visualize what you can see and feel? While walking one can caught a glimpse of life that just passed an individual by. This last year life almost took a turn for the worst . Prior experiences and issues came back from the dead to haunt me. But here I stand, thinking and not wanting to waste time anymore. Look into the future you can see change coming . In fact the only constant is "change in life. " Being a burden is not something anyone wants to do. Time to pull one self up here we go. Life is about living . Center and ground yourself! You can feel the calm. You are outside and ready to go walk it off . Life is peaking and is going to be happy . We need to accept the change and accomplishments. What are we going to do in the future? We can keep the journey moving along and forward with the progress of self discovery. We are going to continue and breathe the air of change and look at that which the universe is creating and showing us . What's that we are seeing ? The universe paints for me color rainbows "change is good." Let's listen and learn. Change is good and is coming ! Here we go !

Vegas is Sun City! From the Spring Mountain slopes to the Lake Mead valleys, hiking trails follow…read morethe sun. Down in the southernmost border of the Las Vegas Valley where the rooftops of the Anthem Master Planned Community merge with the open spaces of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area lies a 2.10 ribbon of asphalt and gravel named the Nevada Power Trail. The Nevada Power Trail is an unadvertised jewel. There is a want for parking directly off the trail. An extended walk is necessary for hikers to reach the trail. When I did this hike, I parked at Esselmont Park, which is a pocket park off of Anthem Highlands Drive.* From there I walked south on Anthem Highlands Drive a couple hundred feet to the 4-way stop sign. This is Democracy Drive. I crossed it, then made a left onto the eastbound sidewalk. After a couple of hundred feet I saw a pedestrian Crossing sign then turned right onto the spur trail through a Canyon of fenced off yards toward the Nevada Power Trail. The Nevada Power Trail is easy to spot on account of the power lines. Throughout the duration of the trail, Nevada Power Trail is parallel to the power lines. These aren't the massive towers similar to those things marching out of Hoover Dam. These are the poles you would recognize alongside a Las Vegas surface Street. These are the same power lines that are parallel to the Anthem East Trail alongside the east border of Anthem and the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. When I did this hike, I made a left to go northeast. On the way back, I'd hike the segment that ends to the west. Lately I have been suffering from a foot problem that is an ankle sprain and plantar fascilitis. Because Vegas is Sun City, I needed to celebrate its greatest asset out on a trail despite my foot pain. On Google Maps, I saw the Nevada Power Trail. An hour later, I saw it in person. When I stepped onto the Nevada Power Trail, I was on an asphalt line in the sand between the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area and the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. As I glanced to the right, I took in the beautiful open spaces of the desert reaching toward the McCullough Mountain Range. The Nevada Power Trail is a gateway to fascinating hikes in the desert. Trails reaching into the horizons of the desert branched off to the right. As I glanced off to the left, I'd take in the manicured fenced in yards of Anthem. After steep elevation gains, the views to the left changed into scenic overlooks above rooftops reaching across the Las Vegas Strip toward the Spring Mountains. As the trail reached its only surface street crossing with Democracy Drive, I'd rest at a set of benches to enjoy the scenic overlook. By this time, I had climbed a couple of hills and walked on topography that was mostly pavement with a gravelly segment. After crossing Democracy Drive, Nevada Power Trail changes from a boundary between Vegas and the desert to suburban. On a straight paved stretch the Nevada Power Trail is a linear landscaped buffer separating fenced in backyards. Being in Anthem, graffiti is relatively nonexistent. The deeper I hiked on this stretch, the taller and closer the hill in front of me grew. And being Anthem, there were homes on top of the hills. The trail turned toward the right intersecting with a non name trail bound for access points to Anthem. The trail now made a course upward on what I consider a steep hill. If you are familiar with the Three Sisters of the River Mountains Loop Trail, this incline is a similar beast. The homes that were on the right side returned to the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. At the top of the hill Nevada Power Trail ends at a cul-de-sac. There is a dirt trail that follows the same power lines that in a short distance change into Anthem East Trail and intersect with the Black Mountain Trail. The 2.10 mile walk back was better because it was mostly downhill. I'd get to explore the short segment West of the spur trail toward Esselmont Park. The gravelly surface replaces the pavement as Nevada Power Trail climbs a hill that reaches another scenic overlook over Las Vegas. As Nevada Power Trail reaches the end where Anthem merges with the desert, there is a short paved section. It looks like a dirt trail follows the power lines into the horizon. The geography geek in me believes these are the same Powerlines that meet up with Las Vegas Boulevard South of Sloan. Because Vegas is Sun City, I have to be out on the trails that follow the sun. By the summer, I want to turn my dream of the Nevada Power Trail leading me onto the trails that into the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area into reality. Optimistically I will be back on the Nevada Power Trail. *For directions to Esselmont Park from I-215. take Eastern Southbound to the end. Turn right on Anthem Parkway. At the third traffic signal turn right on Bicentennial. At the stop sign turn left on Anthem Highlands Drive. Esselmont Park is on there right.

One of my favorite hiking spots ! You can hit up downtown…read moreBoulder City in your way in or out. Either fuel up for your hike or after working up an appetite. I recommend Southwest Diner if the weather is good to sit outside. The hime is good for families, big groups or solo missions. It's mostly flat with lots of beautiful views. In the heat the tunnels allow for a break from the sun and there are cute seating areas for many picture opportunities. If you want a bit more exploration and exertion there are side trails and extensions you can take as well

I've hiked this mountain bike trail twice in the last few weeks and it's a great hike with some…read morechallenging terrain. It is a 4.6 mile loop around the ridges behind the Railroad Pass Casino. You access this trail from the rear of the parking area at the Railroad Pass Casino just before Boulder City. At that rear parking area, you'll see a kiosk which has some interesting history of the area and the entrance to the River Mountain Loop Trail is there. Walk up to the paved trail and start heading for Boulder City. In about 20 feet, you'll notice a foot path going off to your left. Leave the bike/walking trail there and head toward the ridge. You'll soon cross the railroad tracks. Keep following this use trail and you soon arrive at the mountain bike trail. From there, the route is obvious for the first half of the hike. The hike follows the mountain bike trail as it loops around several ridges. After one of the ridges, after you make the turn east, you'll start to see the Cascata Golf Course owned by Caesars Entertainment. There a fence separating the bike trail from the private property. As you continue on the hike, you'll soon get a view of the driving range practice area and then you'll see the man made waterfall that was put in when MGM originally built the course. There are some areas of rough basalt rock and areas where the bikers have put some large boulders to fill in some of the washed out areas. There are some great views of the Eldorado Dry Lake bed area and you can see the solar power plants along US 95 heading toward Searchlight. About halfway into the hike, you come to a saddle. This is the highest point on the hike and you have a panoramic view of the Las Vegas Valley. You can see Mount Charleston in the Spring Mountains on the west side. This is a good place to take a break and have a snack. From here, it's basically all downhill. There are several trails here but if you follow the main trail and stay to your left when you come to a fork, you'll end up rounding the east side of the last ridge and the Railroad Pass Casino will come into sight. After the last turn behind the casino, walk down to the bike path, cross the railroad tracks again, and then follow and old road into the upper parking area where you left your car. Notes: This hike can be done with sneakers but it's always best to wear hiking boots on this kind of terrain for extra safety. Some of the scree in the down part is a bit slippery and boots serve you well. As with all hiking, take plenty of water with you. In my photos, I have included a route track on Google Earth from my GPS track. If you want the track for your GPS unit, send me a message! This is a fun hike with some great views. Happy hiking!

We came with a social group and conquered over 5 miles and an elevation change of over 900'. The…read moreparking and bathrooms were well maintained, and the signage made clear the natural challenges presented in this part of the country. We easily followed the beaten path to see the arch and the Colorado River in 3.5 hours. Pro tips: wear hiking boots, wear layers, bring water and a snack, and plan for sun and wind. We were fortunate so many things were in bloom today. We'll do this hike again!

Such a fun rewarding hike with gorgeous views of the Colorado river!…read more This hike is known for its interesting combination of features, including an old mine area, the iconic Liberty Bell Arch, and the river overlook. The hike was 4.55 miles round trip. Moderate, with a mix of inclines and flat sections. The trail can be sandy and rocky in places, so wear good hiking footwear. It took about 3 hours round trip because we spent about 30 minutes enjoying the view up top. Make sure to bring water and some snacks to enjoy before hiking back down. Take lots of pictures too. This hike was very peaceful and serene. You will love it. I can't wait to do this hike again with my girls!

Located within a 5 minute drive from Laughlin Nevada is a spot where a very short hike takes you…read moreback thousands of years. The Sacred area is well worth the short trip and shorter walk. There are literally hundreds of petroglyphs and other stunning views of the rocky mountainous and desert terrain. If the the Laughlin area - Just Do It.

The address takes you directly to a parking lot and there is a sign that says Amargosa Trail to…read morelead you to the trail but there are a bit of areas that branch off so it can be a bit confusing. I would definitely suggest downloading a separate trail map of the area if you are worried about getting a bit lost. The views from up higher are beautiful and once you are up there you can see a better view of the different trails that branch off. It is a pretty good walk/hike and as you get higher it can be a bit more difficult. There is not much shade so I would definitely make sure to have enough water if going in the warmer weather or wait till it gets a bit cooler. I personally wouldn't walk here by myself just because last time I was there I saw a tent, so I would just be cautious if going alone.

Trail starts behind the vet clinic (if you are looking for it). It's about 30-45 min walk up and…read moredown the side of Black Mountain. There are areas where you can branch off and actually climb the mountain. The kids, dog, and I stayed on the main path and had a great time. Great walk!