Our final adventures in the Lake Mead Recreation Area took us to two incredibly different—but equally breathtaking—spots, each about an hour or so from our campsite. Check out the YouTube video below for highlights!

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Valley of Fire State Park, NV

Just about an hour from where we were staying, the drive to Valley of Fire State Park was as memorable as the destination itself. The rocks! So red, but a different red than Sedona—deeper, more vibrant—and layered with black and tan formations. The colors and shapes throughout the landscape were stunning. Who knew we’d grow to love rock formations so much?

Located about an hour from Las Vegas, this park is well worth the visit if you have the time. After paying the entry fee, we headed to the visitor center to grab maps and hike info. It was very busy—the parking lot was full—so Sam stayed in the truck with Annie (dogs are allowed on the trails!) while I dashed inside. I didn’t linger, but picked up a trail map to get us going.

Not even five minutes into the park, we spotted two bighorn sheep running along the road—such a thrill! We explored several hiking spots, but The Wave was our favorite. The Valley of Fire State Park website lists all the hikes, but I also recommend Earth Trekkers for detailed guides and photos.

We visited at the end of April, and it was already HOT—definitely come prepared with water, hats, and sunscreen.

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Kayaking the Colorado River – Willow Creek Recreation Area

We decided to book a kayaking tour for this leg of the journey, and we’re so glad we did! We went with Evolution Expeditions, and they were fantastic from start to finish.

Our guide, Soren, was incredibly patient and compassionate. Our group included paddlers of all skill levels, including an older couple—one of whom had limited mobility. Everyone pitched in to help them enjoy the trip, and Soren’s respectful, kind leadership made it a positive experience for all.

The weather surprised us: just days before, we had experienced 105°F, but the day we went kayaking it was a chilly 62°F. Still, with the sun shining, it was a beautiful day to be on the water. And kayaking—one of my absolute favorite activities—was a major highlight of the trip for me.

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We had such a great time at both places, each offering a totally different perspective of this stunning region. Now we’re heading to Utah to explore the Mighty 5 national parks, starting with Zion—stay tuned for more adventures!