Get off the Vegas Strip: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

30 Sep Get off the Vegas Strip: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

If you’re anything like me, you do everything you can do avoid the Las Vegas Strip (unless of course, you’re getting Shake Shack. That’s an exception). Regardless of the constant changes happening in that area, I am pretty much over it. I guess it’s different coming from a local who has lived here for about a decade (oh god has it been that long already?).

Now when tourists come to visit, they’re all about the nightclubs and gambling — I mean, I don’t see any other way to do Vegas (if you’re into that stuff). But for those who are fed up with the overpriced entry/drinks, people stepping on your recently painted toenails, wearing 5 pounds of makeup (ladies…or men, whatever), getting swallowed by stuffy rooms, roaring music you can’t talk over for the life of you — I think you get the idea — then I’ve got you covered my friend.

Now, just 16 minutes north west (lol no not Kimye’s baby silly) of the strip, you will find a beautiful park known as Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Maybe you’d like some fresh air after all the things you’ve intoxicated yourself with the night before at Hakkasan. Or maybe you’re just an introverted-nature-loving-instagram-addict (@carmelisse) like me and want to take a few snaps. Whatever it is, it’s worth the drive and worth the $7-$9 park entrance fee.

I’ve only discovered this place a few years ago and I definitely did not feel like I was in Vegas. You’ll get a nice backdrop of the mountains, a large open area of grass and trees (yes trees in Vegas), bbq pits for a perfect picnic day,  and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Penelope, the cow that is. The last time I was there, there were also a few burros (or jackasses, whichever you prefer) walking freely on the streets. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can do a 5 minute hike to Lake Hariett. Actually, you kind of have to. The lake is pretty damn dreamy.

So if there’s anything to takeaway from this post, it’s that Vegas is more than just a city of sin. We’ve also got state parks, lakes, trees, cows, shake shack…oh and that not all locals like to party — believe it or not. So the next time you’re in Vegas, set aside some time to visit the natural beauty in Vegas. It’s cheaper than day clubs! ha.

And if you’re still not sold, maybe these pictures will help…

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