Helpful hints for trip to Vegas

We are located in Colorado Springs and are planning on taking a trip down to see the Grand Canyon,then on to Hoover Dam and finally Las Vegas. We have about two weeks so I thought we could maybe take a scenic route and leisurely wind our way down there and back. Are these expectations doable? We are just four seniors, no kids or grand kids in tow so we needn't have to worry about any attractions to keep them interested. We are planning on doing this around the first or second week in May.(This way we are thinking of avoiding the swarm of tourists after school let's out.) Anyone that has taken this route could help by giving us some helpful hints on campgrounds to stay at, a particular route, or other interesting sites seen along the way.

Can't help with the trip even though we did most of your trip but the Main Street Casino in the old part of Vegas has a camp ground, it has full hookups and the price is very good. It is fenced and patrolled. It puts you close to all the Casinos. Call them and make sure.

Twice we've camped at the KOA next to Circus Circus. It was clean, easy in and out, right off the freeway, and with a huge number of spaces. This is a VERY urban (all concrete) campground, but even though there is a lot of wild life, if your going to Vegas, you're not looking for nature! Within walking distance of many casinos. We would stay there again.

Jim

Restaurants:

The Pepper Mill just across the street from Circus Circus is a great place to eat breakfast. Be sure to split the omelets. While in Las Vegas lay $20.00 for me on the roulette wheel, all on red, twice in a row. If I win then mail me the money. If I lose, let me know and I'll send you the $20.

As a resident of Nevada we welcome you.
I am not a gambler, only a resident.
If you don't want top spend all of your money or time in Vegas there are many great places to see, very scenic sites and enjoy a leisureable travel.

Hit the GC on the way to Vegas and do the southern Utah sites on the way home. Stay on I-15 North out of Vegas and stop at Hurricane, Bryce, Zion.
Not sure of the accommodations for non-campers, but many options for campers. Then carry your trip over to the Colo four corners area for Mesa Verde and Canyon of the Ancients on your way home.
A very scenic voyage!
2nd week of May can be warm but not extreme.

Or leave all of your money in Vegas for those that need it!

I personally am doing many of the same areas in early April on our way to Dallas and other points all this side of the Mississippi.

Drive safe and have fun!!!!!

steve

TIH211 said:

We are located in Colorado Springs and are planning on taking a trip down to see the Grand Canyon,then on to Hoover Dam and finally Las Vegas. We have about two weeks so I thought we could maybe take a scenic route and leisurely wind our way down there and back. Are these expectations doable? We are just four seniors, no kids or grand kids in tow so we needn't have to worry about any attractions to keep them interested. We are planning on doing this around the first or second week in May.(This way we are thinking of avoiding the swarm of tourists after school let's out.) Anyone that has taken this route could help by giving us some helpful hints on campgrounds to stay at, a particular route, or other interesting sites seen along the way.

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IMHO = I would come off of I-70 on Hiway 128 going into Moab. There are spots along the Colorado River and a small campground at Fischer Towers also a BLM Campground at Big Mesa and a state park CG at Dead Horse Point on the way up to Canyonlands -Island in the Sky or plenty in Moab.
I would go up 191 to I-70 and then South on 24 to Capitol Reef NP The Fruita CG is great and there are some others in Torrey.
DEFINITELY go South on Hiway 12 over Boulder Mtn to get to Bryce. From there 89 will take you to the North Rim. That route is beautiful with so many scenic places you can stop to stretch or spend hours.
Coming back from Vegas you can hit Zion NP from I-15. If you go up to I-70 there is Fremont Indian State Park that has a small canyon theat is covered in Pictographs and petroglyphs from over 800 years ago. Well worth spending an hour or two.
I have spent many weeks camping around Moab and find new things everytime. Capitol Reef is often overlooks and not crowded and Highway 12 is as scenic as any road in the South West.
Damn I wish I was doing that myself.

By the way.

We are taking Rolff's advice on our trip in April. Going to do the rt 12 stopping in several areas. Then around to Arches and continuing south.
Going to Boblin, since it was in the news lately. Capitol reef is also on the way.

camping in Vegas area

Hi.
I live in Vegas there are camp grounds near Hoover dam.
Willow Beach Marina & Campground

Camping at Lake Mead



If you don't want to camp near the strip there is camping at Red Rock canyon and the Spring Mountains.

Camping At Red Rock Canyon | Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association
or
https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_026404.pdf

Have fun!
lincow



1992 20 Towlite
2002 22 Hilo
2010 Expedition

renoites said:

By the way.

We are taking Rolff's advice on our trip in April. Going to do the rt 12 stopping in several areas. Then around to Arches and continuing south.
Going to Boblin, since it was in the news lately. Capitol reef is also on the way.

Click to expand...

I look forward to hearing how you like it. If you have time the hike to Calf Creek falls is great - some sandy spots but not steep.
My grandmother lived in Henrieville until 1910 along what is now Rte 12. It was at the end of the road from the West. It still feels so remote it must have been the end of the world then.
Ralph