Best Views of the Strip; Go Take a Hike
The best Strip views in Vegas
by Caroline Fontein – Caroline writes for www.blog.vegas.com
Guests a the Foundation Room can see it all from the south end of the Strip.
It’s the only place in the world where you can you see a pyramid, medieval castle, erupting volcano, pirate ship, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower in the same place. Stretching out over four miles, the Las Vegas Strip is a greatest hits album in the form of real estate. If there’s one thing that every visitor in Sin City needs to see, it’s the Strip at night. When the sun sets, the Strip comes alive with all of the lights and attractions that draw more than 37 million visitors each year. People everywhere recognize the legendary skyline, but seeing it for yourself is awe-inspiring. We’ve put together a list of the best places in Vegas to get a spectacular view of the most famous road in the world.
Bars, Nightclub and Lounges
Foundation Room
Where: Mandalay Bay
Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay is located on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip and 43 stories up. The outside balcony offers unprecedented views of the city’s legendary skyline. From the balcony, the letters spelling out “Mandalay Bay” on the side of hotel are almost at eye level. The venue was once a members-only club, and while the restaurant still is for members-only, the club portion is open to the public willing to pay the cover charge. A combination of lounge and nightclub, the ambiance at the Foundation Room incorporates the best of both worlds. Here you can chill with a drink, admire the cool vibe inside and enjoy and amazing view from the balcony.
Mix
Where: THEhotel at Mandalay Bay
While you’re at Mandalay Bay, you can also check out the amazing view from Mix. The restaurant and lounge is located 64 stories up and features incredible views and two outdoor patios. Those aren’t the only place in this venue with a view. You can continue to marvel at the Strip and surrounding area even when you’re in the bathroom. From the outside the bathroom looks like a gold mirror, but from the other side (where the bathroom is) you can see a beautiful view of the Strip. Now that’s taking care of business.
Mandarin Bar
Where: Mandarin Oriental
Most visitors don’t know about this bar, and that’s a good thing. Located on the hotel’s 23rd floor and featuring modern décor and floor-to-ceiling windows, Mandarin Bar offers plenty to admire both inside and out. No matter where you sit, the view is unparalleled. The up-scale lounge features live music from 7 – 11 p.m. on Wednesday -Thursday and 9:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. on Friday – Saturday. The drink menu features everything you’d expect and more like the Mandarin Martini and several other concoctions that focus on high-end spirits paired with fresh fruit or herbs.
Ghostbar
Where: Palms
Check out the view from up top at Ghostbar at the Palms. Located 55 stories up, this nightspot has staggering views of the Strip. What really sets this venue apart is its glass-panel-floor balcony. The glass panel lets you stare down at the Palms Pool and Bungalows on the ground below. When you’re done looking down, make sure to check out the surrounding scenery both in the club and in the distance. Ghostbar is more of a lounge than a club. There’s some dancing, but there isn’t a dance floor. What you will find is a hip atmosphere to throw back a few drinks and appreciate the view, whether you’re looking at the skyline or a fellow reveler.
Moon
Where: Palms
If you’re at the Palms and the thought of a glass-floor balcony sounds too haunting, then reach for the Moon. Located in the Palms Fantasy Tower on top of the Playboy Club, Moon features two-levels of bacchanalia. The dance floor has interchanging flashing lights and various laser effects that light up the room. When things get really hot, the roof slides open filling the room with fresh air. In the warmer summer months the roof stays open for revelers to dance the night away under the stars. You can also cool off by heading to the balcony which offers breathtaking views of the valley.
Voodoo Lounge
Where: Rio
Perched 51 stories up, VooDoo Lounge at Rio is a prime place to party with a view of the Strip. The venue features both a restaurant, VooDoo Steak, and a nightclub, VooDoo Lounge. The restaurant offers a Creole-inspired menu created by Chef Lam Vongsakoun. In the lounge guests can enjoy views from inside and the outdoor patio area. Each area has its own vibe and DJ. Aside from the scenic views, there’s plenty to look at inside when VooDoo’s flair bartenders go to work. The lounge offers more than 40 specialty drinks including their infamous concoction, the “Witch Doctor.”
Attractions
The Insanity offers a thrilling ride and an unbeatable view.
Stratosphere Observation Deck
Where: Stratosphere
Things are looking up. Located on the north end of the Strip, the 1,149-foot-tall Stratosphere Tower features a view of the entire city. The observation deck is set at 869 feet high and offers a 360-degree view of the Vegas valley and both an indoor and outdoor viewing area. The outdoor observation deck is the tallest of its kind in the country. If you really want a unique view, try out one of the thrill rides located on top of the tower including, The Big Shot, SkyJump Las Vegas, Insanity the Ride and X Scream.
Eiffel Tower
Where: Paris Las Vegas
Romance abounds at the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Located center-Strip, visitors can indulge in the tower’s charming ambience almost 50 stories above the ground. The observation deck stands at 460 feet offering visitors views of the entire Vegas valley. This replica is about half the size of the structure in France, but it’s symbol as an amorous destination hasn’t diminished. Of course, this is a fun destination for any traveler, but there’s no denying its appeal for couples. Like the real tower, this attraction also features a glass elevator where you can admire the view during your ascent to the top.
Restaurants
Comme Ça
Where: The Cosmopolitan
Here you can dine al fresco with a picturesque backdrop. Located on the third floor of the Cosmopolitan, Comme Ça is a modern French Bistro created by Chef David Myers. The main dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a fantastic view of the Strip. Things get even better on the patio where you can enjoy your meal and a view of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.
Mon Ami Gabi
Where: Paris Las Vegas
Speaking of the city of love, there’s more to relish at Mon Ami Gabi located in the front of Paris Las Vegas. The restaurant’s French steakhouse theme and outdoor patio overlooking the Strip make it feel like you’re dining in France. However, the scenery is different. Instead of Paris, you’re at the perfect vantage point to see the fountains in front of the Bellagio. Its awesome location makes Mon Ami Gabi one of the best spots on the Strip for open-air dining with a view.
Hotel Rooms
You can also experience a great view of the Strip without ever having to leave your room. Many hotels offer rooms with a Strip view, but you have to pay a premium for this luxury. If you want to ensure a good view, make sure to select a room that says it offers a Strip view and is on a high level floor. Some of our suggestions are the Lakeview Resort Deluxe room at the Bellagio or one of the Premium View rooms at the Cosmopolitan. These rooms feature a balcony and a view, now that’s waking up on the right side of the bed.
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Take a hike in Vegas
By Caroline Fontein
VEGAS.com
The 13-mile scenic loop at Red Rock Canyon is what car commercials are made of.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Vegas might not seem like a place with a lot to offer, but there’s more to this city than meets the eye. Vegas is located in a valley, and the surrounding mountains provide hikers with a multitude of trails and beautiful scenery. Whether you want to hike near the main metropolitan area or venture outside of the city, hikers in Vegas have options. With Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire and Mount Charleston all nearby, there’s no shortage of spots for you to break out your hiking boots and hit the trail. The varied landscapes mean there are trails for every level of hiker. Even if you feel like taking it easy, many spots feature picnic areas for people who want to enjoy the great outdoors without getting too physical. Here I’ve listed some of the most popular hiking areas in Vegas and my favorite trails.
Red Rock Canyon
My favorite hiking haven in Vegas is Red Rock Canyon. Located only 15 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, it’s a world away from neon lights, slot machines and everything else that constitutes Sin City. Red Rock is home to incredible rock formations shaded in rich crimson and orange hues, just like the name implies. It’s open year round, and the hours vary with the season. The entrance fee is $7 per car and $3 for motorcyclists. An annual pass is $30. Entry is free for bicyclists and hikers who park at the loop entrance. A map is provided at the fee area that lists 19 different hiking trails and other information like picnic areas or where you can see a waterfall (provided that there’s been enough rain). If you want to get some history about the area before you hit the trail, stop by the visitor’s center. Here you can learn about the area’s wildlife and the geological forces responsible for the red rocks. There are numerous hiking trails at Red Rock that range in difficulty from easy to advanced. All of the trails are located within a scenic 13-mile loop. Even if you don’t feel like hiking, the scenery can still be enjoyed with a leisurely drive through the loop. Various lookout points are located along the loop where you can stop and take in the view. Make sure to keep an eye out for cyclists and runners while you’re driving. Many people like to get their exercise right on the loop. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they should be kept on a leash.
Favorite Red Rock Hike: White Springs Loop
Located at the six-mile marker, this has been my favorite hike for several years now. The White Springs Loop is six miles long, making it a great choice for a Saturday morning workout. The hike has hills and covers both flat and rocky terrain. You will be sore the next day. Since there’s quite a bit of uphill hiking, I wouldn’t recommend this for a first-time hiker or someone who isn’t very active. You can either park at the lot located right off the loop or take a short drive down a rocky road to the trailhead where there’s another parking lot. There is also a bathroom at the trailhead. Once at the trail head you have the choice of starting the loop so that you’ll walk either clockwise or counterclockwise. Both options are good. I usually start at the trail head on the left so that I walk clockwise. This option is good because you start and end the trail going downhill. I’ve seen wildlife on this trail including coyotes and bighorn sheep
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
There are many hikes located right around Lake Mead and the surrounding area. Lake Mead is the 16th largest man-made lake in the world. The lake was created by Hoover Dam. It spans about 820 miles of shoreline. The water is a sharp and striking contrast to the arid landscape that surrounds it. Black lava rock and red sandstone make up the geological back-drop surrounding Lake Mead. The water adds an interesting element to some of the hikes in that area. There is a fee to enter the national recreation area. However, there are many hikes, like my favorite one listed below, that are not within the designated recreation area, and no fee applies. For the fee area one-time passes are good for one to five days and are: $5 per vehicle and $3 per individual (motorcycle, bicycles, hikers). It’s $20 for annual passes; $10 for Golden Age Passport (62 or older) and $50 for National Parks Pass.
Water in the desert never looked so good.
Favorite Lake Mead Hike: Goldstrike Canyon
Goldstrike Canyon is a really fun hike if you want something where you’ll have to do more than just walk. The hike runs down a narrow canyon where you’ll descend around 600 feet in about two miles until you reach the Goldstrike Hot Springs. Be prepared to use your entire body to maneuver down big boulders as the hike progresses. There are fixed ropes (ropes that have been nailed into the rocks) along the path to help you descend as the trail progresses. The last time I did this hike there was little water in the hot springs. The water flow in that area changes so you might not know if there’s going to be enough water to bathe in until you get there. After the hot springs, the hike progresses until you reach the Colorado River. Once at the river, you can see a cool view of the new nearly 2,000-foot long Hoover Dam bypass bridge. Some of the spots on this hike get a little tricky. Depending on your physical abilities, this trail many not for beginners. I would not recommend doing it alone.This trail is not located within the designated recreation area, and there is no fee. The trail head is located off Highway 93. The turn off is located five miles past the Gold Strike Casino. It’s the last exit before Hoover Dam. You’ll see a break in the guard rail where you’ll turn down to get to the trail head.
Mount Charleston
There’s no mistaking it, Vegas is a desert. But take a drive 35 miles northwest of the valley, and you’ll be surrounded by towering pine trees. Encompassing parts of the Spring Mountain Range and Toiyabe National Forest, Mount Charleston is a scenic spot to hike in the woods. It’s also cooler than Vegas, making it a nice refuge from the heat in the summer months. You can get to Mount Charleston in less than a hour, and it’s a drastic change from the valley. There’s greenery everywhere you look and the air feels fresh. There are many hikes and picnic areas on Mount Charleston. Some of the picnic areas charge a nominal entry fee. In the fall, Mount Charleston is a nice spot to see the foliage change colors.
Favorite Mount Charleston Hike: Mary Jane Falls
Mary Jane Falls is a short, but steep hike. With what may feel like endless swtichbacks when you’re on the hike and stone steps, this hike will make you sweat. Plus, you get to see a waterfall at the end. The water flow changes with the seasons. Depending upon what time of year you go, you might only get to see a small amount of water cascading down the rocks, but it’s still an awesome sight. The hike is about 3 miles round trip. It’s a moderate hike in regards to difficulty level. It’s not a loop so you’ll be covering the same ground you walked on during your ascent, but the way back is much easier as it’s all downhill. To access this trail head go north on the I-15 from Las Vegas to Intertate 95 north toward Reno. Take the SR 157 exit heading west to Mt. Charleston/Kyle Canyon. Continue on this road past the hotel. The road curves sharply to the left to head up to the old lodge. Instead of turning left continue to the right where the road becomes Echo Road. Turn left at the fork in the road and onto the gravel road. This is trailhead for Mary Jane Falls.
Valley of Fire
Everytime I drive through Valley of Fire I feel like I’m in a Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoon. There’s sand on the ground and beautiful scenery created by rocks colored in varying shades of bright orange, red and pink. The state park road winds through jutting rock formations and giant boulders delicately balancing on top of each other. One blast of air from the Road Runner flying by, and it seems like the large rocks could topple over. Of course the rock formations have been standing like that for millions of years now. They’re not moving, but their precarious positions make it hard not to think about it. The park entry fee $6 per vehicle and annual passes are $60. A map is provided at the entry area that lists hikes in the area and other points of interest.
Precariously positioned rocks create beautiful scenery in The Valley of Fire.
The Valley of Fire was first settled by an Ancient Native American tribe that migrated there in 300 B.C. As time passed, other tribes inhabited the area. Today only wildlife lives there, but the Native Americans left many signs of their past behind. Petroglyphs can be seen throughout the park. There’s an especially large amount of them scattered along a trail called Mouse’s Tank. It’s amazing to see so many symbols from the past etched into rocks for visitors today to admire.
Favorite Valley of Fire Hike: White Dome Trail
This trail is located at the end of the White Domes picnic area. This is an easy hike. Anyone comfortable walking a little more than a mile on sand will be fine on this hike. Soon after you start the hike you’ll get to what looks like ancient ruins, but don’t be fooled. The stone building ruins are what’s left of the movie set for the film “The Professionals” starring Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin. Even though they’re manmade, the ruins are still cool to look at and can be a neat back-drop for some photos.
This hike also goes through a slot canyon, a very narrow canyon with high walls on each side. This part of the hike only last for about a quarter of a mile, but it’s a nice change in scenery from the rest of the hike. If you’re an avid hiker, this trail isn’t much of a work out, but the scenery makes it worth it.
