Location: Turtlehead Peak, Red Rock National Park, Las Vegas, Nevada – Click here for driving directions.
The park is open year around and there is a fee to gain access. The prices vary from $5 per pedestrian/bicycle to $15 per vehicle. You can visit their website here for more details on pricing. If you are a frequent hiker of National Parks, consider getting the America is the Beautiful Pass. It is absolutely worth the $80 annual fee.
Distance: Red Rock has this trail marked at 4.6 miles and strenuous which is not an understatement. You will gain nearly 2,000 feet in elevation during this hike. We ended up going 4.8 miles but that is merely because we went rogue on part of the trail. It is easy to get off the path on this hike but if you look for the orange spray paint on the rocks you will stay on track.
The Climb: Suggestion, do not do this hike shortly after you have had a flu shot – it does not go well. I was drenched before we even hit the half-way mark. The remainder of the climb up was shaky, at best, but I survived. Turns out, not wanting to disappoint your fiancée after she has been cooped up studying all week, was a great motivator for pushing forward.
Aside from, “I may throw up” and “I am not feeling well,” there was not much discussion on the way up to the peak. However, once we made it to the top there was a little someone who instantly took my mind off the sickness. Without further adieu, let me introduce you to our little friend, Marvin. This little guy was quick to befriend us. I am certain it had everything to do with my charming personality.
We spent a good bit of time relaxing at the top and taking in the gorgeous sight around us. If you are into photography or art, this would be the perfect place to set up shop and get creative.
We spent the rest of our hike discussing our wedding details. The plan is to elopement in Iceland in the great outdoors next September. I am pushing for a cave wedding and she wants the waterfall wedding. It appears that mother nature will be the tiebreaker so be sure to continue following our blog to find out which spot she has chosen for us.
After the Thanksgiving holiday we will be able to return to our usual hikes. The fiancée will be free from CPA studying on November 20th – let the countdown to freedom begin!
The Art of Forest Bathing 