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For most of us, Las Vegas evokes excitement in as many varieties as there are lights decorating the Strip. Whether it is your favorite place to unburden your bank account, a rest stop on your way to or from Cali, Utah, or Arizona, or the place you call home, Sin City has something to offer just about everyone. If it's ridin' you seek, you only need to venture a few minutes outside of town to find some wonderful places to get your two-wheel fix. Just off the west edge of town, you will find a great short but scenic ride through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Park. If you can tear free from the tables, you'll be pleased to find that the Park is only a few miles from the Strip. Simply find Vegas' longest road, W. Charleston Blvd, and head west. Charleston becomes Blue Diamond Rd. - Route 159 just past Desert Foothills Dr. As you venture out of town you will want to take the first right turn off Blue Diamond into Calico Basin. As you cruise down this short road, you'll immediately understand the magnitude of the beauty of Red Rock Canyon. Hues of red, yellow, and gray will fill your field of view as you approach the rocky bluffs (Calico Hills) that define Calico Basin. At the end of the main road, you'll approach the Red Spring picnic area. This is a nice place to meet-up, take a quick hike down a creek bed to a nice waterfall, or simply soak in the beauty of the region before you venture into the conservation area. From here, return to riding westbound on Blue Diamond and enter the conservation area at the next right turn. There is a $2.00 park entrance fee for motorcycles. The scenic loop is one way, so from the entrance you'll enjoy 13 miles of looping tarmac winding around the circumference of the conservation area, dropping you off a few miles SW further down Blue Diamond. All along the ride there are turnouts where you will have opportunities to stop and enjoy numerous hiking, climbing, or picnic stops. Local favorites include the Calico Hills, Turtlehead Peak Trail, the hike to Keystone Thrust Fault, and Lost Creek Canyon. Unfortunately, on busy days, expect lines of cages bunching up and/or slowing the ride at key turnouts. The best consolation for this is of course to soak up incredible scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for the wild burros and horses, and most of all, relish the unspoiled beauty of the desert mountains and the local wildlife perched above the hustle and bustle of the city. As you exit the Park continue down Blue Diamond Rd., where your next right will take you into the historic "Old Nevada" wild west town at Bonnie Springs (http://www.bonniesprings.com/). If flashbacks to the old mining days are your thing, you'll be able to get your fill at Old Nevada. At a minimum you can score one of those antique style photos of yourself holding a rusty rifle and dressed like a barkeep or prostitute. There's even a free petting zoo at the Bonnie Springs Ranch if you still need further stimulation. In all, a pleasant afternoon distraction from the more conspicuous diversions Vegas has to offer.
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