With the seasons set to change soon, there is an hour or two, right around sunrise, when the air is deliciously cooler and there is no feeling like being outside. The other day I went outside and actually thought it was chilly and it might be time to grab a jacket. My phone then told me it was 72 degrees. I fear that with that pivotal moment, I might not be allowed back into the state of Colorado. I swore when I moved here I wouldn't be one of those people who can't handle a bit of snow and cold weather, and a mere 4 months later, I think 72 is jacket weather. Shame on me.
I love morning, I swear it has its own feel, sound and even smell. In an effort to begin exploring my new home, I took Brooklyn for a nice little 6:00am trip up to Calico Basin. I'd read reviews and seen pictures of Calico Basin on the web and was a bit surprised that somewhere can be both desert and green at the same time. I had to check it out...and it was every bit as beautiful as people say. It's also relatively empty at 6:00am so you are sharing the trail boardwalk with just a few others.
Okay, so yes, it's a full boardwalk in the middle of a nature area. I think that's what I loved so much about it. I mean it only makes sense to keep yourself at least 12 inches above the rattlesnakes and all the rattlesnake shaped holes in the ground. Everywhere.
It's not a huge area and tthe walk can't be longer than 1/2 a mile all the way around, but it is quite lovely, and I swear a few degrees cooler. I think grass just makes it seem cooler if not feel cooler.
Do you think landscapes are one of those things that often should be shot with a wide open aperture?
The best part is that Calico Basin and the rest of Red Rock Canyon are just a quick 15 minute drive from central Las Vegas. Once you enter the Red Rock Canyon area and about a mile before you get to the scenic loop entrance and fee station, there's a turnoff for Calico Basin. It's definitely worth a trip if you want to see Las Vegas outside of the stereotypical Vegas Strip scene.
14 comments:
,,,the red rocks, the desert, the brown brush, the mountains, the palo verdes, the idea of snakes, it's all a reminder of my home, the southwest, arizona, that i'm so fond of,,,a sweater?, at 72 degrees, really mary? (smile)
Take it from a desert rat, the longer you live there, the more intolerant you will become to cold. Four months is impressive though. I love the heat and could bask outside in the Tempe summer evenings forever.
I never considered that Las Vegas had anything other than the strip. That's a shame on me!
We drove out to red Rock canyon on one of our Vegas trips and fell in love with the scenery and the gorgous red rocks and landscape. Next time we'll be sure to stop off here on our way into the park!
such a pretty place!
we live in such different, different places, don't we :)
My friends always think I'm crazy when I tell them I like a good midwestern winter. It gets old pretty quickly, but there is nothing like a great snowstorm to me! I love the red rocks though!
The red rocks are such a pretty backdrop!
I agree about mornings. I think I'm pretyt lucky to be a morning person naturally.
Looks so warm and vibrant! I agree that you should always stay far away from rattlesnakes. I love the idea of a boardwalk in a meadow!
that's funny. I think anything below 70 is a bit chilly. :)
What a gorgeous area. I love the boardwalk especially!
Pretty pictures!
This looks like such a pretty place. I have to make a note to visit next time. My husband likes the poker tables a bit more than I do so I love to get out and around a bit more.
That's for teasing me all these years about being cold at Christmas. Now you understand:) Never been here. Maybe I should sometime.
I can't wait to get back. While in Las Vegas for work, I went with Pink Jeep Tours to REd Rock Canyon and from what you've shared, I can see that I really missed a lot of photographic opportunities. Great images!
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