So, You’re Back from Glamorous Las Vegas (Part I)
Disclaimer: This post was originally written more than ten years ago, and some of the information, including locations, times, and events, may have changed. Please, check current details before planning your visit.
Are you so sure it was worth it?
Yeah, I know, you can now proudly tell your friends about Sin City's wonders—the mega jackpots and the mesmerizing casino gift shops and that three-story Coca-Cola store you somehow spent two hours in! You’ll even recount—loudly and often—how many beers you drank. And hey, for free! And the girls—wow! Some of them even talked to you! You've got plenty to brag about, don’t you?
But hold on. Before you get too carried away, remember your friend—the one who loves to kill the vibe? Because the moment you start gushing about your casino wins, they’ll chime in: Show me the pictures you took at Hoover Dam.
Boom! Reality check.
Wait—what? Where? Photos? No, you didn’t take any. Actually, you're pretty sure you didn't even visit that particular landmark—but maybe your wife did during one of her shopping trips. Anyway, that Hoover-whatever-Dam is definitely off the Strip, right? You mean, you walked the entire length of Las Vegas Boulevard and didn’t see it once.
Turns out, Hoover-whatever isn’t a casino—and your friend, a.k.a. the Pooper, knows it. Don’t feel too bad, though. You are not alone. You’re actually in good company. Sin City churns out stories like yours by the millions—each one stamped with the same glittery regret and I ❤️ Vegas fridge magnet.
What’s there to see besides casinos?
Really? You’re wondering what’s there other than casinos? Well, you’re not the only one here, either! Anyway, there’s A LOT to see—capital A, capital L, capital O, capital T—and guess what?! Just around the corner and WAY cheaper than $10,000!
Watch me. Say you’re not the best trip planner. Fair enough. But even on your first full day in Vegas, you could’ve just googled Zion National Park— just three hours away! Well, that’s if you drive nonstop, but I doubt it. You will stop and it will take a little longer. For one, there is Mesquite and you will want to check it out. I guarantee it.
Because this tiny town is a mandatory stop. For one, you don't want to miss the Tripoint—the NV-AZ-UT border.
Mesquite is about 80 miles north of Las Vegas. It isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. Its population is just shy of 23,000. Still, it will surprise you! This little town has an almost surreal natural beauty.
The drive from Vegas is especially refreshing, particularly late in the summer. Once you enter the city, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and eye-popping golf courses that seamlessly blend into peaceful neighborhoods that make you wonder, Why don’t I live here?
From here, you're just a short drive from Arizona. And you’re bound to pass through a ghost town with only 500 residents —if you can find it on a map, that is! There’s a sign though, so you won’t miss it! And, oh, yes—there’s a cactus tree. Actually, there are dozens. It’s like a Dr. Seuss book, if he were into desert landscaping.
By the way, don’t let the desert fool you. It might be blazing during the day, but up here, it cools down fast—especially at night. If you’re coming from sunny Miami, pack layers and plan your trip before winter. It’s quieter. It’s cheaper. And your sandals won’t freeze to the pavement.
Utah Bound: Buffalos, Diners, and Temples.
From Arizona, crossing into Utah is quick—the border is less than an hour away. And if you've never seen a real buffalo up close, now’s your chance. They’re live, kicking, and yes—you can even feed them! Just watch out; they’re not the friendliest creatures.
Once in Utah, St. George is just over the border. The city looks like something straight out of a 1950s movie—exceptionally clean, with old-style diners that serve fantastic home-cooked food. Try passing on a steak dinner here! And remember, you're in Mormon country, so churches and temples are everywhere.
You’re getting closer to Zion National Park now. From St. George, head toward Springdale, a charming town that feels like you've traveled back in time. It serves as the gateway to Zion.
But before you get there, you’ll pass through Hurricane. So let me pause your trip right here and tell you a little more about the buffalos above.
It was 2004 or 2005. My girlfriend and I pulled into town just before dark. Before checking into the little motel, we detoured to a nearby animal reserve. There was a high fence, and on the other side—buffalos. Massive, slow-moving, prehistoric-looking things. And moose too, if memory serves. Chickens roamed freely, pecking and hopping around like they owned the place, while a man with a broom swept dust into the desert air like he’d been doing it for a hundred years.
By the fence, there was a wooden box labeled Buffalo Food – $2. Inside were small paper bags filled with seed. Next to it, a second box: Drop your money here. That was it. No cameras. No staff watching. Just trust.
We grabbed a bag. My girlfriend hesitated—because as soon as those buffalos saw us, they started lumbering over, clearly recognizing the buffet. They reeked. Big time. But I stepped up, reached through the fence, and held out a palmful of seed. For the next few minutes, I fed them—close enough to hear them snort and chew. It was weirdly peaceful... and a little terrifying...
And, Springdale At Last.
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Ufff! You made it. And guess what? Springdale has a Holiday Inn Express that’s different from your usual continental breakfast motel. The views from the pool are breathtaking!
Dining in Springdale is a treat, and shopping offers some truly unique finds—with handmade Indian products everywhere. I bought a leather belt there years ago that’s still going strong, unlike some of the fancy mall items I’ve owned.
All in all, plan for a five-hour drive to get to Zion. Worth it, though!
Zion National Park: The Grand Finale.
First tip: don’t drive all the way up to the park! You’ll end up turning back because there won’t be any parking left. Instead, take the shuttle from Springdale to the park—it runs every 10 minutes or so, and it’s a relaxing ride, perfect for conserving energy. Trust me, you’ll need all your energy once you get up there… (will continue soon)
Coming up in Part II: hiking Zion, how not to die of dehydration, and the magic of red rock at sunrise. Stay tuned.