Mohave Desert....

We have been to Las Vegas recently (well, OK, like 7 years ago for my sister's wedding) and we had a great time then exploring all the hotels on the strip. This trip, we decided to spend our time with outdoor adventures and the beautiful scenery in the Las Vegas area. We did head into Bellagio for a look at the conservatory, and we were hoping to enjoy the fountains, but we were there way too early for that. We only had a quick visit to the strip - we had several errands to do and an oil change for the car. (We really aren't on vacation!)

the Conservatory in Bellagio

love these!

Chinese New Year

the year of the Monkey

its sad that there needs to be a sign like this here

year of the Monkey

the flowers were gorgeous

what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas

too early for the fountains!

As we left the Las Vegas area the next day to head to California, we decided to take the adventurous route and drove through the Mohave Desert Preserve. We were warned to have a full tank of gas, plenty of water, etc. but the ride was amazing.

mirrors collecting sunlight and turning it into energy

There were other travelers, but not too many. You sort of get a feeling of what "solitude" is.

can't get lost on this road

amazing ride

We passed through a forest of Joshua Trees, some of them blooming. There were so many Joshua trees! As far as the eye could see. I don't think I was able to capture it in the photos. (Some say there are more Joshua Trees here than in Joshua National Park....we'll see)

Joshua trees

a forest of Joshua trees...as far as the eye can see

amazing

Before long, we spotted sand dunes in the distance. We had not planned on stopping in the Visitor Center, or exploring any one area since we were in our big rig. The views out the front window were amazing though. Sort of like watching a movie. Hahah. This part of the Mohave Desert is so green. We were surprised by that.

sand dunes up ahead

the views were great

things are starting to bloom in the desert

mountains up ahead

is that snow?

Mohave desert

see the train going across the desert?

The Mohave Desert Preserve also is home to a cindercone and other evidence of volcanic activity. It was really cool to see, but again, we did not stop to explore. The views were great though, with the mountains in the backdrop, and wildflowers blooming along the roadside. Nice.

gorgeous rock art

cinder cone....this desert has everything!

more desert blooms

Some parts of the desert looked like what we imagined it would be. Sand and salt - an inhospitable environment. There was plenty of that too, I must say.

doesn't that look hot and dry?

my favorite sign when we are driving in the RV!! (which we were!)

amazing environment

more desert blooms

Heading to 29 Palms (our campground location)

After driving about 4 hours from Las Vegas, we pulled into our campsite at 29 Palms, our home for the next few days. Since it was still early enough, we decided to make the short drive to Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center to get hiking information for the weekend. Always good to plan the hikes ahead, especially when we are trying to beat the heat!

there it is now

getting hiking info