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City Cast Las Vegas

Let us help you find Mother Nature in this concrete jungle.

Rob Kachelriess

 where to find wildflowers by listening to 

 of City Cast Las Vegas 👍 The superbloom will be around for another week or two, so retrace my route for an efficient and effective day trip.

Set your GPS for the “Ashford Mill Ruins” — a two-hour route from Vegas that bypasses the park’s main entrance for the “back way.” You’ll cut through a corner of Pahrump and drive through Shoshone, a former mining town with a semi-historic saloon and diner (

 👀) was super cool, supplying a free map, advice, and time expectations. Check out the exhibits, including mammoth and mastodon bones, and leave some moolah in the donation box.

The bloom becomes more apparent between Jubilee Pass and Ashford Junction on CA-178. Here’s my advice: If it looks cool, pull over. Snap photos and enjoy the scenery. If you move on and keep driving, don’t panic. You’ll see more flowers in due time as the vast, mountainous landscape opens up. The crumbling remains of 

 and its office building date back to 1910. It’s a popular spot to see wildflowers and rare evidence of civilization in the park.

, the lowest point in North America. (During my visit, quite a bit of real water was on the flats — somewhat rare without rainy weather.) The official parking lot fills up quickly during wildflower season. Save time by parking safely on the side of the road and explore at your own pace. From there, detour to the jagged salt formations of 

, (easy to view without leaving the car) and 

, a nine-mile scenic route where the terrain takes on pastel color tones. You’ll see more purple wildflowers here, contrasting nicely with the more common yellow ones.

 is a historic property that’s been around almost 100 years. The 

 takes a break between lunch and dinner, but you can order food and drinks in the lounge, beginning at 3 p.m. Just a mile away, the 

 sells surprisingly good burgers as of 3 p.m. and the 

 has a full menu ready by 5 p.m. The ranch is near the 

, which has a free museum and the famous digital thermometer out front.

👀 If You’re Down for One More View …

, a short but steep roadside hill before exiting the park via CA-190. You’ll pass by Death Valley Junction (and the 

) before driving through Pahrump, where you can always stop for dinner — maybe at the new 

Cell phone service is spotty in Death Valley and the park’s 

 operates on a trust system — paid at the visitor center or at kiosks near Badwater Basin or the main entrance. Enforcement seems rare, but you could be fined if visiting the park without paying. I was warned about large crowds slowing down traffic during wildflower season, especially on weekends, but didn’t have too much trouble getting stuck behind other cars.

See the wildflower bloom, visit some of Death Valley's most popular destinations, and be back in Vegas by dinner. 

How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

Get to know the natural side of Las Vegas: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Las Vegas Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is much more than a tourist attraction. Originally the home of Steve Wynn’s private art collection, the space has become an enduring advocate for history and culture in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt

, is now welcoming visitors through September 13. The exhibit showcases nearly a hundred ancient Egyptian artifacts, including more than 30 mummified animals unearthed from cemeteries in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some are wrapped without fanfare in minimalist clay pottery. Others are preserved inside elaborate coffins that resemble the contents within, from cats and crocodiles to a majestic ibis, whose beak is nearly as long as the slender legs that fold underneath the bird’s body. Graphics underneath information panels correspond to X-rays and CT scans, which offer a peek inside the mummified remains.

On loan from the Brooklyn Museum, where many of the pieces were discovered in storage, the collection marks a fascinating intersection between history and mythology. Compared to other civilizations, Ancient Egypt had a stronger degree of reverence for animals, although you can see the evolution documented throughout the exhibit.

An imposing bull’s head, crafted of wood, glass, and ivory, represents how the animal was worshipped as a god in early Egyptian culture. A frieze (or horizontal carving, possibly from above a doorway) is from a later era when Christianity was dominant and animals were viewed as subservient to humans. The oldest piece, a lion’s head carved from pegmatite, dates back five thousand years — give or take.

Tickets begin at $29, but it’s worth spending a little extra for guided docent tours, which take place daily at 11 a.m.

A new exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art dates back thousands of years and reveals how ancient Egyptians viewed animals.  

Animal Mummies, Now on Display at the Bellagio

Not everybody’s into camping. It gets a little dirty and messy at times. So we put together a few fall ✨ glamping ✨ ideas for those who want to take a trip outside Las Vegas and spend the night in a remote destination — without sacrificing comfort.

 knows the assignment, offering visitors luxury tents with enough room to shelter the furnishings of a small apartment. Located in the desert near Nelson — where you can explore a ghost town and tour a historic mine — the accommodations vary, but the largest tents have enough room for two queen beds, furniture, and a private bath with a shower. It’s a popular spot for stargazing and zipping around on ATVs. You’re also a short drive from cliff jumping on the river at Nelson’s Landing.

This eight-acre glamping site was developed by an Oregon couple who loved camping at nearby 

 so much, they chose to stick around a while, taking over a cozy vineyard and renaming it 

. Guests can opt for a basic tent site, attach an RV to a power hookup, or stay at “The Bottling Room,” an old building renovated into a studio apartment with a kitchenette, queen-sized bed, sofa, and powder room, plus a private outdoor shower 🚿

, the property is surrounded by BLM land for a peaceful setting and unobstructed desert views. In case you’re wondering, tarantula sightings are a possibility, but rare and the spiders aren’t dangerous. (Just hairy and scary.) You’re more likely to see desert tortoises and barn cats who keep rodents in check. And yes, the ranch makes its own wine — chardonnay, barbera, cabernet, and zinfandel — and is working on a retail license to sell it by early 2026.

. The science-fiction themed glampground has “space cave” villas in the Utah desert near Beryl, giving you a good idea of what it’s like to spend the night on the planet Tatooine. Drive a “sand cruiser,” bounce around on trampolines, and arrange for a supply of food to prepare in your own kitchenette with a furnished bedroom and living room. Costume rentals are available for a full out-of-this world experience. Sip on mocktails from drinking horns in the Cantina and mingle with other guests during a meditation session inside the Kaan Lounge.

Drive beyond two national parks (Zion and Bryce Canyon) and you’ll reach 

, a glampground near historic Escalante on Utah Scenic Byway 12. Choose between airstreams or cabins decked out with rustic, contemporary furnishings. Some have their own bathrooms. Others have access to shared bathhouses, which have the feel of luxury spas — lounge music included. Order from an on-site food truck or request ingredients to cook your own meal over an open flame. Ofland also has a pool, communal area, and a large outdoor screen to watch movies drive-in style from vintage cars.

Visit downtown restaurants and shops or hike through the elevated trails in the 

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

. A winding, white-knuckle drive between canyon corridors leads to 

, a quiet community with a birdviewing sanctuary and 

, a restaurant that prepares meals with locally sourced ingredients, including some from its own organic farm.

Mix "glamour" and "camping" and you get everything you need for comfort in the great outdoors.  

Best Glamping Near Las Vegas

Fall Glamping Ideas For Las Vegans Who Hate Camping

It’s one of those weird only-in-Nevada things. The annual 

 return to Virginia City next month for three days of action, intrigue, and spectacle. Is it worth a road trip to check it out? Of course it is 👍

The event takes place September 5-7 at the Virginia City Fairgrounds, featuring a night show on Friday, two daytime races on Saturday, and a family day at noon Sunday when the first 100 kids get free rides. Tickets begin at $20 (plus fees) with discounts for kids and seniors.

Sure. There’s a $500 VIP experience that allows you to race a camel that comes with a few perks (better seats, food and drink tickets, etc.) and requirements (mandatory meeting, waiver, weight limit, etc.). There’s little skill involved beyond 

 with little in the way of a saddle or safety harness to keep you in place.

The whole thing began in 1959 when the local Virginia City newspaper 

 about a camel race as a prank. The San Francisco Chronicle picked up the story and ran its own version, thinking the event was legit. When it was discovered to be a hoax, the two papers agreed to participate in a real camel race (with Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable in the audience) and a tradition was born. Over time, the races expanded to include ostriches and even the occasional zebra.

 is worth a visit. Located between Reno and Carson City, the mountain town was a mining hub in the 1800s and little has changed since. Visitors get to see authentic Victorian architecture of the Gold Rush era while exploring saloons, museums, and vintage trains.

The International Camel & Ostrich Races are back, and the story about how it all started is as weird as the event itself.

The Virginia City Camel Races Are Back, But How Did the Event Start?

 The Story Behind Nevada’s Fascinating Camel Races

It’s hard enough for Las Vegans to coexist with each other, but can we get along with members of the animal kingdom? As 

 continues at City Cast Las Vegas, it’s time to show some love — and respect — for the nocturnal creatures who like to party after dark in Las Vegas.

There are 23 species of bat throughout Nevada. The 

 — the smallest in North America — likes to hang around places like Red Rock Canyon, while the 

 prefers to roost in large colonies in dark spaces like the 

tunnels of the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail 

In urban areas, you might notice bats flying over swimming pools and other sources of water. Sometimes it’s hard to tell a bat apart from a bird — and while an erratic flight path could be a good clue, it’s not because all bats are blind.

“ That’s an urban legend,” according to Lauren MacLeod of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “Bats have pretty good eyesight. They just don't need it as much since they use 

 — bouncing high frequency sounds off of objects — to navigate.”

Owls love to come out at night too. In Southern Nevada, it’s common to see the large 

, which has tufts of feathers that resemble horns, and the 

, easy to spot with a distinctive bright white face.

“Owls are known for silent flight, which helps them stealthily hunt for little rodents and other small mammals at night,” MacLeod says. “There are a few urban areas where the great horned owls tend to nest, and one of them is 

, but the canines tend to lean towards nocturnal behavior during the heat of summer or when close to human environments. ”We see a lot more coyote activity around golf courses,” MacLeod points out. “There's trees, shade, water, rabbits and other things for them to hunt, and berries for them to eat.”

The coyotes in Las Vegas are members of the 

 species, which resemble a collie and adapt well to the desert. If you encounter one, make a loud noise and display an intimidating presence to scare the animal off. It’s called hazing. “If we continue ignoring them in neighborhoods, they start to see us as less of a threat,” MacLeod says.

 are everywhere in Las Vegas — sometimes in unlikely places, including the 

, where bats are known to hang out. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

As Night Week continues, show some love — and respect — for the nocturnal creatures who party after dark in Las Vegas.

Nocturnal Animals in Las Vegas

Creatures of the Night: Animals That Come Out to Play After Dark 

 is back to give the Earth a spectacular show of shooting stars. Here’s the lowdown on how and where to view the astronomical experience in and around Las Vegas.

It’s pronounced “PER-see-id,” named after the 

 constellation, where the meteors appear to come from. And it’s totally cool to call the meteors Perseids.

🤔 What’s the Difference Between an Asteroid and a Meteor?

 at times — and usually travel in a belt between Mars and Jupiter that the Earth never crosses. Meteors are comet debris that have their own orbit — and the Earth crosses those orbits once a year.

Meteors are tiny particles of rocks and ice. They’re typically between the size of a pea or a marble, but create a bright light or “shooting star” when they hit the atmosphere and burn up.

☄️ What’s So Special About the Perseids?

“The Perseids are noteworthy because they’re bright, fast, and frequent,” says Mig Ponce of the 

. “About one a minute is the average. It can be more.” The Perseid meteors are from the 

. (Please resist the urge to call them “Swifties.”)

The Perseids return consistently between mid-July and late-August. This year, the peak is expected August 11-13 as the Earth passes through the center of the debris trail. Viewing continues through August 23. 

Face the northeast and look for the radiant (point of origin) at Perseus. It helps to use a 

 like Stellarium that identifies constellations. You don’t need telescopes or any other special equipment. It’s better to use the naked eye to watch the show unfold.

The best viewing is between 10:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. The meteors will pick up in frequency after midnight when the Earth turns on its axis, allowing us to face the debris field more directly. “When you're driving your car, you get more bugs splattered on your front windshield than your back windshield — same kind of idea,” Ponce says.

The farther you can drive away from the concentrated light pollution of Las Vegas, the better, whether it’s heading north toward Mt. Charleston and the 

 and Searchlight. “You don't need to go to a special location,” according to Ponce. “You can just pull off the road as long as it's safe to do so.” Most government-run parks will be closed, but the Bureau of Land Management has a 

 outside Red Rock Canyon. Even if you stay home, you’ll still be able to see shooting stars from your own backyard. They’ll just be less frequent.

 has more on the science and history surrounding the 

, additional tips to enhance the viewing experience, and the beauty of dark skies in our community. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

We kick off Night Week with a guide to watching a "bright, fast, and frequent" collection of shooting stars from Las Vegas.

How and Where to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Las Vegas

How to Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in Las Vegas

If you’ve ever driven between Las Vegas and Ely, it’s hard to miss the 

 alongside U.S. Route 93 — or as I prefer to call it, the Great Basin Highway. The 5,380-acre park is about 90 miles north of Vegas, near the tiny town of Alamo, offering a moment of serenity and natural beauty to break up the monotony of any road trip.

The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge includes nearly 640 acres of open water, fed by the Crystal and Ash Springs. While there are about four miles of distance between the two main lakes, both are connected by a thin stream. Walking trails pass by foothills, desert foliage, marshes, and towering cottonwood trees. Rock formations reveal evidence of a river that once ran through the valley.

The refuge was established in 1963 and is run by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service today, but its legacy dates back centuries. The Southern Paiute have a strong connection to the Pahranagat Valley, holding reverence for both its beauty and resources over thousands of years, leaving behind 

. Before Alamo was developed by Arizona settlers in the early 1900s, the Pahranagat Valley was a popular 

The refuge welcomes more than 250 bird species throughout the year, and is a breeding habitat for at least 90 of them. It’s essentially a travel stop for winged creatures traveling the Pacific Flyway during the spring and fall migration seasons. On rare occasions, you may even spot a bald eagle. Closer to the ground, it’s not uncommon to see black-tailed jackrabbits, mule deer, and spiny lizards.

Driving near the water on a quiet, dust-covered road has its charm. Pull over and explore a few trails, including one that runs across a low dyke that separates the north lake. It’s almost like walking on water. Go fishing for bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, or carp (an invasive species whose presence has been 

 in recent years). Bare bones camping sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stay the night or stay 15 minutes. Either way, the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a calming distraction from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

and you’ll make it to Ely, where you can ride a vintage train and explore the rugged charm of an 

The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is quick, convenient, and tranquil distraction from road trip monotony. 

Get to Know the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

The Closest Thing to Walking on Water in the Desert

Can we just go ahead and designate the bleached sandhill skipper the official state butterfly of Nevada? The little guy is having a tough time, but received some good news recently.

The butterfly is so rare, it only lives in Northern Nevada in the alkali wetlands near the Baltazor Hot Springs north of Winnemucca. The springs are said to be unusually hot — so hot, at least one person was airlifted to a hospital for extreme burns according to local legend (ie. 

The bleached sandhill skipper is just an inch long with pale golden-orange markings. At last count, there were 

The butterflies are running out of much-needed groundwater — sucked dry by alfalfa farms, livestock grazing, and drought — to support the saltgrass and rabbitbrush they feed upon.

 to protect the sandhill skipper under the Endangered Species Act in 2022 and the process took a step forward in 2023. Earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endorsed designating the butterfly as endangered and is 

If you want to skip the road trip up north, you may spot other unique and beautiful butterflies in the Las Vegas Valley at 

 is gearing up to reopen for its spring season. Mt. Charleston is home to at least 

 near Lee Canyon and the Foxtail Group Picnic Area to help restore the blue butterfly population.

 passing through Southern Nevada. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

The bleached sandhill skipper only lives in Nevada, and its entire existence is threatened. 

Why the Bleached Sandhill Skipper in Nevada is Endangered

How to Save Nevada’s Most Endangered Butterfly

With more than 300 naturally occurring hot springs scattered throughout Nevada, nothing compares to Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs. This picturesque hot spring area is located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in a fabulous narrow valley near the Colorado River.

So, what makes Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs one of the best hot spring areas in the Silver State? Well, for starters, it's one of Nevada's top hiking spots. As a matter of fact, the only way to reach the springs is by a vigorous hike or a boat — which is considered dangerous and not recommended.

This hike has plenty of scrambling, so please make sure you've got the 

 before you tackle this epic hike. Also, don't forget a towel!

After hiking Goldstrike Canyon for approximately two miles, you'll start seeing water. The last half of the hike requires boulder scrambling with several drop-offs. After making your way through the boulders, you'll eventually reach the hot spring sources. Continue your way through the canyon and you'll eventually come across a large pool.

Small waterfalls and smaller pools also surround this area. These pools (hot springs) range in temperature from 70 to 144 degrees, and many are deep enough for bathing and even swimming.

Keep in mind that visiting these hot springs involves a lot of walking, bouldering, and climbing. You'll need to be in great physical shape if you plan to check out these springs. We know what you're probably thinking: "Why visit these hot springs if I have to go through such a vigorous hike to get to them?" The answer is pretty simple; you'll not only get to experience one of the best hikes Nevada has to offer, but you'll also feel a sense of accomplishment when you finally take a dip into one of the canyon's incredibly relaxing hot springs.

 wanted to learn more about dipping in the hot springs that populate Southern Nevada 🏊 Co-host Sarah Lohman welcomes Terri Galura-Chiong of Savor Sin City about 

what to do when hitting the local hot springs

, including nearby hikes, what to pack, and why this is the best time of year to take a dip

The Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs in Nevada offers a unique combination of vigorous hiking and relaxing hot springs.

Visit the Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs in Nevada

Everyone in Nevada Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring Area as Soon as Possible

How do you plan to celebrate this holiday season? Perhaps by 

 or baking a special cookie recipe? The options are truly endless here in Nevada. One thing that should definitely be on your radar is this charming Christmas Train at the 

. The "North Pole Express," previously dubbed "The Santa Train" is an awesome 

 train that will allow you to get into the holiday spirit and create some lasting family memories. Tickets sell fast for this enchanting ride so be sure to make some plans soon.

Every year since 2002, the Nevada Southern Railway Museum has offered a unique experience that has become a treasured holiday tradition for many. The North Pole Express is a spectacular experience that will have both young and old filled with holiday cheer and you need to check it out. Of all the holiday traditions that are beloved in Nevada, and there are many, this may be one of the most charming and cheerful.

This Christmas train ride in Nevada is the railway's daytime adventure. It runs every hour starting at 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This special ride is offered every weekend in December until Christmas. There are some weekday dates close to Christmas Day but for the most part, this special experience is offered on the weekend.

On these routes, passengers will be taken across the beautiful Nevada countryside while interacting with a slew of elves and even Santa himself. The train is covered in whimsical decorations and photo ops are strongly encouraged. And be sure to wear your most festive clothes; ugly Christmas sweaters will be right at home at this event.

The railway also offers a nighttime version of this train experience, previously called The Pajama Train. This ride is similar to the North Pole Express except, as you'd guess from the name, passengers are welcome to wear their pajamas. In addition, delicious hot chocolate and cookies are served on this beautiful nighttime train ride.

All the holiday experiences have now been conveniently consolidated under the moniker The North Pole Express so all you have to do is purchase the tickets for the time you want and the holiday magic ensues. Whichever Christmas train you decide on, you're sure to be thrilled with the experience. The ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and you'll find that there's even more to see around the museum after your ride.

One of the best parts of this experience is that the funds raised from it benefit the Nevada State Railroad Museum. That's right, you'll be munching on cookies and doing good at the same time. The train is comprised of these beautifully restored historic passenger cabs. As the train track leads you alongside the U.S. 93 highway, you can't help but feel like you're experiencing a unique piece of Nevada's railway history on top of making fantastic holiday memories.

As you may have guessed from this ride's previous name, there's a possibility that Santa himself will show up.

 on the museum's website, and it's suggested you do so since they tend to sell out. Tickets typically include a gift bag, hot cocoa and cookies, and a picture opportunity with Santa. For more information, visit their website for all the details about this 

The North Pole Express at the Nevada Southern Railway Museum offers a festive Christmas train ride filled with holiday cheer and family fun.