Lost Vegas

With all the lights on the Strip on all night long, Las Vegas must be one of the big producers of light pollution (as well as other forms of pollution). 

The beacon at the top of the Luxor tells you you're in/near Vegas, baby

Last night I stayed at the BLM campground down the road from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. And just over the hill from Las Vegas. There's not much to say about the campground other than it's mostly intended for tent camping and is heavily used by rock climbers and hikers. Ramadas, tables, fire rings, vault toilets. Very weak cell service.

On the other hand, Red Rock Canyon itself is nice. There's a large formation of red sandstone whence the place got its name, plus an escarpment of less colorful rock. 

According to the BLM flyer, it's the fifth most popular rock climbing spot in the country. However, my left knee was very unhappy about how I treated it in Death Valley, so no exploration on foot for me right now. There's a scenic loop, though, that lets you see what the big deal is.

Today I'm bypassing Vegas and heading to Lake Mead. What's left of it, anyway.