Would you be skeptical if a bearded Indiana Jones lookalike told you three nondescript grooves in a rust-coloured sandstone boulder are actually a dinosaur footprint dating back 210 million years? A raptoresque footprint that’s such a big secret even Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park rangers haven’t discovered it yet? I am a little, but this fiercely knowledgeable Pink Jeep Tours guide named Charles is a beacon of knowledge and knows this cosmic landscape like the back of his hand.
My friend Emren and I are following Charles on a treasure hunt through the Valley of Fire – just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas – where the treasure we find is extraterrestrial landscapes used as film sets for the likes of Star Trek and Transformers; ancient petroglyphs; and prickly pears that taste like strawberry Starburst. I’m thinking about the gigantic herd of bighorn sheep we just clapped eyes on when Charles’ voice brings me back to the present: “Every part of this plant could kill you,” he says, pointing out a species of nightshade that looks positively parched. “If you smoke it, it’ll make you see demons,” he smiles wickedly.
Next he’s guiding my line of sight to clusters of petroglyphs on Atlatl Rock. I spot the now-familiar shapes of bighorn sheep alongside other carvings symbolizing life, water, hunting and shamanistic activities. It’s hard to believe these Fremont drawings have survived Mother Nature for 3,000 years, but then I remember Las Vegas is a destination that makes the impossible possible – and it seems its desert surrounds are no exception.
Not-so-nimbly scrambling across sandstone to a precarious peak for the best view of Rainbow Vista might not be what immediately springs to mind for a “Las Vegas adventure”, but this day trip to the Valley of Fire offers us a beguiling break from the perpetual hedonism of the Strip.
TO THE PLAYGROUND
This hedonism though, is not to be missed. By all means recommend first-time visitors tick off the likes of The Venetian and Caesar’s Palace from their bucket list, but what if a client has been to Las Vegas before and is looking for something new?
The city’s most immersive entertainment district, Area15, opened its doors in 2020 and continues to evolve with new challenges and experiences. During my visit, highlights include walking into a fake supermarket fridge in search of hidden clues at Omega Mart by Meow Wolf, soaring around a warehouse on Haley’s Comet (which is somewhere between hang-gliding and zip-lining) and getting lost in the audio-visual spectacles within Wink World. The multi-sensory 360-degree visuals of Illuminarium are also a must-try. Most Area15 attractions are best for visitors aged 10 and above, but there are some options for younger children as well as adult-only events on Friday and Saturday evenings.
It’s no secret these evenings are when Las Vegas comes alive, when the Luxor sky beam lights up the starry heavens and casinos thrive. I’m no big gambler so seek entertainment beyond the casinos – though, I should note, not before having a blast losing at Blackjack.
Mad Apple at New York New York is a flamboyant Cirque du Soleil show of acrobatics and dance blended seamlessly with comedic flare and live music. I watch in awe as circus performers swing from the ceiling and perform gasp-worthy balancing acts while singers belt out popular tracks from the likes of Lady Gaga – the performance is enthralling enough to keep my unyielding jet lag in check.
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
For special occasions, suggest taking to the sky with Maverick Helicopters on a night flight along the sparkling Strip. I can’t help but grin from ear-to-ear for the full 12-minute duration, remarking with glee as I spot the Bellagio Fountains in full swing, the iconic Sphere venue melting from blue to gold and my elegant hotel, the Fontainebleau. Perhaps the greatest thrill is gazing down the full length of the Strip as we fly a full-180 around The Strat. This tower is one attraction I haven’t managed to get to during either of my two Vegas visits and yet I’m not bothered – it gives me one more reason to return to the ever-enticing City of Sin.
Book it: Gold Medal offers five nights for two people (room only) at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, including return Virgin Atlantic/Delta flights from Heathrow for £1,549pp. Based on 5 May 2025 departure; goldmedal.co.uk
Pink Jeep Tours’ one-day Valley of Fire tour costs from $179pp; pinkadventuretours.com
Prices for Area15 passes start from $49pp; area15.com
Maverick Helicopters’ Strip flights cost from $109pp; maverickhelicopter.com
Mad Apple tickets are from $49pp; cirquedusoleil.com
