Nature Walks {Fitness}

Morning Views from the Walking Trails at Pittman Wash

 Fitness Friday

Happy Fitness Friday everyone!  Active or not, walking and hiking around on trails in your own home town is something that anyone can do.   Here are some ideas found in my hometown.  I'm sure you could find someplace similar in yours.  Whether I like it or not, Fall is nearly here.  Yes I am that one person that never wants Summer to end or to give up that famous Summer Sizzle heat that Las Vegas is known for.  The good news is that early mornings are now cool enough to go outside and enjoy some fun!  It all started last Friday when Mr. Hat and I decided to do our fitness walking outside that morning instead of inside at the gym.  Fresh air, beautiful views, other friendly people on the trails, and seeing a few little wild creatures along the way made for an interesting morning.  The City of Henderson has turned a natural wash area into miles of trails called the Pittman Wash Walking Trails. ~free activity 

Walking the trails at Springs Preserve

 I enjoyed being outside on Monday and enjoying the Labor Day Holiday at Springs Preserve.   Exploring, walking the nature trails and then dining on the terrace with an incredible view of Las Vegas.  It is always fun to hike around in such a historic place as the spot that started it all for Las Vegas.  It was a last minute decision that turned out to be a perfect afternoon. ~free activity for trails and many areas, fees for museums but check their website for opportunities of free days

Rock Climbing at Calico Hills

A spur of the moment rock climbing adventure turned out to be the best idea ever on Saturday.  I am so lucky to live near such beautiful locations to explore.  I'm thankful for perfect weather to explore in and the freedom to explore where and when I want to.  America is a great country and we need to remember that the next adventure is only as far away as your own backyard.  Just outside of Las Vegas a favorite spot to rock climb and hike is Calico Hills Trails.  This is located one exit before the Red Rock loop turn off.  ~free activity

Clark County Wetland Park with grassy fields from recent rains.

Last week found us exploring , hiking and taking pictures near Duck Creek at the Wetland Park.  Recent rains have made it so beautiful there and alive with birds, bunnies and other wildlife.  The trails are fun for both biking riding and hiking.  If you arrive early in the morning you can spot many different variety of birds.  ~free activity

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area with a tiny Las Vegas in the background!

Thursday morning I was able to take an early morning hike back up to Red Rock Canyon, this time hiking on the Red Rock side of the mountain, from Calico Hills.  I am still amazed at the beauty, colors,  textures and designs of the sand stone mountains found there.   ~small entry fee or buy a pass, check their website for opportunities free days

Huge Boulder found at Red Rock

I love finding such HUGE boulders and find my self trying to put the puzzles together of where these rocks would have been fuzed together million years ago.  I had the chance this time to take a friend, who is a first time visitor from France, to see the incredible rocks.  They are always amazed by the beauty, colors, and size of the Red Rock Canyon.  I love seeing it through new eyes!

Red Rock Canyon Caves and Tunnels

Every time I go rock climbing up at Red Rock it seems to be that we never take the same path twice.  This trip up we explored some great views like this, saw some interesting windows in the rock and a small cave.  We only hiked  up about halfway to the top this time, but got some great pictures.  Due to the recent rain we have had in Las Vegas, there were some ponds of water and a tiny trickling waterfall.

High on a Mountaintop!

Yes sometimes last minute trips to the mountains after pilates class, finds you without proper footwear and you can either pout about it and not go, or have fun climbing and take that perfect "Toe Peek" shot!  Yes proper footwear is best for hiking, walking and climbing outdoors.  It could be helpful to keep an extra pair of shoes in your car, but then you would probably not even take your own car on the day you need it anyways.  So there you have it!  So many fun and free activities that everyone will enjoy, and right in our own backyard, here in Las Vegas too.  When going on a nature walk some other things to have with you are water, sunscreen, cell phone, energy bar, and the perfect hat!  SO tell me... where will you explore next?