Valley of Fire State Park: Heaven Near Sin City

One of my favourite vacation destinations is Las Vegas. It has everything you could want. World class food, one-of-a-kind shows, lavish accommodations at a reasonable price, lots of drinks, second-to-none people watching and the occasional casino.

It's easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, with it's bright lights and themed mega-resorts. People often forget that Las Vegas is in the middle of the Mojave Desert and about an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip is Valley of Fire State Park. This gem offers day hiking and camping plus naturescapes that are unmatched and a multitude of different plants and animals.

Valley of Fire is a little slice of virtue in the shadow of Sin City.

Happy Independence Day

To my readers in the United States, have a safe and happy 4th of July. As a Canadian who lives near the border I know we like to share this holiday with you, as our country's birthday falls on July 1.  It makes for a fantastic long weekend around these parts.

Enjoy your holiday and use your time to enjoy your family, your friends, and the beauty that is your country.

149 Years Young

To my fellow Canadians out there, I'd like to wish you a Happy Canada Day. I hope you've got the day off and you use it to go out and enjoy the nature of our great country.

Remember, day-use admission to all National Parks and Historic Sites is free on July 1 to celebrate our wonderful nation! Many locations will have Canada Day festivities for guest. Go out and explore and kick off the long weekend right.

Paralyzed Hiker Tackles the Appalachian Trail

It's easy for a small injury or nagging pain to leave you on the shelf for a while as a hiker, but when there's something you've dreamt of tackling for a years you won't let anything stop you.  That's the case for Ohio woman Stacey Kozel, who despite becoming paralyzed two years ago, is living her dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail thanks to a pair of computerized leg braces.

A Taste of Backpacking Through Asia

So much of the talk of backpacking and long distance hiking revolves are the big three; the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. And even more of the backpacking talk focuses on the United States.  But have you taken time to travel the world with a pack strapped to your back? Seen the sites of the forests of Germany or the mountains of Switzerland or Nepal?  How about taking a few months and backpacking Asia.  So many vastly different cultures with unique people, traditions, attractions and history.

If you've never had the time or money to spend three months backpacking Asia, you're in for a treat.  And rather than three months, you'll get a quick sample in just 60 seconds.

Backpacking in 60 Seconds from Jordan Taylor on Vimeo.