Vegas Day 2

It was all about the hiking today.

The three hour time difference actually works in our favor as we were up and moving before many other visitors to Vegas even get back to their rooms.

We headed out to Rocks Canyon and found a short and easy trail that we could take Little B on. He was strapped to the front of my chest by a baby carrier, and we were off. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the trail. It was recommended for children, so I wasn't expecting much. The trail was just over a mile long, and it had it's fair share of boulders to climb and vistas to enjoy. It ended at a seasonal waterfall, which was dried up. The canyon created by the waterfall was quite impressive though, and it was cool standing underneath where the water would be falling. This hike was of course just a warm up.

After the first hike, Little B went with M's dad back to the hotel, while M and I tackled Ice Box Canyon. We learned quickly why it is called Ice Box. The walls of the Canyon are so high and narrow, that sunlight rarely reaches the ground, which makes for a cold hike. Having to hop, climb and jump up, over and around boulders the size of cars helped to keep us warm though.

It was a three mile trail, with only the first quarter mile on flat ground. From there, it was more of a bouldering route then a hiking route. This type of trail is why I love Red Rocks Canyon. This trail too ended at a dried up waterfall. We couldn't go quite all the way without proper climbing equipment, but we got as far as we could.

I have been looking forward to this day of hiking for a long time, and it lived up to every bit of my incredibly high expectations.

This pictures can do far more justice to the majesty of the hikes than my words.

End of the Trail at the dried up waterfall.

I felt small. I can only imagine how Little B felt.

The easy section of Ice Box Canyon trail.

The entrance to Ice Box.

This is what most the the trail was like.

Up and Over.

Deep inside the canyon.

The final stretch.

This is about as far as M made it.

I worked my way up a little more, but not much.

The view back out from the end of the canyon.