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Local Las Vegas Valley breaking news from Nevada's most reliable source. Read about the latest updates happening in your region at Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Navajo monument offers archaeological history

A visit to Canyon de Chelly National Monument is a feast for the eyes and soul. There, you will find sheer red sandstone cliffs rising 1,000 feet above the fertile farmland of the canyons, where prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan ruins and hundreds of other archaeological sites dot the landscape. People have lived there nearly 5,000 years; it is believed to be the longest continuous occupancy of any site on the Colorado Plateau.

Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in a class of its own

Nevada is home to 23 state parks, the majority with only one unique feature. But Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is in a class of its own, as it features not only a well-preserved historic mining town but also remains of the ancient ichthyosaur (pronounced ICK-thee-o-saur), our state fossil.

Take a break in small Southern Utah park

Cedar Breaks National Monument in southern Utah is a small park most cherished by us desert dwellers for its cool summer temperatures and spectacular views into its deep, hoodoo-filled amphitheater. During July and August, you’ll find the little park brimming with additional activities, any one of which, by itself, might be worth the journey there.

Rock Spring Loop still cool enough to enjoy

Before the weather gets any hotter in our region, a good place for a short hike might be Mojave National Preserve in California just south of the Nevada border. One you might try is the Rock Spring Loop, which boasts a historic stone house, the site of a 19th-century Army post, a natural spring and American Indian petroglyphs.

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Slide Rock park offers a pleasant spot by the water

Along the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive just north of Sedona, you’ll find Slide Rock State Park, one of Arizona’s most beloved destinations.

Sequoia a perfect long-weekend getaway

By most definitions, giant sequoias are the largest trees on Earth, and they will surely inspire awe in anyone fortunate enough to see them. And because they grow within a long weekend’s journey of Southern Nevada, you can be among the fortunate. But if you intend to do that this summer, it’s best to plan now, for this kind of trip will be most pleasant if you make reservations, allowing time to incorporate other activities.

Native Indian rock art adorns canyon

Grapevine Canyon, located toward the southern end of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is said to be among the best of all places to see the intriguing Native American rock art called petroglyphs. It’s certainly one of the easiest to visit. It’s especially good if you want to take small children or other folks who can’t hike long distances, as the best petroglyph panels are at the mouth of the canyon only about a quarter-mile from the parking area.

Exotic palms adorn wildlife refuge

While the native California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) can be found in several areas in California, including Joshua Tree National Park and near Palm Springs, there is one hidden spot in Arizona where it also can be found.

Winter paves way for trip to Fortification Hill

If you’re one of the smart hikers who keeps a list of seasonal hikes – those that should be attempted only at some particular time of year – Fortification Hill should be near the top of your winter list.

Visit to saloon caps Parker Dam trip

If you visit Parker, Ariz., on a weekend, one of the trip’s highlights should be heading some five miles into the Buckskin Mountains via a gravel but well-maintained road to visit the Nellie E. Saloon.

The lonely washboard of Racetrack Road awaits

Most people aren’t aware that Death Valley National Park boasts some 1,000 miles of paved and gravel roads, more than any of other of our nation’s parks. One road in particular, the unpaved, 27-mile Racetrack Road, offers one of the finest day outings in the park.

Take a trip to Lincoln County to see Nevada rock art sites

Lincoln County, Clark County’s neighbor to the north, is home to dozens of the finest rock art sites in Nevada. Of course, you could spend several days or longer visiting these sites, but even in a day’s time, you can visit a couple of them and return home quite satisfied.

Head a bit north and check out Mesquite in October

If you have ever driven to Utah from Las Vegas, your route was by way of Mesquite. Most of us just bypass the town, little realizing there are good reasons to stop at least a few hours. Mesquite has preserved many of its historic buildings and much of its small-town charm.