Las Vegas Mixtape v16: Duran Duran’s Live Mashups, Easy Scenic Escape, and Yacht-Rocking at Palms Pool

Track #2: Red Rock Scenic Stop and Overlook

I’m a bright lights, big-city guy who sometimes needs a quick nature fix to shake off the world’s weight. A good place to do this is the free-and-user-friendly Red Rock Scenic Stop and Red Rock Overlook.

You’ll find it a couple of miles from the entrance to the more famous Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Center. Timed reservations ($20 per vehicle) are required there for the “Scenic Loop,” the 13-mile one-way paved road with parking areas and trailheads along the way.

But the Scenic Stop is the best choice for a quick, casual visit. The views here of the beautiful red sandstone mountains will immediately soothe anyone. You can also walk along an easily accessible path, sit on a bench, eat at a picnic table (some are shaded), and park for free (hallelujah). Sometimes, you’ll see blissful newlyweds being photographed there on weekends—it’s something sweet to watch.