In these pandemic times, it’s become increasingly to find happiness where we are. My patience for sitting at home as never been high, and winter/spring is the very best time to be outside in the American southwest. Lord knows there’s more than enough room to socially distance.

So, outside I’ve gone. And there are wonders within an easy hour drive of Las Vegas in all directions. One of my favorite places (though it’s increasingly overrun by Californians in oversized SUVs and absolutely no road awareness) is Valley of Fire state park. With its dramatic martian landscape and endless possibility for exploration, It takes very little effort to leave the crowds behind and lose yourself—sometimes a little too literally—in this natural wonderland.