Vegas, But Make It Personal
So, picture this: I’m back in Vegas, twice in one month. Why? Because I was invited to Equilora which is a fashion show created by and for persons with disabilities. It celebrates their talents, raises awareness, and supports a nonprofit dedicated to improving their lives. Equilora is organized by TC Group, which includes Tancell Care and Autism Pride Center. Their shared goal is to deliver personalized care, foster independence, and promote equality for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. They serve individuals with a wide range of conditions, including behavioral and medical challenges. Equilora gives these often-overlooked individuals a platform to shine, grow, and be recognized.
But after the show, I wasn’t ready to go home. So I hit the road and the destination was anywhere that wasn’t a slot machine. I ended up chasing peaks, dodging boulders, and battling the elements. Buckle up, this is where things get bumpy, literally.
Turtlehead Peak: The High I Didn’t Know I Needed
First stop: Turtlehead Peak. I wanted to hike it on my last trip but didn’t have the time or the energy, let’s be real. This time, I dove straight in. Probably should’ve warmed up with something less… ambitious, but hey, Full Send, right?
The climb was slow, steep, and full of second-guessing. But when I hit that summit. Boom! Total mind blow. Looking out over the Vegas Strip from way up there felt like standing on top of the world. I just sat there, breathing it all in. Mountains. Silence. Perspective.
On the way down, I ran into a guy from Minneapolis. We started chatting because of course you bond over shared hometowns while halfway down a mountain. Little moments like that make the world feel smaller in the best way.
Lost Creek and the “What Was I Thinking?” Moment
Here’s where things took a turn. After Turtlehead, I stopped at Lost Creek Trail, a quick hike to a cute little waterfall. Easy stuff. Then I saw something on the map: Rocky Gap 4×4 Road. It linked to Lovell Canyon, where I was camping.
Spoiler: I made a terrible decision.
I figured, “I’ve got a 4Runner. How bad could it be?” Famous last words. That trail was no joke. Tight turns, monster rocks, and then the “Rock Garden.” Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Picture boulders pretending to be a road.
I powered through most of it, bouncing around like popcorn in a kettle, until I hit an obstacle that screamed, turn back or lose your car. I stood there, stared at it, did the mental math, and noped out. Only a quarter mile left, but I couldn’t risk flipping my car. Yeah, I felt a little defeated. But also… alive.
Red Rock Canyon: Stormy Nights and Serene Mornings
After some serious butt-puckering on Rocky Gap Road, I made it to camp. Same spot as last time, clearly, I’m a creature of habit. Lovell Canyon had other plans though. Cue: winter storm. Yet again. What is it with me and freezing my ass off in the mountains?
Still, when the storm cleared, the views were chef’s kiss. Waking up surrounded by rugged red rocks and total stillness is the kind of reset no spa can touch.
Wrapping It Up (For Now)
Look, Vegas isn’t just about blackjack and bachelor parties. For me, it’s a place of extremes, intense city chaos paired with wild nature escapes. One minute you’re at a life-changing fashion show, the next you’re clinging to your steering wheel on a death-trap trail. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This was just the start. From here, I headed into Death Valley and beyond. Want in on that part of the story? Check it out here.
