This Valentine's Day, you need to do something special. We realize that as a camping enthusiast, you've had your fair chance to get outside in 2020. Especially in the Southwest, there are many wide-open spaces you can easily escape to. I'm sure that if you're isolated from other visitors, you can make them romantic too. But what about the places that are naturally isolated and romantic? Here we discuss the most romantic getaways near Las Vegas for Valentine's Day.
Our criteria: Wide open space, beautiful views, and the sounds of nature.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Being a popular destination so close to the city of Las Vegas, it may be hard to find a quiet spot all to yourself. But hike out just a little bit, and you'll be surprised at how easy it could be to get away. One such destination is the Muffins. Start hiking up about two hours prior to sunset. At the top, there's plenty of space to spread out a picnic blanket and wait for the setting sun to shine its final lights on the Vegas skyline.
What makes this a romantic getaway? Sunset. Sunset makes this a romantic getaway. You must time it well. Hike to a location a bit higher in elevation so you get an unobstructed view of Las Vegas.
Death Valley National Park
Spending the night in Death Valley National Park cannot be anything but romantic. It doesn't really matter where you go. An all-time favorite of mine is driving out to Badwater around midnight and walking out with your partner on the pure white salt field. Throw a blanket down in the middle of the field, sit down, and listen to the silence.
Other favorites for similar experiences are Dante's View, Zabriskie Point, the Racetrack, and Ubehebe Crater. Don't forget to surprise your partner with a performance at the Amargosa Opera House and take a dip at Tecopa Hot Springs.
What makes this a romantic getaway? The points of interest in Death Valley National Park are so vast that it seems like there is infinite space to distance yourself from other visitors. With winter temperatures ideal for visiting, the park is as pretty at night as it is during the day.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Scenic Byway 12
Just north of Bryce Canyon National Park is the seldom-visited and highly underrated Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This is one big open desert expanse with countless opportunities for a getaway. If you travel in a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle, the opportunities open up exponentially.
In a normal passenger car, you can easily reach Kodachrome Basin, Calf Creek, and the "Million Dollars Highway" of Utah. With a high-clearance vehicle, drive the Hole-in-the-Rock Road to the Golden Cathedral or Coyote Gulch trailheads.
What makes this a romantic getaway? Even if there are other visitors around, you can all be far away from one another. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a huge protected park with wonderful views in any direction. It also has many sites for dispersed camping. You can make a campfire and cuddle up with your partner in front of a picture-perfect panorama.
Heads up: If you're planning on camping, make sure to optimize your winter gear. The entire area of the National Monument sits in high enough elevation for nighttime temperatures to fall below freezing.
And the list goes on...
If you'd like more information on any of the destinations mentioned please don’t hesitate to contact us. Have a great Valentine's Day and happy trails.
Comments