Weekend Fun

 If you live in Las Vegas, then you know all about hibernating in the summer time, trying to escape the summer heat. 

(Frontdoor.com)

Finally, the temperature is getting cooler, and the fall season will be upon us soon. Instead of waiting for Fall, for some cooler weather, head up to Mount Charleston or Red Rock.

A couple of weekends ago, my mom and I decided to go for a hike at Mt.Charleston.

We both were antsy to get out of the city and get our bodies moving. With only an hour drive to the mountain, it's a great day trip for all.

Directions to Mt. Charleston:
Take I-95 North (towards Reno). There are two exits to get to Mt. Charleston, the first will take you to the Lodge, the second exit is more of a direct shot to the Ski Resort.



 To get to Bristlecone Trailhead: Take the second exit off of I-95 to Mt. Charleston. Park at the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead.

The first part is an old gravel road, with a slight incline. The second part is a single track trail, mainly downhill and leads you through the trees.

You end at the Ski Resort. Then it's a quick walk down the road back to your car.
(You also can park at the ski resort, and hike the Upper Bristlecone trail first and end at the Lower trailhead.)

The hike is 6 miles!

This time of year the Aspen leaves are changing and it actually looks like fall! It is beautiful. At the top, we had a nice lunch. I swear food taste better in the wilderness! (if that's possible!)

Our lunch consisted of:

Turkey and Cheese Sandwich on Whole grain bread
Lettuce packed sperately so the bread didn't get soggy (Good idea Mom).
Baggie full of veggies: carrots, celery, radishes
Baggie with grapes
Small individual bags of Small Rice cakes (for something crunchy)
And of course, a little chocolate bar for dessert

We both had Camelbaks (http://www.camelbak.com/,) so we just drank water throughout the hike and for lunch.
After lunch, we made sure to pack up our trash and headed for the trail for the last 3 miles.

The hike took about 2.5 hours, including our 30min lunch break.

Little day trips like this are perfect for a day on the weekend, or a day off work: to clear your mind, get out of the city, see nature's beauty, experience cooler weather, and to get your body moving.

Be a smart hiker, and pack for rain or shine:
Bring:

• Water: More is better! Drink throughout the hike, to prevent thirst. 
• Food: containing Carbohydrates and Protein
• First Aid Kit
• Light rain jacket and pants. The weather can go from sunny and warm to rainy and cold very quickly
• Toilet paper (you never know when you may need to take a squat!)
• Matches, Flash light, pocket knife, bug spray, sunscreen, camera

I know some of this stuff sounds ridiculous for just a 6 mile hike. However, we ran into a man on the trail who had fallen and had some cuts that needed to be cleaned and bandaged (First Aid Kit).

While eating lunch, the clouds rolled in, the temperature dropped, and it started to sprinkle (Rain Gear).

One thing I have learned from my parents and through experience, Be Prepared when you're going outdoors.

 Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and to get your body moving.
 Different muscles are used when hiking uphill and downhill. I was definitely a little sore the next morning! 

Make exercising and being active fun! You don't have to get a gym membership to exercise. Find something you enjoy doing, that gets you moving, and do it! You don't have to do the same thing every day. Change it up so you don't get bored. 

Try to get your body moving at least 30min everyday! Shoot for an hour. Trust me, you have an hour in your day to focus on being active! (If you have kids, join them in playing a game or running around the park).

Some websites to check out:
http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/
http://www.outdoorsvegas.com/mt-charleston-nv/
http://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/What-to-Bring-on-a-Hike.htm

If you don't have anyone to hike with or would like to join a group, Check out Meet Up groups!
http://www.meetup.com/