During previous trips to the Las Vegas area my single goal my single goal was to enjoy Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – usually by exploring its vertical landscape and many world-class rock climbs. But on my most recent visit, I decided to explore other nearby attractions.

A group of friends and I began by renting a car and driving east about an hour to Hoover Dam. The dam holds back the Colorado River to form Lake Mead, America’s largest reservoir. Water from Lake Mead provides hydroelectric power for much of the Southwest and Southern California, including Los Angeles. The dam also supplies fresh water for over 18 million people. It’s what makes Las Vegas habitable.

Although the view in all directions from the dam is spectacular, the perspective looking straight down the 726-foot concrete wall to the Colorado River below is the most impressive — and the most daunting. We took a tour of the passageways inside the dam and the power plant at its base where we learned about the design, engineering and construction work required for this massive undertaking. The dam and power plant contain enough concrete to build a two-lane highway from New York to San Francisco.

After our visit to Hoover Dam, we returned to Vegas, and my companions caught plane rides home, leaving me wondering what to do next with a few extra days. I decided to make the one-hour drive northeast on Interstate 15 to Valley of Fire Highway, which leads to Valley of Fire State Park. The park features 40,000 acres of incredible hiking trails and intriguing rock formations.

The park did not disappoint. Paved scenic roads lead to seven trails and two campgrounds. One of the campgrounds is situated directly next to Arch Rock, a delicate sandstone arch.

While at the park, I was already making plans for a return visit to take photos of the arch under a starry nighttime sky, far removed from city lights.