Red Rock Canyon
stay: Westgate (never choose this — it was a work trip!!!)

best food: Viva Las Arepas

Let me preface this: I only went to Vegas for work. However, I was determined to take advantage of the small free time I did. Las Vegas was my introduction to the Southwest, and outside of the glitz and glam of the strip, it was breathtaking. Don't get me wrong — I rode that rollercoaster, gambled successfully, and drank substantially — but none of this amount to the vast, rust landscape in every direction. And the trail we took (Calico tanks) exceeded my expectations.

There is so much more to explore in this region, but this is essential.