I've visited Las Vegas several times — the best part of every trip is less than an hour outside the city

Erin hiking with her sister on her fourth trip.

Erin Sanchez

• I've been to Las Vegas several times, and the city's access to nature keeps me coming back.
• Nothing beats a day trip from the city to Valley of Fire State Park, less than an hour away.
• Now, whenever I visit Vegas, I trade casinos for quiet trails and sun-soaked desert views.

"One time is enough."

That's what I'd heard countless times about visiting Las Vegas before making the trip myself. I'd always wanted to go...