Las Vegas 2026
What a trip! Craig and I headed to the desert for a long weekend packed with hiking, great food, a few cold drinks, and a bit of adventure.
Highlights
- Calico Hills National Park - We laced up our boots and hit the trails around Calico Hills, part of Red Rock Canyon. Stunning red sandstone formations and wide-open desert views — a total contrast to the Strip just 30 minutes away.
- Excalibur Hotel - Our home base for the trip. Hard to miss the giant castle on the Strip — made for a fun and affordable spot to crash a few 20k step days.
- Darts - Found a great bar with proper dart boards and made a night of it. They had a large variety of games. We had some good apps and a few drinks. Good fun!
- The Continental Hotel - If you’re a John Wick fan, you know. We had to make the pilgrimage. The place doesn’t disappoint — full of character and a little menace.
- The Speakeasy Behind the Taco Shop - Best-kept secret of the trip. A hidden bar tucked behind a taco joint — you’d never find it unless someone told you. Great cocktails, great vibes.
- Wizard of Oz at the Sphere - The grand finale. The Sphere is unlike anything else — an absolutely mind-blowing experience. The Wizard of Oz show takes on a whole new dimension when the screen wraps completely around you.
Tips for a Desert Boys Trip
- Get off the Strip for at least one morning — Red Rock Canyon is worth the early wake-up
- Make a reservation at the speakeasy, or at least know where the door is before you go
- Book the Sphere well in advance — these shows sell out fast
- Comfortable shoes for hiking and walking miles of casino floor are both non-negotiable