Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank - Desert Hiking

Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank

Valley Of Fire State Park, Nevada

Located just a little over an hour drive from Las Vegas, Ronnie and I did a day trip out to Valley Of Fire State Park in Overton, NV. Before hiking Mouse's Tank, Rainbow Vista and White Domes trails, we stopped at the Visitor Center/Rangers Station in hopes of purchasing a color Trail Map of the park. Unfortunately, they had run out of those but were handing out an 8x10" copies of printed maps. Being the weekend and great weather, the park was packed! Enjoy some photos of our first day hike at the Valley Of Fire State Park - the Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank.

Balancing Rock

The trail (more of a walk) to Balancing Rock is heavily trafficked out and back. It starts at the Visitor Center. This photo was taken from our car as we rode past it.

Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse's Tank

The Petroglyph Canyon Trail begins off White Domes Road, and is also called Mouse’s Tank Road. It's about a mile up from the park's Visitor Center and a picnic area is located on the opposite side of the road. The picnic area is covered and has parking and several picnic tables. A sign at the start shows examples of Petroglyphs and their possible translations. 

It is advised to stay on the trail and not touch the Petroglyphs as they can be easily damaged and cannot be repaired or replaced. 

Surprisingly, this photo (left) and the next 4 photos turned out okay for being taken with my iPhone on zoom, as well as using the "Crop" function on my photo editor.

The trail is moderately trafficked and is an easy hike on level terrain. Left: Ronnie

Gorgeous rock formations everywhere

 you turn along this trail!

Mouse's Tank

The end of the trail - Mouse's Tank is a natural basin in the rock where water collects after each rainfall. It is named for the Southern Paiute Indian renegade "Little Mouse" who used Valley Of Fire in the 1890's as a hideout after being accused of killing prospectors in the area. 

Pano of canyon from above Mouse's Tank

Desert Sand - it's like walking at the beach, but there's no ocean!

Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam and Black Canyon from the 

Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

The High Scaler

Art Deco Guardian Angels

Views from Dam

Lotsa rock!

The Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Kaukau Las Vegas, NV - Food Review

Guava Chiffon Cake - broke da mout!

Island Flavor, Las Vegas, NV

Visit my new foodie Instagram page! @hawaiigirltastyadventures 

Besides climbing, I love food! Well to be specific, I love Hawaii local food, with Hawaiian and Asian food coming in at a close second. There aren't any eateries here in New England dedicated to Hawaiian food, unless you count the "Poke" eateries. Poke is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer. In Hawaii, traditional Poke consist of cubed Ahi, Maui onions, Inamona, Limu, green onions and maybe (little bit kine) sesame seed oil. There are many other variations, but my second favorite is Shoyu Ahi Poke, in which the cubed Ahi is marinated in shoyu, specifically Aloha Shoyu!

I have yet to see a Poke eatery here in New England that has nailed the traditional and authentic Ahi Poke. Most, if not all, offer bowls with choices of white or brown rice. But there many other "extras" that can be heaped onto that bowl of rice. You can express your "Poke" and create your own bowl. You can even create one that doesn't have raw fish, but cooked chicken. And it's still called a Poke Bowl even if it's not recognized as Poke anymore. As for Poke Burritos, I've never tried one and not too sure if I'd want to. I'll stick to the traditional and authentic styles of Poke over any of the "fusion" styles.

While visiting Las Vegas, NV, I've had the opportunity to dine at many places. But whenever I'm in town, I purposely eat at a Hawaiian eatery, because I can't get that here in New England. 

Food - it's an adventure!

Island Flavor - http://www.islandflavor808.com/
This eatery but far, is THE BEST place to get authentic Hawaiian cuisine in the Las Vegas area. There are "Daily Specials" and the serving portions are HUMONGOUS! Hawaiian music is piped throughout the dining area to enjoy while dining. Every Friday and Saturdays they feature live music performed by local musicians. Freshly made Spam Musubi goes fast so hurry to get yours before they run out daily! Many, many island favorites here! And the waitstaff is super friendly and attentive. Gift cards also available for purchase.

Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke

(several 'styles' to choose from)

Aloha Friday Special - Lau Lau Plate

Served with Lomi Salmon, Haupia, Mac Salad and Rice

Tuesday Special - 

Fried Noodle topped with Teri Chicken

Kalbi Ribs

Live Hawaiian Music - Island Flavor, Las Vegas, NV

Cinnamon's - http://cinnamonsvegas.com/
Ate breakfast here the day we left and wished that we had found it sooner! Everyone who has eaten here raves about it and now I know why! The food here is excellent. We were the first ones through the door and to be seated when they opened at 7am (weekday). The decor and ambiance made me feel like I was back home in Hawaii. I especially love listening to Hawaiian music while we dined. Our waitress was attentive and the owner came over once to ask if she has taken our order. 

Guava Chiffon Pancakes (I ordered the Shortstack)
These are just plain Buttermilk pancakes with Guava Sauces

Portuguese Sausage, Eggs & Toast

L&L Hawaiian BBQ - http://llhawaiianbbqlasvegas.com/
We ate at several different locations throughout Las Vegas. Known for its "Hawaiian Comfort Food", you'll find fast food Hawaiian/local fare here. Everything from Hawaiian Sun Drinks to Kauai Kookies and handmade Spam Musubi. Punchcard available.

Ahi Poke

Saimin Spam Bowl (takeout)

Kauai Kookie

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ
No website for this business but we ate at the 4990 W Craig Rd #4, Las Vegas, NV 89130 location. This looks like L&L Hawaiian BBQ with the same fare. I've tried their "Malasadas" and their version reminds me of Dunkin' Donuts Munchkins rather than the soft donuts I grew up eating. Staff here are super helpful and friendly.

Ahi Poke

Ice Land - http://www.icelandvegas.com/
Vegan ice cream - yaaaassss please! Serves regular ice cream as well as vegan/non-dairy! Only ate here once, the prices are a bit high. They also serve Gelato and rolled ice cream. Location is in a very busy plaza at the northeast corner of the equally busy Rampart and Charleston Boulevards. Tasty sweetness perfect on a warm desert night! 

I had the Vegan Coconut cone!

Bachi Burger - https://bachiburger.com/
Not Hawaiian but a climbing friend highly recommended this eatery and so glad I got a chance to eat here! The food is not something I usually eat, but it was extremely tasty and I found the presentation of the dishes to be very appealing. The waitstaff is very attentive. 

Bone Marrow Jam

Bachi Fish Burger

BBQ Bachi Burger

Just Fries with Pineapple Ketchup

Hot Matcha Green Tea

Portuguese Donuts with Coffee ice cream 

and Raspberry on the side