Outside the Las Vegas Strip lies the beautiful and usually missed Red Rocks National Park. While most are attracted to Vegas for shows, thrills, and entertainment, this park is a hidden gem. 

While arriving for a shotgun wedding on Memorial Day weekend, the couple had been dating yet we had one month's notice for the actual wedding day. Why not head to Vegas, a short flight, then for rock climbing and a wedding?

Fellow Colorado friends moved to Vegas a year prior. The first day, a short hike, up the dry river beds, with blooming cactus, large iguanas, and birds galore. Even some ancient writing in the secret spots only known by locals. The mysterious petroglyphs and pictographs' hidden meanings brought an unusual, peaceful, and calming vibration that wrapped my body in warm angel wings. 

On the second day, we rock-climbed a couple of miles into the canyon. No real hiking path, simply keep walking up and around the rock formations until we hit the steep wall. And, watch for snakes in shady areas hiding from the sun. A glorious day filled with sun, blue skies, and burnt orange rock. The “Stripe” is a mere thumbnail size in the distance. So quiet, that we heard conversations of other climbing parties in the area yet could not visually see them. 

Upon walking out of the canyon, the wind whispered in my ears, sweet dreams and lullabies, adding to the already jaw-dropping beauty and fun times. 

An hour later, dropped off on the Vegas Stripe for my friend's wedding. HONK! HONK! HONK! Flyers and advertisements were shoved in my face. People everywhere! Information overload! 

Where did the peace and quiet go? My nerves shaken and rattled, I rushed to my hotel room as fast as I could. 

The stark contrast showed the pendulum of absolute noise to complete silence. The distinction is key. 

Silence is where softness and stillness meet. The vacuum released is a sponge that opens up new spectacular spaces for exploration. From here, we operate from a new place. We receive new ideas, inspiration, and inner wisdom. 

Right now, we’re stuck in the chaos and noise of the world and society. In nature, we find the stillness and silence. 

Where can you bring more harmony between your day-to-day living and receiving your inner knowing? 

Choose the quiet whisper. Listen to the inner wisdom through the noise. Choose a new way forward. 

© 2025. Lora Lapiz. All Rights Reserved.