Downtown Summerlin parking lot

As soulless as parking lots may be, it would be a lie to say I wasn’t elated when I opened up the curtains at my Las Vegas resort and saw the sunny parking lot above. I mean, look at those palm trees! And sun (keep in mind, I live in Seattle).

Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

I chose this hotel for my trip in November purely because Sunset magazine had recommended it, but was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous surroundings. Next time I’d like to rent a car and head out to Red Rock Canyon nearby. (I’ve heard amazing things about Zion National Park too, just a three-ish-hour drive to the northeast.)