Take some time from gambling away your grandkids’ inheritances to visit this beautiful creation by Mother Nature. Just an hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert, the Valley of Fire features brilliant red-sandstone spires, arches and other eons-old rock formations.

The Anasazi Native American people flourished there more than 3,000 years ago, and their petroglyphs and other rock art are still visible. Follow the riding and hiking trails through the rock formations with camera and smartphone lens clicking away. Before returning to Las Vegas, spend an hour or two in the beautiful land. And if you’ll be picnicking in a shady spot, be sure to bring plenty of water to drink and cool off.