Early morning we set the GPS for Las Vegas as our end destination with some stops one the way: Grand Canyon, Kaibob National Forest, and Hover Dam. I love road trip, its alway about the journey.
We left during sunrise and was a nice view driving trough north Arizona.
The steep climbs was even more of a struggle for the 18 wheelers. With the Land Cruiser fully loaded, I had my foot planted on the floor during the climbs only maintaining 60mph. Felt like I was driving a bus. Made me miss the M3 but at least I knew the Land Cruiser wasn’t going to break down.
Thankfully some sections leveled out and the skies opened up.
It started to rain and get colder as we drove towards Flagstaff, Az.
Lambo enjoying the ride. If you are thinking about bring your dog on a road trip, I highly recommend. They make great companions and your dog will be well cultured!
The landscape changed from desert, grasslands, then to forest. I started to notice how cold it was outside becuase snow was on the ground!!
Kinda nervous driving on snow because I never had experience. The Land Cruiser did make me feel safe with the full time 4wd and the heavy rig made it seem planted. Yeah its wasn’t a blizzard but being form Texas, snow is something you don’t deal with yearly.
After passing Flagstaff, AZ the snow/rain mixture started getting stronger. It was an experience to remember!
This was crazy, because its May and its snowing!!!! I just traveled through for seasons in one day!
The snow did let up but it was still pretty cold.
Nadine and I decided to explore some back roads before entering the Grand Canyon.
Kinda muddy but nothing the Land Cruiser couldn’t handle. Lambo did get his paws all muddy, which in turn made for muddy paw prints on the leather seats. Sigh.
Sometimes I don’t know what Lambo thinking.
Back on the paved roads we the Grand Canyon, wasn’t too far away. Looking forward to the snow covered canyons.
I didn’t know it was $30 for entry but it’s good for 7 days. Too bad we where only doing a day trip. Next time we will stay longer.
The weather was like Texas, one minute its clear sunny skies, next minute its gloomy.
Lambo’s first time in real snow!!! We had some light dusting in Houston before but this was pretty deep that it was touching Lambo’s belly. Soo cute.
Unfortunately the view of the Grand Canyon wasn’t all hype as it was. Pretty foggy and we where at the Grand Canyon overlook haha. Oh well, there is always a next time. We did wait it out till the sun came out but the fog covered the views.
With all the attention Lambo got, you would think he was a movie star. We had lots of people taking pictures of Lambo. This lady didn’t speak English, but with charades, we deduced she wanted to pic up Lambo for a picture haha. Lambo just seemed more nervous about falling down then looking at the camera haha.
After roaming around Grand Canyon and giving up hope that the fog would let up, we left and looking for more off road trails.
We were at Kaibob National Forest, I wish I had downloaded the map prior because we didn’t have cell service. The trails are well maintained so we couldn’t get lost or stuck.
Back on the paved roads, we headed to Hover Damn and Las Vegas!
Started to get warmer and drier nearing Las Vegas.
Feeling adventurous we went off beaten path and explored a dirt road.
The views off the beaten path is awesome.
Some of these places would make a great campsite but not sure it is allowed here.
There was a small rock slid that didn’t totally block the trail.
We went back on paved roads and was nearing Hoover Dam! But we didn’t really stop haha. Mainly becuase we where running low on time from all the off roading and wasn’t sure if dogs are allowed to enter Hoover Damn.
We couldn’t see Hoover Dam passing through, because the bridge blocked the view but I guess that a safety issue too. You don’t want distracted drivers crashing.
There is always a next time to explore more.
Back in the city and Las Vegas in view. Who knew a city in a desert would be a popular tourist destination.
Vegas traffic is always terrible.
After the times I’ve have been to Vegas, this was my first time driving here and passing the Vegas sign!
There is actually parking for the Vegas sign but its pretty small and limited. Luckily we came on a weekday and was able to find parking easily.
Lambo and I waiting patiently to get a a prime picture. I could only imagine how packed it gets during the peak times.
Lambo just living life.
We did it! Finally a picture of the Vegas sign! 
In the city sometimes finding dog friendly restaurants can be hard but thankfully this restaurant was close to the strip.
The Vegas strip…. so fancy.
I remember coming here on July 4th weekend, the strip was just packed with people and cars. Felt like a sardines in a tin can.
Passing though the strip, all I could think of was the song “Flashing Lights” by Kanye West.
After being on the road roughly for 12hrs we called it a night. It was nice being back in the city life, but the next day we planned to head to Death Valley!!! Stay tuned!
Natsukashi Garage 