Las Vegas: An Honest Take on the Seven Magic Mountains & Sign Tour

So, you’re thinking about doing the Las Vegas Seven Magic Mountains and the Las Vegas Sign Tour, huh? Maybe you spotted some really cool photos online, or folks have talked it up. That said, it’s natural to wonder if it’s worth your time when you’re checking out all the crazy stuff Sin City has on offer. Actually, I recently took this very tour, and I wanted to pass on my thoughts so you know just what you’re getting into.

First Stop: Getting Up Close With the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign

First up, nearly every tour will swing by the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Basically, this is that photo op folks coming to Vegas can’t seem to pass up. It’s like a mandatory stop on the Vegas tourist checklist, wouldn’t you agree? This famous sign sits at the end of the Strip, and it’s smaller in person, too it’s almost comical, yet charming in a quirky way. Getting there involves a little wait, since just about everyone wants their turn in front of it. When you eventually get up there to the front, you snap a bunch of pictures. It feels pretty awesome because you know, you’re finally *there*. Seriously, you just feel like you’re officially part of the whole Vegas experience.

The thing about this stop? You should set your expectations accordingly, because a crowd will greet you when you show up. Still, the line goes pretty quickly, plus most tours come with somebody whose job is literally taking pictures of you, your friends, or your family. That part? Actually really great. They already know all the best angles. They probably dealt with hundreds of people at that spot. Overall? It’s touristy, for sure, but it is still super memorable.

Into the Desert: On the Road to Seven Magic Mountains

Then, so many tours drive away from the pulsing energy that is the Las Vegas Strip, and then onward towards the desert to check out the Seven Magic Mountains. This stretch? About a thirty minute drive, actually. You can watch as the landscape changes from the glitz and the glam to open spaces of just desert terrain. In many ways, it just kind of offers a nice change of pace, doesn’t it? It lets you mentally get ready for something completely different than casino lights.

As you’re driving along, so your tour guide might be giving you some info, some interesting facts about the surrounding area, or maybe just a few stories to help pass the time. When I was on my tour, so the guide was pointing out different desert plants and just kind of generally cluing us into some of the local flavor. Very, very helpful information when you’re not super familiar with that part of the country.

Seven Magic Mountains: Are They Worth the Hype?

Alright, so you arrive at the Seven Magic Mountains, so you’re immediately struck by this just position: a bunch of super bright art against a vast expanse of brown desert. This exhibit features seven massive, stacked boulders, and they are painted in eye catching neon colors. The installation is the creation of Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. That is the very cool part, since the sharp, bright colors really contrast with the desert landscape. It offers a cool, creative vibe, just sticking right out against its environment.

What I think is neat, if you want some backstory, so Ugo Rondinone wanted these stones to represent this artistic bridge between nature and humanity, the natural and the artificial. Very artsy, huh? Regardless of any artistic interpretations, it is obvious that this is going to make some wonderful photos. You can get some awesome, unique shots out there because of the scale of the art and the emptiness that kind of surrounds them. So, I’ll admit, I saw people there staging different types of poses for their Instagram accounts, ha!

What to Expect On-Site

I would be sure you come prepped because so the location is smack dab in the middle of the desert. What I mean is there is literally no shade. In the summer months? When I say it gets hot, I’m talking scorching. You should bring water, wear hats, and throw on that sunscreen like you really mean it. The walking part is very easy since the ground is mostly flat, so just be prepared to be in direct sun. Also, since it is so open out there, just a little breeze can whip right through there.

The other detail? There aren’t any facilities around, no restrooms, no little store where you can snag a drink or a snack, very, very bare bones. I am suggesting packing all of your own stuff in, so you stay comfy while you’re soaking it all in.

Is the Tour Worth the Price? Weighing the Pros and Cons

So, should you spend your money on the Seven Magic Mountains and Las Vegas Sign Tour? I really feel like the answer depends on what kind of trip you want. For instance, if this is like your very first time ever in Vegas? Well, so it would probably be a good idea to hit up that sign. It’s an icon, you might say. If you dig unusual roadside art? You might love seeing these colorful rocks just kind of popping out of the desert. Very, very different from almost anything else you’ll see close to the city. The art will likely catch your interest, as it did me.

Having someone else deal with driving is kind of a big perk, too, when you could easily rent your own car. Considering parking at the sign? You won’t be stressing about that. Figuring out directions out to the mountains? Well, somebody else has got that covered. When it comes to the heat, especially in the warmer parts of the year, so it’s very nice to just sit in a comfy, air conditioned van.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before You Book

If you’re someone that hates waiting in lines? Actually, the Las Vegas sign might drive you nuts. If, for some reason, modern art installations bore you, then this might be skippable. Another thing? The time of year can change everything. Seeing the desert in the summertime can be rough, while a spring or fall visit has cooler, milder temps, so very obviously much better. Look, the prices also shift from company to company, so doing a little comparison can save you a good chunk of change, is that fair?

Final Verdict: Is It a “Must-Do” in Vegas?

Here’s where I land on this whole tour thing: Actually, the Seven Magic Mountains and the Las Vegas Sign Tour is probably a really cool change from the usual Vegas stuff. While it has its drawbacks—a little crowded and potentially very hot, I’ll admit— so the mix of photo ops and art makes it good to do. It could be that your memories will pop when you think back on it, which I believe makes it worth it for something different to do.

So, for anyone just trying to spice things up a bit, you could certainly do a whole lot worse!

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