The Trickster Shibes

When we first started planning our West USA road trip, Las Vegas wasn’t high on our list. We figured it would be too busy and too hot for the pups . But after some debate, we decided to take a chance and we’re so glad we did. Our three-day stay in Vegas ended up being one of the highlights of our trip, thanks to a luxurious Airbnb, delicious food, and some unforgettable early-morning adventures.

Living the High Life: Our Airbnb Oasis

Instead of cramming into a hotel, we splurged on an Airbnb with a private pool. This turned out to be an excellent decision. Having our own space meant we could truly relax and enjoy some downtime with the pups. Raven and Ivy LOVED the backyard. They spent hours sunbathing by the pool, soaking up the warm Nevada rays like little royalty. It was a resort-like experience and it made our time in Vegas feel extra special.

Sin City Eats: Takeout and Treats

Since we had such a great setup at our Airbnb, we decided to skip the sit-down restaurants and opt for takeout instead. This turned into a foodie adventure of its own. We finally got to try the famous In-N-Out Burger, including pup patties for the Tricksters (of course). Another night, we ordered from The Cheesecake Factory where the portions were so massive that it took me three days to finish my slice of cheesecake. Eating delicious meals poolside with the dogs was a unique and enjoyable way to experience Vegas without the crowds and noise of the Strip.

A Strip Adventure at Sunrise

Of course, no trip to Vegas is complete without a visit to the famous Strip. But knowing how busy (and hot!) it can get, we opted for a 5 AM adventure to beat the rush and the desert heat. Plus, dogs are only allowed on the Strip between 5 AM and noon, so our timing was perfect. Puppa bravely took on the challenge of navigating the busy Vegas roads and finding parking—a feat in itself! With the sun just beginning to rise, we strolled along the Strip, snapping some photos in front of iconic hotels and, of course, the world-famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Loki and Raven happily walked the strip alongside us but we kept Ivy in her K9 Sportsack to help her feel more secure.

Escaping to the Valley of Fire

While Vegas was fun, we also wanted to experience some of Nevada’s natural beauty. So, another early morning saw us heading to Valley of Fire State Park to hike the breathtaking Fire Wave Trail. This hike is known for its mesmerizing red and white sandstone formations that resemble ocean waves frozen in time. Fun fact: Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest state park and has been featured in numerous movies, including Transformers. The hike itself was stunning, the dogs were absolute troopers, and the views made the lack of sleep 100% worth it.

The Vegas Experience—Shiba Style

Looking back, we couldn’t be happier that we included Las Vegas in our road trip itinerary. While it may not be the first place you think of to take pups on vacation, we found ways to make it work and had an absolute blast doing it. From lounging poolside in our private oasis to exploring the Strip at sunrise and hiking through fiery sandstone formations, our time in Vegas was unforgettable.

Vegas, you surprised us in the best way possible. We’ll definitely be back!