Mesquite 101

In Mesquite, don’t expect the international flair and pizzazz of Las Vegas. There aren’t too many options, but the following hot spots provide a fun, social setting in which to celebrate your latest send. An authentic little Mexican joint. Great margaritas and a gazillion different versions of rice, beans and cheese. (250 West Mesquite Blvd.) Great pizza and reasonably priced, this is a classic small-town sports bar where you can stuff your face and watch all the games. They even have a Bloody Mary Bar on Sunday. (551 West Mesquite Blvd.) Not quite the ambience of Los Lupes, but excellent service and mucho buena comida. (550 West Pioneer Blvd.) Being from Vancouver, I’m suspicious of sushi in the southwest desert, but this place gets two thumbs up. (1155 Pioneer Blvd.) For those seeking adventure and insight into local desert culture, check out this authentic backroad dive. But be careful. (Old Highway 91 just off Interstate 15) Mesquite has no climbing-specific gear shops other than Walmart, which stocks a selection of camping gear. For climbing gear you’ll need to head 130 km west to Las Vegas, or 60 km northeast to St. George.

is southwest Utah’s most complete climbing shop and being 40 minutes away is the closest option to Mesquite. 468 West St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah.

If you are coming from Red Rocks, your best options are with its multiple locations or at 8221 West Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas. Primitive camping exists in the desert all around Mesquite. A popular spot is along the old north of town, where numerous jeep tracks lead out into the joshua trees. Another is up the road leading into about 15 kilometres south of town. Neither location has services, but they are great if you want a campfire under the star-studded sky. For pay camping with heated washrooms, try

campground about halfway between Mesquite and St. George on I-15. This is a nice campground, but be careful here as many have reported strange encounters with sketchy characters. Finally, you are free to park your rig in the back parking lot of the

or better yet, pony up for a cheap room.

has an excellent weight room, swimming pool, warm showers, Wi-Fi and a super nice, green field that bakes in the sun. It’s also a short walk from the library. (100 W. Old Mill Rd.) Excellent rates on rooms, plus they have a pool, movie theatre and are pet friendly. (100 N. Pioneer Blvd.) Slightly more upscale than the Virgin River Casino. (950 West Mesquite Blvd.)