Former Army Ranger Roland Esparza is an imposing presence at almost 6-foot-4-inches and 240 pounds, but even with his background in martial arts, self-defense and weaponry, he takes nothing for granted.

"I've seen too much to be lulled into a false sense of security," Esparza said. "My size won't necessarily prevent me from becoming a target, and it's better to be prepared in every way possible to protect yourself should you need to."

If you have family and friends visiting from out of town during the holidays, a good place to show off some of our vast outdoor spaces is Lake Mead National Recreation Area. One of the ideal ways to do this is by pairing up a scenic drive with a few choice spots to stop at along the way.

Northshore Road is probably the best route for this purpose, packing several different outdoor experiences into a route easily done in a day.