#FindYourPark Taye Diggs & BOSSIP Took A Dynamic Drift Down The Colorado River

Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for National Park Foundation

Taye Diggs Visits Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Speaks On ‘Find Your Park’

Did you know that Nevada has more to offer other than slot machines and showgirls?

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a stone’s throw away from the hustle, bustle and yes, sin saturating Las Vegas and it’s a sight to see. Located just 24 miles from The Strip, BOSSIP had the pleasure of exploring the area with Taye Diggs, actor/ambassador for the “Find Your Park” campaign by the National Park Foundation.

LAKE MEAD NATIONAL Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for National Park Foundation

On our adventure southeast of Vegas, Taye and journalists hit high speeds on the Colorado River’s Lake Mead where people sunbathe, swim and water ski while basking in the natural beauty of the U.S.’s largest water reservoir.

Later the team explored the Hoover Dam, the official border between Arizona and Nevada and rode a raft down the Colorado River. After taking in peaceful landmarks including the Emerald Cove and even spying rarely seen bighorn sheep, a reflective Taye noted that a trip back is inevitable for him and his family who’d be enriched in the outdoor adventures the area offers.

“I love the city life, the city lifestyle, the energy, but oftentimes I forget that coming out here is a completely different kind of energy and that leads to a completely different kind of inspiration for me, selfishly as a performer,” says Diggs.

“I have three kids and the older I”m getting the more important I’m realizing how important it is for them to be in contact with nature,” adds Diggs. “How it and contributes to them being a better human being, the more you learn about nature, the more you respect it.”

Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for National Park Foundation

Alanna Sobel, Senior Manager Of Communications at the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, agrees with the actor.

“It’s nearly impossible to fret about your day to day hustle while rafting down the Black Canyon at Lake Mead,” says Sobel. “The rhythm of the water, the colors of the steep rock walls, the excitement of spotting the white tail of a bighorn sheep – the experience is absolutely captivating. Suddenly you find yourself completely focused on the present moment and able to relax,” she adds. “Whether it’s donating or volunteering, it’s so important to support these magical places that can bring much-needed balance to all of our lives.”

Earlier this year, the National Park Foundation and National Park Service launched Parks 101–an exclusive content series that explores lesser known National Park sites in celebration of the 101st birthday of National Parks. We’ve proudly worked alongside them and celebs like Keri Hilson, Rutina Wesley And Dawn-Lyen Gardner for these exciting outdoor experiences.