Discover the Top 19 Unforgettable Day Trips Just Hours from Vegas!
Are you looking for day trips from Vegas? Whether you are looking to get away from the strip or are using Vegas as a base to visit some amazing National Parks, this list of things to do near Las Vegas will give you lots of options.
These things to do outside of Las Vegas and places to visit near Las Vegas are some of the best Vegas day trips. I hope you do get a chance to get off the strip and see these attractions near Las Vegas.
Which one of these road trips from Las Vegas are you going to take? I’ve also included some day tours from Las Vegas that you can take as well.
15 of the Most Popular Day Trips from Vegas
Zion National Park – Your 3-Hour Escape to Nature’s Majesty
Zion National Park is located just outside of the southern Utah city of Springdale and is an approximate 3 hour drive north-east of Las Vegas. This is the perfect national park day trips from Las Vegas.
My journey to Zion National Park felt like entering a different dimension. Just three hours from the bustling Las Vegas, this park offers an oasis of tranquility amidst towering cliffs and verdant valleys.
My first hike along the Narrows was unforgettable, wading through the Virgin River with walls so close they almost touched.
It’s a spiritual experience, with the serene beauty and the quiet only broken by the sound of water and wind. Don’t skip the Angel’s Landing hike; it’s challenging, but the view from the top offers a reward that’s worth every step.
Zion isn’t just a park; it’s a testament to nature’s enduring beauty.
Valley of Fire State Park – 1 hour away
Valley of Fire State Park, merely an hour’s drive from the bustling Las Vegas Strip, presents a stark yet beautiful contrast to the city’s neon lights with its breathtaking natural landscapes.
Renowned for its vibrant red sandstone formations, which seem to blaze with fire under the sun’s rays, the park offers an extraordinary escape into nature. This is also a great day trips from Las Vegas in winter.
The ancient, wave-like structures and petroglyphs carved into the rock faces by Ancestral Puebloans thousands of years ago, add a profound sense of history and wonder to the visitor experience.
Beyond its visual allure, Valley of Fire is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails range from easy, scenic walks to challenging treks, allowing explorers of all fitness levels to find their own path through the park’s dramatic vistas.
For photography aficionados, the park’s ever-changing light conditions present endless opportunities to capture the stunning landscape, particularly during golden hour when the rocks seem to glow with an inner light.
Moreover, its proximity to Las Vegas makes Valley of Fire an ideal destination for a day trip. I have a whole post on how to get from Vegas to the Valley of Fire and what to do once you get there. It offers a quick yet immersive getaway into the wilderness, a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
This accessibility, combined with the park’s natural beauty and recreational offerings, makes Valley of Fire a must-visit spot for those looking to experience Nevada’s rugged desert beauty.
Grand Canyon National Park – The 4-Hour Drive to a Wonder of the World
Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona, anywhere from a 4-5-hour drive from Las Vegas, depending on what rim you choose to visit.
The Grand Canyon, a spectacle of nature’s grandeur, is a must-visit. The drive from Las Vegas changes from desert landscapes to the profound depths of one of the world’s most famous canyons.
Visiting the Grand Canyon feels like stepping into a living postcard. The South Rim, my personal recommendation, offers breathtaking vistas that photos can’t capture.
Each viewpoint along the rim offers a new perspective, but Yavapai Point gave me an unparalleled panoramic view that etched itself in my memory.
For an adrenaline rush, I took a helicopter flight over the canyon, soaring over the canyon’s vast expanse, an experience that was both humbling and exhilarating. You can also take a and actually land down in the canyon. It is a cool way to see the canyon.
Millions of people travel to the Grand Canyon NP each year to breath in the natural beauty and experience the park for themselves. There are a number of Grand Canyon hiking trails, Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints and driving scenic routes scattered throughout the park.
You can visit either the north or south rim of the Grand Canyon, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona – Marvels 4.5 Hours from Vegas
Antelope Canyon, with its swirling sandstone formations, is a photographer’s dream. The play of light through the canyon’s narrow passages creates a surreal landscape that seems otherworldly.
Booking a tour well in advance is crucial; I learned this the hard way but was lucky to secure a spot. The guided tour offered insights into the canyon’s geology and history, enriching the experience.
You can check out my post on Slot Canyons in the American Southwest.
Nearby, Horseshoe Bend offers a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River, creating a perfect natural horseshoe. Watching the sunset there, with the river turning golden under the fading light, was a moment of pure bliss.
Horseshoe Bend, much like the name suggests is a horseshoe shaped bend within the Colorado river. Horseshoe bend is truly a sight to be seen, and to make it better, there are many different activities that all offer different experiences to see the natural beauty.
The Horseshoe Bend hike takes you to a magnificent lookout which in recent years has become rather popular due to beautiful views of the bend. This is a popular tour I took to see both sites in a day or try this more budget friendly one.
There are also chances to fly over the bend in a helicopter and look out from a birds-eye perspective as well as floating through the bend on a boat! Which ever way you decide to experience the bend, will surely be one to remember. Here is my post on things to do in Page, AZ.
Lake Mead Recreational Area – 30 minutes away
Lake Mead, a vast reservoir held by the Hoover Dam, provides a refreshing change of scenery from the neon lights of Vegas. It just makes a good day trips from Las Vegas.
I spent a day here riding jet skis with friends, with the calm waters and scenic desert landscape offering a peaceful escape and the water is like bath water. You just can’t get too close to the dam!
The area around Boulder Beach is perfect for picnics and swimming, making it an ideal family getaway.
The story of the Hoover Dam fascinates me every time, symbolizing human ingenuity and the struggle to harness nature’s power.
There are many activities to emerge yourself into at lake mead including, swimming, boat rides, hiking, camping and cycling. Due to all these possible activities (open year-round) and the close proximity to such a large city, Lake Mead is the perfect day trip when staying in or around Las Vegas. There is something at the lake for everyone to enjoy and will sure to add some calmness to any busy city vibes.
Hoover Dam – 30 minutes away
Hoover Dam is a concrete arch dam located along the both the Colorado river and Lake Mead, just 35 miles east of Las Vegas. Due to the close proximity of Hoover Dam to Lake Mead, it is possible to visit both of these places in a one-day trip from the big city.
The dam is a man-made construction built during the great depression in the early 1930s and has been dedicated to two previous U.S. presidents and renamed over the years. The purpose of the dam is for flood control, hydroelectric power, and domestic water supply. However, over the years it has become a popular tourist destination with over 7million visitors a year.
Due to the large influx of tourists the dam is open for tours for those wanting a closer look inside the dam.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservatory – 15 minutes away
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservatory is an area managed by the Bureau of Land Management in southern Nevada; 15 miles west of Las Vegas and can sometimes be seen from the strip. The area contains a series of large rock formations and sandstone peaks which some stand at over 3,000ft tall.
Due to the height of these, it is a common hiking and rock-climbing spot for Las Vegas locals. There is also a loop road around the conservatory to allow vehicles to drive around the park in order to easily access other parts of the park. The loop road also serves as a great biking trail as an alternative mode of transport through the conservatory.
Through the activities and things to do at the conservatory, one of the most popular remains to be photography. Many people take quick trips from sin city to capture beautiful sunsets at Red Rock and general beautiful photography around the conservatory.
Here are my suggestions on the best hikes in Red Rock Canyon
Death Valley National Park – 2 hours away
Death Valley National Park located in south east California is approximately a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas.
This is one of the largest national parks in the United States with over 3million acres of land and wilderness. Along with being one of the biggest, Death Valley NP is also the hottest and driest location in America. Although, contrary to the name, there is a big diversity of wildlife that thrive and live in these conditions. On a rare occasion, the NP sees rain storms which are accompanied by fields of wildflowers that grow adding to the unique charm of this desert.
One very popular activity at Death Valley NP is star gazing, due to the park having one of the darkest night skies in America. riding through the park in a four-wheel drive, motorcycle or dirt-bike is also a popular activity within the park and is permitted. Although, mountain biking is only permitted on established roads within the park.
Joshua Tree National Park – 4 hours away
Joshua Tree National Park located in southern California is approximately a 3-4-hour drive from Las Vegas. The park is open year-round and due to the central location to many big cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix; Joshua Tree NP is a hot spot for tourists.
The most well-known attraction to the park is the Joshua Tree – the name sake for the NP. The tree straddles the two ecosystems that the NP sits on and has received great attention in recent years. There are many activities throughout the park including many hiking and scenery trails, campgrounds, rock-climbing as well as campgrounds for those wanting an extended overnight experience.
There are also multiple visitor centres, all offering exhibits, book and gift stores, picnic and park areas and all the information you will need of the park. I’ve written a post on the Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park.
Area 51 – 2 hours away
Area 51 is a highly classified United States Air Force facility located around 80 miles north west of Las Vegas.
The purpose of the airport and what goes on is under extreme secrecy and nobody quite knows what occurs; leading for many different theories and conspiracies to come to light. There are strict rules and regulations, including no member of public being granted access in the building, pass the gates or to fly over the land.
There are various warning signs leading up to the gates that not entry is permitted leading to many people wondering what is going on within area 51. one of the most common and well-known theories is that area 51 is the home of alien research and that they have information about life on other plants. Although, this has been repeatedly denied by the American government – it’s still a fun theory to think.
Although, public are forbidden entrance and visitors can only go as far as the gate, it could still be a fun drive from the city to have the experience of being at Area 51.
Bryce Canyon National Park – 4.5 hours away
Bryce Canyon National Park located in southern Utah, is an approximate 4.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. Contrary to the name, Bryce Canyon NP is not home to canyon(s) but rather a series of natural wonders called hoodoos.
The hoodoos at Bryce Canyon NP are a series of irregular shaped rocks protruding from the ground that have been eroded over time. Along with the unique landscapes and wonderful viewpoints, there are also many walking/hiking trails, astronomy programs, information centres and tour guides as well as evening hikes for those clear sky nights, specifically when a full moon is out. I’ve written a post on the best hikes in Bryce Canyon even if you are not a hiker.
To add to the experience, Bryce Canyon NP also hosts two campground sites for those wanting to expand their trip longer than a single day. Due to the more remote location (in comparison to other NP), Bryce Canyon NP doesn’t receive as many annual visitors, so it makes for a great choice for those wanting to escape and feel the serenity and peace of nature away from big crowds.
Sedona – 4.5 hours away
Sedona is a desert city in central Arizona, approximately 30 miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona and around a 4.5-hour drive south-east of Las Vegas.
Sedona is a rugged resort city in central Arizona, that to many Native Americans is considered to be a sacred place of healing and spirituality. Sedona is also a place with various amounts of art galleries lining the streets, and a number of wineries and tasting rooms popping up around the city.
This makes Sedona the perfect getaway for those art and wine enthusiasts. The city also includes more outdoor activities for those wanting some action, such as, hiking trails, biking trails, acres of forests, tracks for jeep driving, and many more.
All of this and the luxuries of being in a central city filled with many more activities for all kinds of individuals and families. Many people also visit the city to sit in and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that Sedona has to offer. In fact, in one US article, naming the most beautiful spots in the country, Sedona landed number 1, pretty impressive for a seemingly small city.
Check out my posts on the Best Things to do in Sedona, easy hikes in Sedona and the best hikes in Sedona including vortex hikes.
Lake Powell – 5 hours away
Lake Powell is a large body of water along the Colorado river on the border of two U.S states, Utah and Arizona; an approximate 5 hour drive from Las Vegas.
Lake Powell is the second largest man-made lake in the U.S. behind the nearby Lake Mead. However, due to high amounts of water withdrawal from both lakes, they are often in competition to being the biggest and largest man-made reservoir in the U.S. Lake Powell is a common vacation spot, particularly in the summer months as it hosts many activities for both individuals and families.
Over 2 million people a year flock to Lake Powell to enjoy the various water activities, houseboats, relaxing by the lake and the nearby Rainbow Bridge National Monument. Lake Powell would make for a great long weekend or few days getaway from Las Vegas. It offers the serenity and relaxation that is much needed after spending time in such a busy city.
Mount Tipton National Forest – 2 hours away
Mount Tipton wilderness area is a wildlife refuge in north-west Dolan Springs, Arizona; 80 miles south of Las Vegas. One of the most common activities to do at Mt Tipton are the various hiking trails.
The biggest attraction to the area are the large pinnacles towering above the desert. The wilderness area offers various trails for backpacking, hiking, cycling and horseback riding on the beautiful mustang horses that are local to the area.
Mt Tipton is also a popular photography spot, so don’t forget to pack your cameras! The land is very rugged, so it is recommended to visit the land on a four-wheel drive for your own safety as many other vehicles have a history of driving through the area.
Due to the desert location and elevation, during some months weather conditions could be harsh and dangerous. All visitors are highly recommended to arrive to the site well equipped and prepared for all conditions that could potentially occur. With its beautiful landscapes and close proximity, Mt Tipton is a great choice for a quick day trip when staying in or around Las Vegas.
Dixie National Forest – 3 hours from Vegas
Dixie National Forest is located in southern Utah and is an approximate 3-hour drive north east of Las Vegas and the perfect Vegas day trip.
Spanning over 2 million acres, Dixie National Forest is the largest national forest in the state of Utah and has elevations ranging from 2,800 feet to over 11,000 feet.
The forest is split into four main geographic areas and each area has their own visitor centre each detailing the history of the forest, mapping out all the hiking and walking trails and all the information you need to know about the forest. With over 2million acres to explore there is plenty to do and plenty of spots to enjoy.
There are various hiking trails, campgrounds, fishing spots, chance of horseback riding, mountain biking and even skiing during the winter months. Throughout the land there are also plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the beautiful landscapes the forest has to offer.
Los Angeles – 5.5 hours away
Los Angeles is a well known coastal city in southern California, approximately 270-miles or a 5 ½ drive south west of Las Vegas.
Los Angeles is the centre of America’s film and television industry with the production companies headquarters largely being based in the city. Although it is possible to make a trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and back again in just one day, it is recommended to make it span over a couple days to fully be able to experience all that Los Angeles has to offer.
Some of the popular things to do while in the city would be to visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, talk a stroll down Santa Monica Pier, or along Venice Beach. Other activities include taking a trip up to Griffith Observatory which overlooks the entire city (highly recommended to do after sunset – this way you can overlook the night skies and city lights).
Various hikes are located all over the city which is another common activity while in LA and overlooking the ocean views to the right and city views to the left. There are hundreds of things to do in the city so it is recommended to set aside a few days to explore.
Mt Charleston – 1 hour away
Mt Charleston is the highest mountain in Clarke county, Nevada located in Mount Charleston Wilderness area in west Nevada, 40 miles west of Las Vegas.
Mt Charleston is a common and popular getaway destination for those living/visiting in or around the Las Vegas area due to the close proximity.
Other attractions to the area include the various hiking trails up and around the mountain as well as the skiing opportunities during the winter months. The mountain is a popular hiking spot mainly due to the views that the top offers. From the top, hikers will be able to see out over Las Vegas and the strip, Sierra Nevada as well as Death Valley.
The hikes are generally only accessible during the spring and summer months and can sometimes take up to an entire day to complete, depending on how far you chose to hike up the mountain.
Seven Magic Mountains – 30 minutes away
The seven magic mountains are located in Las Vegas, just 20-miles south of the Las Vegas strip making it a perfect day trip from las vegas to see these artistic pillars for yourself.
Located in the middle of the desert, with nothing else in sight these seven neon painted tall pillars are easy to find and represent a creative presence in the desert. The artwork was created in 2016 by internationally renowned swiss artist Ugo Rondinone by cutting and selecting a series of large boulders, covering them in bright neon colours and stacking them like a tower.
Seems like a simple task and not much out of the ordinary; however, these boulders attract many tourists each year. The installation was only supposed to be from 2016 to 2018 but due to the success and millions of visitors, the artwork will remain in place till the end of 2021.
Spring Mountain National Recreation Area
Spring Mountain National Recreation Area covers over 300,000 acres and is located just 12-miles northwest of Las Vegas.
The recreation area includes Mount Charleston and is also adjoining to the Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area. Due to the close proximity of these three areas and the short drive from central Las Vegas, it makes for a great day trip to visit and explore all three locations.
Spring Mountain is home to many endangered plant and animal species and works to save these species and help them survive and thrive in the desert conditions. There are many activities to do in the area both in warmer sunny months as well as the colder, winter months.
Activities in Spring Mountain include, mountain biking, backpacking, hiking, photography, picnic and campground areas, as well as skiing and snowboarding.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is a desert ecosystem located 19-miles north of Las Vegas. Perfect for sightseeing near Las Vegas. This is the closest desert near Las Vegas.
Tule Springs is where mammoths and lions among other species previously roamed the lands. The history of these animals and this time period is preserved at Tule Springs.
One of the biggest attractions to the area is the site of “the big dig”, this is where in 1962 an excavation took place in which large animal fossils were discovered. The monument is relatively new, so officials are still working on opening a visitor centre as well as parking areas and facilities. However, there are signs located around the park which provide visitors with information regarding the deep histories and more about the ancient animal species which once lived in the area and have since left their fossils deep in the soil.
Here is a list of other cool places to visit and day trips around Las Vegas and most are places to visit within 2 hours of Las Vegas:
- Tecopa Hot Springs, California: Located about 2 hours from Las Vegas, Tecopa Hot Springs offers natural hot springs and is a serene getaway for those looking to relax in mineral-rich waters. The area also features hiking trails and is close to the Death Valley National Park, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
- Goldwell Open Air Museum, Nevada: Just about 2 hours away near the ghost town of Rhyolite, this outdoor museum features a collection of large-scale sculptures set against a dramatic desert backdrop. It’s a unique cultural experience that combines art with the exploration of Nevada’s mining history.
- The Mojave National Preserve, California: About 3.5 hours away, this area showcases the beauty of the Mojave Desert with its canyons, mountains, and dunes. Visitors can explore the Kelso Dunes, the Lava Tube, and the Cima Dome.
- Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada: Just under 2 hours from Las Vegas, this refuge is a surprising oasis in the desert, home to several endemic species of plants and animals. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in unique ecosystems.
- Alamo, Nevada: For a change of pace, consider adding Alamo, located about 2 hours away. This area offers access to the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for bird watchers, and is a gateway to outdoor adventures in the nearby mountains.
- Nelson Ghost Town, Nevada: Only about an hour away, Nelson offers a peek into Nevada’s mining history with its preserved historic buildings and antique cars. It’s a photographer’s dream and offers guided tours into the nearby Techatticup Mine.
- Seven Troughs Ghost Town, Nevada: A bit farther and less visited, this ghost town is a hidden gem for those interested in the more remote and untouched remnants of Nevada’s mining era. While it’s a stretch at just under 4 hours, it’s an adventure for the more intrepid explorer.
Conclusion: Road Trip from Las Vegas
Day trips from Las Vegas by car are a great way to see things to do outside of Vegas. There are just as many things to do outside Vegas as on the strip. Its perfect to take any of these day tours from Las Vegas.
I hope you get a chance to visit one of these places to see near Las Vegas. Many locals take these road trips from Vegas so they can go on weekend getaways from Las Vegas as well.
Continue Reading on my website:
Las Vegas for first time visitors
National Parks close to Las Vegas
Best Places to Stay near the Grand Canyon
Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon?
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