7 Incredible Day Trips from Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but that doesn’t mean tourists have to. When visitors want a break from the exciting shows and gambling of the Strip, the surrounding area offers many opportunities for fun day trips. These day trips from Las Vegas give tourists a chance to add variety to their vacation to Sin City.

7. Zion National Park

With so much beautiful scenery on show, it would be a shame to visit Las Vegas and not stop by Zion National Park if you have the chance. Located in Springdale, Utah, this national park features awe-inspiring views that may make some people want to stay for more than the day.

The park is known for its variety of color with white, red, and pink rock formations among gorgeous greenery from the conifer forests and plethora of color from the wildflowers. The park has desert areas as well as ponds and waterfalls accessible by hiking trails.

Getting to Zion National Park

• Due to the distance and time involved, many people opt to take an organized trip as a visit to Zion National Park can also be combined with a stop at the scenic Bryce Cannon which is home to such dramatic landscapes. (More info and bookings)

6. Lake Mead

© Crackerclips / Dreamstime

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the perfect place to enjoy the sun and work on one’s tan during the day, and then head back to Vegas to party all night. There’s swimming, boating, hiking, and jet skiing for people in an active mood. There are also shaded areas for picnics and plenty of beach area for lounging around on the 820 miles (1320 km) of shoreline.

The man-made lake offers year-round fun. Visitors are treated to unique views of lava hills, Joshua trees, bighorn sheep, and red sandstone rocks thanks to the positioning of the lake where the ecosystems of the Great Basin, the Mojave desert, and the Sonoran desert meet. Showers, restaurants, and other amenities make a trip to Lake Mead a pleasant experience.

Getting to Lake Mead

• A number of guided tours to Lake Mead are available from Las Vegas and the most popular includes a scenic cruise on the lake’s tranquil waters as well as a tour of the impressive Hoover Dam. (More info and bookings)

5. Valley of Fire State Park

Northeast of Las Vegas is the oldest Nevada State park. The Valley of Fire State Park is only 6 miles (10 km) from Lake Mead and offers wonderful opportunities for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers. Visitors can explore historic site where the Basket Maker people and the Anasazi Pueblo farmers once visited.

Rock art from prehistoric people is viewable in some areas of the state park. There are also trails and picnic areas. The area gets its name from the fiery red sandstone, though there are many interesting rock formations. The Visitors Center houses interpretive displays.

Getting to Valley of Fire State Park

• Besides driving there yourself, you can also take a buggy tour and shoot about the park’s rough terrain to your heart’s content. (More info and bookings)

4. Death Valley

Although regarded as the driest and lowest place in North America, Death Valley offers a variety of outdoor activities, flat plains, valleys, and simple beauty. Guided tours are available at the Visitors Center, including a paleontology tour sure to please any dinosaur fans.

Although the center is a great place to start exploring Death Valley, visitors should make time to see Scotty’s Castle in Grapevine Canyon, an incredible estate in an oasis just 90 minutes from the Visitors Center.

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Getting to Death Valley

• If you’re short on time, it may be worth taking a guided tour as these take you around all of the national park’s main sights such as Furnance Creek Ranch and Rhyolite Ghost Town and you can simply sit back and relax without having to find your way around. (More info and bookings)

3. Red Rock Canyon

© Foster Eubank / Dreamstime

For a good, long hike or just a short jaunt through nature, Red Rock Canyon offers tourists a relaxing day trip away from the bright lights of Vegas. The park has 19 hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, and offers views of thousands of plants and wildlife.

The wild tortoises and stunning rock formations are highlights for most visitors. A 13-mile (21 km) scenic drive is another popular option. Depending upon what time of the year people visit Red Rock Canyon, there are various events happening much of the time. Guided hikes, bird watching, and art projects are among the typical events.

Getting to Red Rock Canyon

• While it is very easy to get there by yourself, a guided tour is one of the best ways to see all of Red Rock Canyon’s most spectacular sights as tours often include stops as Calico Hills, the petroglyphs at Willow Springs and the nearby Spring Mountain State Park. (More info and bookings)

2. Hoover Dam

Around 3,000 people travel to the Hoover Dam every day. At 726 feet (221 meters) tall, the enormous curved wall is an architectural marvel, that was constructed to control flooding, produce electricity and provide irrigated water.

Visitors can tour the Hoover Dam, including a short video about the dam’s history and interactive displays. From the overlook, visitors get stunning views of the dam, Lake Mead, the Black Canyon, and the Colorado River. Tours of the power plant are also available for a small fee.

Getting to Hoover Dam

• To make the most of their time in Las Vegas, many visitors prefer to take an organized tour which includes a cruise on Lake Mead and a visit to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory as part of the visit to Hoover Dam. (More info and bookings)

1. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Millions of people take a trip to the Grand Canyon annually, and many make the day trip from Las Vegas either by car or helicopter.

Gigantic in size and scale, the views from the edge of the canyon are incredible, as you look out over the rock face dropping away below you and the dramatic vista stretches towards the horizon. The arid and desolate terrain is peaceful yet picturesque and indeed a powerful place to explore.

Getting to the Grand Canyon

• While visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is just about doable by car, the distance involved makes it a bit of a tough ask. Driving to the South Rim for instance takes around five hours. In contrast the less impressive West Rim takes around two hours to get to.
• Due to the time and distance involved many people opt to take an organized tour with helicopter flights being particularly popular as you get to see unparalleled views of the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Las Vegas itself from the sky. (More info and bookings)