Las Vegas is a hub for tourism and while there is plenty to do in the city itself, there’s also so much to do just outside of Las Vegas. In fact, every time I’ve been to Las Vegas, it’s because I’m starting or ending some type of road trip in the region. I’ve you’re planning on staying in Las Vegas for several days, I’d recommend taking some time to explore around the city. Leave the glitz and glam behind for a few hours and see something completely different.
Day Trips from Las Vegas
Like so many of my lists, this is not an exhaustive list of every day trip you can take from Las Vegas. Rather, these are some of the many of the most popular options and where I would recommend that visitors start their planning. No matter what your interests, you’re sure to find a day trip on this list that piques your interest.
As always, this list is in no particular order.
Valley of Fire State Park
Located about an hour east of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is known for its incredible scenery. A lot of day trips on this list include fantastic scenery, but Valley of Fire has some of my favorites. There’s an amazing scenic drive, numerous hiking trails, and so many cool rock formations.
My top picks are to drive through the park, making sure to spend some time along the scenic drive. As far as hikes hikes, I really liked the Fire Wave and Pink Canyon Loop. Hike through slot canyons and across the famous Fire Wave on this two and a half mile trail. For overlooks, there’s plenty to choose from but the Fire Cave/Silica Valley Overlook was my favorite. But this just scratches the surface of what’s available at Valley of Fire.
A visit to Valley of Fire State Park costs $15 per vehicle ($10 for Nevada residents). Note that your America the Beautiful Pass (or any other similar national park passes) are not accepted. This is such a common problem that you’ll find several signs stating this as you pull in to Valley of Fire State Park.
Red Rock Canyon National Monument
If you head west of Las Vegas, you’ll reach Red Rock Canyon National Monument. While it also has some incredible rock formations, it’s completely different from Valley of Fire State Park. After visiting both, it can be hard to wrap your head around the fact that both of these areas are just one hour from Las Vegas (and two hours from each other).
At Red Rock Canyon, you’ll find hiking trails and a great scenic drive. If you’re into rock climbing, this is the place for you. Red Rock Canyon had the most rock climbers I’ve ever seen in one place (though perhaps tied with Joshua Tree National Park).
I didn’t have a lot of time at Red Rock Canyon and the trail I hiked wasn’t super exciting. Instead I recommend parking at Calico Hills and hiking from here. Hike as far as you’d like before turning around and heading back the way you came. This is where the most iconic views of the area are. Beyond hiking, you’ll also be able to drive the scenic drive which is a one way loop through the park.
Entrance to Red Rock Canyon National Monument costs $20 per vehicle. That said, annual National Park Service passes, like the America the Beautiful Pass, include a visit to Red Rock Canyon.
Note that there is also a $2 reservation that is required for visitors between October 31 and May 1. This reservation system is in place just to help ease congestion in the park. I picked up my reservation the morning of my visit and had no issues getting an entry.
Hoover Dam
Let’s take a break from natural beauty, though I will come back to it later. Along the Nevada-Arizona state line, you’ll find Hoover Dam. This engineering marvel leads to a different type of sightseeing, but it’s a popular day trip from Las Vegas. Or if you’re planning a larger road trip (such as a trip that includes the Grand Canyon and Utah’s National Parks), this is a great addition. This is actually one of the closest day trips to Las Vegas (though of course it depends where you start your day), coming in at just 40 minutes from Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport.
So what do you do at Hoover Dam?
First and foremost, take in the mammoth feat of engineering. At over 700 feet and weighing more than 6.6 million pounds, this massive dam generates nearly 4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydro-electric power annually. That’s enough power for 1.3 million people across Nevada, Arizona, and California.
There’s a parking area near the bridge and from there, it’s just a short walk to a great overlook. But that’s not the only overlook. Keep driving and you’ll find yourself moving across the dam for another, unique view.
And if you’re looking for a tour, that’s an option too. I don’t have any first hand experience with the tours at Hoover Dam though, since I visited in 2021 and tours were still suspended because of Covid. For those wanting to learn more, taking a tour is a great option. Learn more about tour options at the official website.
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is massive, but some parts are accessible from Las Vegas. You’ll just need to do your research properly. That is, you’ll want to mark sure that you’re looking at the West Rim.
When many bloggers talk about visiting the Grand Canyon, they are typically referring to the town of Tusayan which sits just outside the South Rim. Tusayan and the South Rim is a four hour drive from Las Vegas, so it’s not feasible for a day trip. Instead, you’ll want to look at Grand Canyon West which is about two hours from the Las Vegas airport. Here you’ll have options for helicopter rides over the canyon, a glass walkway, and a few short hiking trails.
I’ve visited the Grand Canyon, but haven’t visited Grand Canyon West. I had plans to visit, but my trip to Las Vegas and Nevada got canceled and so did my visit to Grand Canyon West. From what I’ve read, visiting the Grand Canyon in Tusayan is better, but if this is your only chance to see the Grand Canyon, absolutely take it. It is amazing.
Lake Mead
I’ve already covered Hoover Dam which sits on Lake Mead, but I’m including Lake Mead itself as a separate entry on this list. Just a half hour from Las Vegas is Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the first national recreation area in the United States.
Obviously during your visit, you can enjoy some time recreating on Lake Mead. Kayak, canoe, boat or just enjoy the shores of the lake. You’ll also be able drive the scenic drive and get out on some of the hiking trails. Like many of the items on this list, it’s great place to spend some time outdoors.
I’ve not had a chance to visit Lake Mead (other than visiting Hoover Dam), but I still think it’s worth including it on this list of day trips from Las Vegas.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park can technically be done as a day trip from Las Vegas, but it will be a long day trip. From the airport, it’s a two hour drive to the eastern entrance of the park. Then after you explore Death Valley, you need to drive those same two hours back to Las Vegas. While I really enjoyed my visit to Death Valley, I’d really suggest giving it one full day.
But, if you don’t have a full day (because of transportation time), it’s still possible to visit Death Valley as a day trip from Las Vegas. Spend your time taking in all of the unique scenery of this area. Take in the mountainous views at Zabriske Point and Dante’s View. Drive through Twenty Mule Team Canyon Road and Artist’s Drive to see some incredible scenery. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the continental United States and nearby Devil’s Golf Course looks like something from another planet.
There are hiking trails at Death Valley National Park, but with those items described above, you’ll already have a pretty full day (especially when you account for the four hours of driving to and from Death Valley). But if you decide to hike, I recommend looking at Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch.
Snow Canyon State Park
Snow Canyon State Park is located in Utah, just outside of the city of St. George. It’s 2 hours and 15 minutes from the Las Vegas airport, so it’s another long day trip, but it’s certainly another option. That said, I think it makes more sense to include this on a larger road trip as you work your way back to Las Vegas from Utah.
That said, it’s still possible to visit Snow Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas. The highlight here is a hike that takes you through some incredible geologic features. With just one hike, you’ll visit petrified sand dunes, lava tubes, and incredible mountain views. There’s also a slot canyon within the park that is very easy to reach.
A reminder that if you’re heading to Utah that you need to pay attention to the time. Utah is one hour ahead of Nevada.
Zion National Park
Here’s where I really stretch the limits of what can be done in a day trip. From the Las Vegas airport, it’s a three hour drive to Zion National Park. While I love Zion National Park, I would pick any of the other day trips on this list before visiting Zion. It’s a park that deserves a minimum of one full day here and that’s very hard to do as a day trip. My first visit lasted only four hours and I left disappointed and wishing I could have seen more (though some better planning would have made my visit better).
At Zion National Park, you’ll have your choice of great hikes. There’s also some fantastic scenery, so even driving through the park (both on the Mount Carmel Highway and taking the shuttle down Zion Canyon Road) is incredible.
With limited time, I’d hike the Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s further into the park but it offers my favorite view at Zion National Park. Then I’d spend some time in the Zion Canyon Road (only accessible my shuttle during peak season). Ride all the way to the end of the line and hike the Riverside Walk at the Temple of Sinawava. That’s going to eat up most of your day and while you will have done some of my favorite experiences at Zion National Park, you’ll have barely scratched the surface of what this park has to offer.
Mojave Desert
This is another longer day trip, but if you haven’t been satisfied by any of the other options, consider a trip to the Mojave Desert. While technically in California, it’s a 2 hour and 15 minute drive from Las Vegas’ airport.
So what do you do in the Mojave Desert? Believe it or not, there’s some excellent hikes through Joshua trees, canyons, sand dunes, and more. Which hike you choose is up to you, but there’s certainly no shortage of hikes.
I had plans to visit the Mojave Desert as part of my road trip through Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks. However, both Death Valley and the Mojave Desert had some sustained damage from a recent hurricane (no, I’m not kidding). While we still included Death Valley in our itinerary, the Mojave Desert had to get cut and we replaced it with a stop at Red Rock Canyon. Still, the Mojave Desert is on my list for another trip.
Which Is the Best Day Trip from Las Vegas?
This is a tough question to answer because I believe “best” is subjective. Everyone has their own preferences. However, if I had to pick, my top choice would be Valley of Fire State Park. The scenery is incredible and it’s one of the closest trips to Las Vegas. Though I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the day trips on this list.
When to Visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a year round destination. In theory, all of the items on this list are year round destinations as well. However, it’s important to keep the seasons in mind. Not because of tourism, but because of weather.
During the summer months, it can become dangerously hot. Trails in Valley of Fire State Park close simply to try to keep visitors safe. Death Valley has recorded some of the hottest temperatures on earth. If you are traveling in summer, make sure you are prepared and carry plenty of water and snacks.
In the winter, temperatures are much more pleasant and can even be cooler depending on where you are. I visited Death Valley and Red Rock Canyon in November and had excellent weather. In early March, I visited Valley of Fire, Snow Canyon, and Zion. Valley of Fire and Snow Canyon were perfect hiking weather (except for the 20 mile per hour wind at Valley of Fire), but Zion National Park required extra layers.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas is a destination all its own with the glitz, glam, gambling, and seemingly endless entertainment found in the city. But for those needing a break and wanting something a little different, there are plenty of great day trips from Las Vegas.
Continue Your Adventure
Near Las Vegas: Valley of Fire State Park is full of great scenery, but Red Rock Canyon is also fantastic. Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel and provides a different day trip. Death Valley involves some driving, but it’s another great option. Even further away is Snow Canyon State Park and Zion National Park in Utah.
Road Trips from Las Vegas: Las Vegas is a fantastic starting point for numerous road trips. Head east for a 10 day trip to Utah’s National Parks. If you have less time, try my long weekend in Zion and Bryce Canyon. Head west for one week in Death Valley and Joshua Tree.