It’s impossible to get bored in Las Vegas, so it’s understandable that many people visit Sin City and never get beyond their limits. However, there are some fascinating and beautiful sights just a short drive away. And if you need a break from all the light and noise then a day trip might be just the thing.
Day trips from Las Vegas range from natural wonders to man-made engineering feats. Whether you are looking for a hiking challenge or just a relaxed sightseeing experience, there is something for you. Some of these options are further afield so you might have to leave early or consider staying overnight.
Wendy Lee
1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Just a 30-minute drive from the Strip is a nearly 200,000-acre nature reserve known for its deep red rock faces that are perfect for hiking, bouldering, and climbing. Few visitors to Las Vegas make it into the vast wilderness of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. If your time is limited, enjoy the 21 km scenic drive. But if possible, set out on one of the 26 trails to explore deep inside the canyon. Or try one of the many climbing routes with levels of difficulty from beginners to advanced. If you don’t have transportation, book a tour of Red Rock. No matter how you choose to explore this area, watch out for wildlife, including bighorn sheep.
First-time visitors to Red Rock should definitely stop by the visitor center to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. Volunteers are usually available to offer tips on hiking and climbing, or just to answer questions.
Pro tip: Red Rock experiences everything from freezing temperatures in the winter months to extreme heat in the summer. Before venturing out on trails or climbing routes, be sure to read the weather report for the day. Also, make sure you bring water, food, a first aid kit, and the right equipment.
2. Valley of Fire State Park
Just an hour outside of Vegas is another outdoor gem rarely seen by visitors, Valley of Fire State Park. At 40,000 acres, it’s considerably smaller than Red Rock, but it’s also a fun hiking destination. Here you will find red sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, petrified trees and petroglyphs. Most of the trails here are rated as easy to moderate and are a mile or less. Combine some of the routes if you want to go further. One of the most famous attractions in the Valley of Fire is Elephant Rock, which is located next to the east entrance. For great Instagram shots, head to Pastel Canyon, also known as Pink Canyon.
Pro tip: Here, too, the temperatures range from bitterly cold to scorching hot. Find out about weather conditions before you travel and always bring water, food, a first aid kit, and the right equipment if you plan to hike.
Wendy Lee
3. Grand Canyon West
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas and is definitely worth a trip as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At 270 miles long, 28 miles wide, and a mile deep, it could take a lifetime to fully explore this multi-layered and colorful canyon.
The closest section of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is the West Rim, which is about a 2.5-hour drive away. This part of the canyon is owned by the Hualapai tribe, so private cars are not allowed. Park at the Welcome Center and take the shuttle to popular lookout points. The highlight on the West Rim is the Skywalk, a 10-foot wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that stretches 20 meters over the rim of the Grand Canyon and offers an uninterrupted view of the canyon 4,000 feet below. If you didn’t bring a car to Las Vegas, consider booking a tour that includes transportation to the West Rim.
It is possible to visit the south and north rims of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, but an overnight stay is recommended as the drive takes 4 to 5 hours each way.
4. Seven magical mountains
Ten miles south of Las Vegas, you’ll find a large public art installation called the Seven Magic Mountains. The internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone designed seven towers made of colorful, stacked boulders that are not far from the busy Interstate 15 freeway that connects the cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The Seven Magic Mountains are free to tour, and visitors are encouraged to use the dirt path next to the parking lot to access the installation. Note that there are no toilets or services in the immediate area.
If you’re driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, you’ll make a stop in the Seven Magic Mountains along the way. You’ll see it about 30 minutes before arriving in Vegas along Interstate 15.
5. Hoover Dam
Less than an hour southeast of Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel. When it was completed in 1935, it was the tallest dam in the world. It is as tall as a 60-story building and was built by over 21,000 men. Today it powers Nevada, Arizona, and California.
There are several ways to explore the Hoover Dam. If your time is tight, just drive over the dam is worth it. You can also visit the visitor center, take a one-hour guided tour, or book a tour from Las Vegas. Try a helicopter tour and you will get a great aerial view of the dam.
Pro tip: If you’ve drove to the dam and want to eat before or after your visit, head to the nearby town of Boulder City. The town emerged in the 1930s when workers on the Hoover Dam needed an apartment. Today it is a lively city with many cafes, restaurants and shops for tourists.
Wendy Lee
6. Zion National Park
Some of the most epic hikes in the country can be found in Zion National Park. But even if you’re not a hiker, Zion National Park is a great option for a day trip from Las Vegas. It takes about 2.5 hours to get to the park from Sin City.
Steep red, pink, and orange cliffs dominate the landscape in Zion. Deep gorges, winding slot canyons, rushing rivers and a multitude of wildlife hide beneath the cliffs. Private cars are restricted in Zion, so a popular way to get around the park is by shuttle, which stops at many attractions. Adventure seekers will want to hike Angels Landing, a narrow trail that climbs nearly 1,500 feet. The reward is incomparable views of the gorge below. Or for something truly unique, hike to The Narrows, a path that crosses a canyon and has to wade through the Virgin River.
7. Calico ghost town
Anyone interested in the Old West will surely want to visit Calico Ghost Town. This former mining town has existed since 1881 but was abandoned in the mid-1890s when silver lost its value. In the mid-1950s, Walter Knott bought the town and restored most of the buildings. Calico became a state historic site in 2005.
Today visitors can browse the Lucy Lane Museum and Maggie Mine to learn what life was like when the city was inhabited. When it’s time to eat, head to Lil’s Saloon or the Old Miner’s Cafe. Don’t go without browsing some of the city’s stores, such as Lanes General Merchandise. This is an especially good day trip option if you are traveling with the grandchildren.
Pro tip: If you’re driving to Vegas from the Los Angeles area, check out Calico Ghost Town along the way.
Wendy Lee
8. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is 3 hours from Las Vegas, but the experience is definitely worth the drive. Named after the short and spindly trees, the national park offers a combination of natural beauty and whimsical history. This vast desert landscape has drawn Mormon pioneers, ranchers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers over the years.
Make sure to start at the visitor center to enjoy the informative exhibits about the park’s flora and fauna. You will also find park rangers and volunteers here to answer questions and provide tips on places to visit and hikes.
With over 100 miles of hiking trails, Joshua Tree is understandably popular with hikers. Ryan Mountain is a 3 mile round-trip trail that is over 1,000 feet and ends with great views of the summit. A much easier option is the .2 mile Keys View loop trail. As the highest point in the park, it also offers breathtaking views. And luckily this one is wheelchair accessible.
