Las Vegas is a city of bright lights, five-star service, extravagant entertainment options and culinary delights. This oasis in the Nevada Desert is known as the ultimate destination but is lesser recognized for its outdoor adventures and natural beauties that lie on its outskirts. Las Vegas is also a great West Coast hub, well-connected to California, Arizona and other major destinations in the US. Take a break from the day parties and poolside leisure to find your ideal escape from Vegas. From the close by outdoor nature parks to the Grand Canyon and other major West Coast cities, there are plenty of day trips that you could consider. Read on to find out about the day trips from Las Vegas, Nevada.
1. Valley of Fire State Park
Situated just an hour’s drive from Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire, a state park and nature reserve which is filled with formations of red rocks- from sandstone cliffs, dramatic canyons, and peaceful valleys. The park is an ideal spot to take in the epic, colourful rock formations, a unique landscape that is great for hiking, picnics and photography. Check out the ancient Moapa petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock or do a 3-mile (4.8 km) Fire Canyon hike to make the most of your day out.
Valley of Fire State Park
Address: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
Website: Valley of Fire State Park
Price: 10 USD per vehicle
2. Zion National Park (from USD 263.0)
Located in the neighbouring state of Utah is the Zion National Park, with steep red cliffs, rivers that flow into the Emerald Pools, waterfalls and a hanging garden. The Zion-Mount Carmel Scenic Highway makes for an unforgettable drive through the National Park, with winding roads through the brightly coloured rock formations, evergreen trees that dot the sides of pathways and the occasional deer and mountain goat that peer through the rocks. The two/three-hour drive from Las Vegas to this park, which is on many a bucket list, will be a visit you won’t easily forget.
Small-Group Zion National Park Day Tour from Las Vegas
Duration: 11 hours
3. The Grand Canyon (from USD 99.0)
A steep side canyon that is 277 miles (446 km) long and up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, the Grand Canyon is a sight that West Coast visitors should not miss. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon can be experienced via land, sky or water, with any tour making a grand impact on the beauty and grandeur of natural geological formations. The Grand Canyon is easily accessible from Las Vegas and makes for an educative and adventurous day trip from the city.
Grand Canyon West Rim With Hoover Dam Photo Stop From Las Vegas
Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
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4. Techatticup Gold Mine and Eldorado Canyon
Explore the oldest and most famous gold mine in southern Nevada just 45 minutes away from Las Vegas. The Techatticup Gold Mine boasts beautiful views and a landscape that has been the setting for many movies and videos. Take advantage of a unique way to explore the gold mine, via a canoe or kayak on the Colorado River, or make the day an educative experience to learn about drift mining, a mining method where a long deep drift is cut down from the top, through the mountain, where its load of ore is located.
Techatticup Gold Mine and Eldorado Canyon
Address: HC 62, Box 440, Nelson, NV 89046
Website: Techatticup Gold Mine and Eldorado Canyon
Opening hours: 8:15am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD (13 yrs and above), 10 USD (kids from 5 to 12 yrs), free for children under 5 yrs
5. Dixie National Forest
The Dixie National Forest located in Cedar City, Utah, is the largest national forest in the state, spanning over two million acres. There are several options to enjoy the National Forest, including hiking, fishing and camping overnight, if your day-trip leaves you wanting more. Immerse yourself between the rock formations, deep canyons and lakes to enjoy a visit to this wondrous natural beauty, located just over two hours away from Las Vegas.
Dixie National Forest
Address: Cedar City, Utah
Website: Dixie National Forest
6. Los Angeles & Hollywood (from USD 575.0)
The four-hour Las Vegas - Los Angeles (L.A.) drive is a rite of passage for many Americans. L.A, with its mild weather, laid back neighbourhoods and relaxed California attitude, acts as a reprise from the intensity of Las Vegas. Visit Hollywood, the home of movie studios and its world-famous namesake boulevard to take in your dose of tourist hot spots or use the quintessential hop-on-hop-off bus to get to know the city and explore its different neighbourhoods.
Hollywood and Los Angeles Private All-Day Tour with Star Homes
Duration: 8 hours
To Vegas and beyond
Our recommendations for day trips from Las Vegas highlights that the city is a great base for all your excursions and adventures. In addition to the bright lights and casino tables of the Vegas strip, you can combine your visit to include hiking trails, sunsets over rock formations and even a visit to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
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