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. While the city has s parade of famous hotels and resorts, why don’t you 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. Some even hop on RV rentals for an epic trip. To solidify your plans, read on for the top day trips from Las Vegas, Nevada.
1. Mount Charleston (from USD 109.0)
Mount Charleston is a perfect day trip near Vegas for those seeking a break from the city’s glitz and glamour. Located just 35 miles (56.33 kilometres) northwest of the Strip, you can drive to Mount Charleston in under an hour.
Visitors can hike on the numerous trails of varying difficulties, enjoy a picnic or take scenic drives in the surrounding landscape. The area offers year-round recreation, including skiing and snowboarding during winter. The Spring Mountains Visitor Center provides information and displays about the area’s natural history, programs, and guided tours.
From Las Vegas: Day Trip to Mount Charleston Resort
Duration: 6.0 hour
2. Emerald Cave and Lake Mead (from USD 97.2)
Located just an hour’s drive from the city, Lake Mead offers a refreshing break from the desert heat with various water activities. So if you’re looking for a unique day excursion from Las Vegas, consider heading to the stunning Emerald Cave on Lake Mead.
Visitors can take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore Lake Mead’s clear, blue waters. Paddle through the narrow, twisting corridors of the Black Canyon, and discover the hidden gem of Emerald Cave. The cave’s striking emerald-green waters are a sight to behold. After your adventure on the water, relax and unwind on the beach, or hike one of the many trails in the surrounding area.
Willow Beach: Emerald Cave and Lake Mead Kayaking Tour
Duration: 4.5 hour
3. 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
Tip from Content Creator
Beatrice
Valley of Fire State Park travel tips:
1. The Valley of Fire is located not more than 90km from Las Vegas. We reached it after Death Valley, before arriving at Zion National Park.
2. The entrance fee to the park is $10 per car.
3. There are two main roads in this park not to be missed: the Valley of Fire Highway(which cuts it horizontally) and Mouse's Tank Road (which cuts it vertically). Both are beautiful to drive through, with stops at the various viewpoints.
4. Viewpoints not to be missed in Valley of Fire: Bechives, Atlatl Rock, Rainbow Vista, Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock.
5. I didn't get to do many of the trails I wanted to do because of the heat, but if you go at another time they are must-sees: Pastel (Pink) Canyon Trail, Fire Wave Trailhead, The White Domes Trail.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Zion National Park (from USD 262.0)
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 to three-hour drive from the glitzy city to this park, which is on many bucket lists, will make for a short day trip from Las Vegas that you won’t easily forget.
Small-Group Zion National Park Day Tour from Las Vegas
Duration: 11 hours
5. The Grand Canyon (from USD 115.0)
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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. Death Valley (from USD 222.0)
One of the hottest places in the world is Death Valley, a below-sea-level basin in the northern Mojave Desert that, contrary to its name, hosts a diverse abundance of life in its canyons. Although we would generally avoid hiking during the summer months, Death Valley boasts a number of indoor and outdoor activities that can be tackled during a day visit from Las Vegas.
Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas
Duration: 11 hours
10. Red Rock Canyon (from USD 88.0)
The Red Rock Canyon is a world-renowned site of geologic interest and beauty. Located within the Mojave Desert, the Canyon provides a marvellous landscape and a backdrop for spending their day outdoors. There are several ways to enjoy the Red Rock Canyon, including a scenic drive of 13 miles (21 km), climbing to take on the rocks and boulders of the Canyon, 26 different hikes and trails and even opportunities to camp in the desert.
Red Rock Canyon Tour
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
11. Hoover Dam (from USD 90.0)
Constructed during the Great Depression and acting as an important part of American history, Hoover Dam is an important part of economic development and controls floods, provides irrigation water and produce hydroelectric power for Nevada, Arizona, and California. Visit the dam and learn about its architectural elements, the elegant Art Deco style that was introduced and many of the sculptures that sit on and around the dam.
Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas by Luxury Vehicle
12. Bryce Canyon (from USD 249.0)
There is no shortage of outdoor adventures from Las Vegas, and Bryce Canyon National Park is another sprawling nature reserve to add to your list of potential day trips. Sitting in Utah, the National Park is primarily famous for “hoodoos” - spire-shaped rock formations which happen to be bright pink in this location. The hiking paths provide endless opportunities to take in the geological wonders that surround you. Try out the Rim Trail hiking path to take in the views from Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point.
Bryce Canyon National Park Full-Day Tour from Las Vegas
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes
To Vegas and beyond
Our recommendations for day trips from Las Vegas highlight that the city is a great base for all your excursions and adventures. In addition to the bright lights and casino tables of the main 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. Bookmark this article on the best day trips from Las Vegas for your next weekend adventure.
Frequently asked questions about top day trips from Las Vegas, Nevada
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