The Best Road Trips from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known for its glitzy casinos and neon nightlife, luxury hotel resorts, endless live entertainment, and countless restaurants. And yet, there is so much more to discover in this unique corner of the world.  

When the party is over, and you’re in search of something calmer, you’re within a few hours’ drive of natural wonders and outdoor activities to give you those much-needed moments of tranquillity…  

Quick Trips 

If you want a mini escape for a few hours, there are many nearby attractions you can drive to in under an hour and still get back in time for dinner - or perhaps even a cheeky afternoon nap! 
 
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada (20-30 mins) 
This beautiful, protected area of land boasts looming red sandstone cliffs, weathered rock formations, and impressive desert scenery to explore. You’ll get a true sense of the desert landscape with the chance to spot a diverse range of plant life, including iconic Joshua trees, hardy yucca plants, and several species of cacti. Keep your eyes peeled for amazing animals like desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, and wild horses, too. 

Hoover Dam, Lake Mead & Boulder City, Nevada (35-45 mins) 
Often considered one of the best day trips from Las Vegas, the mighty Hoover Dam is more than just a giant concrete structure; it’s a feat in human engineering. Built in 1935 and named after the 31st President, Herbert Hoover, the dam towers 900ft and offers incredible views of the Colorado River below.  

Boulder City is only about a 10-minute drive from the Hoover Dam, so many visitors do both on the same day. With only 15,000 residents, the city has retained its small-town charm, inviting visitors to stroll through its historic downtown, enjoy a peaceful coffee break, explore local museums, tour a brewery, or hike and cycle the nearby trails. 

Fun fact: Lake Mead is not actually a lake but a man-made reservoir that was formed during the construction of the Hoover Dam. It’s the closest large body of water near Las Vegas and provides a refreshing spot to manage the desert heat, with opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and jet-skiing. 

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada (50-60 mins) 
The vibrant red Aztec sandstone rock is the first thing you’ll spot when you approach Nevada’s first state park. Its ancient dunes are around 150 million years old and offer a striking setting for a unique desert experience, particularly the 2000-year-old petroglyphs etched into the rocks. You can enjoy scenic drives, easily accessible roadside viewpoints, and plenty of short, flat walks, so you don’t need to be a hiking pro to appreciate the magnificent landscape here. 

Half-Day Escapes 

Venture even further afield and be rewarded with a world of majestic scenery and unusual wildlife just a couple of hours’ drive from the bright lights of Las Vegas… 

Grand Canyon West, Nevada (2-2.5 hours) 
However much time is on your side, a relatively short two-hour stint to Grand Canyon West is always a great idea. You’ll soon see why it’s one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas. It’s the closest vantage point to the city, offering a spectacular perspective from the canyon’s western edge, as well as being home to the famous glass Skywalk, which allows you to walk out into the canyon and look straight down 4,000 feet below - if you dare. Upgrade your visit with a helicopter tour, whitewater rafting, or ziplining experience to make the day truly unforgettable. 

Zion National Park, Utah (2hrs 45 mins) 
Zion is one of North America’s most visited national parks and offers a great range of hiking opportunities for all levels. Its extreme vertical scenery is surprisingly easy to navigate, with many accessible walking trails along the river, as well as more challenging hikes with steep drop-offs and rock formations. The Narrows is the park’s most famous hike, where you can wade (and sometimes swim) through a narrow river canyon surrounded by towering walls above, while Angel’s Landing is its most vigorous hike, known for its panoramic summit views and difficult climb. 

Death Valley National Park, California (2.5 hours) 
Recognised as one of the USA’s most fascinating national parks, Death Valley is home to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, as well as diverse desert scenery and natural wonders like rolling dunes, salt flats, and rugged mountains. The park is famous for its extreme heat and has earned a reputation as one of the hottest places on Earth, with temperatures soaring above 56°C - the highest ever recorded. 

Full Days of Fun 

If you’re set on a longer excursion and are prepared for lots of travel and an early start, there are countless adventures on offer within a few hours’ drive. It may be a long day, but you’ll remember it for years to come. 

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona (4.5 hours) 
Set near the Arizona-Utah border in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend is a striking U-bend-shaped formation in the Colorado River and one of the most photographed spots in the US. It’s an image you will have seen countless times before, but nothing quite prepares you for seeing the real thing. 

Antelope Canyon (4.5 hours) 
Not far from Horseshoe Bend is Arizona’s stunning Antelope Canyon, another dream location for travel photographers for its unusual, sculpted rock formations, smooth, wavy sandstone walls, and fluctuating beams of sunlight. This sacred site sits on Navajo land and feels almost otherworldly, a far cry from the frenetic buzz of The Strip. 

Joshua Tree National Park (3hrs 15 mins) 
Not just another desert, Joshua Tree National Park is famed for its iconic, spiky trees, excellent stargazing, and varied ecosystems. As well as hiking, rock climbing, and walking through its unearthly landscapes, you can also camp under the stars for a truly magical experience. 

Multi-Day Adventures 

It would be remiss to come all this way and not consider adding another iconic destination (or two) to your Las Vegas adventure. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing places in the region to make the extra effort worth it… 

Los Angeles, California (4-5 hours) 
The road trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles can be done in a matter of hours, and if you spread it out over a few days, it will give you the chance to experience a huge variety of landscapes and attractions in one incredible trip. LA is one of the most diverse and entertainment-focused cities in the world, with amazing shopping, food, and beaches, so if you get the chance to visit, you should! 

Palm Springs, California (4 hours) 
If you require a little R&R for a couple of days, then a trip down the I-15 to the desert oasis of Palm Springs is a smart choice. This peaceful city is home to spa resorts, golf courses, and boutique shops, providing the perfect remedy for Las Vegas burnout. 

Phoenix, Arizona (4.5 – 5.5 hours) 
This popular route takes in interesting desert landscapes, quaint Arizona towns, and vast stretches of open highway for a real sense of an all-American road trip. Phoenix itself boasts luxury resorts with excellent dining and plenty of poolside relaxation, with strong cultural influences from Mexico and the Southwest - the perfect accompaniment to a Las Vegas stay. 



Ready to hit the open road? Enquire online and let us plan your dream trip in and around Las Vegas, where you can discover everything from towering national parks and dramatic desert landscapes to charming small towns and iconic West Coast cities.