10 Best Day Trips From Las Vegas, NV

Vegas is fun... but the real plot twist starts when you leave it. Here's where to road-trip when the slot machines can wait.

Las Vegas—it's all bright lights, big shows, and non-stop casinos, but sometimes even the most die-hard gambler needs a break from all the madnesses. The flip side is that there are plenty of amazing hidden gems just a short drive away from the Strip.

From this side of the Grand Canyon to some of the most gorgeous state and national parks in the country, quaint small towns with more charm than the Strip will ever have, there's a day trip waiting for everyone.

You can immerse yourself in nature, take some fantastic photos, or just take a breather from the crowds and relax in peace. These 10-day trips from Las Vegas will show you there's an awful lot more to see beyond the neon of the Strip.

Antelope Canyon is a 4-hour 45-minute to 5-hour drive from Las Vegas, a total distance of 280 miles. The canyon is situated on Navajo land just outside of Page, Arizona, and you'll need to join a guided tour to get in.

Its narrow sandstone walls are famous for producing these incredible light beams at certain times of day. Horseshoe Bend, on the other hand, is a mere 10 minutes down the road, and you can get there in under 2 miles round-trip on foot—the viewpoint sits a whopping 1,000 feet above the Colorado River.

Address:

Antelope Canyon: Navajo Nation, Page, AZ 86040, USA
Horseshoe Bend: Horseshoe Bend Trail, Page, AZ 86040, USA

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 130 miles from Las Vegas and will take you about 2.5 hours to get to by car. It's home to the Skywalk, this glass walkway that's been extended over the canyon—pretty cool. The South Rim is about 280 miles from Las Vegas and will take around 4.5 hours to reach.

And yes, the South Rim does charge a fee to get in; it's part of the Grand Canyon National Park. There are loads of viewpoints along the South Rim where you can get a great view of the canyon and the Colorado River.

Address:

Grand Canyon West Rim: 5001 Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, USA
Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center: S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA

Hoover Dam is just a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, 35 miles southeast of the city, in fact. The dam itself is a pretty impressive 726 feet tall and was completed way back in 1936. This was at the height of the Great Depression, so it's an interesting bit of history as well.

The dam pretty much created Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir in the US in terms of volume. Visitors can not only walk across the top of the dam but also join the guided Hoover Dam Tour that is available.

Address:

Hoover Dam, US-93, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

Lake Mead is only 30 minutes from Las Vegas by car—30 miles, to be exact. It was formed after Hoover Dam was finished back in 1936 and is now part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You can go boating, kayaking, fishing, and even swimming in designated areas.

There are a bunch of marinas that have boat rentals and launch ramps, so you can get out on the water. And if you just want to sit back and take in the view, you can do a scenic drive with views of the lake and the surrounding desert.

Address:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Visitor Center, 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

Valley of Fire State Park is about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, 50 miles to be precise. You're rewarded with these glorious red sandstone formations, some of which are an eye-watering 150 million years old.

Popular stops include the rather absurdly named Elephant Rock, Fire Wave, and Atlatl Rock. Loads of short hiking trails will get you up close and personal with all the rock formations. Just be aware that each vehicle will need to pay an entrance fee to get into the park.

Address:

Valley of Fire State Park Visitor Center, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA

Red Rock Canyon is only a 20-mile trek west of Las Vegas and will get you there in about 30 minutes. The place is actually part of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and it's a real treat.

The Scenic Drive runs for 13 miles, and you'll get to see some mind-blowing red sandstone cliffs and take in some of the best views in the area. Hiking trails like Calico Tanks, Ice Box Canyon, and Lost Creek are some of the most popular and well-loved spots here.

Address:

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Visitor Center, 1000 Scenic Loop Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89161, USA

Zion National Park is only a 160-mile drive from Las Vegas and takes around 2–3 hours to reach, depending on traffic. It's located in southwestern Utah and is a big favourite with visitors. The Zion Canyon Shuttle runs throughout most of the busy season, making getting around the park a breeze.

Must-see trails include Riverside Walk, the infamous Angels Landing, and The Narrows. Zion's main attraction has got to be its stunning sandstone cliffs and the beautiful Virgin River.

Address:

Zion Canyon Visitor Center, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767, USA

Badwater Basin is just a 140-mile drive from Las Vegas, and you can get there in about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, of course. It's located deep in the heart of Death Valley National Park, and boy, is it hot. The salt flats themselves sit a whopping 282 feet below sea level, making them the lowest point in North America.

There is a little path where you can walk out onto the white salt flats, but be warned, summer temperatures often top 120°F, so it's best to visit during the cooler months if you can manage it.

Address:

Badwater Basin, Badwater Rd, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA

If you're fascinated by all things alien, then you must check out the Area 51 viewing area, which is roughly 150 miles from Las Vegas and takes about 2.5 hours to drive to. The bad news is that the actual military base itself is completely off-limits to the public.

But don't worry, you can still drive the Extraterrestrial Highway (which is cool in its own right) and stop off at the Alien Research Center, which is funny, really. The closest public viewpoint is along Groom Lake Road. Just don't get any bright ideas about sneaking into the restricted area.

Address:

Alien Research Center, 100 E State Hwy 375, Hiko, NV 89017, USA

Lake Havasu City is just a short 150-mile drive from Las Vegas and takes about 2.5 hours to get to by car. This place is famous for having the original London Bridge, which was somehow transported over from England back in 1971—it's wild.

As you'd expect, the lake offers all sorts of water sports, including boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Or if you just want to relax, you can try one of the several beaches they have for swimming. And if you're a foodie, then Bridgewater Channel is the place to be, with loads of walking and waterfront dining on offer.

Address:

Lake Havasu City: 314 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA
Bridgewater Channel: 1340 McCulloch Blvd N, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, USA

In a nutshell, Las Vegas is the perfect starting point for exploring famous parks, historic landmarks, and unique natural attractions. Pick up any of these day trips to enjoy a memorable adventure without spending the night away from the city.

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