13 Best day trips from Las Vegas (+ short road trip ideas)

Discover the best day trips from Las Vegas, plus short road trip ideas to national parks, quirky stops and must-see highlights in the Southwest.

Table of contents hide

1 Why Las Vegas is the perfect base for exploring the Southwest

2 The best day trips from Las Vegas

3 Fun multi-day road trips from Las Vegas

4 Book your trip to Las Vegas

Why Las Vegas is the perfect base for exploring the Southwest

I’ve been to Las Vegas four times now, twice on my own and twice with a friend. Most of the time I had a rental car, which makes it much easier to head out on a day trip. But even without a car there are plenty of options: many day trips and excursions from Las Vegas can easily be booked as organized tours.

Las Vegas is centrally located, surrounded by national parks, state parks and incredible desert landscapes. Within an hour’s drive you’ll find yourself in a completely different world than the busy Strip. Besides nature, there are also several historic landmarks nearby that are worth a visit.

In this article I’ll share my favorite getaways, from short day trips of just a few hours to multi-day road trips of two or three days. That way, you can easily combine your stay in Las Vegas with some of the top highlights of the American Southwest.

The best day trips from Las Vegas

Ready to swap the neon lights of the Strip for nature, history and desert landscapes? These are the best day trips from Las Vegas.

Valley of Fire State Park

One of my favorite day trips from Las Vegas was visiting Valley of Fire State Park with my niece. In less than an hour you leave the neon lights of the Strip behind and find yourself in a landscape that feels like another planet. Driving through the bright red rock formations with the road winding in between was a surreal experience.

Driving in the Valley of Fire near Las Vegas

We hiked the White Domes Trail and the impressive Fire Wave, two short hikes you really shouldn’t miss. The Fire Wave in particular is spectacular, with swirling patterns of red, pink and white that look like a natural painting carved into the rock.

Travel time: Approximately 50 minutes from the Strip
Admission: $10-$15 per vehicle per day
Excursions: No car? Book an excursion to Valley of Fire from Las Vegas.
More information: Check the official website of Valley of Fire State Park.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is an impressive structure on the border of Nevada and Arizona, about a 40-minute drive from Las Vegas. I especially enjoyed standing right in the middle of the dam, with one foot in Nevada and the other in Arizona, and technically in two time zones at once. From the dam itself you already have a great view, but for the most spectacular perspective head up to the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, where you can see just how massive the dam really is.

You don’t need a lot of time here if you’re just looking around, which makes it easy to combine the Hoover Dam with other day trips from Las Vegas.

Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes drive from the Strip
Admission: Free (note: parking is free on the Arizona side, but paid on the Nevada side)
Excursions: No car? Book an excursion to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

East of Las Vegas lies Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a massive reservoir formed by the construction of the Hoover Dam. It combines perfectly with a visit to the dam, but it’s also worth a trip on its own.

At Lake Mead you can enjoy a variety of activities: boating, swimming, kayaking, or simply having a picnic by the water. Along the way there are several viewpoints where you can stop for photos. The deep blue water contrasts beautifully with the dry desert landscape that surrounds it.

Travel time: Approximately a 40-minute drive from the Strip.
Admission: $25 per car (America the Beautiful Pass is valid).
Excursions: Boat trips and excursions can be booked to Lake Mead from Las Vegas.
More information: The official website of the National Park Service.

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area was the very first place I visited solo from Las Vegas. Just before starting my multi-week hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, I came here to “practice” hiking in the desert, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. Even though you’re only half an hour from the Strip, it feels like a completely different world.

Turtlehead Peak - Red Rock Canyon State Park

The landscape is filled with cacti, Joshua trees and, of course, the red rock formations that give the area its name. Hiking here is fantastic. I walked to the top of Turtlehead Peak, where you not only get a stunning view over Red Rock Canyon, but you can also see Las Vegas itself lying in the valley below. A bizarre and impressive sight.

Travel time: Only a 20 minute drive from the Strip
Admission: $20 per car (America the Beautiful Pass is valid)
Excursions: No car? Book an excursion from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon.
More information: Check Red Rock Canyon’s official website.

Mount Charleston (Spring Mountains National Recreation Area)

If you’re looking to escape the desert heat, Mount Charleston is the perfect day trip. Within a 45-minute drive from the Strip you’ll suddenly find yourself in a completely different landscape: forests, mountains and, in winter, even snow. In summer this area is especially popular for hiking, since the temperature is often about ten degrees cooler than in Las Vegas.

There are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from short walks to longer hikes such as the Cathedral Rock Trail or the Griffith Peak Trail, both offering stunning mountain and forest views.

Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes drive from the Strip
Admission: free
Excursions: Can also be visited on a guided day tour from Las Vegas
More information: Check the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area website.

Seven Magic Mountains

On my way to the Mojave Desert, I stopped at Seven Magic Mountains, a colorful art installation about a half-hour drive from the Strip. The artwork consists of seven towers of brightly painted stacked boulders, and they are much larger than you might expect. In the middle of the vast desert landscape, they create an almost surreal scene.

The site is right next to the highway with convenient parking, so it’s easy to stop and walk around. It’s a fun quick visit, though do watch your step, as rattlesnakes can be present.

Travel time: Approximately 25 minutes drive from the Strip
Admission: free
Excursions: You can also visit Seven Magic Mountains as part of an organized excursion from Las Vegas

Mojave National Preserve

If you’re heading toward California, it’s worth continuing on to the Mojave National Preserve. This vast and desolate area is filled with Joshua trees, sand dunes and cacti. When I drove here myself, I hardly encountered anyone, which made it feel like the ultimate American road trip.

A fun stop along the way is Kelso Depot, a former train station that has been partly restored and has a bit of a ghost town atmosphere. It’s one of those places where you briefly feel like you’ve stepped into an old western.

Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours drive from the Strip (depending on your route, it may be a little longer)
Admission: free
Excursions: Only accessible by (rental) car, no organized excursions
More information: National Park Service website.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Just south of Las Vegas lies Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, a lesser-known but fascinating destination. The area is home to thousands of ancient petroglyphs, some dating back more than 4,000 years. It’s often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Native American rock art.

The best way to see them is by hiking the Petroglyph Canyon Trail, where you’ll pass by most of the carvings. The landscape is desert-like, similar to Red Rock Canyon but much quieter and without the dramatic red rock cliffs.

Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes drive from the Strip
Admission: free
Excursions: Only accessible by (rental) car, no organized excursions
More information: Check the BLM website.

Fun multi-day road trips from Las Vegas

Do you have time to spend a night or two outside Las Vegas? Then there are even more impressive places to discover within a short drive. Many of these destinations can be done as a day trip, but they really shine if you stay overnight. That way you have more time to hike, enjoy the peace and quiet, and admire the incredible starry skies.

Death Valley

About 2.5 hours west of Las Vegas lies Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest places on earth. During my visit the thermometer even hit 49°C (120°F). It was a surreal experience: the landscape felt otherworldly and the heat was so intense that you hardly sweat, as it evaporates instantly.

Highlights include the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin (at 282 feet / 85.5 meters below sea level, the lowest point in North America), and of course Zabriskie Point, where sunrise and sunset are especially breathtaking.

Although Death Valley can be done as a long day trip, I highly recommend spending at least one night. That way you can explore more sites at a relaxed pace and enjoy some of the best stargazing you’ll ever see.

For a longer trip, you can even combine Death Valley and San Francisco in a great California road trip

Travel time: Approximately 2 hours drive from the Strip
Admission: $30 per car (America the Beautiful Pass is valid)
Excursions: You can also book an excursion to Death Valley from Las Vegas
Where to stay: A great place to stay is The Ranch at Death Valley in Furnace Creek, centrally located with a pool and restaurant.
Read more: Visiting Death Valley: tips & the best things to do

Route 66

One of the most famous road trips in the world is, of course, Route 66, and from Las Vegas you can easily drive a stretch of it. I’ve driven this part several times myself, and it always feels special to be on such an iconic road. Route 66 is definitely something to put on your USA bucket list.

Because the distance is considerable, I recommend splitting it into two days. On day one, drive from Barstow via Amboy (with its photogenic old gas station) to Needles. On day two, continue from Needles via the charming town of Oatman, an old mining town where donkeys roam freely, to Kingman.

Along the way you’ll pass plenty of highlights. On the way out you can stop at Seven Magic Mountains, and on the return trip the Hoover Dam makes a great extra stop.

Travel time: Minimum 2 days for this stretch (Barstow – Needles – Kingman)
Admission: Free (it is a public road)
Excursions: Only accessible by (rental) car, no organized excursions
Where to stay: In Needles, a good option is Hampton Inn. In Kingman, try the Best Western Plus A Wayfarer’s Inn & Suites.
Read more: 10 fun Route 66 attractions in California and Arizona

Grand Canyon

I’ve visited the Grand Canyon twice now and both times I was deeply impressed. The sheer size is almost impossible to comprehend. On one trip, I even hiked right through the canyon. It took more time, but it was an unforgettable experience.

Finally arrived at Grand Canyon National Park

From Las Vegas, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive to the South Rim, the most popular and accessible entrance. Here you’ll find a visitor center, restaurants, hotels, and of course countless viewpoints and hiking trails. Since this part of the canyon is so popular, it’s best to book your accommodations well in advance.

You can also drive to the North Rim (also 4.5 hours), which is much quieter and just as stunning. Keep in mind that the road to the North Rim is often closed in winter due to snow.

Travel time: Approximately 4.5 hours drive from the Strip
Admission: $35 per car (America the Beautiful Pass is valid)
Excursions: There are also excursions to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, which often go to the west side of the Grand Canyon.
Lodging: At the South Rim, you can stay at Bright Angel Lodge. If you want to stay outside the park (often a bit more affordable), Red Feather Lodge in Tusayan is a fine option.
Read more: Visiting the Grand Canyon: practical tips & the best things to do

Zion National Park

I’ve visited Zion National Park twice now, and once I did it as a two-day trip from Las Vegas. That was really perfect: you have enough time to see the highlights, hike at your own pace, and enjoy the peace and quiet in the morning and evening.

From Las Vegas it’s only a 2.5-hour drive to Zion, so in theory you could do it as a day trip. But the park truly comes into its own if you stay overnight. Zion is an impressive canyon with steep red cliffs, and it’s at its most beautiful in the early morning and late afternoon when the light turns soft and golden. The trails are also much quieter then.

Extra tip: combine your visit from Las Vegas to Zion with Bryce Canyon National Park. That’s actually one of the best USA road trip ideas.

Travel time: Approximately 2.5 hours drive from the Strip
Admission: $35 per car (America the Beautiful Pass is valid)
Excursions: Excursions to Zion National Park are available from Las Vegas, often combined with Bryce Canyon
Where to stay: In the park itself, you can stay at the Zion Lodge. In the cozy village of Springdale just outside the entrance are fine options such as Bumbleberry Inn.
Read more: Zion National Park tips: practical information & beautiful sights

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is also easily accessible from Las Vegas. I’ve been there twice, and on my last visit I stayed overnight right in the middle of the park. That was unforgettable: the starry sky here is so clear you could spend hours just looking up.

Co in the Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree

It’s a little over three hours away, and you can easily spend an afternoon and morning here before heading back to Las Vegas. Highlights include the countless joshua trees, as well as unique rock formations like Skull Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Travel time: Approximately 3 hours drive from the Strip
Admission: $30 per car (America the Beautiful Pass is valid)
Excursions: Only accessible by (rental) car, no organized excursions
Where to stay: There are several campgrounds in the park itself, of which Jumbo Rocks Campground is highly recommended. Prefer a hotel? Check out Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms.

As you can see, Las Vegas is not just a city of neon lights and casinos. It’s also the perfect base for unforgettable day trips and short road trips into the American Southwest. Whether you want to hike through canyons, marvel at natural wonders, or drive iconic roads, there’s always a new adventure waiting just outside the city.

Book your trip to Las Vegas

Fancy exploring Las Vegas and its beautiful surroundings? Book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Las Vegas has a large international airport called McCarran International Airport. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.

🚘 Rental car – If you’d like to visit all the amazing spots just outside of the city, it’s very convenient to have a rental car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.

💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🎡 Tours and Activities – There are tons of fun tours and activities in Las Vegas! Check Get Your Guide for all options.

13 Best day trips from Las Vegas (+ short road trip ideas)

Why Las Vegas is the perfect base for exploring the Southwest