Top 10 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
Updated: Oct 10
Las Vegas is known for its bright lights, big shows and nonstop fun, but some of the most amazing sights are just a short distance away, which makes Las Vegas a fantastic hub. From the huge cliffs of the Grand Canyon to bright red rock parks, winding slot canyons and colorful desert art, there are plenty of ways to make your Vegas trip even more memorable.
Whether you want to explore the great outdoors, take amazing photos or see some of the most famous sights in the American Southwest, here are 10 of the best day trips from Las Vegas!
1. Grand Canyon West
Looking for an unforgettable day trip from Las Vegas? Grand Canyon West is about two to two-and-a-half hours away and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the Southwest. Located on Hualapai tribal land, this part of the canyon is home to the famous Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends out over the canyon, and stunning viewpoints at Eagle Point and Guano Point.
Explore the Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam
See two famous sights in one trip with this Grand Canyon West and Hoover Dam Day Trip with Lunch. Travel from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam, then continue to the Grand Canyon West Rim, where you can take in the incredible views and choose to add the Skywalk for an even more thrilling experience. It's a great way to explore the area without having to drive yourself.
Take a Helicopter Ride and Land Inside the Grand Canyon
Ready for an adventure you'll never forget? The Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas takes the experience to a whole new level. Soar over the vast desert landscape and descend into the Grand Canyon for a landing on the canyon floor. You'll get to experience this natural wonder from a perspective few visitors ever see, making it an incredible highlight of any Las Vegas trip.
Whether you explore the West Rim by road or fly down into the canyon by helicopter, Grand Canyon West is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty beyond the Las Vegas Strip.
2. Grand Canyon South Rim
For the classic Grand Canyon experience, head to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Famous for its huge cliffs, colorful rock layers and sweeping views, this is one of the most impressive natural sights in the United States. Walk along the rim, visit scenic viewpoints and take photos of the vast canyon stretching into the distance.
The South Rim is around four-and-a-half hours from Las Vegas by road, so a guided tour is a great way to make the most of your day without worrying about driving.
Explore the South Rim on a Small-Group Tour
Want a more personal sightseeing experience? The Grand Canyon South Rim Small-Group Day Tour is a great option for travelers who prefer a smaller group. Travel from Las Vegas in a comfortable Tour Trekker vehicle, enjoy the desert scenery along the way and take in some of the South Rim's best-known viewpoints with your guide.
See the Grand Canyon for Less on a Bus Tour
Traveling on a budget? The Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour with Optional Upgrades is a more affordable way to visit this amazing natural wonder. Sit back and enjoy the ride from Las Vegas, then spend time taking in the views and exploring the South Rim. Optional upgrades let you tailor the experience to suit your trip.
Take to the Skies on a Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight
For a view you'll never forget, add a helicopter ride to your South Rim visit. The 45-Minute Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight from Tusayan takes off near the South Rim and gives you an incredible aerial view of the canyon's vast cliffs, deep gorges and colorful rock formations. This flight departs from Tusayan, Arizona, so you'll need to arrange your own transport or pair it with a suitable South Rim tour.
Whether you choose a small-group trip, a budget-friendly bus tour or a breathtaking flight over the canyon, the Grand Canyon South Rim is well worth adding to your Las Vegas itinerary.
3. Valley of Fire State Park
Just about an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is a must-see for anyone who loves amazing views and outdoor adventure. Famous for its bright red sandstone rocks, winding desert roads and ancient petroglyphs, it feels like stepping onto another planet. Explore the park's striking rock formations, take photos at scenic viewpoints and discover why this is one of Nevada's most beautiful natural spots.
Take a Scenic Bus Tour Through the Red Rocks
Prefer sightseeing to hiking? A Small-Group Valley of Fire Half-Day Tour lets you enjoy the park’s striking red rock formations, desert views and famous landmarks without having to drive yourself. Travel with a guide, learn about the park’s natural beauty and history, and stop to take photos of the incredible scenery. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to explore Valley of Fire at a relaxed pace.
Explore the Trails on a Guided Hike
If you love the outdoors, a guided hike is a great way to get up close to Valley of Fire’s stunning red rock formations and explore its unique desert landscape. The Valley of Fire Hiking Tour from Las Vegas is perfect for active travelers who want to get off the beaten path and experience the park on foot.
Go Off-Road on an ATV Adventure
For a more action-packed outing, try the Valley of Fire ATV Tour. Ride through the desert on an ATV and enjoy an exciting change from a traditional sightseeing trip. Check the tour details for driver requirements and what’s included before booking.
Whether you prefer a relaxed sightseeing trip, a guided hike or an off-road adventure, Valley of Fire offers a fantastic way to escape the city and experience the natural beauty of the Nevada desert.
4. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Want to escape the bright lights of Las Vegas and enjoy some amazing desert views? Red Rock Canyon is only about 30 minutes from the Strip and is famous for its towering red sandstone cliffs, rugged mountains and beautiful desert landscape. Take in the scenery along the 13-mile scenic drive, stop for photos at the viewpoints or head out on a trail to see the rocks up close.
Enjoy a Scenic Van Tour
Sit back, relax and take in the views on a Red Rock Scenic Loop Tour. This guided van trip is a great way to explore the area's striking rock formations and mountain views without having to navigate the roads yourself. Bring your camera, enjoy the fresh desert air and discover a beautiful side of Nevada just beyond the city.
Drive Your Own GoCar with GPS and Tour Narration
Want more freedom to explore? Try the Red Rock Canyon Talking GoCar Adventure. Drive yourself along the route while GPS directions guide the way and tour narration shares information about the sights around you. It's a fun, different way to enjoy the scenic drive at your own pace, without missing the stories behind the landscape.
Get Out on the Trails with a Guided Hike
If you prefer exploring on foot, the Red Rock Canyon Hiking Adventure lets you experience the area's natural beauty up close. Follow a guide through the desert landscape, admire the colorful sandstone and mountain views, and enjoy a more active escape from the city. It's a great choice for outdoor lovers who want to see more than the scenery from the road.
No matter which way you choose to see this stunning area, Red Rock Canyon is an easy and memorable day trip from Las Vegas.
5. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks
If you want to explore some of Utah’s most spectacular landscapes, a day trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks is an unforgettable adventure from Las Vegas. Although both parks are known for their dramatic red rock scenery, each offers something unique. Zion features towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and scenic hiking trails, while Bryce Canyon is famous for its incredible orange rock spires, known as hoodoos, rising from vast natural amphitheaters.
Explore Zion and Bryce Canyon on a Guided Tour
The Bryce Canyon and Zion Day Tour from Las Vegas offers a convenient way to experience two of Utah’s most spectacular national parks in a single day, without having to plan the long drive yourself. It’s a great option for travelers who want to explore Zion’s towering sandstone cliffs and Bryce Canyon’s striking rock formations, while taking in breathtaking viewpoints and unforgettable scenery along the way.
Discover Zion on Foot
If you’re keen to get closer to the scenery, the Small-Group Zion National Park Highlights Tour from Vegas is a great choice for active travelers. Explore Zion’s dramatic canyon landscape on foot with a guide and enjoy a more immersive experience of the park’s natural beauty.
See Zion’s Dramatic Landscape from the Air
For a different perspective, the 55-Mile Zion–Canaan Cliffs Helicopter Tour offers an aerial view of the region’s striking cliffs and desert scenery. This flight departs from the Virgin River area in Utah, rather than Las Vegas, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the departure point.
Whether you prefer hiking through towering canyon walls or admiring the scenery from above, the Zion and Bryce Canyon region offers a memorable escape from the bright lights of Las Vegas.
6. Death Valley National Park
For a day trip that feels like stepping onto another planet, head to Death Valley National Park. Just a few hours from Las Vegas, this vast desert landscape is known for its colorful rock formations, dramatic mountain views, rolling sand dunes, and salt flats. Whether you want to explore the park’s most famous sights during the day or stay after sunset to admire the night sky, Death Valley offers a memorable escape from the city.
Explore Death Valley on a Day Tour
The Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas is a great option for travelers who want to discover the park’s otherworldly scenery without planning the long drive themselves. Enjoy a guided adventure through one of America’s most striking desert landscapes and take in the unique natural features that make Death Valley so special.
Watch the Sunset and Stargaze in Death Valley
For something a little different, the Death Valley Full-Day Tour with Sunset and Stargazing lets you experience the desert as the day transitions into night. Watch the sunset paint the landscape in warm colors, then look up at the stars in one of the country’s darkest night skies. Death Valley is recognized as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, making it an incredible destination for stargazing away from city lights.
From its surreal desert landscapes to its spectacular star-filled skies, Death Valley offers a day trip you won’t soon forget.
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7. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
For a day trip filled with incredible natural scenery, head to northern Arizona to explore Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon is famous for its flowing sandstone walls, narrow passageways, and beautiful patterns of light and color, while Horseshoe Bend offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado River curving around a towering sandstone rock formation. Together, they make an unforgettable destination for photographers and nature lovers.
One of the great things about visiting Antelope Canyon is that you can choose between different sections, each offering a slightly different experience.
Upper Antelope Canyon: Known for its wider, sandy pathways and famous shafts of sunlight that can stream through the canyon from above. It’s generally the easier option for walking, although the exit route includes stairs.
Lower Antelope Canyon: Narrower and more winding, with sculpted rock walls and stairways leading down into the canyon. It’s a more active experience, so be prepared for steps and tighter passages.
Antelope Canyon X: A quieter alternative featuring beautiful sandstone formations and winding passageways. It can be a good choice for visitors looking for a different canyon experience away from some of the crowds at the more famous sections.
All three options offer stunning views of the region’s colorful sandstone, but your best fit depends on your preferred walking experience and the kind of scenery you want to see.
Visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in One Day
The Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas makes it easy to experience both iconic destinations on one trip. The tour offers a choice of Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, or Canyon X, so you can select the experience that best suits your interests before taking in the spectacular views at Horseshoe Bend.
From the sculpted walls of a slot canyon to the sweeping river views at Horseshoe Bend, this trip showcases some of the American Southwest’s most photogenic landscapes.
8. Seven Magic Mountains and the California Desert
Looking for a colorful change of scenery just outside Las Vegas? Seven Magic Mountains is a striking outdoor art installation in the Mojave Desert, featuring towering stacks of brightly painted boulders that stand out against the surrounding landscape. Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, it’s a popular photo stop and an easy way to experience something different from the Strip.
Visit Seven Magic Mountains and the Las Vegas Sign
The California Desert, Seven Magic Mountains and Las Vegas Sign Tour is a convenient option for travelers who want to visit two of the area’s most recognizable photo spots without arranging their own transportation. This approximately two-hour tour includes time to photograph the colorful boulders at Seven Magic Mountains, followed by a stop at the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
Combine Seven Magic Mountains with Hoover Dam
Want to see more in one outing? The Hoover Dam, Boulder City and Seven Magic Mountains Tour combines the colorful desert art installation with Hoover Dam and other nearby sights. It’s a good option for travelers who want to experience a mix of photography stops, desert scenery, and local landmarks in one trip.
Whether you choose a quick photo excursion or a tour that takes in more of the surrounding area, Seven Magic Mountains makes a memorable addition to a Las Vegas itinerary.
9. Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam is one of the American Southwest’s most impressive engineering landmarks. Built across the Colorado River, this enormous concrete dam is surrounded by dramatic desert scenery and offers sweeping views of Lake Mead and the Black Canyon. Whether you’re interested in its engineering and history or simply want to see the structure up close, a guided trip from Las Vegas makes visiting easy.
Hoover Dam Tour with Power Plant Access
The Hoover Dam Tour from Las Vegas is the best choice for visitors who want to go beyond the exterior viewpoints. Along with transportation from selected Las Vegas hotels and scenic photo stops, this half-day tour includes a guided visit to the Hoover Dam power plant. You’ll have the opportunity to explore original tunnels, see the massive generators, and learn more about how the dam operates.
Hoover Dam Mini Tour Without Power Plant Access
If you’d prefer a shorter visit focused on the views, the Award-Winning Hoover Dam Small-Group Mini Tour is a great alternative. This approximately three-hour excursion includes transportation from selected Las Vegas hotels, scenic stops at the Lake Mead overlook and Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, and time to walk across the top of the dam. It does not include an interior or power plant tour, making it a good option if you mainly want to see the landmark and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Both tours offer a convenient way to visit Hoover Dam from Las Vegas. Choose the power plant tour for a closer look at the dam’s engineering, or the mini tour if you prefer a shorter trip with scenic views and photo opportunities.
10. Emerald Cave
For a memorable outdoor adventure away from the Las Vegas Strip, head to Emerald Cave on the Colorado River. Located near Willow Beach, Arizona, in the scenic Black Canyon area, this small grotto is known for the beautiful green glow the water can take on when sunlight hits it at just the right angle. The surrounding canyon walls, peaceful river, and opportunities to spot local wildlife make this a wonderful destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Explore Emerald Cave on a Guided Kayak Tour
The Emerald Cave Kayaking Tour is a great choice if you want a guided experience on the Colorado River. Paddle toward Emerald Cave with a small group and a knowledgeable guide, with opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take breaks along the way. Optional hotel pickup from Las Vegas makes getting to Willow Beach easier, or you can drive yourself to the launch point.
Rent a Kayak and Explore at Your Own Pace
If you prefer more independence, the Willow Round Trip Self-Guided Kayak Tour lets you explore the Colorado River without following a guided group. With your kayak and essential equipment provided, you can paddle at your own pace, take in the Black Canyon scenery, and make your way toward Emerald Cave. This option is ideal for travelers who want more flexibility, though you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Willow Beach.
Whether you choose a guided outing or a self-guided paddle, Emerald Cave offers a refreshing change of pace from the desert roads and city attractions around Las Vegas.
Choose your favorite destination, find the tour that fits your travel style, and book your next adventure today! Whether you’re chasing amazing views, seeking outdoor thrills, or discovering the region’s most famous landmarks, your perfect day trip from Las Vegas is waiting.
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