12 Unforgettable Day Trips from Las Vegas

Who doesn’t want to visit the Grand Canyon? It’s one of the greatest natural wonders in the United States and among the most recognizable and popular nature tourism spots in the world. Located just a few hours away from Las Vegas, the national park makes for a perfect day trip and is accessible by bus, car and even a helicopter tour. Take a walk on the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk, or, if you have extra time, ride a mule to the foot of the canyon to experience the majestic views fully.

Located just 45 minutes from the heart of Las Vegas, Boulder City is the polar opposite of Sin City. It’s a quaint and welcoming town full of friendly residents, homey restaurants and cafes and plenty of natural beauty, and it’s one of only two municipalities in Nevada where gambling is illegal, making it a rarity in the state. Boulder City is also home to cultural attractions such as the annual Dam Short Film Festival and Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum – the perfect blend of quirky and traditional.

Without the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas might still be a railroad depot in the middle of the desert. The dam, which opened in 1936, brought thousands of workers to the Vegas area during its construction and was responsible for the creation of Lake Mead. It also brings electricity to millions of people in Nevada, Arizona and California. Take a tour, preferably via helicopter, to this National Historic Landmark that was once the largest dam in the world. The view is awe-inspiring!

No, you can’t actually go to Area 51 – the US government installation rumored to house aliens and UFOs. But you can drive on the scenic Extraterrestrial Highway (also known as State Route 375), which takes you through the open desert to the tiny town of Rachel, Nevada. Here, you can eat or stay the night at the extraterrestrial-themed Little A’Le’Inn; you can also buy a map that shows how close you can get to Area 51 (the Groom Lake Air Force facility) legally. Make sure not to pass the stern warning signs at the edge of the base.

Forget the glow of the city lights from the top of the High Roller; you’ve not seen an unforgettable sunset until you’ve seen the rocks blaze in Valley of Fire State Park. As the sun dips towards the horizon, and as it rises in the morning, the Aztec sandstone smolders from amber to ochre.

The rock formations date back some 100m years, while the area was first inhabited around 11,000 years ago. You can still see 2,000-year-old petroglyphs carved into the rocks by pre-ancestral Puebloans and the scattered remains of an ancient petrified forest.

It’s only an hour’s drive to get here from Vegas, leaving you plenty of time to explore. The park covers 40,000 acres (16,187ha) and there’s lots to see, whether you hike to wind-whipped Arch Rock or geek out on geology at the Beehives, where the grooves of cross-bedding were formed by layers of ancient silt.

Some of the best spots to snap pictures are the viewpoints overlooking White Domes Road, also known as Mouse’s Tank Road, and amid the candy-stripe formations of the Fire Wave.

Recommended by Eleanor Aldridge

Las Vegas is ideally situated within a few hours of several natural wonders, including two national parks located in the southwestern part of Utah. Both Zion and Bryce Canyon offer gorgeous natural phenomena, including unusual rock formations and a wide variety of plant and animal life. Also, the two parks receive fewer visitors than the massively popular Grand Canyon, which means it’s easier to explore them and find a quiet, peaceful place to connect with the natural world.

Plenty of people come to Las Vegas to get away from Southern California, but, if you’re visiting from somewhere farther away, Vegas is a great jumping-off point for a trip to Hollywood. Leave at the right time, and it is only a 4-hour drive away. Check out the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and visit landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Capitol Records Building. Also, tour the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood and Highland Center, which hosts the annual Academy Awards.

Given that Death Valley is famed for its extremes — clocking up the hottest temperatures in the country — its stark landscapes are surprisingly full of life. This is far more than just a barren expanse of desert, marked not just by dunes and mountains but some 1,000 plant species, which are scattered across the arid terrain.

With a day to spare, there’s a lot to take in. Badwater Basin, at 282ft (86m) below sea level the lowest point in the USA, is an undeniably cool spot to check off your travel bucket list. Get here early to stroll the salt flats and soak up the eerie atmosphere before the temperatures soar and the crowds build.

Equally fascinating are the dusty ghost towns from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Check out Harmony Borax Works, just two hours’ drive out of Vegas, which ceased operation in 1888 after only five years in action. Rhyolite Ghost Town, the largest settlement in Death Valley, has been uninhabited since a brief gold rush ended in 1914.

Even on a day trip, you should come prepared – the scorching heat and full sun are relentless – so pack plenty of water as well as your sense of adventure.

Recommended by Eleanor Aldridge

The Las Vegas of today is a modern, cutting-edge metropolis, but the city was once part of the Wild West, just like the cities and towns in neighboring states. There isn’t much left of the authentic Old West in Vegas, so take a tour along Route 66 into Arizona to see preserved towns, including Oatman and Chloride. Grab a drink at an old-fashioned saloon and watch a gunfight re-enactment to complete your Wild West experience.

The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the Southwest, providing the water for Lake Mead and helping to power Las Vegas. It’s also the perfect place for a kayaking adventure, with a range of water conditions and challenges for both beginners and experienced kayakers. Paddle through the gorgeous Black Canyon, and explore the serene Emerald Cave. Spot some wildlife and ancient artifacts, and take a dip in the hot springs. If you have extra time, camp overnight to get the full river experience.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend – two of the most striking natural attractions in Arizona – are just a few miles from each other, near Page, Arizona, and feature similar vistas and exciting hiking trails. Take a guided tour for the inside scoop on the best trails and wildlife-watching spots, or forge your own path through Horseshoe Bend (Antelope Canyon is only accessible with a guide). Book a tour directly from Vegas for the optimal experience.

Less than 100 miles (160km) south of Vegas lies Laughlin, a miniature Sin City with its own Strip of hotel-casinos, including familiar names such as Harrah’s, Tropicana and the Golden Nugget. You can get some of the same attractions (gambling, spas, concerts) at a much lower price, but this isn’t the only advantage of visiting Laughlin. Situated right on the Colorado River, the city is the perfect place for activities like jet-skiing and paddle boarding or just taking a leisurely boat trip along the Laughlin Riverwalk.