11 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a major destination all on its own. But the truth is that it’s perfectly situated to explore the Southwest.

Another way to look at it is that Vegas is a great home base to see this beautiful section of the country. With so many places to stay, a major airport in town, and no loss for restaurants, Las Vegas is the ideal place to stay.

Why not plan to take a day trip out of town when you’ve had a bit too much of the glitz and glam of Vegas?

This list of best day trips from Vegas will help you plan your itinerary.

So, let’s do it.

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1. Grand Canyon West Rim

The Grand Canyon is a major bucket list item that’s a perfect one day outing from Las Vegas.

The West Rim is just about 2 hours from Vegas making it a totally doable drive.

This section of the Grand Canyon is one of the best for visitors. Here you’ll be able to get incredible picture perfect views.

But you’ll also be able to experience the canyon on a zip line and a glass-bottom skywalk.

For a truly unique experience book the Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas! You’ll also fly over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Strip.

Prefer a bus tour instead? You can do the West Rim and Hoover Dam tour.

LEARN MORE: 12 Epic National Parks Near Las Vegas

2. Zion National Park

We’ve all heard the hype around Zion National Park and the truth is it’s just as spectacular as they say. No wonder it’s the most visited national park in Utah.

When you’re staying in Las Vegas, Zion is a 2.5 hour drive, making it a perfect day trip.

Zion is even better if you can make it a weekend getaway from Vegas.

If you plan to hike Angels Landing be sure to get your permit in advance.

Not into strenuous hikes? No worries there are lots of great easy hikes in Zion too!

Or leave the driving to someone else when you sign up for a Vegas to Zion tour. You can even do this Vegas to Zion and Bryce Canyon tour!

Canyon Overlook Trail Zion National Park.

Take a day trip to Zion National Park and hike the gorgeous trails like Canyon Overlook

3. Seven Magic Mountains

The towering boulders of Seven Magic Mountains is something to behold and a fun day trip from Las Vegas.

This incredible art installation was created in 2016 by Swiss artist Ugo Rondione.

It consists of 7 towers of beautifully colored rocks stacked on top of each other.

Contrasting with the dark landscape, the colors come alive especially at sunset.

Seven Magic Mountains is free to visit and is just over 30 minutes from downtown Vegas.

It’s also a great stop to make while on other excursions from Las Vegas like the Mojave National Preserve (it’s on this list too!)

4. Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is the ideal day trip from Las Vegas.

It’s less than a 30 minute drive, which means you can spend more time enjoying the park and less time in the car.

It also means you can make it a half a day trip if you’re short on time or planning on visiting other places on the same day.

How about a half day electric bike tour of Red Rock Canyon. Also available, a half day scooter tour.

There are tons of hiking trails in Red Rock – Calico Tanks Trail is popular and so is Calico Hills. In the spring waterfalls are a sight to see.

For stunning red rock formations, scenic drives, and great hikes in one easy day trip from Vegas you can’t beat Red Rock Canyon

5. Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is one of the major engineering feats of the modern world.

It’s just over 30 minutes from Las Vegas so it’s one of the easiest and favorite day trips.

This 726 foot tall dam is something you have to see to believe.

On a tour you can explore this massive dam and learn all about how it harnesses the power of the Colorado River and why it was created back in the 1930s.

No car? No problem – buy the Hoover Dam tour – this one is only 3 hours total so you still have plenty of time for other fun stuff.

6. Valley of Fire

The drive to Valley of Fire will only take 45 minutes to an hour, making it a great day away from Vegas.

When you arrive you’ll love to explore the natural beauty of the park. Definitely begin with the Fire Wave Trail.

Here you’ll understand where the valley got its name as the sandstone seems to be on fire in the sun.

You’ll also be able to see petroglyphs that are 2,500 years old. Pretty amazing!

For a scenic drive and hiking close to Vegas head out to Valley of Fire

7. Mojave National Preserve

In less than 2 hours’ drive from Las Vegas you’ll be at the gorgeous Mojave National Preserve.

Here you can explore the landscape on hikes like the Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail or the Lave Tube Trail.

You’ll see the power of mother nature’s past volcanic eruptions in the lava flows and holes-in-the-wall.

A must-do in cooler months at Mojave is to experience the Kelso Dunes as you climb them you’ll realize why they’re called the Singing Dunes. These “booming dunes” make sounds as the sand shifts.

8. Death Valley National Park

Note: Death Valley National Park closed in August after Tropical Storm Hillary caused widespread damage, Death Valley partially reopened on Sunday October 15, 2023 but many roads are still closed check the NPS website for updates.

The hottest place on earth is a definite must-see. Death Valley National Park is just about 2 hours from Vegas making it a totally doable day trip.

Wait, a bit of advice. Death Valley is dangerously hot during most of the year, so it’s best to plan your trip during cooler months of November through March and into early April.

March and April are your best chance to see abundant wildflowers in bloom.

Death Valley has some of the best stargazing in the entire country so consider visiting around sunset and then marvel at the night skies and Milky Way.

Whenever you decide to visit be sure to check Death Valley National Park website for up-to-date info to plan your trip.

Death Valley Zabriskie Point in California.

Death Valley National Park is a great choice for a winter day trip from Vegas

9. Goodsprings Ghost Town

Goodsprings Ghost Town is a fun yet surreal place to explore on a day trip from Vegas.

Located just an hour from Vegas it was built during a mining boom in the early 1900s.

Today, the remains of the town give us an insight into how life was back then.

Many of the abandoned buildings like the schoolhouse are frozen in time but the Goodsprings Pioneer Saloon is still open.

You can stop in for a drink and a bite to eat and learn about the history and folklore of the town.

The saloon is over 100 years old, one of the oldest drinking spots in Nevada.

10. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Located just 20 miles from downtown Las Vegas, Spring Mountain Ranch is a perfect day trip for visitors and locals.

This historical site has a long story including the land’s importance for Native Americans, ranchers, the mining community, and even Howard Hughes.

You can learn about it all at the Visitors Center.

The landscape of Spring Mountain Ranch is a perfect escape from the city.

There are lush green open areas to have fun and tons of hiking trails to explore.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park Nevada.

Spend a day away from Vegas exploring Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

11. Area 51

For a day trip from Las Vegas that’s out-of-this-world, put Area 51 on your itinerary.

Thought to be a place of extraterrestrial sightings and UFOs, Area 51 is full of mystery and intrigue.

Although the actual Area 51 is still an active US military base that’s off-limits to us normal folk, you can have fun exploring the area.

Located just about 2 hours from Las Vegas you can drive along Extraterrestrial Highway, eat at alien-themed restaurants like Little A’Le’Inn, and even visit the Alien Research Center.

Book the Area 51 day tour from Vegas

Final Thoughts on Vegas Day Trips

As you can see there are so many different day trips from Las Vegas. There’s everything from exploring the greatness of mother nature at Zion National Park, to searching for evidence of extraterrestrial life at Area 51. No matter what your itinerary, you’ll be in for a day of fun and adventure.

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