23 Amazing Day Trips from Las Vegas

Las Vegas has become one of the most popular destinations in the United States in recent years.  It is no wonder, as there are just so many things to do in Las Vegas, something exciting at every turn. But every once in a while, it becomes overwhelming for those on their first trip, and even the most die hard Vegas regulars need a break from the glitz and the lights.  It’s okay, because there are tons of possible excursions from Las Vegas. With such a high volume of visitors, companies offering day tours from Las Vegas are plentiful, and because the Southwestern landscape is so diverse, there are a plethora options for day trips from Las Vegas.  And guess what, we are about to give you all of the options you could ever want. Whether you want to take a road trip from Las Vegas, or a bus tour from Las Vegas, we have you covered.  

If you have looked around while in Las Vegas past the resorts, you may assume that the landscape surrounding the city is nothing but flat and dry, or barren rock.  Some of it is, but the rest has a surprising array of diversity. From mountain peaks to sandstone cliffs to sand dunes, from waterfalls to flowing rivers to man-made lakes, from salt flats to gorges to slot canyons – there is a lot to see.  There are even forest places, for people who miss the green of home in Las Vegas, like me, and some charming and quirky little towns.  

We wanted to put together the best list of Las Vegas day trips out there.  We have the big name day tours from Las Vegas you expect, like the Grand Canyon, and we have the local’s favorite excursions from Vegas, which you may know, then again, you may not. Then we threw in some more unique options, types of things you can’t do in most other places. Lastly, we added a few secret day trips from Las Vegas – places our local friends gave us the tip on, but most people haven’t heard of. They make an awesome excursions from Las Vegas!

We want you to have as many choices as possible.  And while you can’t go so far as the views of Yosemite for a Yosemite day trip, there are a couple dozen amazing places you can go! Whether it is your first trip to Las Vegas, or your 10th, when the glamour and the crowds feel like they are closing in a bit, you can get away for an adventure that is exactly right for you!

This Ultimate List of Las Vegas Day Trips includes:

• Big Names – Day Trips from Las Vegas
  • Grand Canyon
  • Death Valley
  • Zion National Park
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Great Basin National Park
  • Antelope Canyon
• Local Favorites – Excursions from Las Vegas
  • Mt. Charleston
  • Red Rock National Conservation Area
  • Valley of Fire State Park
  • Big Bend of the Colorado State Park
  • Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
  • Black Canyon and Emerald Cove
• More Unique Las Vegas Day Tours from Las Vegas
  • Gold Mine Tours
  • Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Hoover Dam Tours
  • Ghost Town Tours
  • A Route 66 Road Trip
• Secret Road Trips from Las Vegas
  • A Mining Adventure
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
  • Kanarra Falls
  • Ancient Bristlecone PIne Forest
  • Snow Canyon State Park
    

If you are ready to start planning your reprieve during your next Las Vegas trip, then lets get this epic list under way.

Day Trips and Excursions from Las Vegas

All of the destinations on our list are plotted on the map above. As you can see, they truly are all possible one day adventures. You have probably already figured out that I have not taken all of these day tours from Las Vegas. Shoot, it would take about 10 years for me to do them all with my one time a year visit to the strip. I have taken several of them though. As for the rest, since my good friends in the city suggested them, (normal people who work for the Postal Service and at the hospital,) they are on my must-do list too!

Big Name Day Trips from Las Vegas

The United States is quite blessed with its diverse landscape and natural wonders. The National Park Service protects some of those wonders for our enjoyment, and that of visitors from around the world. All of our National Parks make fantastic and inexpensive travel destinations. But, from some places in the US, the nearest National Park is quite a distance away. Not for those lucky Las Vegas residents though! Las Vegas is one of only 2 major US cities that is close enough that no less than 6 different National Parks can be visited as a day trip! (We will be adding the other two, Joshua Tree and Great Basin, to this article soon!)

Grand Canyon 

Perhaps the grandfather of all tours from Las Vegas is the Grand Canyon Tour.  Although the Grand Canyon needs no introduction, it is often referred to as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.  As a US National Parks, and a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is desired destination for millions around the world, which makes a full vacation at the canyon expensive, and at times difficult to schedule.  It is no wonder it is such a popular day trip from Vegas.  

The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon takes about 4 hours, depending on whether you are going to the North Rim, the West Rim, or the South Rim.  There is a gorgeous scenery on all 3 accessible sides, but for the iconic and most photographed views, the South Rim is the best choice. It makes a long day, but one that will never be forgotten.  If you are planning to make the drive on your own, we share the best route to drive in our Grand Canyon Day Trip article.   If you have the itch to take a flight over Grand Canyon too, it is well worth the expense!

If you prefer the comfort of a group tour, or to just relax while someone else does the driving, numerous companies offer a guided day tour to the Grand Canyon.  We recommend a VIP tour, which is a small group of no more than 15, rather than a bus of 50 people.

We took this amazing tour.

But we have heard this champagne toast helicopter tour is awesome also!

Death Valley National Park 

Known as the lowest point on the North American Continent and the hottest place on the Earth, Death Valley is a place unlike any other.  It is hard to imagine that the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe have lived there for thousands of years, or that early settlers tried to live there before such things as air conditioning or ice!  Although it may seem barren and inhospitable, life finds a way throughout the park. Its diverse and alien landscapes, from mountain peaks to badlands, salt flats to sand dunes, craters to canyons, hold a captivating beauty.   

The drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley takes about 2 hours, depending on which route is taken.  The attractions and cool things to do in Death Valley are spread out, so it is best to cover a lot of ground through the park, but it can be done in a day.  We share what we believe to be the perfect route for a Las Vegas day trip to Death Valley article. Many people have tried our route, and agreed it is a fantastic choice for a self drive tour.  If you want to know a bit more before you make up your mind, you may be interested in our interesting facts about Death Valley too.

If you prefer a group tour option, a couple different tour companies offer a day tour from Las Vegas to Death Valley option, often combined with some of the remnant ghost towns in the area. 

We recommend the small group tours by Mojave Wave.

There is also an amazing option to stay until sunset for some of the most striking night skies you’ll ever see.  

Zion National Park

Zion is one of the many gems of Utah that have finally begun to draw the attention that they deserve.  The stunning landscapes in the park are created by petrified sand dunes standing 2,000 feet above the valley floor, in vibrant red, pink, and cream.  The names of its lookouts and sites spark the imagination: Temple of Sinawava, Angels Landing, Emerald Pools, and Great White Throne. Zion has so many options that a day tour can only get a taste of the park, but it will be unforgettable.  Because Zion is now one of the 5 most visited parks in the US, there is a free shuttle service to eliminate vehicle traffic, which typically stops at the trail head for all of these sites, as well as the river walk, and the visitor’s center.  

The drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park takes just over 2.5 hours.  It is the perfect distance for a day trip with lots of time at the destination. Start at the Visitors Center, visit the Zion Human History Museum, take a ride along the Zion Scenic  Drive on the free shuttle service, and enjoy the RiverWalk. After that, you may want to stretch out in nature with one of the many scenic hikes. Zion has hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous wilderness trails.  Perhaps you would like the Lower Emerald Pool Trail.

If you prefer a group tour from Las Vegas to Zion, there are a couple of vendors offering them with slightly different options.

We recommend the full day tour by Coexist which includes breakfast and lunch. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is another one of the Utah National Parks, and a place that one good photo can leave you feeling like you have got to see it.  Bryce is not actually a canyon, but it is a “series of natural amphitheaters or bowls, carved into the edge of a high plateau,” according to the National Park Service.  Each of the bowls is filled with hundreds of hoodoos, or irregular rock towers created by erosion over the millennia. The resulting landscape is colorful and surreal.  

The drive from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon takes about 4 hours, so it requires a very early morning start.  After that long drive stretch out at the Visitors Center, where you can see the geology exhibits, watch the 22 minute informational film, learn about the various Ranger Programs, and enjoy the Prairie Dog Maze.  Leave the park driving to someone else then, as Bryce has a free shuttle from April through September, hitting 5 of the major attractions. If you would rather get out on the trails, there are hundreds of miles ranging from easy to strenuous, but bear in mind that park elevation is over 8,500 feet, so breathing is more difficult.  If it seems too much, guided horseback rides are available. 

If you prefer a group tour to Bryce from Las Vegas, the only option is a combined trip that also stops at Zion.

Joshua Tree National Park

Historically, Joshua Tree was a secret of southwest US residents.  Perhaps it was the transition from a National Mounument to a National Park, or the famed U2 album that began moving it into the mainstream, but today the unique desert park welcomes almost 3 million visitors.  Joshua Tree features two distinct desert ecosystems, and there is a marked difference in landscape from one side of the park to the other; one of lowlying flatlands interspersed with creosote and cholla cactus, and higher elevation sandy plains lavish with yucca trees, monoliths and boulder piles.  Known for its rock climbing, bouldering, hiking and mountain views, Joshua Tree is a park of contrasts, from abandoned mines to mountain vistas, from winding slot canyons to broad sand washes,  from fields of monoliths to historic ranches.

The drive from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, to the north entrance.  Pack a sufficient supply of water, and consider a picnic lunch to make the most of your time in the park.  Start at the brand new Joshua Tree Cultural Center, then explore the Oasis of Mara.  Drive through to the Ocotillo Patch, Keys View and Hidden Valley.  Tour the Keys Ranch and hike a couple of the diverse short trails, such as the Cholla Cactus Garden Trail, the Hall of Horrors, Barker Dam, or Hidden Valley. Finish up your day with dinner and visiting some of the quirky shops in Joshua Tree town. If something more adventurous appeals to you, make arrangements ahead of time to do some horseback riding or off-roading.

We are not aware of any group tours from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park  offered at this time, so you will have to make this trip on your own.  Consider renting a 4-wheel vehicle, if a bit of off-roading in the park appeals to you.

Great Basin National Park

Perhaps Great Basin shouldn’t be listed under big name day trips, since many people are not even aware that there is such a National Park.  Outside of Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, Nevada has the reputation of being a barren and unremarkable desert.  Great Basin National Park proves that theory inaccurate.  While it is a desert, it is the only high altitude, cold desert, in the United States.  The ecosystems and landscapes of Great Basin may be more diverse than any other US National Park.  From sage brush covered flats, Mountain Mahogany wilderness, forests of pines and firs, to groves of Aspens; from stretches of desert, mountain streams, and Alpine lakes’ from stalagmite filled wet caves, to an Alpine glacier, and peaks over 13,000 feet; Great Basin has it all.

The drive from Las Vegas to Great Basin takes a bout 4 and a half hours, so it is not a day trip for the faint of heart.   Take along plenty of water, and a picnic lunch, as services in the park are very limited, although there id a cafe at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.  Stop there, or at the Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker, to get maps, watch the park film, and explore the exhibits on the natural history and wildlife of the park.   Cool off with one of the cave tours, and have lunch at the adjacent picnic area.  Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive for some great photos, the head out on one of the trails at the top.  We suggest the 2.8 mile Bristlecone Pine Trail, but remember to take your time hiking at this high altitude.

We are not aware of any day tours from Las Vegas to Great Basin offered at this time, so you will have to make this trip on your own.  Make sure you rent a car that will feel comfortable on those winding mountain roads.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Neither Antelope Canyon nor Horseshoe Bend are National Parks. But due to social media the gorgeous landscapes of Antelope Canyon have become known around the world.  There is a good chance you have seen many photos of these places, and found yourself oohing and wowing. These visually spectacular attractions are both found near the small town of Page, Arizona.  Although there are many slot canyons across the southwest, the contours and colors of Antelope Canyon make it stand out. Hiking the striking narrow passes has become a bucket list trek for many people, as has getting that perfect photo at Horseshoe Bend.  

The drive from Las Vegas to Page takes 4.5 hours, so although it can be done, it is the longest of our road trips from Las Vegas. (Honestly, I would only make this excursion from Las Vegas if I had someone to share the driving with.) The area surrounding Page is part of the Navajo Nation, and access to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend is regulated to specific vendors guiding hikers through the canyon, so be sure to make arrangements before making the long drive.  I almost always recommend a self-drive trip, but in this case, the group trip may be easier. While in Page, a visit to the Navajo Village Heritage Center is also recommended.

If you prefer a group tour, and we do believe this is the best way to make the trip to Antelope and Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas, there are a couple different groups that offer them.  Leave the arrangements and the long drive to someone else, and rest up for the hike during the ride.  

We recommend this tour to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, offered by National Park Express.

Local’s Favorite Excursions from Las Vegas

One piece of travel advice that I was given years ago, rings true to this day: Go where the locals go and you will never go wrong. Where do the locals go to get out of Las Vegas? MOSTLY places where they can cool off. Lets find out!

Mt. Charleston National Recreation Area

If the Las Vegas heat is too much, do what the locals do and head to Mt. Charleston.  Technically the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, but commonly referred to after its most distinguished peak, it tends to be 30 degrees cooler than the surrounding desert, even during the hottest summer months.  In the winter there is even plenty of snow, and a ski resort. Mt. Charleston is a cool mountain forest in the midst of the desert. There are multiple scenic drives with amazing mountain vistas, running through canyons, and alongside sparkling streams.  There are also 35 miles of trails, from completely accessible, to extremely challenging, and interpretive trails, as well as some specifically designated for biking and horseback riding.

The drive to Mt. Charleston takes just under an hour, and it is an experience of surreal transformation.  Stop at the Spring Mountain Gateway Visitors Center for trail maps and other information, as well as exhibits about the history of the area, and the flora and fauna that you may encounter.  Then get out on a trail that suits you, whether you want to hike to a waterfall, a vast view over the desert, or one of the craggy peaks. You can bring along lunch and take advantage of the many picnic areas, or take a lunch break at the Mt. Charleston Lodge, or the Mount Charleston Resort.  In the afternoon, another trail may be in order, or a ride along one of the scenic drives.  

If you prefer a group tour, we have found only one small group tour offered out of Las Vegas, with a personal driver and guide.  The price fluctuates by the number of participants, so the larger your group the lower the price per individual. No other guests are added to your personal reservation. 

Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area

Ask a local where to experience some outdoor adventure, and there is a good chance they will tell you Red Rock.  Its stunning scenery and proximity make it a popular location to get out of town, and get the blood (and maybe some adrenaline) pumping.  With a backdrop of Aztec Sandstone, much of the terrain is a deep red, for which it is named. But the geology goes beyond that, with areas of white limestone, and the Keystone Thrust Fault, where you can actually straddle the fault line and the subduction of the Pacific Plate to the North American Plate.  The conservation area includes a scenic drive, hiking, biking and equestrian trails,rock climbing, petroglyphs, dinosaur footprints, and a unique array of wildlife.  

The drive from Las Vegas to Red Rock takes about a half an hour.  Start at the visitors center to get information on the trails that might be right for you.  Take time to see the indoor and outdoor displays and interactive exhibits explain the geology of the area, a desert tortoise habitat, and examples of the plants and succulents you may come across on your adventure.  Take the scenic drive to see some of the parks intriguing features.  Get out on a trail that suits you, whether you want a spectacular overlook, a cool canyon, an interpretive trail, or to see the petroglyphs and dino prints.  If you are an experienced rock climber, you may prefer to get up on the rock instead. Red Rock has dozens of established routes in the Calicos 1 and 2, and the Sandstone Quarry.  If you prefer to explore on horseback, there are certified vendors available so you can befriend a new animal, and take to the equestrian trail. 

If you prefer a group tour, there are several companies that offer day tours from Las Vegas.  Some throw in an off-roading experience, others focus on the hiking aspect.

We really like the one offered by Pink Jeep Tours.

Valley of Fire State Park

Another of the local desert favorite getaways is Valley of Fire State Park. It is Nevada’s first, and oldest, state park. Composing nearly 40.000 acres, Valley of Fire is known for its Aztec sandstone formations, intermingled with white, pink and tan limestone.  It is a brilliantly hued landscape, one that is rather alien, with sites such as the Beehives, the Fire Wave, and Elephant Rock. You will also find both petrified trees and Native American petroglyphs in the park.   

The drive to Valley of Fire takes about an hour.  Start at the Visitors Center for exhibits and displays on the landscape, history, and wildlife you may encounter.  You can also get information about the sites and trails. Be sure to take the scenic drive along Mouse’s Tank Road, for stunning views at every turn, including a number of arches and intriguing formations.  If you are interested in the Native American culture, be sure to stop and make the climb to the top of Atlatl Rock to see the petroglyphs. Then be sure to take at least one of the short hikes- favorites are the 1.5 miles to the incredible Fire Wave, 1.25 miles to the White Domes and their slot canyon, or the half mile through the Pink Canyon.  

If you prefer a group tour to Valley of Fire, there are a few different companies that offer day tours from Las Vegas in various time frames. You may learn about the flora and fauna, or you may learn about Native American history and Hollywood filming locations .

This is another option that we recommend this tour, for a 6 hour small group excursion that hits several of the top sites.  

Big Bend of the Colorado State Park

At the very bottom of Nevada, near the point, is Big Bend of the Colorado State Park.  Downstream from Davis Dam, the water is cool and clear, even when the temperature on land surpasses 100 degrees in the summer months.  The Colorado River has carved out canyons over the millennia, so the views are nice, and there are over 2 miles of clean beaches for sunning and swimming.  Picnic areas and hiking trails are available, and there are also areas for backwoods hiking. Birdwatching is popular, and numerous species of waterfowl make their homes here, as well as owls, hawks, hummingbirds, and even roadrunners. 

The drive to Big Bend from Las Vegas takes about an hour and 45 minutes.  This proximity and the cool water make it a very popular destination during the summer months, especially on the weekends.  The parking lots get full, and the beaches are crowded. You may wish to save this Las Vegas day trip for spring or fall, when you will still be able to swim, without such a crowd.  Bring a picnic, and relax in the sand and water for the day. If you need a bit of activity, head out on one of the trails to see what birds you can discover.  

We are not aware of any day tours from Las Vegas that take visitors from Vegas to Big Bend of the Colorado.  However, if you do not want to get a car for the day to drive such a short distance, you can take a bus from the city to Loughlin, NV, for about $15, the Uber to the park.  In a couple of hours, you be splashing around in the cool water.

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Spring Mountain Ranch, offers an almost unbelievable change of ecology and scenery from the desert and heat of Las Vegas.  Spring Mountain is an oasis in the midst of the desert, where mountain springs provided water for Paiute tribes, and early settlers.  This may seem a bit confusing, as Mt. Charleston was the nickname of the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area, while this is Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. They are completely different locations, which you can see on our map above. The state park really was a working ranch at one time, going through a number of notorious owners including the once wealthiest man in the world, Howard Hughes.  Spring Mountain is green and unique to all the other day trips from Las Vegas.

The drive from Las Vegas to Spring Mountain takes about 45 minutes.  Start at the historic Ranch house where you can take a self guided tour, see some of the oldest man-made structures in the state, and learn the intriguing history of the ranch.  Have a picnic on the grassy lawn, in the shade, a couple of the things you may be missing in Las Vegas, or enjoy one of the easy to moderate hiking trails in the park.  

There are no group tours to Spring Mountain Ranch that we are aware of, so you must go on your own.  It is close enough that you could take an Uber if you didn’t want to get a car for the day, or you can combine a stop with a drive through Red Rock Canyon, since Spring Mountain is contained within the lower part of the Preserve, 

Black Canyon and Emerald Cove

Downstream from Hoover Dam along the Colorado River (but actually still in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area) you will find the Black Canyon.  The area is maintained as the Black Canyon Water Trail by the National Park Service. As that implies, it is best explored by canoe or kayak, with lots of beaches, coves, and caves to explore. There are even places to access hot springs for a steamy soak during the cooler months.  One of the highlights along the water trail is the Emerald Cove, which sparkles a deep glittering green in the afternoon sunlight. It is a very different kind of way to get out on the trails on an excursion from Las Vegas.

The drive from Las Vegas to the Willow Beach Marina, where you can access the water trail, takes about an hour.  Rent a kayak (or canoe) at the marina, and get out on the water. Go right to experience a number of hot springs, remnants of mining days and Hoover dam construction, and the Emerald Cove.  Go left to go through different types of cliffs and spot Desert Bighorn Sheep. Or take along a picnic lunch and see both sides to make a full day of it!

If you prefer a guided tour there are several day tours from Las Vegas to the Black Canyon.

For a guided kayak tour which includes Emerald Cove and a scenic overlook, try this tour by Venture Out Vegas.

More Unique Las Vegas Day Trips

There are a few things that can be done in Las Vegas that can be done in very few other places, if any. A few things may have come to mind, but some of our Las Vegas excursions fit that bill too. How many other places can you tour one of the largest dams in the world, or jet ski about on one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Where else can you see abandoned mines which once brought in millions, or the ghost towns that were left behind when the ore ran out?

A Gold Mine Tour

When venturing beyond the city, and into the heat of the Mojave Desert, it is easy to wonder why anyone ever decided to attempt living in the area.  But it was the dreams of moving from rags to riches, and the rich minerals found across the desert. Everything from Borax to copper, and of course silver and gold, were found in the Nevada and California hills.  The Techatticup Mine is said to be the oldest, and the richest, gold mine in Nevada, in operation for almost 80 years. The town of Nelson grew up around the mine, and died when it closed. Today you can tour the mine, learn the history, and explore the remains of the Nelson ghost town.

The drive to Nelson, and Techatticup Mine from Las Vegas takes just under an hour.  You can arrange a tour of the mine through the current owners, at El Dorado Gold Mine Tours.  Your guide will tell you the sordid history of the mine, the betrayals, sabotage, and murders that were spurred by the crazed drive to get the gold.  The actual tour inside the mine is cool and breezy, and you can see veins of quartz still running through the rocks. Afterwards you will learn what movies were filmed in Nelson ghost town, and can explore it freely on your own. You will get some intriguing photos!  Arrange your tour in advance, and a minimum of 4 guests are required.  

If you prefer a group tour, there are a couple different options, but not many.

We recommend this fun option by Awesome Adventures which couples an ATV exploration of El Dorado Canyon by ATV, coupled with the tour of Techatticup Mine and Nelson.  

 Lake Mead National Recreation Area

If water is your prefered way of cooling down, Lake Mead is just 30 miles south of Las Vegas.  Formed by Hoover Dam, it is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and now the centerpiece of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  The parklands encompass a whopping 1.5 million acres, including 820 miles of shoreline, all dedicated to recreational use. On the water there are 3 marinas, 2 on Lake Mead itself, and 1 on Lake Mohave, which offer boat rentals of all sizes from personal watercraft to houseboats, with some also renting kayaks and stand up paddleboards.  For the land lovers there are hiking trails of all levels of difficulty, picnic areas and children’s play areas.  

The drive from Las Vegas to Lake Mead takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on where you decide to access the recreational area.  Start at the Alan Bible Visitors Center to learn about the creation of the lake, see a relief model of this man-made wonder, and get information about where to go based upon what activities you prefer.  Or, reserve your watercraft ahead of time and go directly to one of the marinas. You can be zipping around on a jet ski, or lying on deck in a secluded cove by mid-morning. If you prefer to let someone else do the work, a cruise on the replica paddle-wheeler Desert Princess may be more your style.  

If you prefer a group tour, there are a handful of companies that offer day tours from Las Vegas to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 

We recommend this experience, offered by LV Canoe and Kayak, which takes a quick inside of Hoover Dam, then heads out on a scenic lunch paddle on the lake.  

Hoover Dam Tours

If you are not necessarily interested in getting out on the water, but curious about the ingenuity that created Lake Mead, you will want to experience Hoover Dam.  Hoover was an engineering marvel, the largest dam in the world at the time of its construction. While it is no longer THE biggest, it is still a sight to behold.  Many day trips from Las Vegas make a stop at the Boulder Dam Bridge parking are for the informational exhibits, and to take a walk out on the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to get a look down onto the dam.  However, there are other experiences available, including a detailed visitors center, power plant tours, and an opportunity to ride the elevators to the top of the dam.  

The drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam takes about 30 minutes.  Make a stop at the Boulder Dam Bridge area, for that incredible view.  (If you are afraid of heights, this is not an experience for you!) After that continue on to the dam itself.  We recommend taking the full guided Dam Tour, which includes historical exhibits, a panoramic view, a walk through both the construction tunnels and the inspection tunnels, an up close look at the gigantic generators in action, a look out at Lake Mead from the top of the dam, and a peek at the Colorado River from the inspection ventilation shaft at the bottom of the dam.  

If you prefer a day tour from Las Vegas to get to Hoover, there are many tours that offer viewing of Hoover on the way to other locations, and others which offer the dam as the experience itself.

We recommend this 4.5 hour experience offered by Gray Line, which includes the entire guided tour of the power plant and dam. It’s pretty remarkable.

Ghost Town Tours

There is something strangely appealing about exploring abandoned places, and this boom and bust section of the southwest has more than its share of ghost towns.  Some are utterly abandoned, in the middle of a seeming nowhere, adding to the eeriness, while others have residents who hang on, in a remnant community around what was once a thriving city.  Some have been completely rebuilt, as a tourist replica of what once was, and others have been preserved in historic parks. Which cities to visit depend on just how surreal an experience you hope for, so you will have to do a bit more research.

Completely abandoned ghost towns within driving distance of Las Vegas: Rhyolite, about a 2 hour drive.  St. Thomas, 1.5 hour drive. Ballarat, 3.5 hour drive.

Refurbished ghost towns, and those made into historical parks:  Nelson, Nevada, .75 hour drive. Oatman, Arizona, 2 hour drive. Calico, California, 2.5 hour drive.  (We marked Calico on our Las Vegas Day Trips map above, where the abandoned town has been preserved, and now lies in a historical park.)

Abandoned cities with remnant towns around them:  Chloride, Arizona, 1.5 hour drive. Goodsprings, Nevada, .75 hour drive.  Goldfield, Nevada, 2.75 hour drive. Caliente, Nevada, 2.75 hour drive. Pioche, Nevada, 2.75 hour drive.

If you prefer a group tour, there are a few companies that offer day tours from Las Vegas visiting some of these ghost towns. 

The Goodsprings Ghost Hunt has been featured on the television program, Ghost Adventures, and you can join the adventure!

You can also take a limo tour to the El Dorado Canyon, and the ghost town Nelson.

 A Ride along Route 66

For something less common in the area, get out on the highway and make a road trip from Las Vegas with a day’s worth of the Great American Road Trip.  The iconic Mother Road passes through the desert a short distance from Las Vegas. In all honesty, this section of the Route may not knock your socks off.  There are some long stretches of desert. However, you will find the typical Americana you may expect. Along the way there are some quirky roadside attractions, historic service stations and outposts, antique shops, breweries, and even wildlife parks and caverns.  There are also a few charming towns along the way, that have catered to travelers for decades so there are a plethora of restaurants to choose from.  

The drive from Las Vegas to the closest Route 66 access in Kingman takes just under 2 hours.  From there, you will have to choose to go east or west. To the west is the town of Oatman, which calls itself a ghost town, and plays up that title and its position on the route to the hilt.  Many a tourist trip stops through, and it is a fun stop. Beyond that, the stretch to the west is pretty boring until Barstow. We recommend heading east. There is still a lot of desert, but the route passes through a number of small towns, some with attractions, and you can take a drive through safari at Keepers of the Wild, if you do animal attractions.  Perhaps you will stop for lunch in the underground Grand Canyon Caverns Grotto, before hitting Seligman. After that you will come to Williams, known as one of the prettiest cities in Arizona, with plenty of things to do. It is a 3.5 hour drive back to Las Vegas via Interstate, so you may want to call it a day after dinner!

To our knowledge, there are no day tours from Las Vegas riding along old Route 66.  However, you can take a guided tour to the town of Oatman.

You can try a combined tour which visits the Route 66 town of Oatman.

Secret Road Trips from Las Vegas

Once you start reading about our secret places, it is possible that you have heard of some of them. They really are not secret places after all, as they have always been known by locals. What really is secret though, is that any one of these incredible locations can make an amazing and unusual day trip from Las Vegas. You won’t run into any huge crowds, and you won’t be repeating the same route that all of your friends made. And, you will have some excellent Instagram photos!

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and the Sand Caves

If you have never heard of Coral Pink Sand Dunes, or Sand Caves,, we are not surprised, as most people haven’t.  In simplest terms, both are exactly what they sound like. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a small expanse of pink hued sand, seemingly out of place in the midst of the plateaus and canyons of Utah- a natural phenomenon that is hard to understand.  The Sand Caves however, are man made, but strangely look as if they were created by erosion.  

The drive from Las Vegas to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park takes about 3 hours, passing through St. George.  The scenery along the second half of the way is stunning, making a pleasant drive. Once at the park, hiking, climbing the dunes, sliding down the dunes, and even snow boarding down the dunes is popular. ATV riding is another favorite adventure in the park. There are no set trails, as the sand is ever changing. Stop for refreshments in the nearby town of Kanab on the way to the Sand Caves. Visit the Bureau of Land Management Visitors Center in town to learn more about the area, including where to see the dinosaur tracks on the way to the Sand Caves.

There are currently no day tours from Las Vegas of Coral Pink Sand Dunes, you can still take a guided group tour of the park in a 4×4 dune buggy out of Kanab.  You will have to leave Vegas early in the morning and make the 3 hour drive to Kanab, but you will get to be out on the dunes for 3 hours on an ATV. Not only is it huge fun, you get to learn about the geological formation of the park, and hit the best photo spots.  You can visit the other sites on your own before heading back to Vegas.

A Day of  Mining

There is far more than gold in the Nevada hills, and the town of Tonopah was known for its silver.  In its heyday, no less than 4 active silver mines were in production, producing over 500 tons of ore that would be worth over a billion dollars in today’s markets.  More recent strikes near the city are turquoise and variscite, which are still actively mined, and featured on the INSP television program Turquoise Fever. Today Tonopah celebrates its silver history with the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, while Otterson Turquoise Mines offers a mining experience where you can keep the turquoise that you discover. This may be one of the most unique road trips from Las Vegas you can take!

The drive to Tonopah takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, so you will need to head out early.  Start at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where you can take a self guided walking tour of the 100 acre park, visiting the walk-in-tunnel, standing over the lighted shafts that are up to 1200 feet deep, see the historic equipment mining equipment.  If you prefer to save your exertion, you can opt for a Polaris Tour, with a guide who drives you to each of the park sites. Then in the afternoon, head out to Otterson Turquoise Mines where you will learn the tricks of the trade, and perhaps bring home a bucket of your own turquoise pieces that you can sell or have polished and crafted into works of art.  Both must be arranged in advance on the websites.  

There are currently no day tours from Las Vegas offering these experiences, so you must have a car for the day to have this experience.  Once at Otterson Mines, guests follow the crew to the mining location in their own vehicles. Be aware that you will also have to bring along some tools.

Kanarra Falls

There are not a lot of waterfalls in the desert climate surrounding Las Vegas, and the few that exist seem like special wonders.  Kanarra Falls lies in the Utah side of the desert, and while the flow dies down during drier months, it is pretty special. Almost completely unknown to outsiders a few years ago, in the age of Instagram and Youtube it is gaining a name as a beautiful place for a day of adventure. It will not be a secret excursion from Las Vegas for long. The photo opportunities are also incredible, with some crazy climbing contraptions in a small space that give a sort of Indiana Jones look to the scene.  

The drive to the Kanarra Falls trailhead at the edge of the small town of Kanarraville, Utah takes about 2 and a half hours.  Plan for about 3 hours to just take the hike out and return, longer if you want to spend a bit of time in the swimming hole near the end of the trail.  While the trail starts out on dry land along the Kanarra Creek, soon you will enter an intriguing slot canyon, where there is no alternative but to hike through the very cool water.  There are two waterfalls in the canyon, each with make-shift ladders and ropes to assist with climbing to the top, to continue along the trail. If you can make the climb, the swimming hole lies a short distance past the second waterfall.  Because of increasing popularity, a permit is now required, and only 150 people are allowed to take the trail each day. Reserve your permit in advance online to be sure you have a spot.

If you prefer a group tour, a day trip to Kanarra Falls is one of the day tours from Las Vegas offered. 

Try this small group trip by Out West Adventure Tours, that includes the permit, snacks and a picnic lunch. You will be back in Las Vegas in time to clean up for dinner.

Snow Canyon State Park

Utah’s Snow Canyon State Park is another place of incredible desert scenery, with some unique characteristics that aren’t found in any of the other parklands in Nevada or Utah.  Formed from the remnants of the inland sea, wind-borne sand, and volcanic eruptions, Snow Canyon boasts Navajo sandstone cliffs, petrified sand dunes, lava fields and tubes, slot canyons, and arches. Many people believe that in any other location, Snow Canyon would be a National Park, but since it is so close to Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon, it is overlooked.   With mild weather, it is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery and get out on some of the 35 miles of trails, with smaller crowds than the big name parks.  

The drive to Snow Canyon from Las Vegas takes about 2 hours, making it an ideal day trip from Las Vegas.  You will be ready to hit the trails. We highly recommend the Red Mountain Trail, for spectacular views, and the Petroglyph Hike.  This hike, off the Gila trail, traverses a high and narrow slot canyon, with deep red and black walls, carved with Native American petroglyphs.  (Ask the staff for directions to these less known trails.) Other favorites include Jenny’s Trail, the White Rocks Trail, the petrified sand dunes, and the lava field.  If you bring a flashlight, you can even explore the inside of the lava tubes! If biking is more your style, rent a bike in nearby St. George, and hit the bike trail.

We are not aware of any day tours from Las Vegas to Snow Canyon at this time.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in Inyo National Forest 

If the idea of walking among the oldest living trees on the earth appeals to you, it can be done as a one day road trip from Las Vegas.  While everyone is knows about the California Sequoia trees, the tallest trees in the world, very few people are familiar with the Bristlecone Pines, the oldest trees in the world.  Although, the Methuselah Tree, might be a name you have heard, At near 5,000 years old, it is the oldest individual tree in the world, surrounded by groves of fellow ancient beings.  They are weathered and twisted by the mountain desert environment, and eerily beautiful. People who make the hike through the groves say it is uniquely serene, and for some, quite spiritual.  

The drive from Las Vegas to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitors Center takes 4 hours, so it makes for a long day, but with an early start, it can be done.  The forest is high in the mountains, and many miles from supplies, so fill up your tank, bring along plenty of water and snacks, and wear sunscreen and layers. Start at the Schulman Visitors Center for maps and informational displays about the incredible lifespans of these unusual trees.  Then head out onto one of the trails. The Discovery Trail is an easier hike that offers some incredible scenery, of both old and young trees twisted by the weather, while the Patriarch Grove is an area dominated by older trees. A more difficult hike is the 4 mile Methuselah Loop, which takes you to some of the oldest trees, and gives you an opportunity to search for Methusaleh itself.

We are not aware of any day tours from Las Vegas to the Ancient Bristlecone PIne Forest at this time.

Have you found your perfect Las Vegas excursion?

As we said at the very beginning of this article, there are a ton of things to do in Las Vegas but as you see now, there are also a ton of fabulous Las Vegas day trips, just waiting for you. Next time you are on the strip, you can get a break from the tables and the lights, and go somewhere amazing!

Need more Las Vegas info?

• What I Wish I’d Known Before My First Trip to Vegas
• 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas
• Tons of Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
• Your First Vegas Gaming Experience
• Mayhem at the Mob Museum
• The Fabulous Las Vegas Flamingos
• Botanicals at the Bellagio

Don’t get lost in the crowd. PIN this and stand out!

About the Author