12 Fun Day Trips from Las Vegas

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There is plenty to do in Las Vegas, but sometimes you just want to get out of the city for a day while you’re there.

Las Vegas is an awesome base for taking day trips to some of the most beautiful parks and attractions in the western US.

If you’re in Las Vegas for more than a night or 2, I highly recommend setting aside time for a day trip. Need some ideas?

Check out these 12 fun day trips from Las Vegas.

Close oup of a JEEP overlanding on red rocks. Overlying text reads "12 Fun Day Trips from Las Vegas." — Pin this post for help planning a trip to Vegas.

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Table of Contents

Area 51 from Las Vegas

Black and white photo showing a shadow of a single hand — Do aliens exist? Find out on a day trip to Area 51.

If you’re in Vegas, chances are weird and bizarre is something you’re open to. If so, Area 51 is one of those day trips from Las Vegas that’ll be right up your alley.

The day trip to Area 51 includes a road trip along the Extraterrestrial Highway, aka Route 375. Stop in Rachel, NV, which is a little over 2 hours North of Las Vegas, for organized tours.

Who knows, maybe you’ll spot a UFO or meet an alien!

Bryce Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

Overlooking the red rock hoodoos from Sunset Point at Bryce Canyon National Park — Bryce Canyon National Park is known for these unique rock formations, aka hoodoos. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is one of several U.S. National Parks you can visit on a day trip from Las Vegas. It’s about a 4 hour drive, so it’ll be a long day – but it’s totally worth it!

Bryce Canyon sets its self apart from the more popular canyon destination, Grand Canyon National Park, due to its spike-like rock formations called hoodoos. They’re kinda spooky and beautiful at the same time, no?

Death Valley National Park from Las Vegas

Landscape photo of sand dunes at Death Valley National Park — Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes at Death Valley National Park. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Death Valley National Park is a vast desert in the U.S. that is one of the hottest places in the world.

If you make the 2-hour trek out here, make sure you prepare for the intense elements. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a shady hat.

Grand Canyon trips from Las Vegas

Close up of the Grand Canyon with dark and cloudy skies — Marvel at the gorgeous Grand Canyon on a day trip from Las Vegas.

Grand Canyon National Park is probably the US National Park Service’s most well-known park.

I’ve been to the Grand Canyon twice, and personally I think it deserves more than a day trip. However, it can absolutely be done in a day from Las Vegas.

There are 2 Grand Canyon day trips from Las Vegas that are popular: Grand Canyon National Park (4 hours from Las Vegas) and the Grand Canyon Skywalk (~2 hours from Las Vegas).

NOTE: The Skywalk is not part of the official Grand Canyon National Park, as it is located on Hualapai reservation land. You’ll still be able to see beautiful views of the Grand Canyon from the Skywalk, nonetheless.

Hoover Dam tours from Las Vegas

Photo of a helicopter hovering over the Hoover Dam Intake Tower Bridge. — Intake Tower Bridge at the Hoover Dam.

The Hoover Dam is a mere 45 minutes from Las Vegas, making it one of the shortest days trips from Las Vegas.

If you don’t want to be gone all day, this is a great day trip for you!

Lake Mead from Las Vegas

Landscape photo of the barren shoreline at Lake Mead during a drought. — Lake Mead in Nevada. Photo by Andy Pernick, Bureau of Reclamation, courtesy of the Desert Landscape Conservation Cooperation.

If you’re looking for a day trip in the great outdoors, but want a short commute, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the perfect pick.

Located next to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers plenty to do, such as picnicking, hiking, camping, and boating.

Mojave National Preserve

Landscape of the Mojave Desert with tiny silhouettes of people climbing the sand — Beware of rattlesnakes at Mojave National Preserve. Still worth it for the views though!

Mojave National Preserve in California is a little over 1.5 hours from Las Vegas, making it another good pick for an outdoorsy day trip with a short commute.

The Mojave National Preserve has camping, hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.

Mount Charleston from Las Vegas

Landscape photo of Mount Charleston in Nevada — Mount Charleston in Nevada.

Not only does Mount Charleston offer hiking, but skiing as well.

Yes, really! It might not look it based on the photo above, but you really can ski at Mount Charleston. Who knew you could go from sandy, dry Las Vegas to skiing in a day?

Mount Charleston is about an hour Northwest from Las Vegas. Better pack your skis next time you head to Las Vegas!

Red Rock Canyon from Las Vegas

Landscape photo of rusty red rock formations set against a cloudy sky. — Vibrant Red Rock Canyon, famous for its ampitheater built into the red rocks.

There are a ton of things to do in Red Rock Canyon, a mere 17-miles from Las Vegas. You can go rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and much more. You can even get married there!

Route 66 road trip

An oddly shaped solar vehicle drives down Route 66, which is painted on the pavement. — A solar powered vehicle makes its way down Route 66.

Get your kicks on Route 66 in a road trip through some of the most interesting small towns in the west, such as Seligman, AZ.

Seligman was allegedly the inspiration for the fictional town of Radiator Springs in Disney’s hit movie, Cars.

Valley of Fire from Las Vegas

Landscape photo of the canyons at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada with perfect blue skies. — What a perfect day at the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada.

The Valley of Fire gets its name from the bright red Aztec sandstone that swirls through limestone almost like marble. It is a sight to see!

This beautiful park is only about an hour Northeast from Las Vegas.

Zion National Park from Las Vegas

Landscape of an entrance for Zion National Park with perfect blue skies, trees with yellow and orange leaves, and rock formations in the background. — Zion National Park with beautiful Fall foliage.

Zion National Park is about 2.5 hours Northeast from Las Vegas. It’s not a super short day trip, like Red Rocks, but shorter than the Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon for sure.

There are lots of fun outdoor activities at Zion National Park. Hiking and climbing or canyoneering are the most popular. But you can also just admire the beautiful scenery on a leisurely walk, too.

Which day trips from Las Vegas are on your itinerary?

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite day trips are.