One of the most popular places to visit in the world and we can understand why. Las Vegas is packed with so much entertainment, mouth-watering foods, casinos and many more. BUT it doesn’t have to be the only place you visit. It’s really easy to get out of the city and explore more with these day trips from Las Vegas.
Las Vegas is a city in the middle of a desert, surrounded by natual wonders that were formed over the millions of years, to some modern creations, that’s just waiting for you to discover them.
We have selected a variety of easy day trips from Las Vegas, to get you out of the city and enjoy the wonders that the USA has to offer.
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Table of Contents
Resources
Here are some helpful resources to book your easy day trip from Las Vegas:
Tours
This is your go to place to book your easy day trips from Las Vegas.
Get Your Guides have everything from bus tours to the Grand Canyon, Helicopter tours, Kayaking and more.
You can book your Get Your Guide Tour here.
Flights
To book your flights to Las Vegas, we would recommend Skyscanner.
They are our go to, to book all our flights and holidays.
Accommodation
To book your affordable accommodation in Las Vegas, we would recommend booking.com.
Find the most convenient hotel for your needs, be that on the Las Vegas strip, or cheaper spot away from the strip.
You can also book your accommodation if you’re spending more than a day away from the city.
Travel planner
To help with the planning of your holiday to Las Vegas and you day trip, download your FREE travel planner here.
Easy Day trips from Las Vegas
These day trips from Las Vegas are ideal for those who are looking to have a break from the fast-paced city.
Want to spend a few extra days away from Las Vegas, then that’s easy too. You could plan a hiking trip or a few nights stay at many of these locations.
Grand Canyon
Distance: 275 miles
Time: 4-6 hours’ drive
The easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is with a bus tour. They’ll take you to a number of stops along the rim (south, north, east or west), so you can enjoy the landscape around you.
The south rim, offers amazing views of the red and orange rock layers, that’s been naturally formed over millions of years. One of the more popular spots on the canyon, so it can get very busy.
The west rim is another popular day trip to the Grand Canyon. The newly built skywalk takes you out on a glass walkway overhanging the Grand Canyon.
If you favour less crowds, but with incredible scenic Grand Canyon views, then check out the north rim. But it’s not open during the winter months, due to snow covering.
Most bus tours will provide lunch at least, but check this before making the booking. If your tour doesn’t offer refreshments, don’t worry at the south rim, you will find a small café at Mather Point and Bright Angel, both offering refreshments to keep you going for the rest of the day.
If you have some more time, then take on the Bright Angel trail. A perfect day hike on the south rim.
Not going on a tour? Then you’ll need to hire a vehicle (if you don’t have your own vehicle). You can explore the Grand Canyon at your own pace and if you choose to stay longer, then there’s a couple of campsites to lay your head for the night.
You really can’t miss the Grand Canyon from your easy day trip from Las Vegas.
Book your tour below:
Written by Bev & Shams Adventures
Lake Mead
Distance: 32 miles
Time: 40 minutes drive
Heading out to Lake Mead is one of the best day trips from Las Vegas. Just 32 miles from Las Vegas, this is a true gem for nature lovers who love to spend their day in a relaxing and peaceful way far from the hustle and bustle of Vegas city life.
It’s an easy drive through US 93; it shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes to reach Lake Mead from Las Vegas.
You will definitely enjoy Lake Mead National Recreational Area if you admire the beauty of the desert.
Hoover Dam is one of the top attractions of this place. The lake water is deep blue, warm, and refreshing. The park rangers are always helpful and friendly.
The best way to explore the lake is by paddle boat. You can discover the lake at your own pace in a relaxing atmosphere.
Kayaking and canoeing are also popular in Lake Mead for a natural serene experience. Navigation can be a little bit challenging with so many canyons and coves. If you’re not confident, it’s better to hire a guided tour.
Apart from various water activities like speedboating, jet skiing, there you can enjoy various recreational activities like camping, hiking and many more.
There are several walking trails that curve around the Lake Mead shore.
You shouldn’t miss the Historic Five Tunnels Historic Railroad Trail that offers scenic views much of the way.
Lake Mead National Recreational Area is a pet-friendly place. So, you can bring your four-legged friend too. Make sure to bring plenty of water for you and your pup.
You can also witness different types of flora and fauna all around.
Tip: Make sure to bring enough food and water. Try to come here early to avoid the afternoon summer heat.
Written by: Trijit Mallick from Dog Travel Buff
Antelope Canyon
Distance: 280 miles
Time: 4 1/2 hour drive
One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is to Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon is a picturesque slot canyon and could easily be considered one of the prettiest in the world. It is about four and a half hours east of Las Vegas on the Utah-Arizona Border.
The slot canyon is famous for its tall, red sandstone walls and for its wave-like structure. The lines in the sand walls look like the ocean waves in pink and red hues. The canyon has formed from millions of years of wind and water erosion.
If you have your own transportation, you can easily drive to Page, the closest city to Antelope Canyon. If you don’t have your own way of getting there, there are lots of ways to tour Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas with guided tours.
Once you are in Page, you have to go into the canyon with a guided tour. Antelope Canyon is on protected Navajo land and only authorized guides are allowed to take people into the canyon. There are no self-guided hikes allowed.
There are two different main parts in Antelope Canyon. The Upper Canyon is an easier walk and is more famous for the beautiful light beams that come into the canyon.
Lower Antelope Canyon tours are less expensive and touring the canyon is more of an adventure. There are ascending and descending ladders throughout the tour.
Despite being a more strenuous tour, Lower Antelope Canyon is not a bad walk as long as you can go up and down the steep staircases.
Tours usually last one to two hours but can vary depending on how busy tours are that day. The walk through the canyon is just over one mile.
While over in Page, another fun thing to see is the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. It is a part of the Colorado River where there is a sharp bend. It is very picturesque and worth a visit. There is a walk out to the overlook so it is a good idea to be prepared with water and sun protection.
Written by Candice from CS Ginger
You can book your Antelope Canyon Tour here:
Grand Canyon Caverns
Distance: 170 miles
Time: 3 hours
The Grand Canyon Caverns are in Peach Spring, Arizona, approximately 3 hours from Las Vegas, NV, and 2 hours from Grand Canyon National Park.
One of the largest, dry caverns in the United States and located on the historic Route 66.
Near the caverns, you will also find a diner, gift shop, a classic Route 66 gas station and a Rodeo Ring that holds regular events.
The caverns are located 200+ feet belong the surface, with 4 tours available depending on your age, physical fitness level and sense of adventure.
The Cavern Tour is a ¾ mile walk exploring the caverns and take about 45 minutes.
The Explorers Tour allows you to venture further into the Caverns and lasts 2 – 2.5 hours.
The Wild Tour goes off the trail and descends deep into the caverns lasting 2-2.5 hours.
Both the Explorers and Wild Tour require reservations and for the adventurer to be physically fit.
For those with a sense of adventure but don’t want to go crawling in the caverns “off trail,” there is the 60-minute Ghost Tour. The Ghost Tour is by reservation only on Friday and Saturday nights.
Looking for a lunch while you are visiting. The Cavern Grill is open daily above ground. The Cavern Grotto is in the caverns and is open on Saturdays and Sundays by reservations only.
A great bonus for this trip from Las Vegas is that if you drive the “northern route” by taking US-93 to Kingman instead of US-95, you will drive over the bridge adjacent to the Hoover Dam. You would have the opportunity to view the dam from the car or even add an extra fantastic stop to your day.
Written by Ragain from Ragain Adventures
Hoover Dam
Distance: 38 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Forty-five minutes from Las Vegas through the Mojave Desert, a visit to Hoover Dam is a great way to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the famous Las Vegas Strip. An engineering marvel, Hoover Dam is an incredible sight and remains one of the largest hydroelectric dams ever built.
Since this is such an easy day trip, you will have plenty of time to wander inside and out, taking your time to enjoy the experience of the mighty Hoover Dam.
Your visit will start at the visitor center, where you can sign up for a guided tour. The visitor center has narrated exhibits that will help you learn more about the history of the Hoover Dam. You’ll find archived materials, and models that show the dam’s power systems and infrastructure.
There are two tour options available: a 30-minute tour of the power plant, or a one-hour tour that includes the dam, the power plant, and the dam passageways.
No children under 8 years old are permitted in the hour-long tour. Each tour starts with a short film showing the building of the Hoover Dam.
Do not forget to stop at the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge from the Nevada side of the dam. It gives another grand perspective, and you can also stand on the state line between Nevada and Arizona. Then, go over to the Arizona side of the dam to the Hoover Dam Lookout, for more incredible views.
If those lookouts are not good enough for you, consider taking a Hoover Dam helicopter tour for some incredible aerial views!
The easiest way to get to Hoover Dam is by vehicle. However, if you do not have a car available, several companies offer day trips, and some even include additional stops.
Written by Debbie from World Adventurists
Book your Hoover Dam trip here:
Valley of Fire
Distance: 46 miles
Time: 1 hour
Valley of Fire is an easy but absolutely EPIC day trip from Las Vegas, as it is only about 1 hour from the strip, but offers insane, otherworldly views and hikes.
From the strip, simply merge onto I-15 heading north until you hit Valley of Fire highway, and then follow that for 12 miles until you reach the State Park.
Valley of Fire is filled with massive red sandstone formations and red rocks piled up on each other. You’ll find strange and exotic formations to admire from afar or explore up close.
One of the most well-known spots in this park is the incredible Fire Wave. This spot has striations of different red, orange, pink and white colors swirling around, and combined with the deep red rocks in the background, it feels like you are on Mars!
Beyond the Fire Wave, there are other spots with more gentle, pastel striations (such as the aptly named Pastel Canyon, where you can see many shades of pastel colors swirling in the canyon walls).
One particularly fun aspect of hiking through Valley of Fire is the sandstone. It’s very, very grippy, which makes for exceptionally fun exploring! Thanks to the grippy rocks, it is easy to climb up and explore a lot of the rock formations, and get up to some beautiful vantage points overlooking the park.
In addition to the red rocks, fire wave, and striations, Valley of Fire also has thousands year old petroglyphs! You can see them throughout the park, but a great place to see petroglyphs up close is on Petroglyph Canyon Trail.
There is a ranger station and bathrooms at the entrance, but otherwise no facilities deeper in the park.
Make sure you bring plenty of water with you! Cost per car is $10.
While there are not any restaurants in Valley of Fire State Park, there are several picnic areas where you can enjoy your lunch while admiring the view.
Written by Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast
Book your Valley of Fire tour here:
Bryce Canyon National Park
Distance: 260 miles
Time: 4 hours
Bryce Canyon National Park is the perfect easy day trip from Las Vegas for all hikers and outdoor lovers. It is a 260-mile drive from Las Vegas to Bryce, mostly on I-15, and should take you just over 4 hours.
Bryce makes a great trip to get out of the city and enjoy the nature and stunning sights of the Southwest.
There is so much to do in the National Park, but you can see the highlights of Bryce in one day.
If you are interested in hiking, Bryce has some of the best hikes in Utah. Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail and Peekaboo Loop are two amazing hikes that take you down into the red rock of Bryce Canyon.
For an easy hike, you can hike along part of the Rim Trail from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point.
Bike riding is another way to experience the sites of Bryce Canyon. Rent an electric bike or bring your own.
Bike down some of the nearby biking trails, or bike the trail from Bryce Canyon to the nearby Red Canyon.
Bryce also has a 38-mile round trip scenic drive with many stops to see the views. Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Natural Bridge, and Rainbow Point are just some of the 13 viewpoints on Bryce’s drive.
You can also park at the Visitor’s Center or in Bryce Canyon City and take the shuttle into the first few lookout points in the park.
Bring a picnic lunch to Bryce, or stop for lunch in the nearby town of Bryce, Utah.
If you have the time, stay in Bryce until sunset to watch the red rocks glow in the canyon.
Written by Val from Voyages with Val
Book your easy day trip from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National park here:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Distance: 17 miles
Time: 20 minutes
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 195,000 acres of beautiful landscape within the Mojave Desert in Nevada.
It is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas strip, so it is a quick drive and an easy day trip during your Vegas holiday.
It is a great addition to special itineraries, including a 50th birthday trip to Las Vegas, perfect for celebrating important milestones.
There is a scenic 13-mile one-way driving loop around the park that offers many picturesque stops and lookouts, twenty-six different hiking trails, horseback riding, rock climbing for every ability, mountain biking, picnicking, camping and many opportunities to observe and photograph nature in all her glory.
This geological masterpiece gets its red color from the Aztec sandstone in the formations of the peaks and valleys that were formed millions of years ago.
There is iron oxide in the rock that has ‘rusted’ and resulted in a photogenic red-orange hue.
Reservations for park entry are required during peak times. Entrance to the park is per vehicle and the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted.
The Visitor’s Center with an Information Desk is right inside the park entrance at the start of the loop road. In addition to a well-placed observation platform and a live tortoise habitat, there are many indoor educational displays that offer information about the geology, history and wildlife of the area.
Written by Michelle from Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures
Book your awesome Red Rock Canyon tour here:
Beatty
Distance: 117 miles
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Beatty, Nevada, is a unique and one-of-a-kind destination to visit from Las Vegas. The small desert town is located in southern Nevada, surrounded by the Amargosa River and rugged rust-colored mountains. Just under a two-hour drive along 95 N, Beatty can be the perfect day trip from Las Vegas.
Only eight miles from the entrance of Death Valley, Beatty is also referred to as the “Gateway to Death Valley.” Many pass through or stay in Beatty when visiting the national park. However, there are so many other fun and exciting things this small town has to offer.
One of the must things to do when visiting Beatty is to explore the nearby ghost town. On the outskirts of the city is where you can discover the abandoned ghost town of Rhyolite.
Rhyolite was built in 1904 and was a bustling and thriving gold mining town. However, once the production of gold declined, the entire town shut down and was left abandoned in the desert.
Today, you can visit and see the remaining remnants of Rhyolite that was left behind over a century ago.
Located right next to Rhyolite, you can find the Goldwell Open Air Museum. The open museum has a collection of 7 large outdoor sculptures, including a ghost rendition of the Last Supper. It’s pretty incredible to view these large and eccentric sculptures that sit on 7.8 acres of open desert.
After a day of adventure and working up an appetite, there are a couple of local restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. Try an award-winning bowl of chili from the Happy Burro Chili & Beer. This small restaurant has a limited menu but lots of character with its fun and quirky décor.
Or another great option is Smokin’ J’s BBQ. They serve all the classic BBQ favorites for a reasonable price.
Before your day trip comes to an end, you must stop by Death Valley Nut & Candy for some road trip snacks!
It is the largest candy store in Nevada and has aisle after aisle of delicious candy, chocolate, nuts, and beef jerky. Also, inside the store, there is an ice cream stand and a café for sandwiches, smoothies, coffee, and more.
A day trip to Beatty from Las Vegas is worth the trip! Beatty is full of rich history and plenty of awesome things to do.
Written by Alisha from Travel Today Work Tomorrow
Oatman
Distance: 126 miles
Time: 2 hours
Although Las Vegas has plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy for quite a while, there is also so much to explore within driving distance.
While many people make a trip to see the Grand Canyon, another option is to drive two hours south to Oatman, Arizona.
Oatman is a quirky little ghost town that was once a thriving mining area. The main mining company closed in the 1920’s and the rest followed soon after.
While many old mining towns simply disappear, Oatman has managed to stay alive and has become a favorite spot for tourists to visit.
While famous people such as Clark Gable and Carol Lombard have frequented Oatman, the most popular celebrities are the wild burrows that roam the streets. It’s estimated there are several thousand in the area and they are well aware that visitors often have food!
You can buy small packets of pellets to feed the burrow and although they are not pets, many of them are quite tame and will allow even children to pet them.
Do be cautious around them though, and never have food within reach. They will steal your hot dog, your ice cream cone, and even the muffin you’re carrying in a brown paper bag if you’re not careful!
Speaking of ice cream cones, be sure to stop by Oatman Hotel and enjoy some of their homemade flavors.
The Gold Rush Candy Shop is another favorite place to visit. If grabbing a meal in Oatman is on your agenda, you may want to plan to eat a late lunch or early dinner to avoid the crowds.
One of the highlights of visiting Oatman (besides the burrows) is the Wild West bank robbery show that happens each day at 1:30 and 3:30.
It’s quite fun to watch and you’ll get a kick out of the guys that put on the show!
Written by Karee, Our Woven Journey
Book you tour to Oatman here:
Zion National Park
Distance: 167 miles
Time: 2 hours & 50 minutes
Zion National Park is arguably one of Utah’s most popular and most visited national parks. The park offers a ton of outdoor activities, to include hiking, camping, canyoneering, backpacking, climbing and more.
It offers a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. With incredible canyon views and impressive natural rock formations, you certainly won’t be disappointed!
Zion National Park is located in southwest Utah near the town of Springdale and is just under a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. To get there, follow I-15 N for about 2 hours, or 132 miles, to UT-9 E and continue on UT-9 E for about 45 minutes, or 32.4 miles.
If you plan on leaving Las Vegas early in the morning, Oscar’s Café is in the heart of Springdale, opens at 7:30 AM and has yummy food to start your day off right.
One of the best things to do in Zion National Park is hiking! If you’re visiting for just one day, you’ll definitely want to check out the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s located in the upper East Canyon and provides iconic views of Pine Creek Canyon, lower Zion Canyon and the Route 9 switchbacks.
The hike is family-friendly and just around one mile round-trip, so it fits easily into any itinerary!
For an easier/moderate day of hiking, you can pair the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail with one or more of the following: Watchman Trail, Emerald Pools Trail, Pa’rus Trail, or Riverside Walk (which leads to the beginning of The Narrows).
If you’re looking for a longer, more challenging day of hiking, check out The Narrows or Angels Landing. These are both very popular and tend to get crowded quickly; in fact, The Narrows is Zion’s most popular hike, and Angels Landing is one of the world’s most renowned hikes! If you decide to do one of these, make sure to get there earlier in the day to avoid the midday crowds.
When visiting Zion, you should pack lots of water, snacks, clothes for layering, sunblock, etc. and wear appropriate hiking clothes and boots. If you’re hiking The Narrows, splurge and rent the recommended gear.
Zion also offers several beautiful spots to enjoy a sunrise or sunset. The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is stunning at sunrise when the light hits the peaks and everything turns orangish-red.
Another option is watching the sunrise behind the Human History Museum, which provides a great view of the Towers of the Virgin.
For sunset, hike the Pa’rus Trail. Although you can no longer walk on the Canyon Junction Bridge (it’s actually illegal now), the view along the trail is still breathtaking.
For dinner, try out Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. and order the fire sticks; they’re delicious!
If you’re able to spend more than just one day here, check out How to Plan Your Epic Three-Day Zion Adventure for more ideas.
Written by Sara | Travel A-Broads
Check out these awesome day trips with a tour to Zion National Park:
What to pack
Don’t forget that you’re in a desert, so it can get extremely hot, but the climate can change as soon as you hit that road.
To ensure you have packed everything you need for your day trip, here are the things you must pack:
Backpack
You’ll need a very good backpack to hold your belongings in for the day.
Your backpack will need to be lightweight, but big enough to store everything you need for the day ahead.
Check out these backpacks to purchase ready for your day trip from Las Vegas
Clothes
You’ll want to wear loose cool clothing for the hot days, but bring some layers, for those cooler climates.
Cooler climates will be in locations with higher elevation where the air is thinner, such as the Grand Canyon. Pack the right clothing for the trip.
Sun protection
It might be cooler or cloudy, but you can still burn.
Pack and apply sun protection regularly to prevent burning
Food and drink
Pack food, if you get hungry along the way, or for emergencies.
You budget friendly travellers could bring your own packed lunch, if food isn’t provided on your tour.
You must always maintain hydration. Bring an environmentally friendly water bottle that you can fill at the water fountains along the way.
Camera
You can’t leave your hotel for the day without your camera.
How else will you be taking the best pictures? Unless you have a good camera on your phone.
Conclusion
There we have it, some of the best day trips from Las Vegas.
Yes, it’s so easy to get out of Las Vegas even for just a day. What makes these so simple, are the different bus tours that allow you to get out and about to see some of the wonders that the USA have to offer.
We have selected a wide variety for you to choose from. If you have more time in Las Vegas, why not get out and do a couple of day trips.
Have you done any of these day trips? Is there a day trip from Las Vegas you did, that we haven’t mentioned? Is there somewhere you have always wanted to visit but not yet been? Leave us a comment below.
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