11/12/2018 • 6 Mins

Best Day Trips From Las Vegas

From its celebrity chef-run restaurants and jaw-dropping acrobatic stage shows to its endless supply of shops and boutiques, Las Vegas is packed with more than enough to keep travelers busy. However, beyond the glittery neon signs and 24-hour action, the Desert Southwest beckons with surprisingly colorful landscapes, opportunities for outdoor recreation, and engineering marvels. Book a car rental in Las Vegas, and take a road trip to one of these four attractions near Las Vegas.
Hoover Dam

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

 

Less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is where locals go to escape the concrete jungle. A 13-mile, one-way scenic loop winds throughout the conservation area with numerous pull-off spots for further exploration. A variety of hikes — ranging from easy trails perfect for families with young kids to strenuous treks with significant elevation gain — offer ample opportunity for everyone of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the desert landscape. The park is also popular with rock climbers, cyclists, and runners.

In the early morning and evening, keep an eye out for desert wildlife, including rabbits, lizards, wild horses, and burros. Arrive when Red Rock opens to beat the crowds, and stay until dusk to spot the picturesque lighting that illuminates the red rocks and gives this area its name.

 

Hoover Dam

 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Hoover Dam

 

Come summer time, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is teeming with visitors hoping to escape the oppressive desert heat. Spread across 1.5 million acres of mountains, beaches, and scrubland, this national park appeals to anyone seeking activity and those who just want to cool down by a refreshing body of water. Some travelers make a splash by boating, fishing, and swimming, while others keep their feet (and wheels) on the ground with hiking and cycling.

About 8 miles from the visitor's center is the Hoover Dam, which sits on the Nevada-Arizona border. Simply walking across the dam is impressive in and of itself, but if time allows, take a tour to get a close-up look at the inner workings of this impressive manmade feature. From the dam, get a good view of the bridge, which opened in 2010. Make time to walk across the bridge to get a bird's eye view looking back at the Hoover Dam.

 

Mt. Charleston

 

Mt. Charleston

 

Though many people find it hard to believe, there is a ski resort just a short day trip from Las Vegas. Travelers won't be strapping on skis or snowboards during the spring or summer months, but Mt. Charleston is a cool oasis once the Southwest starts heating up. As the highest peak in southern Nevada, it's a refreshing 30 degrees cooler than the heart of the city.

With more than 50 trails, Mt. Charleston is a hotspot for hiking. A half-dozen trails appeal to beginning and intermediate hikers, although there are even more advanced trails, including the exceptionally popular trek to Mary Jane Falls. Come for the day, and either pack a lunch to enjoy on the trail or at one of the picnic areas, or stop by the Resort on Mt. Charleston, which has a full-service restaurant.

 

Valley of Fire State Park

 

Valley of Fire State Park

 

North of Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire State Park, an otherworldly destination rich with seasonal wildflowers, prehistoric petroglyphs, and abundant wildlife, such as bighorn sheep. Geological erosion in the park has left this corner of Nevada with unique features including Arch Rock, an impressive natural arch; Balanced Rock, which looks like it could give way at any time; and the White Domes, sandstone formations used in the 1966 movie "The Professionals." It is little wonder that the park is a particularly popular destination for photographers, though many others visit for the hiking trails, scenic overlooks, or simply for a picturesque drive.

 

Did these day trips from Las Vegas inspire you to explore? Be sure to check out our Facebook page for guides to other great day trips, including cities from Amsterdam to Houston.

 

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