18 Of The Best Quick Day Trips From Las Vegas

Las Vegas is famous for gambling and nightlife, but there’s so much more to do here, and that’s partially thanks to the area’s many natural attractions.

Outside the city limits of Vegas, the neon lights become a distant glow and the sound of traffic is replaced by the quiet, still desert.

Looking to get off the Strip and hoping to see another side of Nevada? Check out these exciting quick day trips from Las Vegas! 

Each location is within 1.5 hours of Sin City. Most can be easily accessed by car or experienced with tour guides.

The Best Quick Day Trips From Las Vegas 

Valley of Fire State Park 

Distance From Las Vegas: 1 hour
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 4 hours

Valley of Fire State Park derives its name from dramatic red sandstone formed by shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago.

This geologic wonderland is known for great hikes and scenic drives, as well as the 2,000+ year old petroglyphs found on Atlatl Rock.

You’ll want to explore early if possible, as the park can get quite crowded.

For lots more information, check out: Valley Of Fire State Park Day Trip Itinerary. This follows my exact day trip itinerary from a recent trip.

Those who want to join a tour, consider booking: Valley Of Fire Hiking Tour From Las Vegas.

This tour includes hotel pick up and ensures you see the best of the park with a few extra stops along the way!

Boulder City 

Distance From Las Vegas: 45 minutes
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 3 hours 

Boulder City was constructed in the 1930’s to house the 5,000+ dam project workers during construction of the Hoover Dam.

The dam was built not only to provide water to the western United States and control the Colorado River’s notorious floods, but also to provide jobs during the economically devastating Great Depression. 

Today the city is home to over 15,000 people and still supports the dam (and tourists!).

While you’re here visit the Hoover Dam Museum, zipline Bootleg Canyon, or take a trek along the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail.

Boulder City makes a great quick day trip from Las Vegas in combination with a visit to the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead.    

Hoover Dam

Distance From Las Vegas: 45 minutes
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 3 hours 

The Hoover Dam is a massive arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River.

It sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona in the Black Canyon.

The dam was constructed between 1931 – 1936, and the power plant was the world’s largest hydroelectric station for over a decade following its completion. 

On top of that, the dam is so huge it holds the nation’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead. 

Join the millions of people who visit this engineering marvel every year with a day trip from Las Vegas. 

While here, take in the incredible views of the dam and Lake Mead from Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and explore the visitor center and information center.

There’s even a highly popular dam and power plant tour offered on site: Hoover Dam Tour.

For those interested in booking a tour from Vegas, consider this small group tour: Hoover Dam Tour From Las Vegas.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Distance From Las Vegas: 45 minutes
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 3 hours (more is best if you wish to do water activities)

Lake Mead is one of the most common quick day trips from Las Vegas.

Not only is it the largest reservoir in Nevada, but also the entire United States. 

The park offers 750 miles of shoreline, great for lounging out or hiking.

The lake’s main draw, however, is water activities!

Spend the day wake boarding, stand up paddle boarding, or floating on a pontoon. The lake is so large there are even designated areas for kayakers and swimmers. 

Fun Fact: Lake Mead was the first national recreation area in the United States.

During your drive to Lake Mead, keep an eye out for wildlife like desert bighorn sheep and wild horses.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour 

No Driving 
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 4 hours

For the ultimate quick day trip from Las Vegas, and one you’ll definitely never forget, join a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon. 

There’s no doubt, this is definitely among the best ways to see this jaw-dropping canyon.

There are many reputable tour companies to choose from, consider booking this highly rated tour: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour From Las Vegas.

Following an unforgettable scenic helicopter ride, you’ll touch down deep in the canyon for a champagne toast.

The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Vegas.

No matter who you choose to fly with, be sure to book this one well in advance as it does sell out.

It’s very easy to see why this is a favorite among Las Vegas day trips.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Distance From Las Vegas: 30 minutes
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 3 hours

Red Rock Canyon is one of the closest parks to the Strip, making it a very convenient day trip option.

The park is located in Nevada’s Mojave Desert and is known for bright red sandstone rock formations, as well as Native American petroglyphs. 

Take a hike, enjoy the many panoramic viewpoints, or seek out one of the park’s seasonal waterfalls.  

If you simply wish to enjoy a pretty drive, follow Rock Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, a popular loop in the park.

Red Rock Canyon is best visited in the early hours, as it can get quite busy.

Those who’d like to join a tour, you may like this Red Rock Canyon Hiking Tour.

Up for a sunset horseback riding tour? Check out this highly rated Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride. 

Visit A Vineyard Or Join A Winery Tour

Distance From Las Vegas: 1 hour
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 4 hours

Charleston Peak Winery (formerly Pahrump Valley Winery) is located just an hour from the strip in Pahrump, Nevada.

The winery is Nevada’s oldest and primarily produces Zinfandel and Syrah, most of which is grown on site. 

If a relaxing day trip from Las Vegas is right up your alley, this is the perfect place for you.

The local wine producer offers complimentary tours daily, excluding holidays.

Be sure to stay for a tasting afterwards.

Techatticup Mine 

Distance From Las Vegas: 45 minutes
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 4 hours   

It’s hard to believe Techatticup Mine was once a highly debaucherous and tough-as-nails township supporting the richest and most famous gold mine in Nevada.

Today, a quiet tumbleweed rolls by in the dusty ghost town.

Although the site was abandoned nearly 80 years ago, and portions of it have been destroyed by flash flood, it’s still one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas.

This is in part due to the ghost town and mine, but also thanks to the gorgeous setting it sits in.

Techatticup Mine is situated in Eldorado Canyon, which is characterized by colorful rock formations, tall cliffs, and a surprising variety of plant and animal life.

Portions of the ghost town are open to all visitors.

To explore the mine, however, you will need to join a tour, such as this one: Ghost Town Gold Mine Tour.

ATV Tour Through The Mojave Desert  

Distance From Las Vegas: Roughly 1 hour
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 4 hours 

Feeling adventurous? Take a ride through the Mojave Desert on an ATV.

Feel your adrenaline pumping as you ride sandy trails and rocky terrain surrounded by scenic views.

You’ll have great photo opportunities and may even see wildlife, but most importantly you’ll be exposed to a side of Southern Nevada most miss.

This quick day trip from Las Vegas does require a guided tour. There are many great options including this Half Day Mojave Desert ATV Tour From Las Vegas. 

Tip: You’re going to get very dusty during this excursion, be sure to wear something you don’t care to get dirty. 

Kayak Emerald Cave 

Distance From Las Vegas: Roughly 1 hour
Minimum Time Required: Approximately 6 hours 

Paddle along the Colorado River through the stunning Black Canyon to Emerald Cave.

Emerald Cave is a small shadowy grotto which beautifully showcases the glittering emerald waters of the famous Colorado River. 

Visiting the cave requires a few hours of paddling, and a permit is required. The permit system is in place to help control crowds and does book out in advance. 

For these reasons, this kayaking excursion is most commonly done through group tours.

Check tour pricing and availability at: Emerald Cove Kayak Tour. You’ll need to book in advance.

This isn’t the easiest, but it’s definitely one of the best day trips from Las Vegas!

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area & Sloan Petroglyph Site

Distance From Las Vegas: 30 minutes
Minimum Time Required: 3 hours

If you’re a fan of red rocks and petroglyphs, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is the day trip for you!

Within in the conservation area is Sloan Petroglyph Site, which has so many petroglyphs it’s been called the Sistine Chapel of Native American rock art… Quite a feat.

The site is covered in 300+ rock art panels with over 1,000 individual design elements, all upwards to 4,000 years old. 

One of the best places to see the petroglyphs is Petroglyph Canyon Trail, a 4.1 mile loop.

No matter if you plan to see the petroglyphs, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is a great spot to enjoy a quiet hike away from the bustle of Las Vegas. 

You’re sure to love this Las Vegas day trip!

Visit A State Park

Distance From Las Vegas: Varies
Minimum Time Required: Roughly 4 hours

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking or biking, consider visiting one of the state parks near Las Vegas.

You may be surprised by the varied landscapes located so close to the Strip.

Below are some of the nearest state parks to Las Vegas:

• Snow Canyon State Park
• Kershaw-Ryan State Park
• Spring Mountain Ranch State Park 
• Gunlock State Park
• Eldorado Canyon State Park
• Cathedral Gorge State Park

Mount Charleston

Distance From Las Vegas: 45 minutes
Minimum Time Required: 3 hours

Just under an hour drive from Las Vegas is Mount Charleston.

The landscape here is so different from the surrounding desert, you won’t believe you’re still so close to Vegas.

The area’s main attraction is Mount Charleston which stands a staggering 11,916 feet above sea level.

Located in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Mount Charleston is perfect for waterfall hikes, biking, and rock climbing in summer.

In winter, sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing are much-enjoyed.

This is definitely one of the most unique day trips from Las Vegas, and a great place to dodge the intense heat during the summer months! Mount Charleston averages about 20 degrees cooler than Vegas.

Mojave National Preserve

Distance From Las Vegas: Roughly 1.5 hours
Minimum Time Required: 5 hours

Southern California’s Mojave National Preserve is about an hour and a half from Vegas, making for a great quick day trip.

In this beautiful desert landscape you can hike, take in volcanic formations like the Mojave Desert Lava Tube, summit the Kelso Dunes, rock climb, and watch for wildlife.

It’s a really lovely area worthy of a few hours during your trip to Las Vegas.

Soak In Some Hot Springs

There are several hot springs near Las Vegas, offering a relaxing escape from the bustling city.

Well, semi-relaxing, most require an adventurous hike to reach the springs.

This makes them all the more exciting for some, and inaccessible for others.

Some of the nearest hot springs to Las Vegas are:

• Gold Strike Hot Springs
• Arizona Hot Springs
• Blue Point Spring
• Ash Meadows Hot Springs

Before heading out, be sure to carefully research each hot spring to ensure you’re properly prepared.

Grand Canyon West Rim

Distance From Las Vegas: 2 hours
Minimum Time Required: 6 hours

Grand Canyon West Rim is among the most beloved day trips from Las Vegas.

This unbelievable canyon is absolutely massive and displays beautiful, colorful rock layers. It’s on the bucket list of many, and for very good reason.

There’s countless tour options available, check out this highly rated West Rim of the Grand Canyon Day Trip from Vegas.

The tour includes hotel pick up and Grand Canyon Skywalk admission. It’s a bit longer than others, but allows you to really spend some time here, instead of rushing back to Vegas.

Note: Keep in mind, the West Rim is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. However, it’s most popular as a day trip from Vegas since it’s only 2 hours away, versus Grand Canyon South Rim’s 4+ hour drive.

National Parks Near Las Vegas

There are quite a few national parks surrounding Las Vegas, however, none are incredibly close.

With some planning, and a bit of a road trip, you can definitely pull off a day trip to a nearby park!

• Death Valley National Park – 2 hours, 20 minutes (125 miles) from Las Vegas
• Zion National Park – 2 hours, 45 minutes (160 miles) from Las Vegas
• Joshua Tree National Park – 3 hours, 30 minutes (220 miles) from Las Vegas
• Bryce Canyon National Park – 4 hours (260 miles) from Las Vegas
• Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim – 4 hours, 10 minutes (275 miles) from Las Vegas
• Great Basin National Park – 4 hours, 30 minutes (295 miles) from Las Vegas
• Yosemite National Park – 5 hours, 30 minutes (340 miles) from Las Vegas

One of the best ways to see these parks is with a tour such as Zion & Bryce Canyon Day Trip or Death Valley Day Tour.

These companies handle all the transportation and logistics for you, so you can enjoy the day worry-free.

If you’d rather go at it on your own, check out my helpful guides below:

• Zion National Park: Top Things To Do
• Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Things To Do
• Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim: One Day Guide

Quick Excursions From Las Vegas 

While these aren’t technically day trips, they are fun activities right off the Las Vegas Strip that only require a short drive!

Check out these popular off-Strip attractions near Las Vegas:

• Seven Magic Mountains 
• Area 51
• Fremont Street & Downtown Las Vegas
• Ethel M Chocolate Factory Springs
• Preserve Botanical Gardens 
• Museums such as the Neon Museum, Mob Museum, or National Atomic Testing Museum. 
• Downtown Container Park
• Wetlands Park
• NASCAR Ridealong 

As you can see, there’s tons of easy day trips and things to do off-Strip in Vegas.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Las Vegas and US Southwest guides, or head on over to Visit Vegas!

More Information For Your Trip To Las Vegas:

• Valley Of Fire State Park Day Trip Itinerary
• Iconic Things You Must Do In Las Vegas
• Best Things To Do In Las Vegas (Besides Gamble & Drink)
• Bachelorette Party In Las Vegas: Fun Things To Do
• Las Vegas: What To Wear (Classy Outfit Ideas)

You May Also Like:

• Grand Canyon Guides
• Zion National Park Guides
• All Arizona Guides
• All Utah Guides