Top Things to Do Around Las Vegas

Explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Las Vegas, from the towering red rock formations of Red Rock Canyon to the iconic Hoover Dam and the mesmerizing beauty of Death Valley. Discover the best day trips for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique experiences just outside the neon-lit city. Whether it's a scenic drive through Valley of Fire State Park or a thrilling helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, this guide highlights the must-see natural wonders of the American Southwest.
Liv Coning
Marketing Lead
Top Things to Do Around Las Vegas
Aug 28 2024

Top Things to Do Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its glittering lights and vibrant nightlife, but just beyond the city limits lies a world of breathtaking natural wonders waiting to be explored. From towering red rock formations to engineering marvels and vast canyons, the area surrounding Sin City offers an array of unforgettable experiences for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through some of the most spectacular destinations within easy reach of Las Vegas. Whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a more extended adventure, buckle up as we explore the diverse landscapes and hidden gems that make the American Southwest truly extraordinary.
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Just 20 minutes west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon offers a stark contrast to the city's neon landscape. This scenic area is known for its towering red sandstone peaks and petroglyphs left by ancient Native American tribes.

Getting There

The drive from Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon takes about 20-30 minutes, making it one of the most accessible day trips from the city.

What to See and Do

Scenic Drive

Embark on the 13-mile scenic loop drive through Red Rock Canyon's breathtaking landscape. Stop at pullouts to admire vibrant rock formations, with the best views in early morning or late afternoon light.

Hiking Adventures

Red Rock Canyon boasts over 26 trails catering to all skill levels. Here are some standout hikes that showcase the area's diverse terrain and stunning vistas:

Calico Tanks Trail

This moderate 2.5-mile round trip hike is a local favorite, featuring unique rock formations and hidden water pockets. The trail culminates in a natural tank formation offering expansive views of Las Vegas in the distance.

Ice Box Canyon Trail

The 2.6-mile round trip Ice Box Canyon Trail offers a cool respite, winding through a narrow canyon that stays surprisingly cool even in summer. Seasonal waterfalls await after rainfall, transforming this desert hike into an oasis-like experience.

Turtlehead Peak Trail

Challenge seekers will relish the Turtlehead Peak Trail, a strenuous 5-mile round trip hike with steep inclines and loose gravel. The reward is unparalleled panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley from the summit.

Rock Climbing

Red Rock Canyon is a climber's paradise, renowned for its high-quality sandstone and diverse routes. Popular areas include Calico Basin and Kraft Mountain, with guided tours available for beginners.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits on the area's rich geological history, diverse wildlife, and cultural significance to Native American tribes. It's also the perfect place to check current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and wildlife sightings before embarking on your canyon adventure.

Start Planning Your Trip

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Hoover Dam

Just 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam offers a stark contrast to the city's neon landscape. This engineering marvel, built during the Great Depression, continues to be a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

Getting There

The drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam takes about 45 minutes to an hour, making it one of the most accessible day trips from the city.

What to See and Do

Dam Tour

Embark on a guided tour inside the dam to explore its inner workings. This immersive experience offers a unique perspective on the colossal structure, much like the scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center provides interactive exhibits on the dam's rich history, construction process, and its ongoing impact. It's the perfect place to learn about the area's significance before exploring further.

Lake Mead Recreation

Enjoy various activities on Lake Mead, including boating, fishing, and swimming. The expansive lake offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding desert landscape, similar to the diverse terrain found in Red Rock Canyon.

Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Walk across this architectural marvel for spectacular views of the dam and Colorado River. The bridge provides a unique vantage point for photographing the Hoover Dam, much like the scenic viewpoints in Red Rock Canyon.

Start Planning Your Trip

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Valley of Fire State Park

Located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. Known for its bright red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs, it offers a landscape as captivating as Red Rock Canyon.

Getting There

The drive from Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park takes about an hour, offering scenic desert views reminiscent of the journey to Red Rock Canyon.

What to See and Do

Scenic Drive

Experience the park's 10.5-mile scenic loop drive, similar to Red Rock Canyon's 13-mile scenic loop. Numerous pull-outs offer photo opportunities showcasing the park's diverse landscapes and colorful rock formations.

Hiking Adventures

Explore unique rock formations on various trails, catering to all skill levels. Some popular hikes include:

Fire Wave Trail

This 1.5-mile round trip hike leads to a stunning rock formation resembling a wave of fire. Like the Calico Tanks Trail in Red Rock Canyon, it offers relatively easy walking with incredible photo opportunities.

Mouse's Tank Trail

A 0.75-mile round trip hike that leads to a natural basin where water collects. Along the way, you'll see numerous petroglyphs, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural history similar to Red Rock Canyon's Ice Box Canyon Trail.

Petroglyphs

Visit Atlatl Rock to see ancient rock art created by Native Americans. A staircase allows visitors to get a close-up view of these fascinating historical artifacts, providing cultural insights much like the Visitor Center at Red Rock Canyon.

Wildlife Viewing

Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, lizards, and various bird species. The park's diverse ecosystem supports a variety of desert wildlife, offering exciting opportunities for nature enthusiasts, similar to the wildlife experiences in Red Rock Canyon.

Start Planning Your Trip

Welcome to the dazzling city of Las Vegas, where excitement, unique experiences, and mouthwatering local flavors await you! This carefully crafted itinerary is tailored specifically for those seeking an authentic Vegas adventure without focusing on gambling. Whether you're a nature lover and want to visit the Grand Canyon, Red Rock, or Valley of Fire or a passionate explorer of the vibrant Las Vegas Strip, this guide has got you covered with plenty of options. My personal experience in Las Vegas - Just recently, I had the pleasure of accompanying my boyfriend on his first-ever visit to Las Vegas. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we could fit into our trip! Having been to Vegas on and off for years, I made it a point to tailor the itinerary to cater to a first-timer's experience. We wanted to make the most of our time, ensuring that we got a taste of all the incredible things Vegas has to offer. From the vibrant energy of the Strip to the jaw-dropping natural wonders just distances away, we managed to create an itinerary that perfectly balanced both worlds. I understand the importance of creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for first-timers, so rest assured that this itinerary takes into account the must-see attractions, must see shows, and gems that will leave a lasting impression. Your feedback and comments are incredibly valuable, as they will help us continue to refine and enhance this itinerary for future travelers. Please feel free to reach out to me at heykristinakayla@gmail.com with any thoughts or suggestions you may have. Also, if you need a dedicated travel agent, I have a great connection if you need 1:1 custom planning!
Couples • Adventure • Foodie • Nature
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A Day Trip to the Grand Canyon

Just a few hours from the Las Vegas Strip lies the majestic Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a stark contrast to the city's man-made wonders, much like Red Rock Canyon on a grander scale.

Getting There

The 2.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon's West Rim is perfect for a day trip, transforming from neon lights to rugged desert panoramas, reminiscent of the journey to Red Rock Canyon but on a larger scale.

What to See and Do

Skywalk Experience

Experience the glass bridge extending 70 feet over the canyon, 4,000 feet above the floor. This thrilling attraction offers unparalleled views of the canyon, providing a unique perspective similar to the viewpoints in Red Rock Canyon.

Scenic Helicopter Tours

Get a bird's-eye view of the canyon's vast expanse. These tours provide a breathtaking overview of the canyon's intricate landscape, offering a different perspective compared to the ground-level views in Red Rock Canyon.

Hiking Trails

Explore various hiking options for all skill levels, including the scenic Rim Trail. This relatively easy trail offers stunning views of the canyon and can be customized to your preferred length and difficulty, much like the diverse trail options in Red Rock Canyon.

Native American Village

Learn about the Hualapai Tribe's rich history and culture. This educational experience provides insight into the indigenous people who have called the Grand Canyon home for centuries, offering cultural context similar to the petroglyphs found in Red Rock Canyon.

Start Planning Your Trip

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Death Valley National Park

About two hours northwest of Las Vegas, Death Valley is North America's lowest, driest, and hottest spot. Despite its name, it's a land of extremes and surprising diversity, offering unique landscapes and natural wonders that contrast with the red rock formations of Red Rock Canyon.

Getting There

The drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley takes about 2-2.5 hours, passing through desert landscapes and small towns, offering a different but equally captivating journey compared to the drive to Red Rock Canyon.

What to See and Do

Badwater Basin

Visit the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level. This vast salt flat offers a surreal landscape and a unique photo opportunity, providing a stark contrast to the elevated views in Red Rock Canyon.

Zabriskie Point

Catch a stunning sunrise or sunset over the badlands at one of the park's most photographed spots. The colorful erosional landscape provides a breathtaking panorama, rivaling the scenic vistas of Red Rock Canyon.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Experience the park's most famous sand dunes, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. These dunes offer opportunities for photography, sandboarding, and stargazing, providing a different type of desert adventure compared to the rock formations in Red Rock Canyon.

Artist's Drive

Take this scenic 9-mile drive to see colorful rock formations caused by oxidation of different metals. The vibrant hues of the mineral-rich hills create a natural palette that's a feast for the eyes, offering a unique geological experience compared to the red sandstone of Red Rock Canyon.

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Wrapping Things Up

These additional day trips showcase the diverse landscapes and experiences available within driving distance of Las Vegas. From red rock formations to engineering marvels and extreme desert environments, there's something to satisfy every traveler's curiosity and sense of adventure. Each destination offers a unique perspective on the natural and human history of the American Southwest, providing a perfect complement to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas itself.
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