rv trips from las vegas

The Ultimate RV Trip Itinerary- 9 Days through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona

The ultimate rv trip itinerary: 9 days through nevada, utah, & arizona.

Have you ever wanted to take an RV vacation?

We had the opportunity to take a our dream RV trip through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona this past winter. We visited a few National and State parks, and had plenty of fun adventures along the way! Being able to enjoy fewer crowds and much cooler weather in late February/early March made this a great time to visit the parks.

This post is a quick summary of our daily itinerary to help guide you plan YOUR dream RV trip! We did find that this was a jam-packed itinerary, and if we did it again, we would have spent a lot more time in each spot. However, if you are looking to try to do and see as much as possible, this itinerary is for you! Ideally, I think a two-week trip would’ve allowed more time to enjoy each place we visited. Keep in mind, RV’s drive a bit slower and take longer than GPS routes show.

Day One: Arrive in Las Vegas

-Arrive in Vegas in the morning

-Take Uber to El Monte RV.

Total time at El Monte for pick up was about 2.5 hours

-Walmart grocery pick up

We scheduled our grocery pick up in advance. Pre-planning a week of meals is helpful for stocking the RV with everything you’ll need, and nothing you don’t (there’s limited storage, after all!) Grocery pick up and putting things away took about 45 minutes.

-Drive to Poverty Flats (about 1.5 hour drive from Vegas)

Poverty Flats is an excellent boondocking area with beautiful views! We encourage you to arrive before it gets dark out so you can actually see where you are driving, don’t be like us.

Day Two: Valley of Fire State Park

-Hike the Fire Wave

The Fire Wave hike is 1.5 miles round trip, and a pretty easy hike for young children. We recommend going early in the day for cooler temperatures, but make sure to bring water and sunscreen! We had our Lillebaby Carrier for our 2 year old, and our Piggyback Rider for our 5 year old for when their legs got tired.

-Picnic lunch at Seven Sisters Picnic Area

-Drive to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is about a 5 hour drive from the Valley of Fire State Park.

-Campsite at Ruby’s Inn RV Park

We arrived late in the day and found out that our planned boondocking sites were not accessible in winter. OOPS! For the sake of time and rest we decided to pay for a campsite here with water and electric hookups and Wifi for $45.

Day 3: Hiking Bryce Canyon National Park

-Visit Bryce Canyon Visitor Center

At the visitor center, we were able to get information about the trails and pick up Jr. Ranger books for kids.

-Hiking in Bryce Canyon

We started at Sunset Point, hiked the Rim Trail to Sunrise Point, through the Queens Garden Trail and ended with the Navajo Loop up Wallstreet. Whew! All in all it was a 3 mile, fairly difficult hike through the snow and mud (we visited in late February with snow, ice, and also mud!)

-Camping at Sunset Point

We stayed in the park at Sunset Point Campground for $30/night. FYI there are no hookups or facilities available in the winter, and you’ll likely have snow on the ground. The perk to staying here was a quick hop over to the main parking area to watch the sunrise at Sunrise Point!

Day 4: Drive to Moab, Utah

-Watch sunrise at Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon

-Start drive to Arches National Park (5-5.5 hours)

-Stop halfway at Mystic Springs in Monroe, Utah

Monroe, Utah is a little hippie town with a fantastic hot springs to relax in and take in the views! They have a pool and a few tubs to soak in on their property. We stopped at Mystic Hot Springs for about 2.5 hours, which broke up the drive time nicely! Prices are $15/adult, $7.50 for kids 10 and under.

-Camp at Willow Springs Trail 

Willow Springs Trail is another boondocking location we stayed at, just outside Moab. It is convenient to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. We absolutely loved this location for it’s fabulous views!

Day 5: Hiking Arches National Park

-Visit Moab ER

Well, this one wasn’t part of our original itinerary, but it happened. Lily fell off the bunk in the RV at 6am and ended up with 8 stitches on her face. But FYI, there is a great ER in Moab if you need one! We certainly hope this doesn’t make your trip itinerary.

-Visit Arches National Park Visitor Center

Even with an early morning trip to the ER, we were still on the trails by mid-morning! We picked up our Jr. Ranger books and talked to a park ranger about our hiking trail options.

-Hike Delicate Arch trail

This trail is 3.1 miles, and is listed as a “difficult” hike. Our kids completed it, using great caution in some parts, with no problem. We did not think it was too dangerous for them, and saw people of all ages completing the hike. The view is worth it!

-Hike Landscape Arch trail

This trail is 1.9 miles and an easy hike!

-Camp another night at Willow Springs Trail

Day 6: Drive to Page, Arizona

-Drive to Page, Arizona (5.5 hours)

-Stop in Monument Valley for pictures

-Stop at Horseshoe Bend

The entrance fee for Horseshoe bend is $10 per vehicle. The roundtrip hike is 1.5 miles and is an easy hike!

-Camp at Lone Rock Beach

Yes, you can park ON the beach at Lake Powell. This is dry camping and you must pay for the state park entrance fee ($15). This was our FAVORITE campsite of the trip. We parked right on the beach and the views were absolutely incredible. We would certainly go back and stay here for a few days! Lone Rock Beach camping is about a half hour drive north from Horseshoe Bend.

Day 7: Antelope Canyon and Drive to Grand Canyon

-Lower Antelope Canyon Tour with Dixie Ellis’ Tours

This is a must-do experience. The canyon is absolutely breathtaking! The prices are $40/adult, $28/8-12 year olds, and $20/2-7 year olds. The tour was very informative of the geology and science behind the formation of the canyons, and the cultural history of the land. The total distance of walking was about 1.1 miles round trip, and includes descending/ascending ladders. I had Lily on my back in a carrier, but the older kids made the trip without issues. The entire tour lasted about 2 hours from the time we arrived, waited for the tour to start, until it was finished.

-Drive to Grand Canyon 

This was about a 4 hour drive. We arrived with just enough time to watch the sunset!

-Dinner at Yavapai Lodge Restaurant

 This was our ONLY dinner out! It was pricey but pretty good, and a nice break from cooking meals in the RV.

-Camp at Long Jim Loop

This spot wasn’t all that special, but it was free and that’s all we needed!

Day 8: Grand Canyon and Drive back to Vegas

-Visit Grand Canyon Visitor Center

We picked up our Jr. Ranger Books early in the day. We had enough time  to actually complete all of the requirements in the book for the kids to earn their Jr. Ranger Badges! We returned later to be “sworn in” by a park ranger.

-Hiking around Mather Point  

We chose not to do any hiking in the Grand Canyon because there were snowy/icy spots and we were limited on time. We did stroll the paved parts of the Rim Trail and that was good enough for us!

-Drive back to Las Vegas  

This took about about 5 hours with stops.

-Hoover Dam

Unless you stop to visit the Dam, you cannot actually see the Dam from the car! We chose not to stop because of time.

-Drive through Historic Route 66 from Seligman to Kingman. This was pretty cool! We did take quite a big detour to actually find a Route 66 sign on the road to stop and take pictures. This added about 2 hours to our drive.

-Visit 7 Magic Mountains art installation outside of Vegas. This was also an unnecessary stop, but I wanted to see it since it’s only up until the end of 2021. We arrived right after sunset, with just enough light left to see.

-Camp at KOA Sam’s Town Journey

Our original plan was boondocking in a Walmart parking lot. This was actually NOT allowed at this location (even though our research said it was ok) and we were in a terribly unsafe part of Vegas. It was late, we were all tired after a VERY long day and our lack of proper planning was stressful!

We ended up camping at another RV park- The KOA at Sam’s Town Journey in Las Vegas. The facilities were great and the people were very nice! We had a basic site with hookups for about $40/night, using a discount we had from El Monte RV.

Day 9: Return RV and Fly Home

-Return RV at El Monte (this process only took about 20 minutes) and Uber back to the airport to hop a flight back home!

We hope you enjoyed this quick and easy itinerary for planning your future trip! Just FYI, there are affiliate links in this post. By purchasing something from these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our travel fund!

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21 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas

If you live in Las Vegas or visiting Sin City and want to explore beyond the Strip, there is a huge number of road trip options available.

Whether you want to explore the desert, see giant sequoias, spend time in California's biggest cities or relax on a beach, our list of the 21 best road trips from Las Vegas will have you covered.

The following list starts with the closest to Las Vegas and moves on to longer drives further down the list so scroll down depending on how far you're prepared to go! You can also can find a map highlighting the best road trips from Las Vegas below:

1. Nelson Ghost Town and Eldorado Canyon Gold Mine

45 minutes from Las Vegas (45 miles)

Just outside Las Vegas and only a 45 minute drive from the Strip is the ghost town of Nelson. To get here from Las Vegas, head southeast out of the city towards Henderson and keep on going past Boulder City along US-95 and Route 165.

The ghost town was a disused old mining town before the current owners moved in over 25 years ago. The ghost town elements were retained and a little enhanced to make it more interesting and today you can visit the ghost town to see what it's all about.

There's lots and lots of half-rusted old cars which is both really interesting and mighty frustrating if you're a big fan of cars like me. Other props include rattle snakes in a freezer and crashed airplanes. Not all of it is completely authentic...

But that doesn't really matter - you're here to walk around and take some amazing photos. Take a lot of care while walking around - rattle snakes are common so watch out and report any you see to the guides.

Tours down the gold mine take place at 9am, 12pm and 2pm as long as there's at least 4 adults (although they may take less in the off-season). The tours will take you through the richest mine in Nevada that operated for almost 80 years and closed as World War II broke out.

Bring another layer with you - the tour can take over an hour and it can feel a little cool inside the mine.

2. A short drive to the Valley of Fire State Park

50 minutes from Las Vegas (49 miles)

The Valley of Fire is a rocky part of the Mojave desert under an hour's drive out of Las Vegas.

If you're looking for a day road trip out and want to go into the desert but don't want to make the 2+ hour drive to Death Valley, the Valley of Fire is a great option.

Follow the I-15 north from Las Vegas for half an hour and follow the turning onto the Valley of Fire Highway which will take you into the park.

The unique mix of rocks, layered colors and amazing hiking routes is the oldest State Park in Nevada, being first designated back in 1935 after opening the year before.

The park was home to ancient Ancestral Puebloan tribes and you can find petroglyphs (wall drawings) that are thousands of years old in the park.

As with other deserts near Las Vegas, temperatures in the summer get very hot. Average daily highs from June to August are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bring lots of water if you're planning to visit in the summer but March to April and October to November are much better when the weather is mild making it much more pleasant.

3. Visit Lake Mead and see the Hoover Dam

55 minutes from Las Vegas (39 miles)

For those who want to get out of Las Vegas but don't want to go far, the closest place to go is the Hoover Dam. It's in at #3 in the list because visiting the Dam and the nearby Lake Mead from Las Vegas requires some local driving but you won't have to go too far.

The Hoover Dam is a world famous installation that helps Vegas have water and electricity supplies despite the city being located in the middle of one of the driest deserts in the world.

Built during the Great Depression, Hoover Dam was much bigger than any dam ever built before it and Lake Mead continues to be the largest water reservoir in the United States today.

Talking of Lake Mead, it's not just there to turn the turbines of the dam. You can go on a cruise around the lake, hire a boat or relax on Boulder Beach.

In the afternoon, you can take a drive along Northshore Road - it starts just outside Henderson and goes for over 50 miles towards the Valley of Fire State Park (#2 above).

It's a great drive with scenic places to stop along the way and you can combine a visit to the Valley of Fire with Lake Mead for a great (although long) day road trip out of Las Vegas.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

4. A trip to the desert - Mojave National Preserve

1 hour from Las Vegas (59 miles)

Las Vegas sits in the middle of the Mojave desert with parts of the driest part of North America spanning corners of California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

The Death Valley National Park (#5 below) and Joshua Tree National Park (#8) are the two best known places to go and explore the hot and inhospitable Mojave desert, but the less known and less popular Mojave National Preserve is much close to Las Vegas.

Although a lot of the Mojave National Preserve is rocky desert, there's a few interesting parts to explore.

The Cima Dome and the Shadow Valley next to it are home to a forest of Joshua trees. The term forest is a little generous here as the trees are quite spread out and you won't find birds singing in the branches or creatures living in the undergrowth, but this is the most dense area for Joshua trees anywhere and you'll see more here than in the Joshua Tree National Park!

The Mojave Desert Lava Tube is further west and you'll need a reasonable SUV or car capable of going offroad to navigate several miles of dirt track to get here.

The Lava Tube is a series of rooms underneath the surface of the desert that feel like caves - they were created when molten lava made its way through the ground creating the unique space.

Make sure you stop at the Castle Mountains National Monument . Again - you'll need something with 4-wheel drive and decent tires to get here, but sitting right on the edge of the preserve, this is one of the prettiest parts with a little more in terms of plants and wildlife to see.

5. Feel the heat in Death Valley National Park

1 hour 55 minutes from Las Vegas (126 miles)

If spending a few days in the hottest place on Earth and some of the least hospitable environments anywhere on the planet sounds like fun, the Death Valley National Park is less than 2 hours away from Las Vegas .

If you thought Vegas was too hot in the summer, the average (yes... average) daily high is above 120 degrees from June through to August. I'd pick one of the other 20 entries on this list if you're looking for a road trip in the middle of the summer.

If you come from November to March, the weather is much milder and you'll have a much better trip exploring the varying landscapes that Death Valley has to offer. There are dried out salt flats from where lakes and seas once covered the valley, there's rocky sections with mountains and even sand dunes.

Death Valley is the largest National Park in the United States excluding Alaska and is a designated International Dark Sky Park. This means there's no artificial light anywhere within the park at night and if you're camping on a clear day, the view of the stars above is phenomenal.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas through Death Valley National Park

6. Go fishing on Lake Havasu, Arizona

2 hours 30 minutes from Las Vegas (153 miles)

Lake Havasu sits on the Arizona - California border south of Las Vegas. Like many lakes in Southwestern United States, the lake is an artificially created reservoir after the Colorado River flowing through the local valley was dammed by the Parker Dam in the 1930s.

Today the lake is a popular destination for 2 main reasons: the fishing and London Bridge.

Fishing is a hugely popular activity on the lake - there's an abundant population of bass in the lake and big fishing competitions happen frequently where people from across the United States come to compete.

London Bridge is a very unusual sight sitting across a canal in Lake Havasu City and connecting it to Thompson Bay. The name gives away where the bridge came from - in 1968 the local government won an auction for the sale of the original London Bridge that was being replaced in central London.

After a $2.5m winning bid for the bridge, each brick was meticulously taken apart and labeled so that the whole bridge could be shipped and reconstructed in Arizona.

It certainly looks very quirky and majorly out of place (in a weird good way) and well worth the visit to Lake Havasu!

7. Be at one with nature in Zion National Park, Utah

2 hours 40 minutes from Las Vegas (160 miles)

Zion National Park in southwestern Utah might just be one of the most scenic National Park in the entirety of the United States and it's less than 3 hours away from Las Vegas on a road trip !

To get to Zion National Park, follow the I-15 north out of Las Vegas and keep on going until you cross the border into Utah. From here, State Route 9 will take you right into the heart of the park.

The main part of the park centers around Zion Canyon. Although it sits in-between deserts, the canyon is surprisingly green with forests and hundreds of species of birds and animals.

Zion National Park has some of the best trails you're likely to find anywhere - there's well made overlooks, paths carved through the rock and hikes for all abilities.

The Weeping Rock and Canyon Overlook trails are reasonably easy and take less than an hour. For the more experienced hikers, the Narrows is 16 miles long and involves hiking through a narrow canyon and wading through a cold river.

Some will hike the Narrows starting at the bottom and turn around once the going gets more tough making it a little easier and doable in a day.

If you'd like to hike up to Angels Landing, you will need a permit and will need to make a reservation. Check the Zion National Park's website for more details.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park

8. See the amazing trees in Joshua Tree National Park

3 hours 10 minutes from Las Vegas (187 miles)

Joshua Tree National Park is just over 3 hours away from Las Vegas on a road trip , about halfway on the way to San Diego.

Follow the I-15 out of Vegas and when you get to the edge of the Mojave National Preserve, cut right through it passing through Cima and Kelso to save half an hour against the "faster" interstates that go the long way around.

In fact, the Mojave is also on this list at #4, so if you've got enough time, you might as well combine these into one desert exploring road trip.

Joshua Tree National Park is named after the unique trees that grow here that look like a person standing up with arms stretched upwards. You'll definitely see plenty of them on your way around as well as rocks and lots and lots of desert.

Joshua Tree is one of the hottest deserts in the United States with daily highs during the summer months averaging 100 degrees Fahrenheit which can make hiking and camping tough.

If you time your visit right and come in the spring, March and April is the bloom season for desert flowers (yes - that's a thing!) and the temperature only rises to a mild 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park

9. Explore the wilderness of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

3 hours 45 minutes from Las Vegas (245 miles)

The Grand Staircase-Escalante is a large wilderness that was declared a National Monument only in 1996.

The monument occupies a large swathe of southern Utah that was the last part of the United States to be mapped and remains one of the least explored parts of the country although the monument's size was reduced dramatically under President Trump in 2017 to allow for commercial exploration.

Despite this, there are some amazing places to see here. The Zebra Slot Canyon is a narrow gorge with striped rocks that you can hike through. Be careful though - the hike is very tough and requires squeezing through very narrow gaps and making your way through water going up to neck height!

The Devil's Garden is one of those postcard-type sights with large rock hoodoos eerily standing around in the middle of the desert.

Many of the sights in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument can be reached from the small town of Escalante in the north. The I-15 and Utah-20 will take you to Route 12 which is the road that winds its way through the wilderness and eventually reaches Escalante.

Zebra Slot Canyon and the Devil's Garden are both a short drive south from the town and further south are the Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon and the Jacob Hamblin Arch from the picture above.

10. Bryce Canyon National Park

3 hours 50 minutes from Las Vegas (260 miles)

Bryce Canyon is a small National Park that is not a canyon, but a collection of unique rock formations that look like amphitheaters with people-shaped rock formations that look like an audience sitting watching the spectacle.

You won't need more than a day to explore the 56 square miles of the park. There are trails that lead around the perimeter of the most popular parts of the park but don't forget that amphitheaters are located 8,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level (2,400 to 2,700 meters) so bring an extra layer of clothing - it can feel much cooler up there than down in the desert.

Bryce Canyon is located right on the way to most of the main sights in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument so you might want to combine them into a single road trip. Zion National Park is also on the way in case you have a lot of time on your hands.

If you want to avoid the crowds and get some good photos, try to get to the park early - you might want to stay somewhere not too far and get here before sunrise for some epic views of the sun rays poking through the crowds of hoodoo rocks.

11. See the size of the Grand Canyon

4 hours 15 minutes from Las Vegas (275 miles)

Grand Canyon is the most popular destination for a road trip from Las Vegas . The 277-mile long canyon has some of the most spectacular scenery close to Las Vegas making it the most popular starting point for the 5 million visitors that come to the Grand Canyon every year.

It'll take you about as long to get to the North Rim as it will to the South - the South Rim is a more popular destination with better facilities and the Grand Canyon Village which is why you might want to opt for the route around the north of the canyon instead.

If you'd specifically would like to visit the South Rim, you can find our detailed road trip guide here .

There are lots of places you can stop to see the Grand Canyon. Most people will go straight to the Grand Canyon Village area of the National Park, but there are other spots that have far fewer people that are just as amazing - the Toroweap and Twin Point Overlooks along the north rim are both good options.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk on the south rim is much closer to Vegas - it'll take a little over 2 hours to get there, but you'll have to share the view with a lot of other people and other than a short walk to Guano Point, there's not much else to do here and no trails.

One of the best trails along the bottom of the canyon and along the Colorado River is the Havasu Falls Trail - it'll take you past the Little Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, Tigabo Supai and Mooney Falls which area all amazing. For those who are happy to venture further, Beaver Falls and Beaver Canyon further downstream are worth the hike.

If you approach the Grand Canyon via the north and have time, add a stop in the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - these beautiful rocks have distinctive layers of different shades of red and yellow and soft sweeping lines that are great for a quick break along the journey.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

12. Hike through the Red rocks of Sedona

4 hours 20 minutes from Las Vegas (280 miles)

If you haven't heard of the Red Rocks of Sedona, you most definitely have seen them on TV or in a movie.

The amazing rock formations include the towering Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge and Bell Rock, but there's a lot more to explore than just the big name options.

There are two state parks - the Red Rock State Park being the best known and the Slide Rock State Park to the north of Sedona. For those who want to do a drive through tour, you can drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Route 179) to see many of the amazing sights without getting out of your car.

But if you've come this far, you really should get out and explore. There are amazing trails that will take you right up to the rocks, over stunning red rock arches and through canyons.

The drive from Las Vegas will take you to Kingman before hopping on the I-40 to Flagstaff. You can make a stop in the city before driving south to Sedona.

With so much to explore, you can easily spend a long weekend exploring the areas around Sedona and still not cover most of it.

It may not be as hot as the Mojave desert and Death Valley in particular, but summer temperatures still reach average daily highs of 95 degrees Fahrenheit so bring lots of water. If you have the luxury of choice, visiting in the spring and fall will be more comfortable.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Sedona

13. The Hollywood road trip: Los Angeles and Malibu

4 hours 45 minutes from Las Vegas (304 miles)

If you want to escape the desert and head to the City of Angels, then get on the I-15 and follow it until you cross the Angeles National Forest. Traffic around L.A. can be a big factor in whether it'll take you less than 4 hours to get into the city or something closer to 6 - leave early in the morning so that you are entering Los Angeles at around 1pm when the traffic shouldn't be too bad on the freeways.

Los Angeles has so much to see and do, you can spend a week or two and still feel like you've hardly seen it all! You've got to visit Hollywood and walk the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard no matter how cliche it might sound!

After measuring your hand and feet against the celebrity prints, head for the Sunset Strip and then down to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I'm not the type to shop here, but the people watching is fascinating as they carefully park their Ferrari to go bag shopping.

Don't miss out on stops in Culver City, Santa Monica State Beach and Venice Beach as you make your way around the city. If you are coming with kids or like a day out at a theme park, Universal Studios in Hollywood and Disneyland in Anaheim are both amazing.

As you venture further west past the Pacific Palisades, you'll discover Malibu Beach which stretches for miles and miles along the coast with the Santa Monica Mountains to your right.

The beach can get busy at weekends and over the summer but you can still find great spots if you drive a little further towards El Matador Beach past Point Dume.

If you drive a few minutes inland, the Santa Monica Mountains have spectacular hiking trails with views of the Pacific Ocean down below which is perfect for an afternoon activity after spending the morning soaking up the sun.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles

14. Relax by the seaside in San Diego

5 hours from Las Vegas (332 miles)

San Diego may be a solid 5 hours' drive from Las Vegas , but there's lots of options to stop along the way and it's a great city to visit and spend a few days in so it's got to be worth you considering for your road trip from Las Vegas.

The easiest way to get to San Diego is to follow the I-15 out of Las Vegas towards Los Angeles and keep on following the I-15 until you're in San Diego 5 hours later. You can save a few minutes by cutting through the I-215 to avoid getting closer to LA's notorious traffic jams.

However a few detours can add great places to stop and cut the journey up into shorter stints. If you head towards the California coast, the towns of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente are great pit stop options as is Carlsbad's Legoland.

If you go the slower but more direct route, Joshua Tree National Park (#8 above), Salton Sea and Palm Springs are all great places to visit in and around the Coachella Valley.

San Diego itself is a city that almost always has perfect weather due to its unique position on the coast and the prevailing ocean currents.

You can roam through the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter or have a fish taco in La Jolla overlooking the resident seals relaxing in the cove.

Spend some time in the huge Balboa Park - not only is it perfect for a stroll, but you'll find museums, entertainment venues and the world-famous San Diego Zoo all within its grounds.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to San Diego

15. Go hiking in the Yosemite National Park

5 hours 20 minutes from Las Vegas (340 miles)

Yosemite is the most famous of the California National Parks and one of the best known in the country. Getting to Yosemite from Las Vegas is relatively easy - it's one of the few parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where you can drive across, although the Tioga Pass is closed when it gets snowy which means it's shut for the winter from some point in late October.

The majority of the visitors that come to Yosemite only go to the Yosemite Valley which only covers a tiny fraction of the whole park which stretches over 1,000 square miles.

You should still visit Yosemite Valley to see the Merced River flowing past the famous El Capitan rock but if you want to see more nature and walk the wild trails, head further out in the park.

Yosemite Valley gets busier later on in the day as some people from San Jose, the Silicon Valley and San Francisco come on day trips or for the weekend. Coming in the morning on a weekday will mean far fewer people although you'll still have to book ahead if you want to camp or hike the wilderness.

Death Valley National Park (#5 above) and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks (#19 below) are good additional stops on the way to or back from Yosemite if you have enough time.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park

16. Visit the Mormon Capital in Salt Lake City, Utah

6 hours from Las Vegas (421 miles)

Salt Lake City is famous for its location, surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and the lake on the other. It's also known as the home of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the city is a fascinating visit.

The road trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City is over 400 miles long but these are about the easiest 400 miles you'll ever have to drive. Get on the I-15 headed north that runs exactly 1 block to the west of the Strip and stay there. 6 hours later you'll find yourself right in the middle of Salt Lake City which is where you should park up!

Although less than half of the population in Salt Lake City is Mormon, you can see the signs of the church's presence throughout the city. The Mormon Temple is the grandest and largest in the world and you can see it on Temple Square with the Reflecting Pool in front of it.

Unfortunately the temple is closed to visitors and those who are not members of the church as are most of the other significant Latter-Day Saints buildings around the city. The temple is also undergoing a major reconstruction so it's likely to not be as great a sight for a few years yet.

However you can visit the Tabernacle which puts on shows through the year and spend some time in the mountains surrounding the city. Literally minutes away from downtown you can find amazing hiking routes in the winter and big ski resorts in the winter!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

17. See the saguaro cacti en route to Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson

6 hours 30 minutes from Las Vegas (434 miles)

Sitting a few miles from the border with Arizona, a road trip from Las Vegas to the Copper State is an obvious option.

This route covers a lot of desert with stops in Phoenix/Scottsdale and Tucson - if you want to cover more of Arizona, reroute via Sedona on the way to Phoenix and visit the Red Rock and Slide Rock State Parks (See #12 above).

You can also learn more about the road trip from Las Vegas to Phoenix on our detailed road trip guide .

As you make your way over Hoover Dam (worth the slight detour), you'll begin noticing how the Mojave desert gradually changes into the Sonoran. The elevation lowers a little, the rocks and sand become a little more red in color and Joshua trees make way for the saguaros.

If you don't know what a saguaro is, check the registration plates on the Arizona cars around you - those giant cactus plants with the thick green arms that can reach over 40 feet (12 m) in height.

These cacti (or is it cactuses?) grow to be 150 years old or even older and the ones with several arms are the oldest - it takes them 50 years to just get up to waist-height!

Phoenix and Scottsdale are a large metro area with an endless number of things to do - the art scene in particular is buzzing with the Heard Museum, art galleries and various pop up exhibitions to visit.

Scottsdale has a more relaxed small town vibe to the tall skyscrapers of Phoenix and if you want to go out for dinner or drinks after, Scottsdale is where you should head.

Tucson has an interesting mix of architecture with a colonial style that looks very European. You won't forget you're in the middle of a desert though - the city's main attraction is the Saguaro National Park on the outskirts that also houses the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Phoenix

18. Marvel at the natural wonders of Monument Valley

6 hours 30 minutes from Las Vegas (400 miles)

Monument Valley sits on the border between Utah and Arizona and you may be surprised to know that it is not a National Park or a National Monument.

In fact, it has no real designation because it is located on the land of the Navajo Nation Reservation and can therefore not be classified as Federal or State protected land.

Although you're spoiled for choice for road trips to see amazing nature from Las Vegas, Monument Valley has to be high on your list for the totally unbelievable view that will open up.

The giant red rocks are spread through the valley as though they fell out of the sky and landed here in an ancient time and some of them measure over 1,000 ft (300 m) from the ground which is a pretty impressive height.

You can drive north or south of the Grand Canyon to get here and although the northern route is 30 miles shorter, they will both take about the same amount of time.

Seeing as you're going right past it, you really should make a few stops along the Grand Canyon (#11 above) to see the amazing sights below and maybe take a hike depending on how much time you've got. The Horseshoe Bend further along the canyon near Page is a great spot for an amazing photo.

Parts of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are also on the way if you follow the north route and a small detour from the south route will take you to the Red Rock State Park near Sedona (#12 above).

In fact, if you extend your trip and add in the Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah and follow different routes to and from Monument Valley, you'll see most of the amazing nature sights in the region in one epic road trip!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Monument Valley

19. See giant sequoias in Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks

8 hours from Las Vegas (455 miles)

Kings Canyon and Sequoia are two neighboring National Parks that seamlessly merge into each other in California's Sierra Nevada.

The 8-hour drive might put you off, but the time it takes to get here depends a lot on where in the parks you want to get to. The most popular destinations are in the western parts of the parks - Route 180 runs deep into the park to Kanawyers and is only accessible from the west.

Some of the most popular hikes and General Sherman, the world's largest tree also require you to loop around Sierra Nevada.

However, if you want to walk among the giant sequoia trees and hike through the mountains without seeing the "must see" sights, you can drive along California Highway 395 and take one of the small roads that runs into the parks from there and hiking one of the trails from the east.

Kearsarge Pass and Mount Whitney Trailheads are both great options and will take you about 4 and a half hours to get to.

As you'll be passing right through the Death Valley National Park (#5 above), you may as well add it onto your itinerary. The combined road trip will take you through the world's hottest desert and one of the most incredible lush forests that are only 2 hours away from each other!

20. Arches & Canyonlands National Parks, Utah

8 hours from Las Vegas (521 miles)

The two National Parks in eastern Utah sit either side of the town of Moab. As both of these parks are incredible for hiking and exploring the wilderness, Moab gets busy during the summer months as the tourist season hits its peak. If you can delay your road trip until after Labor Day, you'll likely get better value accommodation and there'll be less people about.

Canyonlands is the larger of the two parks and you can get close to most of the sights by driving - the main road that leads into the park is the Grand View Point Road and it has plenty of places to park for the trails and overlooks including the Grand View Point right at the end of the road.

White Rim Road goes around the perimeter of the park and comes off the Grand View Point Road before you get to the visitor center - this road is open to SUVs, 4x4 vehicles and off-road bikes, but it's a little more than a dirt track and progress can be slow so allow plenty of time to drive if you're planning to go that way.

Arches is a smaller park and is closer and quicker to get to from Los Angeles than Canyonlands which means a lot more people spend time here. Many of the amazing rock formations are an easy stroll from the nearest parking spot making it easy to see a lot of the sights without too much effort.

You might need to make a reservation for a timed-entry permit while visiting Arches National Park. Please check the national park's website for up-to-date information.

Each park costs $30 to enter although you can get the America the Beautiful National Parks pass for $80 which gives you unlimited access to National Parks across the country for one car including all passengers, so you really should get that and use it for a few more trips later on!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to Arches National Park

21. A long road trip across the Sierra Nevada to San Francisco

11 hours from Las Vegas (650 miles)

San Francisco may be a long drive from Las Vegas , but if you're really wanting to go on a proper road trip and have time to hand, this might just be the ultimate destination.

When planning the route for your road trip from Las Vegas, ignore the navigator directions. The I-15 and I-5 are not the most exciting of roads and there's better things to see between Vegas and the Fog City than Barstow and Bakersfield.

Time permitting, I would first head up to Death Valley (#5 above) and spend a night or two stargazing in one of the best places in the world to see the stars without light pollution.

After that, head north along the east side of the Sierra Nevada to Mammoth Lakes and then go over the Tioga Pass along California Highway 120.

This road will take you right through the heart of Yosemite (#15 above) which is well worth some of your time and a stop in the Yosemite Valley towards the end of the drive.

If you're not driving in the summer, the likelihood is that this road will be closed due to heavy snow. In this case your options are to keep on driving north towards Lake Tahoe and then taking the Carson Pass Highway (usually open throughout the winter) or the Lincoln Highway to Sacramento.

When you finally do get to San Francisco, there's so much to do you won't get close to doing it all even if you stay a week. See our guide to the best things to do in San Francisco to get inspired!

On the way back, you can come down the west side of Sierra Nevada and drive the super scenic State Route 180 that splits the Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks (#19 above), see the world's largest tree and then drive down the (even more scenic) Route 198 south.

A stop in the mountains of the Mojave desert (#4 above) on the way back will complete what would be one seriously epic road trip from Las Vegas that seems to include half of all the other destinations I've mentioned for shorter routes!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco

Below is a shortlist of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas if you are looking for some last-minute inspiration!

Best road trips from Las Vegas

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10 RV Parks Between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

Whether you are coming from a long weekend in Vegas and are looking for a spot to regroup for a day or two, or you need a pit stop before heading to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you’re going to need a place to park your RV. Looking for some recommendations?

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10 RV parks between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. The route between Las Vegas and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is popular for traveling in an RV.

Here are the best 10 RV Parks along the way:

• RV Park at Circus Circus Las Vegas
• Las Vegas RV Park
• Duck Creek RV Park and Resort
• Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach
• Kingman KOA
• Tradewinds RV Park
• Route 66 KOA/Seligman
• Grand Canyon/Williams KOA
• The Grand Canyon Camper Village
• Trailer Village RV Park

(This article may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Thank you!)

It’s roughly a five-hour road trip from the glamorous bright lights of Las Vegas to the wide-open wonder of The Grand Canyon’s South Rim. For many people, this could be a once in a lifetime bucket list type of trip. So, take your time and enjoy the ride!

I’ve got you covered with a great list of RV campgrounds between here and there.

Note : I wrote this route as if you are starting in Las Vegas because, in fact, thousands of people do it this way each year (many of them in rental RVs ). You can, of course, use this list in reverse by starting at the Grand Canyon and ending your journey in Vegas.

We’ve done it from both directions and I promise it’s just as fun either way!

The 10 Best RV Parks Between Las Vegas and The Grand Canyon

Remember, it’s just as much about the journey, as it is about the destination. So relax and don’t worry about a place to stay – just pick one or more of these ten RV parks to stop at along the way.

Las Vegas is a perfect jumping-off point to start your RV trip to the Grand Canyon. So let’s get started with a few RV camping spots in Vegas!

1.    RV Park at Circus Circus Las Vegas

The Circus Circus RV Park is a strictly no-frills RV Park, but it’s basically as close to the Las Vegas action as you can get in an RV! We promised you parks from Vegas to the Canyon; this one is right in the heart of the party.

Are you traveling with children? This park is kid-friendly, as well as pet-friendly. In terms of amenities, it’s got a pool and hot tub on-site for your enjoyment, as well as a pet park for your furry friend.

Even though it’s a no-frills park smack in the center of town, it still offers sewer and electricity hook-ups. And, they can accommodate large rigs, good news for the big guys!

The biggest advantage of this property is obviously the convenience. Literally, in a parking lot directly off the Strip, you can walk out of your front door and into a casino or go for an exciting stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard.

Get the most out of your visit by purchasing a bus pass to get you all around without the extra walking. Save some energy for the Grand Canyon!

Tip : Since Circus Circus is a bit of a way away from the most active parts of the Strip, you may want to find some transportation. You can find out all about how to get around in Las Vegas without a car in our article here .

• Circus Circus RV Park (website)
• Rating: 3.5 stars
• Location: google maps
• Phone Number: 702-734-0410
• 4 1/2 hours to Grand Canyon Village (283 miles)

2.    Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

One step further off of the Strip, and a few steps above in terms of the amenities offered in this park vs. the last one. The Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort really does offer an “oasis” setting with their family-friendly beachfront pool and waterfalls, where you and the kids can chill out for the afternoon.

Take advantage and get away while you can to the adult pool and spa or the manicured green for 18 holes of putt-putt golf. While the kids are distracted, slip away to the full-service fitness center, or throw a load in at the laundry facility. They also have a dumpsite on the property.

When you are all relaxed and ready for a big night out, the action is just a block away. A short refreshing walk (refreshing if it’s not too hot that is), and you are in the center of anything but a relaxing oasis.

Are you catching one of the famous Vegas shows ? Doing some gambling and taking in some sights? Heading to the thrilling rides at The Stratosphere? Whatever your pleasure, Vegas can bring it – and you’re just down the Strip.

Note : Although the park is located just off the Strip, it is down on the far southern end. You’ll still need some transportation to get into the thick of the action, further north, on the Strip.

From here on out, we will be heading farther away from the Strip, and closer to the main jump-off point for the drive to the Grand Canyon.

• Oasis RV Park (website)
• Rating: 4.5 stars
• Phone Number: 800-566-4707
• 4 hours 21 minutes to Grand Canyon Village (276 miles)

3.    Duck Creek RV Park and Resort

If you have never been to Las Vegas, you may not realize that you can see mountains from almost anywhere in the city. The Strip is so bright and so built up that it is easy to forget that you’re surrounded by such breathtaking natural beauty.

With the cozy location of this RV park, you get the best of both worlds. Getting farther from the bright lights, but still only a short drive away should you decide to go back and play your last $20 on the nickel slots or catch another celebrity impersonator show on the Strip.

You and your family can enjoy the nearby Silver Bowl Park, picnic area with grills and tables while your four-legged friends get to stretch out and play with other happy pups in the pet park. Then later head back to Duck Creek to take a refreshing dip in the pool.

This site is capable of accommodating most RV’s with the longest sites at 72 feet long. Under 10 miles from the action on the Strip, this park provides a resort-like atmosphere, without the high prices that you might expect from a resort this close to the Vegas action.

• Duck Creek RV Park (website)
• Rating: 4.0 stars
• Phone Number: 702-454-7090
• 4 hours 17 minutes to Grand Canyon Village (271 miles)

After Duck Creek, we’ll be leaving Las Vegas behind and starting our journey to Grand Canyon National Park.

(For a full list of places you can park your RV while in Las Vegas, check out our article here. )

4.    Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach

Lake Mead is one of the amazing bonuses that you will get on your trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. It is truly breathtaking against the towering mountain backdrop. The Lake Mead RV Park has an incredible location, and almost every site has a grand view. Everyone gets an RV spot with a view here!

Enjoy a game of horseshoes while your dinner cooks on the BBQ grills in the relaxing picnic area . Then, after dinner, take a short walk down to picturesque Boulder Beach for an amazing sunset.

Bonus: Hoover Dam is just a few miles away from this campground so you may want to include it as part of your journey to the Grand Canyon. You can learn more about visiting Hoover Dam in our article here . In it, I let you know where you can park your recreational vehicle while at the dam.

This park has 110 sites with sewer, wi-fi, electricity, and cable hookups. Pet-friendly and family-friendly, this park is the complete package, plus some.

If you are interested in making this a business trip, Lake Mead Village offers professional meeting rooms or a large deck for gathering your group with views of the lake!

• Lake Mead RV Village (website)
• Rating: 4.4 stars
• Phone Number: 702-293-2540
• 4 hours to Grand Canyon Village (249 miles)

5.    Kingman KOA Journey

It’s no surprise to most RV enthusiasts to find more than one KOA on this list. Popular for a good reason, KOAs are reliable, easily accessible and part of a discount membership program. I highly recommend checking out and becoming a part of KOA for great perks across the country!

At Kingman’s KOA location in Kingman, Arizona you will feel right at home. Isn’t the RV life wonderful and unique in that way? Home is truly wherever you park it. Roll in, pull out your chair and relax.

Your furry friend will love the pet playground, and your kids will get excited about the mini-golf course, fun train, and calendar of planned activities, all of which give you a chance to socialize with the other families that are on adventures of their own.

Get out and share your stories with each other. You may gain some helpful tips for your journey from your fellow campers.

• Kingman KOA Journey (website)
• Rating: 4.3 stars
• Phone Number: 928-757-4397
• 2 hours 43 minutes to Grand Canyon Village (171 miles)

6.    Tradewinds RV Park

Along the route from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you will find the quaint Tradewinds RV Park. Close to many attractions, it’s also fit for outdoor thrill-seekers, as well. How does renting an ATV to explore the desert sound? Rock climbing dreams also come true in Golden Valley, Arizona so bring your gear!

Take advantage of locally offered adventures like horseback riding, golf courses, antique shops, museums, coal mining museum, and ghost town attractions as well as a rodeo and a zipline!

You will find a long list of things to do outside of the RV Park, but when you come back home there is still more fun to be had. Take advantage of all the campground has to offer, such as poker tables, bocce ball, huge patio and bar, pool tables, and lots more to keep you and the entire family busy.

• Tradewinds RV Campground (website)
• Phone Number: 928-565-5115
• 3 hours to Grand Canyon Village (186 miles)

7.    Route 66 KOA/Seligman

Surely you have heard of Historic Route 66. Well, this RV Park is literally on the historic highway! This KOA can accommodate a rig of any size with full hookups, including cable.

The excitement of being on Route 66 can be enhanced by grabbing a malt at the local drive-in. And, in the spring, classic cars line up, bringing you right back to the good old days!

Take the family on a self-guided tour of historic Seligman, snap plenty of pictures while you are there to have memories to treasure forever. This is a really interesting town and is well worth stopping to explore.

Want to spend your time inside the RV park? There’s plenty to keep you, and the family entertained. Volleyball, playground (human and pet), and a relaxing picnic area to enjoy the gorgeous local desert sunset await you. A stay at the KOA is always fun!

• Seligman/Route 66 KOA (website)
• Rating: 4.1 stars
• Phone Number: 928-422-3358
• 1 hour 37 minutes to Grand Canyon Village (100 miles)

8.    Grand Canyon/Williams KOA Journey

You are almost there!! This modernized KOA is in Williams, Arizona which is just about an hour away from the Grand Canyon, the Grand Destination! The Grand Canyon KOA advertises itself as the best base camp for exploring everything the local area has to offer.

Are you ready to enjoy a gourmet coffee fireside before you go off into the wild? Or relax around a huge campfire while stargazing with your loved ones. Without the abundance of light pollution found in Las Vegas and all other big cities, you may be able to see more constellations than you’ve ever seen before.

This KOA can accommodate the biggest rigs we’ve seen at any RV campsite, up to 100 feet in length. It’s also pet-friendly, kid-friendly, and just all-around friendly. You will love this KOA RV Park!

• Grand Canyon / Williams KOA Journey (website)
• Rating: 4.2 stars
• Phone Number: 928-635-2307
• 55 minutes to Grand Canyon Village (52 miles)

9. The Grand Canyon Camper Village

This lovely RV campground is one of our favorites for many reasons. First of all, they are the only private full-service Campground within 20 miles of The Grand Canyon National Park! Literally the only one.

That, plus the fact that they are open year-round makes them a very popular spot to park your motorhome or trailer for day trips into the National Park.

Note : The official entrance to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is located just one mile north of the campground.

Another reason to love this park and its location? The famous General Store is within walking distance. This gem of a shop is quaint, and they offer a surprisingly wide variety of goods. If you are hungry and looking to dine out, or catch a movie to relax, you are also within walking distance from a few restaurants and an IMAX theater!

Catching one of the National Park Trolley Busses from here is easy, just ask the concierge to point you in the right direction. When planning the ultimate RV trip to The Grand Canyon, you really couldn’t ask for a better place to park your home!

• Grand Canyon Camper Village (website)
• Rating: 3.3 stars
• Phone Number: 928-638-2887
• 13 minutes to Grand Canyon Village (6 miles)

10. Trailer Village RV Park

You made it! If staying near Grand Canyon National Park isn’t close enough for you, how does an RV Park inside the National Park sound? The Trailer Village RV Park is the only RV campground in the park with full RV hookups.

Open year-round with paved pull-through sites it’s as close as you can camp in your rig to the South Rim of the canyon. The campground can accommodate motorhomes and trailers up to 50 feet in length.

The RV park is located in Grand Canyon Village which is the main center of activity on the South Rim. From here you can easily participate in the following activities:

• South Rim Shuttle bus
• Restaurants
• Horseback Rides
• Scenic Train
• Mule Trips into the Canyon
• Trailer Village RV Park (website)
• Phone Number: 928-638-1006
• 8 minutes to Grand Canyon Village ( 2 miles)

Important Note : Reservations are not required but it is highly recommended to have a prior reservation as this campground is full much of the year.

Tips for the Route

As destinations go, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon are extremely different from one another, but they often attract some of the same crowd because of how relatively close they are together. Many thousands of people visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas each year.

On our list, we worked our way from the Las Vegas Strip towards the canyon, giving you information on each RV camping spot along the way to help you make an educated decision of where to stop during your adventure.

Here are a few more bits of information that will help you plan your journey.

What Time of Year is Best for a Grand Canyon Trip?

Planning your trip around the time of year is a good idea. The season and the weather may determine what part of the Grand Canyon you visit:

• North Rim closes for a few months during winter. Approximately December to May, depending on the weather.
• During an extreme winter, the North Rim entrance will close for however long it takes to thaw and be deemed safe for visitors.
• The best time of year to visit any rim of the Grand Canyon is May-September. Even if you are expecting warm temperatures, don’t forget to pack long sleeves and pants for cool nights and early mornings.

What is the Difference Between Grand Canyon’s Rims?

Though this is the least visited rim for sightseeing tourists, it may be the most popular for outdoor enthusiasts and more experienced hikers. When the North Rim entrance of the canyon closes for the winter, the only way you can get in will be to hike or ski there, which does require a special permit.

The North Rim is gorgeous and has very little development compared to the South Rim. In addition, it’s not easy to get there. Even though the North Rim is just a few miles away from the South Rim as the crow flies, to drive will take you well over four hours. Don’t even consider it during winter.

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim receives the most visitors per year making it the most popular entrance. Grand Canyon Village is located at the South Rim. Canyon trail rides, Hopi House, guided hikes, river trips, general store, campgrounds, and restaurants can all be found here.

When people talk about the Grand Canyon, they’re usually talking about the South Rim. With the most accessible overlooks into the canyon, the South Rim is the place to visit if you are only going to see one area.

Less than three hours away, the West Rim is the closest part of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. And, will often be the area most of the tour buses (vegas.com) that run from Vegas to the canyon will drop off their loads of passengers.

The recent addition of the very popular Skywalk attraction, a glass-floored walkway that cantilevers out over the edge of the canyon 720 feet up, draws many visitors!

Not only can you walk out over the edge of the canyon, you can also catch a zipline down to the base of the canyon, at the West Rim. The 3,500 feet of zipline takes you soaring 1,000 feet over this gorgeous view.

If you are a thrill-seeker, this could make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot! When you’re zooming 50 mph you will feel like you are literally flying.

Is there an “East” Rim? Of course, there is. You do not hear much about the east, as compared to the rest of the canyon rim access points. That is partly because it is the least easily accessible of all of the points.

However, there is some camping and hiking permitted along the East Rim, the majority of it falls on sacred Navajo land, for which you will need a guide to hike through.

Hiking the Rim

Are you ready for the hike of a lifetime? When traveling to The Grand Canyon, most people plan on doing a bit of hiking and walking during their time at the canyon. But then there are those that travel to the canyon with the plan to hike the entire thing. Bless your heart.

Are you cold-blooded and ready to trek through the snow and harsh elements that winter in the canyon can bring? Or, are you a sunny sky and warm weather hiking type? Either way will require a bit of prep before you step out on the trail.

The suggested route to take would be North to South, or visa-versa starting at one of two trails. The North Kaibab Trail is 14.3 miles at 8,241 elevation, with a descending hike, whereas the Bright Angel Trail is only a 9.6-mile hike at 6,860 elevation with an ascending route.

Packing for a long hike:

• Comfortable boots and clothes
• Sunscreen and hat/glasses
• Water and food (pack for round-trip and emergency back-up)
• Compass and/or GPS
• Basic first aid kit and flares

Just Keep Driving!

Once you’re back behind the wheel of your rig, it is easy to want the adventures to continue forever. Let’s take a closer look at some more local attractions that you can add to your list if you have the time.

Antelope Canyon : Just under a two-hour drive away is incredible Antelope Canyon. Famous for its mesmerizing swirling painted appearance and natural breathtaking panoramic beauty.

If you are interested in taking the trip to Antelope Canyon, you must book a reservation with a native tour guide. Access to the Canyon is not permitted without a guide! ( google map )

Sedona : Approximately two hours south is Sedona, Arizona. A dream trip for a lot of people because of its spiritual energy vortex. Said to span over 22 miles, this vortex attracts all types of people looking to experience the uplifting energy. ( google map )

Petrified Forest National Park: Drive just about three hours east to the Painted Desert and Petrified National Forest to experience the gorgeous fossilized colorful petrified wood in the Rainbow Forest. You will not regret the extra few hours it took to drive to this super cool destination! ( google map )

As you can see there are some amazing things to see on your way to and from the canyon. I encourage you to take it slow and spend some time in each location.

I hope you enjoy your RV journey from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon and get to experience the west in your own special way.

Happy RV’ing!

Bryan is a Las Vegas local who has spent years exploring the city's vibrant culture and entertainment scene. With his extensive knowledge of the best attractions and hidden gems, he has become an expert on all things Las Vegas. He regularly shares his insider tips with people looking to visit Las Vegas and make the most of their trip. More about Bryan.

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At more than 5,000 acres, the Pahranagat Refuge is a breathtaking natural oasis in the Nevada desert. Have fun all year round with non-motorized boats, hunting, fishing and camping.

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One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a must-visit. Enjoy hiking, climbing and camping, or even descend into the canyon by burro. To avoid the crowds and congestion, give the less-traveled North Rim a shot on your Grand Canyon camping trip.

Great Basin National Park - 5 to 6 hours

Great Basin National Park contains groves of one of the oldest living things known to man: the bristlecone pine. These trees can live more than 5,000 years! Camp in your spacious RV, then spend your days hiking this primitive wonderland –– especially the Lehman Caves!

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If you are looking for a great spot to park your rig, here are some of the best RV parks in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas RV Resort

Amenities: This large RV park in Las Vegas is consistently rated as one of the best. It offers resort amenities such as an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, clean restrooms, a meeting room, 24-hour security, a fitness center, a spa, and a pet area. 

Capacity: 379 RV sites 

More Information: Las Vegas RV Resort

Hitchin’ Post RV Park

Amenities: Close to The Strip, Hitchin’ Post RV Park offers visitors a fun and clean place to stay. It has a new clubhouse, a putting green, a dog bath, a saloon restaurant on-site, free Wi-Fi, newly remodeled restrooms and showers, and even a heated swimming pool.

Capacity: 196 RV sites

More Information: Hitchin’ Post RV Park

Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam's Town Journey

Amenities: A list of the best RV parks in Las Vegas isn’t complete without a KOA campground. This RV resort features easy access to one of the largest casinos on Boulder Strip, shaded sites, two pools and hot tubs, laundry and shower facilities, cable and Wi-Fi, a pet area, and a communal BBQ station. The RV park has pull-through sites with 50 amp hookups.

Capacity: Number of RV sites not specified on website

More Information: Las Vegas KOA Journey at Sam’s Town Journey

Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

Amenities: Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort has a newly renovated cafe, a family pool and waterfalls, an adult pool and spa, a convenience store, a putting green, a fitness center, Wi-Fi connectivity, horseshoe pits, clean restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, and more. Sites include full hookups (30/50 amp).

More Information: Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort

Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort

Amenities: Voted as a Top 5 Best Luxury RV Resort in 2021 by USA Today, this Las Vegas RV Park is worth the trip. There is a diner, several outdoor pools, a clubhouse, pickleball and tennis courts, a storage area, and more. Enjoy 24-hour security, clean restrooms and bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a mailroom.

Capacity: 403 RV sites

More Information: Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort

Roam Free With Your Cruise America RV

Cruise America's Las Vegas RV Dealers give you the chance to escape the city life whenever you'd like. With a recreational vehicle, you don't have to worry about packing and unpacking your car. All you need to decide is where you want to go for your next RV road trip . Visit one of the best RV parks in Las Vegas and make some amazing memories!

Discover more great vacation ideas for your Cruise America RV –– check out our guide to RV vacations , and visit Cruise America's Las Vegas RV dealers today!

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The Traveling Child

If kids live there, kids can visit!

Nevada Road Trip, Our Six Day Itinerary

May 24, 2020       Destinations , Nevada , North America

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information. All opinions are my own.

After taking multiple trips to Las Vegas we finally left the strip to see what else Nevada has to offer. The year prior we flew into Las Vegas to start our Southwest road trip and did it via an RV . We had so much fun we decided to rent an RV in Las Vegas again to do our Nevada road trip. Here is how we spent our six days in Nevada.

Nevada Road Trip: What City Should You Fly Into?

To kick off this Nevada road trip it makes the most sense to fly into Las Vegas International Airport. The airport constantly has flight deals (see the best websites for flight deals here ). It’s also the closest airport to the cities visited on this road trip as you’ll see from the map below.

What’s The Best Time of Year for a Nevada Road Trip?

Once summer hits Nevada gets hot, I mean really hot. I once visited in July for my annual mommy daughter trip (read that itinerary here ) and temps hit over 100 ° F daily. We would wake up really early to go out, come back inside by 10:30AM and not go out again until the sun was setting. It’s like this June-August so while it is dry heat I’d avoid it during this time if you won’t want to explore midday with such high temps. 

This time we visited in October when it’s still warm, with an average high of 82 ° F, but cool in the evenings. I would avoid December-January as the high is only 58 ° F with lows of 39 ° F. Late November and early February are also quite chilly but March-early May and September- early November will have the best weather.

Day Zero: Arrival into Las Vegas and RV Pick Up

If you choose to do this Nevada road trip via RV like we did you’ll pick it up upon arrival. We rent from Outdoorsy, we’ve done so three times and love them! You can sign up here to save $50 on your first rental. On this RV trip my parents were joining us so there would be a total of four adults and two kids, making this RV perfect for us.

After picking up the RV we hit the grocery store to get food for our trip. This is important as the first two days of our itinerary had us not so close to any major stores. We got all the essentials like water, breakfast food, sandwich supplies, and things to make dinner. Everything we bought could be made stove top as oven cooking isn’t that easy in an RV, although many RV parks do have grills!

Depending on the time you arrive in Las Vegas you can start your Nevada road trip right after your pick up and stock your RV or you might want to spend the night in the city. If you do, I recommend staying at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort. It’s ten minutes from the strip and if you’re looking for a place with a lot of amenities this is it. They have a cafe onsite and concierge service so you can book show tickets, tours, and make restaurant reservations. There is a pool, an 18-hole golf course, fitness center and more. Rates start at $49/night and you can read more reviews here . 

Day One of Our Nevada Road Trip: The Lost City Museum and Valley of Fire State Park

After a good night’s rest, recovering from jet lag we left Las Vegas to start our Nevada road trip. First stop was the Lost City Museum. It’s 65 miles from the city and takes about an hour and 20 minutes 1 to get there. It’s open daily from 8:30AM-4:30PM except on New Year’s Day, Christmas and Thanksgiving when it’s closed. Children 18 and under and free and adults cost $5. Here we learned about the ancestral Puebloans and saw a replica of what the Native American communities looked like. Expect to spend an hour max here, the museum is small. You can book a small group full-day tour of Valley of Fire here . 

Knowing there wouldn’t be anywhere to eat once we got into Valley of Fire State Park we stopped at La Fonda Mexican Restaurant on the way. It was just ten minutes from the Lost City Museum and 15 minutes from Valley of Fire. The service was great and the food was good.

Where to Camp Inside Valley of Fire State Park

Once we got into Valley of Fire State Park, we headed straight to the Atlatl Rock Campground. This is because the campground doesn’t take reservations and is first come first serve and there are only 44 spaces! Check out is at 12 pm so that is a good time to arrive to scout out a spot, even though check in is technically not until 2pm. Half of the sites have full hookup for electricity and water costing $20/night. The other half are dry camping and cost $10/night.

In addition to the campsite you’ll pay the $10 park entrance fee. If you’re dry camping in a tent or in an RV but couldn’t snag a full hookup spot there are still toilets and shower available at the campground for us. Another option is the Arch Rock campground inside the park which has 29 campsites but they only accommodate smaller RVs.

Things to Do Inside Valley of Fire State Park

After securing our sport we headed to the Visitor Center. It’s a great place for those extremely hot parts of the day where you need to avoid the sun. Inside are exhibits on the animals in the park along with the park history. It’s open from 9AM-4:30PM and has a small snack stand and souvenir shop.

Once it cooled down we went to Rainbow Vista, the prettiest road inside the park in my opinion. You can climb up the rocks here for an aerial view of the road and park. The colors are gorgeous if you get here during golden hour. In this area we even saw a huge pack of Rams roaming around.

We headed back to the campground where we relaxed for the rest of the evening.

Day Two of Our Nevada Road Trip: Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead

Hiking trails at valley of fire state park.

Thankfully on our second day it was much cooler and the perfect hiking weather. We first hiked the Fire Wave trail. This hike takes an hour round trip and is easy for people of all ages and activity levels. My five year old hiked both ways on her own and my 54 year old parents also had no issues. This half-day guided hiking trip takes you through petroglyphs and to peaks and plateaus in the Valley of Fire State Park.

Next we headed to the White Dunes Trail in hopes of finding the slot canyon. Unfortunately for us I think we went the wrong way as we never made it to the slot canyon. However, we also didn’t get to finish the hike as we had to leave for our helicopter tour. Even though we didn’t see the slot canyon we still enjoyed the views from the part of the trial we did explore.

If we had more time we would have loved to explore these points of interest as well:

• Mouse’s Tank Trail 0.8 mile hike
• Elephant Rock Trail 0.3 hike
• Petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock- you’ll walk up a set of stairs to see the petrogylphs 

Lake Mead/Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour

Back in the RV we left Valley of Fire and headed to Boulder City, 90 minutes away. We had a reservation with Papillon Helicopters for the Black Canyon Heli tour which goes over both Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. The helicopter ride is short, only ten minutes, but it feels quite long and the view is stunning. I’m so thankful we got a chance to complete the ride as our first attempt on our trip to the Big Island of Hawaii  our tour got cancelled due to weather.

In the evening we had a Lake Mead dinner cruise booked but while we had great weather for the helicopter tour it turned poorly later. The winds picked up so much our dinner cruise was cancelled. Since it’s only offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays we unfortunately couldn’t reschedule. As we didn’t get to do it I can’t provide feedback but you can read reviews from others here .

Since we wouldn’t be getting dinner on the cruise we ate at Desimone’s Steakhouse. It’s inside of a casino and probably the most upscale restaurant in Boulder City. As a steakhouse it is expensive but it was so good and we knew it would be the only time on the trip we’d eat at such a nice place.

Our Stay at Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach

After dinner we checked into Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach . Like the RV park we camped at in Huntington Beach, CA it has tons of spots with lake views and we got one. Waking up and having breakfast in front of Lake Mead was gorgeous. The lakeview spots are $50/night but non-lake view spots are as low as $34/night. Included in the rate is WiFi and cable plus there is a laundry room, you can read more reviews here .

Day Three of Our Nevada Road Trip: Ziplining and the Hoover Dam

Flightlinez bootleg canyon.

Today we would be splitting up a bit due to the activities we were doing. The guys went ziplining at Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon . While the kids did go ziplining on our trip to Costa Rica this zipline company doesn’t allow you to go with a guide so each person has to be at least 75lbs but no more than 250lbs. There are four runs and the tour lasts two and a half hours. They’re open 365 days a year and have 5 tours a day including a sunset tour. When there is a full moon they add a 6th, moonlight tour at 8PM.

Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum

While the guys screamed, I mean zip-lined their hearts out my mom and I took the girls to the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. It’s a free museum that goes over the history of the Hoover Dam and even though it’s small it gives a lot of information and we all enjoyed it. There is a video you can watch along with three areas you walk through.

Grandma Daisy’s Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor

Since we still had time until the guys finished zip-lining we walked over to Grandma Daisy’s Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor. Think of any candy you enjoyed as a child and they have it! Rock candy, Whatchamacallit Bars, literally everything. The ice cream is just as good, we loved the Superman flavor.

The Hoover Dam

After we rejoined the guys and we all went to the Hoover Dam. It was nice visiting after going to the museum so we knew more of the history around it. We didn’t do a tour since we went to the museum and some of us had previously done the tour on our trip to Las Vegas with toddlers three years prior.

Canyon Trail RV Park

To be closer to the activities we were doing the next day we relocated to Canyon Trail RV Park . While the park was clean and does have some amenities like a pool we weren’t fans. It was just a big parking lot and barely any space in between each space. There was no space for the kids to run around or even any picnic tables, something we’ve had at every other RV park we’ve ever stayed at. The rate did include Electric, Sewer, Water, Cable and WIFI but at $48/night plus $10 extra for any RV with more than 2 occupants we should have just stayed at our lake front spot for $50/night.

Day Four: Eldorado Canyon Mine, Nevada Southern Railroad Museum and Rail Explorers

Eldorado canyon mine tour.

Did you know that Nevada has/had 82% of the gold in the US! Well the oldest, richest and most famous one is Eldorado Canyon Mine, just 30 minutes from Canyon Trail RV Park. They offer three tours a day at 9am, 12pm and 2pm, lasting one hour and ten minutes. Be aware they need four adults to run the tour so definitely call a head of time to confirm there are people signed up. Adults are $15, kids 5-12 are $10 and kids under 5 are free. Bring a jacket because inside the cave is a bit cold.

Besides touring the cave and learning about the history of how this gold mine was used the owner collects a lot of “junk”. This junk is pretty cool though with tons of old antique cars, planes from movies, and other random things! If you’ve paid for the tour you can take pictures but if you haven’t they do charge for photoshoots! Be sure to have directions pulled up before leaving town as there isn’t service on most parts of the road on the way.

Nevada Southern Railroad Museum

We ate lunch and then headed to Nevada Southern Railroad Museum. Here you can walk through train cars from different eras which were used for different purposes. Seeing the car in which the wealthy stayed in when traveling from one place to another was insane. They had full homes with a room for their personal butler!

Before or after looking at the old train cars you can take a ride on one of the operating cars.  For an extra fee of $35 those 5 and older can ride in the caboose of the train with the conductor. I sat up here with my eldest while my younger daughter, husband, and parents sat in the passenger area. While my daughter enjoyed getting to sit in the conductor seat for a minute and honk the horn I wouldn’t necessarily recommend sitting up here. If you’re short like us you won’t have a good view of the space around you as the train is riding. The rest of our family had some nice views where they say and more space and it was much cheaper at $10 per adult and $5 for children 4-11. Train rides are offered at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30 Saturday and Sunday but the museum is open 9:00-3:30 seven days a week.

Chilly Jilly’z

Our next adventure, a sunset ride with Rail Explorers, was also at the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum. We had an hour to kill so we walked over to Chill Jilly’z. They sell lots of goodie but are known for their Dole Whip, something we were introduced to and fell in love with on our trip to Honolulu . We hadn’t had any since then so it was a nice refreshing treat.

Rail Explorers

Back at the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum this time for a sunset ride on the train tracks with Rail Explorers . It’s a pedal powered vehicle that you ride down for about 4 miles. At the end of the ride you get to relax in a chair provided in an open grass area and watch the sunset. After about 20-30 minutes the train arrives to bring you back to the museum to go home. There are two seaters and quads but they can be linked to accommodate larger groups, the six of us rode together. My youngest daughter was 3 at the time and enjoyed it even though she didn’t help us pedal as she couldn’t reach them! There are seat belts to strap everyone in.

While we did the sunset ride, they offer a total of three tours a day, also having a day tour and evening lantern tour. The tandem explorer which seats two riders is $42.50pp or $85 total and the quad explorer, up to four riders at $37.50pp or $150. Even though they break the tour price down to per person you have to pay for the entire explorer even if it’s not occupied. Single riders can do a VIP ride, sitting next to a tour guide for $45 .  

Day Five of Our Nevada Road Trip: Discovery Children’s Museum and Springs Preserve

Discovery children’s museum.

After checking out of Canyon Trail RV Park we made our way to Las Vegas. Boulder City is just 30 minutes away so we arrived quickly. We took the kids to the Discovery Children’s Museum which they loved. The museum is three stories and the kids did not want to leave, literally they had to be escorted out when it closed! One of their favorite sections was the career area. They were able to learn about different careers, dress up like that career, do that careers job, and earn a paycheck. Later they could cash their check at an ATM and use the money to go shopping in a different section of the museum.

Besides the career section they loved the innovative area where they were able to build things. On the first floor there is a playhouse and theater where they can dress up and perform on stage. There was also an art room where they could color and paint. It’s open Tuesday from 10-6, Wednesday-Saturday 10-5 and-Sunday 12-5. It’s closed Monday’s unless it’s a holiday or school break and admission is $14.50 for anyone 1 year and older. 

Springs Preserve

Springs Preserve originally served as the original source of water for Native Americans living in Las Vegas thousands of years ago . Today it’s a preserve to protect and manage the cultural, natural and water resources with tools to provide a vision for a sustainable future. Springs Preserve has museums, galleries, a botanical garden, playground and more. Since we stayed at the Children’s Discovery Museum for so long we missed seeing the Springs Preserve prior to it being transformed for the special Haunted Harvest event.

We visited close to Halloween when the Preserve transforms Friday-Sundays in October from 5-9PM adding a haunted hay maze, trick or treat stations, carnival games, live entertainment, a petting zoo, “haunted” train rides and more. My kids absolutely loved it and we had an amazing time. If you visit in October definitely add this to your itinerary and if you don’t just visit the Springs Preserve during the day! Triple A members receive $4 off ticket prices!

Las Vegas Accommodation Options

Once back in Las Vegas you can choose to keep your RV and camp at Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort again or try a new one. You can also choose to return the RV, rent a car , and stay in a hotel . If you do one of my hotel recommendations off the strip is the Tru by Hilton . 

We’ve stayed here on our trip to Las Vegas with kids and as a newer hotel it’s very modern and clean. The room rate includes free breakfast and parking is complimentary, with plenty of space to park an RV. You can check out other reviews of the hotel here and make your booking here . To save on our hotel booking, we booked via the Dosh App . They give up to 40% cashback on hotels and the prices are the same that you’d find directly on the hotels website. In 2019 we got back $780 on bookings!

Day Six: Downtown Container Park and  Magic Mountain

Downtown container park.

For the last day of our Nevada road trip we kicked it off by visiting the Downtown Container Park. It’s an outdoor shopping area with restaurants, a playground and stage which hosts shows and concerts. Like the name suggests everything is made from old shipping containers, art in itself. 

Art District Las Vegas

The Downtown Container Park is located in the Art District. You should definitely check out the area, either by driving or walking around. You’ll see some beautiful art murals on the walls of buildings.

Seven Magic Mountain

Seven Magic Mountains is an outdoor art installation created by Ugo Rondinone’s. It’s basically 7 “mountains” made out of huge rocks which have been painted in neon bright colors. Opened in 2016 it was supposed to be up for only two years but it’s popularity has extended the display until at least the end of 2021.

Sadly it was the end of our Nevada road trip. We returned the RV from Outdoorsy and headed to the airport for our red eye flight back to Miami . If you have more time in Las Vegas itself check out my article on things to do in Las Vegas from our previous trips to the city. Check out our other RV trip itineraries for Southern California and the Southwest USA . Did you find this article helpful? Please share it! Below is a video highlighting our trip.

The Traveling Child is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to  amazon.com ,  amazon.co.uk ,  amazon.ca . Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

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Reader interactions.

June 5, 2020 at 3:42 pm

Wonderful write up! I adore seeing your family on all these adventures. I hope my family will be able to do some of these things on a roads trip w under certain closures now. Thanks!

June 7, 2020 at 7:24 am

Any reason why you didn t do Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon from Vegas? We re planning a trip in June and were planning to a day trip to one of the Canyons? Any suggestions?

June 10, 2020 at 6:58 pm

We didn’t go because we visited those destinations on our Southwest Road Trip the previous year! You can see that itinerary here https://www.thetravelingchild.co/southwest-road-trip/

22 Incredible Day Trips from Las Vegas You’ll Absolutely Love

Posted on Published: December 15, 2022  - Last updated: April 4, 2024

Looking to escape the busy city of Las Vegas? Of course you are! There’s so many amazing adventures just minutes away. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Las Vegas, here’s your list!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Las Vegas has a reputation for shopping, dining and casinos – and it lives up to the hype! But if you’re craving adventure – or some nature – taking a day trip from Las Vegas is a great way to do just that.

Leave the crowded strip and hit the road!

Some of the best day trips are just 20 minutes away, while others will take you away the entire day from sunrise to sunset (or beyond). Whether you’re traveling solo , celebrating a birthday in Vegas with friends, as a couple or with your family, there’s something on this epic list of day trips from Las Vegas to fit every travel style .

Let’s dive in!

Map of the best day trips from Las Vegas

If you’re a visual person like I am, this map of the best places to visit near Las Vegas will help you plan your perfect adventure.

By the way, as someone who’s actively checking places off my travel bucket list , I haven’t been everywhere (yet). So I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help with these things to do near Las Vegas. Enjoy!

Day trips from Las Vegas

Located in the Mojave Desert, there’s so much to see and do in the area. Here are some of the best ideas for things to do outside of Vegas!

1. Red Rock Canyon (one of the best things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 16 miles / 20 minutes

Perhaps one of the shortest day trips from Las Vegas is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s perfect for a full day of adventure away from the busy city, yet close enough for a quick drive.

One of the most popular things to do is the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive . This one-way, 13 mile drive takes you through the entire conservation area. Stop at Calico II to see the vibrant red sandstone rocks.

Bring grippy hiking shoes for the 2.2 mile hike on the Calico Tanks Trail . This fun, interactive hike requires a bit of scrambling to get to the viewpoint of the Las Vegas strip. So cool!

You’ll actually need a timed entry reservation to see the conservation area from October through May, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! If you can’t grab a spot, consider booking a Red Rock Canyon hiking tour which includes park entry.

Of course, come prepared with enough water and high protein snacks. If you’re hiking be sure to bring the 10 essentials and a satellite communicator in case of emergency.

Recommended by Nikki of Inspired Routes

Save money on travel with points: Check out the best credit card offers to save big money by using rewards points for flights and hotels. They’re so good; I regularly have 2-3 in my wallet and book most of my travel with points!

2. Valley of Fire State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 56 miles / 48 minutes

Valley of Fire is a famous Nevada State Park, and a nature preserve area known for its breathtaking red sandstone and rock formations. It consists of 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone.

Prehistoric remnants and unparalleled vistas are intertwined among the valley’s red rocks. There are also ancient petroglyphs that were carved into the Aztec Sandstone rock formations. These spectacular rock formations are best viewed on a sunny day, and every sunset, they illuminate the valley, making it appear they’re on fire.

There are several outdoor activities that you can do in the Valley of Fire. The park offers a short hike for you to survey the area’s scenic views.

As you explore the site, take advantage of these fascinating rock formations like the Valley of Fire Beehives, Atlatl Rock, Elephant Rock and the Fire Wave. They will surely leave you speechless in their beauty.

You can stay overnight in the Valley of Fire; various campgrounds located near this famous spot for camping enthusiasts. And reservations in advance are required, check the  park’s website  for more details.

Valley of Fire is approximately 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas; it would take you about 1 hour to get there by car. Take the I-15 north for about 35 to 40 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. Head east toward the Valley of Fire/Lake Mead from Exit 75. The West Entrance Station is located in the Valley of Fire, about 17 miles away.

The best time to visit the park is in October and April. The temperatures are mild and pleasant during this period, while they are extremely hot during the summer. The park is open from sunrise until sunset.

Recommended by Christine of Guide To Daytrips

3. Kanarra Falls

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 33 minutes

At just 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Kanarra Falls is the perfect day trip for adventure lovers. Grab your hiking boots and trekking poles and head off to this amazing slot canyon.

After arriving at the trailhead you’ll see a small restroom and ticket counter. They only allow 150 hikers a day, so it’s strongly recommended that you reserve your tickets online before arriving as no more tickets are sold on-site once the limit is reached. 

The hike itself is a moderate 3.8-mile hike directly through an epic slot canyon. Be prepared to get wet as the majority of the hike will have you walking through ankle-deep water (sometimes higher).

After about 1.6 miles you’ll see your first waterfall. If you choose to continue up the ladder, you’ll find the second waterfall about 0.3 miles later.

It will surely be a hike you won’t soon forget. Kanarra Falls is one of the best things to do near Las Vegas!

Recommended by Jordan of The Homebody Tourist

4. Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: 31 miles / 36 minutes

Lake Mead is a wonderful afternoon or a day escape from the bustling city of Las Vegas! Located less than an hour outside of Las Vegas in Boulder, Nevada, visitors to Lake Mead are greeted with a surplus of outdoor activities sure to provide an outdoor recharge. 

For Lake Mead day trips Las Vegas, it’s recommended to drive so that visitors have flexibility to explore different parts of this natural preserve throughout the afternoon.  

Enjoy hiking, navigating slot canyons, swimming and boating at Lake Mead.  Keep in mind that there is no lifeguard on duty, and that swimming and boating beaches are separated. 

More of a relaxed afternoon can be spent driving to one of the many pull out parking spots to enjoy some views with a picnic lunch. Most of the pull out parking spots include a bathroom house.  

Visiting outside of summer months is most recommended as the Mojave Desert can heat up to 120 degrees fahrenheit during this time of year.  

A huge plus is that the natural preserve accepts the Annual National Parks Pass . Without the pass, entrance is $30 per vehicle. 

Recommended by Alyssa of An Apple a Plane

5. Zion National Park (a favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 159 miles / 2 hours, 41 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is visiting Zion National Park in Utah. Just over 2.5 hours from Vegas, Zion offers incredible views and adventures you’ll love.

The perfect Zion itinerary for one day is to take the shuttle into the Zion Scenic Drive to see the impressive canyon. If you’re up for adventure, hike The Narrows.

The Narrows is the popular hike where the canyon narrows and you can walk through the Virgin River (up to 10 miles round trip) to see the massive canyon up close as it closes in. Be sure to bring water shoes and hiking sticks for The Narrows.

Alternatively, you could get crazy awesome views on the Canyon Overlook Trail . It’s just one mile round trip, offering wide open views of the canyon with less effort.

Grab lunch or ice cream at the Zion Lodge or in Springdale, just outside the park. Or, pack a picnic and enjoy the views of the canyon! Regardless of if you’re solo, as a couple, with friends or visiting Zion with kids , it’s a fabulous adventure and perfect day trip from Las Vegas.

Just be sure to take the right hiking essentials when visiting in Zion, like good hiking shoes and plenty of water!

Note: if you’re based in or near Vegas and have or rent an RV, check out this RV road trip guide that details the road trip from Vegas to Zion then the Grand Canyon. What a fun adventure!

6. Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 37 miles / 39 minutes

Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is a short drive, and one of the best ways to spend a day away from the city. You can rent a car and drive yourself or take a tour from Vegas . See the historic Hoover Dam, which was completed in 1936.

As a visitor to the Hoover Dam, you can park for free and walk to the viewpoint on both the Nevada and Arizona Sides. The Nevada side you can see the front of the dam. On the Arizona side, you’ll see the Colorado River and the back side of the dam.

The visitor center has information on the history and architecture of the dam. If you rent a car and drive yourself, the parking lot closest to the entrance is $10 to park, or you can walk the 0.7 miles from the free parking to get there.

One of the best ways to learn about the dam’s construction is through a Power Plant Tour. You’ll actually get to go down into the dam to see how it works!

At the time of publication, you can purchase a Guided Power Plant Tour online but not a Guided Dam Tour so if you want the most in-depth tour of the dam, you’ll need to get there early to get a tour, because it’s first come, first serve and sells out quickly.

Book it now: Hoover Dam tour from Vegas

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

7. Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter

Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes (flight time)

Enjoy the beauty of the Grand Canyon without all the driving! Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are a very efficient way to see the 4th most visited national park in the USA !

While driving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas (see #14 below) allows you to hike and see the South Rim, a helicopter tour allows you to land inside the canyon, thousands of feet below the rim.

After a 45-minute helicopter ride from Las Vegas , feel extra bougie as you toast champagne on a bluff from within the canyon. Soak in the incredible views of the massive canyon you’re standing inside of! What a bucket list experience!

Book it now: helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Vegas

More things do do near Las Vegas

Outside of the city but comfortable enough to do in a day, here are more ideas for ya. There’s so much to see in the area!

8. Emerald Cave kayaking (one of the most fun things to do outside of Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 55 miles / 58 minutes

Kayaking in the Emerald Cave is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Vegas strip. The cave is located in the Lake Mead Recreation Area, along a calm section of the Colorado River.

Your journey to the caves will include a relaxing kayak ride along the Colorado River. The surrounding hills and cliff walls are awe-inspiring as they tower above you. 

Along the way, you can also go ashore and take a number of short hikes for a better view of the river and rock walls. These hikes will also give you a chance to see the unique flora and fauna of the area. 

The Emerald Cave itself will often get crowded, and only a few kayaks can enter at a time. The cave is shallow, giving you a chance to enter, take pictures, and then exit again within a few minutes time. 

Within the cave, you’ll see a green glowing light reflecting off of the water and onto the cave walls. This green glow is where the Emerald Cave gets its name. The best time of year to see the full emerald effect is to go in summer on a sunny day. 

To reach the caves, you can drive to Lake Mead Recreation Area and rent a kayak there, or book a half-day tour , which includes hotel pickup and drop-off services from Las Vegas. For your trip, it helps to bring the right gear , including a good backpack and water shoes . 

The tour will provide you with guidance and instruction along the way, so it’s a great option if you’re newer to kayaking or unfamiliar with the area. 

Kayaking the Emerald Cave is one of the best Lake Mead Day Trips from Las Vegas!

Book it now: Emerald Cave kayaking

Recommended by Merry of Virginia Vacation Guide

9. Mojave National Preserve

Distance from Las Vegas: 68 miles / 1 hour, 9 minutes

If you’re looking for a way to get away from Las Vegas but want somewhere with few crowds, then consider making a visit to Mojave National Preserve. In just an hour’s drive on Interstate 15 from the big city, you’ll find hiking trails, caves, and much more to explore.

First, head to Cima Road, which is home to more Joshua Trees than you’ll even be able to find within the namesake national park. These are rare trees, only growing within certain parts of the southwest.

Another one of the best things to do is to visit the Kelso Dunes. These beautiful sand dunes offer viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to stand on top of the tallest dune.

The Lava Tubes Trail offers a short hike and a unique experience in a cave. There aren’t many places where you’re able to climb directly into the tube, so this one shouldn’t be missed!

Other fun activities include seeing the cinder cones along Aiken Mine Road, hiking the Teutonia Peak Trail, and visiting the Mojave Desert Mailbox. Because you’ll be in the desert, be sure to dress comfortably to stay cool while you’re out exploring.

It’s also nice to have a high-clearance vehicle for the visit, as some roads can be pretty rough. Also, be sure to check the status of the roads, because wintertime may bring snow and poor weather conditions.

Recommended by Kassidy of The Hiking Helper

10. UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 25 miles / 49 minutes

Get ready for an epic adventure in Prime Valley and Hidden Valley at the McCullough Mountain Range, Nevada . This is one of the most fun day trips from Las Vegas if you’e looking for an adrenaline-filled time!

This half day UTV excursion takes you through fun, rugged desert terrain just outside of Las Vegas. You’ll get to see Hidden Valley National Monument during your excursion.

An excursion like this was one of the most fun things to do in Aruba , and I think you’ll agree it’s an awesome day trip from Vegas , too. Drivers must be 16 or older, and each UTV is fit for 2 people. Kids as young as 12 can ride with an adult, so it’s great for families with older kids, too.

Pro tip: wear clothes you can get dirty and closed toes shoes.

Pack anything you don’t want to get dirty in a dry bag with a strap and tie it down. That prevents dirt from penetrating a backpack for other cloth bag. This is the dry bag I used while UTVing and it worked great! Don’t forget to take extra water in reusable water bottles , too.

Book it now: UTV adventure near Vegas

11. Death Valley National Park (one of the best places to visit near Las Vegas for scenery)

Distance from Las Vegas: 110 miles / 1 hour, 55 minutes

Death Valley is one of the best national parks in California and a perfect day trips from Las Vegas if you are looking to escape the crowds and explore the stunning landscapes of the Mojave Desert. 

Although summers bring triple-digit temperatures to Death Valley, winter has a mild sunny weather with no snow, except for high altitudes. 

You can get to Death Valley by taking a guided tour from Las Vegas that includes major highlights of the national park or renting a car in Las Vegas . If you rent a car, you will have more freedom exploring this vast area and also enjoy stargazing at night since Death Valley boasts incredible dark skies free of light pollution.

The park has many hikes like Golden Canyon, overlooks and is also home to the lowest point in North America, Bad Water Basin, that sits at 282 feet below sea level. Since Death Valley is the largest national park in the lower 48 states, prepare to drive longer distances, as some points of the interest are as far as 50 minutes away from one another.

Book it now: Death Valley tours from Las Vegas

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

12. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 24 miles / 27 minutes

Some of the oldest buildings in Nevada lie right next to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. This historic ranch is a fun little day trip from Las Vegas , where you can tour old buildings like a blacksmith shop and sandstone cabin.

Nestled in a picturesque setting, it’s a lesser-known attraction in the Las Vegas area , so you’ll really be able to escape the crowds. Pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. The best time to visit this state park is October through May.

The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a great spot for beginner hikers or families and pets, too. Hike the Spring Mountain Ranch Loop trial, at just 1.5 miles and flat, it’s an easy trail for nearly any skill level.

Hours change seasonally so check before you go at the Spring Mountain Ranch website .

13. Seven Magic Mountains

Distance from Las Vegas: 26 miles / 27 minutes

A fun experience close to Las Vegas is the Seven Magic Mountains . These colorful stacked boulders are an art instillation that took social media by storm in 2016, thousands of visitors come to the Seven Magic Mountains annually.

It’s a free, short day trip from Las Vegas, and one worth visiting if you’re looking for something low-key to do in the area. And bonus – no extra hiking gear or picnic supplies required.😊 It’s perfect for when you’re visiting Las Vegas with kids !

Created by artist Ugo Rondinone and supported by the Nevada Museum of Art  and  Art Production Fund , this is a free attraction although donations are always welcome! Take as many photos as you desire, but please don’t damage the boulders.

Pro tip: If you want great photos with fewer people, come early in the day – just after sunrise – to avoid crowds. Also check out this guide for more free things to do in Las Vegas .

Seven Magic Mountains is one of the best things to do outside of Vegas that doesn’t take a lot of time, either.

Full day trips from Las Vegas

With 3+ hours of driving each way, these are the best day trips from Las Vegas that make a long day, but totally worth the effort! Of course if you have more time, these destinations would make great weekend trips from Las Vegas, too.

14. South Rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 279 miles / 4 hours, 22 minutes

If you’re looking to escape the intenseness of Las Vegas for a day and want to spend some time surrounded by incredible scenery you’ll never forget, head to  the Grand Canyon South Rim .

The Grand Canyon is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the world and offers absolutely stunning views. The South Rim in particular is considered to be the best part with its really expansive views and is truly a sight to see.

There are many unique hikes and viewpoints such as Mather Point that you can visit at The South Rim – but note that the weather and temperature can change suddenly here so make sure to bring plenty of layers and be prepared for any weather. Woolx Merino wool layers work perfect for any season and are perfect for the Grand Canyon.

Drive time to Grand Canyon South Rim is just over 4 hours each way from Las Vegas so it’s a long day but it is definitely worth it! You can rent a car and drive yourself, or if you’d prefer someone else to do the driving you can book a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas on a bus.

The day trips are usually around 15 hours long, starting at around 6 or 7am, and cost under $100 so good value for money! It’s best to book a Grand Canyon tour in advance as it is a popular day trip from Vegas!

Not only is The Grand Canyon one of the best day trips from Las Vegas, but the route to get there is really interesting too as you’ll get to drive along the famous Route 66!

Book it now: Grand Canyon bus tour from Vegas

Recommended by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover

15. Horseshoe Bend from Las Vegas

Distance from Las Vegas: 274 miles / 4 hours, 23 minutes

Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed sites along the Colorado River and a fantastic excursion for those traveling from Las Vegas.

While on the far end for a day trip, Horseshoe Bend is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas. Located in Page Arizona, the iconic feature is a must-do for those traveling through the southwest. 

Horseshoe Bend, part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is one  top things to do in Page Arizona .  It can be done as a stop along with other activities in the area.

The trail and parking for Horseshoe Bend is managed by the city of Page, and doesn’t take any National Park or other park passes for entrance to the site. Parking for Horseshoe Bend is $10 and the site is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

For those visiting the site, the hike requires about 1.5 miles (out and back) to reach the viewpoint for the bend. There’s a small platform located at the end of the trail.

However, be sure to continue on past the viewpoint along the slick stones and you’ll be treated to some great other views of the bend without as many tourists around. You can even climb the small hill to get a better overlook of the site. 

Beyond Horseshoe Bend, there’s plenty of other things around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Visit to the nearby Glen Canyon Bridge and Dam is worth a quick excursion. Visitors can view the amazing engineering feats of creating both the bridge and dam in this part of the river.

There’s also great hiking nearby such as the Hanging Gardens Hike, the Chains, and The “New Wave” which is a lovely banded sandstone area close to the glen canyon dam. 

Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door

16. Bryce Canyon National Park (one of the most epic day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 259 miles / 4 hours, 3 minutes

You’ll want to get up early for this one! As a day trip, this is doable but a pretty long day. It would make a great weekend trip from Las Vegas, too.

Anyway, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the famous hoodoos, which are irregularly shaped rock spires. Witness the unique beauty of this landscape from Bryce Point or Inspiration Point.

If you’re up for hiking, try the Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop , which is a fun, interactive trail. It’s 3.1 miles and rated as moderate, you’ll weave through hoodoos and witness the bright orange and red rocks up close.

Have a picnic at Sunset Point or enjoy the views at Sunrise Point, too. You can see all the Bryce Canyon National Park highlights in just one day!

17. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 186 miles / 3 hours, 8 minutes

One of the best day trips from Las Vegas is a day in Joshua Tree . It takes about 3 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park, but it is worth the drive and a great way to escape the city.

Joshua Tree is best during the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate. In the summer, the park gets very hot, and in the winter it’s cold. However, if you’re taking a day trip in the winter, you will still experience the warmest part of the day in winter.

While in Joshua Tree, take the quick hike to Arch Rock, drive down Queen Valley Road, visit the Cholla Cactus Garden, and, of course, see all the Joshua Trees. One of the best places to find a high concentration of Joshua Trees is along Queen Valley Road or on Park Boulevard from the West Entrance Station.

Recommended by Christine of Live Love Run Travel

18. Antelope Canyon (a popular tour from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 278 miles / 4 hours, 32 minutes

Las Vegas is such a fun city to explore but many people don’t realize there are amazing places to visit outside of Las Vegas. Antelope Canyon is a popular slot canyon in Page, Arizona.

The canyon is full of beautiful Navajo Sandstone that makes for some of the most stunning views you’ll find. Getting to escape from the concrete jungle of Las Vegas is a great way to refresh and enjoy some time away from the city.

If you’re planning on visiting Antelope Canyon, there are a few things you must know.

The canyon is on Navajo land and is restricted to tours by Navajo tour guides and tours are required to visit. You’ll want to book in advance to ensure you can get a tour. If you find that Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are booked, look into tours of Antelope Canyon X .

May to October get really busy, the earlier you book your tour , the better.

To do Antelope Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas, follow I-15 North through Saint George, Utah. Then take UT-9 to Hwy 59 towards Kanab, UT, where you’ll get on the US-89 East to Lake Powell and Page, Arizona. The drive is a little long, but it makes for a great adventure to one of the most beautiful slot canyons you can find!

Book it now: Antelope Canyon tour from Las Vegas

Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger

19. Palm Springs

Distance from Las Vegas: 231 miles / 4 hours, 9 minutes

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive, taking a day trip from Las Vegas to Palm Springs is an ideal way to add some fun and adventure to your travels. Though it’s situated about 4 hours away, there are so many ways to spend one day in Palm Springs !

You can explore the iconic downtown area, which features boutique shops, hip galleries, and tasty restaurants. Or, check out the original retro architecture on residential homes and hotels.

Outdoor lovers can venture out for a day hike at one of the many trails, such as Tahquitz Canyon. One can’t-miss activity for any first time visitor is the famous Palm Springs aerial tramway, which takes you up the nearby San Jacinto Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

With so much natural beauty to explore, it’s no wonder why Palm Springs has become such a popular getaway spot for travelers from Las Vegas.

Be aware that summer is a tough time for hiking and strenuous activity in the California desert. If visiting in the summer months, I would recommend visiting one of the many pool and mineral springresorts. 

Recommended by Monica of This Rare Earth 

20. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 240 miles / 3 hours, 41 minutes

Did you know there are actually 2 Red Rock Canyons to escape to as a day trip from Las Vegas?

Not to be confused with the National Conservation Area just a few minutes outside of Vegas,  Red Rock Canyon State Park  is a 3.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. While it’s a long drive for a day trip, it’s doable starting before sunrise and driving back at sunset.

Located in Cantil, California, Red Rock Canyon State Park is part of the Mojave Desert. Once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by stunning Joshua Trees and get a breathtaking view of sandstone cliffs as far as the eye can see.

Enjoy activities such as rock climbing, picnicking, easy nature walks, as well as beginner canyoneering. Best of all, you won’t find huge crowds here, so enjoy the peaceful escape from the city.

Recommended by Cassie of Cassie’s Compass

21. Grand Staircase Escalante (another favorite on this list of day trips from Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 213 miles / 3 hours, 26 minutes

Grand Staircase Escalante is a fun and unique day trip from Las Vegas. If you’re looking to hike some really cool slot canyons, Grand Staircase is the place to do it.

A 3.5 hour drive from Vegas, there are a  few different slot canyons  located within Grand Staircase Escalante to visit. One of the most famous is Zebra Slot Canyon, a canyon that has stripes along the wall making it look like the stripes on a zebra!

Besides hiking the slot canyons in the area, there are plenty of other amazing trails to hike in this area. To get to Grand Staircase Escalante, head northeast on I-15 towards St. George, once in St. George depending on where you want to go in Grand Staircase either head towards Kanab or head towards Bryce Canyon.

The roads inside of Grand Staircase aren’t paved and a lot of the roads require you to have a 4×4 vehicle. Make sure to always check with the visitor centers nearby in Kanab and Escalante before heading out to make sure the weather and roads are safe for exploring.

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

22. Alabama Hills (one of the most scenic things to do near Las Vegas)

Distance from Las Vegas: 246 miles / 4 hours, 13 minutes

Alabama Hills, California is an underrated destination that’s gained in popularity over the last decade or so. A long day trip from Las Vegas, it can be done in a single day with an early morning and late night, or better yet, as a weekend getaway from Las Vegas!

With expansive views of these smooth rocky formations, there’s quite a bit to see and do in Alabama Hills. Movie Road is aptly named based on the volume of films that have been shot here. Drive down it and recognize scenes from Iron Man and Gladiator, just to name a few.

There’s plenty of hiking opportunities in Alabama Hills , too. Grab your hiking shoes and head to the famous Mobius Arch, coming in at less than one mile. Or explore views of the snow-capped mountains on the Upper Alabama Hills Trail to Cyclops Skull Arch .

Best day trips from Las Vegas

Well, that’s a wrap! The area surrounding Las Vegas is full of fun and activities for all ages. Whether you’ve got just one day trip from Vegas or have a few days to explore the area, you’ll find something amazing to do with your time!

Let’s take a look at those adventures again, in a quick list…

Places to visit near Las Vegas

• Red Rock Canyon
• Valley of Fire State Park
• Kanarra Falls
• Zion National Park
• Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via helicopter
• Emerald Cave kayaking
• Mojave National Preserve
• UTV adventure at the McCullough Mountains
• Death Valley National Park
• Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
• Seven Magic Mountains
• South Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Horseshoe Bend
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Antelope Canyon
• Palm Springs
• Red Rock Canyon State Park
• Grand Staircase Escalante
• Alabama Hills

Related content you might like: 20 BIG Adventure Vacations in the US Not to Miss 28 Absolutely Best National Parks to Visit in Summer 100 Most Romantic Vacations in the United States You’ll Love

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wanderwithbelle

Sunday 29th of January 2023

I love Vegas and have been there a numerous of times!! Thanks for sharing these great tips.

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Welcome Belle. Thanks for your comment and visiting the blog! :)

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Vegas itself isn't really on my list of places to visit, but I'd love to do all of these daytrips!

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Agreed! Every time I go to Vegas, I leave Vegas 🤣

Saturday 17th of December 2022

I am not a big fan of Las Vegas so I love the idea of trying some of these road trips on the next time I attend a conference in Nevada. I love the rugged landscape.

Monday 19th of December 2022

Same, same Terri! Each time I visit Vegas I have to get out 🤣 Have fun on your next non-Vegas adventure!

Interesting read. Emerald cave kayaking looks so relaxing.

Totally agree, Anukrati! I hope you get to try it sometime.

Friday 16th of December 2022

Some great ideas here, and some wonderful photos too!

Glad you found this helpful :)

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4 replies to this topic

I-15 south to Barstow. Take exit 179.

CA-58 west through Bakersfield. You no longer need to get on CA-99, CA-58 is a freeway through the entire city of Bakersfield and then turns into a country highway. It is nine miles from the only traffic light (at Stockdale Highway) to the entrance of I-5, and there is one roundabout (at CA-43).

I-5 north to Santa Nella. Take exit 403.

CA-152 west through Pacheco Pass.

CA-101 north to San Jose.

Thank you very much!!

do they have any time for the trip. This would be the fastest route.

They could do a much more scenic drive up 395 to highway 88 (or 50) and see the Eastern Sierras and possibly Lake Tahoe.

Thanks for the tip!

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