13 Best Road Trips near Las Vegas

Arizona’s spectacular Grand Canyon is a mile-deep and up to 18-mile-wide and known as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. It boasts awe-inspiring views from its Skywalk and observation decks, and gazing upon the fiery gorge is an unforgettable moment.

Besides seeing the canyon itself, you can also learn about the local tribes and the area’s history at the many surrounding visitor centers and museums while you're here. Getting to the Grand Canyon from Vegas is easy, as numerous helicopter tours can take you there for a bird's-eye view. If you want a more laid-back experience at your own pace, however, it's just 4 hours away by car.

Sedona, Arizona, is a fun town just 4.5 hours southeast from Vegas that boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails within the red-rock desert. Hiking and biking are among the most prominent activities here, but you can also learn about Native American history and immerse yourself in local art. The town’s art community is prolific, and the numerous galleries are all within walking distance.

One of the more interesting aspects of Sedona is that it's said to have strong natural energies focused around Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Cathedral Rock. Embark on a spiritual journey while you’re here, and take part in guided meditation or a reiki session at one of the wellness centers around town.

Laughlin, Nevada, is less than a hundred miles from Vegas, and it offers bright neon lights, casinos, and endless entertainment while simultaneously cultivating a small-town atmosphere. The crowds are notably smaller compared to Vegas, and the casinos are more laid back and relaxed.

If you're looking for a bit of outdoor adventure, there are a few hiking trails by the river. If you're looking for something less strenuous, you can book a boat tour of the river. You'll find Laughlin about an hour and a half south of Las Vegas.

The Hoover Dam is an impressive structure that was built across the Colorado River during the Great Depression. It helps to prevent flooding, creates hydroelectric power, and provides water for irrigation. Lake Mead formed behind it, the largest reservoir in the USA by volume.

After 5 years of construction, the dam finally opened in 1936. Today, you can take a tour inside to see how it was built and check out the visitor center for exhibits about the power systems and infrastructure. The dam is just 15 minutes’ drive from Boulder City, and an easy 40-minute drive from Las Vegas. You can even book organized tours from Vegas that include other nearby attractions.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona, offers island fun with unique attractions like lighthouse replicas alongside boating the glittering lakes and hiking the lush state parks. The lighthouse replicas are particularly interesting, as they're recreations of some of the most famous lighthouses from around the United States. You’ll find many a beach to while away the hours sunbathing, and the town is famous for bass fishing.

If you’d still like some water fun on rainy days, there’s a fun aquatic center, and history buffs will love learning about the Native American Chemehuevi and Mohave tribes in the history museum. You'll find Lake Havasu about 2 and a half hours from Vegas.

Known primarily for its striking red sandstone and blistering summer temperatures, the Valley of Fire State Park, in Nevada, offers satisfying trails and stunning geological features. The name of the park comes from the summer heat and the color of the sandstone. To avoid the former, you may want to travel during the colder months. Don’t forget your camera, as some rock formations are the canvas to plenty of intriguing petroglyphs.

No matter when you visit, the Scenic Loop Road lets you enjoy some of the best sights around at pleasant temperatures from the comfort of your car. You'll find this park about an hour northeast of Vegas.

Aside from the Hoover Dam, you’ll find plenty to do in Boulder City, Nevada, to make this a smust-stop spot on your road trip. Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Vegas, you’ll find a ton of exciting outdoor activities at Hemenway Park, while Boulder Beach is great for kayaking, camping, and picnicking.

Seeing iconic props and costumes Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum should be at the top of your itinerary if you’re a fan of movie monsters. Shopping is a huge draw for Boulder City too, with a thriving antiques market, vintage shops, and even an alien-themed gift shop. One activity we wholeheartedly recommend is a tour of Southern Nevada’s oldest and richest gold mine, Techatticup Mine.

An hour’s drive southwest of Vegas takes you to the Mojave National Preserve, a designated Californian park that preserves one of the driest parts of the US, including the area's monuments and strange flora. Death Valley is located here if you're feeling adventurous, but you'll also find spots that are a bit easier to explore.

The Shadow Valley is particularly interesting, as you'll find a huge forest of funky Joshua trees. The Aiken Mine Road leads you to a cool lava tube, while a moderately difficult hike along the Ring Loops has ancient petroglyphs and metal rings to see. Make sure you pack plenty of water and properly prepare for hikes, as summer temperatures can exceed 120°F.

Mesquite, Nevada, functions as a smaller and more laid-back version of Las Vegas, featuring vintage flair across its casinos and restaurants and impressive outdoor activities. While there are fewer crowds here than in Vegas, the casinos are just as robust.

In addition to the casinos, you'll find some thrilling outdoor activities in Mesquite, like off-roading in an ATV. You'll even find a safari where you can see exotic animals. Explore it all for yourself near the Arizona and Utah border, about an hour and a half from downtown Vegas.

Ely, Nevada, is a small town where you'll find a, friendly welcome from the locals, a rich and fascinating history, and seemingly endless outdoor adventure. One of the most popular spots in town is the National Historic Landmark attraction, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. You'll find hands-on exhibits and tours, and even the Ghost Train of Old Ely.

This town also features the Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall. The institution itself is exactly what its title suggests, but it's especially alluring since it hasn't changed much since 1929 and offers a bit of an Old West feel. You'll find Ely about 4 hours north of Las Vegas.

Just across the Utah border is St. George, a haven for outdoor adventurers thanks to its numerous and varied hiking and biking paths and a relaxing reservoir. Most of the hiking trails can be inviting to beginners, but the Angels Landing trail is a challenging trek that should only be attempted by experienced hikers.

Alternatively, you could spend time around the Sand Hollow Reservoir to cast out and fish or venture out into the water yourself on a boat. The drive from Vegas is about 2 hours, so pack a picnic and a blanket for the perfect day trip.

Henderson is a true escape from Las Vegas that will mostly appeal to nature-lovers. This easygoing town borders the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Neighborhood and the Clark County Wetlands Park. Each is full of hiking trails, and Sloan Canyon has a petroglyph site with over 300 examples of ancient rock art.

Before heading out on the trail, visit the Clark County Museum for a fascinating look at the history of Las Vegas, mining in Nevada, and indigenous American people from the area. In the mood for a dip? Henderson is home to Lake Las Vegas, where you’ll find waterparks, spas, golf, and bathing.

Visiting Winchester is a great way to experience the thrills of Vegas and the relaxation of a small town. This unincorporated town contains part of the Vegas Strip. You can stay in the Vegas Hilton or the famous SAHARA Las Vegas to enjoy the best of gambling and entertainment.

Walk a few blocks out of the hubbub of the city and enjoy a relaxing round of golf at the Las Vegas Country Club. More golf can be found at the Wynn Golf Club just a few blocks away. Winchester is also the home of Circus Circus, one of the original Vegas casinos. You won’t need a car to visit Winchester. Just take the SAHARA Monorail from stations along the Strip.