What to Expect on Your Road Trip from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the most famous cities in North America, and for a good reason. If you’re planning a trip to Sin City, don’t limit your itinerary to The Strip. Instead, use it as a gateway to the Southwest. If you’re flying into Vegas, choose an airport van rental and hit the road!

Let’s explore 20 of the best destinations for road trips from Las Vegas. Keep reading to plan your next adventure! 

20 Destinations for Your Road Trip from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located within driving distance of some of the nation’s best national parks and monuments. If you love the great outdoors, there are endless options and a lifetime’s worth of sites to traverse. 

While the destinations below are primarily natural wonders, you’ll find that there’s something for all preferences, including several day trips to nearby cities. 

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

A little over four hours from Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon is one of the most famous road trips in Arizona.

Although the South Rim is the most visited, many travelers prefer the West Rim for its Skywalk, ziplines, and aerial tours. It’s also located on the Hualapai Native American reservation, meaning there are unique opportunities to learn about their tribe and culture while enjoying the canyon viewpoints. 

Source

Death Valley National Park, CA

Ever wanted to visit the hottest place on the planet? If so, this national park in California is right up your alley and only about two hours from Las Vegas. 

The scenery at the park is unique and includes canyons, sand dunes, colorful badlands, and salt flats at Badwater Basin. Although it seems like no life could survive in these hot, dry conditions, it’s home to a decent-sized population of bighorn sheep and diverse flora and fauna.

Source

Hoover Dam, NV

Are you looking for a day trip from Las Vegas? The Hoover Dam is one of the most popular since it’s only about a one-hour drive. If you have the time, grab a bite to eat in the charming Boulder City on your way. 

If you’re up for an adventure, head to Lake Mead and hike a three-mile trail along the Colorado River leading to Arizona Hot Springs. 

Source

Red Rock Canyon, NV

Only 20 minutes from downtown Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors without straying too far from your hotel. Pack a picnic and bring comfortable shoes to enjoy the rock formations and vistas up close. 

Source

Zion National Park, UT

Approximately 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Zion National Park is an excellent place for hikers of all levels. Beginners may opt for a guided tour, while advanced outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the park at leisure. Don’t miss hiking trails at The Narrows, Slot Canyon, and Weeping Canyon.

Source

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Three hours across the Mojave Desert, you’ll find Joshua Tree National Park, known for unique rock formations. Some of the best things include visiting Skull Rock, looking at the views of the San Andreas Fault, and stargazing. 

Source

Valley of Fire State Park, NV

Valley of Fire State Park is one of the lesser-known destinations in Nevada and gets its name from its red sandstone formations. You can also see petroglyphs created by the Basket Maker people and Anasazi Pueblo farmers. Best of all, this scenic drive is only about a 45-minute drive from the city! 

Source

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Hoodoos are irregular rock columns, and although they exist on every continent, Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration on the planet. Visit Bryce Amphitheater for the best views of the hoodoos before heading to Sunset Point, where the colors of the rock are best seen. You can see these sights in a few hours but plan for longer if you want to hike or do other outdoor activities before making the four-hour journey back to Las Vegas.  

Source

Angel’s Landing, UT

If you’re looking for an advanced hike with a great view, this Utah destination is for you. Located in Zion’s National Park, Angel’s landing is nearly three hours from Las Vegas. It’s one of the most popular trails in Utah, but be aware that it’s pretty steep and has sheer drops at many points. 

Source

Sedona, AZ

Surrounded by pine forests and buttes, Sedona is a unique city and the perfect Arizona destination. You can see a good bit of the sights in two to three days, but after the 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, you’ll want to stick around. Explore the local art galleries, shop at Tlaquepaque, and try rattlesnake sausage for a memorable experience.  

Source

Lake Powell, UT/AZ

On the border of Arizona and Utah, Lake Powell is situated between Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. It takes about 4.5 hours to get to this artificial reservoir from Las Vegas, with more houseboats than any other lake in America. Take in the views while swimming, cliff jumping, or stargazing.

Source

Mojave National Preserve, CA

Mojave National Preserve is another excellent choice for day trips from Las Vegas. It only takes about an hour to get here. Horseback riding and 4-wheel driving are popular ways to see the park. While you’re there, pass by the Kelso Depot Visitor Center, located inside an old Spanish-style railway station. 

Source

Glacier National Park, MT

If you’re looking for a long road trip that will keep you entertained for weeks, pack up your vehicle and head to Glacier National Park. Enjoy the journey by stopping at national parks and exploring towns along the way, such as Salt Lake City. 

At the end of the 16-hour drive, you'll be rewarded with beautiful scenery, including mountains, cedars, lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. 

Source

Mount Charleston, NV

Just 45 minutes from Las Vegas sits Mount Charleston, isolated at an extremely high elevation. The mountains' wilderness is a great place to hike or do winter sports. If you like camping, pack a bedroll and sleep under the stars in the company of wild donkeys, deer, and squirrels. 

Source

San Diego, CA

If you’ve had enough of trekking through national parks, try an urban destination instead. San Diego is only about five hours away from Las Vegas, and if you wish, you can even hit up Los Angeles and Hollywood along the way. Some of the most famous attractions include LEGOLAND and the city’s zoo, one of the first to have open-air exhibits. 

Source

Flagstaff, AZ

Under four hours away from Las Vegas, Flagstaff is one of the cities right off Route 66. If you’ve always dreamed of driving on this famous highway, Flagstaff is a great place to do so! While you’re there, check out the Aspen groves, which look especially spectacular in the fall. 

Source

Lake Havasu, AZ

You don’t have to be outdoorsy to enjoy this destination located 2.5 hours from Vegas. It’s the home of the London Bridge, which you can take a walking tour of to learn its history. The area also has gold mine tours, hot air balloon excursions, and great dining. 

Source

Eldorado Canyon State Park, CO

Eldorado Canyon State Park is another great destination for travelers who want to keep busy for a week or more. The eleven-hour trip will take you through Utah and Colorado, opening up many possibilities to see several parks and cities. 

Eldorado is especially popular among rock climbers, but you don’t have to do that to have a great time. Hike, go fishing, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery! 

Source

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, UT

Grand Staircase is located 3.5 hours from Las Vegas, between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. The unspoiled land offers stunning views for miles, which you can see from the road. If you prefer, you can get out to hike or camp on-site. 

Source

Yosemite National Park, CA

Yosemite is home to iconic sequoia trees, waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and great blue skies. You don’t want to miss Half Dome, El Capitan, or Yosemite Falls, famous points of interest within the park. Be sure to check out the Ansel Adams Gallery and Yosemite Museum, both within the park. 

Source

Discover West USA with Airport Van Rental

The Western United States is full of natural wonders, and you can explore them all from Las Vegas. Save this travel guide to help you plan a great itinerary for your next getaway. 

Do you love exploring the outdoors? Don’t rack up miles on your vehicle! Instead, rely on an

8 passenger van rental from AVR.