road trip las vegas

31 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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5 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas, Nevada

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Nevada | Vegas | 5 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas, Nevada

If you can find a free weekend or a few extra days, you can take a spectacular road trip from Las Vegas . Sin City has the convenience of being close to several top attractions, cities, and national parks, so don’t miss your chance to explore the great American West!

You can plan a road trip itinerary using our guides on national parks near Las Vegas and things to do outside Las Vegas . However, this article gives you the best Las Vegas road trips to maximize time and mileage. I’ll share 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10-day Las Vegas road trip itineraries so you can find the perfect one for your schedule.

In summary, these are the best road trips from Vegas :

• Grand Canyon , the best 2-day road trip from Las Vegas
• Los Angeles , a fun 3-day car trip from Las Vegas
• San Francisco , one of the most popular 4-day road trips from Las Vegas to California
• Monument Valley , one of the best 5-day road trips from Las Vegas to Arizona
• Arches National Park , the ultimate 10-day road trip from Las Vegas to Utah

Also, before setting off on your weekend getaway from Las Vegas , you’ll want reliable transportation. I suggest reading my guide on renting a car in Las Vegas or, for the ultimate experience, renting an RV in Las Vegas or campervan rentals in Las Vegas .

1. Grand Canyon, the best 2-day road trip from Las Vegas

♦   576 miles, 9 hrs total driving – 2 days, 1 night – Out & back

Taking a road trip from Vegas to the Grand Canyon is one of the best things to do near Las Vegas .

Right outside Las Vegas, you’ll pass the Hoover Dam , where you can spend a few hours. Take a tour of this significant landmark and check the attractions nearby.

Continue towards Grand Canyon Village , also known as the South Rim. While it’s a slower route, to get there I recommend taking historic Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman. Once in the Grand Canyon National Park you can check its famous viewpoints, restaurants, and beautiful hiking routes.

The park is open 24/7, and the entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. If you have more time, I have some ideas for extending your Las Vegas road trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim .

2-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 – 300 miles, 5 hrs.

Get an early start, so you have time to visit Hoover Dam and Boulder City. Then, continue your road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The scenic route is via Route 66, between Kingman and Seligman. This way, you’ll see Angel & Vilma’s Gift Shop, famous restaurants like Mr. D’z 66 Diner, the Grand Canyon caverns near Peach Springs, and the Mohave Museum.

Once at Grand Canyon Village, you can take one of the shuttles to popular lookouts like Hopi Point (it has the perfect sunset views). The Rim Trail, which circles the South Rim, is a great hike to do as a family.

• Recommended accommodations: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn and The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon are great, or consult our guide on where to stay in the Grand Canyon .

Day 2 – 280 miles, 4 hrs 15 mins

The best way to start your second day is with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour . It’s an amazing way to see the canyon, and we have an entire guide on the top 6 flight tours.

After your helicopter ride, take the free shuttle to one of the lookout points around the South Rim. You can also visit interesting places like the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Tusayan Ruins and Museum before heading back to Vegas.

• Recommended accommodations: Any of the best hotels in Las Vegas will be great for an overnight stay.

VEGAS ROAD TRIP ALTERNATIVES

One extra day.

Use your extra day in the Grand Canyon to visit the West Rim . Here, you can see the Skywalk, a glass balcony that hangs over the edge of the canyon. Visiting the West Rim adds 90 miles and 2 hrs 15 mins of driving.

Two extra days

A couple of extra days at the Grand Canyon means you can hike the Bright Angel Trail , one of the top hikes in the canyon. The path starts at Grand Canyon Village and descends over 4,360 feet into the canyon.

The route is 16 miles round-trip, so you’ll need 2 days to do it. It’s best to hike to the bottom. Camp there overnight, then make the ascent back to the South Rim.

Three extra days

If you have three more days in this area, you can make the trek to Havasu Falls. The falls are part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, so you must make reservations in advance.

To get to the trailhead, take Route 66 toward Peach Spring. Continue for about 130 miles and turn right onto Indian Road 18. This road leads to the Hualapai Hilltop Parking Lot.

From there, you can hike the Havasupai Falls Trail to the waterfalls, which aren’t far from the Havasupai Campground .

2-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

2. Hollywood, a fun 3-day car trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles

♦ 350 miles, 6 hrs 15 mins total driving – 3 days, 2 nights – One-way

When planning a road trip from Las Vegas , consider California. This state is full of gorgeous landscapes, enjoyable cities, and, of course, beaches. My itinerary is for a 3-day road trip from Las Vegas to Hollywood, but you can add more days and take a Vegas road trip to San Diego too.

On this car trip to Los Angeles from Las Vegas , you’ll take a pitstop to 7 Magic Mountains before visiting Mojave National Preserve . The preserve has some of the best night skies in the country, so I highly recommend camping overnight.

Then, head to Joshua Tree National Park and see the wide range of desert flora there. Check out the Cholla Cactus Garden and stay overnight in the park before waking up early for day 3.

The last stop on this road trip from Las Vegas to California is Los Angeles , where you can find unlimited things to do. If you have more time, extend your stay in LA, or drive down to San Diego.

Keep in mind that the end point of this route is different from the starting point. So, when setting up your rental, consider any extra fees for returning the car in a different location and book two one-way flights.

3-day Las Vegas road trip itinerary

Day 1 – 97 miles, 2 hrs.

This  Las Vegas road trip to California  begins with a quick stop at  7 Magic Mountains . This colorful art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone is a nice photo op along the Las Vegas Freeway.

Then, drive the hour or so to  Mojave National Preserve , one of the most amazing destinations between Vegas and LA. Rather than drive through it, take time to appreciate the area, especially the Kelso Dunes and the ancient Mojave Lava Tube. The volcanic tunnel is over 1300 feet long and casts impressive light rays in the afternoon.

One of the most popular things to do here is to hike the Rings Loop Trail, which is a little over a mile long. You’ll see that Mojave National Preserve has lots of Joshua Trees; it actually has the highest density of these trees in the world, even more than Joshua Tree National Park!

• Recommended accommodation:  Hole-in-the-Wall Campground

Day 2 – 125 miles, 2 hrs 15 mins

The next day, make the short drive to  Joshua Tree National Park , which is also in the Mojave Desert. This park is known for its unique landscape of Joshua trees and gravity-defying rock formations.

That said, one of the best sights in Joshua Tree is the  Cholla Cactus Garden . You can take the circular walking trail through the garden of brittlebush, desert lavender, and several species of cacti.

• Recommended accommodations:  Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Yucca Valley  or  High Desert Motel Joshua Tree National Park

Day 3 – 130 miles, 2 hrs

The last stop on this  3-day road trip from Las Vegas  is  Los Angeles . Here, you’ll have your pick of all kinds of tours and activities, so check our guide on to  things to do in Los Angeles  for some ideas.

Everyone likes popular attractions like the  Hollywood Sign  and the  Walk of Fame . Perhaps you’d prefer one of the beaches, like  Santa Monica  or  Malibu . Film buffs can check out the famous  Hollywood studios and theaters , while shopaholics can hit  Rodeo Drive .

• Recommended accommodations:  InterContinental – Los Angeles Downtown  is nice, and we have a guide on  where to stay in Los Angeles

Vegas road trip alternatives

One day short.

If you must cut your trip short one day, skip Mojave and go straight to Joshua Tree. It’ll save you 25 miles and 45 minutes of driving.

An extra day means you can spend two days in LA, which is great because there are so many  things to do in Los Angeles  and Hollywood.

Add two more days to your itinerary, and you can take a  Vegas road trip to San Diego . It adds 120 miles and one hour of driving, and you can see fabulous beaches like La Jolla Cove.

3-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

3. San Francisco, one of the most popular 4-day road trips from Las Vegas to California

♦ 630 miles, 12 hrs 30 mins total driving – 4 days, 3 nights – One-way

Note: This route can only be completed when Tioga Road is open; check dates.

This 4-day road trip from Las Vegas is action-packed and starts with a visit to Red Rock Canyon . Then, you’ll head to Death Valley , where you can see the famous Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, and other sights.

Then, you can witness the unique landscapes of Alabama Hills , Hot Creek , and Mono Lake before stopping at Yosemite National Park . This is a must-see on any road trip from Las Vegas to California since Yosemite is full of hiking routes, waterfalls, lookouts, and other landmarks.

The last stop is San Francisco , an amazing city by the bay with all kinds of attractions. Not only is the city surrounded by beautiful natural places, but San Fran itself is tons of fun. Check out iconic areas like Nob Hill, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. Besides that, there are museums, historic buildings, neighborhoods, and architectural monuments to behold.

With all of the stops along the way, this is the best road trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco !

4-day road trip itinerary from Las Vegas

Day 1 – 130 miles, 2 hrs 30 mins.

The first stop on this road trip from Las Vegas to California is right outside Sin City. You’ll start by exploring Red Rock Canyon , known for its fiery rock formations and ancient pictographs. You can check out the sights along the Scenic Loop Drive or do one of the most popular hikes in Red Rock .

Then, you’ll make your way to Death Valley , California , one of the largest national parks in the country. Here, you’ll have your pick of all kinds of attractions and points of interest, like the Artist’s Palette and Badwater Basin , the lowest point in the U.S. There are also hiking trails to overlooks like Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View .

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at The Ranch at Death Valley or check out our guide on where to stay in Death Valley

Day 2 – 230 miles, 4 hrs

Outside Death Valley, there is the town of Lone Pine, a great intermediary between Death Valley and Mt. Whitney. Here, you must see the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you’ve ever seen a western film, you’ll recognize the landscape of Alabama Hills. Check out scenic Movie Road and the famous Mobius Arch , which perfectly frames the mountain range in the distance.

Later, make the drive to Hot Creek Geological Site , a gorge with bubbling turquoise hot springs. Magma mixes with the cool waters of Hot Creek to heat the thermal pools, which you can hike past for a closer look.

Day 2 of this 4-day road trip from La Vegas ends with a visit to nearby Mono Lake . This saline lake offers lovely views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as hiking and kayaking.

• Recommended accommodations: Spend a restful night at Lake View Lodge near Mono Lake.

Day 3 – 80 miles, 2 hrs

Get an early start in the morning so you can make the long drive to Yosemite National Park . You can stop by Yosemite Village and the Visitor Center for trail maps and info, then decide what to do.

I will say that some of the best things to see here are El Capitan , which is over 7,500 feet tall, and the Half Dome , another granite formation that’s over 8,800 feet tall. The park also has the highest waterfall in the U.S., Yosemite Falls , which is 2,425 feet tall.

There are other waterfalls in the park, as well as lakes and overlooks. You can see some of these while traveling along Glacier Point Road . Also, it’s worth seeing Tuolumne Grove , a giant sequoia forest. Of course, there is lots more to see here, including wildlife and beautiful hiking trails, so check our guide!

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge or one of the places in our guide on where to stay in Yosemite

Day 4 – 190 miles, 4 hrs

Finally, this Las Vegas road trip ends in San Francisco , one of the most enjoyable cities in the country. There is a little bit of everything here, so it’s well worth the drive.

This bay city is known for its relaxed environment and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge , Fisherman’s Wharf , and Nob Hill . One of the most iconic things to do here is to take a cable car past notable sights like Chinatown and Russian Hill .

San Francisco is full of museums, unique neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and natural areas like forests, gardens, and beaches. So, be sure to read our guide so you can plan your perfect day in the city.

• Recommended accommodations: The Handlery Union Square Hotel is a nice downtown accommodation, or you can check our article on where to stay in San Francisco

Vegas car trip alternatives

If you can add more days to your  road trip from Las Vegas to California , you can see even more incredible things along the way. Here are some ideas to consider if you have more time.

If you have an extra day, you can spend more time in  Yosemite . You could easily spend three days in the park since there is so much to do there. The  Upper Yosemite Falls Trail  is a gorgeous 7-hour route, and  Tunnel View  is an iconic lookout point.  Mirror Lake  and  Mariposa Grove  are two other lovely spots, and the  Taft Point-Sentinel Dome  hike is a must-do if you have the time.

Another option if you have one more day is to spend more time in  San Francisco . You could even spend a week here and not get bored. So, it’s up to you if you want to see nearby natural attractions or explore the city.

With two extra days, you can spend more time in  Yosemite  or  San Francisco  and take a detour to  Lake Tahoe . A visit to the largest alpine lake in the U.S. adds 150 miles (2 hrs 45 mins) of driving.

Here, you can do different kinds of water sports or visit one of the ski resorts. Lake Tahoe also offers excellent hiking trails like the  Tahoe Rim Trail  and  Eagle Lake .

4-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

4. Monument Valley, one of the best 5-day road trips from Las Vegas to Arizona

♦ 900 miles, 16 hrs 20 mins total driving – 5 days, 4 nights – Loop

This 5-day road trip from Las Vegas has lots of interesting stops, so be prepared. As you leave Vegas, pay a visit to the Valley of Fire , and walk among the dazzling geological formations.

Then, spend a day exploring Zion National Park and some of the hiking routes and viewpoints there. Next, this road trip from Las Vegas goes to Arizona , where you’ll see Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon . You’ll definitely want your camera for these two incredibly scenic places!

The next stop on this road trip from Las Vegas is Monument Valley , an area full of mesas, buttes, and stunning starry skies. Finally, you’ll head to the Grand Canyon , where you can hike along the canyon’s rim or even take a helicopter tour.

As you make your way back to Vegas, take historic Route 66 . It’s a bit longer, but it’s more scenic. As you get closer to Sin City, you can pass through Boulder City and check out the Hoover Dam , too.

5-DAY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY from Las Vegas

Day 1 – 180, 3 hrs 30 mins.

This  road trip from Las Vegas  begins with a stop at the  Valley of Fire , one of the best hiking spots right outside Sin City. Some of the  most popular hikes in Valley of Fire  include the  Fire Wave Trail  and  Petroglyph Canyon Trail .

Besides hiking, you can do the  Scenic Drive  at Valley of Fire, which goes past some famous landmarks. While the park is known for its fiery rock formations, it also has colorful attractions like the  Rainbow Vista  and  Pink Canyon . Plus, this can be a  fun road trip from Las Vegas  to do with kids. They’ll love the  petroglyphs ,  Elephant Rock , and the  Fire Cave .

After spending some time at Valley of Fire, drive a few hours northeast to  Zion National Park .

• Recommended accommodations:  La Quinta by Wyndham Kanab  is comfortable and cheap, but we also have a guide on  hotels and campgrounds in Zion

Day 2 – 120 miles, 2 hrs 20 mins

Day 2 of this  Las Vegas road trip itinerary  is dedicated to exploring  Zion National Park . We have an article about all the things to do in Zion, but I’ll tell you some of the most popular activities if you only have one day.

As I said, the hiking trails here are amazing, so check out  Angel’s Landing ,  The Narrows , or  The Subway . The family-friendly  Lower Emerald Pools  trail is also worth doing. Also, Zion has excellent starry skies, and you can get iconic views from the  Court of the Patriarchs  lookout point.

If you take the  Zion Scenic Drive , you’ll see the  Visitor Center and Museum ,  Court of the Patriarchs ,  The Grotto ,  Weeping Rock ,  Big Bend , and  Temple of Sinawava.

After Zion, head to Page, Arizona, and get some rest for another action-packed day.

• Recommended accommodations:  Country Inn & Suites by Radisson  is one of the best, or you can check out our guide on  where to stay in Page

Day 3 – 120 miles, 2 hrs

As you continue your  5-day road trip from Las Vegas , make a quick stop at  Horseshoe Bend . This horseshoe-shaped meander stands nearly 1,000 feet tall and has an imposing presence you have to see to believe. The view from Horseshoe Bend is incredible at sunrise or sunset, but even if you can’t visit then, it’s still beautiful.

Another great thing about Horseshoe Bend is that it’s a very short drive from  Antelope Canyon . We have an article about how to photograph the canyon and which part to visit. I will tell you that if you go to the Upper section in summer in the middle of the day, you can see the famous  light beams  coming through the canyon walls.

Also, be aware that since Antelope Canyon is within the  Navajo Indian Reservation , you must take a tour. A Navajo guide will take you through the canyon and tell you about the geological and cultural history of the area, and you’ll see the canyon’s undulating structure for yourself!

After spending time at Antelope Canyon, drive the two hours to  Monument Valley  and get some rest for Day 4 of this  road trip from Las Vegas .

• Recommended accommodations:  Goulding’s Lodge  is among the most popular, or you can book one of the places in our  where to stay in Monument Valley  guide

Day 4 – 180 miles, 3 hrs 15 mins

Get an early start in the morning and check out  Monument Valley . One of the best things to do here is to take the  Scenic Drive  past fascinating formations. You’ll see  Elephant Butte , the  Three Sisters ,  John Ford’s Point ,  The Thumb , and several other landmarks.

You can also hike the  Wildcat Trail  and capture superb photos at lookout points like  The Mittens and Merrick Butte  and  Artist’s Point .

Be sure to budget enough time to drive to the  Grand Canyon  from Monument Valley since it takes over 3 hours, and you’ll want to rest up for tomorrow.

• Recommended accommodations:  Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn  or  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon

Day 5 – 300 miles, 5 hrs 15 mins

Spend the last day of this  road trip from Las Vegas at the Grand Canyon . Start at  Grand Canyon Village , which is at the  South Rim . From there, you can take one of the shuttles to the  South Kaibab Trail  or  Hermit Road where you can find beautiful viewpoints like Yavapai and Yaki Point  on the Kaibab Rim Route or  Hopi Point  on the Hermit Road Route.

If you want to make your visit extra special, take a  helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon  and see this natural wonder from a birds-eye view.

When it’s time to head back to Sin City, take the return trip via  Route 66 . This way, you’ll pass the most iconic part of this famous highway, then you can stop at  Boulder City  and visit  Hoover Dam .

• Recommended accommodations: Spend the night at one of the  best hotels in Las Vegas

VEGAS ROAD TRIP alternatives

If you’re short on time, you can skip Monument Valley and save 150 miles (about 2.5 hours) of driving.

If you have time, you can make this a  6-day road trip from Las Vegas . You could spend a day in  Bryce Canyon  or check out  Sedona and Red Rock Country .

Bryce Canyon National Park is a short drive from Zion and is known for its incredible hoodoos and rock formations. It adds 120 miles (2 hrs 15 mins) of driving.

Meanwhile, Red Rock Country is in the Oak Creek area of Sedona and has a distinct canyon landscape. Some of the most photographed sights here include  Oak Creek Canyon , Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and  Tuzigoot National Monument . It adds 135 miles (3 hrs) of driving.

If you have two extra days, you can maximize your  road trip from Las Vegas to Arizona  by visiting  Sedona  and  Phoenix . Check out the iconic attractions along the  Red Rock Scenic Byway . Phoenix is home to the  Desert Botanical Garden , several impressive hiking trails, and  South Mountain Park , one of the largest in the U.S. It adds 295 miles (5 hrs 20 mins) of driving.

Alternatively, two extra days can give you the  best road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon . You’ll have enough time to hike the full  Bright Angel Trail  and camp at the bottom of the canyon.

If you want to extend your trip by 3 extra days, consider adding the  Havasu Falls  to your itinerary. After visiting the Grand Canyon, make the drive to Supai at the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Along with a lodge, you’ll find the  Havasu Falls Trailhead , which takes you past the  Fifty Foot Falls  and  Navajo Falls . Once you get to  Havasu Falls , you can see Carbonate Canyon and stay overnight at the  Havasupai Campground . It adds 140 miles (4 hrs 30 mins) of driving.

5-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

5. Arches, the best 10-day road trip from Las Vegas to Utah

♦ 1,545 miles, 31 hrs total driving – 10 days, 9 nights – Loop

This ultimate 10-day road trip from Las Vegas begins with a stop at the Valley of Fire , where you can take the scenic drive (Mouse’s Tank) past the Rainbow Vista, Arch Rock, and other impressive formations.

The next day, you can visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks for amazing lookout points, hikes, and geological monuments. Speaking of which, this road trip from Las Vegas to Utah also includes the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument . Spanning 1.8 million acres, this natural wonder sits between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef , another national park on this itinerary.

Capitol Reef offers excellent hiking and backpacking, and it’s about an hour from Goblin Valley State Park , an awesome place in Utah for wildlife viewing and stargazing.

Two other national parks you’ll see are Arches and Canyonlands , which have thousands of natural arches between them. The tail-end of this Las Vegas road trip includes stops at Monument Valley , Antelope Canyon , Horseshoe Bend , and the Grand Canyon , which I’ve mentioned earlier.

Finally, as you make your way back to Vegas, you can visit Boulder City and Hoover Dam .

10-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 – 185 miles, 3 hrs 15 mins.

The  distance from Vegas  to  Valley of Fire  is about 45 miles, so this state park is the first stop. It’s a great place to hike outside Sin City, especially since there are trails for all levels. Not only that, but each route takes you past some incredible sights, like the  Fire Wave ,  Pink Canyon , and  Balanced Rock .

After exploring this red sandstone playground, get back in the car and make your way to  Zion National Park .

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at  La Quinta by Wyndham Kanab  or check our guide to  hotels and campgrounds in Zion

Day 2 – 85 miles, 2 hrs

As one of the top  road trip ideas from Las Vegas , you can’t miss  Zion National Park . That said, if you only have one day there, you must prioritize.

I recommend doing a hike, such as  Angel’s Landing , which takes about 4 hours and leads to an amazing 360° viewpoint. Other photographic spots in Zion include the  Three Patriarchs ,  The Narrows , and the  Emerald Pools .

After a day in Zion, continue this  road trip from Las Vegas to Utah’s national parks  by heading to  Bryce Canyon .

• Recommended accommodations: Check out  Bryce Park Place  or our list of suggested  hotels and campsites in Bryce Canyon

Day 3 – 105 miles, 3 hrs 15 mins

Like Zion,  Bryce Canyon  is an excellent stop on this  road trip from Las Vegas to Utah . The defining characteristic of Bryce Canyon is the smattering of hoodoos, which are spire-like rock formations.

One of the best ways to see the hoodoos is by going to  Sunrise Point , where you can see them glow in the sunlight. Moreover, there are other intriguing natural sculptures in Bryce, like  Thor’s Hammer ,  Bryce Amphitheater , and  Two Bridges .

If you’d like to do a short hike, I recommend the  Navajo Loop  or  Queen’s Garden Trail . You can combine these routes and loop past  Queen Victoria  and  Wall Street , ending at Thor’s Hammer.

The next stop will be the  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , so head to your hotel and get some rest.

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at the  Cowboy Country Inn  or the  Canyon Country Lodge

Day 4 – 115 miles, 3 hrs 40 mins

Besides Zion and Bryce Canyon, there are lots of other cool  things to do in Utah . The next stop on this  road trip from Las Vegas to Utah  is the  Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument , a remote region in southern Utah.

GSENM covers an expansive area, so you won’t be able to see everything during your trip. I recommend checking out the  Hole-in-the-Rock Scenic Byway , a 55-mile road that winds around several attractions. It’s a good way to see the  Zebra and Tunnel Canyons , the  Devil’s Garden ,  Batty Pass Caves ,  Jacob Hamblin Arch, Coyote Natural Bridge , and more.

The arches in this place are out of this world, as are the  Spooky and Brimstone Gulches . After basking in the magnitude of this natural monument, do the short drive to  Capitol Reef  and rest up.

• Recommended accommodations: Spend the night at the  Capitol Reef Resort  or  Broken Spur Inn & Steakhouse

Day 5 – 160 miles, 2 hrs 45 mins

This  Utah national park road trip from Las Vegas  continues with a visit to  Capitol Reef National Park . The area is known for its white sandstone cliffs and domes, which look like dried-up reefs. That said, it’s also in southern Utah’s red rock country, so the landscape is quite beautiful.

You can see lots of canyons, cliffs, gorges, and petroglyphs while traveling along the park’s  Scenic Drive . There are also several trailheads, so consider a short hike like the  Capitol Gorge ,  Goosenecks , or  Sunset Point Trail .

About an hour north of Capitol Reef, you’ll find  Goblin Valley State Park , another interesting  place to visit in Utah . Its desert landscape is characterized by giant hoodoos, which have been nicknamed “goblins.” The park offers excellent wildlife spotting and enjoyable hikes like the  Carmel Canyon Loop  and the  Three Sisters Trail , which leads to a natural monument by the same name.

Another great thing about Goblin Valley is that it’s about 1.5 hours from  Arches National Park , the next stop on this  Las Vegas road trip itinerary .

• Recommended accommodations:  Red Cliffs Lodge  or  River Canyon Lodge

Day 6 – 30 miles, 45 mins

As you might expect,  Arches National Park  is full of natural arches, bridges, and rock structures. It’s the perfect place to visit on any  Las Vegas road trip to Utah .

Some of the most iconic spots I suggest checking out include  Balanced Rock ,  The Windows , and  Turret Arch .  Double Arch  is one of the most famous landmarks in the park, as is  Delicate Arch , which you can reach via a 3.4-mile hike.

If you want, you can hang out in the town of  Moab  before heading to  Canyonlands National Park . Along with shops and restaurants, Moab is home to the popular strong>Corona Arch.

• Recommended accommodations: Consider  Moab Springs Ranch in Moab  or  Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab

Day 7 – 200 miles, 3 hrs 40 mins

Day 7 begins at  Canyonlands National Park , home to exceptional natural landmarks like the  Mesa Arch . I recommend getting there at dawn so you can see the sunrise from the arch.

That said, there are other amazing sights to see here. For example, the  Washer Woman  stands 500 feet tall, and  Monster Tower  is even higher. One of the best viewpoints here is the  Green River Overlook , where you can gaze at an impressive landscape from 1,000 feet up.

The park offers wildlife spotting, hiking, and kayaking throughout its four regions, so I suggest checking beforehand and planning which section to visit during your day here.

Moreover, together with Arches and Canyonlands,  Dead Horse Point State Park  is also worth visiting. Known as the setting for the film  helma & Louise , the park has some family-friendly hikes to beautiful viewpoints. I recommend the  Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail  or the  Visitor Center Nature Trail . They’re short enough to give you time to drive to  Monument Valley  and rest for tomorrow.

• Recommended accommodations: Book a room at  Goulding’s Lodge  or check out our guide on  where to stay in Monument Valley

Day 8 – 125 miles, 2 hrs 10 mins

On Day 8, it’s time to bring this  Las Vegas road trip to Arizona . The first stop in this state is  Monument Valley , one of our personal favorites. With its striking landscape of red stone and green desert shrubs, it’s no wonder this place was a backdrop for movies like  Fort Apache  and  Back to the Future III .

If you can time it right, catch the sunrise at  Merrick Butte ; it’ll leave you breathless. Of course, there are other iconic views here, such as the one from  John Ford’s Point . A few other cool sights include  Camel Butte , the  Three Sisters , and  Elephant Butte . If you want to do a self-guided hike, do the  Wildcat Trail  around the  West Mitten Butte .

Monument Valley is the best introduction to Arizona, although as you drive to  Page, Arizona , you’ll see that there is more to come!

• Recommended accommodations: Sleep at  Country Inn & Suites by Radisson  or one of the places in our  Page hotels  guide

Day 9 – 150 miles, 2 hrs 50 mins

Antelope Canyon  is an absolute dream to visit, so you must add it to your  Las Vegas road trip itinerary . It’s one thing to see photos of this place and another to walk through the slot canyon yourself.

We have a complete visitor’s guide with tips on how to photograph Antelope Canyon and which tour to take. I’ll tell you that both the  Upper and Lower canyons  are gorgeous, so there’s no wrong choice here!

What’s also great about Antelope Canyon is that it’s close to  Horseshoe Bend , another stop on this  Arizona road trip from Las Vegas . Be sure to make a quick stop here to see the view from nearly 1,000 feet high. You’ll want your camera with you because Horseshoe Bend offers the best images of the  Colorado River .

After an exciting day, drive to the  Grand Canyon  and get some sleep for a full day of exploring tomorrow.

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at  Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn  or  The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon , or consult our guide on  where to stay in the Grand Canyon

Day 10 – 300 miles, 5 hrs 15 mins

Last but not least, this  10-day road trip from Las Vegas  goes to the  Grand Canyon . The  South Rim  is where  Grand Canyon Village  is, so I recommend exploring this area. There are popular overlooks and trails here, such as the  South Kaibab Trail  or the  Rim Trail .

If your budget allows, I highly recommend taking a  helicopter tour  over the canyon. Not only is a helicopter ride a good use of your time, but you’ll be able to escape the crowds and see an entirely new view of the Grand Canyon.

Be sure to plan enough time to make the  drive to Las Vegas from Arizona . Right before you hit the city limits, you’ll pass through  Boulder City  and the  Hoover Dam . Consider checking out the  Visitor Center  or  Memorial Bridge  before heading into Vegas.

• Recommended accommodations: Recover from your road trip at one of the  best hotels in Las Vegas

VEGAS car TRIP ALTERNATIVES

If you have an extra day, consider spending more time in  Zion  since there are so many things to see there.

You could also extend your time at the  Grand Canyon  and visit the  West Rim and Skywalk . It adds 90 miles (2 hrs 15 mins) of driving.

Yet another option is to check out  Red Rock Country in Sedona, Arizona . The distinct canyon landscape includes Oak Creek Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Tuzigoot National Monument. It adds 135 miles (3 hrs) of driving.

With two extra days, you can maximize your  road trip from Las Vegas to Arizona  by visiting  Salt Lake City . The city is full of impressive temples, parks, natural areas, and, of course, Great Salt Lake. It adds 355 miles (6 hrs 50 mins) of driving.

Another way you can maximize your  road trip from Las Vegas to Arizona  is by visiting  Sedona  and  Phoenix . Check out the iconic attractions along the  Red Rock Scenic Byway  in Sedona. Then go to Phoenix, home to the  Desert Botanical Garden , several impressive hiking trails, and  South Mountain Park , one of the largest in the U.S. It adds 295 miles (5 hrs 20 mins) of driving.

If you loved the  Grand Canyon , spend your extra time hiking the full  Bright Angel Trail  and camping at the bottom of the canyon.

If you want to extend your trip by 3 extra days, consider adding the  Havasu Falls  to your itinerary. After visiting the Grand Canyon, make the drive to Supai at the  Havasupai Indian Reservation . Along with a lodge, you’ll find the Havasu Falls Trailhead, which takes you past the  Fifty Foot Falls  and  Navajo Falls . Once you get to  Havasu Falls , you can see Carbonate Canyon and stay overnight at the  Havasupai Campground . It adds 140 miles (4 hrs 30 mins) of driving.

Those are the five  best road trips from Las Vegas ! I hope you found an itinerary that works for your schedule. Be sure to check out my map of each road trip so you can see the driving  distances from Vegas  and planned routes.

10-DAY LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP​

If you want more options, check my 10-day West Coast itinerary with Las Vegas as the starting point. It’s true that we didn’t optimize miles and time, but we got to see the main national parks and cities in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California.

Finally, feel free to tell me about your Las Vegas road trip below or ask any questions. I’ll be happy to help you out! Safe travels!

Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ 5 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas, Nevada ”

Good morning from Australia,

I will be visiting USA August & September 2024. I will be going to several cities and town, but would like to end up in Las Vegas.

I have been to Zion National Park & Bryce Canyon twice previously and was wondering if you would be able to tailor a road trip for me of approx 5 days, departing and returning from Vegas, or departing from Salt Lake City and returning to Vegas.

i would like to visit the large rock formations in the area.

Thank you and regards

Hi Peter, That sounds awesome. I would start by looking at our 10-day road trip from Las Vegas (which goes to Utah), and tailoring it to your interests. For example, skip Zion and Bryce Canyon, and instead check out the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which has some unique formations. There are lots of cool things to see in Utah , but I recommend the national parks at Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands.

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These 5 road trips from Las Vegas will take you far beyond casinos and glitz

Apr 10, 2024 • 6 min read

Not far from the glitz of the Strip, the open road offers desert adventures © JacobH / Getty Images

In a city filled with the atypical, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist routine in Las Vegas .

The generationally accepted Sin City mantra is to gamble, catch a show, gamble some more, have a few drinks, enjoy a little entertainment…and repeat as many times as humanly possible until you have to stagger back to the airport and catch your flight home. Vegas’ two tourist zones, the Strip or Downtown/ Fremont Street , are within a 15-minute drive of one another; if you stay in one, perhaps you’ll make an excursion to the other. And that’s the extent of a “day trip” for most.

Yet far too many visit Las Vegas without exploring the top-notch historical, geographical and cultural attractions nearby, many of which are within a three-hour drive. By renting a car, you can coast through the likes of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire of State Park within 45 minutes (though we recommend taking more time, to explore the orange rock formations in both by hiking).

It’s pretty easy to navigate Las Vegas and surrounding areas via generally well-kept and well-paved roadways, with Interstate 15 (running north-south), Clark County Rte 215 (a beltway encircling the city) and a US Rte 95 (a northwest-southeast diagonal) the key roads to know.

It’s true that Las Vegas is surrounded by desert, and this arid region doesn’t abound with notable road-trip stops. But quality makes up for quantity, and you’ll find a world of wonder awaits within reach of Sin City: think the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, quirky hotels, national parks…and so much more.

Here are three true day trips – plus two additional multi-day options – that will help expand your Las Vegas horizons.

1. Grand Canyon West

Best road trip to do via bus Las Vegas–Grand Canyon West Skywalk; 125 miles (201km); allow one (long) day

The Western Rim of the Grand Canyon (known as Grand Canyon West ) is within a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride of Las Vegas. Tour operators like Grand Canyon Destinations , Gray Line and GC Tours pack it all in one day, making early morning pick-ups, allowing three-or-so hours of free time and stopping for optional meals. The “must” at Grand Canyon West is a tip-toe along the cantilevered, glass-bottomed  Skywalk .

Planning tip: Grand Canyon West is operated by the Hualapai Nation (whereas Grand Canyon National Park is under the purview of the National Park Service). From Las Vegas, a trip to the national park will take substantially more time, and should be a multi-day affair. 

2. Boulder City

Best road trip for history lovers Las Vegas–Boulder City; 26 miles (42km); allow one day  

While this city is only a 30-minute drive southwest of Las Vegas, it feels a world apart. Whereas the Strip is all about creative destruction and ever-bigger resorts, Boulder City has more than 500 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, most of which were constructed in the 1930s and ’40s. The city came into being in the ’30s, when workers from across the USA converged to build nearby Hoover Dam ; you can learn all about the key figures at the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum . En route to the majestic dam – just 15 minutes northeast of Boulder City – stop at Hemenway Park , which offers panoramic vistas of the often bright-blue Lake Mead . 

Detour: Henderson is Nevada ’s second-largest city, and its Water St artery regularly hosts car shows, parades and farmers markets.

3. Laughlin

Best road trip for a river reprieve Las Vegas–Laughlin; 97 miles (156km); allow one day  

On the southern tip of Nevada on the Colorado River, you’ll find this cozy, casino-filled town. Along north-south main drag Casino Dr, you’ll see a handful of gambling names that you’ll also find in Las Vegas, including Golden Nugget , Harrah’s and Tropicana . So why Laughlin ? Its appeal boils down to cheaper table games, less swank and river adventures aplenty.

Water excursions come in all forms here, including guided kayaking journeys with Desert River Outfitters , Jet Ski rentals with Watercraft Adventures or hikes along the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail , which runs adjacent to the river.

Best road trip for seeing another side of the Silver State Las Vegas–Reno; 438 miles (705km); allow 4–5 days  

With its vast green landscapes, a slower pace and small-town vibes, northern Nevada is a different world from Las Vegas. Its anchor is Reno – aka the “Biggest Little City in the World,” a nickname proudly proclaimed by an arched sign in the city’s Commercial Row core. Reno is a nearly 7-hour drive from Vegas following US Rte 95.

En route, stop at the Goldfield Hotel , the 1902 hallmark of an eerily quiet town and regarded as one of the most haunted structures in the US. Keep that haunted streak going with a visit to the Clown Motel in Tonopah , which also has a free clown museum in its lobby. Tonopah is also stargazing heaven, hosting  a biweekly “Star Party”  after dark every April through October. Telescopes and binoculars are provided to get up close and personal with the constellations.

Once you arrive in Reno, hit the Reno Brewery District , which has more than 15 craft spots. Nevada’s first meadery, the Black Rabbit Mead Company uses locally sourced honey in its brews.

5. Zion National Park

Best road trip for outdoors enthusiasts Las Vegas–Springdale, Utah; 159 miles (256km); allow 4–5 days  

Within a two-hour drive of Sin City, a world of emerald pools, soaring pine-lined trails and the Angels Landing bucket-list hike await. And for all the wonder you’ll find within Zion National Park , getting there from Las Vegas is half the fun. Along the way – generally a straight-north shot on I-15 – stop at Valley of Fire State Park to see mounds of sandstone with red patterns reminiscent of a cinnamon bun, as well as 2000-year-old petroglyphs etched in caves. Continue north to the city of St George, just over the Utah border. Red mountains loom in the distance over its historic downtown and art district; pop in the St George Art Museum for rotating exhibits that showcase the Western USA ’s rocky and rugged beauty.

As you approach Zion, Springdale, the quaint town at the park’s southern gate, has southwest-inspired souvenir shops, hotel-chain outposts and the five-star LaFave Luxury Resort , which has villas that sleep up to 10. If want to camp in the park, Watchman Campground is open year-round, with reservations accepted up to six months ahead of booking. 

Detour: Tucked off Interstate 15, Mesquite is a golfer’s paradise, with nine public courses – including the Jack Nicklaus–designed Coyote Springs Golf Club – within a 10-minute radius of town.

This article was first published Apr 5, 2024 and updated Apr 10, 2024.

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6 of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas

A popular Las Vegas marketing slogan has successfully become a part of Sin City's identifying lexicon and culture: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

The image the phrase conjures up is part illusion and part reality. But if what was going to happen in Vegas has already happened, what can you do now? Or, as Vegas' new marketing video implies, what if you need to find something new?

Fortunately, there's so much more to Vegas than just casinos , expensive concerts and fancy meals. For travelers who've already seen the main attractions, or locals who are ready to spread their wings, here are six of our favorite road trips from Las Vegas.

For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter .

Mount Charleston

Driving time from Las Vegas: One hour

For a dramatic and totally unexpected escape from the bright city lights, get in your rental car and head up to Mount Charleston. It's visible from some Las Vegas hotels and is part of the Spring Mountains, behind which the sun sets each day. It doesn't look overly inviting or welcoming from Las Vegas Boulevard because the eastern front of the range appears mostly barren and dry. But that distant and somewhat hostile impression plays a big part in the surprise that awaits the first-time visitor.

What to do: Mount Charleston is a relaxed, outdoor playground perfect for a variety of outdoor experiences such as hiking, camping, skiing, horseback riding or even just a scenic drive. It's a clear contrast between Nevada's two worlds: man-made and natural. The man-made sits on the valley floor, the natural tops out at 11,900 feet. One has imported palm trees, the other has tall Ponderosa pines and aspens that glow gold in the fall.

If you find Las Vegas overwhelming, you'll love the fresh, crisp air here. The towering glass-and-steel hotels are replaced by cabins made of rough-hewn logs and in an instant, your blood pressure drops. You're only 50 miles from Vegas, but it feels like a thousand.

During the drive to Mount Charleston, be sure to stop at the Desert View Overlook. There you'll find a short and well-maintained path that leads to an expansive and panoramic vista of the Mojave Desert below. A series of informative panels provide information about what you're viewing and its history.

Part of what you'll see includes the Nevada Test Site, the scene of almost 1,000 nuclear detonations from the 1950s to the 1990s. About 100 of these were atmospheric tests that resulted in mushroom clouds that could be seen from Las Vegas.

Farther up the road, at the end of Lee Canyon, is the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Yes, there's a real outdoor ski area within an easy drive from Las Vegas. Sure, it's small, but there's enough terrain and snow to provide for a great winter getaway. The area historically receives about 200 inches of snow each season, with temperatures about 30 to 40 degrees lower than those in the valley. At other times of the year, it's a still a beautiful backdrop for a picnic.

A few years ago, we skied at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort, and I wouldn't hesitate to include it into another Vegas winter stay.

Where to eat: Be sure to fit the Mount Charleston Lodge and Restaurant into your day trip; it's a quintessential mountain experience.

The very popular restaurant has a rustic A-frame design with full windows on three sides that allow guests to enjoy the view while perusing the large menu. An expansive porch wraps around the exterior to allow for outdoor dining, and a central fireplace adds to the coziness. You will also likely find authentic Native American jewelry and goods crafted by local artisans for sale.

Where to stay: The Mount Charleston log cabins start at around $125 per night. Of course, since Mount Charleson is only an hour from Las Vegas, you could also head back to Las Vegas in time for your dinner reservation on the Strip.

Valley of Fire State Park

A second easily reachable destination outside Las Vegas is the Valley of Fire State Park . It's about an hour away from the city via I-15 N to Exit 75. The Valley of Fire is named for the color of the 150-million-year-old Aztec Red sandstone that comprises a lot of the park. We've also been there with the temperatures approaching 120 degrees, so maybe the heat also has something to do with the name.

What to do: A $10-per-car entrance fee is required and a stop at the visitor center is suggested. There you'll find a comprehensive study of the park and learn about how it was created. Also, there are restrooms and a small store selling snacks and souvenirs . Make sure you leave the visitor center with a map, a plan and water. Lots of water. It's very dry and has a very high ultraviolet and heat index.

Related: 10 things no one tells you about Las Vegas

Valley of Fire State Park can be thoroughly enjoyed from the car using the excellent Scenic Loop Road that curves its way through the rock formations. But you'll be best served by at least an occasional stop at the many parking areas that provide access to some of the most distinctive features.

For instance, there's the Petroglyph Canyon that leads to Mouse's Tank. Here, rock etchings created by inhabitants from 2,500 years ago are visible on the sides of this short canyon. The canyon floor is covered with a loose, fine, deep sand that will easily make its way into your shoes and boots.

Another easy stop is Rainbow Vista, a colorful, panoramic landscape that seems to change hue with the movement of the sun. One of our favorites is the one-mile, round-trip hike to the Fire Wave. A relatively flat and easy trek leads you to undulating sandstone formations enhanced by swirling ribbons of contrasting color.

It is a small but very dramatic area you'll be glad to see — especially if you need a break from all the neon in Las Vegas. Just remember, there's little to no shade on this walk, and the heat can certainly be a risk.

White Domes is a crowd favorite. The mile-and-a-half-long trail leads you down past remnants of an old movie set and through a short but impressive slot canyon before looping back toward the parking area. The landscape is peppered with towering rock formations that look especially resplendent against the darker colors of the nearby desert rocks.

Related: The best national and state parks to visit with kids in the Southwest

Don't miss the petroglyph panel known as Atlatl Rock. You climb about four stories of metal stairs to get a close-up look of the carvings that are highlighted by images of the Atlatl — an ancient hunting weapon.

The Valley of Fire offers history and hills ablaze. There are petroglyphs and petrified logs; arches and ancient art; balanced rocks and bighorn sheep. Among the waves of red rock and snaking roads, you'll find the Valley of Fire is a destination on its own, but also a nice road trip from Las Vegas.

Where to stay: As with Mount Charleston, you could easily make a day trip from Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire State Park, but there are options if you want to spend the night. There is camping available within the state park. You can also choose among some budget hotels, such as the North Shore Inn at Lake Mead, about 12 miles away. But, if you want some luxury at the end of your day of hiking, you'll probably want to head back to Vegas.

Related: Review of the Bellagio Las Vegas

Death Valley

Driving time from Las Vegas: 2.5 hours

What to do: The things to do in Death Valley are to absorb the unusual, value the uniqueness, respect the environment and simply survive. Death Valley is different, beautiful in its own way and extreme.

One of the high points, if the lowest elevation in the U.S. can ever be defined using the word high, is Badwater Basiin, 282 feet below with sea-level starkness. Heatwaves dance and mirages come to life here during the heat of the day. The distance itself becomes an optical illusion.

Artists Palette on Artists Drive is also worth investigating as the rolling hills are splotched with multi-colored hues much like an artist's palette. The colors are usually best defined in the late afternoon light.

The road is one-way, well paved and narrow. And fun. It is a miniature roller coaster ride that you may want to take twice. It is at its best when you have the road to yourself.

Other popular and automobile-accessible locations for Vegas day-trippers are Zabriskie Point and Dante's Peak. Dante's sits about one mile above the valley floor and offers an expansive overlook of Badwater Basin and its surroundings. Zabriskie is likely the park's most popular viewing spot and offers a nice vantage for sunrise and sunsets.

Golden Canyon is just off Badwater Road and allows visitors to get an intimate feel for Death Valley without going too far from your car's air conditioning.

If time allows, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells is a good visit. The sand hills rise and flow, poetically delineated by the rippled ridges of the sand that are forever at the mercy of a thermal wind. This is another good locale for the photographer in you.

Stops at the Harmony Borax Worksite, the Park Information Center and at the Death Valley National Park sign are certain to be on most visitors' agendas. If you spend the night in the park, the skies in Death Valley can get dynamically dark, providing a brilliant celestial show. During the day, Navy fighter jets race across those same skies.

Related: What to expect as national parks reopen

Death Valley is best enjoyed when the temperature is an ally and not an enemy. Think October through April. Also, like most of the great and grand outdoors, optimum viewing is when the sun is lower in the sky and not directly overhead. We have been to Death Valley when the temperatures were 115+. It is doable ... but the land's ancestral natives did not call the area Tomesha ("Ground Afire") without cause.

Where to stay: You can stay within Death Valley at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel in one of 83 rooms that start around $150 per night. There are also campsites and RV hookups available -- along with a general store, the Toll Road Restaurant and Badwater Saloon.

Other options can be found at the Oasis at Death Valley, the Ranch at Death Valley and the Inn at Death Valley, set along Highway 190 next to the National Park Service Visitor Center. Here you'll find lush date palms, spring-fed pools and even golf.

Related: The US welcomes 3 new dark sky parks

Grand Canyon

Driving time from Las Vegas: 2.5 hours to the closest point, the Grand Canyon West Rim

What to do: The Grand Canyon lives up to its name. It is quite ... grand. The more popular North and South Rims are also reachable by car from Vegas, but you'll need to budget several additional hours in the car each direction, with the South Rim being the closer of those two. The West Rim is closer still, though each offers its own unique possibilities.

Should you decide to make an overnight road trip to the South Rim, you might consider a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway that begins in Williams, Arizona, and takes you on a two-hour (each way) nostalgic journey to the canyon. Several trains run daily, and there are multiple price ranges available. This is a very popular experience and one we highly recommend. While in Williams, you can enjoy another homage to the past while you cruise down part of the famous Route 66.

But, the West Rim, which is run by the Hualapai Indian Tribe, is a reasonable driving distance from Las Vegas and this is where you'll find the Skywalk Glass Bridge that extends out over the edge of the canyon so you can look down 4,000 feet.

Where to stay: If you go to the West Rim, the Hualapai Ranch offers rustic cabins for rent. Along with your cabin stay, you also get access to an animatronic "Shootin' Gallery" and free magic and gunfight shows. Horseback rides are available at the ranch starting at $40.

Another nearby option is the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, about 10 miles away. At this ranch, you'll find pine cabins and glamping tents with prices that start around $200-$300 per night. In addition to the tents and cabins, you'll find horseback rides, wagon rides and a gun range.

Related: The best time to visit the Grand Canyon

Antelope Canyon

Driving time from Las Vegas: 4.5 hours

Antelope Canyon is one of the best places we've ever been. This is the longest of the road trips we've recommended from Las Vegas, but it's also our favorite. It's at least a full-day commitment from Las Vegas, 275 miles away in Page, Arizona . In fact, you'll probably want to at least spend the night in Page before making your way back to Vegas.

What to do: What you'll find at Antelope Canyon are two slot canyons that will deliver a physical and visual experience unlike anything else on Earth.

The upper and the lower canyons are located on land of the Navajo Nation and can only be toured with authorized guides. Reservations can be made online and do sell out. Both canyons deliver stunning plays of light on sandstone sculpted by rushing water from infrequent but powerful desert storms. The upper is on ground level, and the lower makes its way through a narrow and winding passageway about 50 feet below ground.

There's no pattern to these natural works of art, just a rhythm of wild and unscripted motion. The walls rise and fall like waves, curl and curve into themselves. There are dynamic photo opportunities throughout the canyons as the walls gather and distribute the light from above in a multi-hued light show.

The Antelope Canyons are a mecca for the greatest of artists and for the iPhone photographer alike, so be sure to bring something to capture the moment.

Individually purchased adult tour prices will range from about $50 for the Lower Canyon to $60 for the Upper Canyon. The fees for children are $10 less. Special tours are available at a higher fee that allows extra time in the canyons, emphasize photography or allow access during "peak" times. During normal times, multiple tour companies make day trips to Antelope Canyon with 6 a.m. departures. Basic transportation costs about $65 from Vegas if you aren't driving, and full tours start around $200.

Of course, if you have your own car, you're on your own schedule.

Where to stay : There are a number of budget-friendly properties in Page, about 10 miles from Antelope Canyon. If you want to use your hotel points or free-night certificates, you can pick from the Hyatt Place Page - Lake Powell (12,000 Hyatt points), Hampton Inn & Suites Page - Lake Powell (36,000 - 50,000 Hilton points) or Days Inn, Comfort Inn and Best Western-type properties.

Related: Fun road trips in Arizona

Zion National Park

Driving time from Las Vegas: Three hours

What to do: Zion is like a natural cathedral. It is that inspiring. Just the definitions and spiritual applications of the word Zion should give you a real hint as to the grandeur there.

Zion surrounds you, engulfs you and embraces you. And, before COVID-19 hit, it gave a lot of hugs as it was attracting about four million visitors each year. Zion's main features, its most popular venues, are mostly accessed from a single road that parallels the Virgin River. Traffic in the park can be congested, so a huge fleet of shuttle buses are used to minimize traffic.

You can appreciate Zion from a distance and get a broad view of the wonders much like an image presented by a panoramic photo. But Zion is best experienced by zooming in on individual segments and becoming more of a participant than a spectator.

Hikes and explorations range from an easy, but rewarding, stroll on the Riverside Walk to an all-day strenuous trek through water to the see the famous Narrows. In between, there is the uncomplicated and straightforward trail to Weeping Rock, the moderately challenging path to the Emerald Pools and The Canyon Overlook and the formidable climb to the breathtaking Angel's Landing.

As with most popular destinations, the best time to visit is the off-season when attendance is down. But since most travelers don't always have that scheduling freedom, it is best to simply get out early in the day, ahead of the crowd.

As a personal aside, if time does not permit a true visit to Zion, the spectacular Highway 9 from Springdale to Mount Carmel Junction is worth the time, the effort and the National Park fee. The road bisects part of the park and offers scenery and sights that will have you looking for one of the many turnouts and overlooks to pull into for an even better view. The road has a series of long tunnels that cut through the core of the mountains and the drive through the tunnels and the vistas when you emerge are truly exhilarating. Utah State Highway 9, the Zion Park Scenic Byway, is a travel treasure. (Just watch out for deer crossings.)

Where to stay: Within Zion, your options are either camping in one of the three campgrounds or booking a stay at the Zion National Park Lodge, where rooms and cabins often start at $220+ per night and can book up well in advance. But there are points-friendly options in the area too.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park sits in the shadow of Zion, and is bookable for 40,000-60,000 Marriott points per night. (Or a free-night certificate available from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card when the room prices at 50,000 points per night or less). The Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park prices around 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night and the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale is 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.

Related: Where to stay near national parks using hotel points

Bottom line

We love Las Vegas . We love it for what it is and what it will be post-coronavirus pandemic , but if you are looking for a road trip out of Las Vegas, there's plenty nearby that can broaden and enhance the experience. Safe travels!

The Best Road Trips from Las Vegas

Pack your bags and check your tires; it’s time for a road trip from las vegas..

It's been a wild winter in Las Vegas. So it must be time to leave a season of ski trips and unpredictable weather behind and look ahead to spring and summer's clear skies and sunshine. You've got a few weeks before the heavy winds and overbearing heat show up, so take advantage of the mild-ish weather and enjoy one of the best road trips from Las Vegas while everybody else is hanging out by the pool back home. Vegas may be a tiny speck in the middle of the desert, but it's within comfortable driving distance to several compelling destinations. Fill up the tank or charge your battery and hit the highway. Here are the most exciting weekend getaways to take near Las Vegas.

Lake Havasu, Arizona

Distance from Vegas: 2 hours, 30 minutes Lake Havasu is the best island getaway within a three-hour drive of Vegas. Breaking up the Colorado River between Arizona and California, the vacation town definitely has charm and character to spare . The waterfront is decorated with scaled-down replicas of historic lighthouses from around the country, and the island connects to the mainland with a brick-by-brick restoration of the same London Bridge that crossed the River Thames in the late 1800s. Lake Havasu is known as a spring break party destination, but the pace picks up even more in the summer when it gets really hot. Lake Havasu holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in an incorporated American city at 128 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, between boating, cruises, JetSkis, hanging out on the beach, and rock jumping at Copper Canyon, there are plenty of water activities to help cool you off.

Tonopah, Nevada

Distance from Vegas: 3 hours Getting lost in the desolate central regions of Nevada has its charm. Camping near one of the state's many historic ghost towns probably isn't the answer, so find the right balance with a visit to Tonopah. The small town has two very different overnight accommodations, a creepy Clown Motel next to a cemetery or the historic Mizpah Hotel . Both places are said to be haunted. Just make sure to visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park , an outdoor museum dedicated to Nevada's gold and silver rush, and load up on beer and barbecue at Tonopah Brewing Company . Half the fun of visiting is the road trip itself. Stop along the way in Goldfield, often described as a "living" ghost town with historic Old West architecture and the International Car Forest , a bizarre art installation of beat-up automobiles sticking out of the ground.

Sedona, Arizona

Distance from Vegas: 4 hours, 30 minutes The spring and summer months are a great time to visit Sedona. The temperatures aren't nearly as hot as other Arizona destinations (we're looking at you, Phoenix and Tucson), and desert flowers are in full bloom. In addition to more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails, Sedona is known for its Native American history, bed-and-breakfast accommodations, and art galleries. The town also carries a certain sense of mysticism. Said to be in a vortex with the energy of nature especially strong in Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon; you can easily reach these locations without shelling out cash for a tour guide. The town is surrounded by bright pink and red sandstone with gorgeous views in every direction.

Lake Powell, Arizona

Distance from Vegas: 4 hours, 30 minutes Just like Lake Mead, Lake Powell is watching water levels drop to dangerously low levels but remains a popular summertime destination near the Arizona-Utah border. The area is best known for Horseshoe Bend , a corner of the Colorado River where it's almost impossible to take a bad photo. You can also tour the Glen Canyon Dam, which created Lake Powell, and visit Antelope Canyon , although tours affiliated with the Navajo tribe are required to pay a visit. Book one well in advance. Spend the night at the Lake Powell Resort "down-stream" at Wahweap Bay, just steps from where Lake Powell Boat Tours offers a sunset cruise with a three-course meal included.

Boulder City, Nevada

Distance from Vegas: 45 minutes A quick drive from Vegas, Boulder City is the closest town to the Hoover Dam and has a small tourism industry based around the engineering masterpiece. Book a raft tour with Lake Mohave Adventures on the Colorado River to get an up-close look at the dam with surprisingly close access. Remember that Boulder City is the only Nevada community that doesn't allow gambling. So if you need a fix, stop by the Hoover Dam Lodge while driving down on US 93 and play a few slots. However, the casino-free Boulder Dam Hotel (with a Hoover Dam museum in the lobby) offers a more satisfying sense of history. Boulder City is an excellent home base for hitting Lake Mead, where swimming, boating, and kayaking remain popular, despite the ever-dwindling water levels. For more outdoor fun, hang out with the bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park or grab a seat on the patio at Milo's Cellar for wine, the Dillenger for burgers, or Jack's Place to drink a beer and watch a game.

Tecopa, California

Distance from Vegas: 1 hour, 30 minutes The heat and bugs in Tecopa are unbearable during the summer, so spend the calm and mild spring season checking out the quirkiness of this tiny California destination. Tecopa isn't quite a ghost town, but you'll see a few abandoned buildings, a rundown jail, and other remnants of its history as an old supply route and railroad community. Las Vegans come here to disconnect. There's minimal cellphone service and hardly any landlines. It has the most breweries per capita in the United States, as long as you understand it's two breweries for about 60 people. Tecopa Brewing Company has killer barbecue. Death Valley Brewing is next to Steaks and Beer, a shack that serves charred ribeyes and local organic sides (with no website or social media, so call 702-334-3431 to book a reservation). Yet the most popular attractions in Tecopa are the natural hot springs at two resorts ( Delight's and Tecopa Hot Springs ) and the China Ranch Date Farm , home to a small museum and bakery.

Cottonwood, Arizona

Distance from Vegas:  4 hours, 40 minutes Cottonwood is a small town in the heart of Arizona's Verde Valley between Phoenix and Flagstaff. The quiet region doesn't forget its Old West roots as a mining community and boasts picturesque mountain scenery. It's also in the heart of Arizona's booming wine country. Visit historic downtown Cottonwood and check out at least eight tastings rooms within steps of each other. Neighboring Jerome is home to the Grand Hotel , formerly a creepy hospital and currently one of the most haunted hotels in America . Grab lunch and enjoy the views at the Asylum Restaurant before taking a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad , a three-hour train ride that follows the river and turns around at Perkinsville ghost town. Spend some time exploring the great outdoors, especially the Tuzigoot National Monument , where Pueblo ruins are preserved and protected.

Williams, Arizona

Distance from Vegas: 3 hours, 30 minutes If you want a cool way to visit the Grand Canyon , take an old-school train ride from Williams, Arizona, which provides direct passage to the scenic South Rim inside the national park. The small town values its reputation as a gateway to America's largest hole in the ground, but Williams is a pretty cool place to visit all by itself. Spend a few days here and you'll see a proud history that combines a rough-and-tumble Wild West past with a legacy as the last operational stretch of Route 66, which helped usher in a new era of road tripping. Roam the streets of downtown, where old brothels and saloons have been converted to bars and restaurants. Ride down a mountain on a self-controlled alpine roller coaster at the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park , get into the cowboy spirit at Wild West Junction , and check out vintage gas pumps and other antiques inside Pete's Gas Station Museum . Just outside of town, animal lovers can feed dozens of deer, meet a zonkey, and hang out with a camel at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm , or drive through the Bearizona wildlife park, which also includes a walkable zoo.

Caliente, Nevada

Distance from Vegas: 2 hours, 30 minutes Want to get away from the crowds? Caliente, the only incorporated city in Lincoln County north of Las Vegas, is a quiet community with a small-town feel and an unexpected variety of outdoor activities. Early growth was based on its role as a railway stop between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles—a legacy recognized with a mission-style depot, still standing as a photogenic piece of history, with the Box Car Museum just steps away. Spend some time here and further explore the great outdoors with mountain biking at Barnes Canyon and hiking at Kershaw-Ryan State Park. Caliente is also a great home base to visit the towering rock formations and slot canyons of Cathedral Gorge State Park , about 15 miles away. Otherwise, hang out for a while and mingle with the locals at Side Track , one of our favorite restaurants on the outskirts of Vegas , and its sister weekend cocktail lounge, Side Car . The Caliente Hot Springs Resort is closed for renovations until 2023, so ask for the log cabin at the nearby Pine Tree Inn & Bakery bed-and-breakfast in Panaca.

Beatty, Nevada

Distance from Vegas: 1 hour, 45 minutes Beatty is an old mining and railroad town on the outskirts of Death Valley. It's also close to the ghost town ruins of Rhyolite , the weirdness of the Goldwell Open Air Museum , and the Tom Kelly bottle house, made from more than 50,000 glass bottles. All three places are within steps of each other west of the town. For another weird photo spot, travel three miles north of the town center on U.S. 95. You'll see wreckage from an airplane crash by a roadside sign for what used to be the Angel's Ladies brothel. Back in the heart of Beatty, you'll want to try the chili and beer at the Happy Burro , an old saloon with vintage spirit, quirky decor, and a boardwalk-style patio. Hang around long enough and you might see burros roaming the streets. With a travel time of less than two hours, Beatty is a great day trip from Vegas, but if you want to spend the night, check out the renovated rooms at the Stagecoach Hotel & Casino .

Laughlin, Nevada

Distance from Vegas: 1 hour, 30 minutes Describing Laughlin as a mini-Vegas on a river isn't entirely off base . Less than a hundred miles apart, both towns are famous for casinos, entertainment, and bright neon lights. But Laughlin is less chaotic, with a small-town feel and employees who actually recognize regulars by name year after year. The dining and nightlife is lowkey and low-pressure. Yet the town's character is best shaped by its location along the Colorado River, which separates Nevada from Arizona. Rent a JetSki, go kayaking, or hang out on the beach at the Big Bend of Colorado . Take water taxis from one hotel to another and board guided boat tours and dinner cruises. Save hikes for the early morning temperatures during the summer, especially at Grapevine Canyon, where you can explore a dried river bed and examine petroglyphs, which are drawings on stone walls left behind by Native American tribes hundreds of years ago.

Mesquite, Nevada

Distance from Vegas: 1 hour, 30 minutes Mesquite, about 95 miles northeast of Las Vegas, tends to market itself as a more laid-back alternative to Sin City, but it's really a casino town for the party animals who live right across the border in Utah. A vintage vibe is felt in the tableside food presentations at Katherine's Steakhouse or the seven golf courses squeezed within a few miles of each other. Interact with exotic animals at Camel Safari or go off-roading with an ATV . Yet half the fun of a road trip to Mesquite is getting there. Detour off Interstate 15 and take one of America's most scenic drives through the Valley of Fire State Park before reconnecting later. The bright, dramatic sandstone formations almost appear to be on fire when the sun hits them just right—hence the name. The red sand at Rainbow Vista creates a life-on-Mars feel, so it's no wonder parts of Total Recall were filmed there back in the ‘80s. Now that summer is over, the cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking the park.

Distance from Vegas: 7 hours Lake Tahoe, often connected to Reno tourism , is the largest alpine lake in North America and worthy of a road trip on its own. The area is loaded with ski resorts for winter sports, but the clear blue waters, sandy beaches, and miles of pine trees make it a fantastic summer destination as well. South Lake Tahoe is tourist-oriented, with ample resorts, sunset cruises, and water sports. The Nevada side (officially the town of Stateline) has four casino resorts, but the Hard Rock is easily the most contemporary and appealing. By comparison, North Lake Tahoe is more residential, especially Incline Village, where exclusivity is part of the charm. It's quiet and serene without intrusive attractions designed for mass appeal. The best way to vacay is by booking a room at the Hyatt Regency , which feels like the world's largest log cabin and has its own private beach with cabanas and the Lone Eagle Grill , the town's best restaurant. Roast marshmallows at fire pits near the pool and rent bikes for checking out the luxe real estate on a stretch of Lake Shore Boulevard modestly known as Billionaire's Row.

St. George, Utah

Distance from Vegas: 2 hours St. George is the first place Las Vegans run into after cutting through the northwest corner of Arizona and crossing the border into Utah. The city combines a charming downtown area with a thriving art scene and proximity to four state parks, including the bright red sandy beaches of the Sand Hollow reservoir. Outdoor explorers will be most excited to know St. George is the largest city outside Zion National Park, one of the most colorful examples of rock formations, sweeping cliffs, and waterfalls. The infamous Angels Landing is a 2.5-mile hike with steep and narrow pathways. It comes with a warning sign that mentions the number of people who have died on the trail. Just make sure to apply for passes at least a day in advance. Balance out all that outdoorsy stuff by visiting independent restaurants, art galleries, and shopping in downtown St. George. The Painted Pony and Wood.Ash.Rye. are the top spots for dinner and drinks.

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Travel Tips

Beyond the bright lights: the best las vegas road trips for adventure seekers.

In this article of the top Las Vegas Road Trips, you’ll find links, distances and videos to help you with your planning.

Las Vegas, Nevada is known as the entertainment capital of the world and often finds its way into the itinerary of U.S. road trippers who are looking for a great time. Whether for the thrills of the tables, or the open roads, a Las Vegas road trip has a lot to offer! You can take a stroll down one of the most famous strips on the planet, walk through the grandest entrances to the biggest casinos in the world and party until the sun comes up. Or, hit the road to experience some road trip nirvana at any number of nearby destinations. One of the main advantages of traveling to Las Vegas by car is that you never really have to stay in one place for too long. The roads are the only limit.

Las Vegas actually makes for an awesome road trip home base. The city is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and unique destinations that you can drive to in just a couple hours or less. Here are some of my top Las Vegas Road Trips to consider.

Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best Las Vegas Road Trips not to miss

Located just an hour northeast of Sin City, Valley of Fire is one of my favorite Las Vegas road trips. This place is aptly named because the ancient sandstone formations often look like they are literally on fire when the sun is low on the horizon. The red rocky landscape feels a bit like standing on Mars, which is probably the reason why scenes from Total Recall were shot there. You’ll want to keep your eye out for drawings in the stone, which are known as petroglyphs. For the scenic route from Las Vegas, take 147 and then 167 through the Lake Mead National Park. If you’re in the north end of the city, you can take I-15 out of town and turn onto Valley of Fire road. Click the following link for a dedicated post and video on Valley of Fire State Park .

Mileage: 45-60 miles depending on which direction and area of the city you are located.

Red Rock Canyon is a nearby Road Trip to take when visiting the Strip

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is truly an amazing place to visit, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American Southwest. The area features towering red sandstone peaks, vibrant rock formations, and colorful desert landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. With a 13-mile scenic drive, visitors can take in the panoramic views from the comfort of their car or hop out to hike and explore the many trails in the area, each providing a unique perspective of the natural wonder.

Rock climbing is also popular in the conservation area with the park offering a range of routes for all skill levels. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and a wide variety of birds, making it a great destination for wildlife viewing. With its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and access to the great outdoors, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Las Vegas.

Mileage: Just 15 miles from Vegas and about a 20 minute drive.

Boulder City, Nevada

Boulder City, Nevada is a charming and idyllic community perched above Lake Mead and the dam that created the town. Established in 1931 to house the builders of Boulder Dam ( later changed to Hoover Dam ), Boulder City is not far from its neighbor known for glittering neon lights and high stakes gaming. While just 30 miles from Las Vegas, Boulder City is a world away from the city that never sleeps. There are no bright lights or gambling allowed in Boulder City. Instead, it’s a peaceful place to stroll the streets and visit vintage shops, antique stores, peruse the public art or its many parks. Boulder City is the gateway to many nearby activities, from the Hoover Dam, water sports, lake tours, ghost towns to hiking trails and more. Click the following link for more information on visiting Boulder City , complete with restaurant and hotel recommendations, top sites to see in historic downtown and much more.

Mileage: 26 Miles, about a half hour drive

Las Vegas Road Trips to Escape the Heat…Head up Mt. Charleston

If you want to escape the desert heat, or want to play in the snow during the winter months, head up to Mt. Charleston, also known as Charleston Peak. This massive mountain is located in the Spring Mountains range just 40 miles from Las Vegas. It is the highest peak in the range and the eighth highest mountain in Nevada, with an elevation of nearly 12,000 feet. This is a popular place for hiking, camping, and skiing. The area around the mountain is home to the Lee Canyon ski resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and picnicking in the summer. The mountain also includes a number of campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as the Mt. Charleston Lodge, a popular spot for relaxation and dining.

Mileage: 39 Miles, about 45 minutes

Vegas Road Trip to Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is a marvel of modern engineering located about 30 miles southeast of Vegas. The dam was completed in 1935 and was a major achievement of the Great Depression era. It stands 726 feet tall and it is considered an important source of hydroelectric power and water resource for the western part of the U.S. Visitors can take a tour of the dam and its power plant to learn about its history and construction. There are several tour options available, including a basic tour that takes you through the dam and the power plant, and a VIP tour that offers a more in-depth look at the inner workings of the dam. Other notable experiences include the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge which is a concrete arch bridge that carries U.S Route 93 over the Colorado River, it offers stunning views of the Dam and Lake Mead. Additionally, the Hoover Dam is a popular spot for photo opportunities and visitors can also enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll around the dam. The Hoover Dam is open year-round, but the schedule may vary depending on the season.

Mileage: 37 Miles, about a 40 minute drive

Lake Mead Recreational Area

Lake Mead was created by the Hoover Dam, it’s located in the Mohave Desert on the border of Nevada and Arizona, and it is the largest reservoir in the U.S, by volume. It offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the lake, go fishing for bass, catfish, and striped bass, or take a dip in the cool waters. Camping is also popular at Lake Mead, with several campgrounds and RV parks available for visitors. Additionally, there are several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape, the Railroad Trail is one of my favorites.

Mileage: 31 miles, about 40 minute drive

Ghost Towns are fun Las Vegas Road Trips to consider

There are two ghost towns near Las Vegas, both are about an hour away, but in different directions. The first is St. Thomas, which was underwater for decades. That was, until Lake Mead began to recede and revealed the city, or what is left of it. Check out the video below to learn more about this fascinating place.

Also nearby is El Dorado Canyon Ghost Town in Nelson, which is a place that encapsulates Nevada’s wild west roots. This is a privately owned ghost town available to pursue on your own, or you can take a tour, which includes a look at the Techatticup Mine that once produced millions in precious metals. The town was established in the late 19th century, during the height of the gold and silver mining boom in the area. The El Dorado Canyon Mine was the main source of income for the town, and it produced gold and silver for several decades.

Today, the ghost town is a popular destination for history buffs and tourists interested in the mining history of Nevada. Visitors can tour the remnants of the old mine, as well as see the remains of the town’s buildings, including an old jail and a schoolhouse. The town also has a small museum displaying artifacts from the town’s history. Despite the harsh desert environment, the ghost town is well preserved and gives an eerie glimpse into the past life of the people who once lived there.

Mileage: 60 miles from Vegas, just over an hour drive

Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular Las Vegas Road Trips

A visit to Nevada wouldn’t be complete without a road trip through Death Valley National Park. This awesome place is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America, which doesn’t sound too appealing, but it truly is a stunning place for those hardy enough to hack it. The three-million-acre park is home to gold mines, ghost towns, jagged salt formations, volcanic craters, and dried up lakes.

You can reach Death Valley from Las Vegas by taking the US-95 and then the CA-190 into the park. From there, you can get information from the visitor’s center and plan your route. There’s so much to see, that it’s almost definitely worth camping overnight at Furnace Creek to give yourself enough time to soak it up. If you want to extend your trip even further, you can carry on through Death Valley to Yosemite!

Mileage: 125 Miles, about a 2 hour drive

Seven Magic Mountains is a Colorful Roadside Attraction

Seven Magic Mountains is an incredible art installation located just 10 miles south of Las Vegas. The installation consists of seven towering neon-painted stone pillars, each over 30 feet tall. Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, the installation was completed in 2016 and is intended to serve as a reminder of the natural beauty of the desert and the ways in which human civilization can harmoniously coexist with it. The Seven Magic Mountains are made of locally-sourced boulders and painted with vibrant day-glo colors. They have become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come to take photos and enjoy the desert views. Click the following link to get details and watch a video on Seven Magic Mountains .

Outdoor fun in Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond is a small community located in the foothills of the Spring Mountains, in Clark County, Nevada. It is situated about 20 miles southwest of Las Vegas, and is known for its rural atmosphere and proximity to outdoor recreational activities. The town is home to the Blue Diamond Hill Gypsum mine, which is one of the largest open pit gypsum mines in the world. The town has very limited services and amenities, but it’s a perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain bike riding, rock climbing, and off-roading.

Mileage: 28 Miles, about half an hour drive

Zzyzx – A Vegas road trip stop en route to Los Angeles

Zzyzx is a desert oasis located about two hours from Las Vegas. It is home to the Zzyzx Mineral Springs where there was once a health spa, which was once used as a stopover for travelers on their way to Los Angeles. Today, visitors can explore the surrounding Mojave Desert, and learn about the history of the area. The drive from Las Vegas to Zzyzx is also a scenic one, taking you through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Southern Nevada.

Mileage: 105 Miles, about an hour and a half drive

Save If you have any Las Vegas Road Trips you would recommend, please leave a comment below. If you have any questions about doing a road trip from Las Vegas, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…

Mike Shubic

Tags: Las Vegas Road Trip , Las Vegas Road Trips , Nevada road trips , road trips from Las Vegas , Vegas road trip , Vegas Road Trips

Great article! I can never forget my trip to Vegas too. From beautiful scenic places to the bustling nightlife of the city. What made the trip even better was renting a Mustang GT from LVC exotic rentals and speeding down the iconic Vegas strip was an experience I can never forget. LVC Exotic Rentals have a range of exotic luxury cars available with great packages and prices as compared to others, I’d definitely recommend checking them out

Thank you so much Ryan! I bet, that would be so much fun to road trip the area in! Thanks for stopping by.

doing a road trip from Florida to the west coast for our 30th wedding anniversary this seems exciting

You will love it…so many great things to see/do in the Southwest. Have a great trip!

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Top 10 Road Trip Destinations from Las Vegas (with Maps, Tolls & Tips)

Vegas baby! For many, a trip to Sin City is simply slot machines, video poker, and getting stuffed at all you can eat buffets. But if Lady Luck isn’t on your side, or you’re just looking for an adventure away from the strip, Las Vegas is a great starting point for a road trip. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer outing to San Diego or Arizona, Las Vegas is perfectly positioned to give you some amazing experiences. Ready to plan your route? Here are the 10 best Las Vegas road trips you can take.

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• The Hoover Dam
• Death Valley
• Grand Canyon
• Los Angeles
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Palm Springs
• Zion National Park
• Lake Havasu
• Other long road trips from Las Vegas

1. The Hoover Dam, NV

Considered one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history, the Hoover Dam still draws in thousands of tourists a day. Built in the 1930s, the dam towers of the Colorado River, offering spectacular views from a dizzying 900 feet.

Sixt Pro Tip:

It’s also worth checking out the nearby town of Boulder City, which caters to visitors with zip lining, four wheeling and brewery tours at Boulder Dam Brewing Co. Enjoy the ride even more in a Ford Mustang convertible.

Sixt Travel Facts:

DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 35 miles; a 45-minute drive TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.

2. Lake Mead

Take a short drive east of Las Vegas to a “lake” that is actually a reservoir that was formed when the Hoover Dam was built. Lake Mead is the closest body of water to Vegas and a great place to go swimming, boating and jet skiing.

Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle and are valid for a week. But if you think you’ll be back again, it might make sense to get the annual pass for $40. If you need a rental, an SUV can carry all your outdoor gear.

DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 31 miles; a 51-minute drive TOLLS: There are no tolls on the route.

3. Death Valley, CA

With the highest recorded temperature in history at 134 degrees, Death Valley deserves its ominous name. But if you can stand the heat, Death Valley offers some of the most spectacular and dramatic scenery in the southwest. Dunes, salt flats, mountains, ancient trails, prehistoric rock formations and the lowest-elevation lake in North America.

Surviving the heat doesn’t always look stylish. Wear a dorky expedition hat, and slather on the sunblock; you’ll thank us later. You may also want to consider a premium car with ice-cold air conditioning, like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 123 miles; a 2.5-hour drive TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.

4. Grand Canyon, AZ

You’ll go through a few playlists getting to the Grand Canyon, but we promise it lives up to the hype. Grand Canyon National Park is a hugely popular destination for hiking, donkey rides and whitewater rafting and other outdoor activities, and is well worth the tank of gas to get there and back.

The most epic views are found at the South Rim of the canyon, but if you’re feeling adventurous, drive to the west rim where the Hualapai Tribe operates the famous skywalk. And why not rent a Ford Mustang convertible to enjoy 360-degree views?

DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS: 271 miles; a 4-hour drive TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.

5. Los Angeles, CA

If you’re looking for a road trip with a variety of scenery, start driving southwest on Interstate 15 and don’t stop until you hit Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. There’s something for everyone in LA, including too many amazing food trucks to try in just a day, so make a weekend of it.

Looking to heat things up? Make a pitstop in Baker and check out the world’s largest thermometer. And since you’re heading the stars’ way, you’ll need an all-star to blend in. Treat yourself to a Jaguar F-Type Convertible. You can also choose a one-way rental car from Vegas to LA from SIXT.

DISTANCE FROM SIXT LAS VEGAS:  262 miles; a 4-hour drive TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.

6. Joshua Tree National Park, CA

See a different kind of desert landscape with a road trip to Joshua Tree on I-15 from Las Vegas. Many people head to the park for hiking through the rugged rock formations and distinctive Joshua trees. It’s also an excellent spot for stargazing, rock climbing and camping. Just be sure to be prepared for the weather, which can be very hot or cold depending on the time of year and day.

SIXT Pro Tip:

Make sure to come prepared for your visit to Joshua Tree. There is no drinkable water available in the park, so bring plenty with you. This is the desert after all! Also plan to come early to avoid crowds and snag a parking spot, especially if you are visiting in spring, fall or winter.

SIXT Travel Facts:

DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 187 miles; a 3 hr 15 min drive

TOLLS: There are no tolls along the route.

7. Phoenix, AZ

Go for a longer drive and spend some time in Phoenix. You can take US Highway 93 S all the way from Las Vegas to Phoenix, and pass through some interesting towns and desert landscape along the way.

You can drive on a stretch of the famous Route 66 as you pass through Kingman, Arizona. You can even visit the Route 66 Museum here. If you or your kids are into trains, there is the Kingman Railroad Museum and Locomotive Park, which are a nod to the city’s past as a railway hub.

DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS:  300 miles; a 5-hour drive

8. Palm Springs, CA

Make the 4-hour drive to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. The city is popular for its golf courses, spas and setting at the foot of rugged mountains. While you can fill your time with outdoor activities like hiking in the neighboring Coachella Valley, you can also just relax and shop in the many boutiques.

Architecture fans will delight in driving around the city and seeing all of the midcentury-modern houses and buildings. You can stay in a midcentury-modern hotel or resort, or just drive around the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood where more than 300 homes were built in this architectural style in the 1950s.

DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS:  233 miles; a 4-hour drive

9. Zion National Park, UT

In less than 3 hours you can be in one of the most popular national parks in the US. Take I-15 to the northeast and either do a straight drive or stop in other popular spots like the Grand Canyon along the way. Just be sure to fill up on gas before leaving Las Vegas because you won’t hit many towns until crossing into Utah.

Take a little side trip south on Highway 167 to Valley of Fire State Park. You can see the amazing rock formations that contribute to the park’s name, and just enjoy the scenery before continuing to Zion.

DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 158 miles; a 2 hr 45 min drive

TOLLS: When you get to Utah State Route 9, called the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, you will have to pay an entrance fee to Zion National Park. It costs $25.00 for a 7-day pass.

10. Lake Havasu, AZ

Drive south on Highway 95 to the California/Arizona border to relax at Lake Havasu. Like Lake Mead, Lake Havasu is also a reservoir formed by a dam on the Colorado River. It has beaches to relax on while you enjoy the mountain view.

You don’t need to go across the pond to see a landmark of England. The exterior part of London Bridge was relocated to Lake Havasu in the late 1960s and now spans the Colorado River rather than the River Thames, linking the mainland of Lake Havasu City to an island.

DISTANCE FROM LAS VEGAS: 153 miles; a 2 hr 30 min drive

11. Other long road trips from Las Vegas

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7 Best Road Trips from Las Vegas: Ultimate Guide

| Filed in Arizona , Blog , Nevada , Road Trips , Utah | Disclaimer: I use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. | Leave a Comment

I’ve had the pleasure of road-tripping around the American Southwest six times now and cannot get enough of it. The red hues of the canyons, the unique rock formations, and the ideal weather when its cold everywhere else, has me coming back over and over. Here are some of the Best Road Trips from Las Vegas that I’ve done. These can be done as single destinations spots, but I did these in one road trip.

If you choose to do these destinations in one road trip, here is the route that I took. Flying into Las Vegas is always a great option, as it is cheaper than most airports. And Las Vegas is very close to SO many destinations. I have rented SUV’s and built out vans to travel in for these southwest trips.

Vehicle Recommendation: for this road trip, most spots do not require any special clearance or vehicle capabilities – except for Yant Flat. I recommend at least an AWD vehicle with SUV clearance.

I will also be listing several other detailed road trip itineraries that can be based out of Las Vegas at the bottom of this post.

Video Itinerary: Best Road Trips from Las Vegas –

The Best Road Trips from Las Vegas:

1. Snow Canyon, Utah

Despite the name, it does not snow here. Snow Canyon has over 16 miles of hiking, biking and climbing! And the camping there is some of the best I have ever experienced at a State Park. 

Views to Expect: Lava flows mixed with sandstone cliffs and vibrant oranges and reds. And I never thought I’d see a petrified sand dune until visiting here!  

Snow Canyon State Park is truly an underrated gem that I highly recommend checking out on your next Utah Trip.

Hike Required: 1.2 miles round trip, 216 ft elevation gain

Favorite View: Petrified Dunes Trail

Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hours

2. Zion National Park, Utah

The scale alone of this place is absolutely wild and it feels so Jurassic. Even if you only have time to drive through part of this park, it will give you a sense of the scale and beauty of this place. You could easily spend one day here or a whole week.

Views to Expect: Beautiful layered sandstone, towering red cliffs, emerald pools and rivers!

This is the most visited National Park in Utah, and for good reason. Read my guide to know the best times to go and what sights to see.

Favorite View: Canyon Overlook Trail

Hiking Required: 1 mile roundtrip, 187 ft elevation gain

Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5 hours

3. Yant Flat, Utah

Yant Flat, also known as the Candy Cliffs is short hike with high reward and definitely a lesser known area than the popular Utah National Parks nearby like Zion National Park. This is maybe the most “hidden gem” location of all of the road trips from Las Vegas.

Views to Expect: Swirls of orange and white sandstone makes it apparent why it was named ‘Candy Cliffs’. As well as many different textures and layers of rock in unique formations.

The road to get there does turn into a dirt/sand road with some areas where higher clearance is helpful. This depends on the weather conditions of course. Read more about this hike on my full guide linked below.

Hike Required: 3.4 miles, 337 ft elevation gain to main view point

Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hours and 45 minutes

4. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

There’s a reason this place is the most instagrammed spot in Arizona. An easy walk to an impressive view of the bend in the Colorado river with an impressive rock formation! This place is beautiful rain or shine and is an easy add on to any adventure.

Views to Expect: Expansive overlook of the horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River. There is an impressive rock formation that protrudes from the canyon.

Hike Required: 1.5 miles

Distance from Las Vegas: 4.5 hours

5. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

A stunning sandstone slot canyon in the Navajo Nation. This slot canyon has incredible textures, angles, and movement of light. You must be accompanied by a Navajo Guide to visit. It gets crowded, but it is truly a beautiful experience.

Views to Expect: the guides are great about letting you get photos of the incredible narrow passage of red-orange stone. The light will change depending on the time of day you go, but I truly think it’s beautiful any time of day.

Book in Advance!

6. Lone Rock, Utah

Lone Rock in Utah is In Lake Powell in Glen Canyon Recreation Area on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land. There is camping that looks out at the solitary rock that scales over 250 feet. And depending on the season and rainfall, there can be water surrounding the rock. People often camp here and paddle board this area!

Views to Expect : A scenic monolithic rock protruding from Lake Powell in a very scenic lakeside camping area.

Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hours, 20 minutes

7. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Valley of Fire State Park is a Road Trips from Vegas MUST. It absolutely lives up to the dreamy photos you’ve probably seen already of this place on social media. The Valley of Fire Hikes absolutely blew me away with the views of miles and miles of red sandstone rock, interesting rock formations and incredibly scenic hiking and camping. All still with WAY less crowds than the Utah Big 5 National Parks.

Views to Expect: Swirling sandstone patterns and unique red and orange rock formations and canyons.

Favorite Hike: Fire Wave Trail

Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour

My biggest regret is not spending more time here! The campground was incredibly scenic (and is first come first served). Find out all the hikes, views and camping information in my guide:

Other Nearby Road Trips from Las Vegas:

This itinerary was one I did in March with some friends. It includes some of the best of the California desert destinations as well as some underrated gems along the way to the Grand Canyon and Sedona!

This itinerary is heavy on the California hot springs and packed full of incredible photo locations!

One of my first road trips to the Southwest was pretty spontaneous when our permits to Havasupai got cancelled due to flash floods. This itinerary really made me fall in love with the desert.

Shop my Gear: Road Trips from Las Vegas Outfits/Camera Gear

I loved having a fleece jacket that looks cute, but keeps me warm on those chilly desert mornings and evenings.

And these Blundstone Boots are so easy to hike shorter distances, keep my feet warm and look cute on the trail and in town!

Shop my favorite backpack for hiking and adventures!

Southwest Road Trip YouTube Video:

Conclusion: Road Trips from Las Vegas

The American Southwest clearly has endless places to adventure. It keeps pulling me back time and time again as soon as the weather in the PNW starts to turn dark. A quick summary of this road trip:

• Snow Canyon, Utah
• Zion National Park
• Horseshoe Bend
• Antelope Canyon
• Valley of Fire

Let me know in the comments if you’re saving this for your next Southwest Road Trip!!

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I loved this collection. Heading to Vegas this summer and want to use it as a base to explore the area. I’ll likely add the Grand Canyon to the list.

Oh absolutely! Grand Canyon is a fantastic add on to this. Enjoy!!

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The Best 5 Day Road Trip from Las Vegas

In Destinations , Traveling Atlas , United States by Brandon Copeland September 20, 2018 2 Comments

Why You Should Take a Road Trip out of Las Vegas

Las Vegas is an obvious destination for a bachelor party or a wild getaway, but it also functions as an incredible landing pad for a road trip. That being the case, we highly advise experiencing the “thrills” of Vegas AFTER the road trip, that way you aren’t feeling groggy and ill inspired before jumping in the car.

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is home to 11 different car rental services and it is open 24 hours a day. Therefore, you can shop around to get a decent deal for a car and be able to pick it up whenever you arrive, no matter the hour.

We rented a large SUV because we were traveling with 4 people and everyone’s camping gear had to fit in the back. The SUV was absolutely perfect; if you are worried about space, upgrade if the price difference isn’t too much, it’s worth it. We definitely suggest getting a car that has a GPS installed because when your cell phone service goes out, the car’s GPS will be able to lead you onward.

Our flight arrived into Vegas around midnight; we picked up our car from the airport, and stayed in an  affordable Airbnb  that was $100 dollars ($25 when split between 4 people!) just for the night in the Southeast of Las Vegas. This was great because we were able to get a good night sleep, go shopping at a super market in the morning to stock up for the first leg of the trip, cook breakfast,  and pack sandwiches for the car ride.

Day 1: Drive from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon

On the morning of our first day, after we did our shopping and finished breakfast, we checked out of our Airbnb and hit the road. Our first stop was to pick up our camping gear from Desert Adventures . Their rentals were very reasonably priced and the location was ideal for a road trip from Las Vegas, located Southeast of Las Vegas.

Camping Rental List for 4 People

• 2 Tents (First 2 days – $40, Each additional day – $5 per tent)
• 4 Sleeping bags (First 2 days – $18, Each additional day – $2 per sleeping bag)
• 4 Sleeping pads (First 2 days – $10, Each additional day – $2 per sleeping pad)
• 1 Cookset Basecamp (First 2 days – $20, Each additional day – $5 for the set)
• 4 Folding chairs (First 2 days – $5, Each additional day – $2 per chair)
• 1 Roll table (First 2 days – $10, Each additional day – $2 per roll table)

Once we had the car masterfully packed up, we headed for our first fun stop of the road trip; the Hoover Dam. Located just over a half an hour east of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a must see. We drove across the dam (keep your eyes on the road – you’ll be back on foot!) and found a parking lot about a 10 minute walk away.

There are plenty of companies where you can buy tours of the Hoover Dam, but we decided against it – we just wanted to walk around and soak in the immense mass of concrete. A tour would have been amazing but we were all just too excited to get to the Grand Canyon.

Once we had our fill of pictures, we walked back to the car and began the 4 hour drive to the Grand Canyon. To break up the drive, we impulsively made a stop at an amazing town called Williams which is located around Historic Route 66. The feeling of nostalgia was alive in this now relatively quiet town, but I could only imagine what it must have been like in its hay day.

In the town, we found Grand Canyon Brewing Company which is one of the coolest breweries any of us had visited. The brewery taproom was decorated like a lodge with beautiful woodwork, a fireplace, and had a mini river running through the middle of the room. However, our favorite part of the brewery was their prices – coming from New York it was so affordable! We all vowed to go back one day.

The rest of the drive was only an hour, and we made it just in time for a sunset hike to Shoshone Point. We spent two nights in the Grand Canyon, hiking during the day and sitting by the campfire at night telling stories. If you want more information on camping and hiking in the Grand Canyon, click here .

Day 3: Drive from Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon

After spending two incredible nights at the Grand Canyon, we broke down our tents, jammed the car full (less successfully than the first day when everything was nicely packed) and headed out. We took one last look at the Grand Canyon at sunrise and then ventured on to our next destination; Bryce Canyon.

The drive between the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon is about 5 hours, so similar to the first day we added a stop, this time Antelope Canyon which is 2 and a half hours from the Grand Canyon South Rim and is located very near Page, Arizona. This is where we ran into our first hiccup.

If you are planning on visiting Antelope Canyon, book a tour ahead of time . To see Antelope Canyon, you must be on a tour due to the limited space available within the canyon. We were not aware of this and were unable to book a tour for the same day. We were bummed out, but thankfully there is another natural wonder only ten minutes away; Horseshoe Bend!

We drove over to Horseshoe Bend which is free to the public and you are not required to book a tour. There is a large parking lot where you can leave your car (if it’s full you can park on the side of the road) and take the small hike up to the bend. We spent about an hour there taking pictures and walking around, which is all the time you really need to sufficiently see it all.

From Horseshoe Bend we decided to take a stop in Page, Arizona at State 48 Tavern to have a beer and a bite to eat. We sat at the bar and had a nice, relaxing stop which was much needed before jumping back in the car for the 2 and a half hour drive to Bryce Canyon. If you want more information about how to spend one full day and night in Bryce Canyon, click here .

Day 4: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion Canyon

After spending a full day in Bryce Canyon on the 4 th day, we headed to Zion Canyon for our last national park stop of the road trip. We were comfortable spending a good portion of the morning in Bryce Canyon because the drive is only an hour and a half to Zion.

Entering Zion from the east on Route 9 is an experience you will never forget. Between the unforgettable cliffs rising all around you to the 1.1 mile Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel which is literally carved through a mountain. You’ll want to be awake for this one! (If you’re driving, you should always be awake, guys – this was meant for weary passengers.)

We spent two nights in Zion and went on many incredible hikes! If you would like more information on camping and hiking in Zion over 2 days, click here .

Day 6: Return to Las Vegas

We don’t really count day 6 as part of the road trip because while it’s just the journey back to Vegas which is a short 2 and a half hour drive. This will either begin your Las Vegas adventure or it will mean going back home. The last thing we had to do was return our rental camping equipment and drop off the car back at the airport. Successful road trip through three of the most amazing national parks in the US!

To make our flights out to Las Vegas worthwhile, we added 4 nights in Las Vegas to the end of our trip. Looking back, 4 nights may have been excessive in Sin City – I think we would have survived with just 2 nights.

Helpful Tips for Your Road Trip from Las Vegas

• Always have water with you, even if you have been told that a campsite has water. In our experience in late March / early April, water was scarce in campgrounds and we had to rely on gallon jugs from the store. Also, bring plenty of water on your hikes – it gets scorching hot.
• Make sure to fill up on gas whenever you are about to go a long stretch of the journey because gas stations are few and far between. As long as you manage your gas well you shouldn’t have any problems, none of the drives are terribly long as long as you break them up.
• Rent camping gear if you plan on camping in the parks – it is very affordable and then you don’t have to worry about trying to get your tent poles through security at the airport.

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Thank you for sharing your trip and such good tips and pointers! We are heading out there in March, and planning a similar trip.

Hope you enjoy!

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The Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

• April 6, 2023

Las Vegas is a popular point of origin (or final destination) for a Grand Canyon road trip. What exactly makes Sin City such an ideal starting point?

• If you have enough time, its proximity to the Grand Canyon offers easy access to every spot on the Rim.
• It’s also within easy driving distance of a number of other nearby southwest hotspots —not to mention the smorgasbord of activities and attractions available in Sin City to any type of visitor.
• Flights to Las Vegas are usually reasonably priced compared to Phoenix (another popular point of origin for a Grand Canyon road trip).

Whether you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or you’re ending your southwest journey in Sin City, we’ve created a Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip itinerary to get you rolling.

Before we jump into places to visit on the way, you’ll need to decide what region(s) of the Grand Canyon you want to visit. Each tourist region can be reached fairly easily from Las Vegas by car, depending on how much time you have.

If you have five days or more, and are flexible with your route, you can easily hit all four regions by following our itinerary. If you have less time, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered, too.

Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip

Explore all four rims of the Grand Canyon—and beyond if you want to keep the fun rolling!

Route Summary

Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City →  Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix

Total Miles Travelled: 823 miles (from Las Vegas to Phoenix); 784 miles (Las Vegas Loop) Total Driving Time: 14 hours 40 minutes; 13 hours 35 minutes Recommended Trip Duration: 5-7 days

To make it easier for road trippers who have less time to explore the southwest, we’ve broken up our itinerary into two segments:

From Las Vegas to the South Rim and everything in between, including Grand Canyon West, Route 66, and the Hoover Dam. Ideal for shorter timelines, loop routes, and those beginning their road trip in Las Vegas.

• If you only have one day for your Grand Canyon road trip, opt for the West Rim—you can easily make it there and back to Las Vegas in a single day. Save yourself the work of driving and hop on a guided tour instead—there are many guided tour options available, including airplane tours, helicopter floor landings, and leisurely Colorado River boat tours through the Grand Canyon.
• If you only have the time to visit one Rim, head to the South Rim—it has the greatest number of viewpoints, guided ranger programs, and hiking trails, as well as many of the most iconic sights and vistas. The best way to experience the South Rim as part of a Grand Canyon road trip is to spend the night—that way, you can break up the drive and check out the many other places to visit on the way to the Grand Canyon. More on that below.
• If you have more time, you can add the East Edge segment to your trip.

ROAD TRIP TIP: While it is possible to drive straight to the South Rim from Las Vegas and back in a single day, we don’t recommend it—you won’t have time to stop at the many other places to visit on the way to the Grand Canyon, and you may feel too rushed to truly enjoy the splendor of the South Rim. Instead, plan to spend the night somewhere so you can experience everything the region has to offer without feeling stressed or pressured to get back on the road, or hop on a guided South Rim tour and let someone else do the driving.

Explore the sights and attractions that lie beyond the borders of the South Rim, including Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Bryce Canyon, as well as cities like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Phoenix. Ideal for those journeying westward towards Las Vegas from Phoenix or other eastern points of origin, or for longer road trips. If you have lots of time to work with, you can also add the East Edge component of the Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary to the West Edge segment of our suggested route, or skip the West Edge altogether by heading straight to the South Rim from Las Vegas and continuing east.

The Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip: West Edge route details

What can you see and do between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, and beyond? Let’s find out.

Las Vegas hosts nearly 43 million visitors every year. Its reputation for catering to visitors of every inclination—including kids—and its proximity to numerous Southwest locations make it an ideal spot to start your Grand Canyon road trip. Depending on your preferences, you can start your Grand Canyon road trip in Las Vegas or end your southwest adventure in Sin City.

If you have a few days to explore Las Vegas, check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Las Vegas for our tips for finding the right hotel, what to pack, where to eat, and what to see and do in the city limits and beyond.

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• November 10, 2021

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Springs Preserve

Located just 5 miles from the Strip, Springs Preserve is a 180-acre natural preserve featuring interactive exhibits about how to live sustainably in the desert, the history of Las Vegas, and its historic and current inhabitants.

It’s a great place to stop if you’re beginning your southwest adventure in Las Vegas for a quick primer on area history, geology, and wildlife. If you’re ending your Grand Canyon road trip in Las Vegas too, make sure you visit Springs Preserve either before you continue your journey or head home.

Boulder City

About 30 minutes southeast of Las Vegas and just a short hop from Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, Boulder City is the last place you can stop for major metropolitan conveniences before you hit the desert.

ROAD TRIP TIP:  Skip the busy and expensive breakfast in Sin City and stop in Boulder City instead. Pack a picnic to enjoy in Hemenway Park—you may even spot a bighorn sheep. They’re known to frequent the area.

Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

• The Hoover Dam created the nation’s largest reservoir—Lake Mead—covering 248 square miles and containing approximately 29 million acre-feet of water. One acre-foot is equivalent to about 325,000 gallons. As a result of a drought in the Colorado River Basin, Lake Mead has since dropped to its lowest water level since it was first filled in the 1930s.
• It took a total of 21,000 workers to build the Hoover Dam. Each worker was paid an hourly wage ranging from $0.50 to $1.25. There were officially 96 construction-related fatalities, but no workers were buried alive while the Dam was poured.
• The Dam consists of approximately 4.3 million cubic yards of concrete—that’s enough concrete to pave a 16-foot-wide, 8-inch-thick road from San Francisco to New York City.
• The Hoover Dam is not the world’s tallest dam—that title belongs to the 1,001 foot high Jinping-I Dam in Liangshan, Sichuan, China.
• Lake Mead is America’s most diverse recreation area, with 600,000 hectares of mountains, canyons, and wilderness, plus two lakes where you can fish, participate in watersports, and swim.

About 40 miles east of Las Vegas, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while you snap a pic of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and the Bypass Bridge. If you have the time, hop on a Hoover Dam tour and journey deep inside the Dam for a look at the hydroelectric generators, a chance to navigate the interior tunnels, and to learn more about the Dam. Guided tours run daily and are about one hour in duration.

The Hoover Dam isn’t directly en route for road trips to the North Rim or Grand Canyon East, so if you’re heading in that direction, you might be better off making a separate trip or taking a guided Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas so you can take your time to truly enjoy the visit.

After your visit to the Hoover Dam, cross the Bypass Bridge into Arizona.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Arizona does not observe daylight saving. After you cross the border, double check your timezones so you can adjust your clocks accordingly and stay on schedule.

• Grand Canyon West

Continue 100 miles from the Hoover Dam to Grand Canyon West. If you don’t have time to visit Grand Canyon West and the South Rim, stay on Highway 93 till you reach Kingman, AZ .

While you’re there, be sure to check out Eagle Point and Guano Point, as well as attractions like the Skywalk, Hualapai Ranch, and the new zipline.

Learn more about what you can do and see at Grand Canyon West:

These 3 Viewpoints Will Make You Want to Visit the Grand Canyon’s West Rim

• September 24, 2021

The Grand Canyon’s West Rim has no shortage of breathtaking vistas and experiences to offer.

How Did They Build the Skywalk?

• August 24, 2021

Learn how this 1.2 million pound steel and glass structure is able to extend straight out from the edge of Eagle Point, 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor.

8 Reasons Why You Should Visit the West Rim

• August 10, 2021

There are many advantages to visiting the West Rim. Here’s why you should make the short trip to the West Rim next time you’re in Las Vegas.

8 Questions We Know You Have About the Grand Canyon Skywalk

• August 9, 2021

How does the Skywalk stay up? How thick is the glass? Keep reading to get the answer to all your questions about the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ

After visiting Grand Canyon West, it’s time to get your kicks on Route 66. Hop on the Mother Road in Kingman, AZ and continue your journey along one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System.

ROUTE 66 FACT: Route 66 was established in 1926. Also known as the Main Street of America and the Mother Road, Route 66 originally stretched from Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before culminating in California. Because it crossed the majority of the country, it was one of the main routes for people migrating west during the 1930s Dust Bowl.

Kingman, AZ

Kingman, AZ, is a common stop on the road between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and it’s where you’ll catch Route 66 if you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon. With over 60 restaurants to choose from, including the famous Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner (try their famous homemade root beer), it’s a great place to stop for a bite to eat or to spend the night after exploring Grand Canyon West—you can even hunker down in one of the last remaining pre-WWII tourist motor courts. Kingman, AZ

Be sure to check out:

• The Arizona Route 66 Museum: Located across from Mr. D’z Route 66 Dinner, this museum features photos of Dust Bowl survivors and stories of post-WWII America, as well as an exhibit featuring the famous Burma-Shave signs that used to line the route.
• The old town area —it’s a living tribute to the Mother Road.
• The world’s longest Route 66 map, painted onto the side of the El Trovatore Motel. Also check out El Trovatore’s restored 100-foot neon sign.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Take a short 30-mile detour off Route 66 from Kingman to visit Oatman, AZ. This abandoned ghost town was originally founded in 1908, and is now home to just 135 people. Stop in for some quick souvenir shopping before you continue your journey to the South Rim.

Seligman, AZ

About 87 miles from Kingman along Route 66, Seligman is a great place to stop and stretch your legs on your way to the South Rim. There are only 500 inhabitants and few tourists. Check out the Route 66 General Store and the Return of the 50s Museum, and stop in at the Roadkill Cafe to try one of their famous buffalo burgers.

ROUTE HACK: If you want to save some time, skip the drive down Route 66 and hop on the I-40 instead. You’ll shave 14 miles off your trip.

Williams, AZ

Williams, AZ is your last stop on Route 66 (signposted here as Route 161). Despite its small size, there’s lots to do in Williams before you head to Tusayan and onto the Grand Canyon:

• Bearizona Drive-thru Wildlife Park: See bears, wolves, buffalo, and more, from the comfort and safety of your own car.
• Grand Canyon Brewing Co: If you’re a fan of craft brews, jump on a brewery tour or stop for a bite.
• Kaibab National Forest: Explore the Kaibab National Forest and try some of the many hiking trails that originate in Williams.
• Grand Canyon Railway: Bypass Tusayan and hop on the Grand Canyon Railway for a leisurely ride through the Arizona forest right to the Grand Canyon Village, complete with a (staged) train heist.

Williams is also a convenient place to spend the night—it’s about an hour’s drive to the South Rim, and hotels are more plentiful and affordable than inside the National Park.

Tusayan, AZ

Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City →  Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix

A short 1-hour drive from Williams, Tusayan, AZ is your last stop before the Grand Canyon. Like Williams, Tusayan is a prime spot to spend the night, but since it’s only about 15 minutes from the South Rim, hotels book up quick, so book as far in advance as possible. Stop in at the National Geographic Visitor Center and the IMAX theater to learn all about the hidden secrets of the Grand Canyon before you make your way to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon South Rim National Park

Make the most of your Grand Canyon road trip and stay overnight at (or near) the South Rim. Two days gives you the perfect amount of time to snap pics at the most iconic viewpoints, explore the Grand Canyon Village , and even check out some hiking trails.

ROAD TRIP TIP: If you want to stay overnight inside the National Park, book your accommodation as early as possible. Hotels on the Rim can be fully booked up to a year in advance.

If you’re not staying overnight in the National Park or only have one day to explore, park your car in the lots near the main entrances and take advantage of the shuttle bus. It’s the best way to get around and easily access every viewpoint and attraction, including:

• Mojave Point
• The Grand Canyon Village
• Mather Point

Discover 11 more South Rim viewpoints to visit, find out what to do in the Grand Canyon Village, and more with our South Rim resources:

6 Iconic Grand Canyon Buildings Designed by Mary Colter

• August 25, 2021

Exploring the Grand Canyon Village

• August 20, 2021

Located on the South Rim within the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon Village contains many of the Grand Canyon’s most iconic buildings and structures.

15 Breathtaking Grand Canyon South Rim Viewpoints [Updated in 2023]

• February 28, 2023

Some of the most recognizable Grand Canyon viewpoints can be found at the South Rim. Discover some of the most popular, from remote Yuma Point to Desert View Watchtower.

Should I Drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or Take a Guided Tour?

• July 28, 2021

Las Vegas is one of the closest major cities to the Grand Canyon, so the question for Vegas visitors isn’t “should I visit the Grand Canyon?”, it’s “should I drive myself to the Canyon, or take a guided tour?”.

Return to Las Vegas or continue east

From the South Rim, you can return to Las Vegas and check out any spots you might have missed on your way to the Grand Canyon, or you can continue east to explore the east rim and beyond on the East Edge segment of the Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip.

The Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip: East Edge route details

Continuing eastward? Here’s where to stop on your journey.

Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ

Page, AZ is the perfect home base for exploring the Grand Canyon East region, including Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend (one of the most photographed natural places in the world), Marble Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

Spend a day exploring viewpoints like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, then trade your tent, camper, or hotel room and rent a houseboat on Lake Powell for a relaxing break from the road.

FACT: Lake Powell is the second largest manmade lake in the United States, with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, more than 90 major canyons, and numerous sandy beaches.

Learn more about the Grand Canyon East region and find out what else you can do and see in our East Rim Guide.

From Page, you can head back west to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, or detour northeast to Monument Valley before continuing on to Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome.

Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome, AZ

Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City →  Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome  → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix

Flagstaff, Jerome, and Sedona, AZ are all very close to each other—only about 70 miles separate Flagstaff and Jerome, with Sedona sitting right in the middle. You can easily explore all three towns in 2 or 3 days.

If you’re arriving from the east rim of the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley, your first stop will be Flagstaff. If your Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip originated in Phoenix, you’ll reach Jerome first.

Flagstaff is home to Mount Humphreys, Arizona’s tallest mountain, as well as the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. The resort is open year round, with summertime activities like tubing, bungee trampolining, ropes courses, and more. You can also hop on the scenic chairlift for a ride up the western side of the San Francisco Peaks to catch birds-eye views of Northern Arizona, including the red rocks of Sedona and the Grand Canyon. There are also numerous hiking trails leading up to the resort and in the surrounding area.

The Flagstaff Arboretum is also worth a visit—this 200-acre botanical garden is home to 2,500 plant species, and one of the largest collections of mountain plants and wildflowers in the world.

DETOUR: Fans of the Eagles (the band) might recognize another town near Flagstaff. You too can stand on the corner of Winslow, Arizona—it’s only about an hour’s drive from Flagstaff. After a quick stop in Winslow, continue another 60 miles east to Petrified Forest National Park. From here, you can return to Flagstaff or continue on to Phoenix.

Situated in the middle of Arizona’s red mountains and right between Flagstaff and Jerome, Sedona is an ideal spot to set up camp while you explore the area. There are plenty of upscale hotels, spas, and restaurants to enjoy, as well as dozens of hiking and biking trails, and other activities such as:

• Sedona Trolley: Hop on board this historic trolley for a 55 minute narrated tour of Sedona’s landmarks and scenic overlooks.
• Oak Creek Canyon: About 4 miles outside of Sedona, this 12-mile long river gorge is a lovely place to stop for a picnic lunch.
• Meteor Crater: Created more than 50,000 years ago when a meteor crashed into the earth, this giant crater stretches 1 mile across and is more than 550 feet deep. Bonus for Eagles fans: it’s located just outside Winslow, AZ.

Founded in the late 19th century, Jerome was once a booming mining town with a population of more than 10,000 people. Today, it’s home to less than 500 people, but there’s lots to explore, including numerous ghost and vampire tours, as well as historical and heritage sites.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Adventurous travelers might enjoy an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel—formerly an insane asylum, the Grand Hotel is now considered one of the most haunted hotels in the country. If you’re a fan of the band Tool, take a trip to Caduceus Cellars—Maynard James Keenan’s winery—for a tasting.

Montezuma Castle

If you’re heading to Phoenix from Flagstaff, Sedona, or Jerome, stop at Montezuma Castle, just 25 miles outside of Jerome, to see the well-preserved ruins of an early cliff dwelling built around 700 AD by the pre-Columbian Sinagua people.

Whether you start your journey in Phoenix and head westward towards the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, or end your epic Grand Canyon road trip from Las Vegas in Arizona’s state capital, there’s lots to see and do in Phoenix.

Enjoy the sunshine (Arizona’s capital city sees 310 days of sunshine per year) while you check out these activities and attractions:

• Street art on Roosevelt Row: Get that perfect vacation selfie (besides your #CanyonSelfie, of course).
• Camelback Mountain: Hike to the top of Camelback Mountain for some of the best views of the area. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to start early to beat the heat. There are also several less intensive hikes in the area.
• First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, downtown Phoenix turns into a huge street festival, complete with food trucks, live music, street exhibitions, and more.
• Taliesin West: Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home on the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Night Lights tour.
• Tubing: Float down the salt river in Tonto National Forest.
• South Mountain Park and Preserve: Explore over 16,000 acres of land, with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails.

If you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas is a great place to kickstart or wrap up your journey. You can reach each of the four rims of the Grand Canyon by car, and there are numerous places to visit on the way. See them all on the Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip itinerary:

The Ultimate Grand Canyon Road Trip Guide

Get more tips for your Grand Canyon road trip in our comprehensive guide:

Itineraries

• 7 Popular Grand Canyon Road Trip Routes
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

Tips & Road Trip Hacks

• How To Plan a Road Trip

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Which national parks close to las vegas should you visit.

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12 more national & state parks within driving distance of las vegas [updated in 2023].

Las Vegas is within easy driving distance of a number of iconic state and national monuments. Here are 12 of the most popular spots you can reach from Vegas.

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7 Epic Road Trips From Las Vegas to National Parks

Las Vegas might just be the most perfect fly and drive road trip city. Let’s face it – U.S. employers aren’t known for having the most generous vacation plans in the world. This causes serious time issues if you enjoy road tripping and visiting national parks west of the 100th Meridien.

However, if you fly into Vegas and road trip from there, in less than seven hours, there are seven national parks – not to mention a whole bunch of other public lands – you can visit pretty easily. Here’s how to do it.

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Best Road Trips From Las Vegas to National Parks

With seven national parks in close proximity to Vegas, what’s the closest national park to Las Vegas? Death Valley National Park is the closest national park to Las Vegas. It’s approximately 125 miles from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park.

Followed by Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Great Basin National Park and Yosemite National Park. All are the parks are around five hours or less, with the exception of Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite is a bit further than the others but it is doable and I wanted to cover it in this road trips from Las Vegas to national parks list since the route via Highway 395 North and across the Tioga Pass into the park is one of the most underappreciated drives in the United States. If you know, you know.

For convenience, I’ve included a map of the road trip routes as well. In the cases where several route options are available, I’ve highlighted my preferred route on the map. Note: You could also visit Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park from Las Vegas. It’s not included on this list because I have not personally road tripped it from Vegas. I have only visited from Los Angeles.

To use this map, click on the icon on the left hand side of the title to see the map layers. Check or uncheck whichever layer you want to see or don’t want to see. You can also add the map to you own Google account by highlighting the faint star to the right of the title. .

Why Plan Road Trips From Las Vegas

There are several reasons why planning road trips from Las Vegas to national parks is ideal. First, getting to Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is easy.

Most cities in the United States are no more than a three hour flight away. And if you fly from the east coast, you even get a couple of extra hours of time difference at the beginning of your trip. An early flight from the east coast and you can begin your road trip the same day.

Next, the airport is in an excellent location. If you are someone that’s not really a fan of Vegas, you could fly for your road trip and never even go to the strip if you didn’t want to. Or if you enjoy Las Vegas then spend a few days enjoying the Vegas sights and then head out.

Overnighting near the airport, or in nearby Henderson, Boulder City or even Mesquite, depending which direction your are headed, is a good way to start your road trips from Las Vegas to National Parks. I like the Hyatt Place at Silverton , the Courtyard by Marriott at Green Valley Ranch (great area) and the Fairfield Inn right by the airport.

Third, although it can be hot, the weather is Vegas is just about always perfect. That means no snow and very little rain or thunderstorms which equals fewer weather delays. I’ve been traveling to Vegas at least once a year since 2007 and I’ve only ever experienced one weather delay. (Two now after 2023’s El Niño year)

Finally, rental cars are generally always available in Las Vegas and they are pretty affordable. Prices are usually a fraction of the cost in other cities. DiscoverCars.com provides 24/7 customer service and no hidden fees. You can use them to compare prices and the right vehicle for you.

Now that you know all the advantages of planning road trips from Las Vegas to national parks: which park will you choose to visit first?

What Are the Best Road Trips From Las Vegas to National Parks?

There aren’t too many places in the United States with access to so many public lands, national parks, state parks, Forest Service Land and Bureau of Land Management property, Nevada really comes through. In fact, it’s estimated that almost 88% of Nevada is federal or public land.

Besides what’s mentioned in this article, there are other park sites close to Las Vegas like Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, just a few miles from the Vegas strip and Lake Mead National Recreation Area located in nearby Boulder City . Plus, conservation areas and don’t miss state parks like Valley of Fire .

For simplicity, this article is about parks that have been given national park designation and these road trips from Las Vegas to national parks are the easiest to execute. Note: you could also visit Sequoia Kings Canyon fairly easily from Las Vegas and even though I have visited those parks, I have not visited from Las Vegas.

Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park

Park Alert: Death Valley National Park suffered major damage in August of 2023 when they received a year’s worth of rainfall in several hours. Secondary roads were washed away and Hwy 190, the major route through the park from California to Nevada, was damaged. The park is open but check nps.gov/deva for updates or any road closures.

Located on the border of Nevada and California, Death Valley National Park is one of those parks that everyone should visit at least once. Not only because it’s the lowest and hottest place in North America but because it’s stunning and stark and is full of otherworldly features you can’t see anywhere else in the United States.

Planning a road trip from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park is easy and as long as you are well prepared you can go just about anytime. It’s a good itinerary for families and solo travelers too. If you happen to be in Las Vegas on business or for a conference, it also can be done as a day trip or with an organized tour.

Best Road Trip Route From Las Vegas to Death Valley

There are several ways to get to Death Valley National Park from Las Vegas. One of the best ways is through Beatty , Nevada, which in itself is a fun little road trip stop. Beatty prides itself on being the the gateway to Death Valley and is only seven miles from the entrance.

Additionally, from Las Vegas, you could drive through Pahrump, Nevada to Death Valley Junction before entering the park. This scenic route from Las Vegas crosses through the Spring Mountain Recreation Area with opportunities for additional stops along the way. Pahrump even has a few wineries you could add to the itinerary.

Things To Do in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is full of amazing experiences. Everywhere you look is something unique. Some of the most impressive features include Dante’s View, Badwater Basin and my favorite, Ubehebe Crater.

Since Death Valley is a large park, many of the roads are unpaved and require high clearance vehicles and, at times, four-wheel drive. But don’t let that discourage you. There are still plenty of things to do to keep you busy even in a passenger car.

Where to Stay in Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park has three hotels in the park. The swanky Inn at Death Valley and the more moderately priced Ranch at Death Valley are both part of the Oasis at Death Valley, a planned resort offering amenities like restaurants, swimming pools and even a golf course in the desert.

And Stovepipe Wells offers hotel rooms in a more laid back, historic village setting with a restaurant, gas station and a general store.

For those who prefer to sleep under the stars, Death Valley National Park has twelve campgrounds in the park. Furnace Creek Campground is the best bet because it’s open year round. Just keep in mind that if you are tent camping, it takes a while for the desert to cool down at night.

For lodging outside the park, the small town of Beatty , just 7 miles from the eastern entrance has a few lodging options , good barbeque and friendly wild burros roaming around town.

How Much Time Do You Need in Death Valley National Park?

To see the top things in Death Valley National Par, you’ll need at least a couple of days to hit the highlights and more if you plan on driving some of the unpaved roads and canyons.

If you have a week, then combine a Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park road trip with a visit to Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave Preserve for a fun desert loop. There are so many options for extending your road trips from Las Vegas to National Parks itineraries.

When’s the Best Time to Road Trip to Death Valley National Park?

Death Valley National Park is open year round. Peak season is December through April and a typical wildflower season in late March, April and May.

Even though it’s hot in the summer, with careful and thorough planning, you can still visit. Just keep in mind that late summer months are also monsoon and that means rains.

Autumn in Death Valley can still mean high temperatures. My first visit was in the middle of October and temps hovered around 116F during the three days I was there.

For the least amount of crowds and lower temps, November is one of the best times of the year to visit Death Valley National Park.

Las Vegas to Zion National Park

• 2 hours 45 minutes

As you approach Zion National Park , Utah’s first national park, it doesn’t take long to realize why it’s one of the most popular parks in the national park system. The introduction to this park is like no other. The drive in is full of towering red, pink and creamy colored sandstone cliffs all around and the renowned emerald colored Virgin River runs along side the main road into the park.

It’s also unique that instead of being above the canyon looking down. Like at the Grand Canyon and many other parks, you are actually inside the canyon or Zion Canyon, and surrounded by the cliffs and peaks.

Best Road Trip Route From Las Vegas to Zion National Park

One of the things that makes Zion a good road trip option from Las Vegas is the ease of getting there. Most of drive is roomy interstate driving and only secondary roads for the last 30 or so miles unto you reach Springdale, Utah, the gateway city to Zion.

Of course, you could drive secondary roads once you get to Utah, but the I-15 route carved through the mountains is the only direct into Utah route coming from southern Nevada.

The drive from Las Vegas to Zion is so easy that once you exit the interstate in Utah, you’ll feel like you’re practically there. The drive takes no time as the last 25 miles or so passes thorough several cute small towns and some of prettiest vibrant colored landscapes that approach a national park.

Things To Do in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the only park on this list where visitors are required to ride a shuttle into the main section of the park called Zion Canyon. The most popular hikes like Angel’s Landing (permit required) and the Narrows are located in the canyon.

I do want to mention that even though I fully believe everyone needs to see Zion Canyon via the shuttle, it’s not absolutely necessary to enjoy the park. You still get awesome views from just about anywhere.

Plus, there are several really fun hikes – that are way less crowded – outside Zion Canyon. The Pa’rus Trail, the East Rim trail and the Many Pools Trail are just a few good hikes that don’t require a shuttle ride.

If you are visiting Zion in the busiest months of spring and summer, then use these tips to avoid the crowds in Zion National Park.

Where to Stay in Zion National Park

Because it’s so close to Springdale, Zion National Park has plenty of options for places to stay. The surrounding area, as well as the east side of Zion, has an abundance of hotels, ranches, private campgrounds and BLM land offering dispersed camping.

Inside the park, there’s a lodge and three campgrounds run by the park service. Lava Point is another campground located in the more obscure Kolob Terrace.

Watchman Campground, inside the Zion Canyon is open all year and South Campground, also inside the park, is closed in winter. Reservations for all park campgrounds can be made at recreation.gov.

For a glamping experience, one of my favorite properties near Zion is Zion Wildflower Resort , located in Virgin, just a few miles from the park.

The resort takes advantage of its perfect setting and views near Zion, offering cozy cabins and covered wagons, complete with outdoor community spaces for campfires and relaxing hammocks around the property.

How Much Time Do You Need in Zion National Park?

If you don’t have much time or are headed to another park or public land in southern Utah, it’s possible to drive through Zion on a day trip. To really see all the park and the most popular sights, at least two days is necessary and three days would be best.

Especially if you visit in the warmer spring and summer months when the park is crowded. That way you can take your time and not feel rushed.

When’s the Best Time to Road Trip to Zion National Park?

Zion National Park is open year round. April through October are considered peak season. So late fall is a good time even though at the higher elevation, Zion can get quite cold and even have snow.

One other benefit besides less people in winter is that there’s no shuttle. Typically, the end of November and December, excluding holidays, there’s no shuttle service in the park. That means you can drive your own vehicle into Zion Canyon.

Every year, the National Park Service makes seasonal adjustments to the shuttle schedule so that date could change from year to year. Always check nps.gov for the latest info.

Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park on a road trip from Las Vegas is a timeless Nevada to California road trip. Located in southern California, both families and solo travelers alike will enjoy Joshua Tree’s peaceful desert beauty and starry dark skies.

The park is full of protected Joshua trees, interesting rock formations and unique landscapes. Plus, there’s tons of opportunity to see wildlife, including the endangered desert tortoise.

Best Road Trip Route From Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park

From Las Vegas there’s a variety of ways to get to Joshua Tree National Park but the most scenic one is the 183 mile drive down Highway 95 south through Searchlight, Nevada and across Mojave National Preserve.

This drive takes you through thousands of Joshua trees before you even get to the park and includes places like historic places Goffs and Amboy , California and even a little of piece of the “mother road” – Route 66.

Things To Do in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fairly large park but the way it’s organized makes it compact enough to see a lot in a day. With preparation and caution , plenty of easy hikes makes it doable even in summer months when temperatures are the highest. Skull Rock and Keys View are year round must see’s no matter how little time you might have or how high the temps are.

For a fun visitor center experience, the National Park Service has recently collaborated with the nearby town of 29 Palms, local Native American groups and the Bureau of Land Management to construct a new visitor center. The Joshua Tree Cultural Center Information is located downtown 29 Palms and includes a bookstore, a museum with rotating exhibits and the Joshua Tree National Park store.

This area of the California desert is jampacked with outdoorsy activities. Nearby Pioneertown is a crowd pleaser for its distinctive western vibe and Palm Springs and the Salton Sea are less than two hours away.

Also, don’t miss Mojave Trails National Monument for interesting hiking and out of this world topography like lava and volcanic craters.

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree National Park

While there’s no National Park Service lodge or hotel, the high desert around Joshua Tree is full of unique and quirky properties. The Joshua Tree Ranch House and the Joshua Tree Inn are two wonderful properties. Casa de Frank is a stunner too.

For campers, Joshua Tree National Park has no shortage of places to pitch your tent. There are more than 500 campsites inside the park. My favorite campgrounds are the Jumbo Rocks campground and Hidden Valley Campground. Most of those sites can be reserved up to six months in advance via recreation.gov in high season.

How Much Time Do You Need in Joshua Tree National Park?

A Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park road trip requires at minimum an overnight stay and preferably, at least, two to three days.

Although, you could combine this road trip stop with a Las Vegas to San Diego road trip, a Las Vegas to Las Angeles road trip or a Las Vegas to Phoenix road trip. The road trip possibilities are endless and you could easily spend a week in the area.

When’s the Best Time to Road Trip to Joshua Tree National Park?

Except for late summer, Joshua Tree National Park is busy pretty all year round. Peak season is March and April and spring in general for wildflower season.

To mitigate that, the National Park Service recommends mid-week trips instead of weekends and holidays. Also try going on Monday through Thursday for less crowds.

With good planning, you can visit in the less crowded, much hotter late summer months. However, it’s imperative that you are prepared.

Have a plan, take plenty of water and limit hiking to early morning. I have been once in August and it was very hot but still enjoyable and I felt like I had the entire park to myself.

Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park

One of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, Bryce Canyon National Park is another good option for a road tripping from Las Vegas. If you aren’t familiar with it, Bryce is full of hoodoos or irregular columns of rock.

The bright orange landscape feature looks similar to Cheetos if that crunchy orange snack appeared in nature.

Hoodoos can be found around the world but Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest concentration found anywhere on earth. Long known for its special Native American connections, Bryce Canyon is a spectacular national park road trip from Las Vegas and shouldn’t be missed.

Best Road Trip Route From Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park

The best route from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park is I-15 through Springdale and Zion National Park. From Zion, Bryce is only 72 miles.

This drive takes you east of Zion to Mount Caramel Junction via Highway 89 to Bryce. In places, this route runs alongside the Little Virgin River and continues onto Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, which is one of my favorite drives in the United States.

If you don’t want to spend time in Zion National Park, then an alternative to go straight to Bryce Canyon, is continuing north on to I-15 to Cedar City, Utah and exiting the interstate there.

This route takes you through the Dixie National Park and near Cedar Breaks National Monument that could also be added to a Las Vegas to national parks road trip.

Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Of course, Bryce Canyon National Park in known for its stunning views from the amphitheater and various viewpoints throughout the park, but there’s also hiking, horseback riding, ATV tours to the rim of the canyon and amazing fly fishing.

Offering an 18 mile scenic drive that’s perfect for families with children and for those that don’t get around so well anymore, Bryce is ideal. One of my favorite stops on the scenic drive is Natural Bridge.

Bryce Canyon is also close to Red Canyon , a U.S. Forest Service managed site inside the Dixie National Forest. It has its own visitor center, plenty of hiking trails, a couple of campgrounds and just absolutely stunning trails and views.

Where to Stay in Bryce Canyon National Park

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon, located inside the park, is open from April through November and there are two park service campgrounds to accommodate campers.

Reservations for the North Campground can be made through recreation.gov, seasonally, and Sunset Campground is first-come first-served April 15th through October.

The small village of Bryce Canyon City boasts several private campgrounds and hotels but for me Ruby’s Inn is the place to stay. The Syrett Family that owns Ruby’s has an interesting history in the Bryce Canon area and has been taking care of guests for over 100 years.

Ruby’s has hotel rooms at the Best Western brand but also offers lodge stays, campgrounds with RV sites, two restaurants, a general store and tours in the round-up.

How Much Time Do You Need at Bryce Canyon National Park?

You can actually do a lot in a day at Bryce but to see it at its best – sunrise and sunset in my opinion – and really get to know the surrounding area, then I recommend at least two days and three would be even better to include hikes and a ranger led program.

When’s the Best Time to Road Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park?

Bryce is open year round but the peak time is March thorough October. Just remember if you are visiting in winter or passing through, it’s possible to encounter snow in the area.

Check nps.gov and local weather for alerts and closures. Just for context, I visited in the middle of November and it was 18F at night. Too cold to camp for me.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

• 4 hours 15 minutes

Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is probably one of the most road tripped places from Las Vegas. It’s a classic and one of the Wonders of the World.

Besides the proximity to Las Vegas, one of the things that makes it easy to visit is that the park has three easily accessible national park entrances and one viewpoint area on the western side. Which one you choose to visit will depend on how much time you have and what your objective is.

Grand Canyon West is closest viewpoint from Vegas to see the canyon. This section of the canyon is owned and managed by the Hualapai people and isn’t part of Grand Canyon National Park.

Although, it does have its own unique views and is home to the famed glass Grand Canyon Skywalk that is positioned out over the canyon.

Best Road Trip Route From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

The easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon National Park’s south entrance from Las Vegas is via Highway 93 through Kingman, Arizona to Interstate 40 and then enter the park at the small town of Tusayan, just 7 miles from the south entrance.

This route takes you near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, the Hoover Dam. The road trip stops are endless.

Things To Do in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a classic road trip destination all on its own. Mainly because I mean, it’s the Grand Canyon! This western part of the U.S. was made for vacations and road trips.

Also, there’s a variety of things to do. From the simplest things – like visiting all the viewpoints on the South Rim to more vigorous activities like hiking or riding horses down into the canyon.

Nearby, Williams and Kingman, Arizona both are on the famous Route 66. Road trippers will find an assortment of museum options, kitschy souvenir shops and historic diners dedicated to this classic cross county route.

This region of northern Arizona is also home to some of the finest national forests in the country and even other national park sites such as Walnut Canyon National Monument with its cliff dwellings, the amazing volcano at Sunset Crater National Monument and a glimpse into past civilizations at Wupatki National Monument .

Where to Stay in Grand Canyon National Park

Out of all the road trips from Las Vegas to national parks, the Grand Canyon probably has the most hotel and camping options. The park’s Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim is known for its popular and difficult to get a room in lodges.

This is also where the world famous Bright Angel Lodge is located. If you are a advance planner, then a overnight at one of these lodges would be the ultimate national park stay. For a more spontaneous trip, there’s an abundance of properties in nearby Tusayan .

The National Park Service has three campgrounds at the South Rim with the closest one being Mather Campground near the Tusayan entrance.

Additionally, there is a campground at the Desert View Campground (closed in winter) and a Trailer Village RV park run by a park concessioner. The surrounding area also has many other private campgrounds, like the family friendly, open year round KOA at Williams .

How Much Time do You Need in Grand Canyon National Park?

You could easily spend a week visiting Grand Canyon National Park and few other places in the area. Three days dedicated to the park itself should be sufficient for the casual visitor but other activities like hiking rim to rim or whitewater rafting would require more time.

When’s the Best Time to Road Trip to Grand Canyon National Park?

Grand Canyon National Park is open year round, weather permitting. Peak season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day but spring break, weekends and holidays during fall and winter are also crowded.

Because of its higher elevation, it’s not uncommon to receive some snowfall in the winter. If you happen to visit when there is snow – enjoy it. It’s unimaginably beautiful in the snow.

Las Vegas to Great Basin National Park

If you’ve only traveled around southern Nevada you might imagine the rest of state looks like the desert scenes you’re used to around Las Vegas. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, in some central and northern areas, Nevada is actually a very green, mountainous state.

Great Basin National Park, located in eastern central Nevada near the Utah border – is a good example of both. One of the lesser visited national parks Great Basin National Park takes some effort there but it’s so worth it to see something completely different from Las Vegas scenery.

Best Time Road Trip Route From Las Vegas to Great Basin National Park

The best scenic drive to Great Basin National Park from Las Vegas is Highway 93 north through ghost towns like Crystal Springs and historic places like Caliente.

This route passes through the actual great basin of Nevada – yes, there is an actual great basin – with farms, green pastures with plenty ponds and water sources. Quite different from southern Nevada.

Things To Do in Great Basin National Park

One of the most popular things to do at Great Basin National Park is the Lehman Cave Tours. This tour is a ranger lead tour through the caves in the park that goes into the geology and the history of the park. Weather permitting, tours are offered year round but might be limited in winter due to colder temperatures. Recreation.gov has tickets that can be reserved in advance.

The 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is another don’t miss activity in Great Basin National Park. This auto touring route is full stops and turnouts with gorgeous views of the mountains. The road is generally open June through October. At the top are alpine lakes to hike and ancient bristlecones to see.

Great Basin National Park is also an International Dark Sky park so make sure you check at the visitor center for any ranger led programs or special nighttime events.

Where to Stay in Great Basin National Park

There’s no park lodge inside Great Basin but nearby Baker offers a few options and Ely , jsut 66 miles away, has even more to choose from.

Inside Great Basin National Park, there are developed five campgrounds. The only one open year round is Lower Lehman Creek. Other campgrounds are usually open May through October, weather permitting.

The Upper Lehman Creek Campground is one of my favorite national park campgrounds I’ve ever stayed in. It’s quiet, wooded and has a small stream that runs through it. If you can snag a site near the water it makes for a wonderful night’s sleep.

How Much Time Do You Need in Great Basin National Park?

Since it is pretty remote, plan on spending at least two days in Great Basin National Park. Realistically, that gives you enough time to see a few things on your travel day from Las Vegas, spend the night and have the next day before continuing on.

Three or four days would definitely be better since there are some a few other things to do in the area. When road tripping from Las Vegas to Great Basin save some time for Cathedral Gorge State Park and Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge on the way.

When is the Best Time to Road Trip to Great Basin National Park?

Great Basin National Park is open year round with exception of major holidays. Even though it’s a lesser visited park, less than 200,000 people visited in 2023, summer is peak season and when it’s most crowded.

However, to see all the park features and visit the caves, summer and early fall are definitely the best times to visit.

Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park

• 6 hours 20 minutes

A Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park road trip has just about everything imaginable that you could want from a road trip. Deserts, lava fields, alpine forests, mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, rivers – and that’s just getting there.

Once you finally make it to Yosemite, you’ll probably never want to leave because Yosemite National Park is in a word: magical. It’s one of those national parks that everyone needs to visit at least once.

Best Road Trip Route From Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park

From Las Vegas you could drive the interstate route to Yosemite but the best route, in my opinion, is via Highway 395. This gives you the chance to enter the park from the eastern side and see a few things you might not see if you go in on the west side.

Even though it might be slower than driving the interstate and entering at the more popular western entrances, the towns and sights along Highway 395 are unparalleled.

There are plenty of ways to access Highway 395 from Las Vegas. You could even drive Highway 190 through Death Valley National Park to 395 but I’ve included my favorite way in my Google Map above.

That route takes you north on Highway 95 to Nevada Highway 266/California 168 and passes near the Ancient Bristlecone Forest. I strongly recommend adding this stop to your trip. The road out to the national forest visitor center has some of the most amazing views of the Sierra Nevada.

Unfortunately, this route into Yosemite National Park across the Tioga Pass – California’s highest vehicle crossing – is only accessible part of the year. The pass is generally closed from November through late May or early June.

So, if you are visiting Yosemite from Las Vegas in the spring, late fall or winter, you’ll need to use one of the western entrances to Yosemite National Park. Any other time of the year, consider the eastern entrance.

Things To Do in Yosemite National Park

The better question is what can’t you do in Yosemite National Park. As one of this country’s first national parks, Yosemite has been a natural playground since President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Land Grant in1864.

Besides all the normal national park activities like hiking and chasing waterfalls, a couple of my favorite things to do in Yosemite are biking and swimming.

Yosemite has a bike rental program in the park that allows you to download the app and grab a bike at various locations in the park. Turns out that pedaling is one of the best ways to get around around the park and avoid traffic.

For swimming, the Merced River flows right through the park and it’s the perfect opportunity to find your own personal swimming hole. Cathedral Beach Picnic Area is an awesome spot to start looking. This waterside area has great views and easy access to the water.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Like Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, Yosemite has a plethora of accommodations in the area.

With a multitude of lodges, hotels and cabins in the park and around the perimeter, it’s really just your preference for where to stay. Yosemite hotels are managed by Travel Yosemite. Check their website for reservations.

There’s also tons of campgrounds in the park, however, just like in many popular parks, it can be hard to secure a site. Consider staying in a private campground or a nearby national forest campground.

How Much Time Do You Need in Yosemite National Park?

My answer to this is as much time as you can spare. Yosemite is so gorgeous and so much fun, you may not want to leave. The more time you have the better.

I’m sure there are some people that do it as a daytrip but I would not unless I had been several times. I personally feel like you need at least three days to see the bare minimum.

When is the Best Time to Road Trip to Yosemite National Park?

According the the National Park Service, even though the park is open all year, nearly 75% of visitors come during May through October.

Because of this, the park service implemented a permitted entry to help mitigate the busiest time of the year. You can get a reservation on recreation.gov.

I’ve only visited Yosemite in August and I’ll admit, Yosemite Village felt more like an amusement park than national park. But once you got out of the village it was much better. I hope to visit in winter some time to see the park in the snow.

Tips for Planning Road Trips From Las Vegas to National Parks

See you on the road!

Author: Lori Blalock

A girl raised in the south, Lori is the founder of Southerner Says and has over 100k miles of solo road trip experience. A lover of public lands, sunsets and good barbeque, Lori spends her time in Georgia and Nevada when she isn’t on the road.

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With its unique and challenging conditions, driving in Death Valley National Park demands good preparation. My list of essential driving tips will help you get ready for a safe and fun experience in one of the most unique landscapes in the U.S. Let’s dive in.

45 Fabulous Free Things To Do in Las Vegas

Visiting Las Vegas doesn’t have to break the bank. As long as you stay away from the gambling tables, Vegas offers plenty of activities and fun things to do, all for free! From the Bellagio Fountains to Fremont Street, check out these opportunities to get to know Las Vegas without spending a dime.

First Come First Served Camping: Finding the Perfect Spot

Camping in a national park is one the best ways to experience a park. But what if the campground doesn’t accept reservations? The first-come first-served system can be a bit off-putting for newbies. Here’s how to do it and a few basic tips for the perfect camping experience.

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How to Plan a Trip to Las Vegas on a Budget, According to a Travel Expert

Because Sin City isn’t just for high rollers.

How to Save on Food

How to save on transportation, how to find affordable las vegas hotels, how to save on flights to las vegas, free las vegas activities.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

When you think of Las Vegas, it’s likely the glimmering casinos , flashy hotels, over-the-top entertainment , and extravagant meals that come to mind first. However, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to have a good time in Sin City — so as long as you’re savvy. From flights and hotels to activities and transportation, here are our top tips on how to plan a trip to Las Vegas on a budget, including expert insight, tips, and recommendations from long-time Vegas visitor and travel advisor Allison DePesa of Marvelous Mouse Travels . 

monticelllo/Getty Images

It’s no secret Sin City is home to spectacular restaurants , including the Michelin-starred Picasso , the sceney Cipriani Las Vegas , and Wolfgang Puck’s beloved Spago , to name a few. However, these aren’t the only options in town. Those looking to get the most bang for their buck can — and should — take advantage of Vegas’ seemingly endless buffets, says DePesa. What’s more, she tells T+L, “Buffets are a staple in Vegas, and you can usually find a great all-you-can-eat option with bottomless Champagne, mimosas, or bloody marys if you go for brunch.” For example, you can’t go wrong at Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan, which serves extravagant all-day brunch items like bone marrow, short ribs, and even steamed snow crab — in addition to the classics like omelets — for $47 per person on weekdays and $54 on weekends; $25 extra for bottomless mimosas, Champagne, bloody marys, or Bud Light). For a more affordable option, consider the MGM Grand Buffet (from $31.99 Monday to Thursday, $37.99 Friday to Sunday), which offers an array of breakfast and lunch dishes, from fresh pastas to pancakes. If buffets aren’t your thing, the Strip is also teeming with fast-food joints and quick-service restaurants. Tacos El Gordo , which doles out wallet-friendly tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, and other Mexican favorites, is among our favorites, as is the Instagram-worthy Cafe Lola , which dishes out sweet and savory breakfast and lunch staples (think crème brûlée challah French toast).

Additionally, DePesa recommends budget-conscious travelers take advantage of happy hour specials. “Many restaurants and bars in Vegas offer discounted food and drink specials during happy hour, usually in the late afternoon or early evening. “ Brera Osteria at The Venetian Resort offers 50 percent off pizza, cocktails, and wines by the glass every day between 3 and 5 p.m. Also, don’t miss sangria hour at The Cosmopolitan's Jaleo , which has sangria from $7, beers from $7, wine from $9, and cocktails from $12 — along with a selection of tapas — every day from 5 to 7 p.m. The deals continue off the Strip at local favorite Honey Salt , where guests can enjoy $5 beers and wines, $6 cocktails, and apps like fried pickles and chicken sliders between $4 and $8 apiece every Monday through Friday between 3 and 6 p.m.

Pro tip: Be sure to sign up for restaurant rewards programs. “Many restaurants, especially those located in casinos, offer rewards programs or loyalty cards,” says DePesa. “Sign up for these programs to earn discounts, free meals, or other perks.” 

Although resorts on the Strip are typically more expensive than those a bit further away, their central location makes it much easier — and cheaper — to get around. What’s more, explains DePesa, “The Las Vegas Strip is relatively compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.”

However, that’s not to say you can’t stay off the Strip and still save on transportation. While taxis and ride-share apps are available — as are rental cars, of course — DePesa recommends utilizing public transit to get around. “There's an extensive bus system in Las Vegas, including the Strip and downtown areas.” Deuce on the Strip , which runs 24/7, stops at almost every resort on the Strip, and while single rides cost $4, you can save money by snagging a multiday pass; a three-day one, for example, will run you $20. The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle service that takes visitors to some of downtown Vegas’ top attractions, including the Arts District and Fremont Street Experience . Also, keep in mind that some off-the-Strip hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to the Strip — but more on that below. 

 Ethan Miller/Getty Images

A Las Vegas hotel stay doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. For one, DePesa recommends booking well in advance, which "can often lead to better deals." She adds, "Hotels tend to offer lower rates for early bookings, especially if you're traveling during off-peak seasons." The summer months (June, July, and August) coincide with the city's low season due to the scorching heat. As such, you can find lower hotel rates. Shoulder season (September through November and January through April) also offers discounted nightly rates; according to Kayak, March is the cheapest month to stay in Las Vegas, with an average five percent drop in price. Ultimately, being flexible with your dates is key. "Midweek stays tend to be cheaper than weekends, and rates may fluctuate depending on special events or conventions in the city," explains DePesa. Finally, as previously mentioned, consider staying at a hotel off the Strip since, per the pro, properties “tend to be more affordable.” She elaborates, “Many of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to the Strip, making it convenient to access the main attractions."

DePesa recommends using Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort as your base. The property is home to 13 on-site restaurants and spacious accommodations clocking in at more than 500 square feet. She also suggests checking into Marriott's Grand Chateau ; while it does not provide shuttle service to the Strip — though, fortunately, it’s less than a mile away — it does have a rooftop pool, two bars, and, best of all, no resort fee.

If you choose to stay on the Strip, you can save money by selecting a property with low or no resort fees, which can cost as much as $55 per night. Those craving a more upscale hotel experience may consider a stay at the Sahara Las Vegas , one of few Strip hotels with an under-$40 nightly resort fee .

Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Looking to save money on flights ? Just like with hotels, DePesa says the key is to “be flexible with dates and book early.” She also recommends using fare comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to help you “easily find the best deals and set up price alerts for your desired travel dates.” Additionally, if you have the time and patience, DePesa recommends opting for a connecting flight to or from Vegas since they tend to be less expensive. “But be sure to check the total travel time and factor in potential layover durations,” she says. 

It’s also worth noting Las Vegas’ main airport, Harry Reid International Airport, is considered one of the cheapest in America, according to a 2022 analysis from CivMetrics . 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Unbeknownst to many — especially first-time visitors — Las Vegas offers plenty of free activities , which means you can save your money in hopes of winning big at the casino.

“At the Bellagio, you can see the fountain show and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ,” says DePesa.

Alternatively, catch the volcano eruption at the Mirage or check out the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat , “a quiet oasis home to koi fish, turtles, birds, and a flock of Chilean flamingos.” The Fremont Street Experience has free live music, Silverton Casino features a complimentary aquarium with thousands of tropical fish, and Circus Circus offers exhilarating acts. Travelers can also visit Ethel M Chocolates for free self-guided factory tours; afterward, explore the three-acre botanical garden, which boasts more than 300 species of flora. Other no-cost attractions include The Arts Factory , the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art , and the quirky Pinball Hall of Fame .

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Albuquerque to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary

Your Albuquerque to Las Vegas road trip will take you through some of the most stunning sections of the American Southwest!

You’ll visit multiple National Parks Service sites, including several national monuments and a national park. You’ll have the option to add on a section national park if you’d like to extend your trip.

You’ll also find rolling desert landscapes, quaint towns along historic Route 66, and easy hikes for the entire family.

Below, I’ve shared my family’s favorite stops between Albuquerque and Las Vegas, including places to stay, our go-to campgrounds, where to eat, and other tips to help your road trip go smoothly.

I’ve also included several places where you can add on a side trip for even more fun in this part of the United States.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road!

This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links below, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.

What to Expect when Visiting New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada

1) watch your weather..

Since you’re in the desert for the entirety of this road trip, you’ll want to ensure that you are ready for weather.

In the summers, temperatures can easily soar over 90 degrees (and often much higher). Yes, it’s a dry heat, but you can still get dehydrated very quickly. Pack more water than you think you’ll need—and then add a bit more.

While the winters aren’t particularly harsh, and you won’t see substantial snow, you will face cool days and cold nights while in the desert.

If you’re camping at any point in the year, plan ways to stay warm in the evenings and night as the temperatures drop by 15-20 degrees once the sun goes down.

2) Dress for success.

Stay covered on the trails as you won’t have any natural cover. This means you’ll need a long sleeved sun shirt, hat, and plenty of sunscreen.

You’ll want to do so even in the winter months as you can still get burned, both by the sun and wind, when it’s chilly outside.

Layers are key in the desert. You’ll want to be able to regulate your body temperature in response to the constantly changing temperatures.

For more information on my favorite hiking clothes, check out these articles:

Best Kids Hiking Gear + Checklist

Best Hiking Clothes for Women: Building a Capsule Wardrobe

3) Go remote.

Much of this road trip itinerary follows I-40, which is a major interstate through the Southwest.

Even though you’ll have plenty of company on the road, there are several stretches where you won’t have easy access to any gas, snacks, or water.

Unlike on the Denver to Grand Canyon road trip itinerary , you won’t find road signs telling you the number of miles to the next set of facilities.

Stay ahead of your gas tank, and stop whenever you’re near one of the often infrequent exits.

When you get off of I-40, you’ll be following the original Route 66 for much of the way to Las Vegas. While there are small towns on this stretch, they, too, are miles apart, and not all have gas stations.

Albuquerque, NM, to Las Vegas, NV, Road Trip Itinerary

For the purposes of this itinerary, we’re moving west from Albuquerque, but you could just as easily do this road trip in reverse from Las Vegas to Albuquerque.

Regardless of which direction you’re planning to do this trip, you’ll want to tack on at least a day on either end to explore Albuquerque and Las Vegas, which I haven’t focused on here.

Another thing to note is that I’ve organized the following places as individual stops rather than as a day-by-day itinerary.

Going about the road trip itinerary this way means that you have more flexibility in making it your own. Plus, many of these sites are fairly close together, so you can choose how quickly you’d like to move through them.

That being said, you could easily do this road trip in 3-5 days without any of the suggested side trips.

Or, you could linger at each stop, fully exploring them, and completing the side trips for a road trip that lasted 1-2 weeks (or more, depending on how long you want at each place!).

There’s really no wrong way to go about this road trip.

I’ve included drive times between each stop to help you better organize your own version, as well as suggested areas to hike, eat, and/or camp.

Stop 1: Grants, New Mexico

As you set out from Albuquerque, the landscape outside of your car will be filled with rolling red deserts, sagebrush, and craggy cliffs.

However, as you approach Grants, New Mexico, that landscape begins to resemble the surface of the moon.

Huge chunks of a matte black substance push their way past the grass on either side of the road, and you might be left wondering if an asphalt truck blew up on this section of the highway.

But the answer is one that’s far more exciting than a malfunctioning piece of road machinery.

You’re seeing the results of volcanic activity that reshaped this part of western New Mexico between 700,000 and just 3,900 years ago.

You can explore more of this incredible natural wonder at the 2 main sites near Grants, New Mexico.

El Malpais National Monument

This NPS sites allows you to hike through and learn about the lava flows.

You’ll see how the unique geological formations here provided shelter to generations of Native Americans, particularly the Zuni and Acoma tribes, as well as Spanish explorers, the Navajo nation, and pioneers.

There are a variety of surface trails that allow you to access the different lava flow areas. More adventurous visitors can take a self-guided tour into one of the many lava tubes, but you’ll want to bring the appropriate safety gear.

The national monument is open year round, although some of the caves are off limits to the public during the winter to protect resident bats.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

A privately owned site, the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano is another great way to explore this fascinating landscape.

It’s not as large as the nearby NPS site, but it’s still worth a visit.

Included in the admission cost is a museum filled with Native American artifacts and 2 self-guided hikes. The Ice Cave stays chilly year round with naturally occurring sheets of ice on the walls.

It does close in the winter from November 1-March 1.

Stop 2: Petrified Forest National Park

The next major stop on I-40 West is going to be the exit for the Painted Desert Visitors Center at Petrified Forest National Park.

At the visitors center, you can grab a map of the park, pick up a souvenir, watch the park’s history movie, or have a picnic.

There’s also a gas station here. It’s really expensive, but convenient. There’s no other gas at this exit or anywhere in the park for another 25-30 miles.

Once you’re in the park, you’ll be able to see the southern end of the Painted Desert, which has red, orange, grey, blue, purple, and yellow layers in the worn away rock.

On the end of the park closest to Holbrook, you’ll be able to see fields of petrified trees from the forest that once stood here more than 250 million years ago.

More posts to help you with your time at Petrified Forest National Forest:

1 Day Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary

5 Best Hikes in Petrified Forest National Park

Stop 3: Holbrook, AZ

Although I-40 parallels—and in some places, directly overlays—historic Route 66, Holbrook, Arizona is the first place on this road trip where you can drive or walk along the actual Route 66.

Holbrook isn’t the most exciting place along this stretch of Route 66 (I think Winslow, below, is a much better stop), but it does have a few items to see beyond the handful of large gas stations next to I-40.

The Wigwam Motel in downtown Holbrook was the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars , and it is only 1 of 3 remaining concrete teepee-style motels from the once popular chain.

While we haven’t stayed at the one in Holbrook, we did stay at the sister site, the historic Wigwam Village in Cave City, Kentucky .

Holbrook also has a couple of shops that sell petrified wood and other minerals. It’s illegal to take wood from the national park, so this is a good alternative if you’d like a souvenir.

We used Holbrook as a base for this entire area during our last visit to Arizona. The Holbrook KOA is an excellent choice for families with plenty of amenities and easy on-off from I-40.

>> Full review here: Holbrook, AZ, KOA: Best Camping near Petrified Forest National Park . <<

Stop 4: Winslow, AZ

Less than 30 minutes west of Holbrook is the quaint town of Winslow, AZ.

Also located on Route 66, Winslow has several reasons why you’d want to visit: a fascinating history, a cute downtown area, and a tie-in to classic rock.

Downtown Winslow, Arizona

For fans of ‘70s rock, you won’t want to miss Standin’ on a Corner Park in the heart of downtown Winslow, Arizona.

This little town was immortalized in the second verse of The Eagles’ 1972 hit, “Take It Easy.” Winslow is noted in the song and was inspired by a road trip that the members took as they were trying to finish their debut album.

Fifty years later, people still visit by the bus load to take their picture with the iconic flatbed Ford and the massive Route 66 sign at the park.

Discover what else you can do in this adorable town in my complete guide to Winslow, Arizona, on historic Route 66 .

Homolovi Ruins State Park

About 5 miles to the north of Winslow is another great place to visit: Homolovi Ruins State Park.

Here, you can learn about 2 archeological sites that focus on different native people who called this area home from roughly 1000-1400 CE.

Of the 2, we found that the Homolovi II hike had more to see for our kids, but both are worth a visit if you’re into history.

You can also take a short hike to the Mormon pioneer graveyard behind the visitors center, which is the only remaining part of the small village that existed here in the late 1880s.

Keep an eye out for the park’s many wild burros, which are often found on the rugged hills along the main road.

Stop 5: Meteor Crater

If you’ve ever wanted to feel small, Meteor Crater is an excellent place to do so.

Created by a meteor about 50,000 years ago, this massive site is so much more than just a big hole in the ground.

Of course, the crater itself is a highlight—and you must make time for the 45-minute tour of the crater rim (included in the cost of admission).

You can also see and touch a piece of the meteor, walk through multiple interactive museum areas, experience a 4D ride about space and the crater, and shop for space-themed souvenirs.

Kids should complete the scavenger hunt booklets to receive a free science ranger patch.

There are also picnic tables inside of the property, making this a great stop mid-day between Winslow and Flagstaff.

You’ll find easy RV parking in the back lot.

Stop 6: Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff is worth at least a day on your trip—if not longer.

Here, you can hike in Walnut Canyon National Monument, the Kachina Wetlands Preserve, or Picture Canyon.

For those interested in history, the Pioneer Museum and the Museum of Northern Arizona are great choices.

You can learn more about the spooky side of the city with a ghost tour of downtown Flagstaff .

From Flagstaff, you can add on two possible side trips, one north of the city, and one south.

Side trip 1: Sedona, AZ

A short 45 minute drive south of Flagstaff is this quirky city with a New Age vibe. Here, you can find everything from healing crystal shops to hot springs to incredible hiking.

You could easily spend an entire vacation exploring Sedona’s many shopping centers and museums, and hiking the dozens of excellent trails around the city.

Side trip 2: Grand Canyon National Park

You can easily drive to the Grand Canyon in your rental car, or you can join up with a guided tour of the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff .

Either way, expect a full day of sightseeing: you’ll want to be on the road no later than 8 AM to maximize your time in the Grand Canyon.

It’s about an hour and a half from downtown Flagstaff to the South Rim at the Grand Canyon, but the journey is half the fun. There are some beautiful overlooks in the desert along this stretch of Highways 180 and 64.

If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon with kids , don’t forget to note my family’s favorite kid-friendly activities here.

Stop 7: Seligman, AZ

From Flagstaff, you’ll head west on I-40 again.

While you could continue on the way from Flagstaff to Kingman fully on I-40, I highly recommend that you hop onto Route 66 at Seligman.

Not only is Seligman kitschy in the best way possible, the stretch of Route 66 from Seligman through Peach Springs and down to Kingman, Arizona, is breathtaking.

I don’t know about you, but a road trip isn’t a road trip without some backroad driving!

Seligman is small, but it is a great place to stop for lunch and dessert.

Roadkill Cafe and OK Saloon

The oddly named Roadkill Cafe and OK Saloon is Route 66 quirkiness at its peak.

Despite what the menu items might lead you to believe, you can’t actually get an armadillo burger here.

What you will find are fresh cooked diner meals—burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and the like—served up in restaurant where the food and the decor are equal draws.

After you’ve tucked in, browse the gift shop/museum in the back.

And don’t forget to get a few pictures outside at the faux Wild West town on the other side of the parking lot!

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap

About a block east from the Roadkill Cafe is the vintage Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, which offers dozens of milkshake flavors. (They also have burgers, fries, and other drive-in style food, but we have always gone straight for the desserts here!)

A Route 66 staple since the early 1950s, the employees still sling ice cream with a side of sarcasm. Don’t take too long to order, or the window attendant will poke fun of you!

The inside and outside of Delgadillo’s is covered in vintage signs, photos, postcards, and more. Linger a bit as you enjoy your shake.

As you continue west from Seligman towards Kingman, look for the Burma Shave signs that pepper the road side.

These are funny 4-part poems that always end in a Berma Shave shoutout. In addition to advertising this popular hair cream, the signs were also placed along Route 66 to keep drivers alert.

Stop 8: Kingman, AZ

Kingman is the largest town between Flagstaff and Las Vegas on this itinerary, so it’s a great place to stop for gas, groceries, or rest.

If you’re into the history of the Mother Road, you need to plan several hours here.

First, get a picture with the historic Route 66 sign! This is located on the eastern end of the downtown area on Route 66 (also known as Andy Devine Avenue in this section).

If you’d like another photo op, there’s another Route 66 sign in the parking lot to the Arizona Route 66 Museum, also on Andy Devine Avenue near Locomotive Park.

Both the museum and Locomotive Park are worth stops, too, especially if you’d like to learn more about the various forms of transportation that created Kingman and other Route 66 towns.

Once you’re ready to leave Kingman, you’ll want to head northwest on Highway 93, which will ultimately take you directly into Las Vegas through Henderson, Nevada.

But before we can make it to Las Vegas, we’ve still got some more exploring to do.

Along this highway, you’ll find several overlooks, and I encourage you to stop whenever one strikes your fancy.

This road trip is one where the topography changes constantly, and you’ll notice that this stretch of Highway 93 looks quite different than what you just left along Route 66.

The Crane’s Nest Wash Overpass is well marked with an easy, paved access point. It will be on your left about 5 miles south of the Hoover Dam.

Another great place to stop is the trailhead for the Spooky Canyon hike . This is an easy, flat trail that takes you into a slot canyon.

Stop 9: Hoover Dam

To maximize your experience of this area, I recommend downloading the GuideAlong tour for Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon .

We’ve used these tours on many of our road trips, and I love that I can get a fully narrated tour for less than the cost of lunch for my family.

Plus, it doesn’t need wifi once it’s downloaded, and you can start and stop as many times as you need!

You’ll want to stop in the Hoover Dam Visitors Center and get tickets for the guided tour.

The Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel, and it’s worth a few hours of your time even if you’re not particularly interested in engineering history.

The scale of this project can only be appreciated by walking through the structure itself.

You can get another perspective of the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River with a guided rafting tour below the Hoover Dam . Great for all ages, this leisurely water-based tour lets you see the ways that the dam changed the river’s flow and ecosystem forever.

Final Stop: Las Vegas!

Your road trip is over, but the fun doesn’t have to end here.

Las Vegas is well worth a day or two of your time at the end of your trip: see the Bellagio fountains, go shopping along the Strip, and take in a show at the Sphere.

I hope that your family enjoyed this road trip as much as we have.

Happy travels!

Interested in other Southwestern adventures?

Denver to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

Monument Valley with Kids

KOA in Tucumcari, NM: A Review

Best New Mexico Campgrounds for Families

Santa Fe to White Sands Road Trip

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Las Vegas to Moscow (Idaho) drive

Las vegas to moscow (idaho) road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Las Vegas to Moscow (Idaho). If you're planning a road trip to Moscow (Idaho), you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Las Vegas drive for about 4 hours

1:54 pm   Ely (Nevada) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:54 pm drive for about 3 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 7 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Jackpot drive for about 3 hours

11:50 am   Boise stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:50 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

3:10 pm   McCall stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:10 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

7:36 pm  arrive in Moscow (Idaho)

day 2 driving ≈ 8.5 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Ely (Nevada)   (5 answers)     questions about Ely (Nevada):         Walmart ely nevada Jackpot   (2 answers) Boise   (50 answers)     Idaho State Capitol Building   (2 mentions)     questions about Boise:         Best free things to do in Boise?         What do you do and where to eat in Boise, ID? McCall   (2 answers)

What are some things to do in Moscow (Idaho)?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Moscow (Idaho).

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Moscow (Idaho) to Las Vegas drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Las Vegas to Moscow (Idaho) . Or get a full Las Vegas to Moscow (Idaho) flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Las Vegas well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Las Vegas!

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Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour! 2024 (Las Vegas) | The Summit Showroom at The Venetian Resort

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as Lewis Black bids farewell with his final tour, "Goodbye Yeller Brick Road", at The Summit Showroom in The Venetian Resort on August 17, 2024. Located at 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, this event promises to be a night to remember. From 6:00 PM on April 19, 2024, till 2:30 AM on August 18, 2024, tickets for this exclusive concert will be available for purchase. Experience the raw energy and comedic genius of Lewis Black as he takes the stage for one last time. Don't miss your chance to be a part of history at "Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour!" - it's an event you won't want to miss!

Provided by Raulwww | Published May 12, 2024

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Movies | Review: ‘Gasoline Rainbow’ is a glorious teen road trip

We are in a hybrid film world, part documentary, part fiction.

In sibling directors Bill and Turner Ross ‘ latest, “Gasoline Rainbow,” five Oregon teens just out of high school make their meandering way some 500 miles to reach the coast for what’s been billed as the “End of the World” party.

This being the Ross brothers — the makers of the Texas-Mexico border portrait “Western” and “Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets,” in which they brought 22 people to a Las Vegas dive bar and asked them to act as though it was closing the next day — we are in a hybrid film world, part documentary, part fiction. Our characters — Micah, Nathaly, Nichole, Tony, Makai — are nonprofessional actors and their journey is a loosely constructed series of encounters that mostly unfold naturally.

It’s a filmmaking approach that can, in its weaker moments, result in the worst of both worlds: the rambling narrative of documentary and the manufactured quality of fiction. But on the whole, the Ross brothers’ observational, immersive filmmaking gets close to something bracingly real.

In the case of “Gasoline Rainbow,” which opens in theaters Friday, much is expressed by the land the teens traverse. Whether by car or on foot, their travels take them under highway overpasses, through sprawling train yards and along long rows of wind turbines. Global warming is mentioned only once, but it hovers over their uncertain future. They make their way across baren, dry lands and industrial blight. The name of that party is no coincidence.

Bleak as that may be, “Gasoline Rainbow” — which would fit comfortably alongside films like Alma Har’el’s “Bombay Beach” and Andrea Arnold’s “American Honey” — is most concerned with the question of: So what now? For these young people, unsure of what to do with their lives, getting out on the road provides plenty of answers. The world they’ve been left by older generations may be damaged. “Do you know what the difference is between kids and adults?” one elder tells them. “Adults aren’t supervised.” But there is beauty to be found, like shimmering pools of gasoline, if you’re willing to hit the road and make some new friends.

The answer lies most in community — in daring to leave the house, meet strangers and find like-minded souls. Perhaps more than anything, the Ross brothers — with a keen eye for American eccentrics — are interested in gathering together all the most interesting people they can find. And the spirit of camaraderie that results warms just as much as the bonfires gathered round in “Gasoline Rainbow.”

“Gasoline Rainbow”

3 stars out of 4

Running time: 110 minutes

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