13 Best Road Trips near Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon, in Arizona, is a mile-deep and up to 18-mile-wide canyon that is known as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and boasts awe-inspiring views. Besides seeing the canyon itself, you can also learn about the local Hualapai Tribe while you're here. Getting to the Grand Canyon from Vegas is easy, as numerous helicopter tours can take you there for a bird's-eye view. If you want a more laid-back experience at your own pace, however, it's just 4 hours away by car.

Sedona, AZ, is a fun town just 4.5 hours away from Vegas that boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails along with numerous art galleries. Hiking and biking are amongst the most prominent activities here, but you can also learn about Native American history and immerse yourself in local art. One of the more interesting aspects of Sedona is that it's said to have strong natural energies focused around Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Cathedral Rock. You can explore it all southeast of Vegas.

Laughlin, Nevada, is less than a hundred miles from Vegas, and it offers bright neon lights, casinos, and endless entertainment while simultaneously cultivating a small-town atmosphere. The crowds are notably smaller compared to Vegas, and the casinos are more laid back and relaxed. If you're looking for a bit of outdoor adventure, there are a few hiking trails by the river. If you're looking for something less strenuous, you can book a boat tour of the river. You'll find Laughlin about an hour and a half south of Las Vegas.

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

Hoover Dam took 5 years to build and finally opened in 1936. It was built from interlocking blocks. These were filled with concrete poured from buckets – small teams of “puddlers” would stamp and shake the concrete to get rid of any air bubbles. Today, you can take a tour inside. However, since a bypass was built in 2010, you no longer drive across on US Route 93. The dam is an easy 40-minute drive from Las Vegas and just 15 minutes’ drive from Boulder City.

Lake Havasu, Arizona, offers island fun with unique offerings like lighthouse replicas alongside beaches, boating, and elaborate performances like pyrotechnic shows. The lighthouse replicas are particularly interesting, as they're recreations of some of the most famous lighthouses from around the United States. One of the more unique aspects of this island town is that it connects to the mainland using the same London Bridge that once crossed the River Thames in the 19th century before it was disassembled and relocated. You'll find Lake Havasu about 2 and a half hours from Vegas.

The Valley of Fire State Park, in Nevada, is known primarily for its striking red sandstone and blistering summer temperatures, all while offering satisfying trails and stunning geological features. The name of the park comes from the summer heat and the colour of the sandstone. To avoid the former, you may want to travel during the colder months. No matter when you visit, the Scenic Loop Road lets you enjoy some of the best sites around at pleasant temperatures from the comfort of your car. You'll find this park about an hour northeast of Vegas.

Boulder City, Nevada, is the closest city to the Hoover Dam, so you can learn all about this engineering masterpiece and experience Lake Mead when you visit. You'll find an entire museum dedicated to the Hoover Dam in the Hoover Dam Hotel, but many prefer to go on a tour of the dam itself. It's important to remember that Boulder City is one of the few towns in Nevada where gambling is illegal, so don't expect any gaming in this town. You can reach Boulder City relatively quickly, as it's just a 45-minute drive from city centre Vegas.

The Mojave National Preserve is a designated park space in California that preserves one of the driest parts of the US, including the area's monuments and strange flora. Death Valley is located here if you're feeling adventurous, but you'll also find spots that are a bit easier to explore. The Shadow Valley is particularly interesting, as you'll find a forest of Joshua trees to a greater extent than is found in the Joshua Tree National Park. You can explore it all by heading about an hour southwest of Vegas.

Mesquite, Nevada, functions as a smaller and more laid-back version of Las Vegas, featuring vintage flair across its casinos and restaurants and impressive outdoor activities. While there are fewer crowds here than in Vegas, the casinos are just as robust. In addition to the casinos, you'll find some thrilling outdoor activities in Mesquite, like off-roading in an quad bike. You'll even find a safari where you can see exotic animals. Explore it all for yourself near the Arizona and Utah border, about an hour and a half from city centre Vegas.

Ely, Nevada, is a small town where you'll find a friendly welcome from the locals, a rich and fascinating history, and seemingly endless outdoor adventure. One of the most popular spots in town is the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, where you'll find the Ghost Train of Old Ely. This town also features the Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall. The institution itself is exactly what its title suggests, but it's especially alluring since it hasn't changed much since 1929 and offers a bit of an Old West feel. You'll find Ely about 4 hours north of Las Vegas proper.

St. George, Utah, is a haven for outdoor adventurers, thanks to its numerous and varied hiking and biking paths and a relaxing reservoir. Most of the hiking trails can be inviting to beginners, but the Angels Landing trail is a challenging trek that should only be attempted by experienced hikers. Alternatively, you could spend time around the Sand Hollow Reservoir to cast out and fish or venture out into the water yourself on a boat. You'll find St. George about 2 hours from Vegas, just across the Utah border.

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

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

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

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