Places to Visit Outside of Las Vegas: Best Attractions and Nature Parks

 

 

Less than half an hour from the center of Las Vegas, you’ll find one of the most fascinating natural attractions in Nevada. It’s called Red Rock Canyon, specifically the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, not to be confused with the similarly named Red Rock Canyon State Park in California. As the name suggests, red rocks take center stage in this park, which can be easily explored by car along a scenic drive or by taking some hiking trails.

 

Red Rock Canyon

South of Las Vegas, not far from the Seven Magic Mountains, there is a place that makes you feel like you’re in the Wild West, complete with a saloon where you can grab a bite to eat. It’s a popular spot among motorcyclists who make it a regular stop on their journeys to and from Las Vegas. It’s definitely worth a quick visit if you happen to be in the area.

Goodsprings

The largest artificial lake in the United States is located along the Colorado River, just a half-hour drive from Las Vegas. In the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you can relax on the shores of the lake, engage in water sports, embark on scenic hiking trails along the old railway, or simply stop at lookout points to capture beautiful photos during your road trip. If you’re looking for a stop between Las Vegas and the parks located to the east, such as in Arizona and Utah, or if you want to take a day trip from the bustling city of casinos, this is the perfect place to visit.

Hoover Dam is one of the iconic engineering marvels of the United States. Famous for its size and the history of its construction, it is a popular destination for a day trip from Las Vegas. Located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, it blocks the flow of the Colorado River, creating the aforementioned Lake Mead. You can see it by driving across it or by participating in a guided tour.

Hoover Dam

The South West is full of ghost towns, and Nevada is no exception. In the vicinity of Las Vegas, there is a charming one located near the banks of the Colorado River, just south of Hoover Dam. Nelson was a mining town that flourished due to Nevada’s most significant gold and silver mine. Today, it has become a popular ghost town for photography sets, and it has also served as a filming location for several movies.

Nelson Ghost Town

Between Las Vegas and the Utah border lies one of the most significant parks in the state. The name “Valley of Fire” is not accidental: when the sun shines, the red rocks of this area truly appear to be on fire, both because of the colors they assume and the heat they radiate. You can witness rock formations such as the famous Elephant Rock, explore scenic trails, and venture into narrow and winding canyons.

Valley of Fire

Among the cities in Utah, St. George is the closest to Las Vegas, as it is located in the southwest part of the state, near the borders of Arizona and Nevada. Its location makes it a perfect stopover for an on-the-road trip spanning these three states, ideal for visiting some of America’s most famous national parks. But even in the immediate vicinity of the city, there are places not to be missed, which we have explored in detail in the dedicated article.

St. George

The western rim of the Grand Canyon is the most easily accessible from Las Vegas. It can be reached in a couple of hours and is also a less crowded entrance compared to the South Rim. Here, you can climb onto the spectacular Skywalk that offers a wide view of the canyon below. You can also embark on hiking trips down to the river for a thrilling rafting experience or take a helicopter tour to admire the entire Grand Canyon from above.

Grand Canyon West Rim

Ghost towns in America are not all the same. For example, as mentioned before, Nelson has become a popular photography set, while not far away, beyond the Colorado River, there is Oatman: a completely different town. Here, you take a step back in time and feel like you’re in the Old West, but the interesting thing is that a handful of people still live here. And don’t miss the encounter with the wild burros that roam freely through the town’s streets.

Oatman

Death Valley is preceded by its fame and is one of the most iconic places in the American West. This desert makes visitors feel like they’ve been transported to another planet, immediately immersing them in a science fiction movie. But it is also one of the largest parks in the United States, with a wide variety of roads to explore, scenic viewpoints to stop at, unique rock formations, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Death Valley National Park

Who hasn’t heard of Area 51 at least once, the secret military base around which theories about aliens circulate and that has inspired the world of cinema multiple times? It really exists and is located along a road aptly named the Extraterrestrial Highway. While access to the base is obviously restricted, there’s nothing stopping you from getting closer and taking a tour along this intriguing road where the protagonists are aliens.

Area 51

Zion National Park is one of the most famous parks in Utah. Not only does it boast one of the most majestic canyons on the continent, but it also stands out from many other canyons due to its lush greenery. Visiting Zion means experiencing breathtaking views, being able to climb impressive peaks, and at the same time, walking through verdant landscapes while encountering wildlife along the way. It’s a true immersion in nature.

Zion National Park

Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon, but it’s more challenging to discover some of its lesser-known parts off the beaten path of the classic tours. An example of this is the Havasu Falls: incredibly beautiful waterfalls that are much more challenging to reach compared to the section of the Grand Canyon that falls under the jurisdiction of the National Park. They are located in an Indian reservation, and there is a bit of walking involved to get there, but it’s definitely worth it if you want to capture an incredible photo that other tourists don’t have.

Havasu Falls

Bryce Canyon is one of the must-visit parks during an on-the-road trip through Utah. Its unique “hoodoos,” towering rock spires rising from the valleys surrounded by high red rock walls, are a truly captivating attraction that deserves a stop on your journey. The viewpoints at Bryce are easily accessible, but if you have more time, walking the trails through the hoodoos is a fascinating experience.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous and rightfully so, attractions in Arizona. Or rather, in the Navajo Nation, the Indian reservation where it is located and managed. There is both the Lower Antelope Canyon and the Upper Antelope Canyon, each with its own characteristics and suitable for different types of visits. Moreover, there is also Antelope Canyon X, a lesser-known and less-visited area, but no less beautiful.

Antelope Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most famous and most visited access point. It is easily accessible and there are plenty of accommodation options in the surrounding area. You can reach it by car, take the Grand Canyon Railway train, or opt for bus services directly from Las Vegas. Alternatively, you can choose an airplane or helicopter tour to experience the vastness of the Colorado River canyon from above.

Grand Canyon South Rim