In fact, you may head to Vegas for the glamorous casinos, extravagant events, flashy exhibits, and award-winning eating places however do you know there are a number of nationwide parks inside a number of hour drive of the Las Vegas Strip? Some are lower than half-hour away!
In the event you’ve had sufficient enjoyable partying otherwise you’re extra of the outdoorsy sort you then’ll fall in love with Vegas – however perhaps not for town itself, moderately what’s round it.
These Las Vegas highway journey itineraries take you to majestic canyons, by means of hoodoo amphitheaters, amongst big boulders and Joshua timber, atop sand dunes spanning so far as the attention can see, by means of slender slot canyons and much past. In the event you’re attempting to decide on a winter vacation spot for an out of doors journey, it’s time to pack your luggage and e-book an Escape Camper Van in Las Vegas to see a number of the wonders Nevada, Utah, and Arizona have to supply!
Southern Utah Parks: Zion & Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park
From the deep sandstone canyons to the brilliant hoodoo spires the spectacular geology of Bryce Canyon and Zion Nationwide Park are two bucket listing locations. Inside a 3 to four-hour drive from Las Vegas, you may go to each of those spectacular parks and greatest to take action within the winter when crowds are at their lowest!
Whole Driving Time: 9 hours
What number of days? 3 – 5 days
Zion Canyon, Zion National Park
The Springdale entrance into Zion Nationwide Park is nearly two and a half hours from Las Vegas. In the summertime Zion Canyon is overly crowded however within the winter you’ll take pleasure in a extra tranquil expertise. Whereas the canyon receives snow a number of occasions a 12 months, there are many sunny days too.
Whether or not you’re an avid hiker otherwise you want a simple stroll to scenic viewpoints, Zion presents alternatives it doesn’t matter what you’re after.
Zion Nationwide Park Highlights
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: This 25-mile scenic drive by means of Zion Nationwide Park begins close to the Springdale Park Entrance and ends in Mount Carmel on the east aspect of the park. There are numerous pull-offs to take pleasure in placing views of Zion Canyon alongside the way in which.
The Narrows: The Narrows are the narrowest part of Zion Canyon. Stroll from the Temple of Sinawava alongside the Virgin River till you meet the Narrows the place you may wade by means of the water far into the canyon.
Angels Landing: Angels Touchdown is debatably essentially the most iconic hike within the park providing gorgeous views from the highest however first you will need to make it by means of a questionable chain part throughout uncovered terrain with steep drop offs. It’s not for the faint of coronary heart!
Zion Nationwide Park Tenting
Watchman Campground is positioned close to the Springdale Park Entrance and is open year-round. Reservations are required. There are a number of campgrounds exterior the park with restricted availability within the winter.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is known for its purple, orange, yellow, and white hoodoo amphitheaters that blanket the panorama. The distinctive formations are a must-visit on a Las Vegas highway journey.
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park lies between 8000 – 9000 toes in elevation so it’s a lot colder than Zion Nationwide Park. Costume heat and put together for snow. The snow contrasting the orange sandstone is a web site you don’t wish to miss. Check online for up-to-date highway and journey circumstances earlier than you head out.
Bryce Canyon Highlights
Bryce Point: Bryce Level is probably the preferred of all of the viewpoints within the park. Come at dawn or sundown to see the colours come to life whereas wanting down onto Bryce Canyon amphitheater.
Navajo Loop Trail: This 1.5-mile loop path switchbacks among the many big towering hoodoos and Douglas-fir timber. The Navajo Loop Path is taken into account average and is likely one of the greatest short-day hikes within the park.
Rainbow Point: Rainbow Level is likely one of the highest viewpoints within the park. Right here you may see the geological uplifting and tilting adopted by erosion that created the majestic landscapes all through the park.
Bryce Canyon Tenting
There are two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. North Campground is the one one open year-round. It’s positioned close to the customer middle and Bryce Canyon Lodge. There are a number of campgrounds exterior the park with restricted availability all through the winter.
Due to the excessive elevations ensure you pack heat layers and additional blankets. It’s not unusual for evening temperatures to drop properly under freezing.
Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park
As you make your approach again to Las Vegas you can also make a fast cease at Kolob Canyon, the western a part of Zion Nationwide Park, positioned proper off of I-15. It’s a brief detour however properly definitely worth the cease.
Discover the five-mile scenic drive up Kolob Canyons Highway to benefit from the panorama. That is additionally the right cease for vacationers wanting to stretch their legs. Hike the 1-mile out-and-back Timber Creek Overlook Trail. It’s a simple stroll with minimal elevation achieve however excessive rewards with views of Kolob Terrace, Timber Creek, the Pine Valley Mountains, and Shutavi Butte.
*Kolob Canyons is positioned at the next elevation than Zion Canyon and subsequently receives extra snow. Occasional storms shut the highway into the realm. Check online for up-to-date details about park closures in impact.
California Desert Highlights: Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park, Mojave Nationwide Protect, & Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
The deserts of California have lots to supply and the most effective time to discover the dramatic surroundings is within the winter when temperatures are snug and crowds are minimal! From Escape Camper Vans in Las Vegas, Loss of life Valley, Mojave Nationwide Protect, and Joshua Tree Nationwide Park are the right locations to probe for a number of days. In case you have sufficient time I’d suggest per week to essentially dive in and expertise the various lifetime of the desert.
Whole Driving Time: 12 hours
What number of days? 4 – 6 days
Death Valley National Park
Often known as the driest, hottest, and lowest nationwide park within the US you would possibly surprise what there’s to see in Loss of life Valley however the park involves life within the winter. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets carry out colours within the sand and rocks. The plentiful natural world are extra energetic within the cooler winter temperatures.
Situated simply two and a half hours from Las Vegas, begin your California desert winter highway journey in Loss of life Valley Nationwide Park.
Loss of life Valley Highlights
Badwater Basin: Badwater Basin is the bottom level in North America at -282 toes under sea stage. Strolling on the huge salt mattress looks like strolling throughout one other planet.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Wander across the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes the place some dunes rise practically 100 toes excessive. The world is dwelling to the mesquite tree and surrounded by a dramatic mountain panorama making it the right backdrop for a sundown photoshoot.
Zabriskie Point: Get pleasure from dawn or sundown at this gorgeous viewpoint with the rugged Panamint Mountains rising as much as 11,000 toes spanning the horizon within the distance.
Golden Canyon: Wander among the many yellow towering partitions and aspect canyons created by erosion on a 2-mile round-trip climbing path although Golden Canyon.
Artists Drive: A 9-mile, one-way, scenic drive winds by means of the colourful eroded hills of Artists Palette. It’s greatest considered throughout afternoon gentle for essentially the most placing colours.
Loss of life Valley Tenting
Loss of life Valley has a variety of campgrounds open all through the winter. Developed campgrounds have water, bathrooms, and trash elimination. Primitive campgrounds are positioned off unpaved roads. There are a number of personal campgrounds within the park too.
Reservations are required on the personal campgrounds and really helpful round holidays and weekends on the developed websites, even all through the winter.
Mojave National Preserve
The Mojave Desert presents spectacular websites starting from canyons and mountains to woodlands and lava caves. The protect is crammed with wealthy human historical past relationship over 10,000 years in addition to a various ecological setting that shouldn’t be missed on a California desert road trip.
It’s additionally the right midpoint between Loss of life Valley and Joshua Tree so why not take the scenic route and discover all this desert has to supply.
Mojave Nationwide Protect Highlights
Mojave Desert Lava Tube: A brief however rocky path by means of a basaltic lava tube within the Cima Dome Volcanic Subject leads you to the Mojave Desert Lava Tube.
Kelso Sand Dunes: Run round a number of the 45 sq. miles of Kelso Sand Dunes. Some dunes are over 650 toes tall!
Boulders Viewpoint Area: Get pleasure from a dramatic viewpoint of granite boulders and the Mojave Nationwide Protect on the roadside Boulder Viewpoint Space.
Mojave Nationwide Protect Tenting
Primitive tenting may be very common in Mojave Nationwide Protect. Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills Campground are two fundamental developed campgrounds. It’s essential to carry your personal water.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree is dwelling to its namesake Joshua timber, big boulders, human historical past, and wealthy natural world. From quick walks by means of park highlights to climbing up mountains there’s one thing for everybody to take pleasure in right here.
Spend a day or two driving by means of the park from the north to the southeast. From the southern entrance at Cottonwood Springs, the drive again to Las Vegas is about 4 hours.
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park Highlights
Skull Rock: Erosion has formed this iconic boulder to appear to be a cranium. Cranium Rock is likely one of the most photographed rocks within the park and is definitely viewable proper off Park Boulevard.
Keys View: Drive as much as Keys View for panoramic views from the best drivable level in Joshua Tree Nationwide Park standing at 5,185 toes in elevation.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail: Hike this straightforward 1-mile loop path showcasing gigantic granite boulders, flora, and basic Joshua Tree Nationwide Park surroundings.
Cholla Cactus Garden: Discover the flat, quarter-mile stroll that winds by means of the expansive backyard of teddy bear cholla cactus surrounded by rugged mountains.
Ryan Mountain: Ryan Mountain is accessible through a 3-mile out-and-back path. At 5,456 toes tall the height presents sweeping views of the park and surrounding mountains.
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park Tenting
There are numerous year-round campgrounds in Joshua Tree. Some require reservations forward whereas others are first-come, first-served. Water is proscribed all through the park so pack your personal.
Primitive tenting and personal established campgrounds obtainable with reservations are frequent exterior of the park.
Central Arizona Wonders: Grand Canyon Nationwide Park & Sedona
Central Arizona is barely a four-hour drive from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon and Sedona are a number of the hottest locations to go to in Arizona each recognized for his or her breathtaking surroundings. And in Sedona, you too can take pleasure in small metropolis life. From nature and climbing to eating and purchasing it’s the right Las Vegas highway journey vacation spot.
Whole Driving Time: 10.5 hours
What number of days? 4 – 6 days
Grand Canyon National Park
No Las Vegas highway journey can be full with out a go to to the Grand Canyon. It’s one of many seven pure wonders of the world!
The huge canyon stretches 227 miles lengthy and is over ten miles broad at sure factors. It’s nearly an excessive amount of for the attention to grasp from the rim! And what’s higher than seeing it with a little bit of winter snow blanketing the excessive peaks?
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a few 4 hour drive from Las Vegas. Whereas there drive alongside Desert View drive and cease at lots of the overlooks. In the event you’re feeling as much as it, hike a mile down one of many trails into the canyon.
*The Grand Canyon does obtain snow all through the winter months so check online to remain updated about highway and path closures.
Grand Canyon Highlights
Trail of Time: Stroll the two.8-mile Path of Time alongside the South Rim. It’s arrange as a timeline offering perception into the geologic historical past and formation of the Grand Canyon over the previous a million years.
Desert View Drive: Discover the 23-mile drive alongside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with sweeping vistas of the canyon and Colorado River. There are numerous viewpoints with highway pullouts to take images alongside the way in which.
Bright Angel Trail: The Vivid Angel Path is likely one of the hottest trails within the park and descends all the way in which to the Colorado River. Whereas that’s a giant endeavor, even a brief stroll down the path yields placing views.
Mather Point: Mather Level presents spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. On clear days you may see over 60 miles out.
Grand Canyon Tenting
Mather Campground and Trailer Village Campground are the 2 12 months spherical campgrounds positioned on the South Rim. It’s essential to e-book them prematurely. There are personal campgrounds positioned exterior the park within the city of Tusayan.
Sedona
Identified for its brilliant purple and orange sandstone spires, buttes, and mesas contrasting the deep evergreens in Coconino Nationwide Forest, Sedona is a dreamy little metropolis positioned within the coronary heart of Arizona. Sedona is about two hours south of the Grand Canyon and from there a 4 hour drive again to Las Vegas.
In Sedona, the desert is alive all all year long, however the trails and town are the least crowded within the winter making it a stunning time to go to.
Sedona is very engaging after a lightweight snow, though the noon solar melts it off rapidly. Begin your hike early for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of some desert snow! Whether or not you’re into climbing, artwork, or eating, there’s a lot to discover on this magical little metropolis.
Sedona Highlights
Cathedral Rock: Cathedral Rock is a outstanding rock within the middle of Sedona and it’s the right spot for a sundown hike. The quick ascent is steep and scrambly however properly definitely worth the views.
Downtown Sedona: Wander by means of Sedona’s principal avenue to take pleasure in artwork galleries, purchasing, eating, and native crafts.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: This well-known Catholic chapel was constructed excessive up on the hill and included into the purple rock buttes. It presents iconic views looking upon town and panorama.
Red Rock State Park: This massive nature protect is roofed in sandstone buttes, spires, and mesas. Purple Rock State Park lies alongside Oak Creek and presents entry to many climbing trails.
Devil’s Bridge: Satan’s Bridge is the biggest pure sandstone arch within the space and is accessible through a 2-mile spherical journey hike by means of desert fauna and with placing distant vistas.
Sedona Tenting
There are numerous RV parks and campgrounds across the Sedona area. These campgrounds are sometimes open year-round. Dispersed tenting can also be common nonetheless, these areas have gotten extra restricted. You may need to drive a number of miles up a dust highway to discover a good place to sleep.
Exploring Landmarks round Web page, Arizona: Kanab, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, & Marble Canyon
Hop within the automobile and head north to Web page, Arizona. Whereas the small city itself doesn’t supply rather more than some motels and some diners the encompassing panorama is a gem alongside the Utah-Arizona border making it the right Las Vegas highway journey vacation spot.
Discover the lake, slot canyons, washes, sand dunes, sandstone cliffs, and the Colorado River. All of those sizzling spots are positioned inside an hour or much less from Web page!
Whole Driving Time: 10.5 hours
What number of days? 3 – 5 days
Kanab
Kanab is a basic American wild-west city in southwest Utah. The old school city sits amongst its well-known sandstone cliffs, a preferred backdrop of outdated wild-west movies.
Spend an evening tenting in Kanab so you may try a number of the native and pure wonders of the realm.
Kanab Highlights
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Run across the pink-hued sand dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Surrounded by purple sandstone cliffs, the dramatic surroundings is great for pictures.
Moqui Cave: Try this eroded sandstone cave now crammed with Native American artifacts, dinosaur observe fossils, and fluorescent minerals.
Downtown Kanab: Wander the streets of the quaint wild-west-themed city of Kanab. From galleries and retailers to cafes and eating places it’s value spending a number of hours wandering by means of downtown Kanab.
Kanab Tenting
Primitive tenting is common on the BLM (Bureau of Land Administration) land surrounding Kanab. There are additionally personal campgrounds all through the city.
Lake Powell
An hour east of Kanab is Lake Powell, positioned on the border of Arizona and Utah. The big reservoir lies above Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, simply above the beginning of the Grand Canyon.
Lake Powell presents loads of picnicking, strolling, swimming, boating, and tenting alternatives all all year long, however is much much less crowded within the winter.
Lake Powell Highlights
Wahweap Recreation Space: Mendacity alongside the shores of Lake Powell it is a common spot for swimming, picnicking, tenting, and boating.
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook: Take a brief stroll main you to the rim of the canyon above the Colorado River with views of Glen Canyon Dam.
Lake Powell Tenting
There are a number of campgrounds in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area surrounding Lake Powell. Wahweap Campground and Lone Rock Seashore Campground are essentially the most accessible. There are a number of personal campgrounds positioned proper in Web page, Arizona.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is likely one of the most photographed slot canyons on the planet, and it’s no surprise why. The slender slot canyons with wispy striations and brilliant purple and orange hues make it laborious to consider you’re on this planet.
Antelope Canyon is positioned in Navajo Nation so you will need to receive a permit with a tour guide with a purpose to go to the canyon. Conveniently, guided journeys depart proper from the city of Web page.
Horseshoe Bend
At Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River meanders 270 levels providing a surprising viewpoint of the desert panorama. It’s one of the photographed spots in all of Arizona.
A 1.5-mile out-and-back hike leads you to the overlook.
As crowds have elevated over time it’s worthwhile to arrive very early to snag a parking spot. The drive to Horseshoe Bend is barely about 10 minutes from Web page.
Marble Canyon
In your approach again to Las Vegas take the marginally southern path to discover the Marble Canyon space of Glen Canyon Nationwide Recreation Space. Marble Canyon begins slightly below the Glen Canyon Dam and is technically the start of the Grand Canyon.
Formed by the Colorado River, right here you’ll take pleasure in gorgeous viewpoints and pull offs in addition to the choice for some basic desert climbing into washes. From Marble Canyon it’s a few 4 hour drive again to Las Vegas.
Marble Canyon Highlights
Historic Navajo Bridge: This lovely strolling bridge appears down on the Colorado River and is a well-liked spot for the majestic California condors to hang around.
Lees Ferry: Lees Ferry is the one place in Glen Canyon the place you may drive all the way down to the Colorado River. It’s the launching level of Grand Canyon rafting journeys so that you’re more likely to see folks getting ready their boats.
Cathedral Wash: Hike the 3-mile out-and-back path by means of Cathedral Wash. The rocky path requires a little bit of scrambling to get all the way down to the Colorado River.
Vermillion Cliffs: Seen from the freeway, Vermillion Cliffs are a big wall of purple rocks layered with spectacular stratifications.
Marble Canyon Tenting
There may be loads of BLM land surrounding Marble Canyon the place you may dispersed camp. In any other case, try the park campground at Lees Ferry.
Keep Native!: Purple Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fireplace State Park
Most individuals consider glamorous casinos, bustling streets, neon lights, famed performances, and elaborate buffets when visiting Las Vegas however most don’t know what number of gorgeous wonders encompass the realm, all inside an hour drive.
So, why not flip it into a bit of highway journey? Try the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fireplace, and Purple Rocks – all inside a 4 hour loop of town. However even higher, spend an evening tenting close to every vacation spot and go climbing.
Winter is the right time to discover this area as temperatures are snug and it’s not too crowded. And it’s laborious to consider that each one these websites are so near such a giant metropolis!
Whole Driving Time: 4 hours
What number of days? 3 – 4 days
Hoover Dam
Accomplished in 1936 the development of the concrete arch-gravity dam performed a serious position within the industrial revolution and is taken into account a surprise of the trendy world. For that cause the Hoover Dam is registered as a nationwide historic landmark.
The Hoover Dam is on the border of Nevada and Arizona is barely a 30 minute drive from Escape Camper Vans in Las Vegas. It’s the right first cease when exploring the native wonders of the realm.
Hoover Dam Highlights
Hoover Dam Customer Heart: Be taught in regards to the development, historical past, and significance of the Hoover Dam on the customer middle, open every day from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm.
Hoover Dam Cafe: Seize a burger or sandwich and your basic Hoover Dam memento T-shirt or mug on the Hoover Dam Cafe.
Kayak: Benefit from the Colorado River by kayaking. Many information outfitters supply family-friendly journeys proper under the Hoover Dam to sizzling springs and emerald coves.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Following the development of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead grew to become a reservoir on the Colorado River. By way of water capability, it’s the biggest reservoir within the US. From the Hoover Dam, you may drive to viewpoints or hang around at a seaside or picnic space. Sundown at Lake Mead is sort of lovely so it’s a great place to spend the evening tenting.
Lake Mead Highlights
Lakeview Scenic Overlook: Cease at this good overlook which presents panoramic vistas of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin. Lakeview Overlook is positioned proper off the highway you’re taking to the Hoover Dam Customer Heart.
Boulder Beach: Boulder Seashore is a pleasant seaside common for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and strolling alongside the shores of Lake Mead.
Lake Mead Tenting
There are many campsites round Lake Mead however essentially the most handy ones are Boulder Seashore Campground and Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fireplace State Park is positioned about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. It’s a small park, usually ignored but it surely’s a pocket of purple and orange sandstone surprise. There are many quick walks to average hikes to discover the realm.
Valley of Fireplace is dwelling to bighorn sheep and different desert wildlife. There are campgrounds proper within the park so you may take pleasure in dawn or sundown within the open panorama.
Valley of Fireplace Highlights
Fire Wave: A mile-and-a-half path by means of the gorgeous rock landscapes with swirling rock patterns takes you to Fireplace Wave.
Elephant Rock: Take a brief stroll to the distinctive elephant-shaped sandstone rock formation.
Mouse’s Tank Highway: A 6-mile out-and-back highway beginning on the park customer middle passes by many park highlights with gorgeous vistas and landscapes.
Valley of Fireplace Tenting
Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock are the 2 campgrounds in Valley of Fireplace State Park. They’ve 72 websites in whole. Websites have water, loos, grills, and tables. Outdoors the park, there are restricted dispersed tenting areas.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Purple Rock Canyon is only a 30-minute drive from the strip but most individuals do not know it even exists! Look out for wildlife, wander by means of the Calico Hills, take the scenic drive, or head deep right into a canyon, there are many methods to discover this native surprise.
There may be additionally a campground positioned simply exterior the principle park entrance. It’s one of many closest spots to camp close to Las Vegas and a phenomenal place to get up away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life.
Purple Rock Canyon Highlights
Red Rock Canyon NCA Scenic Drive: A 13-mile one-way picturesque drive by means of the park presents entry to many climbing, mountain climbing, horseback driving, and biking alternatives.
Calico Hills: Hike among the many swirling and noticed purple, orange, and white sandstone boulders. Wander by means of canyons and scramble up rock; the Calico Hills supply an journey for all guests.
Purple Rock Canyon Overlook: Snap some images at this placing viewpoint positioned off the scenic drive providing panoramic vistas of the park.
Purple Rock Canyon Tenting
Red Rock Canyon Campground is the one campground within the conservation space. Spots are restricted so it’s greatest to order a web site prematurely.
