Las Vegas Daytrip Excursions

Las Vegas vacations don't always have to be defined by neon lights, slot machines and razzle dazzle performances. If you find yourself in Vegas for an extended time, it will be worth your while to travel beyond the city limits to see what the state of Nevada has to offer. Mountains, canyons, lakes and dams are all within 30 minutes to an hour and a half driving distance. These daytrip ideas are ideal for families and anyone with a passion for the great outdoors.

Hoover Dam: Just 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas is one of the most magnificent wonders built by man in the U.S. Formerly named Boulder Dam, this historic creation helped tame the rushing Colorado River, and formed Lake Mead, North America's largest man-made lake(also worth exploring during your day trip). Built out of concrete, this massive construction has been awing visitors since the 1930s. Official Hoover Dam tours are conducted through the Bureau of Reclamation, offering another way to appreciate the structure, other than simply driving across it. Tours include guided exploration into lesser known parts of the dam, and feature admission to the Visitor Center, powerplant, and passageways within the dam; they begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue every half hour through 3:30 p.m. on a daily basis. Tickets are $30, and children under 8 are not permitted on these guided tours.

Red Rock Canyon: Red Rock Canyon is the closest natural wonder to Las Vegas. Just a 40-minute drive from the Strip, the area is open to the public all year round, and features some of the most picturesque rock formations you could imagine. You don't even have to get out of your vehicle to appreciate all the natural beauty that surrounds Red Rock Canyon, but we wouldn't recommend it. A perfect place to take the kids and nature-lovers in your group, Red Rock Canyon has designated parking and picnic areas suitable for taking a closer look at the native flora and fauna. For those of you with an adventurous side, Red Rock offers rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking opportunities.

Mount Charleston: So you think Las Vegas is flat and dry? Wait until you get a look at Mount Charleston, which stands almost 12,000 feet high. The mountain is a half an hour drive from the city, and offers an atypical Las Vegas vacation. Skiing, picnicking, hiking and horseback riding await you at Mount Charleston, and full-service camping is available from May through September. Remember to pack warmer clothes for your daytrip to Mt. Chareston, temperatures average 20-30 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas. A trip up the mountain can be completed in as little as two hours, and a hike up to the top is well worth it. Stop by the Mount Charleston Lodge for an excellent selection of food and drink, as well as breathtaking views.

Mojave National Preserve: It may be an hour's drive from Vegas, but the trek to Mojave National Preserve is a great way to experience one of the most diverse environments in the world. Covering 1.6 million acres, the preserve features sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests and rugged mountains and desert, as well as blankets of beautiful wildflowers. Stop by the Kelso Depot Visitor Center and take a look at the current exhibitions on display, which are influenced by the natural beauty of the preserve. Again, this day trip is not what you'd typically expect from a vacation to Las Vegas, but if you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city for a day or two, Mojave offers the serenity and solitude you desire.

Death Valley: Take advantage of that rental car deal and drive out to Death Valley, California. In less than three hours, you'll arrive at Furnace Creek--the major crossroads in Death Valley National Park. The location is in close proximity to some of the park's most popular landmarks including Zabriskie Point, Badwater (the lowest spot in North America), Devil's Golf Course, Artist's Palette, 20-Mule Team Canyon, and Stovepipe Wells. Known for its extremities, this 3 million-acre park is the hottest (reaching 120 degrees in the summer), driest and lowest place you can go. Guided tours of Death Valley can significantly enhance your visit, and an informative park ranger can show you the ins and outs of the historic mining sites, canyons and salt flats that make up the park. Don't forget to bring a good pair of walking shoes!