Are you planning an exciting trip near Las Vegas? If yes, then you are in the right place. In this article, you’ll know the 10 Best Places To Visit Near Las Vegas By Car. You will get to know every detail about destinations, like how long it takes for Las Vegas to reach all 10 different places, how that place is special, how long distance they are from Las Vegas, and many other things.
This is the ultimate overall guide to your trip. I don’t think so after this you will need to roam here and there for any of your questions. This will be the most informative article about Las Vegas you’ll read. So here’s a list of all the 10 Best Places To Visit Near Las Vegas By Car.
1. SEVEN MAGIC MOUNTAINS
| Distance | 23 miles South of Las Vegas. |
| Duration by car | By car, it will take almost 26 minutes from Las Vegas. |
| Famous For | Colorful stacked boulders, popular photos, and Instagram spot, The contrast between desert and human art |
You need to know before traveling SE
- This place is Free, it has no time limits. It is open all day.
- Parking is FREE about 1000ft/300m from the installation.
- There are no stairs or hills. It’s all flat ground, and it’s a small venue. It makes it easy for anyone who wants to visit.
- There is gravel from beginning to end, so wear comfortable shoes for walking there.
- There’s nothing but only rocks, so don’t expect any info to read or any visitor center to stay.
- Better carry all your necessary items whatever you need in your journey with you.
2. RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
| Distance | 20 miles West of Las Vegas |
| Duration by car | it will take you about 30 minutes. |
| Famous For | Dramatic red rock formations and geologic interest |
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada is famous worldwide for its dramatic red rock formations and geologic interest. There are iconic vibrant red sandstone formations and different types of hiking trails that provide a scenic desert adventure. This is a must-visit destination for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.
You need to know before traveling RED ROCK CANYON
- You need to register in advance, like from the 1st of October. (You must have a reservation to do this loop.)
- The entrance cost is approximately $20 – 22., it is worth every dollar. You can spend half a day on the right amount.
- There is also a visitor center that you must visit. ( It has some lovely gifts.) It has a small show with a short movie about the park, giving some information and showing maps of the park.
- Visit this place early in the morning for beautiful pictures.
- Please protect yourself from heat. You make sure you bring water and proper covering for the sun like wearing a hat.
3. HOOVER DAM
| Distance | 35 miles Southeast of Las Vegas. |
| Duration by car | About 45 minutes. |
| Famous For | An engineering marvel, an impressive concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River |
Hoover Dam is a tourist attraction and is famous for its model engineering and its beauty. It is named after the president’s name, Herbert Hoover. It is located in southern Nevada near the Arizona border. This is 726 feet in height and 1200 feet wide. Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s. Almost 7 million people tourists come here yearly.
- For parking at the garage, it will charge you $10, but it was likely to park for FREE at one of the bypasses on the Arizona side of the dam.
- Charges you need to pay for the various things at their like for entrance to get in= $ 10,
For a tour of the dam = $ 30,
To visit a power plant = $ 15.
- On the way out of the dam stop at Lake Mead Impressive views.
- After visiting you may also go to the Boulder Dam Hotel in Boulder City. It has a beautiful FREE Museum on the Dam and the city that was built. Must visit before or after a Dam visit.
- If you want a good experience you need to visit from Monday to Friday. Because it will be crowded on Weekends. And you will also get a guide which will give you lots of knowledge, facts and figures.
3. LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
| Distance | 30 miles Southeast of Las Vegas |
| Duration by car | 40 minutes |
| Famous For | Large reservoir, water-based recreational activities like boating and fishing. |
It is America’s first and largest recreation area which includes stunning landscapes and impressive blue water. This is spread across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes. This is a famous tourist place early 5 million people visit here annually.
- What all it includes: Fishing, swimming, hiking, cycling, camping, boating.
- They charge you an entrance fee for going down into the same.
4. MOUNT CHARLESTON
| Distance | 40 miles Northwest of Las Vegas |
| Duration by car | 50 minutes |
| Famous For | Hiking, riding, climbing and biking |
This is one of the largest peaks of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, which includes numerous kinds of fun activities: hiking, camping under the stars, riding, horseback, climbing, and biking. If you are visiting during the winter season, then you can experience skiing and snowboarding. It is a very exciting place to visit to avoid the hustle and bustle and heat of Vegas.
- It is an exceptional experience when there is snow. You can admire outstanding views, and easy access and the Lodge has a great atmosphere. The mountain is fun for the kids.
- You can also stay in a cottage nearby and eat in the hotel.
5. VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK
| Distance | 55 miles Northeast of Las Vegas. |
| Duration by car | It can be more than 1 hour |
| Famous For | Fiery red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic beauty. |
Valley of Fire State Park is well-known across the world for its 40,000 acres of vibrant red Aztec sandstone rocks tucked away amid gray and tan limestone. It also has petroglyphs that date back to over 3,000 years ago and old, petrified trees that show the presence of early humans. Lots of tourists visit here to see this place’s Ancient specialty.
- The oldest and largest state park is located in Nevada.
- This offers some famous activities that include camping, hiking, and photography. It is famous for red sandstone formations, stone carvings, and beautiful drives.
- This park provides a full-scale visitor center with vast informative displays. Water and food are available at the visitor centre. The park is open all year.
- The entrance price = $15.Some of the iconic trails are closed due to extreme heat.
- If you are visiting in summer make sure to be hydrated and drink lots and lots of water. If you are booking a car from Nevada they will charge you about $10 & other cars will charge you $15.
6. ASH MEADOWS
| Distance | 100 miles West of Las Vegas. |
| Duration by car | About 2 hours |
| Famous For | Rare and endangered species habitat,Crystal-clear springs and wetlands |
Many visitors visit Ash Meadows, a stunning southern Nevada, USA location, to take in the scenery. It is exceptional due to its distinct desert oasis and numerous uncommon species, such as the Devil’s Hole pupfish, which is only found here. In the middle of the arid Mojave Desert, the area has picturesque springs and streams. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to see something unique and serene should visit Ash Meadows.
- Check the weather and park hours before you go. The best times to visit are in the cooler months, like spring and fall.
- Stick to the designated paths to protect the environment and for your safety.
- Wear clothing against the sun and comfortable shoes for walking.
- Observe animals from distance don’t try to feed them and disturb their habitats.
7. DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
| Distance | 120 miles west of Las Vegas |
| Duration by car | 2 hours |
| Famous For | hottest place on Earth, its salt flats, best hike in death valley |
It’s the hottest place on earth and is known for its extreme desert landscapes. It spans both California and Nevada. It is one of America’s largest national parks. t provides a diversity of sceneries such as salt flats, Sand formations, lowlands, valleys, and vibrant wildflowers. There are very rare spots on this planet that provide so many structures, radiant colours and high temperatures to record in your memories.
- It’s the hottest place Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
- Carry plenty of drinking water and High-energy food and snacks.
- Be aware of animals, such as rattlesnakes and scorpions when you are hiking.
8. GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK (SOUTH RIM)
| Distance | 275 miles East of Las Vegas. |
| Duration by car | 4.5 to 5 hours. |
| Famous For | Stunning natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, and expansive views |
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK is located in northern Arizona, 60 miles north of Williams and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff. It is the most extraordinary place to visit even your words can’t explain how mesmerizing this spot is. . There’s Stunning natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, and expansive views. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
● If you stop at one spot to take pictures you have to join another bus to go to other locations. For that, you may have to wait 10-15 minutes. Then you can stop at various points like Maricopa, Powell, Mojave Point (it has awesome views), Pima and Hermit’s Rest There’s also a Yayapai geology museum which is informative with incredible views. Mother Point (most photographed place). As it is right behind the visitor centre.
● The weather there will be very hot so make yourself prepared for everything like water, snacks, umbrella, hat etc. Bring everything as per your needs.
● PRO TIP = If any kids are with you don’t forget to visit the Junior Ranger program they will love it.
● You can visit some points on foot; some need to be traveled by free bus. If you have your car it is also good until you know where to stop.
● You need to have more days to visit this fantastic place. Each of its spots holds a different memory and mind-blowing views.
Direction: Northeast of Las Vegas.
Distance: ~160 miles.
Duration: ~ By car, it will take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Famous For: Majestic canyons, towering rock formations, and diverse hiking trails like Angel’s Landing.
● Angel’s landing = It is One of Zion’s breathtaking photogenic views. You can only get there by the challenging hike on West Rim Trail.
● The Narrows = Being the narrowest spot of Zion. This demanding trek is one of the most-liked paths which will expose you to high boundaries of Navajasandstone.
● There’s also a very informative visitor centre. It also has a lovely gift store.
● For an entrance pass, it will charge you about $35 per vehicle. For senior pass it is FREE. For a yearly pass to visit any national park, it will cost you about $ 10.
● PRO TIP = Take a walking stick (MUST)when you are visiting Narrows and don’t forget to wear water shoes as the rocks are unstable on the river. Reach early at the visitor centre. If possible visit in the off-season as it will be less crowded.
● KEY POINTS: If you visit at the end of July you may have to stand in line for a few hours.
● Go early otherwise, you may face some issues with parking at the visitor’s centre.
● The weather is extremely hot so don’t forget to take lots and lots of water.
10. BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK
TIMINGS: 7: 00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.
Direction: Northeast of Las Vegas.
Distance: ~270 miles.
Duration: ~ By car, it will take you about 4 to 4.5 hours.
Famous For: It has some Unique hoodoo rock formations, colourful landscapes, and stunning viewpoints.
● The Bryce Amphitheater is a mind-blowing outlook to watch. Fantastic horseback riding route that involved a Peekaboo loop that was marvellous. Canyon Trail Rides will give you impressive views. In less time you can also enjoy the Beautiful route at Natural Bridge and Rainbow Point. Also, visit Inspiration Point and Sunset Point. And don’t miss Thor’s Hammer.
● PRO TIP = Stop when needed and drink and bring lots and lots of water. When you are hiking, take your water with you. There is a Subway restaurant just outside the park so when you are hungry you can eat there.
● KEY POINTS: It is a must to visit the visitor centre and view the video about the park like its wildlife, climate, seasons and preservation work.
Las Vegas, being near California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada offers us a perfect basis for exploring nearby gems. From the fiery landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park to the Martian-like formations of Red Rock Canyon, there’s no shortage of natural wonders. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend getaway, these 10 places to visit near Las Vegas by car promise us adventure and unforgettable experiences. Each of the destinations holds its importance and natural beauty along with lots of information. These places are so stunning that even a photograph won’t do any justice. You must explore these 10 places near Las Vegas by Car. Trust me it’s worth travelling.