6 naturally revitalizing Las Vegas day trips
While staying in Las Vegas, plan a day to live out your desert road trip dreams. You can connect with nature by day and be back with the neon lights by night.
By Paul Oswell | May 11, 2021 (Updated July 2, 2025)
Paul Oswell
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guidebooks/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California, and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
If you’re looking to explore Nevada’s natural beauty beyond the Strip, there are a few day-trip options that can take you outside of the city. Hilton Honors Members can earn up to 5,000 Points and save on qualifying car rentals with Enterprise, Alamo, and National, so hitting the road has never been easier or more rewarding. Wander with us, and make memories at national parks and other tranquil spaces during these day trips from Vegas.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park (driving distance: 4.5 hours)
Grand Canyon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most famous and spectacular natural formations. Stay at Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World to enjoy a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring, and rent a car with Hilton Honors Points to make your road trip to the Grand Canyon a breeze. From Vegas, head to the Grand Canyon West Visitors' Center. Experience the Skywalk glass bridge, which allows you to float 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above and 70 feet (21 meters) over the canyon. Wary of heights? Fear not. There are many other hiking trails to explore, plus zip-lining, boat rides, or take a tour of a Native American village.
"Take at least one day and get away from the traditional Vegas strip area. From Old Vegas to hiking or even a day trip to see Hoover Dam — there are lots of options to add some variety to the visit." - Jenn Sully, Hilton Team Member, Global Brand Marketing
Las Vegas to Hoover Dam (driving distance: 45 minutes)
One of the country’s most impressive feats of engineering, the Hoover Dam has an enduring appeal to visitors. It straddles the Nevada-Arizona state line, just a 45-minute drive in your rental car from Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, a luxurious home base for any Vegas stay. Enjoy a prime location and stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip before the quick drive to the Hoover Dam. Once you arrive, standing atop the structure is an awe-inspiring experience, as you imagine the scale of the construction. Hold onto your hats! The winds across the dam can get up to 30mph (48kph). The best photo ops are from the nearby Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, completed in 2010 and spanning the gorge. You can drive over the bridge or park in a dedicated parking lot and walk to the viewing decks.
Las Vegas to Zion National Park (driving distance: 2.5 hours)
You could spend days in Zion’s expanse of gorgeous rock formations, desert landscapes, and woodlands. If you plan to explore independently, rent a car using your Hilton Honors Points and check specific route details, as some require permits. Head to the Springdale Visitors’ Center where you can hop on the frequent shuttle that will drop you at any point along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Staying on until the last stop rewards you with a wealth of incredible scenery and drops you at Riverside Walk, one of the easier trails. Try one of the Emerald Pools Trails — hikes that take you to some of the region’s best swimming holes. When you’re ready to rest your legs, return to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, where treatments at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas Spa and a soak in the Roman-style baths will help ease tired muscles.
Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park (driving distance: 2 hours)
Set your alarm for an early start, jump in your rental car, and aim to be at the park by 9 a.m. It’s well worth it. Once inside, the winding roads open up to some outstanding views, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be wide-eyed, looking out over the incredible colors and rock formations from Dante’s View. Movie buffs might find Dante’s View an unusually familiar backdrop. Beyond this, Twenty Mule Team Canyon has short hiking trails through yellow and white hills, and you’ll arrive at Badwater Basin — the lowest point in the country — to walk across its famous salt flats. There are a couple of rest stops and small stores, but take supplies and picnic surrounded by awe-inspiring nature.
Las Vegas to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (driving distance: 30 minutes)
It can take 20 minutes to cross a casino floor at the bigger resorts, so this short drive from the Strip is a low-stake bet. The park itself is home to a 13-mile (20-kilometer) scenic drive, but the real fun starts when you’re out of the car and can walk among the rocks. Everyone from hardcore climbing enthusiasts to the most casual of hikers will enjoy the striking red and orange outcrops. Amble along the Calico Hills and make sure to see the art carved into the stone at the Petroglyph Wall Trail.
Las Vegas to Lake Mead (driving distance: 45 minutes)
Along with Red Rock Canyon, this is one of the easier, low-stakes day trips from Las Vegas, but it remains a rewarding diversion. Stop by the visitor center at the corner of Great Basin Highway and Lakeshore Drive to pick up local maps and survey the various options. The lake itself stands out, a glinting blue contrast against the rocky desert backdrop, and you can circumvent the waters via the Lake Mead Bike Trail or the Historic Railroad & River Mountains Loop Trails. Rent boats or kayaks or take it easy with a cruise on the Desert Princess paddlewheel steamboat. The lake provides a convenient and revitalizing day away from the city.
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