Just outside the city, Las Vegas is surrounded by natural beauty. Popular day trips include scenic desert landscapes, hiking areas, and iconic landmarks that offer a break from the city atmosphere.
Natural Wonders & Scenic Parks
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Only minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers scenic drives, world-class hiking trails, rock climbing, and breathtaking desert landscapes. It’s one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations.
📍 Where: Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
🕒 When: Open Daily
Valley of Fire State Park
Known for its vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and scenic hiking trails, Valley of Fire is one of Nevada’s most photographed destinations. It’s an easy and unforgettable day trip from Las Vegas.
📍 Where: Valley of Fire State Park
🕒 When: Open Daily
Grand Canyon National Park
No visit to the Southwest is complete without experiencing the Grand Canyon. With breathtaking overlooks, scenic hiking trails, and unforgettable views, it’s one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.
📍 Where: Grand Canyon National Park
🕒 When: Open Year-Round
Death Valley National Park
Discover one of the world’s most unique landscapes, featuring colorful canyons, towering sand dunes, salt flats, and incredible desert scenery. It’s a bucket-list destination that’s well worth the drive.
📍 Where: Death Valley National Park
🕒 When: Open Year-Round
Hiking Adventures
Big Falls Trail
Located near Mt. Charleston, Big Falls Trail is one of Southern Nevada’s most rewarding hikes. Follow the trail through forested canyons to a stunning seasonal waterfall.
📍 Where: Mt. Charleston, Nevada
🥾 Trail: Moderate to Strenuous
Griffith Peak Trail
One of Southern Nevada’s premier summit hikes, Griffith Peak rewards adventurous hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Spring Mountains and surrounding desert.
📍 Where: Mt. Charleston, Nevada
🥾 Trail: Strenuous
Little Falls Trail
Perfect for families and casual hikers, Little Falls Trail is a short scenic hike leading to a beautiful seasonal waterfall surrounded by towering pines.
📍 Where: Mt. Charleston, Nevada
🥾 Trail: Easy to Moderate
Hunter Creek Trail
A local favorite near Reno, Hunter Creek Trail features creek crossings, scenic canyon views, and a rewarding waterfall at the end of the hike.
📍 Where: Reno, Nevada
🥾 Trail: Moderate
Galena Falls Trail
This scenic trail winds through alpine meadows and pine forests before reaching beautiful Galena Falls, with incredible Sierra Nevada views along the way.
📍 Where: Mt. Rose Wilderness
🥾 Trail: Moderate
Genoa Canyon Trail to Waterfall
Escape into Northern Nevada’s scenic beauty on this peaceful trail leading to a charming seasonal waterfall tucked away in Genoa Canyon.
📍 Where: Genoa, Nevada
🥾 Trail: Moderate
Kings Canyon Trail
Kings Canyon Trail combines scenic mountain views with Nevada history, taking hikers through pine forests to a picturesque waterfall overlooking Carson Valley.
📍 Where: Carson City, Nevada
🥾 Trail: Moderate
Ice Box Canyon
Hike through a scenic, shaded canyon surrounded by towering rock walls on this popular Red Rock Canyon trail. Depending on the season, you may even be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall at the end.
📍 Where: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
🥾 Trail: 2.6 miles | Moderate to Challenging
Adventure & Outdoor Fun
Willow Beach
Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning canyon scenery, Willow Beach is the perfect place to kayak, paddleboard, or visit the famous Emerald Cave.
📍 Where: Willow Beach, Arizona
🕒 When: Open Daily
SkyJump at The STRAT
Take your Las Vegas adventure to new heights with a controlled jump from over 800 feet above the Strip. It’s one of the city’s most thrilling experiences.
📍 Where: The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
🕒 When: Daily
Fly LINQ Zipline
Fly high above the LINQ Promenade while taking in incredible views of the Las Vegas Strip on this exciting zipline attraction.
📍 Where: The LINQ Promenade
🕒 When: Daily
Historic Day Trips & Hidden Gems
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Enjoy peaceful hiking trails, historic ranch buildings, shaded picnic areas, and beautiful mountain scenery just minutes from Red Rock Canyon.
📍 Where: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
🕒 When: Open Daily
Nelson Ghost Town & Techatticup Mine
Explore one of Nevada’s most photogenic ghost towns, filled with vintage cars, mining relics, and the fascinating Techatticup Mine.
📍 Where: Nelson, Nevada
🕒 When: Open Daily (Mine tours available.)
Goodsprings
Step back into the Wild West by visiting this historic mining town, home to the legendary Pioneer Saloon and one of Nevada’s oldest continuously operating schoolhouses.
📍 Where: Goodsprings, Nevada
🕒 When: Open Year-Round