Las Vegas is a city that is known for its bright lights and non-stop action. It’s such a popular travel destination because there are like a million things to do in Vegas!
But if you can manage to tear yourself away from all the things there are to do in Las Vegas for a few days, there are also SO many beautiful national parks located close to the city that are worth visiting.
In this post, you’ll discover some of the most scenic national parks that are all within driving distance of Las Vegas. I’ll even introduce you to a few noteworthy landmarks and recreational areas nearby Las Vegas so that you can potentially add them to your driving route if they’re on the way to the national park you’re planning to visit!
These national parks offer amazing scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you are looking for a great road trip destination, be sure to check out these awesome national parks near Las Vegas!
If you’re looking for a done-for-you national park itinerary, I’ve got the ultimate 10-day national park road trip from Las Vegas right here for you — check it out!
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Table of Contents
Map Of The National Parks Near Las Vegas
The interactive map below shows the twelve national parks near Las Vegas, as well as the additional visit-worthy landmarks, attractions, and recreational areas that are also near Vegas:
12 National Parks Near Las Vegas to Visit This Year
There are so many great national parks near Las Vegas worth visiting. The biggest struggle is deciding which one to visit first.
PRO TIP: For most of the National Parks, you’ll need to pay a $25-35 entrance fee. This pass lasts for 7 days. If you plan on visiting other National Parks or National Monuments throughout the year, I’d highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass, which costs $80 and will get you into any of the 2,000 National Parks, National Monuments, or National Forests for an entire year.
I buy this pass every year. It’s the best bang for your buck if you plan on visiting at least 3 national parks within a 12-month timespan!
You can buy a pass online at REI or in-person at the entrance gates of any National Park.
Here’s a quick visual overview of all the parks that we’ll be covering in this post:
1. Death Valley National Park, California
Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hour drive
Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the contiguous United States. The national park spans more than three million acres and includes mountains, canyons, badlands, and desert.
Death Valley National Park is a really unique place that’ll have you thinking you’re on another planet. It’s home to the lowest point of elevation in North America, and it’s also the site of the hottest temperature recorded on the continent.
Death Valley National Park is only a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it the perfect family day trip! Explore the park’s beautiful salt pans, sand dunes, Artist’s Palette, Badwater Basin, and more during your day trip to Death Valley.
And if you would rather not drive or worry about planning out what sites to see, there are many tours that can take you out there:
- Death Valley Day Trip from Las Vegas
- Small Group Guide Tour: Death Valley Day Tour with Evening Milky Way Viewing
2. Joshua Tree National Park, California
Distance from Las Vegas: 3 hour drive
Joshua Tree National Park is located about three hours away from Las Vegas. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique terrain, covered with whimsical Joshua Trees as well as its massive boulder formations.
Where do these trees get their names, you might ask? Well, the name came to be when Mormon settlers first laid their eyes on these trees back in the day. They were reminded of the biblical story of Joshua reaching his hands to the sky, and so the name of the tree was born.
Joshua Tree National Park is actually made up of two deserts, the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. This “hybrid” desert feature paves the way to the park’s diversity in flora and terrain.
There are plenty of things to do in Joshua Tree National Park, including visiting the Jumbo Rocks, Oasis of Mara and Keys View!
You may have also heard that Joshua Tree is a rock climber’s paradise, and with good reason. Once you lay your eyes on the jumbo rocks dotted across the park, you’ll easily understand why.
Aside from climbing, there are many other features of the park to enjoy, including beautiful desert vistas, epic camping and stargazing, wildflowers in the springtime, educational walks, and family-friendly hiking.
If you are looking for a national park that is close to Las Vegas and offers beautiful desert scenery, Joshua Tree National Park is a great option!
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Distance from Las Vegas: 2.5-hour drive to the West Rim, 4.5 hour drive to North Rim and South Rim
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. The national park spans more than one million acres and includes the Grand Canyon itself, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
The canyon is over 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. HUGE!
Between the North and South Rim, The South Rim is the more visited of the pair, with a wider range of viewpoints and things to do. It is home to many of the best activities in the Grand Canyon, which are open all year round. (The North Rim is closed during the wintertime.)
The vastness of the canyon may be seen from a series of viewpoints on Desert View Drive and Hermit Road. On your visit to the Grand Canyon, be sure to stop by a few of them during sunrise and sunset too!
Another South Rim bucket list item for hikers is to take on the South Kaibab Trail where you actually get to hike inside the canyon.
Highlights of the North Rim include Bright Angel Point, Cape Royal and Roosevelt Point.
Because this national park is so popular, you’ll easily find lots of tour operators that offer day trips to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, which saves you the effort of having to plan out the driving logistics in order to see this majestic wonder of a place!
These tours will take you to the Grand Canyon West Rim, where the iconic Skywalk and the helicopter tours are. Interesting fact– this part of the canyon is actually not an official part of the Grand Canyon National Park, and is instead owned by the Hualapai Tribe.
If you’re short on time, the Grand Canyon is best seen on a guided tour (especially if you don’t want to spend your precious time driving). Some Grand Canyon tours to consider:
- Explore the magnificent landmarks of Arizona with a 14-hour day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim on this luxury bus tour. Your professional bus driver will be trained to provide you with interesting facts about the history, flora, and fauna of this natural wonder.
- Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop – This 10.5-hour full-day tour allows you to enjoy a hot, sit-down breakfast at a restaurant en route to the West Rim. This tour also includes a bonus stop at the Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge where you can capture incredible photos of the Dam! Once at the Grand Canyon, a BBQ lunch on the canyon rim is included.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hour 40 minute drive
Vegas is the perfect jumping-off point for an epic road trip to Zion National Park. I’ve taken two previous road trips from Vegas to Zion National Park and am dying to hop back in the car for my third!
Zion National Park is located just less than 3 hours away from Las Vegas. The national park spans more than 150,000 acres and includes canyons, cliffs, rivers, and forests.
Be sure to visit the Emerald Pools, do the Narrows hike, Observation Point hike, and Angel’s Landing hike when you are at the park!
If you are looking for a national park that is close to Las Vegas and offers beautiful scenery, Zion National Park is a great option!
Pro Tip: Zion can easily be paired with a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in a multi-day road trip. Here’s my 5-day road trip itinerary to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Don’t have time for a 5-day road trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks? There are group tours that make visiting both parks in one day possible.
Specifically, this Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks small-group tour makes it possible. Transportation (hotel pick up and drop-off), lunch, snacks, and beverages are included on this 14-hour tour.
5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hour drive
Bryce Canyon National Park is located about 4 hours away from Las Vegas. The national park spans more than 35,000 acres and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
Bryce Canyon is home to a number of incredible natural features, including the adorable hoodoos that can be found all over the park!
Bryce Canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, as well as a variety of birds.
Be sure to visit the Bryce Amphitheater and Sunset Point when you are at the national park!
Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or just take in the incredible views, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to delight all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts.
If you are looking for a national park that is close to Las Vegas and offers some of the most unique rock formations in the USA, Bryce Canyon National Park is a great option!
6. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Distance from Las Vegas: 4.5 hour drive
Great Basin National Park, Nevada is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Some of the best features of Great Basin are a lack of big crowds and an abundance of dark skies. It sure is a change of pace from the terrain in Las Vegas!
The park is home to alpine lakes, towering peaks, limestone caves, Nevada’s only glacier, as well as the oldest living trees on the planet. The fact that Great Basin is one of the least visited national parks makes your time here even more special.
The Lehman Caves are one of the most popular attractions at Great Basin National Park. These caves are home to a variety of different minerals and formations that will take your breath away. Visitors can take tours of the caves led by experienced guides.
If you’re looking for a more challenging adventure, Great Basin National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails. There are trails for all skill levels, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.
One of the most popular trails is the Wheeler Peak Trail, which takes hikers to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in Nevada. More doable day hikes include the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail and the Bristlecone Trail.
7. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Distance from Las Vegas: 5 hour 15 minute drive
Capitol Reef National Park is located about five to six hours away from Las Vegas and features an eclectic mix of gorgeous canyons, cliffs, rivers, and forests.
There are plenty of things to do in Capitol Reef National Park, including hiking, camping, partaking in ranger-led programs, and more. While you’re here, you absolutely can’t miss the Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge!
Some other highlights of Capitol Reef include the Fremont Petroglyphs, Cassidy Arch, Hickman Bridge, Chimney Rock and Cohab Canyon Overlook.
The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the months of April through October. The weather is milder during these months and there are more ranger-led programs available, perfect for the younger ones!
If you are looking for a quieter national park that is within driving distance from Las Vegas and offers beautiful scenery, Capitol Reef National Park is a great option!
8. Yosemite National Park, California
Distance from Las Vegas: 5 hour 30 minute drive
Ah, Yosemite. Known for its majestic rushing waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, and granite cliffs more massive than one could imagine. California is so lucky to be the home of this iconic National Park!
On average, about four to five million people visit Yosemite each year, and most of them spend the majority of their time in Yosemite Valley.
It’s a no-brainer why this is. Yosemite holds many natural wonders such as Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall, Half Dome, and El Capitan. Here, you can take a hike among ancient sequoia trees, ride bikes with incredible rock formations as your backdrop, soak in the Merced River, and even catch glimpses of baby bear cubs.
I’ve been to Yosemite seven times now and I keep going back, so I know you’re going to have a wonderful time here! No matter what season it is, Yosemite makes for a great weekend destination.
However, if you have only one day to spend in the park, make the stops mentioned in this Yosemite 1-day itinerary your priority!
If you’re able to make it over to the eastern end of Yosemite, you’ll be blessed with views of Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and more.
9. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Distance from Las Vegas: 5 hour 30 minute drive
Petrified Forest National Park is another very unique national park situated in the northeastern part of Arizona, close to the border with New Mexico. The most famous feature of the park is its petrified wood, which can be found scattered across the landscape.
The Petrified Forest National Park was established as a national monument in 1906 and was later redesignated as a national park in 1962. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona, attracting visitors from all over the world!
There are many different things to do in the Petrified Forest National Park. Here are just a few things to do within the park:
- Explore some of the best-preserved petrified wood in the world. Visitors can explore the woodlands and see these amazing fossils up close.
- Visit the Painted Desert located in the southern part of the park, accessed via a short hike from the main road.
- See the petroglyphs etched in rocks all throughout the park.
- Take a scenic drive.
10. Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, California
Distance from Las Vegas: 6 hours 15 minutes
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two parks that are separate and adjacent but administered as one by the National Parks Service.
At these national parks, you can easily spend your days taking photos, enjoying waterfalls, hiking mountains, taking scenic drives, and picnicking in one of the many wildflower meadows.
At Sequoia National Park, aptly named for its giant sequoia trees, some of the best things to do include gazing at the General Sherman Tree, hiking on trails including Big Trees Trail and Tokopah Falls Trail, and taking in spectacular views atop Moro Rock.
Kings Canyon National Park, named for the deepest canyon in North America, features terrain similar to Yosemite Valley and is home to the largest remaining grove of sequoia trees in the world (Redwood Canyon).
At Kings Canyon, explore the sequoias at Grant Grove, feel the mist of powerful waterfalls on your skin including Roaring River Falls, Mist Falls, and Grizzly Falls and hike on the Big Stump Trail.
Since you can expect to spend a total of 2-3 days total exploring these parks, it’s one of our favorite long weekend trips from Las Vegas.
11. Arches National Park, Utah
Distance from Las Vegas: 6 hours 45 minute drive
Arches National Park is located about six to seven hours away from Las Vegas and is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
This drop-dead gorgeous national park is located in Utah and it is known for its beautiful red rock formations. The park spans more than 76,000 acres and includes more than two thousand natural sandstone arches.
Arches National Park definitely appeals to the more adventurous travelers as it’s a great place to visit if you are looking to hike, camp, and rock climb!
Having said that, it’s also a very family-friendly park because of the fact that most of its trails can be done by kids and elderly parents.
Visitors of all ages can also take advantage of the many scenic viewpoints. Here are my four favorites:
- Delicate Arch Viewpoint: this is probably the most popular viewpoint at Arches National Park. The trail to get here is only about a mile long, but it is fairly steep in sections. From this viewpoint, you get a great view of Delicate Arch and the surrounding area.
- Fiery Furnace Viewpoint: this is a great viewpoint if you are up for a bit of a hike. The trail is about two miles long and is quite rocky with some steeper sections. From the top, you get unbeatable views of the Fiery Furnace area.
- Balanced Rock Viewpoint: this is a short, easy hike to a great viewpoint. The trail is only about 0.25 miles long, and it is mostly flat. This one is great for the whole family!
- Double Arch Viewpoint: this is another short, easy hike to an iconic viewpoint. The trail is only about 0.25 miles long, and it is mostly flat. From this viewpoint, the star of the show is Double Arch, of course!
If you’re short on time, be sure to visit the Delicate Arch and Double Arch!
Whether you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax, Arches National Park is the perfect destination. Don’t forget your camera because this park and all its majestic arches are sure to create lasting memories.
12. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Distance from Las Vegas: 6.5 hour drive
Canyonlands National Park is located just a little over six hours away from Las Vegas. The national park spans more than 337,000 acres and features expansive canyons, rivers, and mesas.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and for good reason! There are plenty of trails to explore, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. One of the most popular trails is the Mesa Arch Trail, which offers stunning views of the unique Canyonlands landscape.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, try the Syncline Loop Trail. This trail takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the park and is considered one of the best hikes in Canyonlands.
For those who want to explore the park without hiking, there are plenty of other options. One popular activity is taking a scenic drive through the park. The Island in the Sky Scenic Drive offers stunning views of the canyons and mesas, and is a great way to see the park without doing any strenuous activity.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to explore the park, try rafting or kayaking down the Colorado River. This is a great way to see the park from a different perspective and get some exercise at the same time.
Short on time? Be sure to visit the Island in the Sky and White Rim Road when you are at the national park!
Pro Tip: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are both easily accessible from the town of Moab, Utah. Visiting both on the same road trip is what most travelers do. You can base yourself in Moab for a few nights and visit both these national parks before heading back to Las Vegas. If you’ve got more time, add in a visit to Dead Horse Point State Park.
ARE YOU ROAD TRIP READY? YOUR QUICK CHECKLIST:
License and registration | This is a no-brainer, but always good to check you have all documents before it’s too late and you get too far away from home. Do NOT leave home without them. They are road trip essentials!
Spare Tire | In addition to carrying a spare tire with you, don’t forget to check your current tire conditions before you set off as well.
Jumper Cables / Car Jump Starter | A must-have for any road trip! If you’re looking to invest in something exponentially more powerful/convenient than simple jumper cables, get the NOCO Boost HD Car Battery Jump Starter Box. This tool was sent from heaven and serves as a car jump starter, portable power bank, LED flashlight, and 12-volt portable power–all in one!
iOttie car mount | This is my partner in crime on any road trip. It’s got an amazing grip and popping your phone in and out of the mount could not be easier. If you’re renting a rental car and you’re not sure if it has a navigation screen, bring a phone mount with you. The iOttie attaches by suction, so it’s easy to transport from car to car.
Roadside Emergency Kit | You never know what kind of car trouble you may encounter on the road. This convenient little kit contains 42 roadside emergency components, including jumper cables, an aluminum flashlight and batteries, 2-in-1 screwdriver, duct tape, poncho, cable ties, bandages, towelettes, and zipper-lock bags.
Trunk Organizer | With any road trip comes lots and lots of stuff to pack. Keep your road trip essentials organized with a trunk organizer. Not only will this make it so much easier to find what you need, but it will also lead to more space in your trunk for you to pack other necessities.
Portable Cooler | Coolers are a must for any road trip. Not only will you be able to keep beverages cold and refreshing, but you will also be able to keep perishables fresh. A portable hard cooler will allow you to pack picnic lunches, bring cheese and jams, and more.
Other Parks And Landmarks Near Las Vegas Worth Visiting
While not national parks, below are some awesome state parks and national recreation areas near Las Vegas worth visiting.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour drive
Located only 50 miles away from the Strip, Valley of the Fire SP sits patiently waiting for you in the Mojave Desert. Valley Of Fire State Park is by far my favorite hiking destination in the Las Vegas area. The natural formations in this park are drop-dead gorgeous!
Named for its distinctive red sandstone formations, Valley of Fire is a must-see for every hiker or adventurer that happens to be in Las Vegas. While you’re here, check out Native American petroglyphs (from the Anasazi people), the famous Atlatl Rock, and other stunning viewpoints.
If you only have time to do one hike, make it the Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop. Seriously, make time to visit Valley Of Fire SP–you won’t regret it.
If you’d rather visit Valley Of Fire without having to worry about the logistics or the itinerary, consider going on a 6-hour guided tour from Las Vegas.
Looking for a combo tour? Consider the full-day Valley of Fire and California Mojave Desert Tour.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Distance from Las Vegas: 30-minute drive
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is one of the most popular recreation areas in the Las Vegas area. It is located on the Colorado River, about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lake Mead is a big deal around these parts because it’s actually America’s first and largest national recreation area. It’s a complete desert oasis with 700 miles of shoreline, epic sunsets, Joshua trees galore, and all that water to play in.
If you’re looking for a relaxing day outdoors, you can sunbathe, fish, swim, boat, bike, hike, enjoy the scenic drives, and even go tubing. Alternatively, you can just pack a picnic and just eat, relax, and soak in the desert views surrounding you!
If you want to spend some time on the water but don’t want to put in the effort to drive a boat yourself, don’t miss the opportunity to go on one of the Lake Mead cruises! Many of these cruises will take you past Boulder Rocks into Black Canyon and to the edge of Hoover Dam.
The recreation area offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also several schools within the recreation area that offer classes on topics such as canoeing and kayaking.
Hoover Dam
Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minute drive
Hoover Dam is located in Black Canyon, just minutes away from Las Vegas. Named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century, Hoover Dam continues to draw crowds 80 years after its creation.
For those of you who don’t yet understand the significance of Hoover Dam, it is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, standing at more than 725 feet above the Colorado River. Additionally, it’s a National Historic Landmark.
The best way to enjoy it? Hop out of your car and walk around! While there are more than enough things to see and enjoy at Hoover Dam, visitors can even walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
The 1,905-foot-long man-made bridge connects both Nevada and Arizona roadways, so the fact that it’s named after two heroes from each state is quite fitting.
Don’t have a car or would rather not be bothered with the logistics? Visit the Hoover Dam on this 6.5-hour tour from Las Vegas (with lunch included).
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a jam-packed day trip that knocks out 3 landmarks in one day, consider doing the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead combined with a trip to the Valley of Fire National Park!
Colorado River Kayaking
Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minute drive
Escape the bustle of Las Vegas and opts for a refreshing day out in enchanting scenery from the water’s edge along the Colorado River!
On this half-day kayaking trip along the Colorado River, you will make your own way to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area to set off on a 4-mile kayaking trip.
As you go along, be sure to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery! Your guide will likely have everyone pause for a swim, point out the wildlife, and teach you all about the area’s history.
Eldorado Canyon Mine, Nevada
Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minute drive
Tour the Techatticup Mine based in Eldorado Canyon to see the oldest, richest, and most famous gold mine in Southern Nevada (it ran from 1861 until 1942).
Located only 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, visitors can take a formal tour of the mines and caverns, as well as rent canoes and kayaks to navigate the Colorado River.
There are even fun movie backdrops where you can do photoshoots, movie shoots, or make music videos. You can even get married here!
Want to pair a tour of the Eldorado Canyon Mine with an exhilarating ATV ride? Check out this combo tour here, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore Eldorado Canyon and the Techatticup gold mine while off-roading on ATV or UTV.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Distance from Las Vegas: 25 minute drive
Located only 17 miles from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon is the perfect outdoor excursion for travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.
Red Rock Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive (must-do), various hiking and trails, plants, wildlife, geology, camping, and much more.
In terms of hiking, there are both easy and challenging trails to choose from, making this a great option if you want to burn off all those buffet calories. Some of the most popular hikes here include:
- Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip)
- Turtlehead Peak Trail (4.6 miles roundtrip)
- Ice Box Canyon Trail (2.3 miles roundtrip)
If you’d rather not deal with the logistics of how to get there (or want to visit the park without hiking), consider these fun, guided tours:
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hours 30 minute drive
Antelope Canyon is known for its stunning slot canyons that burst with color in the daytime, and Horseshoe Bend features breathtaking views of the Colorado River. Both destinations are must-sees when visiting this region of Arizona!
Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the American Southwest. Antelope Canyon includes two separate, scenic slots: Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.
Because Antelope Canyon is located on Navajo Nation land, it is only accessible via a guided tour these days. The tours are split up into the following: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Canyon X.
I’d recommend the Lower Antelope Canyon tour for first-timers!
Horseshoe Bend (also near Page, AZ) is a super-scenic U-shaped viewpoint of the Colorado River.
Because of how close they are to each other, these two attractions can be easily done within the same day. Be sure to add both of these destinations to your road trip itinerary from Las Vegas if you have more time!
Pro Tip: You will only need a guided tour of Antelope Canyon. You can do Horsehoe Bend without a tour guide, so there is no need to hunt for combo tour options (which typically cost more money than the Antelope Canyon-only tours).
Don’t want to deal with the logistics of driving to Page, AZ? If you want to see the famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend both in one day, I’m happy to tell you that it is possible!
From Las Vegas, there are day tours that will take you to Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in just one, hassle-free day.
This small-group Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend tour makes it possible—without the crowded big-bus experience. Lunch, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Monument Valley, Utah/Arizona border
Distance from Las Vegas: 6 hour 30 minute drive
Monument Valley is one of the most photographed destinations in the USA–it’s the epitome of what we think of when we hear ‘American West’!
Monument Valley is famous for its red rock formations, mesas, and sandstone buttes sprawled out over a serene desert landscape.
The drive from Las Vegas is about six and a half hours, but if you’re one for unforgettable viewpoints, the drive can be so worth it for you. Sunrises and sunsets here? Totally magical.
There are plenty of places to camp and hike in the area, so it is a great place to spend a few days. If you are looking for an amazing landscape and some peace and quiet, Monument Valley is the perfect place for you.
And that about wraps up this post on the coolest national parks near Las Vegas! I love all the national parks on the West Coast, and I truly believe that all of them are worth visiting at least once in your life.
So get out there and explore! And don’t forget your camera to capture all the amazing views.
Have you visited any of these national parks? Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Looking for more Las Vegas travel tips? Read more:
- 4-Day Arizona Road Trip: Vegas, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix
- Los Angeles To Las Vegas Road Trip: 25+ Awesome Stops (ROUTE 66)
- 49 Fun Things To Do In Las Vegas With Teenagers
- 58 Fun Things To Do In Las Vegas Other Than Gambling and Drinking
- 13 Best Stops On A Las Vegas to Yosemite Road Trip (With Winter Route)
