More about: 7 Best National Parks Day Trips from Las Vegas
If you are passionate about photography and want to explore the natural environment of the western United States during a trip to Las Vegas, a must-do activity during your holiday is a trip to the surrounding National Parks, where you will discover some of the most photogenic landscapes in the country.
1. Excursions to the Grand Canyon
Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States and a spectacle in itself.
The beauty and majesty of the Grand Canyon, its steep cliffs and brilliant colour palette make this place one of the essential excursions to do in Las Vegas.
If you are a road trip enthusiast, then I recommend booking a trip to the south of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. The journey is long, taking around 14 hours, but it is very well organised. During the trip, you will see an incredible variety of landscapes that will leave you speechless, and you will have the option of visiting Mather Point and Bright Angel Point, two iconic spots due to the views they offer.
Details of interest
- Duration: 14 hours
- Price: from €72
- Recommended if... you are looking for an affordable, comprehensive and well-organised trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.
2. Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Tour
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Arizona's natural beauty is on a trip to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.
During the activity, you will see wonders such as Hoover Dam, Joshua trees, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. You will also get in touch with the wilder side of nature.
The activity lasts about 12 hours in total and you will always be accompanied by a professional guide. You will travel comfortably in an air-conditioned coach and lunch and breakfast are included, so you won't have to worry about a thing.
You can also choose to include other activities such as a helicopter flight, a visit to the Grand Canyon Skywalk or a river rafting trip. You won't regret not partying in Las Vegas the night before so you can get up early and go on this excursion.
Details of interest
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: from €87
- Recommended if... you want to discover the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in a single day with everything organised.
3. Excursion to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
On this 3-hour kayaking excursion to Black Canyon, you can explore the impressive gorge and enjoy the best views of the Colorado River. You will be accompanied by a professional guide who will tell you all about the local flora and fauna.
You will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle door-to-door and also visit places such as Emerald Cave and Willow Beach, located on the banks of the river.
This excursion is perfect for outdoor sports enthusiasts who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas for a few hours and discover a unique natural environment. The leisurely pace of the kayak descent and the beauty of the surroundings make this activity both relaxing and exciting in equal measure.
Details of interest
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: from €131
- Recommended if... you fancy a short but intense adventure in the heart of nature, paddling down the Colorado River.
4. Motorcycle excursion to Red Rock Canyon
If you're someone who loves organising trips to the countryside, another of the natural parks I recommend visiting on a trip to Las Vegas, given its proximity, is Red Rock Canyon.
This is a beautiful spot in the Mojave Desert where you can see reddish rock formations with landscapes similar to those in the Valley of Fire, but adorned with unique flora, including Joshua trees and Mojave yucca.
On this motorbike tour of Red Rock Canyon, you can enjoy the magnificent nature of the West just 25 kilometres from Las Vegas. You will always be accompanied by a professional guide, with whom you will travel the 21 kilometres of paved road.
The price of the activity includes the scooter tour, safety helmet, expert guide, water and entrance fees to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
Details of interest
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: from €119
- Recommended if... you want to explore spectacular natural surroundings near Las Vegas on two wheels with a guide included.
5. Excursion to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Enjoy one of the icons of the American Southwest on this 15-hour excursion to Antelope Canyon. You will travel more than 400 kilometres from Las Vegas with your group and an expert guide to the wonderful Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell.
Then you can enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Antelope Canyon, one of the emblems of the American Southwest, located in Page, Arizona.
There you will be one of the privileged few to see and photograph the geological formations that have been eroded over time and today make up one of the most famous places in the world.
Details of interest
- Duration: 15 hours
- Price: from €180
- Recommended if... you are fascinated by unique natural landscapes and want to visit two iconic places in the southwestern United States in one day.
6. Excursion to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon
Travel from Las Vegas to visit two of the most important national parks in the area: Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.
The excursion to the park and canyon includes transport, lunch and the constant company of an expert guide throughout the trip.
Once you are picked up at your hotel, your first stop will be Bryce Canyon National Park, in south-western Utah. The landscape is characterised by reddish and orange geological structures, the result of erosion and frost.
You will then stop at Bryce Canyon, continuing on your way to Zion National Park. Once there, you will be able to walk and admire the cliffs, which are 24 kilometres long and about 800 metres deep.
Details of interest
- Duration: 14 hours
- Price: from €144
- Recommended if... you want to discover two of Utah's most impressive national parks on an organised excursion from Las Vegas.
7. Hiking excursion to Fire Valley
Just an hour away from Las Vegas is this natural park, famous for its red rocks and trails.
On this hiking tour to Fire Valley, you will travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel to this wonderful lunar landscape, accompanied at all times by a professional guide.
You can choose between different routes and hiking times:
- Easy: 4 hours
- Moderate: between 4.5 and 5 hours
- Difficult: between 5½ and 6 hours. This last option is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Depending on the route you choose, you will see different formations and pass through different points of the landscape such as Fire Wave, Mouse's Tank or Elephant Rock.
The route ends with a delicious snack to rest and recharge your batteries after the hike and before returning to your accommodation in Las Vegas.
Details of interest
- Duration: between 4 and 6 hours (depending on the route chosen)
- Price: from €114
- Recommended if... you fancy hiking in spectacular natural surroundings, with options for all levels.
Other excursions from Las Vegas
The state of Arizona is one of the most famous for its natural attractions, parks and spectacular geological formations. Therefore, the variety of activities you can do in the region is extremely diverse. Here are some other options if you are interested in continuing your exploration.
Helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon
Viewing this rugged gorge carved out by the Colorado River over 2 billion years ago from a helicopter is a very special experience that you will never forget. The thrill of seeing an amazing landscape at your feet is combined with the sensation of floating in the air at hundreds of kilometres per hour.
If you're not afraid of heights and you're also passionate about photography, then I recommend taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon because it's an essential excursion from Las Vegas that you'll love and where you'll take some of the best photographs of your trip.
For those who have never flown in a helicopter before, riding in one may cause some apprehension, but there is no need to worry as these helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon are completely safe. You will fly in modern aircraft accompanied by a professional pilot who will show you the most beautiful spots that have made this National Park famous.
Excursion to the Nevada desert
The Mojave Desert is a huge desert that surrounds the city of Las Vegas and covers part of the states of Nevada, Arizona, Utah and California. It is home to Death Valley, a National Park whose name alone gives an idea of how arid and inhospitable it is.
Some people decide to take the legendary route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles by road, but if you're a bit nervous about getting stuck here with your car (it's the driest area in the United States and the heat is suffocating), you can always opt for a simpler but equally fun plan, such as a buggy tour of the Nevada desert.
The Rolling Stones themselves described this excursion as the "best near-death experience in Las Vegas", so how could you not do it? Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for an exciting and unforgettable experience full of speed and adrenaline in the dunes of the Nevada desert.
What are the best national parks to visit from Las Vegas?
Given Las Vegas' proximity to numerous natural monuments, many travellers take advantage of their visit to the city to visit places such as Grand Canyon National Park, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Zion National Park, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park, among others.
How much does it cost to take a trip to the national parks near Las Vegas?
Depending on the type of excursion you choose, the price range varies greatly, from approximately £80 to £400.
How long do excursions to national parks from Las Vegas usually last?
As with prices, the duration of the tours also varies depending on the type of excursion. They can range from about 3 hours for the shortest to 15 hours for the longest.
How to book a tour from Las Vegas?
At Hellotickets, you can book your place online and compare routes, duration and prices to choose the one that best suits your budget, tastes or needs.
Can I visit the national parks on my own from Las Vegas?
That's right, during your stay in Las Vegas you can hire a car to visit the national parks near the city on your own, but if you don't know the routes and don't speak the language, my advice is not to complicate things and book an organised tour for your convenience.
You won't have to worry about travelling to the National Park, planning which tourist attractions to see or getting tickets, or stopping for lunch along the way. Simplify everything to maximise the fun!