10 Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Even though there’s so much to see in Las Vegas, you may want to get out of the city and take a day trip to see more of the West’s unique desert landscape. You won’t want to miss out on any of these breathtaking day trips from Las Vegas!

Vegas is an absolute must-visit destination, but there’s so much more to see off the Strip! After you’ve spent a few days in Vegas exploring everything the city has to offer, you’ll definitely want to check out the desert marvels.

Head out to the Grand Canyon, see Death Valley, or witness the wonders of Bryce Canyon. There are so many interesting things to see on these incredible day trips from Las Vegas!

Here are 10 of the best day trips from Las Vegas, Nevada for the perfect trip to the desert.

Top Day Trips from Las Vegas

1. Grand Canyon West Tour with Hoover Dam Stop

Tour length: 10.5 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

The Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam are popular day trips from Vegas because they’re so close (the Grand Canyon is 2.5 hours away and Hoover Dam is 45 minutes away).

This Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam tour is a full-day tour with tons of other stops along the way. The highlight of the tour is having lunch at Grand Canyon West overlooking the rim.

Ralph was entertaining and informative. Gave us good advice during the trip. The time allotted for each stop was sufficient and it didn’t feel like we were rushed.

– Shane R. (see more reviews)

This 10.5 hour day trip also has stops at the Hoover Dam, drives by an ancient Joshua Tree Forest, includes breakfast and lunch, and has an upgrade to add on a Skywalk.

The day trip picks up from select Vegas hotels in a modern luxury bus that is air conditioned and has a restroom on board.

2. Mojave Desert ATV Ride

Tour length: 4 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

Take a day trip to the desert just outside of Vegas on this Mojave Desert ATV tour You’ll experience the thrill of riding an ATV!

On this trip, you’ll head to the Lake Mead Recreation Area for a guided ride on a private track that’s exclusive to this tour.

This was my friend and I’s first time ATVing and we had a fantastic time with Eric and Mike. They immediately made us feel extremely comfortable even though this was our first time. There was a practice session before the actual trail and clear safety instructions were provided the entire time. I absolutely would recommend this experience to anyone looking to explore outside the Las Vegas Strip area and I can’t wait to go ATVing again!

– Jessica R. (see more reviews)

This 4 hour day trip includes the ATV, helmet, goggles, and gloves. You’ll meet your guide for pick-up at a central location on the Strip.

3. Ultimate Hoover Dam Experience

Tour length: 5.5 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

The Hoover Dam is only 45 minutes away from Las Vegas, making it a great day trip. This VIP tour of the Hoover Dam gets you there before the crowds so you have more time to enjoy.

The tour comes with admission to the powerplant tour inside the dam, a photo op at the Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge, admission to the Visitor Center exhibits and observation deck, and a “Walk on Top” tour on top of the bridge.

My husband and I looked at a few Hoover Dam tours and decided this tour offered more for the price. We were not disappointed with this tour at all. Trez, the bus host, was a stand-up comic and cracked “dam” jokes the entire time. He was very knowledgeable about the different areas passed going to the dam and their history. The underground dam tour was very interesting, while being on top of the dam and bridge was amazing.

– Nona R. (see more reviews)

This 5.5 hour day trip also includes a bonus photo stop at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign, a seated hot lunch at a restaurant, and complimentary tickets for the LA Comedy Club at the Strat.

The tour offers pick-up and drop-off at select Vegas hotels, a ride in a luxury air-conditioned bus with bathrooms onboard, and a professional tour guide who is knowledgeable and fun.

4. Emerald Cave Kayak Day Trip

Tour length: 5 to 6 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

Emerald Cave is a picturesque natural cave on the Colorado River. This Emerald Cave Kayak day trip takes you paddling up the river with a guide.

This kayaking tour follows a gentle section of the Colorado River to Emerald Cave. The trip includes snacks and swimming along the way.

I got married Wed and my wife and I wanted to go on an adventure. All I have to say is what a class act our guide Michelle was with River Dogs! Great time! Michelle was very informative and extremely helpful the whole way through! I highly recommend River Dogs to anyone. Thanks again!

– Kevin W. (see more reviews here)

This 5 to 6 hour day trip includes the kayak, paddles, safety gear, snacks, bottled water, and a river guide. Round-trip hotel transport is provided from Las Vegas.

5. Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour

Tour length: 12 to 15 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

This day trip to the natural wonders of Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend is a must!

You’ll see Antelope Canyon, the world’s most famous slot canyon, at noon when the sunlight hits the red rocks perfectly. Then you’ll head to Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River, a scenic spot where the river makes a 270-degree turn and a unique viewpoint.

We took this tour with guide Emi and driver James, and both were absolutely amazing! It was a long ride to our destinations but Emi kept the vibe fun and gave us a lot of tour information along the ride. We had unlimited water bottles and granola bars in the AM, and the packed lunch was super fresh and delicious. In the PM we were given many bags of chips. James drove really well and the ride was very smooth. We also were able to stop at Glen Canyon Dam on the way back for photos. All in all an amazing tour, I highly recommend it!! 5 stars

– Anne F. (see more reviews)

This 12 to 15 hour day trip comes with lunch and bottled water, as well as round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll be guided by a native Navajo tour guide and a professional driver.

6. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Day Tour

Tour length: 13 hours | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

Visit two of Utah’s best national parks on this full day trip from Las Vegas! This Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park day trip is the best way to see these natural wonders.

You’ll visit Zion National Park to check out the Visitor Center and the Checkerboard Mesa. Then you’ll travel to Bryce Canyon National Park to see its scenic landscapes, spires, and hoodoo rock formations.

Wow! Our driver/tour guide was the best ever!!! Wow wow wow! Caring attentive informative fun detailed! Had the best experience! Of course the diversity of nature on the way to the parks is mindful blowing. The canyons are of course spectacular! Pictures don’t do the justice! Definitely recommend this tour! Bus was clean comfortable!

– Veronika G. (see more reviews)

This 13 hour day trip includes lunch, granola bars, bottled water, round-trip transfers from select Vegas hotels, and admission to both national parks.

7. Moapa Horseback Ride

Tour length: 5 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

Want a real Wild West experience? Then this morning horseback ride in Moapa is your perfect day trip from Vegas!

You’ll get up bright and early to travel to a working horse ranch in Moapa where you’ll ride horseback through the Wild West led by expert wranglers. Then, you’ll have a hearty cowboy-style pancake and egg breakfast.

This was an amazing experience. Denny and Caesar were great tour guides at various points of the morning. As a beginner, I felt comfortable on this tour. It was scenic and beautiful- a great way to experience Nevada. The guides were warm, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. The breakfast was also great! Would definitely recommend this experience- my husband and I enjoyed it!

– Adrianna W. (see more reviews)

This 5 hour morning day trip includes a professional wrangler as your guide, the horses and equipment, a breakfast (with a vegetarian meal available upon request), and hotel pick-up and drop-off from select Vegas hotels.

8. Valley of Fire Guided Hike

Tour length: 5 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

Take a stunning day trip to the Valley of Fire in the Mojave Dessert! This Valley of Fire guided hike is the best way to explore this geological wonder.

On this hike, you’ll see 3,000-year-old Native American petroglyphs, red rock formations, and the wonders of Nevada’s oldest state park.

Wow, we loved our hike! Our guide Matthew was awesome and so knowledgeable. He challenged us a bit but in a good way – we always felt safe. We were blown away by the petroglyphs, vegetation and vistas we got to see – truly stunning!

– Kellie M. (see more reviews)

This 5 hour day trip includes a professional guide, a stop at the Moapa Indian Reservation, a tour of the Valley of Fire State Park Visitor Center, snacks and water, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

You can choose from an easy, moderate, or difficult hike to suit your comfort level.

9. Death Valley Day Tour

Tour length: 11 to 12 hours | Rating: 5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

Death Valley National Park is the US’s most extreme natural attraction, known for being the hottest and driest place in America. This small group Death Valley day trip from Vegas is the perfect way to experience the park.

You’ll discover many of Death Valley’s highlights like the Rhyolite Ghost Town, the Furnace Creek Visitor Cetner, Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point.

Honestly this Death Valley Tour was amazing and more than I expected and I’m so thankful for Brian being an amazing tour guide! We saw so much more than Death Valley itself and I love history so being able to hear all the cool things about Vegas, the ghost town, Death Valley and even more, just put this over the top.

– Kayla T. (see more reviews)

This 11 to 12 hour day trip departs early in the morning and includes round-trip transport from Las Vegas hotels in an spacious, air-conditioned coach.

10. Area 51 Day Trip

Tour length: 10 hours | Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | Check rates & availability

This day trip to Area 51 is a must for alien-enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists! Travel through desolate and scenic desert to visit this infamous location.

You’ll learn all about Area 51’s mysterious history and see other bizarre sights along the way like the top-secret Janet Airlines at Las Vegas International Airport, the mutant Joshua Tree Forest, the mysterious Dry Lake, the Black Mailbox, and the “Absolute Perimeter”.

What an awesome tour!!! Capt. Kirk was very knowledgeable about Vegas and Area 51. This tour is a must do.

– April B. (see more reviews)

This 10 hour day trip includes a lunch stop at the Little A’Le’Inn. Lunch, snacks, bottled water, and hotel transportation are all included, along with a professional guide.

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Cheers!

Paige

Which of these day trips from Las Vegas interests you? Let me know in the comments!