If you’re heading to Vegas and want to see more than the glitz and glamor of the Las Vegas Strip, why not head off on an excursion or day trip?
Go beyond the dazzling neon lights and fun-filled casinos to discover a world of adventures in Nevada. From jaw-dropping natural attractions to artificial landmarks, here are some of the best excursions you can take from Las Vegas.
1. Explore Hoover Dam
Constructed during the Great Depression, the Hoover Dam provides hydroelectric power and controls the Colorado River. While it may sound unassuming, it’s an attraction in its own right, thanks to being the highest concrete arch-gravity dam in the U.S.
You can enjoy the area and take in the scenery on your own. If you really want to learn about the dam, book a tour. Tours typically last a few hours.
2. Hike at Red Rock Canyon
If you’re interested in exploring a scenic desert landscape, Red Rock Canyon could be the perfect Las Vegas excursion!
If you rent a car, you can explore Scenic Loop Drive through the Red Rock National Conservation Area, making stops along the way to take pictures and hike popular trails. There’s plenty to see outside of the loop, too. If you have time, you can also visit some stunning scenic sites outside the park, such as Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and the Blue Diamond mining town.
3. Be awed by the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S., and what better way to spend a free day during your trip to Las Vegas than at this jaw-dropping destination?
A range of tours can take you on an excursion here, with the majority visiting the West Rim (the closest side to Las Vegas) and horseshoe bend. Not only can you enjoy lovely views on one of these trips, but many also include dining at a hotel (or enjoying a BBQ at the canyon), flights through the canyon in a helicopter or plane, and photography experiences.
Of course, you can always skip the packaged tour and plan your own day at the Grand Canyon. You won’t get the benefit of an expert, but you also won’t be tied to a timetable.
4. Pump up the adventure with Desert ATV Tours
When it comes to thrilling adventures, one of the best ways to get out of the city is to take an ATV tour! There are plenty on offer, and they take you to a range of great locations, including the beautiful Mojave Desert.
Safety gear, with helmets and goggles, is typically included in the tour. After orientation, you’ll head off on a guided ATV tour to travel along trails and speed across the sand dunes!
5. Feel the heat at Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park, notably the hottest place on earth, is in California, just short of a two-hour drive from Las Vegas. Due to the extremely high temperatures and how vast this National Park is, it’s not recommended to visit by yourself, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
For this reason, taking a tour is one of the best ways to see this area’s true beauty, especially if you’re trying to pack a lot into a short amount of time. You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide who will take you to some truly astonishing natural landscapes.
Enjoy stunning sights, including Artists Pallet, the sand flats of Badwater Basin, and Zabriskie Point, and even go stargazing to spot shooting stars!
6. Ride a Horse in the Desert
Escape from the city and enjoy nature on horseback!
You’ll be accompanied by ranchers who will lead the way, ensuring your safety as you go. They’ll also provide plenty of information about the landscape and point out any wildlife that may be hard to spot as you move along the trails.
After your ride, you’ll return to the ranch, where you can enjoy a delicious cowboy-style meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you visit during summer, we recommend enjoying a morning ride with breakfast, but in fall and winter, there’s a campfire evening to be enjoyed with a dinnertime ride!
Once you’ve eaten, head back out to learn how to lasso, and meet some of the ranch’s other resident animals.
7. Kayak at Emerald Cave
Experience the Colorado River’s majestic Emerald Cave on this scenic kayaking tour. Don’t worry if you’re not an avid kayaker; your guide will help teach you paddling techniques, and provide extra security for first-timers.
As you explore from your kayak, your guide will point out interesting geological features, allowing you to learn about these stunning surroundings.
8. Visit a Ghost Town
Just south of Las Vegas is the intriguing Oatman Ghost Town. Once a booming mining town, this town has since stood abandoned and has, in recent years, become a popular tourist destination for those who want to get a genuine glimpse into what life was like during the Wild West period.
Up and running again as a town you can actually visit, you can spend some time here checking out the various little shops, visit the town’s jail, see inside the museum, grab a drink at the old saloon, and meet Oatman’s famous tiny donkeys! These free-roaming burros are well cared for, and extremely friendly, often approaching travelers for a treat – Don’t be scared to pet them!