Last updated: February 28, 2023
When you arrive in Las Vegas, the sheer amount of things you can do can be overwhelming. There’s a smorgasbord of exciting exhibits, events, and activities to see and do in the city and the surrounding area, but if you’re looking for a more calming experience—perhaps a quiet day spent in nature, hiking the trails, kayaking along the water, or exploring historical sites—there are several options close by, both in- and outside the city.
Las Vegas is within easy driving distance of a number of iconic state and national monuments, making it a great homebase for your southwest explorations. Starting with the closest spots, here are 12 of the most popular historic sites, conservation areas, national and state parks that you can reach from Las Vegas.
NOTE: Travel times are conservative estimates, and do not account for traffic delays or any construction you may encounter.
1. Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is the historical site of a Mormon settlement founded in 1855—the first enduring site of its kind in the area. At this State Historic Park, you will find:
- A reconstructed version of the original fort
- Museum that contains historical artifacts, photographs, and exhibits
- Visitor center
- Rotating calendar of fun events
Fast facts
Location
Downtown Las Vegas, NV
Hours
Tuesday-Saturday, 8 AM-4:30 PM (closed Sunday & Monday)
Entrance Fee
$3 USD for museum admission
Free for children under 12
Additional Info
No bikes or pets allowed.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~10 mins; 6 miles / 10 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~2 hours; 120 miles / 193 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~4 1/2 hours; 280 miles / 451 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~4 1/2 hours; 264 miles / 426 km
2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon is a conservation area best known for its large, red sandstone formations. Visible from the Strip, it is one of the easiest national treasures to access while staying in Las Vegas. At this National Conservation Area, you will find:
- The famous Scenic Drive, a 13 mile drive or bike ride through the conservation area, with stops at the most iconic viewpoints
- Designated trails to hike and bike along
- Visitor center
- Rock climbing
- Camping
Fast facts
Location
Clark County, NV
Hours
Visitor Center
Daily 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Scenic Drive
November-February 6:00 AM-5:00 PM
March 6:00 AM-7:00 PM
April-September 6:00 AM-8:00 PM
October: 6:00 AM-7:00 PM
Entrance Fee
$5-20 USD per vehicle
Additional Info
Drivers traveling off designated roads are subject to fines.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~31 min; 17 miles / 27 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~3 hrs; 207 miles / 333 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~4 hrs; 297 miles / 478 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~5 hrs; 284 miles / 457 km
VISIT RED ROCK CANYON
Red Rock Canyon SUV Tour
$118See the famous Red Rock Canyon up close!
Just a few minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon is home to some of the Southwest’s most recognizable formations. See them all as you traverse the National Conservation Area’s 13-mile scenic loop on this unique tour.
3. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Just a quick jaunt from Red Rock Canyon, State Mountain Ranch State Park is a historically significant area that boasts some of the oldest buildings in Nevada. At this historical site, you will find:
- Self-guided tours of the Ranch and other buildings
- Living history programs
- Super Summer Theater performances
- Hiking trails
- Picnic area
Fast facts
Location
Blue Diamond, NV
Hours
June, July & August: 8 AM-8 PM
September: 8 PM-7 PM
October: 8 AM-6 PM
November, December, January & February: 8 AM- 4:30 PM
March & April: 8 AM-6 PM
May: 8 AM-7 PM
Entrance Fee
$2-10 USD per vehicle (including bikes)
Additional Info
No climbing trees—the trees are more than 400 years old.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~32 min; 22 miles / 35 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~3 hrs; 142 miles/ 228 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~5 hrs; 295 miles/ 475 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~5 hrs; 288 miles/ 464 km
4. Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA)
Lake Mead began to take formation in 1935, just a short time before the completion of the Hoover Dam. Over the years, the area was expanded to incorporate Lake Mohave and the surrounding land. Lake Mead NRA was the first of its kind, designated a National Recreation Area in 1964. Upon arrival at Lake Mead NRA, you will find:
- Wi-Fi
- Joshua trees
- Slot canyons, coves, caves, and hot springs to explore
- Boating, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, swimming & fishing
- Camping
- Hiking trails—including the Historic Railroad Trail
- Overton Arm—a portion of Lake Mead that has a large number of Bald Eagles (for any bird watchers that might be among you.)
- Boulder Beach
- Hoover Dam
Fast facts
Location
Boulder City, NV
Hours
Park: 24/7
Visitor Center: 9 AM-4:30 PM daily
Entrance Fee
$15-25 USD per vehicle (depending on type)
Additional Info
Three of the four desert ecosystems in the U.S.A.—the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin Desert, and the Sonoran Desert—all meet in Lake Mead NRA.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~38 min; 31.5 miles / 51 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~2 hrs; 93.5 miles / 150 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~4 hrs; 247 miles / 398 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~5 1/2 hrs; 295 miles / 475 km
VISIT LAKE MEAD
Lake Mead Cruise & Hoover Dam Tour
$109
Bookings are closed until further notice
Breathtaking views of Lake Mead & the Hoover Dam
View the impressive Hoover Dam from two states and descend inside the Dam to see the massive generators on the Hoover Dam Discovery Tour before boarding the Desert Princess for a 90 minute cruise of Lake Mead.
5. Valley of Fire State Park
The Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada’s oldest state park. The park is best known for its “40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone”, but that’s not all—in addition to the gorgeous red sandstone formations, you will find:
- Visitors center, including exhibits and souvenir shop
- Campsites
- Hiking trails
- An Annual Atlatl Competition held near the end of March, as well as atlatl (ancient spear-throwing tool) demonstrations
- Historical sites, artifacts, fossils, petrified ancient trees & petroglyphs
- Rock climbing (limited to specific areas of the park)
Fast facts
Location
South of Overton, NV
Hours
Daily from sunrise to sunset
Entrance Fee
$10 USD per vehicle, $20 per night
Additional Info
The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is prohibited.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
1 1/2 hrs; 56 miles / 91 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~3 hrs; 156 miles / 251 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~45 hrs; 309 miles / 497 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~4 1/2 hrs; 239 miles / 385 km
VISIT THE VALLEY OF FIRE
Valley of Fire SUV Tour
$185Explore the Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest state park!
Explore the Valley of Fire in a custom built Tour Trekker SUVs. You’ll see Atlatl Rock where, thousands of years ago, indigenous people created mysterious artwork that is still visible today.
6. Gunlock State Park
Gunlock State Park is a relatively small park located near the Gunlock community. Both locations are named for William “Gunlock Will” Hamblin, the first settler in the area. At this state park, you will find:
- Waterfalls
- Boating, fishing, and swimming
- Primitive campground and picnic area
Fast facts
Location
Gunlock, UT
Hours
Daily from 7 AM-8 PM
Entrance Fee
$10-$15 USD for day-use, including watercraft launches
$5 USD per day for Seniors 62+
Additional Info
It is a “primitive campground”—vault toilets, no potable water.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~2 hrs; 124 miles / 200 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~4 hrs; 246 miles / 396 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~5 1/2 hrs; 291 miles / 468 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~3 1/2 hrs; 165 miles / 265 km
7. Snow Canyon State Park
Rather than the type of precipitation one might expect in Utah, Snow Canyon State Park actually gets its name from Lorenzo and Erastus Snow, two prominent community leaders and Mormon settlers. Made up of cinder cones, lava tubes, lava flows, and sand dunes, Snow Canyon State boasts some majestic views, as well as:
- Hiking trails
- Picnic areas
- Day use areas
- Campground
- Restrooms with showers
Fast facts
Location
Irvins, UT
Hours
Daily from 6 AM-10 PM
Entrance Fee
$10 USD per vehicle (up to eight people)
$5 USD per vehicle Seniors 62+ (Utah residents with UT driver’s license)
$5 USD pedestrian/cyclists (up to four people)
Additional Info
2019 was Snow Canyon State Park’s 60th anniversary!
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~2 hrs; 132 miles / 212 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~4 hrs; 254 miles / 409 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~5 hrs; 282 miles / 454 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~3 hrs; 156 miles / 251 km
8. Quail Creek State Park
Quail Creek opened to the public as a State Park in 1986. It is home to a 600-acre reservoir and two dams, as well as:
- Biking and hiking trails
- Camping
- Boating, swimming, and fishing
- Slalom ski course in winter
Fast facts
Location
Hurricane, UT
Hours
Daily from 7 AM-9 PM
Entrance Fee
$15 USD per vehicle (Utah residents up to eight people)
$10 USD per vehicle Seniors 62+ (Utah residents with UT driver’s license)
$20 USD per vehicle (out-of-state visitors up to eight people)
Additional Info
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~2 hrs; 137 miles / 220 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~4 hrs; 258 miles / 415 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~4 hrs; 264 miles / 425 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~3 hrs; 138 miles / 222 km
9. Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park is one of Utah’s newest parks, dedicated in 2003. It is a 20,000-acre park, featuring amenities such as:
- Biking, hiking, and equestrian trails
- Boating
- Multiple campgrounds
- Sand Mountain—an off-highway vehicle (OHV)/ATV recreation area
Fast facts
Location
Hurricane, UT
Hours
March-September: Daily from 6 AM-10 PM
October-March: Daily from 7 AM-9 PM
Entrance Fee
Day Use: $15 USD per vehicle (up to 8 people)
Senior Day Use: $10 USD Seniors 62+ per vehicle (up to 8 people)
Walk In: $5 USD per person
Additional Info
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~2 hrs; 137 miles / 220 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~4 hrs; 259 miles / 417 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~5 hrs; 263 miles / 423 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~3 hrs; 138 miles / 222 km
10. Lake Havasu State Park
Lake Havasu State Park was acquired in 1965. Thanks to its mild winters, it is a year-round attraction that offers:
- Boat rentals
- Beaches
- Campgrounds
- Picnic area
- Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden
- Wildlife viewing at two Wildlife Refuges
- Lake Havasu Museum of History
Fast facts
Location
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Hours
Park is open 24 hours, year round. Visitor Center/Park Store Hours:
April-September: Daily from 6 AM-6 PM
October-March: Daily from 7 AM-5 PM
Entrance Fee
Friday-Sunday + Holidays: $20 USD per vehicle (up to 4 people)
Monday-Thursday: $15 USD
Individual/Bicycle: $3 USD per person
Additional Info
Fireworks are prohibited.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~2 1/2 hrs; 153 miles / 246 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~2 1/2 hrs; 129 miles / 208 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~3 1/2 hrs; 231 miles / 372 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~7 hrs; 413 miles / 665 km
11. Zion National Park
Originally proclaimed Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909, then renamed “Zion” in 1917 and finally designated a National Park in 1919, Zion is Utah’s first National Park. It has thousands of species of flora, hundreds of different types of fauna, and 250 million years of geological history. In addition to this, it also offers:
- Horseback riding tours
- Hiking and biking trails
- Birding
- Canyoneering
- Junior Ranger Program and other Ranger-led activities
- River trips
- Stargazing
- Kolob Canyons
- Human History Museum
Fast facts
Location
Near Springdale, UT
Hours
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visitor Center: 8 AM-5 PM, closed on December 25
Entrance Fee
Private Vehicle: $35 USD. Valid for 7 days.
Motorcycle: $30 USD. Valid for 7 days.
Per Person: $20 USD. Valid for 7 days.
Additional Info
Cell service is generally available at park entrances but becomes patchy in the interior where there are large areas of no cell service.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~3 hrs; 164 miles / 264 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~5 hrs; 286 miles / 460 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~5 hrs; 249 miles / 401 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~3 hrs; 122 miles / 196 km
12. Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Kershaw-Ryan State Park was established in 1926 after being donated by rancher James Ryan, where the latter part of the name comes from. “Kershaw” comes from the original 1873 settlers, Samuel and Hannah Kershaw. Here you’ll find:
- Camping
- Hiking trails
- Horseshoe throwing
- Volleyball area
- Bird watching
- Wading pond
Fast facts
Location
Caliente, NV
Hours
8 AM-sunset daily
Entrance Fee
$5 USD per vehicle
Additional Info
There is no lifeguard on duty.
Distance
Distance from Las Vegas Strip
~2 1/2 hrs; 158 miles / 254 km
Distance from Grand Canyon West
~4 1/2 hrs; 279 miles / 449 km
Distance from Grand Canyon Village (South Rim)
~6 1/2 hrs; 432 miles / 695 km
Distance from North Rim Visitor Center
~5 hrs; 259 miles / 417 km
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an escape from the Las Vegas action, check out these 12 historic sites, conservation areas, and national and state parks:
- Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
- Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA)
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Gunlock State Park
- Snow Canyon State Park
- Quail Creek State Park
- Sand Hollow State Park
- Lake Havasu State Park
- Zion National Park
- Kershaw-Ryan State Park
With all of these destinations less than 3 hours away from the Las Vegas Strip, you and your friends or family can enjoy some relaxing time outside of the 24/7 energy Sin City boasts.
