Here are six of our top road trips originating from Las Vegas

A well-known marketing catchphrase in Las Vegas has ingrained itself into the culture of Sin City: "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

The imagery evoked by this phrase blends fantasy and truth. But once something has occurred in Vegas, what are your options? Or, as suggested by Vegas' latest promotional video, what if you're in search of new experiences?

Fortunately, Las Vegas offers far more than just casinos, high-priced concerts, and gourmet dining. For those who have already explored the main sights, or locals eager for adventure, here are six of our preferred road trips from Las Vegas.

For up-to-date travel news, promotions, and tips on points and miles, please subscribe to the Dinogo daily email newsletter.

Mount Charleston

Travel time from Las Vegas: One hour

For an exhilarating and unexpected getaway from the dazzling city lights, rent a car and drive up to Mount Charleston. Visible from several Las Vegas hotels, it’s part of the Spring Mountains, where the sun sets each evening. While it may seem uninviting from Las Vegas Boulevard due to the arid and desolate appearance of the eastern side, this distant and somewhat unwelcoming look adds to the surprise awaiting first-time visitors.

Activities: Mount Charleston offers a laid-back outdoor haven ideal for a range of activities like hiking, camping, skiing, horseback riding, or simply enjoying a scenic drive. It beautifully contrasts Nevada's two realms: the artificial and the natural. The artificial flourishes on the valley floor, while the natural peaks rise to 11,900 feet. One features imported palm trees, while the other boasts tall Ponderosa pines and aspens that shimmer gold in the autumn.

If Las Vegas feels a bit overwhelming, you'll appreciate the refreshing, crisp air found here. The soaring glass-and-steel hotels give way to rustic cabins crafted from rough-hewn logs, instantly lowering your blood pressure. You're just 50 miles from Vegas, yet it feels worlds apart.

As you make your way to Mount Charleston, don’t miss a stop at the Desert View Overlook. This location features a short, well-kept path that leads to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mojave Desert below. Informative panels provide insight into the sights and their historical significance.

Among the sights you'll observe is the Nevada Test Site, where nearly 1,000 nuclear tests were conducted from the 1950s to the 1990s. About 100 of these were atmospheric tests that produced mushroom clouds visible from Las Vegas.

Further up the road, at the end of Lee Canyon, lies the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Indeed, there is a genuine outdoor ski area just a short drive from Las Vegas. While it may be small, it offers ample terrain and snow for a fantastic winter retreat. The area typically receives around 200 inches of snow each season, with temperatures 30 to 40 degrees cooler than those in the valley. During other seasons, it remains a stunning spot for a picnic.

A few years back, we enjoyed skiing at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort, and I would gladly include it in another winter visit to Vegas.

Dining option: Don’t miss the Mount Charleston Lodge and Restaurant during your day trip; it offers a quintessential mountain dining experience.

This highly regarded restaurant features a charming A-frame design with expansive windows on three sides, allowing diners to enjoy the stunning views while browsing through the extensive menu. A large porch surrounds the building for outdoor dining, and a central fireplace enhances the warm atmosphere. You’ll also likely discover genuine Native American jewelry and crafts made by local artisans available for purchase.

Accommodation: The log cabins at Mount Charleston start at approximately $125 per night. However, since Mount Charleston is only an hour's drive from Las Vegas, you can easily return to Las Vegas in time for your dinner reservation on the Strip.

Valley of Fire State Park

Travel time from Las Vegas: One hour

Another easily accessible destination near Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park. It’s roughly an hour's drive from the city via I-15 N to Exit 75. The park gets its name from the vibrant hue of the 150-million-year-old Aztec Red sandstone that forms much of its landscape. We’ve experienced temperatures soaring close to 120 degrees there, so the heat might also contribute to its fiery name.

Activities: A $10-per-vehicle entrance fee is required, and a visit to the visitor center is recommended. There, you can delve into the park's history and formation. Restrooms and a small store offering snacks and souvenirs are also available. Be sure to leave the visitor center equipped with a map, a plan, and plenty of water. It’s quite dry and has a very high ultraviolet and heat index.

You can fully appreciate Valley of Fire State Park from your vehicle by driving along the fantastic Scenic Loop Road, which winds through stunning rock formations. However, it's beneficial to make stops at the various parking areas that grant access to some of the park's most unique features.

One notable site is Petroglyph Canyon, which leads to Mouse's Tank. Here, ancient rock carvings made by inhabitants over 2,500 years ago adorn the walls of this short canyon. The canyon floor consists of loose, fine, deep sand that easily slips into your shoes and boots.

Another convenient stop is Rainbow Vista, featuring a vibrant, sweeping landscape that appears to change colors with the sun's movement. One of our favorites is the one-mile round-trip hike to Fire Wave. This relatively flat and easy trail takes you to undulating sandstone formations highlighted by swirling ribbons of contrasting colors.

This small yet striking area is a refreshing sight, especially if you're looking for a break from the neon lights of Las Vegas. Just keep in mind that there’s little to no shade on this walk, and the heat can pose a risk.

White Domes is a popular choice among visitors. This mile-and-a-half trail guides you past remnants of an old movie set and through a brief yet stunning slot canyon before circling back to the parking area. The area is adorned with towering rock formations that appear particularly magnificent against the darker hues of the surrounding desert rocks.

Be sure to check out the petroglyph panel called Atlatl Rock. You’ll need to ascend about four stories of metal stairs to get an up-close view of the carvings featuring images of the Atlatl, an ancient tool used for hunting.

The Valley of Fire is rich in history and stunning landscapes. You'll encounter petroglyphs and petrified logs, arches and ancient artwork, balanced rocks, and even bighorn sheep. Amidst the undulating waves of red rock and winding roads, the Valley of Fire stands as a destination in its own right while also making for a delightful road trip from Las Vegas.

Where to stay: Just like Mount Charleston, you can easily take a day trip from Las Vegas to Valley of Fire State Park, but if you'd prefer to stay overnight, options are available. There is camping within the state park as well as budget hotels like the North Shore Inn at Lake Mead, which is about 12 miles away. However, if you're looking for a touch of luxury after a day of hiking, returning to Vegas is likely your best bet.

Death Valley

Driving time from Las Vegas: 2.5 hours

What to do: In Death Valley, immerse yourself in the extraordinary, appreciate its uniqueness, respect the environment, and focus on simply enduring. This landscape is unlike any other, showcasing its beauty in an extreme and distinctive way.

One of the standout features—if the lowest point in the U.S. can be considered a highlight—is Badwater Basin, sitting 282 feet below sea level in stark contrast to the surroundings. Here, heatwaves shimmer and mirages appear during the intense midday sun, creating an optical illusion of distance.

Artists Palette along Artists Drive is definitely worth exploring, as the undulating hills are splashed with a vibrant array of colors reminiscent of an artist's palette. These hues are most vivid in the late afternoon light.

The road is narrow, well-paved, and one-way, making it a fun drive that feels like a miniature roller coaster. You might find yourself wanting to ride it again, especially when you have the road all to yourself.

Other favored destinations for day-trippers from Vegas include Zabriskie Point and Dante's Peak. Located about a mile above the valley floor, Dante's Peak provides a sweeping view of Badwater Basin and its surroundings. Zabriskie Point is probably the park's most visited spot, offering a stunning perspective for both sunrise and sunset.

Golden Canyon, located just off Badwater Road, allows guests to experience the essence of Death Valley without straying too far from the comfort of their car's air conditioning.

If you have some extra time, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells are a worthwhile stop. The sand dunes rise and ripple, beautifully sculpted by the shifting thermal winds. This location is also a fantastic spot for photographers.

Most visitors will likely include stops at the Harmony Borax Worksite, the Park Information Center, and the iconic Death Valley National Park sign in their itineraries. If you stay overnight in the park, you'll experience incredibly dark skies that create a spectacular celestial display. During the day, Navy fighter jets zoom across those same skies.

Death Valley is best experienced when the temperatures are more favorable, typically from October to April. Like most breathtaking outdoor locations, the best viewing occurs when the sun is lower in the sky rather than directly above. We've visited Death Valley when temperatures soared above 115°F. It's manageable, but the area's indigenous people didn’t name it Tomesha ("Ground Afire") for no reason.

Accommodation options: You can stay within Death Valley at Stovepipe Wells Village Hotel, which offers 83 rooms starting at approximately $150 per night. There are also campsites and RV hookups available, along with a general store, the Toll Road Restaurant, and Badwater Saloon.

Additional lodging can be found at the Oasis at Death Valley, the Ranch at Death Valley, and the Inn at Death Valley, all situated along Highway 190 next to the National Park Service Visitor Center. Here, you'll discover lush date palms, spring-fed pools, and even a golf course.

Grand Canyon

Travel time from Las Vegas: Approximately 2.5 hours to reach the nearest point, the Grand Canyon West Rim.

Activities: The Grand Canyon truly lives up to its name — it is impressively grand. The more frequented North and South Rims can also be accessed by car from Las Vegas, though you'll need to allocate several extra hours for each journey, with the South Rim being the closer option. The West Rim is the nearest, yet each rim offers its own distinct experiences.

If you opt for an overnight road trip to the South Rim, consider taking the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs from Williams, Arizona. This two-hour (one way) scenic journey to the canyon is a nostalgic experience, with several trains running daily and a variety of ticket prices available. It's a highly popular activity that comes highly recommended. While in Williams, you can also enjoy a nostalgic cruise along part of the famous Route 66.

However, the West Rim, managed by the Hualapai Indian Tribe, is conveniently located within driving distance from Las Vegas. Here, you'll discover the Skywalk Glass Bridge, which juts out over the canyon, allowing you to gaze down a staggering 4,000 feet.

Accommodation options: When visiting the West Rim, consider staying at the Hualapai Ranch, where rustic cabins are available for rent. Your stay includes access to an animatronic "Shootin' Gallery" and complimentary magic and gunfight shows. Horseback rides can also be enjoyed at the ranch, starting at $40.

Another nearby choice is the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, located about 10 miles away. This ranch features pine cabins and glamping tents, with prices starting at approximately $200-$300 per night. In addition to the accommodations, activities such as horseback riding, wagon rides, and a gun range are also available.

Antelope Canyon

Travel time from Las Vegas: 4.5 hours

Antelope Canyon is truly one of the most incredible places we've ever visited. While this is the longest road trip recommendation from Las Vegas, it's also our top choice. Located 275 miles away in Page, Arizona, it requires at least a full day, and you might want to consider spending the night in Page before heading back to Vegas.

Activities to enjoy: At Antelope Canyon, you'll discover two slot canyons that offer a unique physical and visual adventure like no other on the planet.

Both the upper and lower canyons are situated on Navajo Nation land and can only be explored with certified guides. It's recommended to book your reservations online, as they tend to fill up quickly. Both canyons showcase breathtaking light effects on sandstone, shaped by the rare but powerful desert storms. The upper canyon is accessible at ground level, while the lower canyon features a narrow, winding passage approximately 50 feet below the surface.

These natural masterpieces exhibit no fixed patterns; instead, they showcase a symphony of wild and spontaneous movements. The canyon walls undulate like waves, curling and bending into themselves. Dynamic photographic opportunities abound as the walls capture and scatter light from above, creating a mesmerizing display of colors.

Antelope Canyons attract both seasoned artists and iPhone photographers alike, so don't forget to bring a device to capture the breathtaking moments.

Adult tour prices range from approximately $50 for the Lower Canyon to $60 for the Upper Canyon, with children's fees being $10 less. Special tours are available at an additional cost, providing extra time in the canyons, focusing on photography, or allowing access during peak hours. During regular periods, several tour companies offer day trips to Antelope Canyon with departures around 6 a.m. Basic transportation costs about $65 from Vegas if you're not driving, while full tours begin at approximately $200.

If you have your own vehicle, you're free to set your own itinerary.

Where to stay: There are several budget-friendly accommodations in Page, located about 10 miles from Antelope Canyon. For those wishing to use hotel points or free-night certificates, options include Hyatt Place Page - Lake Powell (12,000 Hyatt points), Hampton Inn & Suites Page - Lake Powell (36,000 - 50,000 Hilton points), or standard options like Days Inn, Comfort Inn, and Best Western.

Zion National Park

Driving time from Las Vegas: Three hours

What to do: Zion feels like a natural cathedral, inspiring awe with its grandeur. The very essence of the term Zion hints at the majestic beauty that awaits visitors.

Zion envelops and embraces you, drawing in nearly four million visitors each year before the COVID-19 pandemic. The park's main attractions are primarily accessible via a single road that runs alongside the Virgin River. Due to potential congestion, a large fleet of shuttle buses operates to help manage traffic within the park.

While you can admire Zion from afar, appreciating its grandeur like a panoramic photograph, the true essence of Zion is discovered by engaging with its specific areas, transforming from a mere observer to an active participant.

Hiking options vary from a leisurely yet rewarding stroll on the Riverside Walk to an all-day, strenuous journey through water to witness the renowned Narrows. In addition, there's the straightforward path to Weeping Rock, the moderately challenging trails leading to the Emerald Pools and Canyon Overlook, and the demanding ascent to the breathtaking Angel's Landing.

Like many popular tourist spots, the ideal time to visit is during the off-peak season when fewer people are around. However, as many travelers may not have the flexibility to choose their timing, it's advisable to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.

On a personal note, if your schedule doesn’t allow for an extended visit to Zion, the breathtaking Highway 9 from Springdale to Mount Carmel Junction is absolutely worth the time, effort, and National Park entry fee. This scenic route traverses a portion of the park, presenting landscapes that will tempt you to stop at numerous overlooks for even better views. The highway features several long tunnels that pass through the mountains, and the experience of driving through these tunnels, followed by stunning vistas upon exit, is truly exhilarating. Utah State Highway 9, known as the Zion Park Scenic Byway, is a hidden gem for travelers. (Just be mindful of deer crossings.)

Where to stay: Inside Zion, you can choose between camping at one of the three campgrounds or reserving accommodations at the Zion National Park Lodge, where room and cabin rates typically start at $220+ per night and can fill up quickly. There are also points-friendly lodging options available in the vicinity.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park is located at the base of Zion and can be booked for 40,000-60,000 Marriott points per night. Alternatively, you can use a free-night certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card when room rates are 50,000 points or less. The Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park costs approximately 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night, while the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale charges 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.

Bottom line

We have a deep appreciation for Las Vegas. We admire it for its current charm and its future post-coronavirus pandemic potential. However, if you're seeking a road trip from Las Vegas, there are numerous nearby destinations that can enrich your experience. Wishing you safe travels!