15 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas (2024 Guide)

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Here are 15 amazing road trips from Las Vegas that will help you explore more of the USA’s western wonders!

Las Vegas, famously known as “Sin City”, has so much to offer travellers. Though the city is most famous for its casinos, entertainment, and nightlife, Las Vegas is situated in the heart of the breathtaking desert landscape of the American Southwest.

A road trip outside Sin City can bring you to magnificent canyons, captivating cities, and rugged mountain ranges. Broaden your horizons by getting out of Las Vegas for a day or a weekend and taking on one of these amazing road trips!

Venture to nearby cities such as Salt Lake City or San Diego. Visit famous attractions like the Hoover Dam or the Grand Canyon.

You can road trip to some of the USA’s most iconic national parks, including Zion, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and more.

A Las Vegas road trip gives you the chance to travel slowly and intentionally through truly impressive scenery, so take a break from the hustle and bustle and hit the road!

From seeing the iconic London Bridge in Lake Havasu City to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, you can explore much of the USA’s highlights on these road trips from Las Vegas.

Check out a ghost town in remote Nevada deserts, or spot bighorn sheep in the forests of Yosemite. Spend a weekend on a lake trying water sports, or trek through canyons in Arizona and Utah.

Whatever your interests may be, rent a car in Las Vegas and get out to explore the magnificent surroundings!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

1. Zion National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 152 miles
Driving time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

A road trip from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is an unforgettable journey that takes you through the stunning desert landscape of the American Southwest. You can complete the entire drive in just a couple of hours, leaving you plenty of time to explore the incredible wilderness of Zion National Park.

Red sandstone cliffs rise steeply from the valley floor, and lush greenery contrasts with the surrounding desert of the breathtaking Zion National Park. Zion’s famous hiking trails and towering rock formations like the Watchman and Angels Landing help make this one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.

Spend a weekend here for more time to enjoy the fun activities in the park, such as rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and stargazing. Continue your road trip through the park and check out some of the scenic drives such as the Zion Mount Carmel Highway.

The road trip is not just a journey between two destinations, but an experience of the varied and majestic natural beauty of the Southwest.

Check out our detailed guide for driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park!

2. Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 36 miles
Driving time: 45 minutes

One of the easiest road trip routes from Las Vegas is a trip to the Hoover Dam. The drive, about 40 minutes southeast of Las Vegas, takes you along U.S. Route 93, a smooth highway that winds through the arid desert terrain.

Stop in Boulder City on the way to check out the unique museums and galleries before heading onto the world-famous Hoover Dam on the edge of Lake Mead.

Straddling the border between Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam is an iconic symbol of American innovation and ambition. The structure itself, a massive concrete arch-gravity dam, towers over the Colorado River, holding back the expansive waters of Lake Mead.

Visitors can stop at various viewpoints along the way to admire the dam’s grandeur or explore the Hoover Dam Visitor Center to learn about its history and construction.

3. Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 260 miles
Driving time: 3 hours and 50 minutes

Another one of the best road trips from Las Vegas is to Bryce Canyon National Park. Leave the crazy city lights behind and drive through the magnificent rock formations of this exquisite national park.

Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its otherworldly landscape, characterized by its striking hoodoos. These tall, thin rock spires are formed by millions of years of erosion and are a mesmerizing sight.

The amphitheater, the park’s main attraction, offers stunning panoramic views, with sunrise and sunset being particularly breathtaking as the light enhances the vivid colors of the rocks. Try some sightseeing by e-bike or go on a horseback riding tour through the landscape to take a break from the car.

Hiking trails, such as the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden, allow you to explore the canyon’s intricate formations up close. Whatever activities you choose to include in your road trip, this is one of the coolest geological wonders of the American West.

4. Grand Canyon

Distance from Las Vegas: 280 miles
Driving time: 4 hours and 10 minutes

Of course, the Grand Canyon has to be on our list of the best road trips from Las Vegas! You can reach Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim in just over 4 hours from Las Vegas. If you’re visiting the North Rim, you’ll take a different route entirely and you can also reach it in just over 4 hours.

But the best way to road trip through Grand Canyon National Park is to visit the North and the South Rim, as each location has its own unique lookouts and attractions. Also, consider a visit to the West Rim if you have time.

Basically the more time you have to drive around the Grand Canyon, the better. The South Rim is more touristy and better equipped with amenities, whereas the North Rim is much more remote and rugged.

Wherever you choose to go, you can admire how the Colorado River curves through the cliff edges and how the natural colors layer through the rocks. Some particularly scenic routes to include in your road trip include Desert View Drive and Hermit Road. Or you can treat yourself to a scenic flight and see it all in a shorter time frame!

5. Salt Lake City

Distance from Las Vegas: 420 miles
Driving time: 6 hours and 20 minutes

For a lengthier road trip option, head from Las Vegas up to Salt Lake City! The drive takes you through most of Central Utah, where you can admire incredible deserts, mountains, and more.

Passing through cities like Cedar City and Provo, you’ll notice the elevation change as the Wasatch Mountain Range rises to the east. The final stretch toward the city offers a striking contrast between the rugged mountains and the expansive Great Salt Lake.

As the capital city of Utah, Salt Lake City has much to offer in terms of culture and nature. Known for its stunning natural surroundings, the city is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

It’s also a center of culture and history, home to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the iconic Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square attracting visitors from around the world.

Salt Lake City has a dynamic downtown area filled with museums, art galleries, theaters, and trendy restaurants as well. So this road trip has something for everyone!

6. Lake Tahoe

Distance from Las Vegas: 455 miles
Driving time: 7 hours and 15 minutes

For those with a few days to spare, Lake Tahoe makes one of the most incredible Las Vegas road trips! It’s a lengthy road trip, but worth the effort.

The quickest route takes you northwest through Nevada, or you can take a slightly longer route and drive up through eastern California. The California route gives you the chance to stop and see the giant Sequoia trees in Kings Canyon National Park on the way, or the incredible fishing spots in Mammoth Lakes.

But you may just want to drive straight to Lake Tahoe as there is so much to do here. Most visitors congregate around South Lake Tahoe, where you can explore the beauty of Emerald Bay State Park or go on a sightseeing boat cruise.

Around North Lake Tahoe there are also some amazing opportunities for water sports or skiing and snowboarding in the winter. If you have 3 days to spend in Lake Tahoe, definitely do it.

7. Death Valley National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 126 miles
Driving time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

Death Valley National Park lies right on the border of California and Nevada, making it a relatively quick road trip from Sin City.

You can reach the park’s eastern edge in just under 2 hours from Las Vegas, but driving through the extreme and mesmerizing landscapes of Death Valley is the best part of this road trip.

As you drive through this vast desert wilderness, you’ll encounter otherworldly features such as towering sand dunes and salt flats.

The stark beauty of Zabriskie Point’s golden badlands, the immense depths of Badwater Basin— the lowest point in North America—and the surreal Artist’s Palette, with its multicolored hills, all add to the park’s dramatic allure.

Despite its harsh environment, Death Valley offers a surprisingly diverse range of experiences, from hidden oases to rugged mountain views, making it a unique and unforgettable road trip destination.

Book a self-guided driving tour for the best route through Death Valley National Park!

8. Lake Havasu City

Distance from Las Vegas: 153 miles
Driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

A road trip from Las Vegas to Lake Havasu City is a scenic desert drive filled with wide-open landscapes and the peaceful charm of the American Southwest. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, following U.S. Route 95 south from Las Vegas, with the Mojave Desert stretching out in every direction.

The road winds past rugged mountains, cacti-dotted plains, and the occasional small desert town or ghost town. Nelson Ghost Town is worth stopping along the way, as this abandoned gold mine in Nevada is a fascinating step back in time!

The city itself is a vibrant desert oasis, with the sparkling waters of the Colorado River and Lake Havasu welcoming road-trippers into the area.

A highlight of the city is the iconic London Bridge, which was relocated from England in the 1960s. It’s also an amazing place to come for outdoor adventures like boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports on Lake Havasu.

Explore more of Nevada on these day trips from Salt Lake City.

9. Valley of Fire State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 46 miles
Driving time: 45 minutes

Valley of Fire State Park is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas, and it’s an epic road trip as well! It’s located right on the outskirts of the city, so it’s super easy to just rent a car and spend the day cruising through the dramatic landscapes of the area.

Valley of Fire State Park offers breathtaking scenic drives through narrow canyons, open desert plains, and amazing rock formations sculpted by wind and time.

Highlights of Valley of Fire State Park include the famous Fire Wave, Elephant Rock, and the prehistoric petroglyphs etched into the rocks by ancient peoples. The colors, especially at sunrise or sunset, make the landscape come alive, transforming it into a photographer’s dream and an awe-inspiring destination for any road trip.

As one of Nevada’s most incredible state parks, a road trip through the Valley of Fire will not disappoint!

10. Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 187 miles
Driving time: 3 hours

For more incredible nature scenery, try a road trip through Joshua Tree National Park.

The park is famous for its striking Joshua trees, towering rock formations, and unique meeting of two desert ecosystems—the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.

Joshua Tree National Park has surreal landscapes full of rugged cliffs, stark cacti, and vast starry skies. Horseback riding is an epic way to explore the park, as is hiking, backpacking, and camping. Also consider a self guided driving tour of Joshua Tree to ensure you hit all the highlights.

It’s definitely one of the coolest Las Vegas road trips to try. If you’re looking for a place to spend the night and refuel before heading back to Vegas, you could also visit the nearby city of Palm Springs which has much to offer.

11. San Diego

Distance from Las Vegas: 332 miles
Driving time: 6 hours

If you’re hoping to explore another amazing US city on your road trip, head southwest to San Diego! The drive will take you through Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and Palm Springs, all of which are worth stopping on the way if you wish.

Or you can just drive straight to the fabulous city of San Diego for a few days of fun and excitement.

San Diego has some world-class attractions such as Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, the USS Midway Museum, and various other art galleries, museums, restaurants, and cool neighborhoods.

Nature lovers can hike through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, kayak through the pristine waters of La Jolla Cove, or watch the sunset from the beautiful Sunset Cliffs. There are also numerous beaches around San Diego that are perfect for swimming and surfing, such as Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach.

Looking for more fun activities? Check out the Best Things To Do In San Diego, California

12. Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: 31 miles to the closest point
Driving time: 45 minutes to the closest point

Lake Mead is situated right outside Las Vegas, so you can make this road trip as long or as short as you want! You can reach the closest shores of the lake in under an hour, or you can spend multiple days driving around this massive lake and all it has to offer.

Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. and part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, provides a stunning contrast to the arid surroundings of the Nevada desert.

Water lovers can rent boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lake’s vast shoreline, while others might prefer swimming in designated areas or relaxing on the beach. Fishing is another popular pastime, with opportunities to catch bass, catfish, and trout.

For hikers and nature lovers, trails like the Historic Railroad Trail offer scenic walks with views of both the lake and the surrounding desert.

You could also explore nearby attractions such as the Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon, where you can try fun activities like guided dam tours and river rafting. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water or beachside relaxation, you can do it all at Lake Mead.

13. Sedona

Distance from Las Vegas: 3280 miles
Driving time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

One of the best weekend getaways from Las Vegas is the magical town of Sedona in Arizona. This charming town lies amidst some incredible mountains, canyons, valleys, and red rock formations.

Sedona is home to lots of amazing hikes, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Oak Creek Canyon. There are day hikes, multi-day treks, and cool places to camp, swim, and explore.

Spend some time in the quaint downtown area of Sedona as well, where you can feast on delicious food and shop for mystical souvenirs in the trinket shops and art galleries.

If you have lots of time, combine Sedona and the Grand Canyon into one incredible Arizona road trip itinerary!

14. Yosemite National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 340 miles
Driving time: 5 hours and 15 minutes

One of the most iconic national parks in the USA, Yosemite is a lengthier but definitely worthwhile road trip from Las Vegas.

You can reach the outer edge of the park in under 6 hours, but it’s well worth spending at least few days traveling through the immense wilderness of Yosemite once you arrive.

Driving through Yosemite National Park is an awe-inspiring experience, filled with some of the most iconic landscapes in the world. You’ll get to see natural wonders like El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as lush meadows, giant sequoia trees, and tumbling waterfalls.

Some of the most scenic places to drive in the park include the famous Tunnel View, which provides a sweeping vista of Yosemite Valley, and Tioga Road with its high-altitude alpine scenery.

Also be sure to stop at Glacier Point for one of the best overlooks of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, or take a detour to visit Mariposa Grove, home to some of the park’s ancient, towering sequoias. Many trailheads are accessible by car, allowing you to embark on some amazing hikes during your road trip.

15. San Francisco

Distance from Las Vegas: 570 miles
Driving time: 9 hours and 15 minutes

A drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco is a long one, but it’s the perfect adventure for anyone with some time to spare and the urge to sightsee through California!

You can hit many of the destinations on this list as you head from Las Vegas to San Francisco, including Death Valley, Yosemite, or even Lake Tahoe. Stretch the drive out into a week or longer, especially because you’ll want at least 3 days in San Francisco before you drive back.

San Francisco is home to lots of world-famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and one of the USA’s oldest and largest Chinatowns. With its unique architecture, hilly streets, and natural beauty, San Francisco remains one of California’s most picturesque cities.

Plan your road trip to San Francisco from Las Vegas with our complete guide!

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