Looking for an out-of-this-world experience in landscapes like nowhere else on earth? Then it’s time to take a road trip from Las Vegas!
With its lavish resorts, world-class entertainment, and vibrant nightlife, Las Vegas has earned a reputation as the party capital of the world. While it can be hard to leave the luxurious hotels and neon lights of the strip, Las Vegas is also a great place to start a once-in-a-lifetime road trip through the USA’s stunning Southwest.
With bustling cities, diverse natural landscapes, and historic and cultural attractions to discover, road trips from Las Vegas offer a vast array of options for the adventurous traveller.
With affordable and easy to arrange car hire direct from Las Vegas your road trip through the heartland of Southwest America is just a few clicks away.
Here are ten of the best stop-offs on never-to-be-forgotten road trips from Las Vegas.
The Hoover Dam & Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona
Just 35 miles southeast of Las Vegas is the iconic Hoover Dam. A monumental engineering marvel, it stands proudly on the border of Nevada and Arizona and was completed in 1936 during the Great Depression. At a height of 726 feet (221 metres) and stretching 1,224 feet (379 metres) across the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, the dam’s power plant generates electricity for millions of people in the Southwest. Its reservoir, Lake Mead, is one of the largest artificial lakes in the United States.
Guided tours take visitors through the dam’s inner workings, including the power plant and observation deck, providing fascinating insights into its history and engineering significance. Hike the Historic Railroad Trail that takes you through tunnels and along the former railroad route used during the dam’s construction.
The dam and Lake Mead is a breathtaking first stop on road trips from Las Vegas
- Distance from Las Vegas: 35 Miles (56km)
- Driving Time: 45mins – 1 Hr
Nelson Ghost Town and Eldorado Canyon Gold Mine
During the late 19th and early 20th century, Nevada was gripped by a gold rush. Nelson Ghost Town is a living testimony to those days. Once bustling with prospectors and settlers looking to make their fortune, it’s now abandoned. Seemingly frozen in time, visitors can explore its dusty streets, weathered wooden buildings, vintage automobiles and remnants of a bygone era. Set against the arid backdrop of the Nevada Desert, a visit to Nelson Ghost Town is an atmospheric experience.
The Eldorado Canyon Gold Mine was once where many Nelson inhabitants earned their living. Guided tours take visitors deep into the mine’s tunnels giving a firsthand look at the harsh conditions the miners endured. Nelson Ghost Town and Eldorado Canyon Gold Mine provide an immersive and educational experience, bringing to life the tales of the American West
- Distance from Las Vegas: 40 Miles (64 km)
- Driving Time: 1 Hour
The Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Named for the fiery appearance of its rocks, the Valley of Fire feels a world away from the glittering lights of Las Vegas. Located just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, it gives visitors a captivating introduction to the raw beauty of the Southwestern desert landscape. Encompassing Encompassing approximately 46,000 acres within the Mojave Desert, the park is renowned for its stunning red sandstone formations.
There’s a dazzling array of geological wonders in the park, including petrified trees, and ancient rock formations that have been shaped by wind and water over thousands of years. Hiking trails wind through the park providing opportunities to explore the park’s breathtaking landscape. There are campsites within the park if you’d like to stay a while and experience the tranquillity of the desert for longer.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 50 Miles (80km)
- Driving Time: 1-1.5 Hours
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Death Valley National Park, situated in Eastern California and a small part of Western Nevada, is a captivating landscape of extremes. Known for its stark beauty and unforgiving environment, it is both the hottest and driest national park in the United States. It’s an adventurous destination on road trips from Las Vegas.
The park’s diverse terrain is captivating and forbidding in equal measure, combining salt flats, sand dunes, rugged mountains and colourful badlands. The breathtaking sunsets and sunrises at the iconic Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a popular capture for photographers. Stand on the salt crust at the vast Badwater Basin and take in the surrounding mountains for a surreal and unforgettable experience.
When the conditions are right, the desert floor fills with a sea of gold, purple, pink and white flowers, attracting wildlife and visitors alike. As an International Dark Sky Park, stargazers can enjoy a view of the night sky with minimal light pollution. Death Valley is the most extreme and stunning landscape you will ever witness.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 120 Miles (193km)
- Driving Time: 2 – 2.5 Hours
Zion National Park, Utah
With its towering sandstone cliffs and deep canyons, Zion National Park is the American Southwest at its most spectacular. Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and photographers are all drawn to the park ensuring it’s regularly featured on lists of the top road trips from Las Vegas.
The Virgin River that carves its way through the awe-inspiring Zion Canyon adds a serene touch to the dramatic landscape that invites you to explore. There are hiking trails to explore through the heart of the park ranging from leisurely walks along the riversides to thrilling clinics like Angel’s Landing.
The town of Springdale is the park’s gateway and here you’ll find shops, restaurants and places to stay. Zion National Park is an accessible location that provides visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the awe-inspiring grandeur of the American Southwest.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 160 Miles (257km)
- Driving Time: 2.5-3 Hours
The Hollywood Road Trip, California
For the ultimate in American glitz, head west on Interstate 15 through the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert before transitioning to the urban bustle of Los Angeles. Set the dials for Hollywood and get up close to the unrivalled glamour of the entertainment capital of the world. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the Hollywood Sign, every street resonates with showbiz history. Stroll along the famous Hollywood Boulevard lined with celebrity handprints and visit the Hollywood Museum to learn more about the history of the film industry.
When it’s time to escape the city, embark on a scenic drive to Malibu along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. Known for its pristine beaches and upscale beachfront homes, it’s the perfect retreat from urban bustle. Explore the iconic Malibu Pier, relax on Zuma Beach, or take in the ocean views from Point Dume State Beach.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 275 Miles (443km)
- Driving Time: 4.5 – 5 Hours
Salt Lake City, Utah
Take a drive through the heartlands to Salt Lake City, Utah. With the Wasatch Mountains as a stunning backdrop, Salt Lake City combines natural beauty, fascinating history and a vibrant arts scene. The iconic Temple Square is the city’s architectural centrepiece and visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum of Utah have a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
With the mountains next door, there are limitless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Salt Lake City is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to combine urban exploration with outdoor life.
Your drive to Salt Lake City takes in the natural splendour of the Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, the geological wonders of Capitol Reef, and a chance to explore the red rock arches of Arches National Park. This often-overlooked US city is a real gem in the mountains.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 420 Miles (675 km)
- Driving Time: 6 -7 Hours
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the true wonders of the world and it’s a popular destination on road trips from Las Vegas. The scale of the canyon is truly breathtaking, stretching approximately 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width, and descending to depths of over a mile. For visitors from Las Vegas, the South Rim is the most accessible section, offering breathtaking views of the canyon’s stunning geology. Visit rim viewpoints like Mather Point during sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable experience.
The Grand Canyon is a haven for adventure and exploration. Hiking trails like Bright Angel and Rim-to-Rim beckon those seeking a more intimate encounter with the canyon’s depths, while exhilarating rafting trips along the Colorado River provide a unique perspective from the canyon floor. Whether admiring its majesty from the rim or delving into its depths, the Grand Canyon promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring wonders.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 275 Miles (443 km)
- Driving Time: 4.5 to 5 Hours
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is renowned for its year-round sun, desert beauty and unique character. As the capital of Arizona and one of the largest cities in the USA, Phoenix has a thriving cultural scene and lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Desert Botanical Garden gives you an up-close glimpse of the beauty of desert plant life, while the Heard Museum gives visitors an insight into the rich Native American culture of the region. The city’s downtown area boasts a mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, and the Roosevelt Row Arts District is a hub for galleries, street art, and a varied range of shops and restaurants.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Phoenix provides ample opportunities to enjoy nature. Take a hike in the picturesque Camelback Mountain or explore the scenic trails of South Mountain Park and Preserve. Phoenix also has a reputation as a golf destination, with numerous courses and resorts to enjoy.
The road trip from Las Vegas to Phoenix allows travellers to witness the changing desert landscapes, from the rugged terrains of Nevada to the saguaro-filled landscapes of Arizona.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 300 Miles (482 km)
- Driving Time: 4.5-5 Hours
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park, California
With its glamorous mid-century architecture, Palm Springs is a Californian desert oasis and a popular endpoint on road trips from Las Vegas. Known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas, it offers a unique blend of sophistication and relaxation. Visitors can explore the city’s iconic Palm Canyon Drive, lined with palm trees and trendy boutiques, or take a scenic ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Palm Springs is also a gateway to outdoor adventures in the nearby San Jacinto Mountains and the vast Joshua Tree National Park. The park’s rugged terrain is dotted with giant boulders, creating a playground for rock climbers and hikers. Visitors can take in breathtaking sunsets, stargaze under the clear desert skies, and explore unique rock formations like Skull Rock.
- Distance from Las Vegas: 280 Miles (450 km)
- Driving Time: 4.5-5.5 Hours
Ready To Begin Your Desert Adventure?
Road trips from Las Vegas take you through the desert landscape to stunning natural wonders, fascinating history and vibrant cities.
It’s ideal territory for a Big American Adventure and Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the perfect vehicle for the journey, wherever it takes you.
With the best car rental in Las Vegas Airport, your next adventure is just a few clicks away!
