Excursions From Vegas

The adventure-seeker's guide to jaw dropping day-trips outside Las Vegas

If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, you obviously know how to have a good time. That’s a given. But, did you know that surrounding this desert jewel is a world of wonder and escape? It’s true, in fact, Las Vegas is only a stone’s throw away from one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and some other pretty incredible outdoor excursions. If that sounds like something you’re into, then read on. We’ll help you plan for you day-trips off the strip to make sure that you get every last adventure out of your upcoming trip.

“How to find wonder just outside Las Vegas.”

Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon

One of the 7 natural wonders of the world is just a day trip away from Las Vegas. You’re probably thinking “that’s ok, Vegas is full of wonder and incredible experiences,” and you’re right, but let’s focus on the experiences you can only get when you step outside. Don’t miss your chance to stand in awe of one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world. And if you think the Vegas skyline is beautiful at sunset, wait until you stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon and watch the sun go down. Book a trip by bus, rent a car or see the canyon from the sky with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. Looking for even more adventure? Try walking out over the canyon, 4,000 feet up on a glass bridge. 

Valley of Fire

How does 40,000 acres of blazing red Aztec sandstone sound? It’s the perfect backdrop for expanding your sense of wonder. Just a short trip from Las Vegas will make you feel like you’re on another planet. Explore petroglyph marked walls and see petrified trees. It’s almost a time machine, a land preserved for ages. It’s close enough to Vegas that during you day, you can explore this prehistoric place and be back for world class dining and entertainment available only in Las Vegas at night.

“How to do the dam thing in Las Vegas”

The Hoover Dam is a big part of American history. It’s pretty famous too, you’ve probably seen it in the movies or tv or a documentary about the great depression and how this project was an economic boom for the region, but there’s nothing like seeing it in real life–it’s breathtaking. If you took all the concrete from the dam and used it to make a two-lane highway, you’d be able to connect Seattle, WA and Miami, FL. It’s an impressive feat of human engineering. Learn more about the Dam and its impact on the area and plan your Hoover Dam tour at the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum. From Art Deco to Big Horn Sheep, there’s a lot about the Dam that might surprise you. If you’re looking for a quick trip from the strip, you’ll be glad you did the dam thing.

“Where to get away on your getaway to Las Vegas.”

Boulder City

30 minutes from the strip lies a small town full of big adventure. Where you can enjoy everything from beer fests, to fine art jamborees, to the sprawling Lake Mead. You can find a whole different kind of adventure in Boulder City. So go see what it means to expand your sense of wonder in the desert and take a 30-minute ride from Las Vegas to Boulder City.

Red Rock Canyon

About 20 minutes the other way from Las Vegas, you’ll run into Red Rock Canyon. That’s where you’ll find over 25 hikes that will wind you through scenic and beautiful desert landscapes. Try the Calico Tank or Ice Box Canyon trails if you’re looking for a good time. And when you’re done, make sure to check out the brand-new Cottonwood Station Eatery, which is the perfect place to grab a bite after a long hike.

These excursions will leave you feeling just as ridiculously epic as a ride down The Strip in one of those hot tub limousines. It’s why Las Vegas is so great. There are so many ways to have the best experience of your life. You just have to decide what kind of experience you want that to be. So, whether you’re an adventure seeker or not, in Vegas (and just outside of it), you could be.