10 Best State & National Parks Near Las Vegas, Nevada

People touring Sin City should recognize there are various national parks near Las Vegas. Some are within an hour`s drive allowing worthwhile trips. Additionally, more distant areas hold remarkable natural beauty throughout the western USA for those willing to travel farther.

Our initial ten-day journey along the West Coast of the USA commenced in Vegas, and it was such a magical experience that I cannot recommend it enough. If time does not allow, taking excursions from Las Vegas is also a worthwhile idea, and you will not need to drive.

This city`s location is quite exceptional, so I recommend taking full advantage of it! To motivate you, in this article, I`ll tell you about the best parks in the state located near Las Vegas, as well as some larger national parks where you can hike, view scenery, and camp. Surrounding Vegas, you`ll find alluring desert landscapes and impressive geology, so consider yourself privileged to be near some of the most lovely places in the nation!

The prime way to visit the national and state parks near Las Vegas is by automobile, so I’m also sharing my guide with tips for leasing an automobile in Las Vegas with you.

In this article, you will find the 10 most stunning state and national parks near Las Vegas and the driving time for each one.

Best State and National Parks Near Las Vegas

Whether you’re planning to be in the region for a day or two, or you’re taking a extended road excursion, you’ll want to understand the top state and nationwide parks near Las Vegas.

In this guide, I`ll outline the closest national parks to Las Vegas, in addition to nearby state parks and national recreation areas worth a visit. I’ll highlight some key features of each location and provide how far each is from Sin City to help with planning your ideal Vegas itinerary.

These are the 10 most popular national parks near Las Vegas:

1. Death Valley National Park, California (2 hrs)
2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (4 hrs 10 mins)
3. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada (20 mins)
4. Zion National Park, Utah (2 hrs 40 mins)
5. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah (4 hrs)
6. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada (45 mins)
7. Joshua Tree National Park, California (3 hrs)
8. Yosemite National Park, California (5 hrs 30 mins)
9. Protected region in Utah (2 hrs)
10. , Nevada (30 mins)

1. Death Valley, the closest national park to Las Vegas

Without question, one of the best national parks near Las Vegas to visit is Death Valley in California’s Mojave Desert. Death Valley is the country’s second largest national park and one of the hottest and driest locations on earth (the maximum recorded temperature was 134° F). As you explore this area, you’ll find dramatic landscapes and discover the hardy flora and fauna capable of surviving the extreme weather.

As one of the foremost popular national parks surrounding Las Vegas, you will find numerous excursions to Death Valley from Las Vegas, although I recommend this full-day tour. You will have the chance to see the park’s greatest highlights, such as the halite salt crystal formations at Devil’s Golf Course and the famous Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, which reach heights of up to 330 feet.

Be sure to check out Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, at 280 feet below sea level. The Racetrack Playa is also quite interesting; the dry lake’s “sailing stones” travel along the valley floor, creating markings in the sand.

Despite being a hot and arid environment, Death Valley boasts a vast array of beautiful hues thanks to oxidized minerals like limestone, granite, marble, and pyroclastic rock. Some lovely examples include Artists Palette,Rainbow Canyon,Red Cathedral, and Golden Canyon.

• • Travel time from Vegas: 2 hours
  • Park fee: $30/vehicle
  • Highlights: Some of the key attractions include Artist’s Palette, Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, Golden Canyon, Mesquite Flat, Rainbow Canyon, Red Cathedral
  • Where to stay: The Inn at Death Valley is one of the best accommodations, but if you want additional selections, check our guide on where to lodge in Death Valley

2. Grand Canyon, an amazing national park close to Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon hosts one of the top national parks in the Las Vegas area, so a visit is recommended. Over millions of years, the Colorado River carved through the cliffs, creating the 457-foot-deep canyon spanning 277 miles, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty.

Most visitors see the South Rim, part of the national park showcasing stunning overlook points and popular hiking paths. Another less-crowded choice within the national park is the North Rim situated on the Kaibab Plateau. It’s more remote and solely accessible from May-October, so planning is necessary.

However, the Western Rim, which is possessed by the Hualapai tribe, is much closer in proximity to Las Vegas and if time is limited for you, the best choice is this option. You can even take part in a Grand Canyon helicopter tour departing from Las Vegas and visit it in only 4 hours. The Western Rim is also where the well-known Grand Canyon Skywalk can be found, a glass walkway situated on the canyon’s edge.

No matter which rim you opt to tour, it’s worth the drive into Arizona, although within this guide you can find many Grand Canyon excursions from Las Vegas including bus trips, rafting adventures, and helicopter experiences with landings below the rim.

• • • Driving time from Vegas: 4 hours 10 minutes (South Rim), 2.5 hours (West Rim), 5 hours (North Rim)
    • Park fee: $35/vehicle
    • Highlights: South Rim, West Rim, North Rim, scenic lookouts, hiking trails

    The sandy tracks are difficult to navigate by vehicle, so I don’t suggest driving there. It’s more secure to join this guided excursion to explore the diverse landscape, with layers of white, yellow, and orange mineral deposits that extend over millions of years.

3. Red Rock Canyon, one of the best parks in Las Vegas

While several nationally protected areas are close to Las Vegas, one of the best state parks is just thirty minutes from the city. Visiting Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, as outlined in this link, is one of the most interesting things to do outside Las Vegas and provides a great way to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert.

As the name suggests, this region contains predominantly reddish rock walls, vividly colored structures, and sandstone peaks shaped by the Keystone Thrust geological fault. Some of the cliff faces rise up to nearly 3,000 feet, so the area is a favored location for rock climbers. A few of the premiere hikes in Red Rock Canyon are the Turtlehead Peak Trail, the scenically rewarding Calico Tanks Trail, and the Ash Creek to Calico Tanks Route.

While hiking through the desert, individuals may observe a variety of flora and fauna indigenous to the region including tortoises, wild burros, bighorn sheep, Joshua trees, agave, and Mojave yucca. In addition, there are intriguing sights to see such as the Wilson Cliffs, Red Springs, and ancient pictographs created by Native Americans.

You can take the 13-mile loop to many of these parts of Red Rock or take this 3-hour tour if you don’t feel like driving. Alternatively, this full-day excursion goes to Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire, another provincial park near Las Vegas that I’ll discuss later.

• • • Driving minutes from Las Vegas: 20 minutes
    • Park fee: $15/vehicle
    • Noteworthy Points: Geological formations, hiking, climbing

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4. Zion National Park, the most popular national park near Las Vegas, Nevada

In less than 3 hours, you could be in Zion National Park, Utah, one of the most beautifully scenic national parks near Las Vegas. Here, you can take advantage of unbeatable hiking routes, magnificent nighttime skies, and unique landscapes featuring dramatic narrow canyons and sandstone cliffs.

Initially, I should emphasize that many of the hiking routes are geared towards experienced hikers. One such trail is the Angels Landing Trail, a technical path that rewards you with panoramic 360° views at its end. Two other popular hikes are The Narrows, which passes through the Virgin River gorge, and The Subway, an astonishing tube-shaped slot canyon. For a more family-friendly hike, I recommend the Weeping Rock or Emerald Pools Trail, the latter leading to stunning natural pools with turquoise water.

Moreover, the easiest way to sightsee in Zion is to take the complimentary shuttle bus along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. You will be able to visit the Court of the Patriarchs Viewpoint and most of the trailheads from here.

The incredible rock structures make Zion one of the finest national parks near Las Vegas. Both Zion and Bryce Canyon, which I`ll reference next, can be seen on this full day excursion.

• • • Driving time from Vegas: 2 hours 40 minutes
    • Park fee: $35/vehicle
    • Highlights: Zion Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, The Narrows, The Subway, Court of the Patriarchs
    • Where to stay: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale is one of the best hotels nearby the park, or people can read our guide on where to lodge in Zion

5. Bryce Canyon National Park, one of the best national parks near Las Vegas

Together with Zion, Bryce Canyon is one of the optimum parks in close proximity to Las Vegas, and it’s ideal for a day excursion. Despite the label, this area isn’t just a single canyon, but rather a series of rock structures like amphitheaters, natural bridges, and hoodoos (thin eroded towers). These geological constructions generate breathtaking vistas where one can observe this seemingly otherworldly landscape.

Helpfully, the majority of Bryce Canyon’s finest vantage points are merely a few miles into the park. For instance, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point offer striking views of the bright reddish hoodoos at Bryce Amphitheater.

If you only have one day there, I suggest a shorter hike like the Navajo Loop, which leads to vistas of Thor’s Hammer and the Two Bridges. Another good route is the Queens Garden Trail, which travels through the amphitheater to the rock formation known as Queen Victoria. Additionally, the Bryce Canyon Shuttle is a good choice if you have kids or prefer not to hike, as it will take you to some of the park`s most famous points.

While Bryce Canyon is a top national park near Las Vegas, Nevada, it is several hours away. So, if making the drive is not preferable, consider this day excursion to Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park.

• • • Travel time from Vegas: 4 hours
    • Park fee: $35/vehicle
    • Highlights: Bryce Amphitheater, Navajo Loop, Queens Garden Trail, hoodoos, lookout points
    • Where to sleep: The complimentary shuttle that traverses the park stops at places like Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon, or you could lodge at one of these lodging options near Bryce Canyon

6. Valley of Fire, the best state park near Las Vegas, Nevada

Another stop I recommend is Marsala, which is renowned for its amazing wine. There is no better way to enjoy this town than by taking a winery tour with wine tasting.

The most established state stop in Nevada incorporates over 40,000 sections of dynamic Aztec sandstone and awe-inspiring geological structures. On the off chance that you time your outing accurately, you can see the sun strike the rock, making a portrayal of a blazing scene. It’s an authentic treasure for photographers, which is part of why we love it!

Over countless years, geological faults and erosion in the region created the jagged rock structures and sandy hills that can be found there today. One of the earliest groups of inhabitants in this land was the Ancestral Puebloans (the Anasazi), and remnants of their culture are reflected in the ancient drawings throughout the park, especially at the site known as Mouse’s Tank and Atlatl Rock. Along with the ancient rock art, the area features breathtaking rock outcroppings and fossilized trees dating back thousands of years, earning it the designation of National Natural Landmark.

While it’s a lovely place to camp or hike, it’s also an ideal day expedition if you’re searching for national or state parks near Las Vegas, NV. The Nevada Scenic Byway leads to the park entrance, but if you’d prefer not to drive, this hiking tour from Las Vegas is perfect and suitable for all fitness levels.

• • • Travel time from Vegas: 45 minutes
    • Park fee: $15/vehicle
    • Highlights: Red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, hiking, Mouse’s Tank, Atlatl Rock
    • Location for accommodation: Camping within the Valley of Fire offers an extraordinary experience but you could also lodge at the North Shore Inn near Lake Mead, just outside the park, or you could spend the night in Las Vegas since it’s only 45 minutes away

7. Joshua Tree National Park, a unique national park near Las Vegas

Named for the notable desert tree, the Joshua Tree National Park is another national park near Las Vegas, Nevada. Its higher elevations contain parts of the Mojave Desert, while the lower regions are home to the Colorado Desert. As such, visitors can find a variety of hiking paths, flora, wildlife, and geological minerals there, including Pinto gneiss dating back over 1.5 billion years.

The unique protrusions and immense boulders allow for some amazing hikes. Consider a nature walk through Cholla Cactus Garden or a hike through Hidden Valley to the Keys View outlook, where sweeping sunset views over the Salton Sea can be witnessed. It`s worth staying after dark to see the starry night sky and potentially photographing the Milky Way, depending on the time of visit.

Among the park`s major attractions include the sinister-looking Skull Rock, the defunct Desert Queen Mine, the naturally formed Old Woman Rock, the scattered Giant Marbles, the arch-like Arch Rock, and the heart-shaped Heart Rock, and of course, the iconic Joshua trees. The trees are in full bloom from February to April, but there are other flora and fauna to behold, like cacti, wildflowers, the roadrunner bird, and the desert tortoise.

Whilst this really is one among the best nationwide parks near Las Vegas, the best focus of Joshua bushes is not right here, but inside Mojave National Preserve. It’s a superb different just an hour from Las Vegas, and we’ve written an entire information about it.

• • • The driving time from Las Vegas to the location is approximately 3 hours.
    • Park fee: $30/vehicle
    • Highlights: Notable sights include Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden, Desert Queen Mine, Arch Rock, Heart Rock
    • Where to spend the night: Jumbo Rocks Campground is one of the most popular locations to stay in Joshua Tree, and we have a guide highlighting some recommended accommodations near Mojave National Preserve

8. Yosemite, one of the largest national parks around Las Vegas

Yosemite National Park may be over 5 hours away by vehicle, but as one of the premier parks located relatively close to Las Vegas, it makes for an worthwhile longer journey.

Situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the park and UNESCO World Heritage Site represents one of the few remaining tracts of undisturbed wilderness. Yosemite is renowned for its plant, wildlife, and geological diversity, so depending on where you travel, you’ll see granite cliffs and mountains, glacial lakes with crystalline water, and more.

Many premier attractions occupy the Yosemite Valley such as the Half Dome, El Capitan, and Cathedral Peak. The best guidance is viewing from Tunnel View enabling perception of all three landmarks in a stunning panorama. Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, also merits a visit.

In addition to exploring the stunning Yosemite Valley, it is worthwhile to drive Glacier Point Road where spectacular views can be had from vantage points like Taft Point overlooking Sentinel Dome and several cascading waterfalls. I also found Tuolumne Meadows and the groves of massive sequoia trees to be incredibly awe-inspiring.

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• • • Travel time from Vegas: 5.5 hours
    • Park fee: $35/vehicle
    • Highlights: El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point Road
    • Where to reside: The Yosemite Valley Lodge is highly favored, or you can browse our list of advised hotels and campgrounds in Yosemite

9. Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, a beautiful state park near Vegas

Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is located only a couple hours outside of Las Vegas, making it an affordable day trip that families can take. It borders the Mojave Desert and is part of the larger Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, a protected region home to endangered habitats and species.

True to its designation, the region highlights magnificent red stone structures and other geological formations like lava tubes and the extinct Santa Clara volcano. The desert environment is filled with wildlife like the Gila monster, horned rattlesnake, and giant desert hairy scorpion. Don’t let that discourage you because there are designated trails leading to some incredible sights.

Some of the routes in Canyonlands National Park that I propose exploring include the Babylon Arch Trail, a 3-mile loop through narrow rocky passages made of reddish and orange rock. The Red Reef Trail offers an straightforward 1.5-mile path showcasing rugged Navajo sandstone and natural pools, and the Dino Cliffs Trail protects dinosaur tracks left in the exposed stratum.

Toquerville Falls Trail through LaVerkin Creek is longer (12 miles), but it leads to a beautiful natural pool and waterfall with cliffs you can use to leap into the water.

The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve also features Snow Canyon State Park, an additional Utah state park near Las Vegas that deserves a visit. It`s renowned for its red and white canyon, sculpted cliffs, and opportunities to spot wildlife.

• • • Travel time from Vegas: 2 hours
    • Park fee: $5/vehicle
    • Highlights: Santa Clara volcano, Snow Canyon State Park, dinosaur imprints, natural pools, Toquerville Falls
    • Where to reside: The Inn on the Cliff and the Mulberry Inn are two top lodgings in St. George that are within 8 miles of Red Cliffs

10. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, an interesting national park near Las Vegas

Lastly, I could not discuss the national parks near Las Vegas without bringing up Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It occupies the largest area in the nation for recreation, extending from the Colorado River corridor in Arizona to Lake Mead in southeastern Nevada.

A key feature of this place is Lake Mead, the reservoir created by the construction of the Hoover Dam over 85 years ago. The lake holds more than 26 million acre-feet of water, making it a hotspot for water-based activities like swimming and kayaking. It’s also common to see cyclists and climbers exploring the surrounding mountains, canyons, and valleys.

For those planning to spend an extended period in the area, I suggest taking a hike along one of the designated routes through the desert wilderness preserves. Several trail options offer scenic panoramic views of landmarks like the Hoover Dam, Colorado River, and Boulder City. Two trails I would highlight include the Historic Railroad Trail, an easy path with views of Boulder Basin, or the St. Thomas Trail, a 2-mile loop passing through the ghost town with the same name.

During the excursion, I also suggest checking out Lake Mohave, a reservoir built through the Davis Dam with coves and natural hot springs. However, if time is limited and the focus is Lake Mead, a half-day trip goes to the Hoover Dam bypass, Visitor Center, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

• • • Travel time from Vegas: 30 minutes
    • Park fee: $25/vehicle
    • Highlights: Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, Black Canyon Springs, hiking, watersports
    • Accommodation options:Hoover Dam Lodge is just minutes away, or you could sleep in Las Vegas

Map of national parks near Las Vegas

I hope you found it enjoyable reading about the best parks in the Las Vegas region ! Be sure to check out my map of national parks near Las Vegas so you can plan the ideal Vegas itinerary.

If you have any queries about planning your Las Vegas national park road trip, leave me a comment, and I’ll offer assistance. Safe travels!