The Best National Parks Near Las Vegas
Las Vegas welcomed over 41 million visitors in 2024, thus cementing its status as a premier travel destination. While Las Vegas is mostly known for its lavish resort casinos and countless entertainment options, there are other fun activities to enjoy during your visit, including trips to the great outdoors. If you’re wondering what national parks are near Las Vegas, the following spots are perfect for sightseeing, camping, hiking, photography, and connecting with nature.
The Best National Parks Near Las Vegas
Your best bet for outdoor recreation is to visit spots managed by the United States National Park Service (NPS), the federal agency tasked with preserving some of the most stunning and beautiful land in North America. Ground transportation from the main strip to the following national parks near Las Vegas takes less than three hours; enough time for you to you can pack a gourmet lunch as you appreciate the gorgeous desert vistas along the way:
Death Valley National Park
As one of the most-visited Las Vegas national parks, Death Valley is also the largest in the U.S. To get an idea of its geological diversity, you can visit Badwater Basin at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level, followed by Dante’s View at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) on the same day; in fact, this is a popular day trip because of the breathtaking views of canyons and ghost towns from the peak. Fans of the Star Wars universe can go on self-guided driving tours to visit the Tatooine filming locations for “Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) and “Episode VI – Return of the Jedi” (1983).
Zion National Park
This is a rockier park that appeals to hikers, sightseers, and photographers. Unlike the open vistas of the Death Valley deserts, Zion’s beauty is monolithic; you can drive or walk through The Narrows, an iconic trail magnificently carved by the Virgin River millions of years ago. For a more challenging hike, take the NPS shuttle to the Angels Landing trailhead, climb to the top, and be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
Grand Canyon National Park
Although this majestic park is in Arizona, its West Rim is a three-hour drive from Las Vegas. The more popular South Rim is 280 miles away, so it is better for overnight visits. When visiting the West Rim, check out the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass-bottom bridge that delivers a sensation of walking on air at 4,000 feet (1,219 meters). Don’t forget to visit the Hualapai Ranch for horseback riding and family fun.
The Best Nature Areas Near Las Vegas
Beyond national parks near Las Vegas, you can also visit pristine nature preserves located even closer to the Strip, less than an hour’s drive away:
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
From early October to late May, you must make reservations to visit this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) area, which is worth visiting for its gorgeous, 13-mile scenic loop that winds through dramatic red rock formations and offers access to numerous hiking trails. Stopping at Summerlin to get meals and snacks is highly recommended.
Mojave National Preserve
Currently under NPS management, this preserve offers solitary desert landscapes, dense Joshua tree forests, ancient lava beds, and volcanic craters. This is a prime spot for camping and stargazing; the nighttime skies provide breathtaking views of planets, stars, and constellations.
Calico Basin Trail
No reservations are required to visit this trail, which is a more accessible part of Red Rock Canyon. The trails here are perfect for hiking and exploring petroglyphs created by ancestral Native Americans 800 years ago. Don’t forget to take selfies against the backdrop of bright red and orange rock hills.
Las Vegas is More Than Glitzy Casinos
The Strip is just one side of Sin City. With breathtaking scenery and unforgettable outdoor adventures a few hours away, you won’t regret visiting any of the national parks near Las Vegas.
