![[usxanz] Las Vegas Family Activities](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/q_85/c_fill,w_1360/v1730256127/bfuimjrmqljweo2m8fln.jpg)
When you think of Las Vegas, you probably picture famous hotels, glitzy shows, and slot machines. But beyond the bright lights of The Strip, there’s plenty of natural beauty and wholesome outdoor activities in Las Vegas to be enjoyed and with no luck needed.
Given that Las Vegas is literally in the middle of the desert, it’s really easy to escape the madness of the city for a more rural backdrop. There are lots of day tours, hikes, and helicopter rides to choose from. You’ll have no trouble finding destinations for outdoor fun, Las Vegas visitors will love it.
Here’s a list of our favorite outdoor excursions to give you some inspo your next trip to Las Vegas. And, at the risk of sounding sensible, remember to pack plenty of water if you’re visiting during the summer months!
1. Grand Canyon National Park
Photo by Alan Carrillo on Unsplash
We’ll start with the obvious one. Located in neighboring Arizona (which is aptly The Golden Canyon State) is an unmissable landmark for any first-time Vegas tourist’s itinerary. It’s also one of the most iconic Las Vegas outdoor attractions worth the trip.
Covering over 1.2 million acres, the Canyon’s layered bands of rock reveal millions of years of geologic history.
[Fun fact]: It was the 15th site in the US to have been named a National Park and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
For an unforgettable adventure, take a Grand Canyon South Rim tour where you can experience some of the most stunning viewpoints and learn about its fascinating history through guided exploration.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 2-2.5 hours
2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
You won't need to travel for hours to get your red rock fix
A little closer to the strip we have Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The best thing about Red Rock - aside from the beautiful amber landscape and endless Joshua trees - is that it’s less than 30 minutes drive from Las Vegas Boulevard so there’s no need to plan a whole day around it. There are certainly some hikes that are long enough if you do want to spend the day there.
Another great feature of Red Rock Canyon tours is the one-way 13-mile scenic drive—a perfect option if you’re not up for a hike in the heat and want to feel like you’re on a true American road trip. There’s also a Visitor Center offering information about the landscape and history of the conservation area.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 30 minutes
3. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, Nevada
The famous Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest area of the Western Hemisphere. In fact, in summer 2020, the highest temperature on Earth was supposedly recorded there!
Visit Death Valley and you'll be able to immerse yourself in the beautiful desolation of its terrain and get breathtaking views from famous photo stops like Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View. You can learn about the significance of the park as you visit historical landmarks, including Artist’s Palette and the Devil’s Golf Course.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 1.5-2 hours
4. Zion National Park
Photo by Danika Perkinson on Unsplash
Zion National Park is a spectacular nature reserve located in Utah. The park is known for an expansive canyon averaging 2,000 feet deep (!), as well as spectacular red rock arches, rivers, and waterfalls.
If you’re feeling active—or just want to stretch your legs after the drive up—Zion offers plenty of hike routes for all energy levels. There’s also a “Canyon Scenic Drive," which cuts through the canyon, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 2.5-3 hours
5. Bryce Canyon National Park
Like its neighbor, Zion, Bryce Canyon National Park is located in Utah, so you’ll want to plan at least a day trip to visit this one if you’re planning to visit from Vegas.
We promise it’s worth it: The park’s hallmark crimson-colored “hoodoos” (rock formations) make for stunning photos and views that are totally worth the long drive.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: Around 4 hours
6. Valley of Fire State Park
The famous Valley of Fire State Park in Las Vegas | Photo Credits: Tom Delanoue from Unsplash
If you’re looking for something closer (and just as striking), Valley of Fire State Park is often overlooked but absolutely worth adding to your list. Known for its fiery red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs, it’s one of the most photogenic desert landscapes near Vegas.
You can explore scenic drives, short hikes, and unique rock formations all in one trip.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 1 hour
7. Area 51
Road to an isolated area | Photo Credits: Stephen Walker from Unsplash
Breaking up the list of natural beauty spots to bring you a more left-field suggestion for a day out… Area 51.
Area 51 is a highly classified United States Air Force facility located in Nevada. It’s also illegal to fly over Area 51, but luckily you can take a tour there (don’t forget to let us know what you find out).
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 1.5 hours
8. Lake Havasu
If you’ve had enough of the desert dirt, why not swap it for sandy beaches? Known as “the Ft. Lauderdale of the desert, Lake Havasu is a popular day trip from Las Vegas for its year-round “Spring Break” feeling. Bring your swimsuit and towel and cool off with a swim in the blue waters of this gorgeous freshwater lake.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 2.5 hours
9. Antelope Canyon
If national parks were celebrities, Antelope Canyon would be the most photographed. You might recognize the smooth, waved rocks of this natural wonder as it welcomes an estimated 4 million visitors every year.
If you're up for an adventure, try a challenging hike with Ken’s Tour Lower Antelope Canyon. This tour gives you a chance to explore the stunning narrow paths while learning interesting stories about the canyon's history from Navajo guides.
Drive time from Las Vegas Strip: 4.5-5 hours
10. Las Vegas Helicopter Tour
Of course no trip to Vegas is complete without a helicopter tour. Whether you choose just to see Sin City from above or book a tour at of the nearby national parks, you’ll get the best views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding landscapes. You can even do scenic Lake Mead boat tours for a different kind of experience.
It’s the perfect way to wrap up your list of outdoor activities in Las Vegas with something unforgettable.
Unique outdoor experiences in Las Vegas
If you’re looking to mix things up beyond sightseeing, Las Vegas also offers some truly one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures.
Tourists enjoying a sunset horseback ride tour
1. For a classic Wild West experience, try a sunset horseback ride complete with dinner.
2. If you’re after something more adrenaline-filled, an off-road shooting experience in the desert might be right up your alley.
3. Prefer something more laid-back? A guided stargazing experience lets you take in the desert sky far from the city lights:
4. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can also take things up a notch with SkyJump. It’s a controlled free-fall experience from one of the tallest observation towers in the US.
FAQs about outdoor activities in Las Vegas
1. What are the best outdoor things to do in Las Vegas?
Some of the best outdoor experiences include hiking at Red Rock Canyon, kayaking on the Colorado River, exploring Valley of Fire State Park, taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, and walking the Las Vegas Strip at night. You can also visit Hoover Dam or enjoy a scenic drive through the Mojave Desert.
2. What are fun outdoor activities for adults in Las Vegas?
Adults can enjoy ATV tours in the desert, ziplining over Fremont Street, golfing at world-class courses, or taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Pool parties and day clubs also offer a lively outdoor scene with music, drinks, and social vibes.
3. What are 5 outdoor activities in Las Vegas?
Five popular outdoor activities include hiking at Red Rock Canyon, kayaking at Lake Mead, off-roading in the desert, visiting the Hoover Dam, and exploring the Valley of Fire. Each offers a different way to experience the natural landscapes around the city.
4. Is Las Vegas great for outdoors?
Las Vegas is a great place for outdoor adventures thanks to its proximity to deserts, canyons, and national parks. While the city is known for entertainment, the surrounding landscapes provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, water activities, and scenic exploration.
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Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
