Of course, you can head to Vegas for the glamorous casinos, extravagant parties, flashy shows, and award-winning restaurants but did you know there are multiple national parks within a few hour drive of the Las Vegas Strip? Some are less than 30 minutes away!

If you’ve had enough fun partying or you’re more of the outdoorsy type then you’ll fall in love with Vegas – but maybe not for the city itself, rather what’s around it.

These Las Vegas road trip itineraries take you to majestic canyons, through hoodoo amphitheaters, among giant boulders and Joshua trees, atop sand dunes spanning as far as the eye can see, through narrow slot canyons and far beyond. If you’re trying to choose a winter destination for an outdoor trip, it’s time to pack your bags and book an Escape Camper Van in Las Vegas to see some of the wonders Nevada, Utah, and Arizona have to offer!

Southern Utah Parks: Zion & Bryce Canyon National Park

From the deep sandstone canyons to the bright hoodoo spires the spectacular geology of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are two bucket list destinations. Within a three to four-hour drive from Las Vegas, you can visit both of these spectacular parks and best to do so in the winter when crowds are at their lowest!

Total Driving Time: 9 hours

How many days? 3 – 5 days

Zion Canyon, Zion National Park

The Springdale entrance into Zion National Park is just about two and a half hours from Las Vegas. In the summer Zion Canyon is overly crowded but in the winter you’ll enjoy a more tranquil experience. While the canyon receives snow a few times a year, there are plenty of sunny days too.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or you prefer an easy walk to scenic viewpoints, Zion offers opportunities no matter what you’re after.

Zion National Park Highlights

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway: This 25-mile scenic drive through Zion National Park starts near the Springdale Park Entrance and ends in Mount Carmel on the east side of the park. There are many pull-offs to enjoy striking views of Zion Canyon along the way.

The Narrows: The Narrows are the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Walk from the Temple of Sinawava along the Virgin River until you meet the Narrows where you can wade through the water far into the canyon.

Angels Landing: Angels Landing is debatably the most iconic hike in the park offering stunning views from the top but first you must make it through a questionable chain section across exposed terrain with steep drop offs. It’s not for the faint of heart!

Zion National Park Camping

Watchman Campground is located near the Springdale Park Entrance and is open year-round. Reservations are required. There are a few campgrounds outside the park with limited availability in the winter. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is famous for its red, orange, yellow, and white hoodoo amphitheaters that blanket the landscape. The unique formations are a must-visit on a Las Vegas road trip. 

Bryce Canyon National Park lies between 8000 – 9000 feet in elevation so it’s much colder than Zion National Park. Dress warm and prepare for snow. The snow contrasting the orange sandstone is a site you don’t want to miss. Check online for up-to-date road and travel conditions before you head out.

Bryce Canyon Highlights

Bryce Point: Bryce Point is possibly the most popular of all the viewpoints in the park. Come at sunrise or sunset to see the colors come to life while looking down onto Bryce Canyon amphitheater.

Navajo Loop Trail: This 1.5-mile loop trail switchbacks among the giant towering hoodoos and Douglas-fir trees. The Navajo Loop Trail is considered moderate and is one of the best short-day hikes in the park.

Rainbow Point: Rainbow Point is one of the highest viewpoints in the park. Here you can see the geological uplifting and tilting followed by erosion that created the majestic landscapes throughout the park.

Bryce Canyon Camping

There are two campgrounds in Bryce Canyon National Park. North Campground is the only one open year-round. It’s located near the visitor center and Bryce Canyon Lodge. There are a few campgrounds outside the park with limited availability throughout the winter.

Because of the high elevations make sure you pack warm layers and extra blankets. It’s not uncommon for night temperatures to drop well below freezing.

Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park

As you make your way back to Las Vegas you can make a quick stop at Kolob Canyon, the western part of Zion National Park, located right off of I-15. It’s a short detour but well worth the stop.

Explore the five-mile scenic drive up Kolob Canyons Road to enjoy the landscape. This is also the perfect stop for travelers eager to stretch their legs. Hike the 1-mile out-and-back Timber Creek Overlook Trail. It’s an easy walk with minimal elevation gain but high rewards with views of Kolob Terrace, Timber Creek, the Pine Valley Mountains, and Shutavi Butte.

*Kolob Canyons is located at a higher elevation than Zion Canyon and therefore receives more snow. Occasional storms close the road into the area. Check online for up-to-date information about park closures in effect.

California Desert Highlights: Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, & Joshua Tree National Park

The deserts of California have a lot to offer and the best time to explore the dramatic scenery is in the winter when temperatures are comfortable and crowds are minimal! From Escape Camper Vans in Las Vegas, Death Valley, Mojave National Preserve, and Joshua Tree National Park are the perfect places to explore for a few days. If you have enough time I’d recommend a week to really dive in and experience the diverse life of the desert.

Total Driving Time: 12 hours

How many days? 4 – 6 days

Death Valley National Park

Known as the driest, hottest, and lowest national park in the US you might wonder what there is to see in Death Valley but the park comes to life in the winter. Stunning sunrises and sunsets bring out colors in the sand and rocks. The plentiful flora and fauna are more active in the cooler winter temperatures.

Located just two and a half hours from Las Vegas, start your California desert winter road trip in Death Valley National Park. 

Death Valley Highlights

Badwater Basin: Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at -282 feet below sea level. Walking on the massive salt bed feels like strolling across another planet.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Wander around the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes where some dunes rise nearly 100 feet high. The area is home to the mesquite tree and surrounded by a dramatic mountain landscape making it the perfect backdrop for a sunset photoshoot.

Zabriskie Point: Enjoy sunrise or sunset at this stunning viewpoint with the rugged Panamint Mountains rising up to 11,000 feet spanning the horizon in the distance.

Golden Canyon: Wander among the yellow towering walls and side canyons created by erosion on a 2-mile round-trip hiking trail though Golden Canyon. 

Artists Drive: A 9-mile, one-way, scenic drive winds through the colorful eroded hills of Artists Palette. It’s best viewed during afternoon light for the most striking colors.

Death Valley Camping

Death Valley has a variety of campgrounds open throughout the winter. Developed campgrounds have water, toilets, and trash removal. Primitive campgrounds are located off unpaved roads. There are a few private campgrounds in the park too.

Reservations are required at the private campgrounds and recommended around holidays and weekends at the developed sites, even throughout the winter.

Mojave National Preserve

The Mojave Desert offers impressive sites ranging from canyons and mountains to woodlands and lava caves. The preserve is filled with rich human history dating over 10,000 years as well as a diverse ecological environment that shouldn’t be missed on a California desert road trip.

It’s also the perfect midpoint between Death Valley and Joshua Tree so why not take the scenic route and explore all this desert has to offer.

Mojave National Preserve Highlights

Mojave Desert Lava Tube: A short but rocky trail through a basaltic lava tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field leads you to the Mojave Desert Lava Tube.

Kelso Sand Dunes: Run around some of the 45 square miles of Kelso Sand Dunes. Some dunes are over 650 feet tall!

Boulders Viewpoint Area: Enjoy a dramatic viewpoint of granite boulders and the Mojave National Preserve at the roadside Boulder Viewpoint Area.

Mojave National Preserve Camping

Primitive camping is very popular in Mojave National Preserve. Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills Campground are two basic developed campgrounds. You must bring your own water.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is home to its namesake Joshua trees, giant boulders, human history, and rich flora and fauna. From short walks through park highlights to hiking up mountains there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.

Spend a day or two driving through the park from the north to the southeast. From the southern entrance at Cottonwood Springs, the drive back to Las Vegas is about four hours.

Joshua Tree National Park Highlights

Skull Rock: Erosion has shaped this iconic boulder to look like a skull. Skull Rock is one of the most photographed rocks in the park and is easily viewable right off Park Boulevard.

Keys View: Drive up to Keys View for panoramic views from the highest drivable point in Joshua Tree National Park standing at 5,185 feet in elevation.

Hidden Valley Nature Trail: Hike this easy 1-mile loop trail showcasing gigantic granite boulders, flora, and classic Joshua Tree National Park scenery.

Cholla Cactus Garden: Explore the flat, quarter-mile walk that winds through the expansive garden of teddy bear cholla cactus surrounded by rugged mountains. 

Ryan Mountain: Ryan Mountain is accessible via a 3-mile out-and-back trail. At 5,456 feet tall the peak offers sweeping views of the park and surrounding mountains.

Joshua Tree National Park Camping

There are many year-round campgrounds in Joshua Tree. Some require reservations ahead while others are first-come, first-served. Water is limited throughout the park so pack your own.

Primitive camping and private established campgrounds available with reservations are common outside of the park.

Central Arizona Wonders: Grand Canyon National Park & Sedona

Central Arizona is only a four-hour drive from Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon and Sedona are some of the most popular places to visit in Arizona both known for their breathtaking scenery. And in Sedona, you can also enjoy small city life. From nature and hiking to dining and shopping it’s the perfect Las Vegas road trip destination.

Total Driving Time: 10.5 hours

How many days? 4 – 6 days

Grand Canyon National Park

No Las Vegas road trip would be complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world!

The vast canyon stretches 227 miles long and is over ten miles wide at certain points. It’s almost too much for the eye to comprehend from the rim! And what’s better than seeing it with a bit of winter snow blanketing the high peaks?

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about a four hour drive from Las Vegas. While there drive along Desert View drive and stop at many of the overlooks. If you’re feeling up to it, hike a mile down one of the trails into the canyon.

*The Grand Canyon does receive snow throughout the winter months so check online to stay up to date about road and trail closures. 

Grand Canyon Highlights

Trail of Time: Walk the 2.8-mile Trail of Time along the South Rim. It’s set up as a timeline providing insight into the geologic history and formation of the Grand Canyon over the past one million years.

Desert View Drive: Explore the 23-mile drive along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with sweeping vistas of the canyon and Colorado River. There are many viewpoints with road pullouts to take photos along the way.

Bright Angel Trail: The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park and descends all the way to the Colorado River. While that’s a big endeavor, even a short walk down the trail yields striking views.

Mather Point: Mather Point offers impressive views of the Grand Canyon. On clear days you can see over 60 miles out.  

Grand Canyon Camping

Mather Campground and Trailer Village Campground are the two year round campgrounds located on the South Rim. You must book them in advance. There are private campgrounds located outside the park in the town of Tusayan.

Sedona

Known for its bright red and orange sandstone spires, buttes, and mesas contrasting the deep evergreens in Coconino National Forest, Sedona is a dreamy little city located in the heart of Arizona. Sedona is about two hours south of the Grand Canyon and from there a four hour drive back to Las Vegas.

In Sedona, the desert is alive all throughout the year, but the trails and the city are the least crowded in the winter making it a lovely time to visit.

Sedona is especially enticing after a light snow, although the midday sun melts it off quickly. Start your hike early for a chance to catch a glimpse of some desert snow! Whether you’re into hiking, art, or dining, there’s plenty to explore in this magical little city.

Sedona Highlights

Cathedral Rock: Cathedral Rock is a prominent rock in the center of Sedona and it’s the perfect spot for a sunset hike. The short ascent is steep and scrambly but well worth the views.

Downtown Sedona: Wander through Sedona’s main street to enjoy art galleries, shopping, dining, and local crafts.

Chapel of the Holy Cross: This famous Catholic chapel was built high up on the hill and incorporated into the red rock buttes. It offers iconic views looking out upon the city and landscape.

Red Rock State Park: This large nature preserve is covered in sandstone buttes, spires, and mesas. Red Rock State Park lies along Oak Creek and offers access to many hiking trails.

Devil’s Bridge: Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the area and is accessible via a 2-mile round trip hike through desert fauna and with striking distant vistas.

Sedona Camping

There are many RV parks and campgrounds around the Sedona area. These campgrounds are often open year-round. Dispersed camping is also popular however, these areas are becoming more restricted. You might have to drive a few miles up a dirt road to find a good place to sleep.

Exploring Landmarks around Page, Arizona: Kanab, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, & Marble Canyon

Hop in the car and head north to Page, Arizona. While the small town itself doesn’t offer much more than some motels and a few diners the surrounding landscape is a gem along the Utah-Arizona border making it the perfect Las Vegas road trip destination.

Explore the lake, slot canyons, washes, sand dunes, sandstone cliffs, and the Colorado River. All of these hot spots are located within an hour or less from Page!

Total Driving Time: 10.5 hours

How many days? 3 – 5 days

Kanab

Kanab is a classic American wild-west town in southwest Utah. The old-fashioned town sits among its famous sandstone cliffs, a popular backdrop of old wild-west films.

Spend a night camping in Kanab so you can check out some of the native and natural wonders of the area.

Kanab Highlights

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park: Run around the pink-hued sand dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Surrounded by red sandstone cliffs, the dramatic scenery is wonderful for photography.

Moqui Cave: Check out this eroded sandstone cave now filled with Native American artifacts, dinosaur track fossils, and fluorescent minerals.

Downtown Kanab: Wander the streets of the quaint wild-west-themed town of Kanab. From galleries and shops to cafes and restaurants it’s worth spending a few hours wandering through downtown Kanab.

Kanab Camping

Primitive camping is popular on the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land surrounding Kanab. There are also private campgrounds throughout the town.

Lake Powell

An hour east of Kanab is Lake Powell, located on the border of Arizona and Utah. The large reservoir lies above Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, just above the start of the Grand Canyon.

Lake Powell offers plenty of picnicking, walking, swimming, boating, and camping opportunities all throughout the year, but is far less crowded in the winter.

Lake Powell Highlights

Wahweap Recreation Area: Lying along the shores of Lake Powell this is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, camping, and boating.

Glen Canyon Dam Overlook: Take a short walk leading you to the rim of the canyon above the Colorado River with views of Glen Canyon Dam.

Lake Powell Camping

There are a few campgrounds in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area surrounding Lake Powell. Wahweap Campground and Lone Rock Beach Campground are the most accessible. There are a few private campgrounds located right in Page, Arizona.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is one of the most photographed slot canyons in the world, and it’s no wonder why. The narrow slot canyons with wispy striations and bright red and orange hues make it hard to believe you’re on this planet.

Antelope Canyon is located in Navajo Nation so you must obtain a permit with a tour guide in order to visit the canyon. Conveniently, guided trips leave right from the town of Page.

Horseshoe Bend

At Horseshoe Bend, the Colorado River meanders 270 degrees offering a stunning viewpoint of the desert landscape. It’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Arizona.

A 1.5-mile out-and-back hike leads you to the overlook.

As crowds have increased over the years you need to arrive very early to snag a parking spot. The drive to Horseshoe Bend is only about 10 minutes from Page.

Marble Canyon

On your way back to Las Vegas take the slightly southern route to explore the Marble Canyon area of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Marble Canyon starts just below the Glen Canyon Dam and is technically the beginning of the Grand Canyon.

Shaped by the Colorado River, here you’ll enjoy stunning viewpoints and pull offs as well as the option for some classic desert hiking into washes. From Marble Canyon it’s about a four hour drive back to Las Vegas.

Marble Canyon Highlights

Historic Navajo Bridge: This beautiful walking bridge looks down on the Colorado River and is a popular spot for the majestic California condors to hang out.

Lees Ferry: Lees Ferry is the only place in Glen Canyon where you can drive down to the Colorado River. It’s the launching point of Grand Canyon rafting trips so you’re likely to see people preparing their boats.

Cathedral Wash: Hike the 3-mile out-and-back trail through Cathedral Wash. The rocky trail requires a bit of scrambling to get down to the Colorado River.

Vermillion Cliffs: Visible from the highway, Vermillion Cliffs are a large wall of red rocks layered with impressive stratifications.

Marble Canyon Camping

There is plenty of BLM land surrounding Marble Canyon where you can dispersed camp. Otherwise, check out the park campground at Lees Ferry.

Stay Local!: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park

Most people think of glamorous casinos, bustling streets, neon lights, famed performances, and elaborate buffets when visiting Las Vegas but most don’t know how many stunning wonders surround the area, all within an hour drive.

So, why not turn it into a little road trip? Check out the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire, and Red Rocks – all within a 4 hour loop of the city. But even better, spend a night camping near each destination and go hiking.

Winter is the perfect time to explore this region as temperatures are comfortable and it’s not too crowded. And it’s hard to believe that all these sites are so close to such a big city!

Total Driving Time:  4 hours

How many days? 3 – 4 days

Hoover Dam

Completed in 1936 the construction of the concrete arch-gravity dam played a major role in the industrial revolution and is considered a wonder of the modern world. For that reason the Hoover Dam is registered as a national historic landmark.

The Hoover Dam is on the border of Nevada and Arizona is only a 30 minute drive from Escape Camper Vans in Las Vegas. It’s the perfect first stop when exploring the local wonders of the area.

Hoover Dam Highlights

Hoover Dam Visitor Center: Learn about the construction, history, and significance of the Hoover Dam at the visitor center, open daily from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm.

Hoover Dam Cafe: Grab a burger or sandwich and your classic Hoover Dam souvenir T-shirt or mug at the Hoover Dam Cafe.

Kayak: Enjoy the Colorado River by kayaking. Many guide outfitters offer family-friendly trips right below the Hoover Dam to hot springs and emerald coves.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Following the construction of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead became a reservoir on the Colorado River. In terms of water capacity, it’s the largest reservoir in the US. From the Hoover Dam, you can drive to viewpoints or hang out at a beach or picnic area. Sunset at Lake Mead is quite beautiful so it’s a good place to spend the night camping. 

Lake Mead Highlights

Lakeview Scenic Overlook: Stop at this nice overlook which offers panoramic vistas of Lake Mead and the Boulder Basin. Lakeview Overlook is located right off the road you take to the Hoover Dam Visitor Center.

Boulder Beach: Boulder Beach is a nice beach popular for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and walking along the shores of Lake Mead.

Lake Mead Camping

There are many campsites around Lake Mead but the most convenient ones are Boulder Beach Campground and Las Vegas Bay Campground.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park is located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. It’s a small park, often overlooked but it’s a pocket of red and orange sandstone wonder. There are plenty of short walks to moderate hikes to explore the area.

Valley of Fire is home to bighorn sheep and other desert wildlife. There are campgrounds right in the park so you can enjoy sunrise or sunset in the open landscape.

Valley of Fire Highlights

Fire Wave: A mile-and-a-half trail through the stunning rock landscapes with swirling rock patterns takes you to Fire Wave.

Elephant Rock: Take a short walk to the unique elephant-shaped sandstone rock formation.

Mouse’s Tank Road: A 6-mile out-and-back road starting at the park visitor center passes by many park highlights with stunning vistas and landscapes.

Valley of Fire Camping

Atlatl Rock and Arch Rock are the two campgrounds in Valley of Fire State Park. They have 72 sites in total. Sites have water, bathrooms, grills, and tables. Outside the park, there are limited dispersed camping areas.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Red Rock Canyon is just a 30-minute drive from the strip yet most people have no idea it even exists! Look out for wildlife, wander through the Calico Hills, take the scenic drive, or head deep into a canyon, there are plenty of ways to explore this local wonder.

There is also a campground located just outside the main park entrance. It’s one of the closest spots to camp near Las Vegas and a beautiful place to wake up away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Red Rock Canyon Highlights

Red Rock Canyon NCA Scenic Drive: A 13-mile one-way picturesque drive through the park offers access to many hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and biking opportunities.

Calico Hills: Hike among the swirling and spotted red, orange, and white sandstone boulders. Wander through canyons and scramble up rock; the Calico Hills offer an adventure for all visitors.

Red Rock Canyon Overlook: Snap some photos at this striking viewpoint located off the scenic drive offering panoramic vistas of the park.

Red Rock Canyon Camping

Red Rock Canyon Campground is the only campground in the conservation area. Spots are limited so it’s best to reserve a site in advance.