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Nature & Neon – Las Vegas & Southern Nevada

Grand Canyon – Hoover Dam – Valley of Fire State Park – Las Vegas – Death Valley National Park
Trip Length
5-9 days
Route Distance
404 mi
Stops
5

The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip often trick the uninformed into thinking all of Nevada is neon, casinos and concrete. Yet, starting a dozen miles from The Strip are the awe-inspiring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. And a few hours northwest is Death Valley National Park’s Nevada entrance. And 90 minutes northeast of Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park which rivals a national park for scenery. Vegas is also a great place to start the Utah’s Mighty 5 GenieTrip Meandering the Mighty 5 – Utah's National Parks, as well as the Arizona GenieTrip Soaking Up Sun & Sights in Arizona. And coming soon is an Aliens in Nevada GenieTrip!

We start this trip at the majestic West Rim of the Grand Canyon (which is technically just over the Nevada border in Arizona, but the Grand Canyon itself spans both states) which is owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. You can also start at the more popular South Rim which adds more miles to your road trip but does offer more amenities. Another option would be to start the trip at the Hoover Dam and nearby Lake Mead before heading to Vegas, and then take one of the popular Grand Canyon day trip tours from Las Vegas. Continue northeast to Nevada’s hidden gem – Valley of Fire State Park with its dramatic red rocks and wonderful hiking. The park is located about 10 miles from the less crowded northern shore of Lake Mead where you can find great fishing and boating. Continue on to world-famous Las Vegas – about an hour from the Hoover Dam – where you will find some quality food, entertainment and casinos. About an hour away from the Hoover Dam is world-famous Las Vegas where you can find great food, entertainment, casinos, and even a lot of family-friendly activities. But don’t be fooled by the bright lights – Vegas has natural beauty ten minutes off The Strip. Spend a day hiking and enjoying scenery at nearby Red Rock Canyon State. Then head northwest for your final stop at Death Valley National Park – America’s largest National Park that straddles the California and Nevada border. Death Valley’s dramatic desert landscape will enchant you.

Since southern Nevada, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley can regularly have summer temperatures well over 100 degrees (F), we recommend you travel in Spring, Fall, or Winter. If you do travel in the sweltering summer months, plan accordingly to stay hydrated and cool by reducing time in the heat. Let AdventureGenie help you plan the perfect road trip through Vegas and Southern Nevada!

Who Will Love This Trip
This trip has a mix of activities perfect for all ages. Las Vegas certainly appeals to adults with its world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, and gambling, but the city has a lot of great family-friendly activities to keep the young ones happy and to keep those entertained who don’t like traditional Vegas attractions.
Trip Tips

Know When to Visit: If you want to avoid crowds and experience ideal weather conditions, September–October are the best months in Nevada.

Don’t Miss the Bus When visiting the Grand Canyon, shuttles can fill up quickly, especially when returning to the Visitor Center, so check departure times.

Get Your Tickets: Buy tickets and passes online for the various Grand Canyon attractions and excursions.

Plan a Dam Good Tour: If you're short on time or budget, skip the Hoover Dam tour and walk across the top for free. Pets are not allowed anywhere on site (service animals are permitted). And there’s no standing or sitting on the walls atop the dam.

Explore the Valley of Fire: The park is pet friendly. Pack food—there are no restaurants in the area. The ADA-compliant campsite and a short trail to Mouse’s Tank are easily reachable by wheelchairs.

Experience Death Valley: Check the National Park website for updates on road and weather conditions. Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts.

Thrive in the City of Neon Lights: Avoid Las Vegas crowds by visiting on weekdays and outside of holidays. Casinos have different policies about free drinks, so ask resorts about their rules. Open containers are allowed on The Strip.

Stop 1: Grand Canyon West Rim, AZ
1-2- day stay
Description -

You’ll realize “Grand” is an understatement when you lay your eyes on the Grand Canyon and you’ll understand why it's included in the “Seven Wonders of the World.” The Grand Canyon is one of the best-preserved arid canyons formed by erosion in the world. Spanning over one million acres and four states, the canyon’s dramatic and jutting rock walls descend over 4000 feet for hundreds of miles. Prepare to be awed! Visitors will marvel at the jaw-dropping areas of land eroded over the past millions of years by the Colorado River. The land is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the more popular shore of Lake Mead is nearby with tons of water activities. Let AdventureGenie help you plan your RV road trip to Grand Canyon National Park!

The Grand Canyon spans four states – Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona – with the vast majority of its area located in Arizona. The South Rim is by far the most popular and accessible rim to visit, being about 365 miles from Las Vegas. The West Rim is the second most popular area to visit, with its entrance in Nevada, about 130mmiles from Vegas. The North Rim, approximately 260 miles from Las Vegas, is considerably more remote, less crowded and have fewer visitor services. It is also beloved by hikers, backpackers, overlanders, and wilderness campers. This rim is closed Oct-May due to winter. By far the most popular (and accessible) rim to visit is the South Rim, located about 279 miles from Las Vegas. Second to that is the West Rim in Nevada which is about 90 miles from the Hoover Dam (about 130 from Las Vegas). The North Rim (about 260 miles from Las Vegas) is considerably more remote, less crowded, and therefore beloved by hikers, backpackers, etc. (it is also closed October-May due to winter). It also has fewer visitor services. Depending on how much time you have, the time of year, and your interest in the Grand Canyon, all can be good options.

Top Things to Do -

Here are some popular things to see and do at each rim of the Grand Canyon:

West Rim – The closest rim to Vegas and the Hoover Dam, this area of the Canyon is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe (because you are on the Hualapai Reservation, National Park passes are not valid here). They offer free shuttle buses from the parking lot to the visitor area. Fun things to do here are: the Skywalk offering unparralled views from its U-shaped steel and glass walkway extending 70 feet over the West Rim; one and two-day white water rafting expeditions on the Colorado River inside the Canyon; Zipline (with two runs offering 3.200 feet of zip line, up to 40 mph, and 500 feet above the floor of a side canyon; a combined helicoptor and pontoon tour; and, hiking and biking trails. Exhibits on the history and culture of the Hualapai Tribe, as well as dining and shopping from goods and art created by the Tribe are available at this Rim.

South Rim – Stop at the Grand Canyon Village Visitor Center to plan your visit. Don’t miss Grand Canyon Village, scenic and historic Hermit Road (7 miles), South Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Havasu Falls, Whitmore Canyon Overlook, Horseshoe Bend, and the popular 25-mile Dessert View Drive. There are plenty of opportunities for private guided tours, hikes, rafting, mule-rides, and more. For a more detailed guide to the South Rim, check out the Grand Canyon stop on the Soaking Up Sun & Sights in Arizona GenieTrip.

North Rim – At a much higher elevation than the other rims, the quieter and more remote North Rim offers milder summer temperatures but is closed for the winter months to cars and RVs due to road conditions. Stop at the North Rim Visitor Center, Bright Angel Point, North Kaibab Trail, and Roosevelt Point. Dramatic Mount Trumball Drive is a “must”!

Grand Canyon West Rim, AZ Activities
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Rafting
  • Rock Climbing
  • Museum
  • History Tours
  • Horseback Riding
  • Mule Riding
  • Canoeing, Kayaking, & Paddling
  • White Water Rafting
  • Photography
  • Scenic Drives
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • Star Gazing
  • Native American Arts & Culture
RV Campgrounds Near Grand Canyon West Rim, AZ

There are two campgrounds inside Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim Trailer Village is the busiest, with lower elevation, warmer weather and amenities nearby (there are also RV length limits). The more remote North Rim Campground is open from May to October, has fewer visitors, and no hookups. Both campgrounds book up months in advance, so you’ll want to make a reservation up to 6 months before you go. The Hualapai Reservation has a no hook up RV camping area with a three-night minimum stay (prices are very affordable here). There are also several public campgrounds in nearby Native reservations and U.S. Forest Service land as well as private campgrounds outside the park. Take the guesswork out and let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for your road trip to the Grand Canyon!

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Stop 2: Hoover Dam, NV
1-2 day stay
Description -

Prepare to be awed by the engineering and labor feats of the Hoover Dam, built during the Great Depression. If you’ve never visited the Hoover Dam before, you're missing out on one of the most incredible construction "projects" in American history. Built in the 1930s, the dam is a sight to behold, and we strongly recommend taking a behind the scenes tour to see the inner workings of the dam. The museum and film documenting the building of the dam are top notch. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

Top Things to Do -

This area has so many activities and things to see. Here are some of the most popular:

Tour Inside the Dam – Behind the scenes tours are offered daily inside the dam and/or the power plant tunnels. The tours will greatly enhance your appreciation of the dam, and we highly recommend them.

Visit the Hoover Dam Museum – Immerse yourself in the history of the dam as you walk through wonderfully narrated exhibits and get a 360-degree view of the Dam, Colorado River, and Lake Mead from the Observation Deck.

Tickets – Unfortunately, National Park and Federal Recreation Lands passes are not accepted here. Walking across the dam is free, however!

Water Activities on Lake Mead – The area of Lake Mead near the dam is the busiest and most amenity-rich area of the lake. Boat rentals, kayak tours, and boat tours of Lake Mead are all good options. There are several marinas for boat launch, charters and rentals.

Visit Boulder City – Nearby Boulder City has many fun activities, dining options, museums, and shops. Consider visiting the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum, the Nevada State Railroad Museum. and Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum.

Hoover Dam, NV Activities
  • Museums
  • Boating & Watersports
  • Canoeing, Kayaking, & Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Biking
  • Hiking
RV Campgrounds Near Hoover Dam, NV

If you decide not to take a day-trip from Las Vegas and want to stay near the Dam (and potentially on your way to the Grand Canyon), you can stay in one of the nearby private parks or at one of the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area campgrounds. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground to explore the Hoover Dam and nearby Lake Mead!

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Stop 3: Valley of Fire State Park, NV
1-2 day stay
Description -

Take in more nature before heading to the neon lights of Vegas. The 40,000-acre Valley of Fire State Park is a little-known gem that many say rivals the nearby National Parks in Utah (Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef). The red, orange, and pink striped Aztec sandstone rock formations, panoramic drives, petroglyphs, and wonderful hiking trails, make spending a few days at Valley of Fire well worth it. The name is apt – the park’s valley looks alive with the colors of fire! Only a few miles from Valley of Fire is the more remote northern fork of Lake Mead – created by the damming of the Colorado River at the Hoover Dam, straddling Nevada and Arizona –and is a boater’s and fisherman’s paradise. Lake Mead’s busier area is two hours south near Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam and nearby Boulder City, Nevada. While the water level is near historic lows, there is still plenty to see and do. Let AdventureGenie help you plan a great road trip to Valley of Fire State Park!

Top Things to Do -

Here are some of the most popular things to see and do at Valley of Fire State Park and nearby areas of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Hiking – Valley of Fire – There are almost too many good hikes of all levels to pick our favorites. Consider the following trails (in ascending order of length): Elephant Rock, Petroglyph Canyon via Mouse’s Tank, Pink Canyon, White Domes, Rainbow Vista and Fire Canyon Overlook, Fire Wave, Seven Wonders Loop, Pinnacles Loop, and Natural Arch. Another resource for selecting trails is The Complete Guide to Valley of Fire State Park Hikes.

Scenic Drives – Valley of Fire – The Valley of Fire Scenic Byway is the main scenic drive running through the park. Both White Dome Scenic Drive (also known as Mouse’s Tank Road) and Silica Domes Road offer stunning vistas as well.

Scenic Towns in Moapa Valley – Wedged between northern Lake Mead and Valley of Fire State Park, is the Moapa Valley with several scenic small towns and the Lost City Museum which is built on the actual prehistoric site of the ancestral Puebloans, the Lost City Museum tells the stories of Nevada’s first permanent residents between AD 200 to AD 1200. The museum was built to preserve the archaeological treasures of towns and communities lost by the Hoover Dam’s flooding of Lake Mead. Also check out the St. Thomas Ghost Town which was once under 60 feet of Lake Mead’s water. With the historic drought, the town Is now visible. Consider driving a car on the three-mile road.

Rock Climbing – If your passion is rock climbing, Valley of Fire State Park won't disappoint. With its multi-colored sandstone walls and towering cliffs, it's an ideal spot for experienced climbers looking for a thrilling new challenge. There are numerous routes ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-level difficulty, so there's something for everyone here! And best of all, you get unparalleled views while scaling these impressive cliffsides. It doesn't get much better than that! Check with the Visitor Center to find the best places where rock climbing is allowed.

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge – North of Valley of Fire State Park is the Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning only 103 acres with wetlands, forests and desert scrubland, this beautiful refuge is home to over 200 species of birds, rare reptiles, and amphibians, as well as other wildlife such as coyotes and jackrabbits. You can even spot bighorn sheep at certain times of the year! With plenty of hiking trails available throughout the refuge offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, it’s no wonder it’s a popular spot among nature-lovers. There are also educational programs offered at various times throughout the year if you’d like to learn more about the local wildlife and environment. The refuge is open May-August and with limited hours, so check their website before you visit.

Boating, Watersports & Fishing on Lake Mead – Echo Bay Campground is the location of the water-based activities in this area of Lake Mead. For those who love boating and water sports, there's plenty of access to Lake Mead – one of America's largest man-made reservoirs – as well as nearby Lake Mohave and several smaller lakes in the area. Due to low water levels at Lake Mead, boaters may not access the boat launch but can put boats in the water on the shore. You can rent boats or bring your own kayaks and canoes for exploring coves, lagoons, and islands. There are also fishing opportunities for those looking for some angling action.

Fishing on Lake Mead – fishing opportunities abound on Lake Mead and the Colorado River.

Hunting – Lake Mead National Recreation area allows hunting and trapping in designated areas with proper permits.

Valley of Fire State Park, NV Activities
  • Hiking
  • Scenic Drives
  • Wildlife
  • Boating
  • Kayaking, Canoeing, & Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Watersports
  • Scuba Diving
  • Biking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Star Gazing
RV Campgrounds Near Valley of Fire State Park, NV

Valley of Fire State Park has two serviced campgrounds, both of which allows RVs (Atlatl and Arch Rock Campground) with 73 sites total, plus group camping areas and dispersed camping. The nearby northeast shore of Lake Mead offers Lake Mead RV Village at Echo Bay. There are several private campgrounds in the area. When you select “Take this Trip,” AdventureGenie will help you find a great campground to explore the Valley of Fire area.

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Stop 4: Las Vegas, NV
1-3 day stay
Description -

These days, Las Vegas has broad appeal to young and old, gamblers and non-gamblers, and city versus nature lovers. The lure for many is pure Vegas fun – what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! The city also has some fun museums to appeal to Vegas afficionados. And nearby Red Rock Canyon offers hiking and dramatic beauty. We think you will be surprised by the variety of experiences the Las Vegas area now offers.

The weather in Vegas is mild except for summer when daily temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so plan accordingly.

Top Things to Do -

Here are some of the most popular things to see and do near Las Vegas:

The Strip – The Vegas Strip (technically Las Vegas Boulevard) speaks for itself. It is the largest of the two main hotel and entertainment areas in Las Vegas (the other lesser visited area is Downtown Las Vegas). There are massive hotels with massive casinos, shops, restaurants, and entertainment crammed in on the four miles of The Strip. Check out the Bellagio Fountains, the Venetian Resort’s Grand Canal, Caeser's Palace shopping and entertainment, the Linq High Roller Observation Wheel and Fly Linq zipline, the ultra-posh Wynn Resort, and the The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade at the New York New York Hotel. Some shows in the casinos can be quite pricey but there are discounted same day tickets available. Many of the second-tier shows are also considerably less expensive. There is a free monorail with stops along The Strip.

Shows and Entertainment – Entertainment in Vegas is top notch, frequently with prices to match. Choose from magicians, comedy, tribute, review, musicals, acrobatics and all sorts of musical acts. Caesars Palace often has major headliners, and Cirque de Soleil’s many shows (which can be pricey) will knock your socks off and change forever your idea of a circus! Check the Vegas.com website to see what is available during your planned visit. Tix4 Tonight offers same day tickets at a steep discount.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – About 15 minutes from the Strip is the natural gem of Red Rock Canyon, spanning 10,000 acres. It has a wonderful one-way 13-mile scenic drive, hiking trails, plants, wildlife, and inspiring geology. Stop by the Visitor Center for information, a guide book and gift shop, and both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Timed reservations are required October 1 – May 31. If you have an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass, entrance is free.

Tours – There are plenty of tours of the main attractions of Las Vegas, such as history, food, Segway, bar, night and even donut tours. Many visitors who want to see the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon choose to take a private day tour to see both. In the other GenieTrips, we highlight the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon as separate stops.

Freemont Street Experience – Several miles from the action on The Strip is downtown Las Vegas, which is older, more retro, and often less expensive than the glistening Strip. Freemont Street was the first paved road in Las Vegas and was the first to get electricity (from the Hoover Dam) resulting in its nickname of “Glitter Gulch,” due to the invasion of electric lights in 1937. The Freemont Street Experience occupies the five western most blocks of Freemont Street. It is a pedestrian mall with tons of dining, casinos, hotels, and entertainment options. It has free concerts nightly and an amazing light and sound show Viva Vision on the world’s largest video screen every night. The Slotzilla Zipline is a 12-story slot machine-inspired zipline both kids and adults will enjoy! You can also check out the nearby Mob Museum (the national museum of organized crime and law enforcement housed in a former U.S. Post Office and Courthouse building) and the historic Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (the first hotel in Vegas). Many consider the Mob Museum the best museum in Nevada.

Kid Friendly Activities – The list of fun for kids is long and diverse but we are highlighting a few of the most popular ones. Besides the museums listed above, kids will also enjoy the massive arcade at Circus Circus, the world’s largest heavy equipment playground Dig This, Speed Vegas (offering exotic car racing, go-karts and off-road driving options), High Roller Observation Wheel and Zipline at The Linq, the Medieval themed arcade rides at the Excalibur Las Vegas and one of the many waterparks.

Day Trips to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead & the Grand Canyon – If you are short on time, consider one of the private all-day tours (by bus, helicopter or plane) from Las Vegas instead of making the long drive to one of the rims (see below) and short drives to Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. There are far too many private tour companies to list!

Las Vegas, NV Activities
  • Dining & Entertainment
  • Shopping
  • Casinos
  • Museums
  • Hiking
  • Golf
  • Guided Tours
RV Campgrounds Near Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas has an abundance of RV parks to choose from. – from luxurious to basic. Consider these public land parks: Cathedral Gorge, Echo Canyon, and Red Rock Canyon. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for your Las Vegas road trip!

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Stop 5: Death Valley National Park, NV & CA
1-3 day stay
Description -

Death Valley is far more than just an arid stretch of sand – it is graceful, dramatic, and majestic. Near the California-Nevada border, this national park has a wide range of geological wonders, including massive boulders, panoramic mountain views, and endless sand dunes. Elevations range from 300 feet below sea level to 11,000 feet above sea level! Believe it or not, Death Valley also has many oases, colorful wildflowers, and vibrant wildlife. The park is massive – more than 3 million acres, making it the largest of all the National Parks – so plan your time wisely. Don’t let this park’s name scare you away – Death Valley will take your breath away! Most of the park and the more popular point of entry are in California, as well as many of the top attractions. You can also enter the park from the Nevada site near Beatty, Nevada, and then drive about 50-miles into the main area.

Top Things to Do -

Death Valley has dozens of fantastic attractions, but here are a few of the most notable:

Furnace Creek Visitor Center – The heart of information and services is Furnace Creek where you can get information, chat with Park Rangers, buy staples, eat, get gas, pay entrance fees, and stay at the Furnace Creek Campground. The historic and charming Inn at Death Valley offers high-end accommodations and a good restaurant as well. This is a great place to start and plan your Death Valley adventure.

Artists Drive – This 9-mile scenic drive offers colorful vistas. The highlight is the vibrant Artists Palette. There are strict length limits of 25 feet due to the steep and windy paved roads.

Zabriskie Point- This overlook is near the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and offers panoramic views of the badlands below. Sunrises here are dramatic.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes -Thanks to their easy accessibility, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are one of the most visited areas of this park. These mesmerizing dunes offer fantastic photo ops as well as opportunities for sandboarding.

Badwater Basin – At over 280 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin holds the record as the lowest point in the U.S. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to capture stunning images of reflections on this basin’s salty water.

Dante’s View – Perched on the Black Mountains, Dante’s View is one of the top-rated lookout points in Death Valley. Sunrise and sunset are two of the best and most dramatic times to visit.

The Racetrack – The Racetrack refers to a dry lakebed in Death Valley that contains legendary “racing” rocks. Scientists believe that the mystery of these often-large rocks moving is caused by an unusual combination of rain and wind moving them. The road to The Racetrack is rough and requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Back Country Driving – Death Valley boasts more roads than any other National Park. It has close to 1,000 miles of paved and dirt roads which provide amazing opportunities for (on-road) back country driving! Be prepared for extreme heat and your GPS not working due to remote conditions.

Biking – All roads allowing cars are open for biking. It’s a great place for biking since the terrain is fairly flat.

Hiking – Death Valley has dozens of hiking trails to choose from, at all levels of difficulty. Winter, spring, and fall are the most comfortable times to hike, given the extreme heat in the summer months. Some of the most popular trails are: Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Zabriskie Point, Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral; Mosaic Canyon, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Star Gazing – Far from city lights, Death Valley has the highest darkness ranking (Gold) from the International Dark-Sky Association. The park recommends Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, Badwater Basin and Ubehebe Crater as some of the best places for night-sky viewing.

Death Valley National Park, NV & CA Activities
  • Scenic Drives
  • Sandboarding
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Stargazing
  • Wildlife Viewing
RV Campgrounds Near Death Valley National Park, NV & CA

Death Valley has many campgrounds both inside and near the park area, including the popular Furnace Creek Campground. There are three privately owned RV parks inside the park. The nine campgrounds operated by NPS are on a first come, first serve basis, except for Furnace Creek campground which allows reservations. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for your road trip to Death Valley!

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Nature & Neon – Las Vegas & Southern Nevada
Grand Canyon – Hoover Dam – Valley of Fire State Park – Las Vegas – Death Valley National Park
Length
5-9 days
Distance
404 mi
Stops
5

The bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip often trick the uninformed into thinking all of Nevada is neon, casinos and concrete. Yet, starting a dozen miles from The Strip are the awe-inspiring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. And a few hours northwest is Death Valley National Park’s Nevada entrance. And 90 minutes northeast of Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park which rivals a national park for scenery. Vegas is also a great place to start the Utah’s Mighty 5 GenieTrip Meandering the Mighty 5 – Utah's National Parks, as well as the Arizona GenieTrip Soaking Up Sun & Sights in Arizona. And coming soon is an Aliens in Nevada GenieTrip!

We start this trip at the majestic West Rim of the Grand Canyon (which is technically just over the Nevada border in Arizona, but the Grand Canyon itself spans both states) which is owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. You can also start at the more popular South Rim which adds more miles to your road trip but does offer more amenities. Another option would be to start the trip at the Hoover Dam and nearby Lake Mead before heading to Vegas, and then take one of the popular Grand Canyon day trip tours from Las Vegas. Continue northeast to Nevada’s hidden gem – Valley of Fire State Park with its dramatic red rocks and wonderful hiking. The park is located about 10 miles from the less crowded northern shore of Lake Mead where you can find great fishing and boating. Continue on to world-famous Las Vegas – about an hour from the Hoover Dam – where you will find some quality food, entertainment and casinos. About an hour away from the Hoover Dam is world-famous Las Vegas where you can find great food, entertainment, casinos, and even a lot of family-friendly activities. But don’t be fooled by the bright lights – Vegas has natural beauty ten minutes off The Strip. Spend a day hiking and enjoying scenery at nearby Red Rock Canyon State. Then head northwest for your final stop at Death Valley National Park – America’s largest National Park that straddles the California and Nevada border. Death Valley’s dramatic desert landscape will enchant you.

Since southern Nevada, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley can regularly have summer temperatures well over 100 degrees (F), we recommend you travel in Spring, Fall, or Winter. If you do travel in the sweltering summer months, plan accordingly to stay hydrated and cool by reducing time in the heat. Let AdventureGenie help you plan the perfect road trip through Vegas and Southern Nevada!

Who Will Love This Trip

This trip has a mix of activities perfect for all ages. Las Vegas certainly appeals to adults with its world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, and gambling, but the city has a lot of great family-friendly activities to keep the young ones happy and to keep those entertained who don’t like traditional Vegas attractions.
Like this GenieTrip? Pressing “Take This Trip” will input this into our Trip Planner so you can start planning!
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