Nature & Neon – Las Vegas & Southern Nevada

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.