All positioned inside a 7-hour drive, these 13 Stunning National Parks close to Las Vegas (plus 7 extra State Parks, National Monuments, and National Recreation Areas) are the right place to flee the hustle of Sin City.
If you need to escape into nature from the hubbub of Las Vegas Nevada, then now we have you lined! Located only a quick drive from the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip you’ll discover a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and outside adventures ready to be explored.
In this submit, we’ve compiled a listing of 13 unimaginable National Parks close to Las Vegas, accompanied by 7 State Parks, National Recreation Areas, and National Monuments, all inside a handy 7-hour drive from the neon-lit coronary heart of Sin City.
Prepare to embark on a scenic odyssey as we information you thru every park, listed so as of driving distance from Las Vegas. Alongside every vacation spot, we offer the gap in miles and the estimated time it takes to journey there by automobile, providing you a complete roadmap to a number of the most spectacular pure wonders the American Southwest has to supply.
From rugged canyons to serene desert oases, the range of landscapes inside attain of Las Vegas is certain to captivate and encourage outside fanatics and nature lovers alike, or just make for the right place to cease in your American highway journey as you head out to find extra of this wonderful nation.
Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this web site comprise affiliate hyperlinks, and this one that includes 13 National Parks close to Las Vegas is not any completely different. This signifies that if you happen to click on on any of the hyperlinks on this submit (and make a purchase order) I could obtain a small fee at completely no value to you. Each submit is fastidiously crafted to (hopefully!) reply all of your questions and suggestions are made the place we imagine they’ll enhance your journey and assist along with your planning. As such we thanks prematurely do you have to determine to click on & purchase. Read my full Disclosure right here.
National Parks Near Las Vegas Map
This map of the 13 United States National Parks close to Las Vegas (Green), plus 7 State Parks, National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, and National Preserves close to Las Vegas (Orange), is color-coded. Click the map itself or right here to open it in one other window the place you may zoom out and in between parks and acquire driving instructions between every.
13 National Parks Near Las Vegas Nevada (so as of driving distance)
Note: We’ve calculated all driving distances and estimated drive occasions from the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, as a central level on the Las Vegas Strip.
Death Valley National Park (California) – 2hr 22 minutes | 126 miles
Note: Death Valley additionally crosses into Nevada.
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 126 miles (approx 2hr 22 minutes)
Year Established: 1994
Annual Visitors: 1.7 million
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Death Valley National Park Highlights: See Ubehebe Crater, go to Badwater Basin, Hike Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sundown, See Zabriskie Point at dawn & stargaze.
Death Valley National Park is a singular and various vacation spot positioned within the Mojave Desert in California. The park is understood for its huge and unforgiving landscapes, together with the bottom level in North America, Badwater Basin, and the most popular place on the earth, Furnace Creek.
Visitors can discover the park by mountaineering, tenting, and scenic drives, and ought to be conscious that temperatures can attain excessive ranges in the course of the summer time months, making it finest to go to in the course of the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring.
The park additionally presents quite a lot of different experiences, from visiting the historic mining city of Rhyolite to seeing the well-known rock formations of Artist’s Drive and Zabriskie Point. Visitors must also remember that the park is extremely huge and distant, and you will need to come ready with sufficient water and provides.
Zion National Park (Utah) – 2hr 24 minutes | 156 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 156 miles (approx 2hr 24 minutes)
Year Established: 1919
Annual Visitors: 4.5 million
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Zion National Park Highlights Hike The Narrows, Hike Angels Landing, Visit the Emerald Pools and Weeping Rock, Drive Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Zion National Park is positioned within the southwestern United States within the state of Utah. The park is understood for its spectacular sandstone cliffs and canyons, which have been carved over hundreds of thousands of years by the Virgin River and its tributaries.
The park’s historical past dates again to the early twentieth century, when it was established as Mukuntuweap National Monument in 1909. The park was later renamed Zion National Park in 1919 and has since been a preferred vacation spot for hikers, campers, and nature fanatics.
One of the park’s primary highlights is the Narrows, a 16-mile hike by a slim canyon with towering partitions on both aspect. Other widespread actions embrace mountaineering the Angels Landing path, which presents breathtaking views of the valley under, and exploring the Kolob Canyons part of the park, which options purple rock cliffs and distinctive rock formations. For extra, learn our information to the Best Things to do in Zion (good for 1st timers!)
The finest time to go to Zion National Park is in the course of the spring and fall, when the climate is delicate and the crowds are much less. During the summer time, temperatures can attain over 100 levels Fahrenheit, and the park can get crowded. In the winter, a number of the park’s trails could also be closed attributable to snow and ice.
Joshua Tree National Park (California) – 3hr 53 minutes | 187 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 187 miles (approx 3hr 53 minutes)
Year Established: 1994
Annual Visitors: 3.0 million
Best Time to Visit: March to April, October to November
Joshua Tree National Park Highlights: Sunrise on the Cholla Cactus Garden, See Skull Rock, Drive to Keys View and Geology Tour Road, and Hike Ryan Mountain.
Joshua Tree National Park is a desert park positioned in southern California, recognized for its gorgeous rock formations and dense forests of Joshua Trees. Visitors can get pleasure from mountaineering, tenting, and mountaineering within the park.
Spring and fall are the most effective seasons to go to, as temperatures are milder and wildflowers are in bloom. When planning a visit, you will need to deliver loads of water and defend your self from the solar, as temperatures can attain over 100 levels Fahrenheit in the course of the summer time months.
Additionally, you will need to word that some areas of the park could also be closed attributable to preservation efforts, so it’s a good suggestion to examine the park’s web site earlier than visiting.
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah) – 4hrs 8 minutes | 264 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 264 miles (approx 4hr 8 minutes)
Year Established: 1928
Annual Visitors: 2.6 million
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Bryce Canyon National Park Highlights: See dawn alongside the Rim Trail, Drive the Scenic Drive and cease at all the viewpoints (Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point and Inspiration Point and so forth), Hike Navajo and Queen’s Garden Loop.
Bryce Canyon National Park is positioned in southern Utah and is understood for its distinctive and vibrant orange and purple rock formations referred to as hoodoos.
The park’s primary characteristic is the Bryce Amphitheater, a pure amphitheater created by erosion that comprises hundreds of hoodoos. Visitors can hike alongside the rim of the amphitheater to get a panoramic view of the hoodoos and the encompassing panorama, or hike down into the amphitheater for a more in-depth look.
Other widespread actions embrace horseback using, stargazing, and tenting.
The finest time to go to Bryce Canyon National Park is from April to October when the climate is delicate and the park’s amenities and highway are open. During the summer time months, the park presents ranger-led excursions and campfire applications.
The park additionally presents a shuttle service to take guests to the completely different viewpoints and trailheads in the course of the peak season to cut back visitors and parking congestion. Spring and fall are additionally superb for visiting the park because the climate is milder and the crowds are smaller.
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) – Between 2.25 hrs – 5.75hrs | 126 – 281 Miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas:
– South Rim: 281 miles (approx 4hr 30 minutes)
– North Rim: 264 miles (approx 5hr 44 minutes)
– Grand Canyon West 126 miles (approx 2hr 14 minutes) – whereas not technically a part of Grand Canyon National Park, the Hualapai Native Indian-owned reserve does lie in the Grand Canyon (and options the spectacular Skywalk).
Year Established: 1919
Size: 1.2 million acres
Annual Visitors: 6.0 million
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to October
Grand Canyon National Park Highlights: Hike South Kaibab, Hike Rim-to-Rim Trail, Visit South Rim viewpoints, Hike Bright Angel, Drive Hermit Road, take a flightseeing helicopter tour.
Grand Canyon National Park is positioned in northern Arizona and is residence to the enduring Grand Canyon, an enormous chasm that stretches over 277 miles lengthy, as much as 18 miles extensive and over a mile deep. The canyon is taken into account one of many pure wonders of the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park can be residence to a various array of crops and animals, together with the endangered California condor, bighorn sheep, and elk.
The park is widespread with guests who’re occupied with mountaineering, tenting, and sightseeing. Visitors can hike to the underside of the canyon alongside the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails, take a scenic drive alongside Desert View Drive, or take a guided tour by mule. Visitors may also take a helicopter or aircraft tour to get an aerial view of the canyon.
The finest time to go to the Grand Canyon National Park is between September and November, or March and May. During these months, the climate is delicate, the crowds are thinner, and the autumn foliage and spring wildflowers present a colourful backdrop. Visitors ought to be conscious that the park is extremely busy in the summertime months and it’s endorsed that guests plan forward to order campsites and excursions prematurely.
Note: As talked about above, Grand Canyon West shouldn’t be really a part of the Grand Canyon National Park, but it surely does sit geographically inside the Grand Canyon.
As it’s run by the Hualapai Native American Indian Tribe, it has a really completely different really feel to the National Park – consistent with not being maintained or managed by the National Park Service, together with a special background and historical past.
It does nevertheless have a couple of benefits over the North and West rim. Firstly – and for these wanting to go to the Grand Canyon on a day journey from Las Vegas – is the shorter driving distance. This makes it very easy to mix with a visit to the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead Recreational Area (extra on these under).
It can be residence to the very spectacular Skywalk – a horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge with a glass walkway at Eagle Point, extending 70ft out above the Colorado River flowing 4000 ft under.
Great Basin National Park (Nevada) – 4hr 56 minutes | 309 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 309 miles (approx 4hr 56 minutes)
Year Established: 1986
Annual Visitors: 130,000
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Great Basin National Park Highlights: Hike Bristlecone Trail and the Alpine Loop Trail, Drive Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Go Stargazing, and Tour Lehman Caves.
Great Basin National Park is understood for its stunning landscapes and various array of plant and animal life.
The park’s centerpiece is the 13,063-foot-tall Wheeler Peak, which is the second-highest peak in Nevada. Visitors to the park can hike to the highest of the height, which presents gorgeous views of the encompassing mountains and valleys. The park additionally presents quite a lot of different outside actions similar to tenting, picnicking, and chicken watching.
The finest time to go to Great Basin National Park is in the course of the summer time months, when the climate is delicate and the park’s wildflowers are in full bloom. Fall can be a good time to go to, because the aspens and cottonwoods flip golden yellow.
Winter could be very chilly and snowy, but it surely’s additionally a good time for cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing. Visitors ought to be conscious that lots of the park’s trails and roads usually are not maintained in the course of the winter months, so correct planning and gear are important.
Capitol Reef National Park (Utah) – 5hr 21 minutes | 338 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 338 miles (approx 5hr 21 minutes)
Year Established: 1971
Annual Visitors: 1.2 million
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Capitol Reef National Park Highlights: Hike Cohab Canyon and Cassidy Arch, Drive Capitol Gorge Road & The Scenic Drive
Capitol Reef National Park is positioned in south-central Utah and was established as a nationwide park in 1971.
The park is understood for its colourful sandstone cliffs and rugged panorama, in addition to its historic orchards and pioneer settlements. The park’s primary characteristic is the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile lengthy wrinkle within the Earth’s crust that has created a singular panorama of cliffs, canyons, and domes.
The park presents quite a lot of actions for guests together with mountaineering, backpacking, and mountaineering.
The park’s scenic drive, the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, presents guests an opportunity to see the park’s primary options, and the park has many mountaineering trails for guests to discover.
The finest time to go to Capitol Reef National Park is in the course of the spring and fall when temperatures are delicate and the crowds are smaller. Summer could be fairly scorching and the park could be fairly crowded in the course of the peak vacationer season.
Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona) – 5hr 36 minutes | 369 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 369 miles (approx 5hr 36 minutes)
Year Established: 1962
Annual Visitors: 640,000
Best Time to Visit: Late March to May and September to October.
Petrified Forest National Park Highlights: Tour Puerco Pueblo, See the Painted Desert and Blue Mesa, Hike Agate House, and see the petrified wooden at Crystal Forest and on the Giant Logs Trail.
Petrified Forest National Park is positioned in northeastern Arizona and is understood for its huge and colourful petrified wooden, historical fossils, and distinctive desert landscapes. The park’s most well-known characteristic is the “Painted Desert”, a area of badlands that stretches for miles and options colourful rock layers of purple, orange, and purple. The park additionally comprises one of many largest and most colourful concentrations of petrified wooden on the earth, in addition to historical fossils of crops and animals that lived within the space over 225 million years in the past.
Visitors to Petrified Forest National Park can discover the park’s many mountaineering trails, take a scenic drive alongside the park’s paved highway, or go to the park’s two primary customer facilities, which supply displays and academic applications. The park additionally presents guided ranger walks and talks, in addition to backcountry mountaineering and tenting alternatives.
The finest time to go to Petrified Forest National Park is in the course of the spring and fall, when the climate is delicate and the crowds are thinner. The park’s colourful landscapes and rock formations are significantly stunning in the course of the spring and fall. Visitors ought to be conscious that summer time temperatures within the park could be extraordinarily scorching, and it’s endorsed that guests plan forward to order campsites and excursions prematurely.
Sequoia National Park (California) – 6hrs | 375 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 375 miles (approx 6hrs)
Year Established: 1890
Annual Visitors: 1.3 million
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Sequoia National Park Highlights: Drive below Tunnel Log, Hike Big Trees Trail and Moro Rock, and See the General Sherman tree.
Sequoia National Park is positioned in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountain vary. The park is understood for its large sequoia bushes, that are a number of the largest and oldest dwelling organisms on Earth. The park’s most well-known tree, the General Sherman Tree, is taken into account the biggest tree on the earth by quantity. The park additionally boasts spectacular granite cliffs, deep canyons, and quite a lot of wildlife.
The finest time to go to Sequoia National Park is in the course of the spring and fall seasons. During these occasions, the climate is delicate and the crowds are much less. Summer can get extremely popular, and winter can deliver heavy snowfall, making some areas of the park inaccessible. Visitors must also remember that a number of the park’s primary roads and trails could shut in the course of the winter season. At the other finish of the spectrum, the park can get fairly busy throughout summer time weekends, so attempt to plan your go to in the course of the week to keep away from the crowds.
Kings Canyon National Park (California) – 6hrs 42 minutes | 411 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 411 miles (approx 6hr 42 minutes)
Year Established: 1940
Annual Visitors: 630,000
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Kings Canyon National Park Highlights: Hike Zumwalt Meadows, Backpack Rae Lakes Loop, Visit Grant Grove and Drive Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Kings Canyon National Park is positioned within the southern Sierra Nevada mountain vary in California. The park is understood for its deep canyons, towering granite cliffs, and towering sequoia bushes. The park’s primary attraction is the General Grant Tree, which is the second-largest tree on the earth and is sometimes called the “Nation’s Christmas Tree.” The park additionally options the spectacular Kings Canyon, which is over a mile deep and is among the deepest canyons in North America.
The finest time to go to Kings Canyon National Park is in the course of the summer time months, from June to September. During this time, the climate is heat and sunny, and the roads and trails are clear.
The park can be open year-round, however a number of the larger elevations could also be snow-covered in the course of the winter months. Visitors ought to be ready for various climate circumstances, and pay attention to the park’s guidelines and rules concerning tenting, mountaineering and backpacking. It’s additionally beneficial to deliver loads of water and pay attention to the park’s bear security tips.
Arches National Park (Utah) – 6hr 48 minutes | 458 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 458 miles (approx 6hr 48 minutes)
Year Established: 1971
Annual Visitors: 1.7 million
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Arches National Park Highlights: Hike Delicate Arch for sundown, go to the Double Arch, see Balanced Rock and the Fiery Furnace & Hike Windows Loop (Read all concerning the finest Hikes in Arches NP right here!)
Arches National Park is positioned in northeastern Utah, and is understood for its over 2,000 pure sandstone arches which are unfold all through the park. The park’s purple rock formations, canyons, and arches provide guests a glimpse into the pure great thing about the American Southwest.
The park’s most well-known arch, Delicate Arch, is a must-see. The arch is seen from a viewpoint accessible by a average 3-mile round-trip hike. The Park Avenue space, which contains a 2-mile round-trip hike, can be a preferred spot, providing guests an opportunity to see towering purple rock fins and different distinctive rock formations.
The finest time to go to Arches National Park is in the course of the spring and fall, when temperatures are delicate and the park is much less crowded. During the summer time, the park can get extremely popular, and the park’s trails could be fairly strenuous within the warmth.
In the winter, the park is open however a number of the roads and trails could also be closed attributable to snow and ice. Overall, the park is open year-round, however the most effective time to go to is in the course of the spring and fall.
Canyonlands National Park (Utah) – 7hrs | 470 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 470 miles (approx 7hrs)
Year Established: 1964
Annual Visitors: 735,000
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Canyonlands National Park Highlights Hike Mesa Arch for dawn, Hike Grand Viewpoint Overlook and the Needles, See Green River Overlook and Shafer Point Overlook, discover The Maze
Canyonlands National Park is a pure surprise positioned in southern Utah.
The park is understood for its gorgeous canyons, mesas, and distinctive rock formations. One of the highlights of the park is the Island within the Sky, a big mesa that gives panoramic views of the encompassing canyons and the Colorado River. Visitors may also discover the Needles district, the place they’ll discover towering spires, and the Maze district, which is understood for its difficult backcountry mountaineering.
The finest time to go to Canyonlands National Park is in the course of the fall or spring, when the climate is delicate and the crowds are smaller. The park can get extremely popular in the course of the summer time, so it’s best to plan your go to in the course of the cooler months. The park additionally presents many nice mountaineering trails, so ensure that to put on acceptable footwear and produce loads of water.
Yosemite National Park (California) – 7hrs 15 minutes | 451 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 451 miles (approx 7hr 15 minutes)
Year Established: 1890
Annual Visitors: 4.4 million
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Yosemite National Park Highlights: Hike Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, Watch the Sunset at Taft Point, See Bridalveil Falls, hike the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls and Explore Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite National Park is positioned within the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and is understood for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, and large sequoia groves. The park was first protected in 1864 and is now one of the crucial widespread nationwide parks within the nation, with over 4 million guests yearly.
The park is residence to a number of the most iconic landmarks within the United States, together with Half Dome and El Capitan, that are widespread spots for mountaineering. The park additionally presents quite a lot of outside actions similar to mountaineering, tenting, and backpacking, in addition to scenic drives and ranger-led applications.
One of the most effective occasions to go to Yosemite National Park is in the course of the spring and fall, when the crowds are smaller and the climate is delicate. In the spring, wildflowers are in bloom and the waterfalls are at their peak movement. In the autumn, the deciduous bushes flip stunning shades of orange and gold.
Visitors must also remember that the park could be fairly busy in the course of the summer time months, so it’s best to plan forward and make reservations for tenting or lodging. Also, it’s endorsed to deliver heat clothes as temperatures can drop considerably, even in the course of the summer time.
National Monuments, National Recreation Areas & State Parks Near Las Vegas
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park – 22 minutes | 7 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 7 miles (approx 22 minutes)
Year Established: 1855
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park Highlights: See the primary settlement that ultimately grew to become Las Vegas.
The Old Mormon Fort Museum is a historic web site positioned in downtown Las Vegas that’s devoted to preserving the historical past of the early Mormon settlers within the area. The museum is housed in a reproduction of the unique fort that was constructed within the 1850s by the Mormon pioneers and options quite a lot of displays and shows that inform their story and their function within the improvement of Las Vegas.
The Old Mormon Fort Museum is a good vacation spot for historical past buffs and anybody occupied with studying concerning the early historical past of town.
Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area (Nevada) – 28 minutes | 15 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 15 miles (approx 28 minutes)
Year Established: 1990
Annual Visitors: 2 million
Best Time to Visit: September to May
Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area Highlights: Calico Tanks Trail, Turtlehead Peak Trail, Ice Box Canyon Trail, Red Rock Overlook, Keystone Thrust Trail, Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail, La Madre Spring Trail, Pine Creek Canyon Trail, Sandstone Quarry Trail and Wilson Cliffs Trail.
Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area is a panoramic pure oasis located only a quick drive from the bustling metropolis of Las Vegas, Nevada.
This iconic recreation space boasts towering purple sandstone cliffs, rugged rock formations, and picturesque desert landscapes that seize the creativeness of tourists from around the globe. A spotlight of the world is the scenic loop drive, providing charming vistas of the colourful desert surroundings and gorgeous geological options.
Visitors can embark on exhilarating hikes alongside trails similar to Calico Tanks and Turtlehead Peak, immersing themselves within the tranquil great thing about the Mojave Desert.
Red Rock Canyon is a haven for outside fanatics, providing alternatives for mountaineering, wildlife viewing, and serene picnics amidst the breathtaking environment.
The finest time to discover Red Rock Canyon is in the course of the cooler months of fall and spring, when the climate is delicate and the desert panorama comes alive with coloration.
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead Recreation Area (Nevada) – 42 minutes | 30 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 30 miles (approx 42 minutes)
Hoover Dam Built: 20 April 1931 – 1 March 1936
Lake Mead Recreation Area Established: 13 October 1936
Annual Visitors: 7 million (Hoover Dam) + 5.6 million (Lake Mead)
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Hoover Dam and Leak Mead National Recreation Area Highlights: The Hoover Dam itself, cruise Lake Mead, Fish at Katherine Landing, Northshore Drive, Redstone Hiking Trail, Bike the River Mountains Bike Loop Trail, Railroad Trail and go to the Alan Bible Visitor Centre.
The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area stand as monumental testaments to human ingenuity and the majestic energy of nature.
Situated on the border between Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that harnesses the mighty Colorado River, offering hydroelectric energy and water to hundreds of thousands of individuals throughout the southwestern United States.
Visitors to the dam can marvel at its imposing concrete construction, which rises dramatically from the depths of Black Canyon, and study its fascinating historical past and significance on the customer middle.
Just downstream from the dam lies Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir within the United States, framed by rugged desert landscapes and towering cliffs. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area presents infinite alternatives for outside journey, from boating and fishing on the glowing waters of the lake to exploring hidden coves and sandy seashores alongside its shoreline.
Visitors may also hike scenic trails, camp below the celebrities, and marvel on the breathtaking vistas that stretch so far as the attention can see.
Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada) – 55 minutes | 55 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 50 miles (approx 55 minutes)
Year Established: 1935
Annual Visitors: 300,000+
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Valley of Fire State Park Highlights: ATV Rides, Beehives, Elephant Rock, First Wave, Fire Canyon Overlook, Pink Wave, Balanced Rock, Rainbow Vista Trail, Seven Sisters, Atlatl Rock, Arch Rock, Mouse’s Tank Road (The Scenic Drive).
Nestled inside the huge expanse of the Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire State Park stands as a radiant jewel, ablaze with fiery sandstone formations and historical petroglyphs etched into the rock by historical civilizations.
Located only a quick drive from Las Vegas, Nevada, this awe-inspiring panorama captivates guests with its surreal magnificence and otherworldly environment. Aptly named for the colourful purple sandstone formations that appear to ignite with coloration below the desert solar, Valley of Fire is a playground for adventurers and nature fanatics alike.
Hikers can traverse winding trails that lead by slim slot canyons, previous towering rock arches, and alongside towering monoliths that appear to defy gravity. At each flip, the panorama reveals historical secrets and techniques, from the petrified logs of the Rainbow Vista to the mysterious rock formations of the Fire Wave.
As the solar units, the fiery hues of the sandstone cliffs deepen, casting a heat glow over the desert panorama and illuminating the traditional petroglyphs that adorn the canyon partitions. Be there for sundown for the most effective sunsets you’ll ever see.
Mojave National Preserve – 1hr 3 minutes | 68 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 68 miles (approx 1hr 3 minutes)
Year Established: 31 October 1994
Annual Visitors: 866,635
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Mojave National Preserve Highlights: See the Joshua Trees, The Mojave Memorial Cross, Lava Tubes Tral, Teutonia Peak Trail, Banshee Canyon, Kelso Dunes, Boulders Viewpoint, Cinder Cones. Visit ZZYZX.
Nestled amidst the huge expanse of the Mojave Desert, Mojave National Preserve stands as a rugged and charming testomony to the uncooked great thing about the American Southwest.
Spanning over 1.6 million acres of various desert landscapes, this pristine wilderness presents a sanctuary for these searching for solace amidst the untamed great thing about the desert. Towering Joshua bushes stand sentinel amidst huge stretches of golden sand dunes, whereas historical lava flows and rugged mountain ranges carve out a panorama of breathtaking contrasts.
As the solar units over the desert horizon, casting its heat glow upon the rugged terrain, Mojave National Preserve comes alive with a vibrant show of coloration and light-weight, a symphony of nature’s wonders that captivates the soul.
Exploring Mojave National Preserve is a journey by time and area, the place every twist and switch reveals a brand new vista of pure magnificence and cultural significance. From the enduring Joshua Tree Forest (there are extra of them right here than anyplace else on earth!) to the majestic Kelso Dunes, the protect presents infinite alternatives for exploration and discovery, from mountaineering and tenting to wildlife watching and stargazing beneath the desert sky.
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend (Najavo Nation – Arizona) – 4hr 30 minutes | 280 miles
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 280 miles (approx 4hr 30 minutes)
Year Established: Both have been created by nature over hundreds of thousands of years
Annual Visitors: 3 million mixed (2 million, Horseshoe Bend; 1 million, Antelope Canyon Navajo National Park)
Best Time to Visit: November to July
Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon Highlights: Horseshoe Bend at Sunset, Upper Antelope Canyon
Nestled inside the rugged terrain of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon stand as iconic marvels of nature’s artistry, drawing vacationers from around the globe to witness their breathtaking magnificence.
Horseshoe Bend, carved by the meandering waters of the Colorado River, reveals a shocking horseshoe-shaped curve that plunges dramatically into the depths of Glen Canyon, providing panoramic vistas that defy creativeness.
As the solar units, the sandstone cliffs ignite with hues of purple and gold, casting a heat glow over the swirling waters under, making a spectacle of sunshine and shadow you don’t need to miss.
Adjacent to Horseshoe Bend lies Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon sculpted by millennia of wind and water erosion, revealing sinuous corridors of sculpted sandstone that twist and switch with swish curves and ethereal mild.
As daylight filters by the slim openings above, shafts of sunshine dance upon the canyon partitions, illuminating vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating an otherworldly spectacle that transports guests to a realm of surprise and awe.
Exploring the labyrinthine passages of Antelope Canyon is a journey by time and area, the place every twist and switch reveals a brand new vista of pure magnificence, inviting vacationers to immerse themselves within the timeless splendor of the desert panorama.
Driving Distance from Las Vegas: 399 miles (approx 6hr 23 minutes)
Year Established: 1958
Annual Visitors: 350,000+
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Monument Valley Highlights: Take a guided tour with a Navajo Guide, drive the scenic loop, See the Mittens, Camel Butte, Elephant Butte, Three Sisters, and Totem Pole formations, Stand at John Ford Point, Tour Hogan Village & Stand Under the Great Hogan Arch, Ear of the Wind.
Nestled inside the huge expanses of the American Southwest, Monument Valley stands as a sacred sanctuary of timeless magnificence and cultural significance.
In the native language, Monument Valley known as ‘Tse Bii’Ndzisgaii” and means Valley of the Rocks. As such, this iconic panorama is characterised by its towering sandstone buttes and sweeping vistas and has captured the creativeness of vacationers and artists for generations, evoking a way of surprise and reverence for the pure world.
As the solar rises over the horizon, casting its golden mild upon the traditional rock formations, Monument Valley awakens to disclose its majestic splendor, a symphony of coloration and texture that unfolds beneath the huge desert sky. Learn concerning the non secular significance of every formation on a guided tour and keep for sundown for an unimaginable mild present.
Extra: While you’re within the space, we might extremely advocate taking a 90-minute detour to the Four Corners Monument, a enjoyable spot the place you may place a physique half in 4 completely different states, the place Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.
With so many unimaginable National Parks close to Las Vegas it may be a little bit overwhelming, however we hope our full information to the National Parks close by to Las Vegas has helped you slim down which of them you need to tick off your National Park Bucket List first!
We hope our National Parks close to Las Vegas Map had been an enormous assist in planning your adventures, and if you recognize of anybody else who wants a little bit little bit of inspiration or help in planning their National Parks journey, please make sure to share on social media: Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter or seize a picture from under for Pinterest. And bear in mind – sharing is caring (and we thanks prematurely!)
READY FOR MORE USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION? YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE TRAVEL TIPS, TRAVEL ARTICLES, DESTINATION GUIDES, TRAVELER RESOURCES, AND RELATED POSTS ABOUT OTHER AMAZING CITIES IN NORTH AMERICA:
Hi There! Thanks for studying concerning the 13 National Parks close to Las Vegas Nevada Travel Guide – I simply needed to let you recognize that this submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks, which implies if you buy one thing after clicking a hyperlink, I could get a small fee – which is at completely no value to you. If you loved this text and are going to be trying to find a number of the issues I point out anyway, I’d find it irresistible if you happen to may click on by from the hyperlinks above & thanks prematurely! Read my full Disclosure right here.
And an enormous Thank You for studying the MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld journey weblog.