More about: National Parks Day Trips from Las Vegas
If you're a photography enthusiast and want to experience the natural environment of the western United States during a trip to Las Vegas, a must-do on your holiday is an exclusion to the surrounding National Parks, where you'll discover some of the most photogenic landscapes in the country.
1. Grand Canyon Excursions
Considered one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most stunning landscapes in the United States and a spectacle in itself.
The beauty and majesty of the Grand Canyon, its sheer cliffs and brilliant palette of colours make it one of the must-see excursions in Las Vegas. But what are the best ways to visit?
Grand Canyon South Bus Tour
If you're a road trip enthusiast, then I recommend booking a Grand Canyon South tour from Las Vegas. The trip is a long one, lasting around 14 hours, but it's very well organised. Along the way you'll get to see an incredible variety of jaw-dropping scenery and have the option to visit Mather Point and Bright Angel Point, two iconic spots for the views they offer.
However, to make it more bearable, the tours are done in a luxury bus and usually have all the amenities such as on-board bathroom, padded seats, panoramic windows to enjoy the views and air-conditioning.
This tour also includes lunch, snacks, bottled water and a professional guide to accompany you throughout the tour. If you're on a tight budget during your trip to Las Vegas to visit the Grand Canyon, this is your best option. You can go to the Grand Canyon for less than 90 euros!
2. Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Tour
One of the most fun things you can do to explore the Arizona wilderness is a Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam tour.
During the tour you will get to see such wonders as Hoover Dam, Joshua Trees, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, as well as get in touch with the wilder side of nature. You will also get in touch with the wild side of nature.
The activity lasts about 12 hours in total and you will always be accompanied by a professional guide. You will travel comfortably in an air-conditioned bus and you will have lunch and breakfast included, so you won't have to worry about anything.
You can also choose to include other activities such as a helicopter flight, a visit to the Grand Canyon Skywalk or a pontoon boat ride on the river. You won't regret not partying in Las Vegas the night before to get up early for this tour.
Other Hoover Dam tours:
- Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas -from CAD 96
- Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas with lunch- from CAD 86.
- Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas with a comic guide-from CAD 143.
3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Tour
On this 3-hour kayak tour of the Black Canyon, you'll explore the breathtaking gorge and see the best views of the Colorado River. You will be accompanied by a professional guide who will tell you all about the local flora and fauna.
You will travel in an air-conditioned door-to-door vehicle and will also visit places such as the Emerald Cave and Willow Beach on the banks of the river.
4. Red Rock Canyon Motorcycle Tour
If you're a nature lover, another one of the natural parks that I recommend you to visit on a trip to Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon.
This is a beautiful spot in the Mojave Desert where you can see reddish rock formations with landscapes similar to those found in the Valley of Fire but adorned with a unique flora where the Joshua Tree and Mojave Yucca stand out.
On this motorbike tour through Red Rock Canyon you can enjoy the magnificent nature of the west only about 25 kilometres from Las Vegas. You will always be accompanied by a professional guide who will take you along the 21 kilometres of paved route.
The price includes the scooter tour, safety helmet, expert guide, water and entrance fees to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
5. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour
Experience one of the icons of the American Southwest on this 15 hour tour to Antelope Canyon. You'll travel over 400 kilometres from Las Vegas with your group and an expert guide to the beautiful Horseshoe Curve and Lake Powell.
Then enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to Antelope Canyon, one of the icons of the American Southwest, located in Page, Arizona.
You'll be among the privileged to see and photograph the geological formations that have eroded over time and today make up one of the most famous places in the world.
6. Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon tour
Travel from Las Vegas to two of the area's most important national parks: Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon.
The park and canyon tour includes transportation, lunch and the constant company of an expert guide throughout the trip.
Once you are picked up from your hotel, your first stop will be Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah. The landscape is characterised by geological structures in shades of red and orange, the result of erosion and frost.
You will then make a stop at Bryce Canyon on the way to Zion National Park. Once there you will be able to hike and admire the cliffs, which are 24 kilometres long and 800 metres deep.
7. Valley of Fire Hiking Tour
Just an hour's drive from Las Vegas is this natural park, famous for its red rocks and trails.
On this hiking tour to the Valley of Fire you will travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel to this wonderful lunar landscape, accompanied at all times by a professional guide.
You can choose between different routes and hiking times:
- Easy: 4 hours
- Moderate: between 4.5 and 5 hours
- Difficult: between 5 and a half and 6 hours. This last option is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Depending on the route you choose, you will see different formations and pass through different parts of the landscape such as Fire Wave, Mouse's Tank or Elephant Rock.
The tour ends with a delicious snack to rest and recharge your batteries after the hike and before returning to your accommodation in Las Vegas.
8. Other tours from Las Vegas
The state of Arizona is one of the most famous for its natural attractions, parks and spectacular geological formations. The variety of activities that you can do in the region is therefore extremely varied. Here are some other options in case you are interested in exploring further.
Grand Canyon helicopter tour
Seeing this steep gorge carved out by the Colorado River over 2 billion years ago from a helicopter is a very special experience you won't forget. In addition to the thrill of seeing an amazing landscape at your feet, there is the sensation of floating in the air at hundreds of kilometres per hour.
If vertigo is not an impediment for you and you are also a photography enthusiast, then I recommend that you take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon because it is a must-do excursion from Las Vegas that you will love and where you will take some of the best pictures of your trip.
For those who haven't flown in a helicopter before, riding in one can be a bit daunting but there's no need to worry as these Grand Canyon helicopter tours are completely safe. You'll fly in modern aircraft accompanied by a professional pilot who will show you the most beautiful sites that have made this National Park famous.
Nevada Desert Excursion
The Mojave Desert is a tremendously large desert that surrounds the city of Las Vegas and encompasses parts of the states of Nevada, Arizona, Utah and California. It is home to Death Valley, a National Park whose name alone gives you an idea of how arid and inhospitable it is.
Some people decide to take the legendary Las Vegas-Los Angeles road trip, but if you're a little scared of being stranded here with your car (it's the driest part of the US and the heat is sweltering), you can always do something a little simpler but just as fun, such as a buggy tour of the Nevada desert.
Rolling Stone even called it the "best near-death experience in Las Vegas", so how can you not do it? Buckle up and get ready for a thrilling and unforgettable experience full of speed and adrenaline in the dunes of the Nevada desert.
What are the best national parks to visit from Las Vegas?
Given Las Vegas' proximity to many natural landmarks, many travellers take advantage of their visit to the city to visit places such as the Grand Canyon National Park, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Zion National Park, Death Valley, Bryce Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park and more.
How much does it cost to tour the national parks near Las Vegas?
Depending on the type of tour you choose, the price range varies widely, from around 80 euros to around 400 euros.
How long do national park tours from Las Vegas usually take?
As with prices, the length of tours also varies depending on the type of tour. It can range from around 3 hours for the shortest tour to 15 hours for the longest.
How to book a tour from Las Vegas?
In Hellotickets you can book online your place as well as compare routes, duration and prices to choose the one that best suits your budget, tastes or needs.
Can I go on my own to the national parks from Las Vegas?
Yes, during your stay in Las Vegas you can rent a car to visit the National Parks close to the city on your own, but if you don't know the routes and don't speak the language, my advice is to go easy and book an organised tour for your convenience.
You won't have to worry about getting to the National Park, planning which attractions to see or getting tickets, or stopping for lunch along the way - simplify it all to amplify the fun!