Looking for an affordable outdoor adventure destination to visit this winter? Believe it or not Las Vegas and its surrounding area is a mecca for hiking. Within a 3 hour radius of the strip you can visit 14 different national park service, forest service, BLM, or state park managed lands.
Because of the high temps in the summer, I only recommend visiting in the fall, winter, or early spring. The great thing about this area is flights are typically very budget friendly and if you really wanted to hub and spoke off the strip for day trips you could.
Personally, I like to stay in proximity to the parks for sunrise and to avoid long lines to park. I've visited the greater Las Vegas area for multiple trips where the strip was a second thought and only where I'd stay before flying out.
Probably the most convenient (28 minutes from city center) and well-known option is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on the western flank of Las Vegas. With its namesake red rocks, a great visitor center, and several solid trails its an easy choice. The entire park is a one-way loop road, so be sure to plan your stops before you enter. Otherwise, you'll be driving all the way out and back in. Be sure to trek Calico Tanks, Pine Creek Canyon, or Turtlehead Peak Trails - none are longer than 5 miles.
Lake Mead is next closest at a 49 minute commute. This park has Owl Canyon Trail, the Hoover Dam, Northshore Summit Trail, kayaking to Emerald Cove, Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail, and more. I've only completed a handful of those and this already got me thinking about going back! Plus, Boulder City overlooks the reservoir and it has an adorable little downtown area with a brewery and cute shops. Sunset from the Northshore Summit will blow you away.
Valley of Fire State Park is an hour southeast of the city and is fabulous. The red rock formations enclose the park road and each pit stop on the road will intrigue you. It's another scenic loop road. Fire Wave Trail (opens in October), White Domes Trail, or Fire Canyon Loop will all be doable within 1 day.
Mojave National Preserve is only 55 minutes but doesn't get a whole lot of traction. It's a secluded park with dirt roads, Joshua trees, cactus, and some sand dunes. It looks like Tom Cruise in Maverick would be riding his motorcycle into the desert sunset here. The coolest trail? Hole-in-the-Wall where you get to scramble up rungs in the side of the mountains. When I visited I rented a truck just so I'd feel safe driving the dirt roads. I also recommend checking out Sandy Valley.
Heading a bit northwest of Mojave is Death Valley National Park. This is a MASSIVE park where you'll drive great distances to see several different sections. Stay in Furnace Creek at The Ranch of Death Valley and hub and spoke out from there. Sooo much to see! Badwater Basin, Artists Palette, Zabriski Point, Dante's View, and the amazing Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Make sure to sled them! Ubehebe Crater is pretty cool too. Death Valley is home to what I'm guessing is one of the most expensive gas stations in the country. It's an hour and 45 minutes from Vegas.
As we break the 2 hour threshold we get some spectacular options! Grand Canyon West is 2 hours and 15 minutes away. While I haven't been to that side of the canyon, I'm sure its worth a visit.
A location you've probably never considered, but should is the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area which includes Mount Charleston. Two hours and twenty minutes into the mountains this area is alpine and green! Snow capped, it's a world away from red rocks and Vegas. The perfect off the beaten path escape. Be sure to watch sunrise or sunset at Desert View Overlook, hike Cathedral Rock Trail, Upper Bristlecone Loop Trail, Griffith Peak, Mary Jane Falls, Fletcher Peak, or the ultimate Mount Charleston which stands at 11,916 feet. Stay at The Retreat on Mt. Charleston.
Heading east towards Zion offers a plethora of state parks worth a visit. Snow Canyon is two hours from Vegas and is beautiful. Slot canyons, caves, and more. Make it a pit stop on your way to Zion. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park isn't bad either.
Zion National Park is 2 hours and 30 minutes from Vegas. Most well-known for Angel's Landing (requires a permit) and The Narrows, I think it would be great fun to e-bike through the canyon. Canyon Overlook Trail and Observation Point Trail are highly recommended if you're looking for big time views. Emerald Pools is a nice relaxing trail with waterfalls.
These last two should be done together. Cathedral Gorge State Park is roughly 2.5 hours from Vegas. It's stunning and best viewed at sunrise or sunset. Hike to Eagle Point or Miller's Point plus Juniper Draw Loop. Stay in Pioche for a town with three bars where what happens in Pioche, stays in Pioche is 100% true.
Add another two hours north of Pioche and you'll run into the VERY secluded Great Basin National Park. Great Basin is home to alpine mountains including Wheeler Peak and Glacier with over 12,000 ft of elevation. It's also home to Lehman Caves.
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