Discover the hidden gems of Outdoor Experiences Near Las Vegas, beyond the city’s bright lights and parties., the city and surrounding area offer many other attractions and experiences. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the nightlife and well-known tourist sites, but some people prefer to go off the beaten path or explore the stunning desert.

If you want to experience nature, you’ll find a long list of things to do within a few hours of Vegas. 

Check out some of the following ideas for outdoor experiences near Las Vegas. 

The Grand Canyon

Las Vegas is only a couple hours away from one of the most well-known natural landmarks in the world: The Grand Canyon. 

Grand Canyon National Park covers around 1,900 square miles, so many entrances give you access to this stunning red-rock canyon. The closest option is the West Rim, which is about two hours by car. 

While the West Rim is a good option for a day trip, visitors can also make the four-hour drive to the better-known South Rim entrance. 

Both options are great, and it’s relatively straightforward to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by vehicle. 

Valley Of Fire State Park 

Looking to see stunning red rocks within a shorter drive? Valley of Fire State Park is an excellent option, as it’s only around 45 minutes by car.

Valley of Fire has over 40,000 acres of red sandstone cliffs, outcrops, and canyon areas. It’s also home to many petrified trees and petroglyphs from thousands of years ago.

Visitors can hike, camp, explore, and more. You can also check out the visitor’s center to learn more about the prehistory, geology, and zoology of the area. 

Hoover Dam

While the Hoover Dam is technically human-made, it’s still a fascinating outdoor stop to check out. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Las Vegas, so it’s another easily accessible day trip. Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas or a local, it’s worth checking out the Hoover Dam at least once.

The Hoover Dam was originally finished in 1936 and created Lake Mead by damming up the Colorado River. The Hoover Dam has major significance to Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. 

Lake Mead

Speaking of Lake Mead, it’s another beautiful place to visit that isn’t far from Vegas. In less than 45 minutes, you can escape the heat of the desert and enjoy outdoor recreational activities like swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, biking, and much more.

Lake Mead is the largest human-made reservoir in the United States and covers parts of Arizona and Nevada. 

So, if you want to get outside of the city and participate in a wide range of outdoor fun, it’s worth heading to Lake Mead for your next-day trip or vacation. 

Also Read : 6 Surefire Ways to Make Your Gatlinburg Vacation Memorable

Zion National Park

Like Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park is about two hours by car from Las Vegas.

Zion is one of five national parks in Utah, but not too far from the Nevada border. It’s known for stunning rock formations and challenging hikes, such as Angel’s Landing. So, if you love the outdoors or want to see as many national parks as possible, Zion is a can’t-miss location.

Finally, remember these are just some of the many outdoor spots to check out around Vegas. There are many more wonderful sites in and near the city, so don’t be afraid to do some more research to see what sounds most interesting to you.