Nationwide Parks close to Las Vegas provide a surprising distinction to the brilliant lights and vibrant leisure of the Las Vegas Strip.
Whereas Las Vegas is famend for its leisure, playing, and even hockey, additionally it is strategically located amongst a number of beautiful nationwide parks, making it a great gateway for nature lovers and journey seekers alike. Las Vegas serves as a launching level for exploring the pure wonders of not solely Nevada but additionally neighboring states like California, Utah, and Arizona.
Be a part of us on an journey to uncover the majestic landscapes that lie simply past the town’s commotion, as we discover the Nationwide Parks close to Las Vegas.
Desk of Contents
Maps of Nationwide Parks Close to Las Vegas
Greatest Nationwide Parks Close to Las Vegas
There are a number of glorious nationwide parks inside driving distance of Las Vegas. Nonetheless, for a complete expertise of this exceptional space, take into account exploring not solely the nationwide parks but additionally the Nationwide Leisure Areas, Nationwide Monuments, Nationwide Preserves, Nationwide Park Websites, and State Parks that dot the area. By incorporating these numerous locations into your highway journey itinerary, the vary of choices turns into just about limitless!
1. Pink Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space, Nevada
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 21 miles
- Driving time: 0.5 hours
Pink Rock Canyon, situated simply 21 miles from Las Vegas, just isn’t solely one of many closest parks but additionally among the many most beautiful. Boasting immense cliffs, colossal rock formations, and a panorama adorned with crimson boulders, it serves as a magnet for photographers, hikers, and rock climbers.
Even when mountain climbing or climbing isn’t your factor, a one-way, 13-mile-long highway winds via the park, showcasing its most spectacular sights.
For these with restricted time but a robust want to interrupt away from the town lights of Vegas, the Pink Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space is a superb start line. Only a brief drive from Las Vegas, it provides a swift escape into the pure wonders.
2. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space, Nevada
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 21 miles
- Driving time: 0.5 hours
One other location managed by the Nationwide Park Service and located extraordinarily near Las Vegas is Lake Mead, a mere half-hour drive from the town and the biggest freshwater reservoir within the space. This artifical lake, created by the iconic Hoover Dam, is so expansive that it stretches from Nevada into Arizona.
The Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space is huge, encompassing an unlimited lake, canyons, valleys, cliffs, and mountains. Moreover, there are ample wilderness areas to discover inside its expansive boundaries.
Well-liked actions at Lake Mead embrace fishing, swimming, and wakeboarding, with a relentless presence of boats dotting the expansive water. The lake serves because the excellent retreat to chill off from the desert warmth and take pleasure in the great thing about the pure environment.
3. Valley of Fireplace State Park, Nevada
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 60 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour
If you’re planning a visit to go to Lake Mead, then you definately received’t wish to miss Valley of Fireplace State Park as properly. The truth is, it may be a good suggestion to mix a go to to each of those superb areas.
This park will get its identify from the crimson sandstone cliffs and rock formations, and so they shine as if on hearth throughout dawn and sundown. There are a number of mountain climbing trails via Valley of Fireplace, in addition to loads of campsites for park guests to make use of.
Valley of Fireplace State Park is each panorama and outside photographer’s dream location, and the gorgeous surroundings is second to none. Don’t neglect your digital camera if you go to go to!
4. Dying Valley Nationwide Park, California
Dying Valley is the closest nationwide park to Las Vegas. It is usually well-known for a lot of issues, like being the largest nationwide park within the decrease 48 states. It additionally holds the information for the lowest level in elevation in North America and the most well liked and driest location in North America.
So why would anybody wish to go to a spot like this? Fortunately there are various causes, and there’s way more than simply desert as its identify and repute would have you ever consider!
Dying Valley has large sand dunes, mountains coated in snow, massive canyons, mosaic badlands, and even just a few waterfalls, relying on the time of 12 months.
Earlier than visiting the park, don’t neglect to obtain the official Dying Valley map.
5. Snow Canyon State Park, Utah
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 170 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours 25 minutes
The primary location on our checklist present in Utah, Snow Canyon State Park, is known for its massive canyons which can be carved out of white and crimson sandstone. The surroundings is breathtaking right here, and due to the gentle climate, it’s open year-round.
Well-liked actions that may be discovered at Snow Canyon State Park embrace mountain climbing, biking, horseback using, tenting, and pictures.
Situated just some hours outdoors of Las Vegas, Snow Canyon is one place you will need to go to to actually admire. Many individuals argue that if this park was present in another state, it might simply be a nationwide park. It’s possible you’ll even end up by no means wanting to depart!
6. Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Located only a 2.5-hour drive from Vegas, Zion Nationwide Park proudly stands because the closest to Las Vegas amongst Utah’s “Mighty 5” nationwide parks. Consequently, Zion makes a great vacation spot for a day journey from Las Vegas or a excellent weekend getaway.
As Utah’s first nationwide park and most visited, Zion boasts a singular attraction that units it aside. This distinctive mix of geological wonders and vibrant greenery makes Zion a standout amongst Utah’s nationwide parks.
The spotlight of the park is the majestic Zion Canyon, sculpted over time by the meandering Virgin River. The cliffs and mountains on this area are nothing in need of world-class, attracting guests from throughout the globe.
Zion magnetizes tens of millions of holiday makers annually, drawn by iconic hikes like Angels Touchdown, The Narrows, and Statement Level. These must-visit trails cater to these looking for high-adrenaline adventures. Nonetheless, for these preferring gentler paths, trails just like the Emerald Swimming pools, Canyon Overlook, or Riverside Stroll provide equally beautiful vistas of Zion’s distinctive landscapes.
To beat the crowds and profit from your journey to Zion Nationwide Park, take into account arriving early. Well-liked trails can get crowded, so an early begin ensures a extra peaceable expertise.
7. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 185 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Present in Southern California, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is a desert wonderland that’s chock-full of fascinating and exquisite issues to see. Whereas the Joshua timber are the primary attraction and the place the park acquired its identify, there are many different desert sights to discover.
One of many hottest actions at Joshua Tree is tenting, and there are quite a few campsites accessible for anybody visiting the park.
A bit over a 3-hour drive from Vegas, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is a superb place for some stunning desert surroundings and exploration. You would possibly even stumble into some outdated homesteads and goldmines as properly!
8. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 190 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours
Utah has some superb parks; fortunately, Las Vegas sits proper subsequent to the Nevada and Utah border. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is one in every of these and is commonly neglected by guests due to the opposite bigger and extra well-known nationwide parks within the space.
Simply because the identify implies, there are crimson and pink dunes on this park which can be the primary sights. These had been fashioned by the erosion of Navajo sandstone cliffs.
One of the well-liked actions at this park is using ATVs all through the dunes, however different guests additionally take pleasure in tenting, mountain climbing, and pictures. If any of those sound like enjoyable to you, then Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park must be in your checklist!
9. Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park is discovered simply east of Zion Nationwide Park and is most frequently visited by people who find themselves there to see each parks. The truth is, these two parks are sometimes mixed in a single journey for many guests, and you may’t take pleasure in one with out the opposite!
Bryce Canyon is known for its rock spires in addition to its cliffs, canyon partitions, and different rock formations that kind a pure amphitheater.
Loads of trails will let you drop down into Bryce Canyon and discover these rock formations and surroundings up shut, and that is positively among the best issues to do whereas visiting this iconic nationwide park.
10. Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
- Distance from Las Vegas to South Rim: 275 miles / 4 hours quarter-hour
- Distance from Las Vegas to North Rim: 265 miles / 4 hours half-hour
Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of many Wonders of the World, stands as a must-visit vacation spot in the USA. Situated roughly 4 hours from Las Vegas, it provides a fascinating weekend getaway for these looking for awe-inspiring pure magnificence.
The nationwide park is split into two major areas: the North Rim and the South Rim. Selecting between the 2 relies on the time of 12 months and your deliberate itinerary.
The South Rim, the extra well-liked of the 2, boasts an in depth array of vacationer choices and is open year-round. Grand Canyon Village, located right here, serves as a hub with quite a few facilities. Alongside Desert View Drive and Hermit Street, a collection of viewpoints showcase the vastness of the canyon, with highlights together with the South Kaibab Path and its mesmerizing viewpoints, akin to Ooh Aah Level.
The North Rim, quieter and cooler, operates from Might 15 to October 15 for in a single day stays and opens for day entry from December 1. Notable sights on the North Rim embrace Vibrant Angel Level, Cape Royal, and Roosevelt Level. Adventurous hikers might undertake the difficult Rim-to-Rim hike through the North Kaibab path.
If time permits just one rim go to, prioritize the South Rim. Discover viewpoints alongside Desert View Drive and Hermit Street, and don’t miss the breathtaking Ooh Aah Level.
Go for a day journey to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim if time is proscribed. Whereas not formally a part of the nationwide park, it’s a mere 2-hour drive from Las Vegas and options the thrilling SkyWalk viewing space.
11. Kodachrome State Park, Utah
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 285 miles
- Driving time: 4 hours half-hour
Situated southeast of Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Kodachrome State Park stands as a vibrant tapestry of colourful sandstone spires, crimson rock boulders, majestic mountains, and the expansive canvas of clear blue skies.
Kodachrome Basin State Park in Utah derives its identify from the favored Kodak Kodachrome movie. The park’s distinctive geological options, together with colourful sandstone spires and vibrant rock formations, resemble the wealthy and vivid colours attribute of photos captured on Kodachrome movie.
Nature lovers can partake in quite a lot of outside actions, together with mountain climbing, horseback using, and mountain biking. The park’s numerous trails cater to totally different ability ranges, guaranteeing there’s an journey for everybody.
If time permits, take into account tenting inside the park to totally immerse your self within the tranquility of nature. Tenting spots scattered in and across the park provide a singular expertise, particularly underneath the expansive evening sky.
12. Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 300 miles
- Driving time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Nestled in jap Nevada, close to the Utah border, Nice Basin Nationwide Park stands as a tranquil haven, providing a stark distinction to the chaotic environment of Las Vegas. Roughly 300 miles north of the town, this nationwide park gives a scenic drive via the distinctive landscapes of Nevada.
Nice Basin Nationwide Park is famend for its distinctive mixture of historic bristlecone pine groves, huge caves, and the imposing presence of Wheeler Peak, the second-highest peak in Nevada. As you ascend the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, the rugged terrain step by step transforms right into a mesmerizing alpine setting. Bristlecone pines, a number of the oldest dwelling timber on Earth, punctuate the panorama, making a surreal and historic ambiance.
Get pleasure from on the crystal-clear evening skies, designated as an Worldwide Darkish Sky Park, offering unparalleled stargazing alternatives.
The park has quite a few mountain climbing trails catering to totally different ability ranges. The Bristlecone Path provides a average trek via the traditional groves, whereas extra seasoned hikers can sort out the difficult Wheeler Peak Summit Path.
Because of the park’s elevation, starting from 6,000 to 13,000 toes, temperatures can range considerably. Summers are gentle, however winter brings snow and colder situations. Test the climate and highway situations earlier than your go to, and be ready for seasonal adjustments.
13. Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah
Roughly a 5-hour drive northeast of Las Vegas, Capitol Reef is a Nationwide Park in Utah that stands as a lesser-known treasure than its extra well-known counterparts. Regardless of its comparatively subdued repute, this park is a marvel of the desert, showcasing colourful canyons, monolithic sandstone domes, and intricately eroded rock formations.
Nestled within the coronary heart of Utah, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park options the mesmerizing Waterpocket Fold, a virtually 100-mile-long warp within the Earth’s crust. Named for the distinctive white Navajo Sandstone domes harking back to the U.S. Capitol, the park unfolds as a kaleidoscope of vibrant rock layers, deep canyons, and distinctive formations.
For first-time guests, start your exploration with the scenic Capitol Reef Drive, a 25-mile odyssey via the guts of the park. Make sure you pause at iconic stops like Panorama Level and Sundown Level for panoramic views of the surreal panorama.
Capitol Reef is designated as a Darkish Sky Park, making it a great location for stargazing. Deliver binoculars or a telescope and be part of ranger-led applications to unravel the mysteries of the evening sky.
14. Yosemite Nationwide Park, California
Yosemite Nationwide Park, probably the most iconic nationwide parks in the USA, lies roughly a 6-hour drive northwest of Las Vegas. Crossing state strains into California, guests embark on a journey into the guts of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the place Yosemite’s beautiful granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, and towering sequoias await.
Famed for its breathtaking landscapes, Yosemite is residence to the majestic El Capitan and Half Dome cliffs. The park additionally boasts the highly effective Yosemite Falls, one of many tallest waterfalls on the earth. With over 800 miles of trails, Yosemite caters to hikers of all skills and gives ample alternatives for mountain climbing, tenting, and wildlife viewing.
Whereas Yosemite Valley is essentially the most visited space of the park, areas like Tuolumne Meadows and the Mariposa Grove of Big Sequoias provide a quieter expertise with equally beautiful surroundings.
Provided that Yosemite is without doubt one of the most visited Nationwide Parks within the US, ensure that to e book your lodging, as campgrounds replenish rapidly, particularly within the peak summer time months. Guide properly prematurely to safe your spot.
A day journey to Yosemite Nationwide Park from Las Vegas is almost unattainable given the space, so take into account a multi-day go to to totally admire the huge magnificence and leisure alternatives the park has to supply.
15. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 370 miles
- Driving time: 5 hours 40 minutes
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park is located roughly a 6-hour drive east of Las Vegas, close to the border of Arizona and New Mexico. This park stands out for its huge assortment of fossilized timber, relationship again tens of millions of years when the area was a lush forest. Now, it presents a placing panorama dotted with the colourful colours of the petrified wooden and the distinctive geology of the Painted Desert.
The easiest way to begin your exploration inside the park is to drive the scenic highway and witness the expansive great thing about the Painted Desert. Cease at viewpoints akin to Tawa Level and Chinde Level for panoramic vistas that showcase the vastness of this historic panorama.
Lots of the greatest views and experiences inside the park come from its accessible trails and historic websites. Right here, the stays of historic timber have been crystallized over time into rainbow-hued stone logs, making a pure gallery of geological and paleontological wonders.
Trails like Crystal Forest and Blue Mesa function close-up views of petrified wooden and badland hills. Take a stroll to see these marvels up shut.
Discover the Puerco Pueblo, an historic Native American archaeological website inside the park. Marvel on the petroglyphs etched into the rocks, providing a glimpse into the lives of those that as soon as referred to as this area residence.
16. Sequoia Nationwide Park, California
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 380 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Sequoia Nationwide Park is a few 7-hour drive west of Las Vegas, nestled within the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Although it’s typically overshadowed by close by Yosemite, this park is a haven of towering timber, rugged landscapes, and unmatched pure magnificence.
Identified for its huge sequoia timber, particularly the well-known Common Sherman Tree—thought of the world’s largest tree—Sequoia Nationwide Park boasts giants that stand tall with timeless grandeur, creating an awe-inspiring environment.
For a wide ranging panoramic view, climb Moro Rock. Although the ascent is steep, the reward is the beautiful panorama surrounding you.
To totally immerse your self within the pure environment, take into account tenting within the park. Lodgepole Campground is a well-liked selection, providing a peaceable setting among the many large sequoias.
The park experiences distinct seasons. Summer season gives nice mountain climbing situations, whereas winter blankets the panorama in snow, creating a singular and serene environment. Test climate situations earlier than your go to for a extra pleasurable expertise.
17. Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, California
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 420 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Positioned roughly a 7-hour drive from Las Vegas, Kings Canyon Nationwide Park typically shares the highlight with the adjoining Sequoia Nationwide Park, famend for internet hosting the largest timber on the earth.
Kings Canyon itself is well known for its dramatic, deep-cut valleys, with the titular Kings Canyon rating among the many deepest canyons in North America. The park additionally boasts an array of serene meadows, large sequoias, and highly effective waterfalls, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
To start your exploration, go to Grant Grove, residence to the Common Grant Tree, one other huge sequoia. This grove provides a much less crowded however equally spectacular different to the Sequoia Common Sherman space.
Embark on a hike to Zumwalt Meadow, the place a comparatively simple path gives a peaceable mountain climbing expertise with placing canyon views and entry to meadows and river surroundings.
Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway; this route provides breathtaking views of the park. Be sure that to cease at varied lookout factors for picture-perfect views of the canyon.
Given the park’s energetic black bear inhabitants, use bear-proof storage bins for meals and scented gadgets, and familiarize your self with correct procedures within the occasion of an encounter.
To maximise your time, I at all times counsel visiting Sequoia Nationwide Park and Kings Canyon Nationwide Park on the identical journey. If time permits, take into account including Yosemite to your itinerary for an prolonged Sierra Mountains park expertise.
18. Arches Nationwide Park, Utah
Arches Nationwide Park stands as probably the most iconic and visually beautiful parks in the USA. Boasting over 2,000 pure stone arches, this nationwide park unveils a particular panorama of contrasting colours, landforms, and textures not generally discovered within the areas close to Las Vegas.
A spotlight amongst Utah’s “Mighty 5,” this park treats guests to monumental views, that includes famend landmarks like the fragile Delicate Arch, the expansive Panorama Arch, and the towering Double Arch. Past the arches, the park showcases towering spires, pinnacles, and balanced rocks, crafting a terrain that seems nearly otherworldly.
For an enhanced expertise, take into account exploring the park in the course of the serene moments of dawn or sundown. The arches and rock formations exhibit much more vivid colours throughout these golden hours, offering unparalleled picture alternatives and cooler temperatures to your explorations.
I like to recommend planning your go to to Arches Nationwide Park in the course of the spring (March to Might) and fall (September to October) seasons. It’s advisable to keep away from the height summer time months (June to August) when temperatures can surpass 90 levels Fahrenheit (32°C), probably making outside actions much less pleasurable and even depressing.
19. Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah
- Driving distance from Las Vegas: 470 miles
- Driving time: 6 hours 50 minutes
Nestled roughly 330 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Canyonlands Nationwide Park beckons adventurers to discover its rugged magnificence. Situated close to the city of Moab in southeastern Utah, this park is a testomony to the uncooked energy of the Colorado River and the geological forces which have formed the panorama over tens of millions of years.
Canyonlands Nationwide Park is huge, divided into three distinct districts by the canyons carved by the Colorado and Inexperienced Rivers. Every district—Island within the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze —provides a singular and mesmerizing array of canyons, mesas, buttes, arches, and panoramic vistas.
Island within the Sky: Perched atop a large mesa, this district gives expansive overlooks of the canyons beneath. Guests can marvel on the vastness of the panorama, together with iconic options like Mesa Arch and Grand View Level.
The Needles: Characterised by colourful spires and rock formations, The Needles district is a playground for hikers and backpackers. Trails like Chesler Park and Joint Path showcase the intricate great thing about this distant space.
The Maze: Accessible solely by rugged backcountry routes, The Maze is a real wilderness expertise. It provides solitude and challenges for these looking for a distant and untouched panorama.
Because of the vastness of Canyonlands, plan your go to with a selected district or exercise in thoughts. Every space provides distinctive experiences, and it’s necessary to allocate ample time for exploration.
FAQ: Nationwide Parks Close to Las Vegas
What’s the Closest Nationwide Park to Las Vegas?
The closest nationwide park to Las Vegas is Dying Valley Nationwide Park. Whereas Dying Valley is primarily accessible from the California facet, it’s the nearest nationwide park to Las Vegas, situated roughly 120 miles west of the town.
How Many Nationwide Parks in Nevada?
Nice Basin Nationwide Park is the one nationwide park in Nevada.
What are the “Mighty 5” Nationwide Parks in Utah?
The “Mighty 5” refers to a gaggle of 5 nationwide parks situated within the state of Utah, every recognized for its distinctive and breathtaking geological options. These distinguished nationwide parks close to Las Vegas embrace Arches Nationwide Park, Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, and Zion Nationwide Park.
Nationwide Parks Close to Las Vegas | Conclusion
Las Vegas is a superb metropolis with loads of sights and issues to do for the typical individual. However in case you are like me and love the outside, it may be the right start line to get out and go to a number of the greatest nationwide and state parks and landscapes within the nation. With its shut proximity to a number of the greatest nationwide parks close to Las Vegas and breathtaking landscapes, the town turns into an unparalleled start line for an unforgettable journey!
