Surprisingly, but not surprisingly, my trip to Las Vegas was my most asked about expedition yet! I decided to write a comprehensive travel guide to help folks who want to explore the desert of Las Vegas and surrounding areas. I have suggestions on what to expect, where to stay, what to pack and what to do. Hope this helps and happy exploring!
What to Expect
This trip to Las Vegas will be unlike any other! You will be up early and in bed by 9. You’ll trade in your club attire for comfortable hiking gear and yes you’ll still be drinking..but tons of water! If you decide to do this trip anywhere from May-October, please be prepared for extreme temperatures. The average temperature for this time is a dehydrating 97 degrees. That combined with hiking and exploring outside for extended periods can lead to heat exhaustion or worse heat stroke. Please be careful. You can be met with opposite side of the spectrum as well. During my trip in February, it was in the 40/50’s and even snowed in some areas. It can be very cold in the desert during winter. Please check the weather before your trip and plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
You can skip the expensive hotels in the heart of the strip during this trip, because you'll have little time to even explore that part of the city! If you decide to do tours, you'll want to stay close for easy access to the pick up points. Here are a few budget and mid range hotel options.
Budget:
Mid Range:
*prices are estimate, may be more expensive during weekend/holidays
What to Pack
For most of the year, this trip will be hot, Pack gear and supplies accordingly:
What to Do
There are so many options you can choose from! I suggest researching each destination and deciding what you’d like to visit. These destinations are spread out between three states, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Although possible, driving to all would be really tough. I rented a car and drove to Seven Magic Mountains, and Valley of Fire, but went on a tour for Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. I have separated each destination into distance from Las Vegas. Anything over 3 hours is probably not drivable in day, and it is best to hire a tour.
Less than an hour away from Las Vegas
Seven Magic Mountains
Art exhibit 25 minutes south of the strip
High Roller Las Vegas
“World’s Tallest Observation Deck,” with amazing views of the desert
Red Rock Canyon State Park
One-way 13-mile scenic drive with hiking and trails, camping
1-2 hours away from Las Vegas
Hoover Dam
Arch-gravity dam on the border of Nevada and Arizona
Valley of Fire National Park
Public recreation and nature preservation area with red sandstone formations
Grand Canyon West (2 hours 30 minutes away)
Developed as a more convenient “Grand Canyon” viewing point from Vegas area. NOT the "actual" Grand Canyon.
Zion National Park (2 hours 32 minutes away)
Steep, red canyons and cliffs
3-4 hours away from Las Vegas
Bryce Canyon National Park
Crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations.
4+ hours away from Las Vegas Grand Canyon South
No explanation needed, iconic, historic, and extraordinary!
Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon
Slot canyon on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona
Sample Itinerary
Well, I hope this helps! Let me know if you decide to take this trip and explore this amazing area! It was one of my most fun trips to date!
3 Comments
Melissa
4/3/2018 07:36:48 pm
Thanks for the info, I will be traveling to Vegas in May.
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Kesha
4/9/2018 11:34:04 am
Awesome! I am going to look into this. I love hiking and have always wanted to go to horse shoe loop.
Reply
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