Las Vegas Desert Exploring Travel Guide

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:

• Hostel Cat  $42 a night (also have dorm beds)
• Silver Sevens $45 a night
• Alexis Park All Suites $55 a night 

Mid Range:

• Southpoint Hotel $80 a night 
• Rio All Suites $70 a night
• Stratosphere Hotel $80 a night

*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:

• Hiking clothes
• Lightweight jacket
• Snacks
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Hat
• Backpack
• & all your normal toiletries, underclothes, electronics

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

A post shared by Danny (@lostwithdanny) on Apr 3, 2018 at 10:22am PDT

  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)

A post shared by @jrmacost on Apr 1, 2018 at 6:50pm PDT

 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)

A post shared by Justine Skinner□ (@justineskinner) on Mar 25, 2018 at 12:04pm PDT

Steep, red canyons and cliffs

3-4 hours away from Las Vegas
Bryce Canyon National Park

A post shared by Jess Miller (@jesslikestohike) on Nov 17, 2017 at 7:23pm PST

Crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations.

​4+ hours away from Las Vegas
Grand Canyon South

A post shared by Satyaki De (@satyakide.photography) on Mar 25, 2018 at 1:39pm PDT

No explanation needed, iconic, historic, and extraordinary!

Horseshoe Bend

​Horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River in Page, Arizona. Short 1.3 mile hike to reach view. Take your time and bring water!

Antelope Canyon

Slot canyon on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona

Sample Itinerary 

Day 1:
Rent car and visit:
-Seven Magic Mountains (1 hour)
-Red Rock Canyon (2 hours)
-High Roller Las Vegas ($20)
 
Day 2:
Drive OR Tour to:
Hoover Dam
Grand Canyon West Rim
 
Day 3:
Tour to:
Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon 

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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!