(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
Las Vegas, the glittering city known for its bright lights and bustling casinos, is surprisingly close to a wealth of natural wonders. Just a short road trip out of the city, you’ll find some of the best national parks, each offering its own unique charm and opportunities for adventure. The United States is home to the most incredible national parks. These seven national parks near Las Vegas are no exception. Plus, they’re are an easy reach, making them the perfect destinations for an unforgettable family vacation adventure.
[lwptoc]
NO TIME TO ENJOY THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
Death Valley National Park
Nestled in the remote expanse of the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park is approximately 2.9 hours or 101 miles away from Las Vegas.
Most of the park sits in Southern California, however a small portion does border and dip into Nevada. Despite its ominous name, the park’s Eureka Valley boasts the breathtaking sight of the towering Eureka Dunes, the tallest in California and perhaps North America. Set against the backdrop of the massive Last Chance Mountains, these aren’t just big mounds of sand. I mean, they are, but they are so much cooler! The dunes exude an otherworldly allure. Visitors can also witness the enigmatic phenomenon of singing sand dunes, you’re not just hearing things, adding an extra layer of mystique to the park’s already captivating landscape. It’s worth mentioning that sandboarding is a popular pastime and one of the best things to do at the dunes in Death Valley, and we highly recommend it! Some dunes allow it, like Mesquite Dunes, but sand boarding is prohibited on the singing dunes and others in the park, so just check the deets before you drop in.
For what it’s worth, whoever oversaw naming sites at Death Valley must have been in the grumpiest mood ever. From death to bad water and last chance–the park really is a stark contrast to the bah-ominous naming scheme, in my opinion.
Where to Stay In Death Valley
The Ranch at Death Valley is truly a desert oasis. The awe-inspiring Death Valley National Park surrounds this mission-style resort and boasts a spring-fed pool, and the lowest-elevation golf course in the world, Furnace Creek.
Zion National Park
Just a short 3.3-hour drive from Las Vegas, Utah’s Zion National Park awaits with its awe-inspiring beauty. That’s right, Utah is more than just the famous salt flats. Zion is one of the most popular national parks for good reason! It offers visitors a myriad of breathtaking, and catch-your-breath, outdoor activities, including navigating the famed slot canyons of The Narrows. This popular activity is somewhat of a “choose your own adventure” hike that takes families down to one of the lowest points of the park. There are full-day and overnight Narrows hikes that require a permit. The National Park Service provides the permits for overnight backpacking trips through the Narrows in Zion National Park. This is an exhilarating, somewhat technical hike, so it’s important to know your level of fitness before embarking on this one.
Grab your permit and your pals and wade the Narrows.
There are also fun day hikes through the Narrows that are easier, more kid-friendly, and involve less planning and paperwork, meaning no permit is required. Plenty of other hikes abound in Zion, like undertaking the exhilarating trek to Angels Landing.
To be honest, even the drives are scenic! Just follow the colored road of the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway and keep your head on a swivel to catch a glimpse of the rushing Virgin River, rock formations with names like Three Bishops, and waterfalls that dump into the Emerald Pools. It’s a scenic drive that blows all the other scenic drives you’ve ever been on right out of the water.
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
The historic Zion National Park Lodge is located in the middle of the park, with quick access to many popular trailheads. While the Wi-Fi may be spotty, the wildlife viewing right from your window is incredible.
Grand Canyon National Park
A mere 4.7 hours and 161 miles from Las Vegas, you will find one of the seven wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon National Park. It beckons adventurers, young and old, with its sheer size and breathtaking grandeur. Exposed within the canyon’s walls are five of North America’s seven life zones, so not only is it a world wonder, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bring your kiddos here, and you’ve got a history lesson, science experiment and a P.E. class without ever sitting in a classroom. Because it is so grand, spanning the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam all the way to the Hoover Dam, it is often referred to as the North Rim or South Rim, with each side presenting unique offerings. From either rim, you have views of layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history.
Sunrise on the south rim is grand.
The South Rim is where you will find most visitors, as well as the Grand Canyon Village. The village is full of the area’s history and Native American influence. Visitors will find a large selection of native arts, jewelry, and pottery throughout the village. Historical hotels and inns dot the area, as well as history exhibits and geological artifacts. And, of course, there are plenty of outdoor adventures.
Bright Angel Trail is a popular hike and offers hikers a different perspective of the canyon, looking up at the rim instead of down. Guided bike tours give visitors a chance to take in the Rim Trail and peak down to the Colorado River while pedaling, or rent a bike and be your own guide. The park exudes a sense of awe and wonder, inviting visitors to witness one of the world’s greatest natural wonders firsthand.
Where to Stay In Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Lodge North, offers guests the chance to stay in the park and on the rim of the Grand Canyon! It’s a popular place to stay, especially in the summer months, so book this one in advance.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Unforgettable Memories at the Grand Canyon with Kids
Joshua Tree National Park
Embarking on a 5.5-hour journey spanning 174 miles from Las Vegas, travelers will discover the unparalleled beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. This is a one-of-a-kind destination that conjures up visuals of music videos and 90’s bands – who’s with me? But really, Joshua Tree National Park is a true southwestern desert wonderland. Here, the rugged desert landscape is adorned with watercolor sunsets and night skies teeming with stars. Some of the best stargazing in the country happens every night in this crown jewel of the Mojave!
Visitors can wander the fairytale-like forests of Joshua trees and observe the imposing giant boulder piles that pepper the area, or hunt for fossils, did you know Joshua Tree was once home to Columbian mammoths? All this beauty and adventure is set against the backdrop of boundless vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Hidden Valley area of Joshua Tree National Park is home to one of the largest and most beautiful Joshua Tree forests on the planet, with some of the craziest-looking trees you’ll ever see.
Where to Stay In Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree Inn is the place to stay for a full immersive experience while visiting Joshua Tree National Park. This 1950s Hacienda-style inn is located 6 miles from the park. It’s quaint, clean, and oozing with desert personality.
Don’t Miss: Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park For Families
Bryce Canyon National Park
A drive of 5.3 hours covering 183 miles from Las Vegas leads to the ethereal landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its distinctive, which means funky, geological formations called “hoodoos.” These towering, thin rock spires were created by weathering and erosion. My kids used to call them “rock people with no faces,” which sounds creepy, but I can agree with them and have been known to call them rock people, too!
Red rocks, pink cliffs, and hoodoos for days.
Bryce Canyon has the largest collection of hoodoos in the world; these fine-grained sedimentary rock giants are bright orange and light tan and decorate the landscape as far as the eye can see, making it feel otherworldly. Bryce Canyon is also home to huge natural amphitheaters with killer acoustics carved into the edge of a high plateau. The most famous is the Bryce Amphitheater, which, of course, is filled with hoodoos.
The park also has scenic vistas, dark night skies bursting with stars, and three distinct climates. Believe it or not, some hikes demand a sweatshirt, while others will have you wishing you could hike in your birthday suit. So be prepared. There’s always one question that remains after a visit to Bryce Canyon: “Hoodoo” you think you are?
Where to Stay In Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon Lodge is an iconic lodge that offers suites, motel rooms, and cabins for guests. It is close to the Bryce Amphitheater, and inside the lodge, you will find a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and a gift shop full of treasures.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”kPud6″ via=”no” ]Las Vegas is a mere road trip from the most incredible national parks, so grab your crew, get out there, and explore these 7! [/ctt]
Great Basin National Park
Venturing 5.4 hours and 195 miles from Las Vegas, Great Basin National Park has a little bit of everything: dry desert, the cave, forests to explore, lakes to chill at, and glaciers at the top to find. Families looking for a quiet, less-traveled park, this is it! There is no entrance fee, no lines, and barely any other people. It’s incredible.
Families looking for a great hike with an even better payoff, the Bristlecone Glacier Trail is the best. This hike takes you through the Bristlecone Pine Tree Grove, where you find yourself among the oldest trees on the planet, some of which have stood for over 4,000 years. It continues and leads to the foot of the Wheeler Peak Glacier. Stop there and admire the beauty or keep on trucking to the top of Wheeler Peak. And for the caveman in you, Great Basin is home to the popular marble Lehman Caves, which have intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Glaciers, lakes, marble caves and rugged peaks all in a day.
Where to Stay In Great Basin
Hidden Valley Retreat is a small bed and breakfast/inn tucked into the canyon with a true retreat vibe. There is an on-site market for all the provisions you may need. Wi-Fi and cell service are very limited, but that’s why you came here, right?
Capital Reef National Park
Finally, travelers seeking yet another captivating natural marvel can journey from Las Vegas to the compelling landscapes of Capitol Reef National Park. Capital Reef is formed in an area called Waterpocket Fold and named after its white sandstone domes inside the park. You will also find arches, like the Hickman Bridge Arch, giant rock towers in Cathedral Valley, and beautiful red rock in every direction. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, or rock climbing, Capital Reef has thousands of open spaces to explore.
Families looking for a quick adventure, we highly suggest hiking the 0.1 mile to the Goosenecks Overlook to take in the breathtaking canyon views. Sunset Point is another easy hike for a beautiful panoramic shot, at sunset of course. The Capital Reef Visitor Center is also a great stop if you’re short on time. Inside, you will find loads of factoids about the park’s human history, diverse plant and animal life, and the geology of the Waterpocket Fold. With its striking geological features and stunning vistas, the park promises an unforgettable red rock canyon adventure for the whole family.
Where to Stay In Capital Reef
The Casitas Inn is the perfect home base when you are visiting Capital Reef National Park. Each casita offers convenient kitchenettes and cozy furnishings for a comfortable and peaceful retreat. The Casitas Inn also has larger casitas that fit up to seven guests, enough room for the whole family.
These national parks near Las Vegas offer the perfect setting for a memorable family vacation. Just a stone’s throw from the lively city, they provide an abundance of adventure and natural splendor. Whether you’re a fan of stunning vistas, breathtaking geological formations, or thrilling outdoor activities, these national parks have something for everyone in your crew.
Don’t Miss: For Family Fun, Here Are The 5 Best Pools In Vegas For Kids
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING IT OR PINNING IT!
Laura Kent
. I am a master brand storyteller, creative ringleader and kick-a content creator, based in Park City, Utah, where I live with my three incredible kiddos, my guy, and three of the goofiest doodle doggies you’ll ever meet. My specialties include copywriting, content creation, word smithing, editing, proofreading, SEO marketing, brainstorming, and picking brains. I’m also very good at multitasking, single-tasking, and “I’ll just do it myself” tasking. Last, but certainly not least, I specialize in spontaneous bursts of sheer brilliance. I traded life near the Pacific Ocean for mountain town living in Park City, which actually feels like a chill beach town…so, it’s a pretty even trade, except for the snow – obvi!