The City of Lights, Las Vegas is known for ‘going big or going home’. With an abundance of spas, malls, museums, parks, and of course the famous Las Vegas Strip to explore, it can be easy to be overcome by the excitement of it all. Once you get there you may never want to leave, but don’t forget that Las Vegas sits in the state of Nevada in the stunning wild west. One of the most beautiful areas of the United States is the sunny southwestern region, so don’t be fooled into thinking that there’s nothing to see outside of the Las Vegas glitz and glamour.
Whilst a trip to Vegas is not to be missed, make sure you spare some time to rent a car and head out of the city to see what else Nevada has to offer. From unique rock formations at Red Rock Canyon to the famous Hoover Dam, there is an array of stunning, scenic driving roads that will take you to an array of breathtakingly beautiful places nearby.
Day Trips from Las Vegas
So, buckle up, because here are three of the best driving roads near Las Vegas to get you inspired for a perfect day trip:
1. Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam
At only 1-2 hours away from the famous Strip depending on your route, the journey to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is a short but scenic one. It makes for a great day trip because it gives you time to explore the Dam itself whilst also boasting plenty of stunning desert views along the way. With multiple routes to follow, you can choose to cross the breathtaking Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge over the Colorado River, or even stop off at the tremendous Lake Mead along the way.
The Dam itself is situated in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River bordering Nevada and Arizona. It is an engineering triumph, built in the 1930’s with a deep and fascinating history attached to it. You can learn more about this history at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center, before travelling around the awe-inspiring Dam that is much larger than you may first realise. All in all, driving from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam makes for an inspiring day trip that is brimming with incredible sights and chances to learn about American history.
2. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservational Area is the result of millions of years of geological transformation. This breathtaking formation of red and orange sandstone rock can be seen from the Las Vegas Strip and is only 16 miles away, making the drive there incredibly short. However, once you get there you can go on a 13-mile scenic drive which gives you access to all the features of the area. This one-way loop begins at the Visitor’s Center, taking you on a journey through the canyons and sandstone hills that form the dramatic landscape.
Heading north from the Visitors Centre, you will come across multiple opportunities to park and explore the many trails, picnic areas, and ridges that adorn the canyons. It is here that you can get up close and personal with the geological features that define the area, not forgetting the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that lives upon the rock formations. As you follow the road around, you’ll come across an abundance of beautiful photo opportunities, with panoramic views after every turn. And, as you head back to Las Vegas once you’ve completed the loop, don’t forget to look back and watch the sun set over the iconic Nevada desert.
3. White Dome’s Road through the Valley of Fire
The Valley of Fire State Park is an incredible, red sandstone nature preservation area in Nevada, approximately an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. It spans nearly 46,000 acres of land, so to explore all of it even by car would be a mean feat, but one road will take you right through the heart of it. White Dome’s Road, sometimes referred to as Mouse’s Tank Road, can be found near the Visitor Center. It takes you past the Center to the North, via an abundance of incredible sights in the brightly coloured desert rock. From canyons, desert viewpoints, and fascinating petroglyphs, this spectacular scenic drive is perfect for anyone looking to get a real taste of the Nevada desert.
Whilst traversing this stunning landscape, keep an eye out for Mouse’s Tank, a natural cavity in the rocks where rainwater collects. When you find it make sure to follow the rocky drainage down to the Petroglyph Canyon and Turtle Head Rock too. These awe-inspiring natural features are only some of the Valley of Fire’s terrific sights. Keep going and you will reach the peaks, where you will be met with stunning views, colourful rocks, and a plethora of hiking trails for those who wish to stretch their legs.
Conclusion
Las Vegas may be the city of dreams come true, but don’t forget to step out of the limelight and explore the tremendous surrounding areas too. From the fascinating history of the Hoover Dam to the rocky landscapes of the famous Grand Canyon National Park, there is a world of wonder on the doorstep of the City of Lights. So, make sure to plan some time to step out of the casino, rent a car, and head out on a day trip to discover the best driving roads near Las Vegas.
No matter where your journey takes you, here at HolidayCars.com we can help to get you there. With more than 30,000 pick up locations world-wide and over 800 car rental suppliers available, we work hard to make sure that you get only the best deals, prices, and rental cars for your journey. So, whether you’re ready to go on that once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Red Rock Canyon, or you just want to explore the highways of Nevada, you can rest assured knowing that with us you will be getting the best, most affordable rental car deals possible for your trip, no questions asked.