Just a short drive from Las Vegas are some of the best drives in America. There are countless national parks, canyons, gorges, lookouts and rock formations that are truly breathtaking. After you have enjoyed all that vibrant Las Vegas has on offer, check out VroomVroomVroom's list of top scenic drives and start exploring!
From the astonishing views of Hoover Dam to the amazing hikes at Bootleg Canyon and the impressive Mike O'Callaghan & Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, there is something for everyone in Boulder City.
This Mike O'Callaghan & Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge actually links Nevada to Arizona and is a display of modern engineering at its finest.
If you are into cycling, the River Mountains loop trail is for you. You can also go for a walk at the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail or relax at Willow beach or Hemenway Park.
Travel Time: 31 minutes.
Directions: Get on I-515 S/US-93 S/US-95 S. Continue on US-93 S/US-95 S to Boulder City Pkwy. Take exit 15B from I-11. Continue on Boulder City Pkwy. Drive to Arizona St.
Top Attractions: Hoover Dam, Bootleg Canyon Park and the Mike O'Callaghan & Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
This 40,000 acres of Aztec sandstone is a visually stunning and awe-inspiring state park. The scenery itself is not only breathtaking, but the petrified ancient trees and the 3,000-year-old petroglyphs (carvings and images on the rocks) make this place so special.
The Rainbow Vista walk is a stand out for hikers due to the the vibrant warm tones of the rocks juxtaposing the skyline (not to mention the 360 degree views). Grab your camera and your loved ones, the Valley of Fire is a dreamy vista that takes you back in time 150 million years.
Travel time: 55 minutes.
Directions: Get on I-515 N/US-93 N/US-95 N from N 4th Street. Follow I-15 N to your destination. Take exit 75 from I-15 N. Merge onto the Valley of Fire Highway.
Top Attractions: The Aztec sandstone, petrified ancient trees, Rainbow Vista walk.
Have you really visited Arizona if you haven't been to the Grand Canyon? Just over 2 hours away from Las Vegas, the west face of this iconic and world-renowned national park is a short drive away. Here you will find an amazing skywalk which is set 4,000 feet above the canyon itself. The cantilever bridge has a glass floor so you can see all the way down into the canyon.
For a different perspective you can also go on a helicopter ride over the canyon for a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is also recommended to visit the amazing Hualapai Reservation.
Travel Time: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Directions: Get on I-515 S/US-93 S/US-95 S. Follow US-93 S/US-95 S, I-11 and US-93 S to Pierce Ferry Rd in Mohave County. Continue on Pierce Ferry Road. Take Diamond Bar Road to Eagle Point Road.
Top Attractions: Grand Canyon Skywalk, Helicopter ride over the West Rim, and the Hualapai Reservation.
Death Valley is a basin that is set below sea level! Although its name is anything but magical, the stark contrasts between the towering mountains that are covered in snow (in winter) and the dry desert below is a beautiful vision. After it has rained here, the national park becomes covered in wildflowers and greenery.
Artists Palette is a must check out. It's a section of rocks which are covered in different colored pastel hues. Badwater Basin is set 282 feet below sea level. It is a salt pond and is actually the lowest point in North America. The ultimate lookout is Zabriskie Point and displays amazing views of the valley.
Travel Time: 2 hours 14 minutes.
Directions: Get on I-515 N/US-93 N/US-95 N from N 4th Street. Follow US-95 N to NV-373 S in Amargosa Valley. Continue on NV-373 S to Inyo County. Turn right onto CA-190 W.
Top Attractions: Artists Palette, Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point.
Angels hike is world-renowned - it is a dramatic cliff that is basically layers upon layers of rock. Although it is a short climb, it's very steep. There are even chains bolted into the cliffs to hold onto at times. It's not for the faint hearted but is an epic experience for those willing to climb it!
The Narrows, like its name states is the narrowest part of the Zion Canyon which you can hike through. When walking through here you will look up and be surrounded by a thousand foot tall gorge! Canyon Overlook is another location where you will see amazing views of the canyon. If you feel like it you can go on a short walk to a 360 degree viewpoint.
Travel Time: 2 hours 34 minutes.
Directions: Get on I-515 N/US-93 N/US-95 N from N 4th St. Turn left onto Stewart Ave. Follow I-15 N to State Hwy 9 E/W State St in Washington. Take exit 16 from I-15 N. Drive to UT-9 E.
Top Attractions: Angels hike, The Narrows and Canyon Overlook.
Los Angeles is home to an abundance of things to see and discover. If it is your first time visiting, Hollywood Boulevard, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier and Rodeo Drive are iconic L.A. locations.
If you are wanting to see something different why don't you go to The Broad - an amazing contemporary art museum or go down the SkySlide - an all glass slide that is attached to the side of a building which is 1,000 above L.A. Other activities include driving to the top of Temescal Gateway Park for a view of the city and going for a hike at Eaton Canyon Falls.
Travel time: 4 hours 18 minutes.
Directions: Get on US-101 S. Follow I-10 E and I-15 N to NV-159 E/W Charleston Boulevard in Las Vegas. Take exit 41A from I-15 N. Follow NV-159 E/W Charleston Boulevard to N Las Vegas Blvd.
Top Attractions: Hollywood Boulevard, Disneyland, Universal Studios and Santa Monica Pier.
Do you know that you can download this map directly to your phone? Press the box symbol located on the top-right corner of this map to open in your Google Maps app. Now you can easily access this map on your next day trip in the Las Vegas.
