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15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Jan 23 , 2022 · 8 min read

If you are living it up in Vegas, you are sure to have a fun time. But the party and entertainment scene can be intense, so a trip to see a national park near Las Vegas can be a welcome break from the neon lights and music.

We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best national parks near Las Vegas. You can get back to nature and connect to the earth for a while before reentering the metropolis that always calls everyone back for one more night of fun.

Zion National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

One of the most stunning national parks near Las Vegas and also one of the closest ones is Zion National Park. Open since 1919, it has seen many visitors over the year who go for the excellent hiking and biking trails, pretty scenery and quaint farmers markets.

You can book a tour guide to stay safe and learn all about the history of the area along the way.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 2.5 hours.

Death Valley National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Although the name doesn’t sound alluring, this park is a true stunner. Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts love this park, one of the largest in the country with over 3 million acres of land. It is also one of the hottest and harshest parks, so extra safety precautions and care should be taken.

Another reason this park is popular is its dark sky which makes it perfect for stargazing.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 2 hours.

Great Basin National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Bring quality hiking boots for your trip to the Great Basin National Park as you could be walking through caves, tunnels and over steep mountains. Another great place for stargazing with a dark sky and low pollution, this park is great for camping and overnight stays. 

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 5 hours.

Canyon Lands National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Most visitors to the Canyon Lands National Park have the Mesa Arch on their list of must-see sites in southeastern Utah park. With the Colorado River flowing through the park, it is beautiful from the air, so a helicopter tour can be a highlight of your trip.

Island in the Sky is the most popular part of the park because of the spectacular views and the Needles rock pinnacles and Native American rock paintings in Horseshoe Canyon are also worth seeing. White water rafting through the canyons is a great adventure if you are seeking thrills.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 8 hours.

Joshua Tree National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

You must play U2’s famous song The Joshua Tree as you walk the trails of this popular park. Rugged desert landscapes scattered with red rocks make a stunning scene to go along with the soundtrack in your head.

Of course, the iconic Joshua tree can be seen along with other flora and fauna as you explore places like the Hidden Valley, Cottonwood Spring and Key Views.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 3 hours.

Yosemite National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Another well-known destination, Yosemite National Park, is a massive area with pristine waterfalls, lakes and in some seasons, colourful flower fields. Look for the Sequoia tree that is native to the area. You might also see black bears, coyotes and deer in this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is high on our national parks near Las Vegas list.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 8 hours. 

Grand Canyon National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

This Northern Arizona park is one of the most well-known and popular parks in America, so you will see plenty of other tourists there. The massive canyon that covers 270 miles is featured in many travel magazines and travellers flock to the park to walk the trails leading to the north and south rims. 

The best viewpoints are Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station. For sunrise and sunset, Lipan Point is the place to be.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 4 hours.

Arches National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Massive sandstone rocks form stunning arches giving this park its name. Expect to see breathtaking scenes and an abundance of birds and wildlife as you walk through this popular national park. The red rock arches are unique, making it an out-of-this-world experience.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 8 hours.

Bryce Canyon National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Weirdly-shaped rocks rising from the ground called hoodoos are the main feature at Bryce Canyon National Park. Hiking is a joy as you admire the hoodoos at scenic viewpoints along walking trails that range from easy to challenging to fit every fitness level.

In addition, there are camping grounds for overnight stays, which can include long stargazing sessions.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 4.5 hours. 

Capitol Reef National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Your photo album will be full of amazing landscapes and awe-inspiring rock formations after your trip to the Capitol Reef Park. Amazing lovers of the great outdoors since the early 1970s, the park has an array of nice walking trails and also picturesque driving routes if you prefer to see the park by car. 

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 6 hours.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument was established in 2014 to study and preserve Ice Age fossil discoveries. This educational trip is great for all ages who love the outdoors. The 22,650-acre area is also home to the rare Bearpoppy flowers native to Las Vegas.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 1 hour.

Petrified Forest National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

You can probably tell this is an old park from the name. It is divided into two parts, with the Painted Desert in the north and the petrified wood in the south of the park. The Painted Desert features bright rocks and is stunning and worth the hike to see it.

The area is full of scenic views and pretty hiking trails. Check into the Petrified Desert Inn on Route 66 if you want to stay overnight to hike the park over several days.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 5 hours.

Sequoia National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Tourists can see the magical sequoia tree and the world’s biggest General Sherman tree in the 275-foot tall Giant Forest Sequoia Grove in the Sequoia National Park. It’s hard to miss the towering peak of Mount Whitney as you experience hiking in the vast area that is home to a lot of nature and wildlife.

Climb 400 steps to the peak of Moro Rock for amazing views and to also get your fitness fix for the week.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 7 hours.

Kings Canyon National Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Kings Canyon National Park is home to Redwood Canyon, where you can witness the biggest grove of sequoia trees in the world. It is often compared to Yosemite Valley for its beauty and natural features.

The drive time from Vegas to the park is approximately 7 hours.

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park

15 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

Technically not a national park, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State is a Historical Park that is good to visit if you are limited on time or don’t want to drive too far out of the city. There you can admire the Old Mormon Fort, the original structure built by European in what would later become Las Vegas fifty years later.

We hope you’ve been inspired to read all about the 15 best national parks near Las Vegas in Nevada, California, Utah and Arizona. Don’t forget to pack some workout gear and good walking shoes as well as your number ones for those party nights in Sin City. These desert areas can have extreme weather conditions, both hot and cold, and there are creatures like wild animals and snakes to beware of.

Always be safe, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back and stay hydrated. If you are not experienced in hiking, it pays to book a tour guide who will make sure you are safe and don’t get lost or into dangerous situations. 

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We have cheap flights to Las Vegas and many other places in America. Book your vacation to Vegas and many other wonderful places and pay later with Trip Support. Go ahead and get your pay later flight with Trip Support today!

Trip Support

The face of travel is changing rapidly. We are proudly leading the industry with an innovative and flexible Book Now, Pay Later Flights option. You can buy the air ticket and vacation packages by putting down a small deposit to secure the services and pay the balance in installments. Flexibility and savings are just some of the benefits of flying with Trip Support. 

We have cheap flights to Rye in Colorado. Book your vacation to Rye and many other wonderful places and pay later with Trip Support. Go ahead and get your pay later flight with Trip Support today!

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