What is there to see between Las Vegas and Zion National Park?

Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedJul 14, 2022

How long is the drive from Zion National Park to Las Vegas?

The direct drive from Zion National Park to Las Vegas is 168 mi (271 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 39 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Zion National Park to Las Vegas, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Boulder City and $St. George and top places to visit like Kolob Canyons and E Kolob Canyon Rd, or the ever-popular Cedar City Aquatic Center.

32 stops

Cities / Attractions

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Top cities between Zion National Park and Las Vegas

The top cities between Zion National Park and Las Vegas are Boulder City and St. George. Boulder City is the most popular city on the route — it's 3 hours from Zion National Park and less than an hour from Las Vegas.

1

St. George

St. George is a city in southwestern Utah. Nearby Snow Canyon State Park offers trails, dunes and red sandstone cliffs. Sand Hollow State Park features a large reservoir. Stately 19th-century buildings such as the Pioneer Courthouse and Brigham Young Winter Home dot downtown. The St. George Art Museum houses historical photos and work by regional artists. Zion National Park, with canyons and streams, lies northeast.

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If you fly into Vegas, drive the two hours over the state line to St. George, Utah just note that there is a time change between Nevada and Utah!. If you have time, don’t miss a quick pit stop in Valley of Fire State Park which is a beautiful detour if you fly in early enough in the day.

40% as popular as Boulder City

5 minutes off the main route, 34% of way to Las Vegas

2

Boulder City

Boulder City is a city in Clark County, Nevada. It is approximately 26 miles southeast of Las Vegas. As of the 2010 census, the population of Boulder City was 15,023.

The community took its name from Boulder Canyon. Boulder City is one of only two cities in Nevada that prohibits gambling.

Most popular city on this route

27 minutes off the main route, 85% of way to Las Vegas

The top stops along the way from Zion National Park to Las Vegas (with short detours) are Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Hoover Dam, and Valley of Fire State Park. Other popular stops include ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Kolob Canyons.

1

Cedar City Aquatic Center

Public swimming pool

Water & Amusement Parks

Community center

Water Parks

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Excellent place for kids and adults. There are two covered indoor halls. One with kids slide, water playground, small kids play area and lazy river. Showers, restroom, lockers available( bring your own lock and towels). Sitting areas to watch kids for adults who does not want to swim or get wet. Free wifi. There is a little cafe (but it is closed currently. Ticket for swimmers is $4.50. Use of the facilities and watch swimmers free.

Average government run facility. Extremely noisy due to the water playground that 9 out of 10 kids avoid. It would be nice if it cycled on and off to give your ears a break and kids the chance to play on it without get blasted in the face the whole time. The water is cold. If it does lose $500k a year as they say, what's a couple more thousand to have warmer water? Notice the empty playground in the picture.

We stopped to have a bite to eat before we headed out again. It is a quiet and peaceful little park. The sun set was beautiful. My kids played on the playground a bite and it was a good place to stretch our legs.

4.5(613)

4.5(31)

2090 W Royal Hunte Dr, Cedar City, UT 84720, USA

2

Kolob Canyons

Terrain

Nature & Parks

Canyons

Parallel red-rock box canyons in Zion National Park, viewable from hikes or a 5-mi. scenic drive.

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If the crowds are thick, consider hiking the 14-mile (round trip) trail to Kolob Arch, one of the largest natural arches on earth. Alternatively, if you’re just looking for views on this side of the park, consider the Timber Creek Overlook Trail where you can see as far as Mt. Trumbull in the Grand Canyon.

Kolob Canyons is a great, 5-mile scenic drive through Zion’s National Park! There are lots of good trails for hiking, but also plenty of spots to just pull off and enjoy the view. They have nice bathrooms at several of the trailheads. Also, there wasn’t hardly any traffic when I went, which was especially surprising for a nice, summer evening.

Gah! This place is amazing! Take the short hike at the top! Well worth it. The rangers were very nice and friendly. Plenty of places to pull over for pictures along the way.

Honestly one of my favorite parts of my Utah Trips. Easy trails, beautiful scenic drives all the way to the top of a viewpoint. Great place for families too!

4.7(123)

4.5(553)

New Harmony, UT 84757, USA

3

E Kolob Canyon Rd

Sights & Landmarks

Scenic Drives

4.5(138)

4

Zion's Blue Sage Ranch

Horseback riding service

Outdoor Activities

Exercise equipment store

Horse boarding stable

Horse trainer

Horseback Riding Tours

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Dale and JR were fantastic. I’ve been horseback riding several times before. But this experience is unlike any other I’ve done. The terrain was a lot different. Typically they take you on a normal path that’s pretty easy. JR took us on what felt like off path but was so much more enjoyable from the views to the feeling of actually riding a horse instead of just being on a horse that knows the path really well so you don’t have to do anything. JR was also full of conversation so there was never a dull moment anytime throughout the ride. But also gave us the time when looking at everything to just soak it in. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is in the area or thinking about it. Also JR was kind enough to stop at an amazing place to take pictures of me and my girlfriend and also a small walk to look at some Indian carvings in the rocks.

It was a very fun and beautiful trail ride! My friends and I really enjoyed the experience and how easy going and well trained the horses were. The views of the canyon were beautiful, especially late afternoon when the sun is going down! Would recommend this ranch to any tourists cruising through town. ☺️

Myself and two sisters went on a 1.5 hour trail ride. It was AMAZING! The horses were well behaved without being zombies. The views were wonderful and I loved that the destination of the trail was looking at 800+ year old petroglyphs. Dell picked the perfect trail for us based on our experience and it was a thrill!

5.0(83)

5.0(24)

740 Richard St, Hildale, UT 84784, USA

5

Zion Canyon Trail Ride at Jacobs Ranch

Horseback riding service

Sights & Landmarks

Horseback Riding Tours

Ranches

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Friendly staff/trail guides! We took the three hour tour. Take your ibuprofen before the ride and you’ll be fine. This is not a kiddie ride but newbies can take this ride just fine. It’s well worth the time and money. Rates are very fair. The view is amazing and the horses are excellent at their job. Highly recommend!

I spent weeks planning a proposal that was intended to be personal, very enjoyable, and totally unsuspected. I began by calling and chatting with Jackson, who brought his wife Sheryl on the line to help out. Half hour on the first phone call, great receptivity and flexibility. I didn't know what I was doing so this really helped. Fast forward, we fly in, I make it out to the ranch alone to discuss details. They are busy, it is evident. Yet i requested a private ride for myself, my (now) wife, and just a wrangler. On the phone I could hear them moving groups around to make this possible. Incredible. Now this isn't a pretty, groomed, maintained horse stable. It's the mountain desert riding. I had written something personal written, riddled with several key dates and our age difference, burned into a piece of leather. One of the wranglers (Landon, i believe) was to nail it into a tree and then communicate the location to our wrangler Joshua, who was fantastic. He was smart, good conversation, genuine, the wild mustang riding type. Cleverly, he worked out a plan for us to tie our horses to a tree at the spot "so they can rest". Slight nod at me and I located the tree. My lady unknowingly picked the tree where the leather was now fastened. As the wrangler and I approached her, he asked what was on the tree and she began to read. It ends with, "Today I'm here behind you wondering if you'll be my wife" at which point I was on my knee. The remaining 1.5 hours were awesome. Galloping through the mountains, jumping, riding alongside cliffs. It was awesome. Do it. The End.

My family of four (wife and I, two young kids 12 and 10) just wrapped up a truly exceptional experience at Jacob's Ranch tonight. Our visit started when we were promptly met at the gate at 4pm as promised and then quickly organized with horses. Having Cheryl along with two additional helpers enabled this process to be both quick and thorough, everyone felt 100% comfortable and custom fit to our horses. Then we were off, which leads me to the most impressive part of the experience. To set the stage, none of us had ever ridden a horse in our lives, and our youngest was 10 and she was a bit fearful while my wife and I were quite a bit more comfortable and ready to dial it up. Cheryl's ability to nuance the first part of the ride, pulling my daughter and son back a bit and slowly building their confidence while also creating opportunities where my wife and I could bring the horse to a fast trot and even get it running a bit, was amazing! Within an hour, after crossing a bunch of rivers, doing some small jumps over logs, and running the horses at different speeds, all four of us were completely confident and ready/excited to take on the single track in the foothills. Comfortable and excited we meandered through the foothills, altering between slow walking while taking in beautiful views as the sun dipped down and charging up big hills to get the adrenaline pumping. The turnaround point of the sunset ride was a gorgeous view of the valley from the top of an rock formation, absolutely breathtaking. We had some extra time so Cheryl took us off the trail a bit to let my kids climb on rocks to grab pictures, check out the nearby motocross track, scrambled up another hill for a different sunset view etc. just the kind of things that aren't required but instead are done by a guide who truly wants you to have a memorable experience. The ride concluded with a slow walk back at dusk, meandering across streams and reminiscing on the incredible day while learning so much about horses lives and behaviors as my kids peppered Cheryl with questions. Upon return the horses were immediately greeted and taken care of, our belongings brought to us, and a warm goodbye issued. Back at the hotel I am sitting here with my daughter who is saying "daddy I think I got too attached to Ranger, I really love him, can I see a picture of him on the phone? can I write him a letter". This was not a tour, this was a transformational experience, for by wife and I and our children. I can't thank Cheryl enough for going above and beyond for my family, there is no doubt Jacob's Ranch will be seeing more of us in the future!

4.3(171)

4.5(137)

530 UT-9, Virgin, UT 84779, USA

6

Fort Zion

Souvenir store

Sights & Landmarks

Jewelry store

Restaurant

Zoo

Farms

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My friend was looking to get a rattlesnake burger so we went there but they don't have it anymore. The ice cream flavors are unique and very good however. They're mildly sweet which is perfect, and are tasty. The banana split is great too. The server/cashier there was so sweet and accommodating. She let us customize the desserts the way we wanted. There are many cool items at the gift shop, we bought some pear cactus jelly jars.

Fort Zion was a cute experience. Service dog friendly too! No hassle about having her with me. My kids enjoyed feeding the animals carrots with their grandma. I did stay away from the animals with my dog, I didn't want to startle the animals. I'd definitely stop here again without too.

We stopped to take pics of the outside, not knowing what was on the inside. They sold homemade ice cream. They had knives, indian jewelry, walking sticks, souvenirs, stones. The prices were ok for being a souvenir shop. They sell carrots to feed the animals.

4.4(1462)

4.0(91)

1000 W. Hwy 9, Virgin, UT 84779, USA

7

Historic Pine Valley Chapel

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Sights & Landmarks

Sacred & Religious Sites

Churches & Cathedrals

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This is one of the longest used chapels in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is a branch that meets here on Sundays and is very welcoming. If you want a seat, you might need to go a little early because there are quite a few visitors. We sat up in the choir seats and had a great experience! There were also great bathrooms. There are also tours available if you want to learn more about the history and structure of the building.

It is so beautiful. The church is great but the teachings from the book of mormon are amazing. Great place to be

The tour guides are so knowledgeable and kind. We took a guest from Alaska and he was so impressed.

4.8(122)

4.5(41)

52 W Main St, Pine Valley, UT 84781, USA

8

ATV & Jeep Adventure Tours

Tour agency

Tours

Sightseeing tour agency

Tour operator

Tourist information center

Visitor center

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First time doing an ATV tour decided to do this with the group I was with when we traveled to Utah. We did the full day tour which was 5 hours with lunch provided plus all the gear. Even with a group of seven the tour was on the pricier end but overall we enjoyed the tour. Our tour guide gave us helpful information about the plants, desert, and names of the rocks. Riding on the sand dunes was by far my favorite part.

Outstanding trip! We had 3 generations of family with a wide range of ages. We chose to mix ATVs and side-by-sides. The skill levels in our group ranged from riding / driving once to owning our own and riding regularly. Our guide, Danion, made sure everyone was comfortable at all times and tailored the tour to the group's abilities as confidence improved. The views and terrain are amazing and engaging enough to even make being a passenger enjoyable. We went on a weekday and it felt like we had the entire mountain to ourselves. Our equipment was very good and mechanically sound (something you can't take for granted with off-road rentals). Everyone I dealt with was extremely helpful, courteous and professional. Thank you!

Wow. Top notch people. Top notch machines. Top notch state park with amazing dunes and views. Dave was funny, fast and knowledgeable. It was my wife and 3 kids in the 6 seater. We did the four hour sunset tour. So much fun. Worth every penny. The only negative reviews are from people who don’t show up or show up on time. These guys are true pros and I did a ton of research. Your search is over. Book it. You found the right place. Charlotte, NC.

4.9(214)

5.0(851)

1324 S Sandhill Dr #1, Washington, UT 84780, USA

9

St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

Natural history museum

Museums

Educational spot featuring prehistoric dino tracks along with fossilized fish & plant life.

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Adults trip to the dinosaur track site. It was pretty awesome but I’ll admit that some people might have to try harder to see the coolness of such a place. But if you try, it’s totally there. Start by imagining how rare it is for a footprint to get turned into rock and survive 10s of millions of years….and go from there. Exhibits on geology, past ecosystems, naming of footprints (spoiler: different from naming of dinosaurs), how to tell directionality of water flow, all sorts of cool stuff. Also note that trace fossils - like footprints - often take a bit of imagination. Not usually my thing honestly. But here, in general, these are really well preserved and labeled and can be readily recognized. And there’s SO many of them. Even a butt print. Make it a scavenger hunt for the kids - finding the butt print. Ha ha ha. But I really did enjoy it. Definitely suggest a stop.

Cool place to drop by! Lots of dinosaur tracks and fossils to see with plaques identifying them and giving interesting information. Pretty simple museum that was a quick walkthrough. It’s currently under construction so the price is discounted.

It's a nice place that is very educational. Sometimes it was difficult to see the tracks, but, overall, it was cool to look at everything. They also have several exhibits designed for kids. The price was also not bad to get in and see a ton of things. We learned a lot and had fun going to see all the items they had.

4.4(345)

4.0(398)

2180 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790, USA

10

Pioneer Park

Rocky 52-acre park featuring Dixie Rock, views of the city, hiking, BBQs & a covered pavilion.

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We came in here Monday around1-2pm and there wasn't a lot of people which was great, it was so easy to find parking. First when you look at this park from the road, it seems nice but when you see the inside, it's a lot awesome and cooler. Great hike for the family even with little kids. We had fun taking pictures with the cool rocks, their colors and shapes are just amazing. There was even a cave-like area which was super cool and beautiful. And to top it all of, bathrooms were clean. There were soap and water and toilet paper, although no paper towel or hand dryer which wasn't a big deal. We came from Vegas and this was 2 hrs drive from us but it was totally worth it. ❤❤

We had a blast checking out the park. Views from the top are great. Hike for people without health issues is easy. However I have a lot of health issues so I had to go really slow and was pretty out of breath by the time I made it to the top. The gardens before the park are awesome. Great place to take the family. Awesome place to get some good photos. Will definitely be back. Pet friendly. Be sure to pick up after your pet so others can enjoy the park ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This park was awesome! The trails go over the big red rocks and are pretty free-wheeling. It feels very self-led and adventurous. PLUS our group had a 2 year old, 11 month old, and 5 months pregnant lady with us and we were still able to climb a lot and had so much fun. Great views and awesome photo back drops! You could spend 30 minutes or 3 hours here and have a good time.

4.8(2361)

4.5(445)

375 Red Hills Pkwy, St. George, UT 84770, USA

11

St. George Utah Temple

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Sights & Landmarks

Stately Mormon temple built in 1877 with a visitor's center & services for church members only.

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Still under construction but still an exciting place to come to. So much history and so impressive to see the craftsmanship of old still standing strong. Obviously needed some updating but all in all a house built upon a firm foundation stands the test of time. I am so looking forward to entering it when it reopens in November 2022. The Visitor Center however is open as of April 1st and that is not an April fools joke. It truly is open and has some wonderful exhibits for everyone. I will definitely be back and look forward to it.

It’s a sanctuary. Nothing like being in a holy place and at peace. The grounds are beautiful with paths to walk on and flowers to smell. Nice photo opps. The Visitor’s Center is lovely and a great place to take visitors to. Family friendly. It’s undergoing a renovation right now. Worth still seeing ❤️

Sadly under renovation but still one of the most beautiful LDS temples in existence. The contrast of the white temple against the red rock of St. George is lovely.

4.9(3045)

4.5(838)

250 E 400 S, St. George, UT 84770, USA

12

Tuacahn Center for the Arts

Amphitheater

Concerts & Shows

Nonprofit featuring plays & concerts in an amphitheater with canyon views & smaller indoor theaters.

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This place is magic! The natural scenery and atmosphere are unmatched. You feel as if you found an oasis due to the sound and beauty. Speaking of sound, the quality of the sound was amazing. No reverb, no echo just crisp clear instruments and voices. I realize the sound guy has much to do with this, I am acknowledging that surrounded by all rock, real and fake, could have had negative impact. It did not. I wasn't even a true fan of the band, just a fan of music. This venue did not disappoint. There were plenty of convenient concessions. The seating ensures all a great view of the performance. And I truly can't say enough about the majesty of the natural surroundings. Even to look up and see stars so clearly added to the treat. Pictures don't do it justice.

This is our 1st time visiting the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. We saw the Broadway production Beauty and the Beast. The Amphitheatre is breath taking to say the least. Outdoors under the stars with an incredible red cliff back drop. The play was spectacular in every sense. Fantastic performance and thoroughly entertained!! Would definitely return and do this again!! Great show and atmosphere!

Beautiful outdoor theater and a show I'll never forget! Red Rocks backdrop was unrealistic. It provided a magnificent ambience and added depth to the show as well. Performers were great too. Saw <The Count of Monte Cristo> and was impressed throughout the show on how the team composed the stage. Definitely recommend and would come back myself.

4.8(3853)

5.0(564)

1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, UT 84738, USA

13

Virgin River Canyon Campground

Campground

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Parks

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Excellent cheap campground ($8 in 2018), right off the freeway but far enough away for some quiet. Sites are clean and maintained. Same for the restroom. Very scenic, but not much solitude. Sites for big rigs or car campers. Some have shade awnings too. Sites were a bit tight together, but with so few campers it wasn't an issue for me. Perfect for an overnight, but with not much to do in the area and not many amenities, not really a destination. With few options for camping - low-cost or otherwise - this is a real oasis for this stretch of interstate. The Virgin River Gorge is also super cool to drive through, make sure you do it while there's daylight.

We had a very nice spot, except. The previous camper left the fire pit full of half smoked cigarettes with plastic tips. Which stopped us from having a little camp fire😓

Pretty nice place. It's a little close to the freeway. Make sure to hike down to the river. It does have restrooms and fire pits. However check for fire restrictions, they are standared in the summer time.

4.4(389)

4.5(15)

Cedar Pocket, Littlefield, AZ 86432, USA

14

Eureka Casino Resort

Resort hotel

Casinos & Gambling

Modern gaming resort with relaxed rooms & suites, plus 3 restaurants, an outdoor pool & a spa.

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I went to eureka with one of my friends. The casino across the street is filled with the smell of cigarettes and you can feel your energy deplete. Eureka smells good, the energy is great. All the players have a lot of great personalities and the staff is amazing. The machines and casino are just all around clean. Well worth the visit.

I am DEPRESSED! Uncle Eddie from Christmas vacation would love this place. It’s got the vibe of the recreational vehicle Eddie drove up to Clark’s house. Everything was odd shades of tan, the furniture is beat to heck and the rooms just don’t feel inviting. Grandma smoked like 4 packs of smokes today while playing wild Buffalo March slot machines. Don’t worry, she quit smoking a couple years ago, now she just smokes when she gambles and rides the Amtrak train. She smells like an ash tray and keeps snoring in the bed next to me. . Anyway, this hotel is a two star. It’s not nice but not gross. I survived but would rather pay a little more for a better room. Two stars, four packs, one review.

We he best part about this casino really for us was the buffet. They had unlimited crab legs for the family which was a huge win! There was also enough variety for everyone to enjoy and the food was great! The wait was about 30 mins or so to get in, so this was the only challenging thing but again the food was well worth it

4.1(4955)

4.0(283)

275 Mesa Blvd, Mesquite, NV 89027, USA

15

Virgin River Hotel and Casino

Basic rooms in a casino complex with pools & dining options, plus a bowling alley & arcade.

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Stayed here on 2 different occasions enjoyed my stay. We requested a certain room to accommodate our dog. We were happy it wasn't the Marriott but for the price you can't go wrong. Room was clean, sheets & bed had no weird stains,staff was helpful. We enjoyed our stay & our smoking room.

You get what you pay for here. The check in process was very smooth, the rooms were clean, and the beds were comfy. The bathroom looked like it went out of date about 20 years ago and the amenities are only the bare minimum (no microwave). If you're just spending one night on your road trip to somewhere else this place is great. After having to stand in the smoke filled casino to check in I was grateful to not smell even a trace of smoke in our bedrooms.

For $27 a night, the stay was well worth it for what it is. We were just stopping quickly overnight on a road trip, so did not use any of the other facilities. The check-in process was long, as they only have 3-4 staff at the front desk for the entire 700+ room hotel. Had to wait 20-30 mins to check-in, and the front desk agent said it sometimes can take 2+ hours when busy. Lots of cigarette smoke from the casino in the front-desk area. I do not like that they do not guarantee a non-smoking room when booking. The room itself was okay. Some updates were obviously attempted with new furniture, but the overall room shows its age. Cleanliness was fairly superficial. There were mounds of dust on some furniture items/light fixtures, and found some hair elastics/pins on the ground under the sink, etc. Bathroom fixtures are quite old, but the shower water pressure was probably the best I've had at any hotel - wow! Sheets were clean, bed was reasonably comfortable. Room amenities minimal. Only a TV - no coffee maker, fridge, etc. Would definitely consider again for a short stay if ever needing an overnight on the way by.

3.9(8042)

3.5(267)

100 E Pioneer Blvd, Mesquite, NV 89027, USA

16

Little Finland

Scenic spot

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

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Remote and beautiful. 2-1/2 hours from the strip. Would recommend a 4x4 even though we didn't need to use it while driving there. I could have spent the entire day exploring just here. If I did it again, I would park near the northwest side of the wall instead of following the signs all the way to the dead end and then walking down the face to the dunes.

30+ miles out a dirt road to a beautiful little canyon with palm trees and donkeys that come to drink the water! Very Sandy sections four-wheel drive highly recommended.

Beautiful scenery, it's a shame however a majority of the fins are destroyed. Both occasions I visited I witnessed young children basically kicking them over or standing on them while parents paid zero attention to them. The spot is still an amazing visit regardless.

4.8(16)

5.0(15)

17

Lost City Museum-Archaeology

Museum created during Hoover Dam construction to preserve artifacts from Anasazi Indian sites.

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Great Museum and piece of Nevada/SW USA/Native American history. Cheap entrance fee for an easy hour of information and entertainment. Check out the two video screenings. Excellent collection of preserved pottery. Gift store & clean restroom inside.

Super neat museum ($6 entry) with an amazing gift shop and an awesome outdoor picnic area!

Great remodel of museum. Nice collection of artifacts, photographs and other items.

4.5(378)

4.5(132)

721 S Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV 89040, USA

18

Valley of Fire State Park

Petrified wood & red sandstone are 2 of the natural features found at this hiking & camping spot.

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It's about 50 miles from the Fremont Street Experience to the visitor center at Valley of Fire State Park. Make this your first port of call to find out how best to tackle this masterpiece of Southwest desert scenery containing 40,000 acres of red Aztec sandstone, petrified trees and ancient Native American petroglyphs (at Atlatl Rock). Dedicated in 1935, the park was Nevada's first designated state park. Its psychedelic landscape has been carved by wind and water over thousands of years.

If you have some time, why don’t you check out a few things to do in Vegas besides gamble, like visiting the Grand Canyon and The Valley of Fire?! The 5 Utah National Parks should be on everyone’s bucket list, whether you’re from the USA or not!. We were astonished as to how varied the area was, and each of the Utah National Parks were completely different from one another!. We’ll be back – that’s for sure!

If you have time, don’t miss a quick pit stop in Valley of Fire State Park which is a beautiful detour if you fly in early enough in the day. Read my full guide to St. George, Utah for more info on what to see and do in the area.

Valley of fire State Park! Wow I can't even begin to describe the beauty of this place. Here is just a few pics of it. First of all it is the most peaceful and quiet place. It looks like it's not even real at all. The weather was just perfect and sunny. I would advise you to wear enclosed shoes and have some water on you if you decide to hike around. There are wildlife out here like snakes etc so be careful of the holes in the ground. Also make sure you have enough gas in the tank Because it's a long way to a gas station and cell service might not be the best out there.

Make sure when you come to Vegas you make time to come to this amazing state park. Beautiful scenic views and wildlife on sight. I got to see rams and cool insect. Didn't get to hike to the famous fire wave but to check out some really cool spots with no people around. Visitor center available with small museum and restrooms. Entrance fee was $15.

This place was amazing. My recommendation is to come early. The park is huge and you won’t want to rush the experience, you could be there all day and still not see it all. Overnight camping is permitted and there are plenty of day use areas perfect for a day long getaway! Make sure to look for Sheep as they are all over the park. Located only a short drive from Vegas, this is a must see!

4.8(11805)

5.0(3930)

29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA

19

Mouse's Tank Rd

Nature & Parks

Geologic Formations

Hiking Trails

Asphalt north-south road crossing red sandstone desert named after a Paiute Indian's water source.

4.5(293)

20

Coyote Springs Golf Club

Golf club

Outdoor Activities

Golf driving range

Private golf course

Public golf course

Golf Courses

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I’d drive four hours from Vegas to play this course again. It’s a must stop for any golfer within a 300 mile radius. We played in March and conditions were superb. Staff was helpful and friendly, the club sandwich was flipping killer. Each golf hole was interesting and let’s you be creative off the tee and Into the green. Loved, loved, loved the design. The Golden Bear has delivered a superb design and was generous of must all his landing areas throughout the course. We will be back!

As a golf pro, I see a lot of things that your average golfer probably won’t notice but enhances their experience without them realizing it. Staff was very professional and helpful. Great signage on the course so you don’t get lost. Complimentary water bottles in your cart. Great prices on everything. 100% worth drive. We played 08/11/21 and it was a little hot but the golf course wasn’t too baked out. Fairways and greens are immaculate. I cannot recommend this golf course enough. Big time hidden gem!

My favorite golf course I have ever played. If you ever wondered what it's like to play a pro course, this is the place to go to.

4.5(321)

4.0(91)

3100 NV-168, Moapa, NV 89025, USA

21

Hoover Dam

Hydroelectric power plant

Nature & Parks

Dams

Depression-era engineering marvel offering tours & scenic views of the Colorado River & Lake Mead.

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At the height of the Depression, thousands of men and their families migrated here and worked in excruciating conditions, dangling hundreds of feet above Black Canyon in 120°F (about 50°C) heat to build this massive 726ft-high dam, completed ahead of schedule and under budget in 1936. Ninety-six workers lost their lives building the iconic art-deco styled structure, which redefines the stark landscape. Tours of the dam structure begin at the Hoover Dam Parking Garage &amp; Visitor Center.

Highlights: Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Flagstaff Mountains We always recommend flying into Las Vegas because there are all sorts of extremely affordable flights that fly into this world-famous city. If you can, try to catch an early morning flight into Las Vegas because it leaves time for exploring. This is the easiest and cheapest way to make Las Vegas the starting point for your Arizona road trip itinerary.

The Memorial Bridge, mentioned above, gives a spectacular view of the Hoover Dam, which is located in the Black Canyon on the Colorado River. It was opened in 1936 and was built to control floods and produce hydroelectric power. Today, the Hoover Dam is still in use and there are two lanes of traffic that run across it.

What a beautiful location. Wish I had more time but the views are breathtaking! Well cover more ground next time. Paid parking is on the left before the bridge. $10. Free parking is across the dam. I paid for parking since we skipped the visitor center. 1-07-2022 Tours are currently closed except for visitor center.

A must visit, I waited far too long to enjoy this. Tours are good and the whole thing is ran great. Don't go in summer months, the is the same as outside temp. Security check was no big deal and you can still drive across the dam.

A beautiful experience. Enjoyed the views as well as just being able to see this dam. Several visitors were here enjoying their day. There are several different areas to park and look at different observation points. I recommend at least 3 good hours to truly enjoy this point of interest.

4.7(46748)

4.5(8512)

22

Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Highway arch bridge spanning the Colorado River, with views of Hoover Dam from a pedestrian walkway.

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The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, also known as the Hoover Dam Bridge, crosses the Colorado River between the states of Arizona and Nevada and is world renowned for its impressive feats of engineering. The 1,500-foot-long four-lane highway bridge rests 890 feet above the Colorado River and is the second-highest bridge in the United States. It also features the world's tallest concrete columns of their kind and is the highest and longest arched concrete bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

Source: Photo by Flickr user Matt Kieffer used under CC BY-SA 2.0. The blue water running under the amazing arched bridge through the big canyon–that just asks for a photo. But Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is not only a place for nice shots.

If you're in the area, be sure and check out the Hoover dam. It was very fun walking across the large bridge and taking photos of the edge. There's a short set of steps that will take you up to the bridge. I counted them and it was 69 steps. They even have ramps. If you can't do the steps. Neat place to go see. Very peaceful and wonderful views.

If you want the most absolutely incredible photos of the Hoover Dam then you have got to stop here. It’s free first off so that’s a plus, and it’s a short walk up to the top. Thankfully they have both stairs and ramps to make it earlier to access for everyone. Absolutely breathtaking views for as far as you can see. An absolute must stop if you’re going to check out the dam.

I honestly liked walking this bridge more than I did the dam. The sight from up here is magnificent. The walk up is arduous, especially if you parked at the Hoover dam parking structure. I don't recommend the walk up for the physically challenged. If you have kids, be prepared to carry them if they tire easily. They so have ramps for strollers and wheelchairs, it just takes a lot longer than taking the stairs, but still doable. I recommend having someone to help. If you parked at the Hoover dam parking structure, getting to the parking lot of the bridge is not ADA friendly, but still doable.

4.7(1267)

4.5(9818)

27953, 28689 Great Basin Hwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

23

Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Highway arch bridge spanning the Colorado River, with views of Hoover Dam from a pedestrian walkway.

Slide 1 of 5

The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, also known as the Hoover Dam Bridge, crosses the Colorado River between the states of Arizona and Nevada and is world renowned for its impressive feats of engineering. The 1,500-foot-long four-lane highway bridge rests 890 feet above the Colorado River and is the second-highest bridge in the United States. It also features the world's tallest concrete columns of their kind and is the highest and longest arched concrete bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

Source: Photo by Flickr user Matt Kieffer used under CC BY-SA 2.0. The blue water running under the amazing arched bridge through the big canyon–that just asks for a photo. But Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is not only a place for nice shots.

If you're in the area, be sure and check out the Hoover dam. It was very fun walking across the large bridge and taking photos of the edge. There's a short set of steps that will take you up to the bridge. I counted them and it was 69 steps. They even have ramps. If you can't do the steps. Neat place to go see. Very peaceful and wonderful views.

If you want the most absolutely incredible photos of the Hoover Dam then you have got to stop here. It’s free first off so that’s a plus, and it’s a short walk up to the top. Thankfully they have both stairs and ramps to make it earlier to access for everyone. Absolutely breathtaking views for as far as you can see. An absolute must stop if you’re going to check out the dam.

I honestly liked walking this bridge more than I did the dam. The sight from up here is magnificent. The walk up is arduous, especially if you parked at the Hoover dam parking structure. I don't recommend the walk up for the physically challenged. If you have kids, be prepared to carry them if they tire easily. They so have ramps for strollers and wheelchairs, it just takes a lot longer than taking the stairs, but still doable. I recommend having someone to help. If you parked at the Hoover dam parking structure, getting to the parking lot of the bridge is not ADA friendly, but still doable.

4.7(1267)

4.5(9818)

27953, 28689 Great Basin Hwy, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

24

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Car racing track

Sights & Landmarks

Auto Race Tracks

Massive facility hosting NASCAR, drag racing & special events, plus fan racing experiences & tours.

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Fans of fast cars will want to head over to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Located in Clark County 15 miles northeast of the Strip, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1,200-acre complex of multiple automobile racing tracks just right for the speed-freak in you. Ever imagined what it would be like to drive a Lamborghini or Ferrari?

Nothing feels more romantic when your wife is all game for a car racing show. Located in the north of Las Vegas, no attraction is more exciting and thrilling than Motor Speedway for racing fans.

This is a great Track. A very nice facility and great guest services. Behind Daytona this nicest track I've been to for a great fan experience. Very easy to get in and out of. It only took 35 minutes to get to the strip after the cup race with Lucky 7 parking. Wow.

I had a blast here on a Saturday; they had a bring your car to the track day. There were lots of cool cars and the weather was perfect. This place is huge, and there is always something happening here .

Have been here many times for events. It’s more expensive every year. I was charged for things I did not purchase from vendors. One charge was for 3 popcorns when I purchased a single cotton candy for my daughters. I had to dispute these charges with my bank. I’m on the fence on going back for events. Or just not spending money on anything. Also they change rules on what can and can’t come in. I read the rules and no where did it state canned soda was prohibited. All the soda I packed was confiscated. When I was walking to my seat I saw many vendors selling canned soda….. yet it was explained to me for safety purposes they were not allowing any in and it was a last minute decision….. if they are going to change the rules a simple email would have been nice. Instead I had to purchase over 80 dollars for my family and I to have a drink. The prices for water and a simple soda are insane.

4.7(5074)

4.5(771)

7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89115, USA

25

Clark County Museum

Regional museum featuring historical buildings, mining artifacts & exhibit hall on a 30-acre site.

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About 20 minutes away by car in the nearby small town of Henderson (en route to Boulder City and the Hoover Dam), the Clark County Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Las Vegas and its surrounding, with exhibits on everything from the area’s early Native American inhabitants to railroad construction, the evolution of hotels and casinos, and how the city has developed over time. Besides a hefty collection of artifacts (like antique butter molds, branding irons, chamber pots, and fossils), hands-on experiences, and plenty of educational stories to tell, you’ll also find antique locomotives and vehicles on the grounds outside, and eight century-old building on the museum’s tree-lined Heritage Street.

The Clark County Museum harbors a fascinating exhibit that depicts the history of southern Nevada from pre-historic to modern times. Located in Clark County, the most populous county in Nevada, the museum has collected and preserved over 60,000 items of local historical significance. Among the museum’s selection of treasured items, which spans from the mid-1200s to the present, there are Native American basketry and beadwork, precious archaeological findings, artwork and textiles, and industrial, medical, and household objects and tools.

The Clark County Heritage Museum is certainly a unique one, and we are a big fans of unique places that let you use your professional camera. Just make sure to let them know you are bringing your professional gear and be willing the pay the bargain rate of two dollars for admission. This museum is a 30-acre site that has a collection of restored historic buildings that depict daily life from different decades in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson and Goldfield.

The Clark County Museum is a function of Clark County Parks and Recreation, which is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. The museum is a 30-acre site that features a modern exhibit hall with a timeline exhibit about southern Nevada from pre-historic to modern times and a collection of restored historic buildings that depict daily life from different decades in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and Goldfield.

There’s so much more to Nevada than the sinful pleasures of Las Vegas, so if you’re interested in broadening your horizons beyond cabaret dancers and craps, you should check out the Clark County Museum. Situated just a few miles south of Las Vegas, the Clark County Museum offers a look at the art, culture and history of the pre-industrial northwest. It’s more than just a single building; in fact, it’s more than several buildings.

The Clark County Museum doesn't just tell visitors about the history of Southern Nevada--it shows them with historic buildings and artifacts. Located in Henderson, this unique museum is home to a street of restored historic buildings that were transferred to the museum's grounds. Visitors can walk through the buildings and experience a trip back in time to one of several prior eras.

Perfect for young, energetic children to play and explore where adventure is not taken lightly. Located in Henderson, you’ll find homes, rooms, and wedding chapels modeled after the growth of Las Vegas, providing a unique perspective on the culture, and exploration along the way. Entrance fees are inexpensive and more than worth the price for a visit!

Exterior, Clark County Museum 08.2021 by Ron Mader is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0. The Clark County Museum on South Boulder Highway in Henderson showcases Clark County’s history with an emphasis on its early Native American inhabitants, such as the Paiute people. It also exhibits the area’s mining history and the impact of the railroad and gaming.

Located in nearby Henderson, the Clark County Museum is full of interesting historical exhibits, offering a unique experience as you stroll around a recreation of historic Clark County. Be sure to check out:. Heritage Street—a unique collection of historic homes, restored to recreate the lifestyles of important periods in local history

Travel back in time at this museum that features a modern exhibit hall with a timeline exhibit about southern Nevada from pre-historic to modern times and a collection of restored historic buildings that depict daily life from different decades in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson and Goldfield.

Nice Museum. The staff was friendly and inviting. Lots of stuff to look at inside and out. It's was only $2 each too. So great if your looking for something inexpensive and educational to do. The only thing that would have been super helpful was if their was better signage on the main road. The driveway came up fast and we ended up having to turn around and come back cause we passed it.

Huge. Originally thought it was going to be like 4 houses and an admin building. Nope. 34 acres, with wonderfully friendly staff and a lot to see. My 9 yr old enjoyed it immensely and there's a scavenger hunt for the kids they can do (it's huge but it doesn't have to be completed, and is sectioned based on the areas the museum has). The houses on property are kept to historical accuracy (with the accepting of air conditioning thank goodness) and theres hundreds of little details added everywhere. And for the low price, it's absolutely worth the time, price and effort to go see.

What a hidden gem! So much care and attention has been put in to this museum. Loved the houses out of time and adored being able to see the chapel where my parents were married. Best $2 I've ever spent!

4.7(1065)

4.5(652)

1830 S Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89002, USA

26

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Bird watching area

Nature & Parks

Part of a migratory flyway, this preserve with ponds & trails offers views of birds & wildlife.

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Such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. A great place to walk and watch the wildlife. They have lots of great info on the different birds you can see inside the visitor center. My husband did his Eagle Scout project out there in 2005 so it was fun to go see it all these years later.

I love taking walks here. So clean. Nice landscaping. Oh...and there are birds. Yep. All kinds of 'em. Flying around. Sitting. Even turtles. And weirs. Lots of weirs. I don't take many pictures of the weirs because they always seem to be there when I come back for another walk. But those Coots. Yeah. They get around. Not like the bees. But they do an awful lot of playin' with the locals. I think I'm almost sure Coot 2431 has something on Coot 4387. Been watching them for months. Saw 'em pass a note or somethin' to a turtle. Yeah. Keep an eye on 'em. They're up to something. Well. That's all I got. Looking forward to seeing if the tortoise comes out of his hole. He sure must be hungry.

10 stars! As a birder and hobby photog who lived back east, this was a treasure to be found in our desert. Admission is free but you do need to check in and out thru the entrance. The lady working the desk was so kind and helpful. We were in a time crunch so we did a quick 1.5 hike to see all the birds we could. There is much more mileage you could cover. I will definitely be back.

4.8(468)

4.5(157)

350 E Galleria Dr, Henderson, NV 89011, USA

27

Jokers Wild Casino

Gaming venue offering card tables, slot machines & a sports book, plus a cafe & music lounge.

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Ok...they don't have the largest selection of games. The cocktail waitress is slow...and not really thorough. Doesn't matter. I have a pretty good time every time we sit there.

Lot as changed at Jokers Wild Casino in three year's. To all that read this article. Ya'll well have stop in see for yourself. Last time my wife and I were there everything was great. Peace out

I love this local place I usually win there and the food is good and the cocktail waitresses are always coming around staff is very friendly I highly recommend this for locals and I can park my semi truck in the back parking lot just as long as you check in with security and give them your info.

3.8(1524)

4.0(122)

920 N Boulder Hwy, Henderson, NV 89011, USA

28

Cannery Casino & Hotel

Low-key casino hotel with traditional rooms, several bars & eateries, a pool & live shows.

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If you like tribute shows, live DJs, EDM, and country music then an ideal place for you to go is the Can Club. Located in the Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas, the Can Club hosts a variety of shows and performances. The venue is pretty simple inside and table configurations depend on the music for the evening.

Showroom for concerts is Awesome! Love the outdoor venue. Employees very friendly helping you find your seats! Drink line is long but worth it. Prices very reasonable giving its Vegas. Awesome experience will be back for outdoor seating! Thank you all for a fabulous experience!

We stayed the weekend there for a concert, the venue for the concert was really nice I was surprised it sounded good, and had good lighting. The casino itself seems older but nicely refurbished the rooms were decent for the price. The drinks seemed watered down but at least they were cheap. I would just stay there again, as long as you keep your expectations on par for the hotel type. The employees at the front desk were very friendly and helpful, we had two bartenders over the night one was really cool, one was so so. The highlight of the night was the steakhouse, the 1 lb prime rib was delicious, merry flavorful in tender, the horseradish was really strong. The service at the restaurant was also above average, I would eat there again, prices were very reasonable. My 1 lb prime rib with creamy mashed potatoes vegetable and salad was $32.

Took 2 friends to the Movie theatre while I be ran errands, grabbed me a popcorn and pretzel thinking a medium would be small as well as the pretzel. Nooo popcorn and pretzel were huge and delicious. Very clean and employees were very nice!! Will be back, very impressed. Friends said the movie seats were comfortable and reclined too!

4.1(9578)

4.0(145)

2121 E Craig Rd, North Las Vegas, NV 89030, USA

29

Aliante Casino Hotel Spa

Modern desert property offering mountain views, plus a spa, a movie theater & a bingo hall.

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Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5Website: https://www.aliantegaming.com/. The Aliante has developed a reputation as one of those small and intimate casinos where you’re truly treated like family. As with many casinos, it offers several different entertainment attractions on the grounds, but the casino itself is really praised for its variety.

We’ve stayed at Aliante many times. We used to live in the area but each time we go back to Vegas for a visit, we stay here. Rooms are excellent. Service is great. The staff is always friendly and courteous, and they give a generous military discount. Have stayed in one other hotel in the area, just for a change, but I’ll always call Aliante my home away from home when I’m visiting my kids in Vegas. It’s superb.

Beautiful hotel and casino indeed. The inside is so filled with so much beautiful decorations and the restaurants. Everything is colorful. Casino inside for your convenience. There's also a theater. Everything is within reach. The outside, palm trees everywhere. It is amazing!!! Please don't forget to pay this place a visit you will never regret it.

Nice rooms. Friendly staff. Good food choices. Big gambling floor. Everything was clean. Convenient parking. Not a good location for Las Vegas. It is at the very edge of the desert. If you want to be 30 minutes from Everything you go to Vegas for, this is your place.

4.3(10543)

4.0(210)

7300 N Aliante Pkwy, North Las Vegas, NV 89084, USA

30

Desert National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife refuge

Nature & Parks

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Trails & campgrounds amid a mountainous scrub-covered landscape home to desert bighorn sheep.

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This place is really peaceful compared to Red Rock & other popular areas. It's got great trails off the visitor center that are more for walking than "hiking". Nice place to bring your camera, or just bird watch and enjoy nature. There are some picnic tables under a huge tree and also benches along the trails. Staff are friendly & the visitor center is nice, with a clean, well-stocked gift shop.

We drove out for the day. Road is rocky, slow going. Not crowded!! High clearance vehicle recommended.

A very quiet place. Today, 10/16/2021, the visitor center was open. Lots of people in the park today, maybe that's why I didn't see any animal. Many insects, butterflies, bees… 😐☹️. Not a big deal….

4.8(326)

4.5(31)

16001 Corn Creek Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89124, USA

Where should I stop between Las Vegas and Zion National Park?

Is the drive from Las Vegas to Zion pretty?

Can you do a day trip from Las Vegas to Zion?

What is the time difference between Las Vegas and Zion National Park?