Las Vegas is often known for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment, and casinos, but it’s also surrounded by a treasure trove of natural wonders. With 17 national parks near Las Vegas within 8 hours of the city, it’s a prime location for those who love to explore the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for towering cliffs, vast deserts, or ancient forests, there’s a national park near Las Vegas for every adventurer.
Explore the Diverse National Parks Near Las Vegas
The national parks near Las Vegas offer an incredible range of landscapes and natural wonders, from towering red cliffs to expansive deserts, and lush forests to coastal beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic canyons of Zion or the iconic Joshua trees of California, each park boasts its own unique appeal. With everything from ancient rock formations and giant sequoias to stargazing spots and remote coastlines, these parks promise unforgettable adventures. No matter what kind of nature experience you’re seeking, the national parks near Las Vegas are sure to provide something for every traveler.
Parks Under 3 Hours from Las Vegas:
- Zion National Park – 2.5 hours (160 miles)
Zion is known for its towering red cliffs, slot canyons, and some of the best hikes in the world, including the famous Angels Landing. It’s the perfect place to experience the beauty of the Southwest in a short drive from Las Vegas. - Death Valley National Park – 2.5 hours (150 miles)
The lowest, hottest, and driest national park in the U.S., Death Valley offers unique salt flats, dunes, and desolate landscapes. It’s a place of extremes, with the hottest temperature ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere. - Joshua Tree National Park – 3 hours (190 miles)
Famous for its twisted Joshua trees, boulder-strewn landscapes, and dark skies perfect for stargazing, Joshua Tree is a must-see for those seeking unique desert landscapes and quiet beauty.
Parks Within 4-5 Hours from Las Vegas:
- Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) – 4 hours (275 miles)
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, with breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique geology. The South Rim is the most popular, offering scenic overlooks and iconic viewpoints. - Kings Canyon National Park – 4.5 hours (260 miles)
Known for its deep canyons, waterfalls, and the largest trees on Earth, Kings Canyon is a great escape into the Sierra Nevada’s natural beauty. Don’t miss the General Grant Tree, the nation’s third-largest tree. - Bryce Canyon National Park – 3.75 hours (250 miles)
Bryce Canyon is home to the famous hoodoos—tall, spire-like rock formations. Sunrise here is magical, with a light show that transforms the entire landscape. It’s a small park that offers massive rewards. - Capitol Reef National Park – 5 hours (290 miles)
With unique rock formations and remote desert landscapes, Capitol Reef is perfect for those seeking peace and solitude. The Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust, is one of the park’s main highlights. - Channel Islands National Park – 5 hours (to Ventura, CA, then boat ride)
While it takes some time to get there, Channel Islands National Park offers isolated coastal beauty, wildlife, and marine life. Accessible by boat from Ventura, CA, it’s an unforgettable trip to one of California’s best-kept secrets. - Petrified Forest National Park – 5 hours (270 miles)
Known for its colorful badlands and ancient petrified wood, Petrified Forest offers a striking landscape full of history. The park’s painted desert features vibrant hues that change as the day progresses. - Great Basin National Park – 4.75 hours (286 miles)
Great Basin is known for stargazing, the Lehman Caves, and high-altitude hikes. With stunning views of the West’s night sky, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful, scenic escape.
Parks Within 6-8 Hours from Las Vegas:
- Arches National Park – 6 hours (375 miles)
Arches is home to over 2,000 natural rock arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Whether you’re hiking, photographing, or simply enjoying the view, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers. - Canyonlands National Park – 6.5 hours (390 miles)
Canyonlands offers some of the most dramatic desert landscapes, with deep canyons, mesas, and buttes. The park’s Island in the Sky district offers some of the best views, perfect for photographers. - Sequoia National Park – 6 hours (350 miles)
Home to the world’s largest trees, including General Sherman, the largest living thing on Earth, Sequoia offers a chance to walk among giant sequoias, hike through rugged terrain, and marvel at the immense scale of nature. - Saguaro National Park – 6.5 hours (410 miles)
Saguaro is home to the iconic saguaro cacti that dot the desert landscape. With towering cacti and spectacular desert sunsets, this park is perfect for a mix of hiking and desert exploration. - Yosemite National Park – 7 hours (400 miles)
Yosemite’s granite cliffs and waterfalls make it one of the most picturesque parks in the U.S. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or simply soaking in the views, Yosemite offers an experience unlike any other. - Pinnacles National Park – 7 hours (410 miles)
Known for its unique rock spires and talus caves, Pinnacles is a quieter park offering both beauty and adventure. Perfect for birdwatching and rock climbing, it’s a hidden gem in California. - Mesa Verde National Park (standalone trip) – 7.75 hours (420 miles)
Mesa Verde is famous for its ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites. It’s a must-see for history lovers and those interested in Native American culture. Due to its location, it’s best to visit this park as a standalone trip.
Best Multi-National Park Road Trips from Las Vegas
When it comes to exploring the national parks near Las Vegas, embarking on a multi-park road trip is the perfect way to experience the region’s stunning variety. Whether you’re looking for dramatic desert landscapes, towering trees, or coastal beauty, there’s a road trip that suits every type of adventurer.
To make the most of your journey, purchasing the America The Beautiful Pass is highly recommended. This $80 pass provides unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including the national parks featured in these road trips. Not only does it save you money on entrance fees, but it also makes park hopping easier, giving you the freedom to explore more without the added cost.
(Each road trip includes park highlights, distances, and why it’s a great option.)
1. Utah Adventure Route (5-7 Days)
- Las Vegas → Zion National Park – 2.5 hours (160 miles)
- Zion → Bryce Canyon National Park – 1.5 hours (72 miles)
- Bryce Canyon → Capitol Reef National Park – 2.5 hours (112 miles)
- Capitol Reef → Arches National Park – 2.5 hours (132 miles)
- Arches → Canyonlands National Park – 30 min (26 miles)
- Return to Las Vegas – 6.5 hours (453 miles)
Perfect for stunning desert landscapes and famous Utah national parks. Want a more detailed guide? Check out this blog post.
2. California & Nevada Loop (6-8 Days)
- Las Vegas → Death Valley National Park – 2.5 hours (150 miles)
- Death Valley → Joshua Tree National Park – 3.5 hours (190 miles)
- Joshua Tree → Sequoia National Park – 5.5 hours (290 miles)
- Sequoia → Kings Canyon National Park – 1 hour (50 miles)
- Kings Canyon → Yosemite National Park – 3.5 hours (140 miles)
- Yosemite → Pinnacles National Park – 3 hours (180 miles)
- Return to Las Vegas – 7 hours (410 miles)
A mix of deserts, forests, and mountains, featuring the biggest trees on Earth. Here’s guides on Death Valley, Sequoia, and Yosemite.
3. Southwest Desert & History Route (5-6 Days)
- Las Vegas → Grand Canyon National Park – 4 hours (275 miles)
- Grand Canyon → Petrified Forest National Park – 2.5 hours (178 miles)
- Petrified Forest → Saguaro National Park – 3.5 hours (210 miles)
- Saguaro → Return to Las Vegas – 6.5 hours (410 miles)
Best for desert lovers and those interested in Native American history. Want a more detailed guide to some of these parks? Check out this guide.
4. Coastal & Inland California Adventure (5-7 Days)
- Las Vegas → Joshua Tree National Park – 3 hours (190 miles)
- Joshua Tree → Channel Islands National Park (Ventura, CA) – 3.5 hours (180 miles) (boat ride required)
- Ventura → Pinnacles National Park – 4 hours (230 miles)
- Pinnacles → Yosemite National Park – 3 hours (180 miles)
- Return to Las Vegas – 7 hours (410 miles)
A mix of desert, coastline, and mountains, including an island adventure.
Solo Park Road Trips
- Mesa Verde National Park – 7.75 hours (420 miles) – Best for ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
- Great Basin National Park – 4.75 hours (286 miles) – Best for stargazing, Lehman Caves, and alpine hikes.
These two parks are better suited as standalone trips due to their remote locations.
Your Next Trip Awaits at the National Parks Near Las Vegas
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend trip or a week-long national park road trip, Las Vegas is one of the best starting points. With 17 national parks near Las Vegas to choose from, there’s an adventure for every traveler. Ready to plan your next national park adventure? Check out the best national parks near Las Vegas, pack your bags, and hit the road!
Ready to dive deeper into national park adventures? Check out some of my other blog posts to help you plan your next trip!
- National Park Packing List: List of everything you need, whether you’re flying or driving.
- The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in National Parks: Get insider tips on the best trails, safety, and essential gear.
- How to Plan Your National Park Road Trip: Learn how to plan an epic road trip with national parks, including top routes and practical advice for specifically your 2025 trip.
For more inspiration, don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @ptadventuring for real-time updates and travel tips!
