10 Best National Parks near Las Vegas

When people hear the name Las Vegas, the first thing that comes to their mind is – shimmering casinos, flashing lights, and nonstop nightlife. But very few know that just a few hours away from this desert glitzy city lies an incredible treasure trove of natural beauty.

Imagine – roads winding through towering red rocks, cave paintings that are thousands of years old, stone pillars soaring to the sky, and stars that shine bright and clear far away from the city lights. All this awaits you within a short trip from Las Vegas.

This guide is for travelers who don’t want to be confined to casino chairs, but are looking for real adventure and a deep connection with nature. Whether you want to enjoy hiking, photography, star gazing, or just peaceful views – this guide will introduce you to the 10 most spectacular national parks near Las Vegas. Apart from this, you will also get information about the best time to visit the park and useful items to carry during your trip there.

So buckle up, get your camera ready, and let’s escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a unique journey into the lap of nature!

1. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

“If you want to step away from the glitz of Las Vegas for a moment and see the true redness of the earth, Red Rock Canyon should be your first stop.”

The rocks here glow like fire in the sunlight, and there is no trace of green—just raw mountain beauty.

Distance: 25 km (30 mins)

Entry fee:

• $20 per vehicle (private)
• America the Beautiful pass valid

Main attractions: Drive among red rocks, hiking, rock climbing

Best time for Visiting: October – April

Things you must carry with you:

• Hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Hat and goggles
• Water bottle
• Snacks

2. Valley of Fire State Park

“Rocks colored like the earth is burning will make you feel like you’re on another planet.”

The name has fire in it, and every valley, every trail is ablaze with history and geology.

Distance: 90 km (1 hour)

Entry fee:

• $15 per vehicle (Nevada residents)
• $20 per vehicle (other states)

Main attractions: Red rock formations, Fire Wave Trail

Best time: October – April

Things to carry:

• Closed shoes
• Camera
• Water
• Hat and sunscreen
• Park map

3. Death Valley National Park

“It is a part of the earth that silently displays both life and death.”

Extreme temperatures, dry air and endless emptiness — Death Valley is one of the hottest and most bizarre yet breathtaking places in the world.

Distance: 190 km (2.5 hours)

Entry fee:

• $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• America the Beautiful Pass valid

Main attractions: Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point

Best time: November – March

Package Content:

• Plenty of water (at least 3 liters per person)
• Hat, sunglasses
• Snacks
• Charged mobile and map

4. Zion National Park

“Where the canyons are deep, the cliffs are huge, and every corner tells an adventure story.”

Zion is home to America’s most famous treks — adventure is literally beneath your feet! Distance: 260 km (2.5–3 hours)

Entry fee:

• $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
• America the Beautiful Pass valid

Main attractions: Angels Landing, The Narrows Trail

Best time: March – May, September – November

Package Content:

• Waterproof shoes (for the Narrows Trail)
• Daily snacks
• Sunscreen and hat
• Camera
• Trekking poles (if needed)

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

“Ever wondered if there could be a place on Earth that looks like fairyland? Visit Bryce Canyon.”

Thousands of stone ‘hoodoos’ stand guard as if an army of ancient statues were standing guard.

Distance: 420 km (4.5 hours)

Entry Fee:

• $35 per vehicle
• America the Beautiful Pass valid

Main attractions: Hoodoos formations, Sunrise Point

Best time: May – October

Package Content:

• Jacket (can be cold due to altitude)
• Hiking gear
• Enough water
• Camera
• Binoculars

6. Grand Canyon West Rim

“This is where nature drew the deepest line — and you get to stand in it and look in.”

The Skywalk here will give you the feeling of walking in the air — with the deep canyon below and the open sky above.

Distance: 195 km (2.5 hours)

Entry Fee:

• $50+ (base package)
• $65+ if Skywalk is included

(Note: This area is governed by the Hualapai Tribe, National Park Pass does not apply)

Main attractions: Skywalk, Eagle Point, helicopter tour

Package:

• Comfortable shoes
• Copy of ID and ticket
• Water and light food
• Camera (cameras are prohibited on the Skywalk)

7. Joshua Tree National Park

“The strange plants, rock formations and silence here transport you to a science fiction film.”

Every tree in this desert of Southern California looks like a sculpture.

Distance: 320 km (3.5–4 hours)

Entry Fee:

• $30 per vehicle
• America the Beautiful Pass valid

Main attractions: Joshua Trees, Bouldering, Keys View

Best time: October – April

Package Content:

• Sunglasses
• Hiking gear
• First aid
• Map and compass

8. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

“A mystical museum that tells stories from thousands of years ago etched on the walls under the open sky.”

With fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere, you’ll feel the soul of true Nevada here.

Distance: 32 km (20–25 mins)

Entry fee: Free

Main attractions: Petroglyphs, hiking trails

Best time: October – March

Pack of luggage:

• Closed shoes
• Water
• Hat
• Trail Map

9. Great Basin National Park

“Where you can see ice-age-like caves by day and the clearest stars by night.”

Every season is different and every experience is a discovery — far from the crowds and close to the soul.

Distance: 470 km (4.5–5 hours)

Entry fee: Free (fees vary for tours)

Main attractions: Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak, star gazing

Best time: June – October

Package:

• Jacket and warm clothes
• Flashlight
• Tent (if camping)
• Camera and binoculars

10. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon (Page, Arizona)

“Waves of natural light flow like magic through the canyons — scenes you’ve only seen on wallpaper!”

This scenery, if seen in real life, will look as if an artist painted the rocks with colorful brushes.

Distance: 450 km (4.5–5 hours)

Entry Fees:

• Horseshoe Bend parking – $10
• Antelope Canyon – $50–$90 (guided tour mandatory)

Main attractions: Sandstone canyons, Light Beams

Best Time: March – October

Package:

• Book tour tickets in advance
• Light clothing
• Camera
• Face mask to avoid dust

Additional Travel Advice to Make your Visit Easy and Enjoyable:

• Get the America the Beautiful pass ($80/year) – if you want to visit multiple parks.
• Download a navigation app – some areas have no mobile network.
• Check park websites – for weather, trail conditions, or closures.
• Respect natural resources – follow the “Leave No Trace” principle.