5 Min Read

If you’re staying in Vegas but want to venture out on a quick but epic road trip, there are plenty of great options. Here are some of the best road trips from Vegas that you can get to in an under an hour.

Boulder City

Hoover Dam

About Hoover Dam

The world-famous Hoover Dam has helped Vegas have continuous electricity and water for nearly 100 years. It is also one of the 7 wonders of the engineering world, alongside features such as the Great Wall of China and the Golden Gate Bridge. There are also various types of activities you can do close to the Hoover Dam. Make sure to check out their website and look at pricing on tours and general information on the Hoover Dam!

Website

Average Activity Time: 55 Minutes

  • Hoover Dam Power Plant Tour
  • Kayak on the Colorado
  • River Tour of the Colorado
  • Hiking

Boulder City

Boulder City, Nevada, is a treasure trove of history that combines small-town charm with a unique, eclectic atmosphere. Located just minutes from renowned attractions like Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Black Canyon, and the Hoover Dam, Boulder City serves as an essential gateway to some of southern Nevada’s most stunning natural landscapes.

Website

Average Activity Time: 30-45 Minutes

Just Outside of Vegas

There are two main wineries in Pahrump that offer tastings. Both wineries have space to rent for parties and gatherings. You can also go on hikes or tours, go to the casinos, or even to the museum!

Average Activity Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes

Artesian Cellars: This is in the same location as the former Pahrump Valley Winery, which went bankrupt due to COVID-19. Artesian Cellars has a picturesque sit-down restaurant with a menu consisting of sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, appetizers, soups, salads, and desserts. Artesian also offers wine tastings at inexpensive prices.

Sanders Family Winery: The tasting room is much quieter than Artesian, and you will have more opportunities to chit-chat with the staff. Rather than Artesian Cellars, Sanders Family Winery focuses more on the exploration of customers to Wine, and they host events. Make sure to check if there is an event scheduled for when you stop by!

When you visit Pahrump, make sure to kick off your tour with a visit to the Pahrump Valley Museum. It’s the perfect starting point to explore and understand the essence of the town!

Make sure to come and stop by the Pahrump Nugget Casino and Hotel for a nice rest, something to eat, and of course if you are 21+ some gaming!

Nelson Ghost Town

Premier Tip: You can pay $10 an hour to get access to all sections of the town for photos. If you’re a history or photography lover, you don’t want to miss this iconic ghost town.

About: This is one of Nevada’s most famous ghost towns. They are located south of Vegas and will give you a great flavor of the “old west.” Nelson, called Eldorado by the Spaniards, was an old mining town with an active mine until 1945. You can also take some amazing photos with all the historic props throughout the town.

Website

Time: 50 Minutes

Activities: 

El Dorado Canyon Mine Tours (9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.); $15 for adults and $10 for children 5-12 (under 5 is free)

Website

Visit the ghost town

Visit the Nelson General Store

Research and See Nelson’s Ghost Town Movie History

Primm Valley

About: The Nevada-California state line is in Primm, Nevada. It has multiple western-themed casino hotels, shops, and restaurants, but the most notable attraction is the Bonnie and Clyde Getaway Car. The other main reason to go to Primm is if there is a large lottery jackpot, you visit the gas station on over the California state line side of Primm to purchase lottery tickets.

Time: 1 hour

Activities: 

Golf

Visit the Desperado Roller Coaster

Go to the Casino(s)

Land Sailing At Ivanpah Dry Lake

Nearby Hiking & National Parks

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a National Conservation Area west of The Strip and Downtown. The park is free to enter, but it gives you access to trails, picnic areas, overlooks, and the scenic loop. The best way to see all of Red Rock is on the 13-mile scenic loop drive. Red Rock has tons of great hiking trails for all skill levels. Just be careful to stay hydrated and plan accordingly for desert weather, which depends on the season. If you don’t want to hike, plenty of beautiful sights can be seen on the scenic loop. Seeing the formations of red rocks will make you think you have landed on Mars. It takes about 30 minutes to drive around the loop once you are there – likely longer as you’ll stop for pictures and selfies.

Average Activity Time: 30-45 Minutes

  • Drive the Scenic Loop
  • Stop and go for a Hike
  • Rest at the Halfway Point

Mount Charleston

Mount Charleston is a chance to beat the heat northwest of Las Vegas. This recreation area is elevated more than 7,500 feet above sea level. It’s one of the most beautiful spots around Vegas, and there are plenty of hiking trails around the mountain.

More information about the best places to see snow in Las Vegas.

Average Activity Time: 45 Minutes

Spring & Fall Activities

  • Hiking
  • Sight Seeing
  • Photos in the Scenery

Winter Activities at Lee Canyon

  • Ski
  • Snowboard
  • Tube

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire State Park, part of the Mojave Desert, is northeast of Vegas. It features a unique mixture of rocks, animals, and some of the most fantastic hiking trails in the area. The park was once home to Puebloan tribes. Visitors can see amazing ancient petroglyphs throughout the park, especially on the Petroglyph Canyon Trail. The off-season is the best time to visit the Valley of Fire to avoid the intense heat.

Average Activity Time: 1 Hour

  • Hike
  • Sightseeing
  • Tours

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