Maggi

Hi all, still researching what to do for four days during the day while in Vegas, seeing shows at night. We're not big gamblers, so we need suggestions for day trips. I've done Hoover Dam and I think the Grand Canyon is too far. Hoping for some advice from my fellow travel experts here on Fodors.

utahtea

Valley of Fire State Park is only 45 miles east of Las Vegas. We just spent 3 days there so there plenty to do for a whole day there.

Red rock canyon national conservation area isn't as large as Valley of Fire but it's a little closer. It makes a great short day trip.

Zion National Park in Utah is a 3 hour drive from Las Vegas so it's going to take all day to drive there, spend some time site-seeing and drive back. If you could spend one night in the park or Springdale would be better.

Not sure what time of the year you are doing your trip, but Nevada is HOT in the late spring, summer and fall. Summer will be almost impossible to do any hiking but both Red Rock and Valley of Fire are scenic enough to see from the vehicle.

Utahtea

abram

We really enjoyed hiking in Red Rock Canyon; there are lots of trails and you could spend all day there if you want.

We're not gamblers, either. In Vegas, we found the Atomic Testing Museum, Imperial Car collection, and Springs Preserve interesting. In Henderson, we liked the Clark County Heritage Museum.

emalloy

I agree with the other posters about RRC and VOF. We usually go to Death Valley when we go to Vegas , but it is going to take 2 and a half hours each way and will be hot. We think it is awesome, so go whenever we have an opportunity.

Maggi

We'll be there in mid-April. Originally we had planned to go to LA for those two days for a friend's performance, but his plans got changed. So now we have those two days to try to come up with something new.

emalloy

If they have had rain, you might get flowers in DV in April, even more beautiful. We usually go north on 95 to Beatty then west over the ridge to DV. Fantastic vista from the top of the ridge, across from the pit toilets. You also go by Rhyolite a ghost town with a house made of bottles on this route. Then go down the valley south to VC, Badwater, Artists pallet drive, etc. and come back by Zabriski point through Parumph.

tomfuller

If you wanted to go south from LV, Try US 95 south to I-40 (exit 123) If you don't want to go to see Needles, head west to Essex via exit 115. The National Trails highway is the old Route 66. Head north from Essex and cross I-40 and go to Mitchell Cavern in the Mojave National Preserve. After the Cavern, head north through Cima to come out to I-15 at exit 222.
If you didn't want to head back to Vegas, spend a night in Primm at Buffalo Bill's. There is a great roller coaster attached to Buffalo Bill's (exit 1 in Nevada).

Maggi

It all sounds good so far, thanks!

tracys2cents

Valley of Fire, and stop at Retro Bakery on North Durango on the way, get some treats for the road. Best cupcakes anywhere, try the Pucker Up or the Brownie Sundae or the Maple Bacon or the Coffee and Donuts cupcake.