Day trips from Las Vegas

Old Mar 21st, 2004, 03:13 PM
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Day trips from Las Vegas

I will be spending 4 days in Las Vegas in early May and am looking for great day trips. Already staying overnight at Grand Canyon. Thinking about Death Valley, though not sure if I want to drive myself or take a tour. Interested in Painted Desert, but not sure of distance.Heard about Red Rocks Canyon. Will be renting car. Any ideas?
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Old Mar 21st, 2004, 08:35 PM
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Try Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston. If you do a text search you will find lots of info. And there's always Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.
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Old Mar 21st, 2004, 08:38 PM
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Excellent suggestions so far. To the above poster's list I would add the Valley of Fire.
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Old Mar 21st, 2004, 08:44 PM
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Hi Heime!
We just got back on Sunday and loved the 2 daytrips we took. We went to Hoover Dam ealy on a weekday AM. Probably got there by 9:30 or so. Stopped in a great diner in Boulder City on the way. It was interesting to take the tour - a really impressive place. I had gone as a kid and probably wouldn't have gone back if left to my own devices but am glad I did.
The next trip was to Red Rocks - what fun! And phenomenal scenery. Probably 30 minutes from LV, an easy drive. We scrambled around on the rocks for a couple of hours, saw a waterfall and took lots of pictures. Jus beautiful. All five of us agreed it was the highlight of our trip. Wish we'd stayed long enough at the Visitor's Center to hear about the history of the area. We'll go back, given the chance.
Hope this helps.
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Old Mar 22nd, 2004, 09:27 AM
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just returned and went to valley of fire. it was really nice. we left vegas at 10:00 a.m. and were back by 2:00.
we visited death valley for 2 days and really liked it. however, i don't think i would personally recommend it for a day trip. scotty's castle was really interesting but it would be an additional hour or more into the park. the park is very large and driving between sights is often 30 minutes or more.
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Old Mar 22nd, 2004, 02:45 PM
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If you go to Hoover Dam check out the Ethel M chocolate factory nearby. When I was there several years ago, they had a free factory tour followed by free samples.
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Old Mar 22nd, 2004, 03:57 PM
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There's also a raft trip you can take. You go from Hoover Dam 11 miles downstream to Arizona. I think it's called Black Canyon. You can find a brochure on it at your hotel or do a search for Black Canyon raft trip.
Valley of the Fire is also very interesting. You can drive up on the interstate and come back via the "scenic" route by Lake Mead.
While I find Death Valley fascinating, I think it is too far for a day trip.
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Old Mar 22nd, 2004, 05:02 PM
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Thanks everyone for the ideas. I'll definately check out Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam. I can't pass up Ethel M either!
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Old Mar 22nd, 2004, 05:16 PM
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I've got some Valley of Fire pix in an album at http://community.webshots.com/user/bookhall .
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Old Mar 23rd, 2004, 04:37 PM
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Are you interested in spending another night out after you leave the Grand Canyon?

If you are, you might consider driving west on Hwy 64 from the Grand Canyon Village towards Cameron. There are many great overlooks to stop at all the way to Desert View Visitor Center. Then as you drive north on Hwy 89, it's a painted desert. Continue on Hwy 89, past Lake Powell to Hwy 9 and enter Zion National Park. Spend the night in Zion or nearby Springdale, Utah and the next morning you can explore the park before heading back to Las Vegas.

This route is only 140 miles longer than driving back to Las Vegas the way you came, but SO MUCH more SCENIC!

It's at least 125 miles (one way) to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center in Death Valley.

I would suggest either Red Rock Canyon National Conservational Area or Valley of Fire for day trips.

Utahtea
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Old Mar 25th, 2004, 03:31 PM
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I agree with Utahtea. You are missing out by not checking to see what Utah has to offer. Bryce or Zion is not even to be compared with Mount Charleston. They are beautiful. There is a reason these two places are known for their beauty. Good luck!
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