Day-trip away from Las Vegas.
 

My husband and I are going to Las Vegas for the first time, and are wondering what you think is the best day-trip away from the gambling scene. Thinking we may want one day away to take in some other sites.

Hoover Dam is an easy day trip. It's an amazing work of engineering, spectacular to see. The guided tour was well worth the fee. Plus, while you're there, you can walk over the border into Arizona! <BR>Another idea is on the outskirts of Las Vegas. I believe it's called Red Rocks State Park. Beautiful rocks, & the hiking looked fun. Not necessarily a full-day trip, though.

Hi Cathy-I'd also vote for the Hoover Dam/Lake Mead area-it's a beautiful trip. Very close to Vegas-in fact on the way to Hoover Dam I believe-is the Ethel M factory(M as in Mars candy). You can tour the factory, which conveniently ends in the gift shop-with free test samples of candy. There's a nice cactus garden adjacent to Ethel M. Wouldn't take more than 1 hr to enjoy. <BR> <BR>Red Rock Canyon is beautiful-about 1/2 hr outside Vegas, but worlds away from the neon lights. You might also consider Valley of Fire State Park-maybe 1 hr outside Vegas, but well worth the drive. It's quite stunning. <BR> <BR>Farther afield is Death Valley National Park-about 2-1/2 hrs from Vegas. Although it's a long round trip, plus all the driving you do once in DVNP, you can see quite a bit if you get an early start, with a late return. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip-good luck in the casinos!

I echo the suggestion of Hoover Dam. It tour is interesting and worth the fee. <BR> <BR>We enjoyed trekking around Valley of Fire (and we live in the California desert and are used to spectacular scenery). <BR> <BR>Be advised that any trip you take out of Vegas involves A LOT of driving through desert that doesn't change much, so 15 minutes can seem like and hour.

My favorite day trips from Las Vegas are Lake Mead and Mount Charleston. Lake Mead has several public beaches, alas, without facilities, but is quiet and quite nice. We have also found the Lake Mead marina, which has great pub food and ice cold beers. Mount Charleston is about 45 minutes from Vegas. I love the way you are driving through the desert and then make the left turn to begin your climb up into the mountains, it is fascinating watching the vegetation change from desert to mountain. Nice hiking, and there is a ski resort there. Also two inns for lunch. Go to the one further up the mountain.

Echo the above responses regarding red Rock Canyon but also near by is Bonnie Springs Ranch where you an ride a horse a short while around the desert! Great fun and very sleepy horses!

A LONG day trip, NOT to be done during summer, would be to Death Valley. Walking at 100 meters below sea level is an experience you don't get at many places.

Helen you mentioned about going over the Hoover Dam into Arizona. Is there anything in the immediate area of Arizona to see?

One suggestion for any of the mentioned trips--TAKE PLENTY OF DRINKING WATER! You are in the desert and will dehydrate quickly. All of the trips are worth the time. Another trip that comes highly recommended is the Black Canyon Rafting trip--www.rafts.com We are going the next time we get to Las Vegas.

No, there is nothing of interest on the Arizona side of the border without traveling a fair distance. <BR> <BR>The others have offered excellent suggestions. I prefer the Dam tour though I personally do not know why you would want to get out of Las Vegas. In any event everybody has their preferences.