I would like ideas for a day trip from Vegas. We are meeting friends from abroad, and they would like to see outside of Vegas. My husband and I ruled out Grand Canyon (too far, and have been there sooo many times), we were thinking on Zion, but if there is any other interesting place. We welcome any suggestions. The husband will come for a convention and the wife, who is my best friend will need to come back to the hotel at night.
I have been reading some posts, and they suggest Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon. What do you think?

Thank you for your help

Valley of Fire is a nice day trip.

Red Rock Canyon is more of a half-day trip or less. It's not far from the strip and is best in afternoon light. Hoover Dam, is an option, of course, as well.

I think Zion is a great choice - not too far, and very scenic. Death Valley is an option, but I think it's too far for a day trip.

Thank you for your insight. We have decided for Zion, but how is the weather this time of the year? Do we need to carry chains, and thick warm clothes?

Zion is a good choice. It's become springlike here and Zion should have beautiful weather. Your post did not say when you are coming so I'm assuming it's soon.

Zion is a little higher elevation than LV and some areas are higher still. Having a jacket or sweater along is always a good idea this time of year.

We loved Valley of Fire. We rented a convertible for one day, and it was great. Be sure to take lots of water, though. We kept thinking we'd find a store further out, and we ended up not having any water -- not a good idea! This was end of April, first of May.

Sorry for not saying when, it will be from Monday March 12 for a week.

Thank you for your replies. I am sure we will have great time.

I am not leaving until mid morning tomorrow, so any further comments would be great.

Like what to wear and what to take, best spots for short sightseeing.

Hi Kiki,

I just came back from the weekend in Zion. The weather was absolutely perfect, in the 70's during the day, but in the 40's in the early morning. If you go, take a cooler packed with lots of drinks, water, and a lunch or snacks. There are couple of places in Springdale (the tiny town just outside the park) where you could get a lunch to take in with you.

Next week Springdale puts on a big St. Patrick's Day to do, so I'm not sure how busy the town will be. The B&B I stayed in this weekend will be full next weekend.

If the shuttles are running (I don't think they start this early), you will need to take everything in to carry with you. It's too long of a ride (45 min one way) to travel back and forth.

Take a warm layer, like a lightweight jacket or fleece, hat, sunscreen, day pack and LOTS of water. Water is not available at every shuttle stop/attraction in the park.

The weather says spring, but Mother Nature isn't in spring mode yet! The grass is just turning green, but the trees and bushes have not leafed out yet and the flowers are not blooming. Still, it's beautiful! Take lots of memory/film and have fun.

I think you could make a day out of two of these:
Red Rock Canyon
Hoover Dam
Valley of Fire
We've done the top two in separate 1/2 day trips. Look forward to going to the Valley of Fire in our next trip or two to LV.