Bryce Canyon National Park, 801-586-7686 - This colorful mountain territory is located about 210 miles northeast of Las Vegas in southwestern Utah. Some of Bryce Canyon's most spectacular sights and rock formations include the Pink Cliffs, Fairyland Point, Tropic Canyon, Silent City and the majestic Cathedral. Parking at most visitors centers costs $3.
Death Valley National Park, 760-786-2331 Death Valley at 280 feet below sea level is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. The Borax Museum tells you how Death Valley got its name and features the oldest house in the area. You should also see Zabriskie Point, Ubehebe Crater and Scotty’s Castle. Death Valley is located about 145 miles west of Las Vegas. Just take U.S. Hwy. 95 north to Lathrop Wells and turn at the Death Valley junction. Park fee for private vehicles is $10, motorcycle riders pay $5. Pass is good for seven days.
Grand Canyon, 520-638-7888 Only 300 miles from Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon is a mile deep and 277 miles long. It follows the path of the Colorado River. The South and North rims are literally two different destinations for those driving. The South Rim is open year-round, but the less-traveled North Rim is closed due to snow from mid-October until mid-May. Accommodations and campgrounds are available on both rims. To get there, go southeast on U.S. Hwy. 93 to Kingman, Ariz., then east on Interstate Hwy. 40 to Williams, Ariz., and north on state Hwy. 64 all the way to the canyon. Park fee for private vehicles is $20, motorcycle riders pay $10. Pass good for seven days.
Hoover Dam, 702-294-3523 Hoover Dam is one of the greatest engineering projects ever accomplished. Built during the Great Depression, the dam, which is as tall as a 54-story building, regulates the flow of the mighty Colorado River and creates Lake Mead. It is located 35 miles southeast of Las Vegas on Hwy. 93. The federal government conducts daily tours from 8:30am-5:15pm. Tours begin every 10 minutes and last about 30 minutes. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 62 and older, $3 for juniors ages 7-16, $8 for military and dependents and free for children 6 and under. A more extensive hard hat tour is conducted daily from 8:30am-4:30pm. The cost is $25. Parking at Hoover Dam is $3.
Lake Mead Recreation Area, 702-293-8906 Lake Mead, the largest man-made body of water in the United States, has more than 550 miles of shoreline. The lake is a major recreational attraction offering boating, swimming, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing—and it is the center of a 1.5 million-acre recreational area. Some other scenic points to visit are Callville Bay (702-565-4813), Echo Bay (702-394-4000), Cottonwood Cove (702-297-1464), Lake Mead Lodge (702-293-2074), Lake Mead Resort (702-293-3484), Temple Bar (520-767-3211) and Overton Beach Marina (800-553-5452). Lake Mohave (520-754-3245) is also nearby, extending from below Hoover Dam to the Davis Dam near Laughlin. Fishing licenses are available at the marinas. Lake Mead is located 20 miles southeast of Las Vegas via U.S. Hwy. 95. Park fee is $5 for private vehicles. Pass good for five days.
Mojave National Preserve, 760-326-6322 The 1.6 million-acre preserve, located 60 miles southwest of Las Vegas, protects one of the most diverse desert environments in the world. Sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, vast vistas and mile-high mountains help define this area. There are visitor’s centers in Baker and Needles, Calif., which will help you plan your visit. Fees are only charged when large groups visit, bringing more than 15 people or seven vehicles.
Mount Charleston, 702-872-5500 Take a refreshing drive up to Mount Charleston in the Toiyabe National Forest, only 36 miles from Las Vegas, north on U.S. Hwy. 95. Beautiful forests, picnic facilities, a hotel, hiking trails, camping areas and a lodge complement the serene alpine environment. Summer temperatures are usually 30 degrees cooler than in Las Vegas. During the winter months, Lee Canyon serves as an excellent ski and snowboard area.
Red Rock Canyon, 702-363-1921 Magnificent rock formations in brilliantly colored sandstone and beautiful desert flowers make Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area a “must see.” It is also a favorite spot for rock climbers and hikers. Take Charleston Boulevard west for about 20 miles to the scenic Red Rock Canyon Loop. The Red Rock Visitors Center is open daily from 8am-5pm, and the scenic loop is open daily from 7am-dusk. A $5 fee is charged to each vehicle taking the scenic loop.
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 702-875-4141 Green pastures and the Wilson Cliffs can be found at this historic spot where travelers on the Mormon and Spanish Trails once rested. Tours of the Spring Mountain Ranch and other historic areas are free. The park fee is $5 per car. It is located 30 minutes west of Las Vegas between Red Rock Canyon and Bonnie Springs Ranch. Park is open daily from 8am until sunset.
Valley of Fire State Park, 702-397-2088 This is a 36,800-acre archaeological “museum.” The Valley of Fire offers unusual red and white sandstone formations and interesting Indian petroglyphs. Some of the rocks here are 600 million years old. Picnic areas and campsites are hidden among the sandstone outcrops. It is located about one hour north on I-15, at the Valley of Fire turnoff. Park fee is $5.
Zion National Park, 435-772-3256 Towering sandstone cliffs, lush vegetation and the Virgin River mark this unique area in Utah. Go north on I-15 about 7 miles past St. George, Utah, then exit on state Hwy. 9 and drive east to the park’s main entrance. Some beautiful hikes include Weeping Rock, Riverside Walk and the Pa’rus Trail. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessed by free shuttle from April through October. Park fee is $20 for private vehicles. Pedestrians and bike riders pay $10. Pass is good for seven days.
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