The 7 Best National Parks Near Las Vegas, Nevada

Most people head to Vegas for the gambling and glitz. But for me, my favorite feature of Nevada is access to all of the incredible nature! Some of the country’s best national parks are located near Las Vegas, Nevada – and we are gong to cover them all here.

Most people are unaware of just how many beautiful nature parks are located near Las Vegas, Nevada.

They come for the gambling, the casinos, or maybe for a quick girls getaway in this larger-than-life desert city.

But all of my trips to Vegas have been centered around the outdoors. I absolutely fell in love with Valley of Fire State Park and it’s vividly red peaks. And, Cathedral Gorge was one of my favorite stops of the year.

Even the neon-colored rock towers at the Seven Magic Mountains art installation set against the barren Mojave backdrop are stunning.

But what about national parks near Las Vegas, Nevada? There may be more than you think!

If you are looking to explore the best national parks nearby, but aren’t sure what to choose, then I’ve got you covered. This list will feature all of the closest national parks to Las Vegas, all under a 5.5 hour drive. So, a reasonable weekend excursion, if you will!

Whether you’re heading out on a solo road trip or traveling with your gal pals, there is something here for you. Let’s dive in.

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Death Valley National Park

• Distance: 142 miles
• Time: 2 hr 15 min (map)
• State: California

Death Valley National Park is one of my favorite parks of all time. It is the largest of all national parks within the contiguous United States, and that is exaggerated by all of the different landscapes you can see here!

From the salt flats at Badwater Basin to endless views at Zabriskie Point to the colorful Artists Palette, you will find it all. The geology and the plant life is all stunning. Area after area just look unreal.

Pro Tip: Don’t let your gas tank get too close to empty here. Gas stations are few and far between in Death Valley’s vast footprint.

Death Valley is also an International Dark Sky Park, so it’s a great spot in California for stargazing and astrophotography. If you decide to camp, you will likely see endless stars in the dark night sky, even with your naked eye.

When to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Death Valley. The days are still fairly long but the temperatures aren’t yet brutal. In November of 2023, I even got to see a rare lake that appeared here!

Summer is hot – as in one of the hottest places in the world. I’ve visited many times in the summer but don’t recommend hiking at this time. It’s also a great national park to visit in the winter.

Don’t Miss: Artists Palette, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Zabrieski Point

Pro Tip: Consider buying the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. If you visit more than 2 parks during the year, the pass will have paid for itself. Bonus, it often saves you time at the entrance, too!

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Zion National Park

• Distance: 160 miles
• Time: 2 hr 40 min (map)
• State: Utah

The second closest national park near Las Vegas is Zion National Park in Utah.

Zion really took me by surprise the first time I saw it. I was driving through on one of my many cross country road trips, and I ended up camping in Zion overnight. The star-filled sky was intense and the sheer rocky cliffs were awe-inspiring.

The hikes are the best part of visiting Zion, so if you like hiking and trekking, then this is a park you just can’t miss. Conquer the Angels’ Landing trail if you’re up for a challenge, or the Emerald Pool trail for a more easily managed route.

When to Visit: Zion National Park is open to visitors year-round, but most people choose to visit between April and September. So if you can make it in March or October, you will beat the crowds but still have great weather in most cases.

Don’t Miss: Angels Landing, Zion Narrows, camping under the stars.

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Joshua Tree National Park

• Distance: 199 miles
• 3 hr 20 min (map)
• State : California

I visit Joshua Tree National Park multiple times each and every year. That’s how much I love it! From incredible sunrise spots to alien-like landscapes and hiking trails, this park just can’t be beat.

The strange yucca plant known as the Joshua Tree is only found in a few places in the entire world, and they are the exact reason that the park came to be protected. Along with the large rounded boulders scattered across the northern half of the park, they make this place feel otherworldly.

When to Visit: Joshua Tree is in the heart of the Mojave Desert, so it gets hot. If you visit in summer, start hikes early and bring more water than you think you need. rush up on desert hiking essentials, too. The shoulder seasons are ideal and even winter can be wonderful – but check the weather for cold or even frost!

Don’t Miss: Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock

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Bryce Canyon National Park

• Distance: 260 miles
• Time: 4 hr (map)
• State: Utah

Bryce Canyon might be the smallest park on the list, but but it has some of the coolest rock formations and collections of orange hoodoos packed within park boundaries.

This sprawling national park offers amazing sunrises and sunsets over Inspiration Point and Bryce Point at the expansive Bryce Amphitheater. The Navajo Loop Trail offers stunning scenery and – by sheer luck – I had it al to myself even at the beginning of summer.

When to Visit: The best time to visit is May through September, in terms of weather. And though it can get crowded, summer offers plenty of informative ranger-led activities. Fall will bring fewer people and cooler temperatures. In the winter, the park does get snow, so pack accordingly. Check out winter hiking gear recommendations here.

Don’t Miss: Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Navajo Loop Trail

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Great Basin National Park

• Distance: 291 miles
• Time: 4 h 25 min (map)
• State: Nevada

Great Basin National Park is about a 4.5 hour road trip from Las Vegas. It is the only national park located fully within Nevada’s borders.

Great Basin National Park has many claims to fame, including the second-highest peak in the state, dark and mysterious caves, and some of the oldest trees in the entire world. An array of wild plant life can be found here, from prickly pear cactus to alpine wildflowers to the ancient bristlecone pines, pictured above.

Hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail to see Nevada’s only glacier as well as the trees for which the trail was named. Sign up for a ranger-led astronomy tour under the dark sky certified stars. Or, cimply take a drive through to some of the prettiest viewpoints.

When to Visit: Summer is the most popular season to visit, as school is out and temperatures are generally mild. Fall months bring cooler weather and smaller crowds.

Don’t Miss: The Lehman Caves, Bristlecone Pines, Baker Lake

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Grand Canyon National Park

• Distance: 280 miles
• Time:4 hr 15 min (map)
• State: Arizona

Of all of the national parks near Vegas, the Grand Canyon is hands down the most iconic. People from across the world travel to the USA just to see this amazing park – and for very good reason!

The first time I saw these endless, layered bands of red rock, it felt like I was staring at a movie backdrop. It was almost unbelievable, like a green screen, how far off into the distance the canyon stretched. But thanks to millions of years of geological history, this place is oh-so-real.

Everyone needs to visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime!

When to Visit: Anytime. Seriously. I’ve spent a windy new years day here, as well as a sunny summer weekend. For hiking and kayaking, summer is ideal. To beat the crowds, try shoulder seasons.

Don’t Miss: Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, Grandview Point

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Capital Reef National Park

• Distance: 334 miles
• Time: 5 hr 15 min (map)
• State: Utah

Capital Reef has got to be one of those hidden-gem national parks. I had never heard of it before moving out west – but now I recommend it as one of the coolest parks in Utah!

Capitol Reef National Park is located within Utah’s south-central desert. Take the 7.9-mile Scenic Drive to get the best overview of Capitol Reef. Sheer cliffs, rock formations, and deep canyons await.

The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth’s crust, is one of the park’s most notable features. Explore and discover the breathtaking views, unique geology, and vibrant culture on your journey through Utah’s red rock country.

When To Visit: The best time to visit Capitol Reef National Park is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and temperatures range from 50°F to 80°F. Winter months can be cold, with average temperatures below freezing, while summer months can be hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F.

Don’t Miss: The Scenic Drive, Cassidy Arch, Sunset Point

Additional Options to Consider:

• Mojave National Preserve, 68.4 miles / 1 hr 5 min
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, 397 miles / 6 hr 55 min
• Arches National Park, 453 miles / 6 hr 40 min

National Park Near Las Vegas Tips

• If you’re flying into Las Vegas, the best way to get around is by renting a car.
• Stop into your chosen parks’ Visitor Center for up-to-date information on closures, camping, and fees.
• Gas stations are often few and far between in thee remote areas surrounding these National Parks. Always fill the gas tank before leaving towns and cities!
• Weather varies greatly throughout the year in many of these parks. Always check what to expect beforehand.
• Have time for a longer road trip? Grab your friends and check out these road trip things to do.
• Pick up an America the Beautiful Annual Park Pass to save money and time.
• Plan ahead for all of your hikes. You can check out my hiking essentials list here, or find the condensed version on hiking essentials below:
  • a hydration pack
  • first aid kit
  • biodegradable body wipes
  • foldable wide brim hat
  • sunscreen

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And there you have it! These seven National Parks are all within driving distance of Las Vegas. In under 5.5 hours, you could be exploring any one of these incredible parks.

Which one will you be visiting first?

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