Top 5 Natural Attractions Near Las Vegas: Stunning Landscapes and Historic Ghost Towns

1. Introduction

Discover the hidden outdoor adventures just a short drive from Las Vegas, beyond the bustling Strip.

2. Las Vegas as a Gateway

Las Vegas is situated in a desert oasis, yet bypassing its surrounding natural wonders provides only a partial experience. A mere 30-minute drive from the Strip leads you to a landscape filled with red rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and secluded waterfalls.

As Rachel Bergren, executive director of Get Outdoors Nevada states, “Las Vegas serves as an excellent starting point for outdoor adventures. With our accessibility to extensive national public lands, visitors can explore incredible natural sites.” These five natural areas encompass millions of acres ideal for recreation.

3. Stunning Natural Sites Near Las Vegas

For over 20 years, Get Outdoors Nevada has engaged locals and visitors in the breathtaking wilderness surrounding Las Vegas. Unfortunately, many overlook these opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s critical to recognize that the majority of Nevada comprises accessible federal lands.

Valley of Fire State Park

Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, established in 1935, Valley of Fire offers surreal landscapes featuring petrified trees, ancient petroglyphs, and winding trails among colorful rock formations. Noteworthy attractions include Elephant Rock—named for its trunk-like feature—and the Beehives.

Located an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire serves as a stunning stopover en route to Zion National Park. This location has hosted iconic film productions such as “Total Recall,” “Casino,” and “Austin Powers.” If hiking isn’t on your list, enjoy the scenic drive that showcases the park’s natural beauty.

Gold Butte National Monument

This 300,000-acre national monument holds significant cultural value for the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians and the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. The rich array of petroglyphs offers a glimpse into the lives of Nevada’s earliest inhabitants, with human presence dating back over 12,000 years.

While the unpaved roads necessitate high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles, the journey rewards visitors with a diverse landscape. Highlights include the 110-foot-deep sinkhole known as Devil’s Throat, an old mining town, and the colorful caves of Whitney Pockets, portraying a unique view of Nevada’s natural history.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Located just 30 minutes from the Strip, the 48,438-acre Sloan Canyon provides a stark contrast to the urban landscape. The Conservation Area features no defined roads, requiring a short hike from the Nawghaw Poa Road visitor center to explore its extensive petroglyph gallery, teeming with wildlife.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

This expansive, 200,000-acre area is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The scenic 13-mile driving loop connects visitors to numerous trails, offering stunning views along the way. Adventurers might discover hidden waterfalls or hike in spots like Ice Box Canyon.

Red Rock is renowned for climbing opportunities, showcased by skilled climbers at Calico Basin. The beginner-friendly Calico Basin Trail reveals a lush environment with diverse flora, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and picnicking.

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

In the 1960s, significant archaeological discoveries in Tule Springs led to its protection, culminating in the establishment of Tule Springs Fossil Beds as a national monument in 2014. Visitors can explore interpretive kiosks along key intersections to learn about the remarkable Ice Age animals that once roamed this region, such as the Columbian mammoth and saber-tooth cat.