Article Summary: Parks Near Vegas, National Parks Near Las Vegas, Las Vegas Parks
Did you know that there are 20 National Parks within 300 miles of Las Vegas? That number includes national monuments, national recreation areas, and national parks near Las Vegas.
While some may be too far for a day trip, some of them can easily be reached in one day with a base in Las Vegas. While the City of Lights may not seem like the best place for outdoor adventure at first glance, but don’t let the casinos and gambling fool you. Las Vegas is one of the best hubs for outdoor recreation.
Here are 20 national parks near Las Vegas that you should visit.
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Table of Contents
Map of National Parks Near Las Vegas
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, Nevada
Tule Springs Fossil Beds is one of the newest sites added to the National Park system. Therefore, there aren’t many services available yet.
The park focuses on the preservation of ancient creatures and their fossilized remains. Some examples include extinct mammoths, lions, and camels. It’s difficult to imagine that all of these existed where Las Vegas is today.
Once this park is up and running, I believe it will be one of the most interesting national parks near Las Vegas.
Distance from Las Vegas: 21 miles
Driving Time: 26 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: None
Visitor Center Address: There is currently no visitor center. Access to the monument is by foot only. Park on nearby public roads.
Phone Number: (702) 293-8853
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn, Welcome House, The Winner’s Retreat
Don’t Miss: Hike near the “Big Dig” to look for fossils. Park below the Clark Country Shooting Range near the water storage tanks. Remember, leave anything you find behind for the next visitors to enjoy.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Did you know that Lake Mead was the first National Recreation Area established in America?
This impressive park spans over 1.5 million acres and includes two lakes and nine wilderness areas, all within a quick drive from Las Vegas.
The most popular place for visitors is the Hoover Dam, but the Alan Bible Visitor Center also offers a spectacular view.
Distance from Las Vegas: 30 miles
Driving Time: 34 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: 10 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005
Phone Number: (702) 293-8990
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Hoover Dam Lodge, Milos Inn, Boulder Dam Hotel
Don’t Miss: Visit Hoover Dam for one of the best views of the lake (and to learn why it exists).
Castle Mountains National Monument, California
The most unique thing about this incredibly unique place is how inaccessible it is. Every road in the park is dirt, so be sure to bring the correct type of vehicle and prepare for a remote experience. Vehicles with high-clearance and 4-wheel drive are recommended.
Once you’re there, the untouched desert landscape will take your breath away. Thanks to the remote nature of Castle Mountains, you’ll be able to enjoy this park in almost complete isolation unlike many other national parks near Las Vegas.
Distance from Las Vegas: 86 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: None
Visitor Center Address: 90942 Kelso Cima Rd, Kelso, CA 92309 (in nearby Mojave National Preserve)
Phone Number: (760) 252-6100
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps. There are no facilities in the park, but the adjacent Mojave National Preserve has a visitor center. Use caution when using a GPS as they can be unreliable in this area.
Where to Stay: California Inn, Rodeway Inn, Stardust Inn, Motel 66
Don’t Miss: Drive down any of the park’s dirt roads to explore a solitary desert wonderland.
Mojave National Preserve, California
It’s hard to believe that such a wild wilderness is located smack dab in the middle of Las Vegas and Los Angeles, two booming metropolises. This 1.6 million acre park preserves cinder cone volcanoes and sand dunes in addition to its namesake Mojave Desert.
Additionally, the largest grove of Joshua Trees can be found here. The drive through Mojave National Preserve is stunning, and one of my favorite hikes is located by the Hole-in-the-Wall Information Center. The Ring Loop allows you to experience Hole-in-the-Wall Canyon while climbing the walls using iron rings. This is easily one of the most unique hikes and national parks near Las Vegas.
Distance from Las Vegas: 95 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: None
Visitor Center Address: 90942 Kelso Cima Rd, Kelso, CA 92309
Phone Number: (760) 252-6100
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: California Inn, Rodeway Inn, Stardust Inn, Motel 66
Don’t Miss: Visit in spring for an unbelievable display of wildflowers.
Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley National Park is one of the best national parks near Las Vegas. While most adventurers will head to Zion (also worth a trip), Death Valley deserves more love. In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated national parks in the country.
The largest National Park in the continental United States is teeming with unbelievable opportunities for outdoor recreation. Read about some of my favorite hikes and things to do in Death Valley.
Distance from Las Vegas: 142 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: The Furnace Creek visitor center does not have a specific address. According to the website, visitors are encouraged to use the Post Office address instead, which is about 400 meters from the visitor center. That address is 328 Greenland Blvd. Death Valley, CA 92328. You can also use the coordinates of the visitor center: N 36°27.70, W 116°52.00
Phone Number: (760) 786-3200
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Amargosa Opera House, the Inn at Death Valley, the Ranch at Death Valley
Don’t Miss: Visit the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin, located 282-feet below sea level.
Zion National Park, Utah
Not only is Zion National Park one of the most incredible places you’ll ever see, but the drive from Las Vegas is equally astounding. You’ll pass through red rock canyons as you make your way to the red rock canyon famous for rock climbing and canyoneering. Zion has a ton to offer and is one of the best national parks near Las Vegas to go visit.
Distance from Las Vegas: 160 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 34 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20. per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd, State Route 9, Springdale, UT 84767
Phone Number: (435) 772-3256
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Bumbleberry Inn, Cable Mountain Lodge, Cliffrose Lodge, Flanigan’s Inn, Harvest House B&B
Don’t Miss: Avoid the crowds with a trip to the park’s Kolob Canyons district.
Pipe Spring National Monument, Arizona
Pipe Spring National Monument protects a unique desert oasis that has given life to wild animals, plants, American Indians, Mormon pioneers, and so much more throughout history. Today, you can visit the museum, historic forts, and old cabins or witness living history demonstrations to learn more about this special place.
Distance from Las Vegas: 179 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $10 per person, valid for 7 days.
Visitor Center Address: 406 W Pipe Springs Rd, Fredonia, AZ 86022
Phone Number: (928) 643-7105
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Zion’s Backyard B&B, Zion View Camping, Blue Sage B&B, Camp Valhalla
Don’t Miss: Walk the Ridge Trail to see stunning desert landscapes and take a ranger-guided tour of Windsor Castle, the park’s fort (pictured above).
Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah
Zion National Park’s neighbor is nowhere near as famous, but packs in plenty of the same attraction.
It’s much higher in elevation at a whopping 10,000 feet, offering incredible views (particularly of the night sky). You can also find mesmerizing geologic wonders and beautiful wildflowers in this hidden gem.
The road into the park is only accessible from May to November due to heavy snowfall in the winter.
Distance from Las Vegas: 192 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $7 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: You’re better off using GPS coordinates for the parking lot, as there’s no true address for the visitor center. The coordinates are 37.612127, -112.837309. The visitor center is only open and accessible from May to November.
Phone Number: (435) 586-9451 x4420
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Cedar Breaks Lodge, Best Western Premier, El Rey Inn, Iron Gate Inn
Don’t Miss: Drive the scenic park road and stop at the viewpoints for gorgeous views of the Cedar Breaks amphitheater.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park protects the conversion point of the Mojave and Colorado deserts. The unique environment allows for out-of-this-world Joshua Trees to thrive while simultaneously offering world-renowned rock climbing and bouldering opportunities. The night sky here is also a sight to behold. Of all the national parks near Las Vegas, this is my personal favorite.
Distance from Las Vegas: 199 miles
Driving Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: There are four visitor centers in total. The Joshua Tree Visitor Center at the west entrance can be found at 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252. There are also the Oasis, Cottonwood, and Black Rock visitor centers.
Phone Number: (760) 367-5500
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Sacred Sands, Ranch House, Sunnyvale Garden Suites, Top 10 Airbnbs Near Joshua Tree
Don’t Miss: Walk any of the park’s trails to get a better look at the Joshua Trees that have been thriving here for centuries.
Manzanar National Historic Site, California
One of my favorite things about national parks is they don’t hesitate to place America’s worst moments in history on display. This is one of the greatest ways we can learn from our dire mistakes.
In 1942, the US government sent more than 110,000 individuals to remote camps. Manzanar was one of ten locations where Japanese Americans and Japanese residents were incarcerated during the second world war.
While it may be one of the more somber sites on this list, that is truly what makes it one of the most important. If you’re hoping to learn about history while visiting national parks near Las Vegas, put this one at the top of your list.
Distance from Las Vegas: 237 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 7 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: None
Visitor Center Address: 5001 US-395, Independence, CA 93526
Phone Number: (760) 878-2194 x3310
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Panamint Springs Motel, Independence Courthouse, Winnedumah Hotel
Don’t Miss: Spend at least an hour in the visitor center exploring the exhibits and watching the park film to learn more about the history here. Then, visit Block 14 to see what living conditions were like.
César Chávez National Monument, California
César Chávez is widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States in the 20th century. He and his supporters fought for farmers’ rights which resulted in the first permanent agricultural union.
Today, César Chávez National Monument preserves the location of the United Farm Workers Headquarters along with Chávez’s gravesite and memorial garden.
Distance from Las Vegas: 256 miles
Driving Time: 3 hours, 47 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: None
Visitor Center Address: 29700 Woodford-Tehachapi Rd, Keene, CA 93531
Phone Number: (661) 823-6134
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Best Western Plus, Ranch Motel
Don’t Miss: Walk the grounds and visit the museum to appreciate the revolution.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
One of my favorite national parks in Utah, Bryce Canyon is filled with wonder. The landscapes here seem to be straight out of a movie, or perhaps from another planet entirely.
Any stroll below the rim will leave you staring at these incredible hoodoos with your jaw dropping to the floor. This is another one of my favorite national parks near Las Vegas.
Distance from Las Vegas: 260 miles
Driving Time: 3 hours
Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center, UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764
Phone Number: (435) 834-5322
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Ruby’s Inn, Best Western Plus, Bryce UpTop Lodge, Bryce View Lodge
Don’t Miss: Walk the Navajo Loop and stop at Inspiration Point for sights you’ll have to see to believe.
Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona
Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of the coolest places I’ve ever seen – no joke. To walk through ancient cliff dwellings and imagine the lives lived here is a feeling that’s difficult to describe. Of all the national parks near Las Vegas, the three around Flagstaff, Arizona are some of my absolute favorites, Walnut Canyon included.
Distance from Las Vegas: 265 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours
Park Entrance Fee: $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone Number: (928) 526-3367
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Drury Inn, Residence Inn, The Mountain Star, Little America
Don’t Miss: Walk the Island Trail from the visitor center down into the canyon to see the cliff dwellings.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
It’s no secret that Page, Arizona is one of the new hot spots when it comes to road-tripping in the American Southwest. With Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend (pictured above), it’s easy to see why the destination is increasing in popularity. Still, the entirety of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and its centerpiece, Lake Powell, shouldn’t be overlooked on your trip to national parks near Las Vegas.
Distance from Las Vegas: 270 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 18 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $15 per individual, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam, US-89, Page, AZ 86040
Phone Number: (928) 608-6200
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Bear’s Den B&B, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, Wingate
Don’t Miss: Take a boat tour across Lake Powell, perhaps to another National Monument – Rainbow Bridge.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona
This cinder cone volcano stands proudly mere miles from Flagstaff, Arizona. The park provides excellent recreational opportunities as well as a lovely scenic drive between it and the nearby Wupatki National Monument. The hiking opportunities here are some of the best in the Flagstaff and Las Vegas areas.
Distance from Las Vegas: 273 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 11 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: 6082 Forest Service 545 Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone Number: (928) 526-0502
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Drury Inn, Residence Inn, The Mountain Star, Little America
Don’t Miss: Drive to the Cinder Hills Overlook for a spectacular view, or walk to the different craters if you have more time.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is arguably the most famous natural attraction in the country and one of the most popular national parks near Las Vegas. People come from all over the world to gaze in awe at this spectacular canyon.
The Colorado River has been meticulously carving the canyon for hundreds of thousands of years and is a major source of life on the canyon floor today.
Distance from Las Vegas: 279 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle or $20 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: 20 South Entrance Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Phone Number: (928) 638-7888
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas, Holiday Inn
Don’t Miss: To get a different view away from crowds, hike down into the canyon for some peace and quiet along with some reflection.
Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona
Farmers and artists known as the Sinagua people today carved pueblos into this hillside. The museum is an incredible tribute with unique information about the stories told here. The trails that bring you through the pueblos are the obvious highlight with amazing views over the desert from the top of the hill.
Distance from Las Vegas: 281 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 42 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $10 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: 25 Tuzigoot Rd, Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Phone Number: (928) 634-5564
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Arizona Lighthouse B&B, Condo
Don’t Miss: Walk the trails to the Tuzigoot Pueblo for an amazing view and to learn about the people who lived here.
Wupatki National Monument, Arizona
For reasons that are still difficult to explain, people constructed pueblos here, a location where water and food seem impossible to find. Nonetheless, they persevered until they knew it was time to move on to a new location.
Today, wandering the trails through these bright red pueblos offers a glimpse into the past. This is one of the most unique national parks near Las Vegas teeming with mystery.
Distance from Las Vegas: 285 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle or $15 per person, valid for 7 days
Visitor Center Address: 25137 Loop Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Phone Number: (928) 679-2365 or (928) 856-1705
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Drury Inn, Residence Inn, The Mountain Star, Little America
Don’t Miss: Join a park ranger for a discovery hike into backcountry areas of the park that are otherwise closed to visitors.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California
This area of California is unique with mountains rising straight from the ocean toward the sky. While it is one of the 20 national parks near Las Vegas, it’s also extremely close to another metropolis: Los Angeles. The Santa Monica Mountains offer a much-needed escape from either booming city with amazing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Distance from Las Vegas: 292 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 14 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: None
Visitor Center Address: 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone Number: (805) 370-2301
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: The Anza, Good Nite Inn, Hilton
Don’t Miss: Hike one of 500 miles of hiking trails in the park to escape from city life for a little while.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
More than just desert, Great Basin National Park protects a host of abnormal beauties.
To start, we have the bristlecone pine trees (pictured above). These are the world’s longest-living trees and have been proven to survive for more than 5,000 years. To put that in perspective, some of these trees were sprouting from cones when the Great Pyramids in Egypt were being constructed. In this park, they miraculously grow on volcanic rock.
Furthermore, the last of our national parks near Las Vegas is home to some of the darkest skies in the country with almost no light pollution. Lastly, be sure to visit the Lehman Caves to discover a marble wonderland.
Distance from Las Vegas: 296 miles
Driving Time: 4 hours, 26 minutes
Park Entrance Fee: None
Visitor Center Address: 100 Great Basin National Park, Baker, NV 89311
Phone Number: (775) 234-7331
Official Website: click here
Map: Click here for directions and here for National Park Service maps.
Where to Stay: Hidden Canyon Retreat, Stargazer Inn, Whispering Elms Motel
Don’t Miss: Check out some ancient bristlecone pines and visit Lehman Caves.
Pin National Parks Near Las Vegas
