There are 23 national park units and millions of acres of canyons, lakes, wildlife, trails and mountains located within five hours of Las Vegas – all waiting to be explored. From Vegas, people can find America’s largest national recreation area; the hottest, lowest and driest spot in the country; and one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Within an hour of Las Vegas, people can discover two national parks: Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. Six more national parks, including Zion, Mojave National Preserve and Death Valley (the country’s hottest, lowest and driest point) are less than three hours away. Within five hours, visitors can discover fifteen more national parks, including Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and Great Basin, Bryce Canyon and Joshua Tree.
And, Vegas is a gateway to more than just national parks. Within an hour, locals and tourists can travel to parks managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Nevada, Clark County and other cities in the nearby metropolitan area.
- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 19 miles / 30 km
Boat, hike, cycle and fish at America’s most diverse national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 14 miles / 22 km
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument is where ancient life meets neon lights. The desert badlands hold an impressive assemblage of ice age fossils, including mammoths, lions and camels. Although most fossils lie deep beneath the surface, visitors can hike throughout the park to explore the fossil sediments that were formed as far back as 250,000 years ago.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 17 miles / 27 km
In marked contrast to a town geared to entertainment and gaming, Red Rock National Conservation Area offers enticements of a different nature. This Bureau of Land Management site has a 13-mile scenic drive, miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, road biking, picnicking, nature observing and a visitor center with indoor and outdoor exhibits.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 34 miles / 54 km
Escape the Vegas heat at Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. This U.S. Forest Service site, contains the impressive 11,918-foot-high Charleston Peak It offers camping, picnicking and hiking in warmer months, and skiing, snowboarding and tubing in winter. The recreation area encompasses more than 316,000 acres of remarkable beauty and surprising diversity
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 23 miles / 37 km
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area’s 48,438 acres vary from lowland dry lake beds to volcanic rock peaks, reaching more than 5,000 feet. The centerpiece of the area is the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site, one of the most significant cultural resources in Southern Nevada. Visitors to this Bureau of Land Management site enjoy hiking and cycling and horseback riding.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 30 miles / 48 km
Encompassing six major mountain ranges and seven distinct life zones, Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge outside of Alaska. At 1.6 million acres, the park boasts more than 500 plant species and 320 bird species as it transitions from the Mojave to the Great Basin Desert. The refuge, managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was established for the desert bighorn sheep. The Corn Creek Visitor Center is a good starting point for your visit.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 52 miles / 83 km
Red sandstone formed from ancient sand dunes electrifies the desert at Valley of Fire. Popular for hiking, camping, picnicking and scenic driving, Nevada’s oldest and largest state park is one of the most photogenic destinations in the Southwest.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
Experience the heart of Las Vegas Valley's vibrant cultural and natural history through interactive science and nature exhibits, botanical gardens, hiking trails and live animals at the Springs Preserve. With 180 acres of scenery and attractions, visit for an hour or spend the entire day.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 24 miles / 38 km
Springs provided water for Paiute Indians and later brought mountain men and early settlers to the area. This oasis was developed into a working ranch and retreat. View living history, enjoy a guided hike or picnic in the 520-acre park.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 1 miles / 2 km
The first permanent non-native settlers in the Las Vegas Valley were a group of Mormon missionaries who built an adobe fort along Las Vegas Creek in 1855. Today, the park includes a remnant of the original adobe fort, which contains interpretive displays.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: Varies
Discover the fun at the City of Las Vegas' dozens of parks, including skate parks, recreation centers, swimming pools, sports complexes, golf courses and active senior centers. Or escape, explore and enjoy the city's more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: Varies
Clark County Parks and Recreation services the indoor and outdoor recreation needs of Southern Nevada with more than 1,600 of acres of parks and open play space, pools and water parks, recreation and senior centers, special events and sports and fitness and fine arts programming.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: Varies
North Las Vegas enhances quality of life by providing a diversity of open spaces, parks and leisure opportunities. The City's programs and facilities support citizens' diverse interests in parks, trails, recreation and culture.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: Varies
Boulder City Parks and Recreation offers year-round youth and adult sports, aquatic and recreation programs and classes, and special events.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: Varies
The City of Henderson offers 64 meticulously maintained parks for your enjoyment. In addition to open grass areas and playgrounds, features include walking courses, dog parks, skate parks, splash pads and lighted sport areas.
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- Distance from the Las Vegas Strip: 139 miles / 223 km
In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow. Rare rainstorms bring vast fields of wildflowers. Lush oases harbor tiny fish and refuge for wildlife and humans. Despite its morbid name, a great diversity of life survives in Death Valley.
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