In case you were searching for some of the best national parks near Las Vegas, you have reached the right place.

There are a number of places to visit and things to see in the United States. But if I have to mention one thing for nature lovers, it has to be the national parks of the country. There are a number of national parks in almost all major states of the US. 

Keep reading this article till the end to learn more about the national parks near Las Vegas…

Best National Parks Near Las Vegas To Visit In 2023: Top 17 Edition

If you are traveling to the United States and want to visit the national parks, then you might find this article to be of help. However, this article is definitely for those who are staying or are moving into Las Vegas and are searching for the places to visit near Las Vegas.

If you are someone who likes to explore the natural wonders of the world, the United States is a place for you. There are a number of national parks in the country across several states like California, Arizona, Utah, and so many more.

Here are some of the national parks near Las Vegas that you need to visit once in your lifetime:

1. Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley National Park, California
Image Source: cdn.britannica.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hours

Located just two hours away, the Death Valley National Park is the closest national park to Las Vegas that you can visit. This is one of the most beautiful national parks that you can visit in the States. Located near the border of California and Nevada, this national park is famous for being one of the driest, hottest, as well as the lowest places in the continent.

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
Image Source: travelinusa.us

Distance from Las Vegas: 30 minutes

Next on the list is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is just a thirty minutes drive from Las Vegas. The main attraction of this national park is the red and gray striped sandstones that can be seen from afar.

3. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Image Source: planetofhotels.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour

If someone tells you that you must visit this national park before you die, LISTEN TO THEM! It is one of the most beautiful things that you can ever see on earth. Make sure that you visit the park during sunset. The red Aztec sandstones start to shine as the sun sets on the horizon!

4. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, Utah
Image Source: doi.gov

Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hours 35 minutes

One of the oldest national parks in the United States and definitely the oldest as well as the most visited in Utah, the Zion National Park is a must visit. It is just 160 miles away from Las Vegas. Make sure to take a lot of pictures when you are here, as this place is surely Instagram-worthy!

5. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park, California
Image Source: gannett-cdn.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 3 hours

Want to visit a national park that is filled by the Joshua tree? If yes, then this national park is the one for you. The two very different desert ecosystems, the Colorado and the Mojave, give rise to what is known as the Joshua Tree National Park. The unique formations of the tree attract people from all over the world.

6. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Image Source: myutahparks.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 3 hours 50 minutes

Located at a distance of about 260 miles away from Las Vegas, the Bryce Canyon national park of Utah is a must visit for those travelers who are seeking to find the world’s most unique formations. However, the main attraction of the place is the hoodoos that are here in plenty!

7. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Image Source: media.cntraveler.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hours 30 minutes

Next on the list of the national parks near Las Vegas is Grand Canyon national park. There are two parts of the national park that you can visit— the South Rim and the North Rim. However, both the areas are full of scenic beauty. Some of the highlights of this national park include Hermit Road, South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Point, and Cape Royal.

8. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org

Distance from Las Vegas: 5 hours 20 minutes

Are you looking for a magical place to visit near Las Vegas? If yes, then the Capitol Reef National Park is the best one for you. It is one of the lesser known places in the United States, and it is definitely one of the hidden gems of Utah.

9. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Image Source: i0.wp.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hours 50 minutes

Next on the list is the Great Basin National Park, located in the eastern part of Nevada. Situated among the dry and heavily mountainous region of the Great Basin, this national park is extraordinarily varied when it comes to the vegetation as well as the landscape. From limestone caverns to splendid lakes, there is absolutely nothing that is not present here!

10. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Image Source: i.natgeofe.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 5 hours 40 minutes

If you leave early in the morning from Las Vegas, then you will be able to reach the Petrified Forest National Park of Arizona before it gets too sunny. And why should you go there? Well, for the colorful rocks that actually leave the visitors petrified!

11. Yosemite National Park, Californi

Yosemite National Park, California
Image Source: cdn.britannica.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 5 hours 30 minutes

There is absolutely no other place on the earth like the Yosemite National Park. Situated at the Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges, the Yosemite National Park is the place that has it all. From beautiful waterfalls to high cliffs and magnanimous giant sequoias, you will find it all here.

Read More: Top 6 Best Hikes In Arches National Park

12. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Image Source: doi.gov

Distance from Las Vegas: 5 hours 50 minutes

When it comes to the largest and some of the tallest trees on earth, no other tree can take the place of a giant sequoia. And the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks is a place where you will find them in plenty. So what are you waiting for? Hanover to the forest full of sequoias and carry your cameras along for some of the most majestic images!

13. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, Utah
Image Source: groundedlifetravel.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 6 hours 20 minutes

Located in Moab, this national park is one of the most visited ones in Utah. There are a number of trails to walk in Arches National Park. But mostly, it is all about clicking pictures and staying hydrated while walking the trails of this beautiful park that you need to keep in mind.

14. Red Cliffs Conservation Area, Utah

Red Cliffs Conservation Area, Utah
Image Source: cdn.greaterzion.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 2 hours 20 minutes

Next on the list of the national parks near Las Vegas is the Red Cliffs Conservation Area which is located in Utah. One of the most important reasons for you to visit this place is to view the landscape of the transitioning zone. It is the point where the ecosystems of the Great Basin, the Mojave Desert, and the Colorado Plateau meet.

15. Mojave National Preserve, California

Mojave National Preserve, California
Image Source: adamelliottphotography.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour 10 minutes

Another national park that is located in California is the Mojave National Preserve, and it is one of the closest national parks to Las Vegas. So if you are someone who likes the desert landscape, then this is the one that you should definitely visit.

16. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
Image Source: youimg1.tripcdn.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 4 hours 25 minutes

Located at a distance of about 270 miles away from Las Vegas, we have the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This area protects the land surrounding Lake Powell. One of the best things to visit here is the Horseshoe Bend. It is one of the picturesque bends that is known for its scenic beauty.

Read More: Best Time To Visit Big Bend National Park

17. Coconino National Forest, Arizona

Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Image Source: tripsavvy.com

Distance from Las Vegas: 3 hours 45 mins

Last but not least, on the list of the national parks near Las Vegas, we have the Coconino National Forest. It is considered to be one of the most diverse and extensive national forests in the United States. You can explore the small lakes, the canyons, the mountains, and the vast spread of flush green trees!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Now that you have almost finished reading this article, I hope that you have found the answer to what you were looking for. Here are some of the questions that you might want to take a look at for more information related to the same.

1. What Are The Things To Do In Vegas?

Ans: Las Vegas is one of the most popular cities in the United States. It is a hub for the people or tourists who like to be entertained. It is a place for gambling. Nightlife, entertainment, and food. However, there are a lot of other things that you can do in Vegas. Some of them are:

Fountains of Bellagio
The Strip
High Roller Observation Wheel
Grand Canyon Tours
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden.

2. What Is The Cheapest Month To Travel To Vegas?

Ans: If you are planning to go to Las Vegas, the cheapest month to do that is from January to April. You may also try visiting Vegas during September and November.

3. What Are The Most Visited National Parks In The United States?

Ans: The most visited national parks in the United States are:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Yosemite National Park
Glacier National Park
Zion National Park.

Wrapping It Up!

National parks are one of the most visited and search for things in the United States. And there are plenty of them. For example, if you are in Las Vegas, then you might be thinking about the national parks that are near this city. Well, there are four main states near Vegas that have a number of national parks. They are Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and California.

In case you were searching for the national parks near Las Vegas, I hope that you found this travel guide helpful. Let me know what more you would like to see by writing your queries and suggestions in the comment box at the bottom of the page. Also, do not forget to share your thoughts about the article!

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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