Of course the Vegas nightlife is legendary — first-class shows and entertainment and parties galore. But there are other attractions which can help to occupy the days and evenings before the festivities begin. This post will focus on short excursions from the city which allow travelers to escape the glamor and hubbub for a while. Consider these major Las Vegas attractions:

1.  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only about seven (7) miles west of the Strip but is a world away aesthetically and culturally. Here is a natural landscape of sandstone cliffs that is extremely popular with nature-lovers.

Calico I Overlook

The simplest way to appreciate this place is take the 13-mile scenic drive, stopping at various overlooks and/or walking several trails.

High Point Overlook

Take plenty of pictures and perhaps bring a picnic lunch to relax and savor this small piece of paradise.

2.   Hoover Dam is only about thirty (30) miles south of the city, on the border with Arizona. The mega-engineering project which constructed the dam and created Lake Mead is a fascinating sight to visit. Take the “Hard Hat Tour” for more details about the dam’s construction and function.

Hoover Dam

3.   Valley of Fire State Park is a wonderland of unusual rock formations. It lies about forty-five (45) miles southeast of Las Vegas and can be enjoyed via a lovely scenic drive through the park.

Other more distant excursions include Death Valley National Park with its stark, alien landscape,

Badwater

Zion National Park, in Utah, where the visitor is at the bottom of the canyon looking up,

Zion National Park