Las Vegas and the Southwestern U.S.

Las Vegas is within a half-day’s drive of many Southwestern destinations. That’s one of the reasons it’s a popular stop for people exploring this region of the United States. In Las Vegas, the tour companies stay busy transporting visitors everywhere from Death Valley to the Grand Canyon. If you’ve got time to explore the regions around Las Vegas, you might want to check out these nearby destinations.

Zzyzx, in the Mojave National Preserve

Southern California is home to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs; 24% of Las Vegas’ visitors hail from Southern California. If you’re driving to or from Los Angeles on Interstate 15, you’ll pass right by the Mojave National Preserve, where you’ll find ruins, a restored train depot, and booming sand dunes. Several Las Vegas tour companies offer day trips to Death Valley National Park, but the immense park could keep you occupied for a week.

Southern Utah contains some of the most beautiful red rock country in the region. Zion National Park is only a two hour drive from Las Vegas, and Bryce isn’t much further away. Photographers should be prepared to take a huge amount of pictures–this region’s towering cliffs, hoodoos, and fantastic rock formations are irresistible to anyone with a camera.

Grafton Graveyard, outside Zion NP

Northern Arizona holds the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Sedona. Further south, the city of Phoenix sits in the Sonoran Desert, which is greener than the Mojave Desert around Las Vegas.  Flagstaff, located high in the mountains, is hidden by the surrounding forest. If you didn’t see the turn-offs, you almost wouldn’t know it was there. Grand Canyon tours are popular with Las Vegas visitors, and many local tour operators can fly or drive you there. Visitors can explore three rims, but the South Rim sees the most visitors.

Photo of the Grand Canyon courtesy of carolynconner / Carolyn.

Photos of Zzyzx and Grafton courtesy of Terrisa Meeks.