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From the Strip to the Canyons: A Perfect 5-Day Las Vegas Travel Plan

From the Strip to the Canyons: A Perfect 5-Day Las Vegas Travel Plan

Las Vegas is one of those places where you can lose track of time—casinos without clocks, 24-hour everything, and neon lights that make night feel like day. But here’s the thing: Vegas is also the perfect base camp for exploring some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Southwest.

If you’ve got five days, you can mix the glitz of the Strip with the rugged beauty of Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, and even Zion National Park. Think of it as a best-of-both-worlds trip: cocktails and casinos at night, sandstone cliffs and desert hikes by day.

So grab your comfy shoes, your sense of adventure, and let’s dive into this 5-day Las Vegas and surrounding parks itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas & Explore the Strip

Your trip kicks off in Las Vegas. Chances are you’ll arrive sometime in the afternoon, so this first day is all about soaking in the city without wearing yourself out.

  • Check into your hotel: If you’re on the Strip, staying at places like The Bellagio, The Venetian, or Caesars Palace keeps you in the action. Want something trendier? Resorts World or The Cosmopolitan has a younger vibe.

  • Walk the Strip: Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s also fun. Stroll past massive themed hotels, snap a photo in front of the Bellagio fountains, and maybe ride the gondolas at The Venetian.

  • Food tip: Vegas is a foodie paradise. For something casual but iconic, try In-N-Out Burger (yes, there’s one right off the Strip). If you’re up for splurging, restaurants by chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Giada De Laurentiis, and José Andrés are all top-notch.

  • Evening entertainment: Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, so catch a show. Cirque du Soleil has several options (O at Bellagio is stunning), or maybe a comedy set or concert depending on who’s in town.

Keep it light on night one—you’ve got parks and hikes coming up.

Day 2: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

About 30 minutes west of the Strip, Red Rock Canyon feels like stepping into a painting. The red sandstone cliffs change colors with the sun, and the desert silence is a refreshing contrast to the city buzz.

  • Morning hike:

    • Calico Tanks Trail (2.2 miles round trip, moderate): Ends at a natural water tank with sweeping views of the Vegas skyline.

    • Ice Box Canyon (2.6 miles, moderate): Cooler, shaded, and great if you’re hiking mid-morning.

    • If you want something short and easy, Petroglyph Wall Trail is just 0.2 miles and shows off ancient rock art.

  • Scenic Drive: The 13-mile loop is perfect if you want to mix short hikes with pull-off viewpoints. Stop at High Point Overlook for those Instagram-worthy shots.

  • Picnic lunch: Pack something simple—there are picnic areas along the loop where you can sit and enjoy the views.

Head back to Vegas in the afternoon. If you’re not too tired, check out Fremont Street downtown for a totally different vibe—light shows, live music, and a more old-school Vegas feel.

Day 3: Valley of Fire State Park

One hour northeast of Vegas sits Nevada’s oldest and most stunning state park: Valley of Fire. The park gets its name from fiery red Aztec sandstone formations, and it feels like walking on another planet.

  • Top sights:

    • The Fire Wave Trail (1.5 miles, easy): Swirling stripes of red, white, and pink rock that look unreal.

    • Elephant Rock: A quick hike to a sandstone arch shaped like—you guessed it—an elephant.

    • Atlatl Rock: Famous for its ancient petroglyphs. Climb a staircase for a closer view.

    • White Domes Trail (1.1 miles, easy): A short loop with a slot canyon and colorful rock formations.

  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep—they’re often spotted around the park.

Plan to spend most of the day here. There aren’t many food options nearby, so bring a cooler with snacks, sandwiches, and plenty of water.

Back in Vegas for dinner, you might treat yourself to something unique. A lot of visitors love the Buffet at Wynn for its variety, or if you’re into steak, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is unforgettable.

Day 4: Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

Day four is all about history and relaxation. Just 45 minutes southeast of Vegas, Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel that still impresses today.

  • Morning at Hoover Dam: Walk across the top for incredible views of the Colorado River and Lake Mead. If you’re into history and architecture, take a guided tour inside the dam—it’s wild to see the inner workings.

  • Afternoon at Lake Mead: After exploring the dam, head to Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You can rent kayaks, go on a short boat cruise, or just chill at the shore.

    • If you’re a hiker, check out the Historic Railroad Trail (easy, 7.5 miles round trip). It winds through old railroad tunnels with amazing views of Lake Mead.

  • Dinner idea: After a lake day, you might want something casual. Try local spots off the Strip like Lotus of Siam (one of the best Thai restaurants in the U.S.) or grab tacos at Tacos El Gordo.

Day 5: Zion National Park or a Relaxed Vegas Day

You’ve got two great options for your final day: go big with Zion National Park, or take it easy and enjoy Vegas.

Option 1: Zion National Park Day Trip

Yes, it’s a long day (about 2.5 hours each way), but it’s absolutely doable. Zion is one of the most iconic national parks in the U.S., with towering cliffs, lush valleys, and world-famous trails.

  • Epic hikes:

    • Angels Landing (5.4 miles, strenuous): Not for the faint of heart, but the views are insane. You’ll need a permit, so check ahead.

    • The Narrows (distance varies): Hike right through the Virgin River, surrounded by cliffs that rise thousands of feet. Rent water shoes if you don’t want soggy sneakers.

    • Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile, easy): A short but stunning hike with panoramic views of Zion Canyon.

Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks, because you’ll spend most of the day in the park. Head back to Vegas late—yes, you’ll be tired, but it’s the kind of tired that comes with epic memories.

Option 2: Relax in Vegas

If a long day trip doesn’t sound fun, keep day five low-key.

  • Lounge at your hotel pool (many resorts have incredible pool complexes).

  • Book a spa treatment to recover from all the hiking.

  • Or splurge on a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon or the Strip for a bucket-list experience.

Final Tips for Your 5-Day Vegas & Parks Itinerary

  • Start Early: Desert parks are best explored in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded.

  • Hydrate: Always carry more water than you think you’ll need. Desert air is dry, and hikes can be deceiving.

  • Dress Smart: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, and layers (it gets chilly at night).

  • Plan Your Evenings: Some nights you’ll want fancy dinners and shows, but other nights you might be happier with a quick bite and an early bedtime. Balance is key.

  • Car Rental: If you’re serious about exploring the parks, rent a car. Tours exist, but the freedom of your own wheels makes the trip way better.

Wrapping It Up

This 5-day Las Vegas itinerary gives you a taste of everything: the neon dazzle of the Strip, the fiery sandstone of Valley of Fire, the sheer cliffs of Red Rock, the blue waters of Lake Mead, and (if you’re up for it) the towering majesty of Zion.

It’s the kind of trip that makes you appreciate contrasts. One moment you’re sipping cocktails by a pool, the next you’re staring at petroglyphs carved thousands of years ago. It’s fast, fun, and full of stories you’ll be telling long after you’ve unpacked.

So, ready to roll the dice on a trip that’s more than just casinos? Vegas and its backyard parks are waiting.