Day trip from Vegas - best bang for time?

Question

Taking a 2nd honeymoon to Vegas - We have to be out of our hotel early Sat., our plane doesn't leave until LAATTEEE (11pm), so we are renting a car at the airport for a day side trip.

We were looking at Red Rock, but know there are several other choices like Valley of Fire. (Not the damn Dam for all you Griswald fans :) ).

We weren't sure if Red Rock was going to entertain us for a day or if Valley of Fire was worth the extra drive or if we were missing something? We need to get there and back in a matter of 10 - 11 hours.

We perfer natural landscapes and did a lot of Jeeping in pre kid days (I was an environmental/geologoy major) but probably won't have an SUV this time (although hubby said he might look into it).

THANKS!!!

Answer 1

With that much time, you should consider going to the Grand Canyon or Valley of Fire, with a side trip to Lake Mead. Red Rock is nice, but it won't take that much time unless you go on into Pahrump and check out the brothels. You could also go up Mount Charleston after Red Rock - but unless you take time to eat at the Hotel up there, it's just a drive up and drive down scenario.

Red Rock would fill your day if you were going to do some serious hiking, but I'd avoid that unless you're seasoned heat hikers until at least late September.

Valley of Fire is a longer drive but definitely gorgeous, make sure you have your camera ready. If you continue out instead of turning back to return, you will end up driving past some interesting springs and end up at Lake Mead - what's left of it. The water is down considerably from the drought of the last few years, last I heard it was down 75' from normal.

Either park is beautiful, they'll both cost you admission (thank you, National Park Service), and you don't need a SUV for any of the choices listed above. If you drive to the west rim of the Grand Canyon, however, I definitely recommend having one. If you drive to the south rim, you'll be fine without one. Either route takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to get there - west rim is closer but the back country drive takes forever.

West rim has a glass thing that you pay to walk out on, but the west rim is barely canyon. South rim is the area that is tourist friendly, but it will be crowded and there's nothing new if you've been there before. My personal choice is south rim - much more dramatic view.

If you're going to be here during the extreme heat of the summer, however, I would suggest going shopping in the air conditioning ;-)

Answer 2

I suggest going to Red Rock Canyon after going to Bonnie Springs which is about 5 miles further down the road. It is an old ghost town that is not a replica of a western town. At high noon they have a hanging plus other stuff. Wife and I enjoyed it here.

After leaving then go to Red Rock Canyon and make the 13 miles drive through the canyon. the first part of the canyon is the best. Also go to the museum on the way in because the loop road does not go back to it.

It is less that 1/2 hour drive back to the air port.

Have fun.
Bob

Answer 3

perhaps a trip to Bryce or zion park if you have never seen them and don't plan on going back.

They are in Southern Utah and I believe you could at least see one of them in that time frame. Rent a car in las Vegas and return it at the airport for your trip home

Answer 4

You should enjoy red rock. You have more than enough time and you can then get a nice dinner somewhere before your flight