Most Scenic Road Trips in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
1. Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive
Enjoy breathtaking red rock formations and diverse desert wildlife on a 13-mile scenic loop.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning geological formations created by millions of years of wind and water erosion.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to observe desert bighorn sheep, wild burros, and various bird species.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers exceptional landscapes for capturing unforgettable photos of the desert.
2. Lake Mead Scenic Drive
Explore the largest reservoir in the United States and experience beautiful desert vistas and Hoover Dam.
- Historical Significance: Includes a visit to the famous Hoover Dam, a National Historic Landmark.
- Water Activities: Provides access to boating, fishing, swimming, and various water sports.
- Desert Wildlife: Offers opportunities to observe diverse desert wildlife such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, and many bird species.
3. Valley of Fire State Park
Drive through a breathtaking desert landscape filled with red sandstone formations and petrified trees.
- Natural Wonders: Features unique geological formations, including the Fire Wave rock formation.
- Hiking Opportunities: Provides numerous hiking trails for exploring ancient petroglyphs and incredible views.
- Camping Experience: Offers camping opportunities to experience the desert under a starry night sky.
4. Mount Charleston Scenic Byway
Experience a dramatic change in scenery as you drive from the desert to the cool mountains of Mount Charleston.
- Scenic Diversity: Travels from the Mojave Desert to the beautiful mountain forest of Mount Charleston.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a cooler climate.
- Seasonal Attractions: Features beautiful fall foliage during the autumn months.
5. Death Valley National Park Scenic Drive
Travel through America's largest national park and experience otherworldly landscapes, such as sand dunes and badlands.
- Unique Landscapes: Features a variety of unique desert landscapes, including sand dunes, badlands, and salt flats.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: Provides opportunities to learn about extreme weather conditions, such as record-breaking heat and low temperatures.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to the park's remote location and dark skies.
6. Boulder City - Hoover Dam Loop
Drive through historic Boulder City and visit the famous Hoover Dam before continuing to Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
- Historical Significance: Includes a visit to the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel built during the Great Depression.
- Water Activities: Provides access to boating, fishing, swimming, and various water sports at Lake Mead.
- Scenic Variety: Offers a mix of urban, desert, and water landscapes throughout the drive.
7. California State Route 168 - Owens Valley
Travel through the Owens Valley, which offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Owens River.
- Mountain Scenery: Features incredible views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by historic towns such as Lone Pine and the ghost town of Cerro Gordo.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring nearby attractions like Mount Whitney.
8. Tikaboo Valley Road to Area 51
Drive through the mysterious Tikaboo Valley, home to the top-secret military base known as Area 51.
- Mystery and Conspiracy: Offers a chance to explore the mystery and conspiracy surrounding Area 51.
- Scenic Diversity: Features a mix of desert landscapes, including sand dunes and rock formations.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides incredible opportunities for landscape photography against the backdrop of Area 51.
9. U.S. Route 93 - Tonopah to Alamo
Travel through historic mining towns like Tonopah and Goldfield before reaching the picturesque ghost town of Rhyolite.
- Historical Significance: Passes by several historic mining towns, offering insights into Nevada's gold rush history.
- Scenic Variety: Features a mix of desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and ghost town ruins.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Provides an off-the-beaten-path adventure for travelers seeking a unique road trip experience.
10. U.S. Route 6 - The Lincoln Highway
Drive along the historic Lincoln Highway, which passes through small towns and offers a glimpse into Nevada's early automotive history.
- Historical Significance: Travels along one of America's first transcontinental highways, the Lincoln Highway.
- Small-Town Charm: Passes by small Nevada towns with unique character and charm.
- Scenic Variety: Features a mix of desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and rural farmland.
11. U.S. Route 50 - The Loneliest Road in America
Travel along the iconic U.S. Route 50, known as the 'Loneliest Road in America,' for stunning desert and mountain views.
- Scenic Variety: Features a mix of desert landscapes, mountains, and historic towns.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Provides an off-the-beaten-path adventure for travelers seeking a unique road trip experience.
- Historical Significance: Travels through several historic Nevada towns, offering insights into the state's early history.
12. U.S. Route 95 - The Extraterrestrial Highway
Drive along the famous Extraterrestrial Highway, which passes near Area 51 and offers a chance to explore Nevada's UFO mythology.
- Mystery and Conspiracy: Offers a chance to explore the mystery and conspiracy surrounding Area 51.
- Scenic Diversity: Features a mix of desert landscapes, mountain vistas, and small-town charm.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides incredible opportunities for landscape photography against the backdrop of Area 51.
13. U.S. Route 68 - The Great Basin Scenic Byway
Travel through Nevada's diverse landscapes, including the Great Basin National Park and ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
- Scenic Variety: Features a mix of desert landscapes, mountain vistas, forests, and historic sites.
- Natural Wonders: Includes visits to the Great Basin National Park and ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and stargazing in a pristine wilderness area.
14. U.S. Route 50 - The Silver State Scenic Byway
Travel through Nevada's diverse landscapes along U.S. Route 50, which is known as the 'Silver State Scenic Byway'.
- Scenic Variety: Features a mix of desert landscapes, mountains, and historic towns.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Provides an off-the-beaten-path adventure for travelers seeking a unique road trip experience.
- Historical Significance: Travels through several historic Nevada towns, offering insights into the state's early history.
15. U.S. Route 6 - The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Drive along U.S. Route 6, which follows the historic Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail.
- Historical Significance: Travels along one of America's oldest westward migration routes.
- Small-Town Charm: Passes by several small Nevada towns with unique character and charm.
- Scenic Variety: Features a mix of desert landscapes, mountains, and rural farmland.