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Guide to the Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known as a hub for bright lights, exciting casino games, and neverending entertainment options. But sometimes, you need to get out of town—even when you have easy access to 24/7 casinos and every type of food your heart desires. If you’re looking for an escape from the Las Vegas Strip for a day (or two), there are a handful of locations within a reasonable driving distance to satisfy every type of adventurer! Pack your bags and a good book to read in the back of a private bus rental as you journey through Nevada, Arizona, and California, seeing everything from desert landscapes to engineering marvels of the 1930s. Partybuses.net will help get your group to and from your next destination with a comfortable, reliable charter bus!

Grand Canyon National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: ~4.5 hours or ~280 miles
When you think of road trip destinations in the Southwest, this one is at the top of everyone’s list! A visit to the Grand Canyon National Park will give your group a chance to witness one of Earth’s most impressive natural formations. It’s truly a picture-perfect experience, even after seeing photos and videos a thousand times. But even if the Canyon is the highlight of your trip, the drive there and back is long, and can get uncomfortable if you’re packing too many folks into a small car. Avoid cramped seating and road-trip fatigue with a private charter bus from Partybuses.net. Everyone in your group will be able to stretch out and enjoy the views from panoramic windows while your bus driver safely navigates the roads for you.

The South Rim of the canyon is more popular and offers multiple vantage points for visitors to take in the views. You’ll find the South Rim Visitor Center here, along with a wide selection of hiking trails, bus tours, and even mule rides. The North Rim has stunning views but is closed from December to May, so if you’re planning a winter day trip to the Grand Canyon, you’ll need to book your tickets to the South Rim. No matter which side of the canyon you visit, we recommend giving your group at least 3 or 4 hours to explore the area. Once you’ve had your fill of hiking trails and taken enough photos of the scenery to fill up your camera roll—it’ll be time to climb aboard your bus for a relaxing, air-conditioned ride back to Las Vegas.

Charter bus parking tip: Parking for oversized vehicles like motorcoaches can become limited during peak season. Call a ranger station at the South or North Rim before you go to ask about availability and any parking restrictions.

Zion National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: ~3 hours or ~160 miles
Zion National Park in Southwest Utah is packed with miles of hiking trails, sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and canyons carved by the Virgin River. Hikers will love exploring this incredible park with stunning views around every corner! If your group has a mix of seasoned hikers and beginners, check out the Emerald Pools trail with three tiers that offer something for everyone. More experienced hikers can take on the challenging Angels Landing trail for breathtaking panoramic views of Zion Canyon. Groups planning to tackle Angels Landing should note that permits are now required to hike the trail and must be secured in advance.

There are a few things to keep in mind when organizing a group visit to Zion. The park’s main scenic road, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, is closed to private vehicles during the peak visitor season from March to November. Your group can instead travel the scenic drive on the park’s shuttle service, which has multiple stops throughout the canyon. If you’re traveling with a large group, however, the wait for a shuttle that can fit everyone may be longer than anticipated. If you have a group of more than 10 people, consider a private charter bus rental. Your driver can safely drop everyone off at the visitor center and park in a nearby lot to shuttle your group back to Las Vegas once everyone is finished exploring. This will also give your group a comfy, climate-controlled ride to and from the park. Just request WiFi onboard your bus, and everyone can share their photos with breathtaking backdrops on social media right away!

Charter bus parking tip: Keep in mind that the park is busiest during summer months, weekends, and holidays. During these times parking is exceptionally limited at trailheads and other visitor centers. Be sure to contact park rangers or a visitor center before your visit if you’re traveling by charter bus.

Valley of Fire State Park

Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour or ~58 miles

Get lost in the awe-inspiring splendor of a bright red sandstone valley at Nevada’s oldest state park. Located just over an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, Valley of Fire State Park is a fantastic destination for day trips, offering miles upon miles of hiking trails, slot canyons, and ancient petroglyphs from prehistoric people. Visit Rainbow Vista for an easy-going walk to see colorful sandstone or take the 2-mile White Domes Trail for a moderate hike with unique and colorful rock formations. If you’re with a group of experienced hikers, opt to take the 4.3-mile Fire Wave trail for a challenging yet rewarding hike. On this route, you’ll see the Fire Wave, a popular sandstone rock formation with swirling red and orange hues, a great photo op! The park’s variety of trails makes it ideal for groups with hikers of all skill levels.


Admission to the park is $10 per car. Groups traveling by charter bus will have to pay a per-person admission fee of $2 and must also reserve parking with park officials before visiting. Just call the park headquarters at (702) 397-2088 and they’ll be happy to help organize parking for your group. Since Valley of Fire is also one of the best places to stargaze in the area, consider coming for an overnight trip. Reserve a campground for your group and ask your driver about overnight parking options in the park.

Charter bus parking tip: There isn’t overnight parking available for oversized vehicles inside the park. Consider booking a hotel in nearby Overton with bus parking accommodations if you’re visiting for more than one day.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: ~4 hours or ~270 miles

Utah isn’t a stranger to sandstone canyons and beautiful rock formations. Take a trip to Bryce Canyon to see some of the most unique sandstone sculptures you’ll find in the country—the hoodoo! These spires of rock formed by years and years of erosion are in a multitude of amphitheaters throughout the park. Your group can admire the vast sea of orange and red rock spires at the popular Sunrise Point and Inspiration Point observation areas, or try your hand at a hike to get closer to the many hoodoos. The 2.9-mile Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails or 1.3-mile Queens Garden Trail are both popular choices with less challenging terrain.


Bryce Canyon is also a popular location for horseback riding with guided tours through Canyon Trail Rides and Ruby’s Horseback Adventures. Saddle up with your group and take a ride through the canyon on horseback to enjoy the view from a different perspective! If your group isn’t quite as adventurous, consider the scenic 18-mile drive that runs through the park. Your driver can drop everyone off at the visitor center to watch a park film and learn about Bryce Canyon’s history, and then your charter bus rental can take you on the scenic drive for breathtaking photo opportunities and views of the vast sea of hoodoos in the distance.

Charter bus parking tip: Parking can be found at several locations within the park but visitor centers and trailhead parking areas can quickly reach capacity. Call ahead to the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center at (435) 834-5322 to inquire about group reservations and parking for oversized vehicles.

Death Valley National Park

Distance from Las Vegas: ~2 hours or ~120 miles

Get a true feel of the Mojave Desert at Death Valley National Park. The park has a name that inspires fear in many, which usually keeps visitors to a minimum compared to the national park staples like Grand Canyon and Zion. But Death Valley is an incredible place with scenic views for miles and an unforgettable array of desert flora and fauna. One of the best places to take in the views is Zabriskie Point, where you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the valley, mountains, and unique badlands. Other must-see destinations in the park include Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, and Artist’s Palette. Badwater Basin is located 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America. The multi-hued Artist’s Palette is also a favorite photo opportunity for most visitors. If your group feels adventurous, try the 2.8-mile hike to the summit of Dante’s View where you’ll have a view of the entirety of Death Valley National Park.


The park does have a few important tips and restrictions to keep in mind, as Death Valley is the hottest and driest national park in the U.S. Be prepared with plenty of water for each member of your group and plan your trip for early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the brutal midday heat. Even if your charter bus rental has climate control, you’ll need a safe ride between the park’s spread-out attractions and a way to keep everyone cool. Visitors who would rather explore the park without the summer heat are better off planning a trip between November and March. Be sure to check the park’s website for any closures during these months and call the park headquarters with any specific questions about visiting during winter.

Charter bus parking tip: Oversized vehicle parking can be found at several locations within the park, most of which are located near the park’s four visitor centers. However, Death Valley National Park has multiple roads, overlooks, and canyons that don’t accommodate oversized vehicles. Check your itinerary and with the park service before driving into the park to ensure that your bus is allowed to park where you plan to stop.

Mount Charleston

Distance from Las Vegas: ~1 hour or ~35 miles

Seeking an escape from the sweltering Nevada heat? Head to Mount Charleston! In the Spring Mountains about an hour west of Las Vegas, the area around the peak of Mount Charleston is perfect for outdoor lovers who want to experience fresh mountain air without having to travel too far. The mountain has an elevation of over 11,000 feet, which makes it a popular destination for hiking, biking, and even snow-filled activities during the winter months. The area around the peak sees an average of 240 inches of snowfall a year. Pack up your winter clothes, skis, snowboards, and snowshoes, and get ready for a wintery adventure at Lee Canyon’s ski resort or in the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area.

If you’re planning to visit the mountain during summer or autumn, the cooler weather at the summit and surrounding forests provide a nice reprieve from the high temperatures that frequent Las Vegas. Experienced hikers can enjoy scenic views from the Mary Jane Falls trail or make their way to the peak of Mount Charleston. Beginner hikers can try the Cathedral Rock trail or the Fletcher Canyon Trail. Both offer stunning views of Kyle Canyon and the surrounding mountains with less strenuous terrain. You can even pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the park’s many picnicking areas.

Charter bus parking tip: The ski resort, trailheads, and picnic areas have parking lots with limited oversized vehicle access. Call the visitor center at (702) 872-5486 to ask about parking before heading to the mountain.

Hoover Dam

Distance from Las Vegas: 45 minutes or ~30 miles

It’s hard to imagine the massive crowds you’ll encounter at this attraction, considering that over a million people travel here every year. Situated on the border of Nevada and Arizona, the Hoover Dam was named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Visiting the dam is the perfect way to learn about the history of engineering and discover how the dam continues to produce hydroelectric power for thousands of people throughout Nevada, Arizona, and California. Your group can go on a self-guided or guided tour, or even experience the dam from a different perspective by riding the Desert Princess Paddle-Wheeler or the Lake Mead Cruises tour boats.

Charter bus parking tip: Oversized vehicles are directed to park on the Arizona side of the dam in lot #9. Parking is $10 per vehicle, cash or card.

Eldorado Canyon

Distance from Las Vegas: 1 hour or ~40 miles

Gold rush history, picturesque mining trails, and a tour through a historic ghost town—it’s all in Eldorado Canyon! This ghost town in Nevada is a quick day trip out of Las Vegas, and a great experience for those who are interested in Nevada’s mining and frontier past. Explore the abandoned town of Nelson at Nelson’s Landing, hike the historic mining trails, and go on a 90-minute tour of the abandoned Techatticup Mine. The Techatticup Mine tour is organized through the Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours group and features a one-of-a-kind experience traveling into the depths of a historic mine shaft. Your group can descend 500 feet to hear stories about the town’s mining past and observe original tools and equipment. If your group isn’t up for the spelunking, the Eldorado Canyon Mine Tour group also offers hiking tours of the canyon’s surrounding trails.


Charter bus parking tip: Parking is limited at Eldorado Canyon, but the group’s office can organize designated parking for charter bus rentals if you contact them in advance. Buses can also park at Nelson’s Landing.

Lake Mead

Distance from Las Vegas: ~40 minutes or ~30 miles

Beat the desert heat with a trip out to Lake Mead, a man-made reservoir along the Colorado River. You’ll find it sits right next to the Hoover Dam, making it another great day trip from Las Vegas to combine history with some outdoor fun. Lake Mead is known for its beaches, swimming areas, and unique hiking trails—and of course its impressive size (it’s the largest man-made lake in the U.S.). Enjoy the area’s most popular trail, the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail, a 7.5-mile, dog-friendly trek through 5 historic railroad tunnels that were used to build the Hoover Dam. Or, if your group wants to spend a day on the water, pack up your swimsuits, sunscreen, and towels and head to a beach area like Boulder Beach or Las Vegas Bay.


Charter bus parking tip: Since Lake Mead is connected to the Hoover Dam, it’s best to expect similar parking regulations. Oversized vehicles will want to park at the Hoover Dam in Lot #9 and ride a park shuttle to Lake Mead.

Laughlin, NV

Distance from Las Vegas: ~1 hour and 40 minutes or ~95 miles

Casinos, resort hotels, and a beautiful riverwalk are a few highlights of this small city. Laughlin is located on the Colorado River south of Las Vegas and is known for its cheaper lodging and gambling options compared to the higher prices in the city. If your group is looking for a gambling and nightlife experience without having to break the bank, plan a day trip from Las Vegas to Laughlin. You can explore casinos like the Aquarius Casino Resort, Edgewater Casino Resort, and the Colorado Belle Casino. During the day, spend time at one of the many pools at Laughlin’s resorts or try your luck at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club.

Charter bus parking tip: You’ll find the most convenient parking at your resort of choice. Call to inquire about bus parking if you choose an off-site location.

Primm, NV

Distance from Las Vegas: ~45 minutes or ~40 miles

You’ll find Primm, Nevada right across the state border of California, nestled among the Ivanpah Valley’s high desert landscape. This is an easy choice if your group wants a casino experience without spending a long time on the road to get there. Similar to Laughlin, Primm offers lower accommodation costs and gambling options, and is a popular stop for travelers making the haul between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Primm is home to the Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino, Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino, and Primm Valley Resort & Casino. You’ll also find plenty of group-friendly activities here like shopping at Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas, enjoying an array of roller coasters and thrill rides at the Adventure Canyon theme park, and participating in a championship-style golf tournament at Primm Valley Golf Club.

Charter bus parking tip: Many hotel and casino resorts offer complimentary parking for guests, and most can easily accommodate oversized vehicles like charter buses.

Book Your Las Vegas Group Day Trip

Ready to get going? The Partybuses.net team is available 24/7 at 855-275-4888 to answer your charter bus rental questions and create a travel plan that meets your needs. Call to reserve your Las Vegas bus rental and enjoy a comfortable ride to these fantastic day trip destinations!