News
27 March, 2025
Desert gems await beyond Vegas
By Marina Gomide WHILE the United States is very famous for its big and extravagant cities like New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, I would highly recommend anyone visiting Las Vegas to consider exploring the beautiful nature the desert has to offer.
While there are several beautiful spots within an hour drive of Vegas, such as the stunning Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and Mount Charleston, there are many hidden gems a few hours away.
The first, and arguably the most famous, is the Grand Canyon, located only five hours away. This is a spot that you can spend a day, a weekend or a whole week, depending how much hiking and exploring you want to do. Even just a day trip is worth it, as you still have a lot of time to do the main walk and take in the huge canyon’s size.
Also located just over four hours from Vegas, and 2.5 hours north from the Grand Canyon, is the stunning Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. These spots are 15 minutes apart and each offer a natural spectacle, with Antelope Canyon making you feel like you’re stepping into a magical realm.
This canyon is famous for its tight wave formation, carved into the sandstone rocks by water from flash floods, with visitors only being allowed in through guided tours from the Navajo locals. It is a mesmerizing experience walking in this red, wavy maze, learning its history and significance for the Navajo tribe.
Just down the road is the famous Horseshoe Bend, a stunning natural wonder where the Colorado River wraps itself around a massive rock, giving the shape a horseshoe.
Lastly, another lesser-known gem only two hours north of Vegas, and two hours west from the Horseshoe Bend, is the stunning Zion National Park. This canyon offers a unique experience, as visitors actually access it from the bottom, having the chance to walk along the river while looking up at the canyon.
Since you walk along and in the river, there is actually also a lot of greenery to break up the red and orange of the desert. For more adventurous visitors, there is also a chance to do rock climbing or hiking up the canyon walls.
The best part about most of these spots? Furry friends are welcomed everywhere, except the guided walk of Antelope Canyon. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the unique beauty of the American deserts!
