Staying in Las Vegas

Why Las Vegas?

Las Vegas, that shimmering oasis of audacity and ambition, stands as a testament to humanity’s capacity for grandeur and indulgence. Known the world over as the "Entertainment Capital," this city boasts a kaleidoscopic array of attractions that dazzle the senses and quicken the pulse. But beyond its neon-clad revelry lies a more rugged promise—Las Vegas serves as the perfect springboard to the boundless marvels of the Southwest.

From the vertiginous Skywalk at Grand Canyon West to the iconic vistas of the South Rim and the verdant solitude of the North Rim, Vegas is your launchpad to nature’s most astonishing amphitheater. And let’s not overlook nearby treasures like the mighty Hoover Dam, the tranquil waters of Lake Mead, and the fiery spectacles of Zion and Bryce Canyon, each a gem in the diadem of the West.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Whether you’re yearnin’ for canyon adventures or simply seekin’ to add a dash of Old West grit to your glitzy escapade, Las Vegas delivers with flair. It’s where saloon swagger meets strip sophistication—a perfect blend for a journey you’ll not soon forget.

The Climate

Las Vegas, that illustrious beacon of the Mojave Desert, boasts a climate as dramatic and extravagant as the city itself. Summers here burn with the intensity of a blacksmith's forge, with temperatures routinely ascendin' to a blisterin' 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more. It’s a heat so fierce, it could make a rattlesnake seek shade, yet the city’s resplendent pools, frosty cocktails, and air-conditioned sanctuaries offer sweet reprieve from the molten sun.

Fall in Las Vegas

Autumn in Vegas saunters in like a smooth-tongued gambler, bringin’ mild days and cool, velvet nights. Temperatures hover in the high 70s and low 80s, invitin’ you to venture beyond the Strip and into the sublime landscapes of Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire. Winter arrives with a crispness that’ll have you wrappin’ up in a fine scarf while you stroll Fremont Street, with daytime highs in the mid-50s and evenings perfect for cozying up by a patio fire.

Springtime, oh, it’s a veritable desert renaissance. The air carries a gentle warmth, with temperatures pirouettin’ in the 70s and 80s. It’s the season for explorin’ the region’s natural wonders, from the Hoover Dam to Lake Mead. Whether you’re baskin’ beneath the desert sun or dazzled by the neon kaleidoscope of night, Las Vegas’s climate is as theatrical as the city itself, tailor-made for spectacle and splendor.

Spring Flowers in Death Valley

Gettin' There

Reaching Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport is as effortless as wranglin’ a pony with a sugar cube. This bustling hub connects the world to the heart of the desert, with flights from far-flung locales landin’ like clockwork. If you’ve got a hankerin’ for a Southwest adventure, this is where your journey begins.

Harry Reid International Airport

Once you’ve disembarked and wrangled yourself a rental car (your trusty steed in this modern frontier), you’ll find the open road callin’. The drive to Grand Canyon West is a brisk two-hour gallop, while the South Rim requires a bit more gumption—four-and-a-half to five hours, to be precise. Yet, the journey, with its vast expanses of desert and red rock formations, is a spectacle in its own right.

And for those who’d rather recline in style while someone else does the drivin’? Las Vegas offers a buffet of tour options, from air-conditioned coaches to luxurious helicopters, each ready to whisk you to the canyon’s edge. Whether you’re ridin’ shotgun or piloting your own expedition, the adventure starts the moment you leave the city lights behind.

Where to Stay

When it comes to accommodations, Las Vegas serves up more options than a prairie dog has burrows. From opulent resorts that dazzle with gilded excess to humble havens where a cowboy can simply rest his boots, this city caters to every taste and budget.

Nelson Ghost Town

For a touch of history, saddle up at the Golden Gate Hotel, the city’s oldest, established back in 1906. Its vintage charm harks back to a time when Vegas was a mere whistle-stop on the railroad. The Golden Nugget, meanwhile, combines Old West swagger with modern luxury—a fine choice for travelers seekin’ both style and substance.

RV travelers can hitch their wagons at the Las Vegas KOA at Sam’s Town, offering shaded spaces and amenities aplenty. And for the romantics of the range, glampin’ near Nelson Ghost Town provides a singular experience under the stars, with historic mining relics lendin’ an air of frontier mystique.

I’ve wrangled up a heap of my favorite hotels and vacation rentals, all handpicked for their historic charm or a good ol’ West vibe. Whether you’re ridin’ high on a big budget or pinchin’ pennies, I’ve got ‘em sorted by price, too. Just click that link below to get the full scoop, partner!

Las Vegas Hotels & VRBO

Grub

Las Vegas offers vittles that’ll satisfy even the most famished of travelers. For a breakfast hearty enough to fortify you for a day of canyon explorin’, head to Hash House A Go Go, where the portions are as oversized as a gold prospector’s dreams. Or slide into a booth at the Peppermill, where the old-school diner ambiance feels like a time machine to yesteryear.

Pioneer Saloon

Come lunchtime, you’ve got options that’ll tickle your taste buds and your funny bone. Try the Heart Attack Grill, where the meals are gargantuan, and the theme is as cheeky as a card shark in a church pew. Or indulge in some down-home Cajun cookin’ at Lola’s, where the gumbo is as soulful as a cowboy’s serenade.

For dinner, consider takin’ a short drive to the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings.

For dinner, consider takin’ a short drive to the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings. This historic gem serves steaks and burgers alongside tales of the West, complete with a resident ghost or two. Back on the Strip, Oscar’s Steakhouse offers classic Vegas dining in a setting that exudes Old Vegas charm. Wherever you choose to chow down, the meals in Vegas are bound to be as memorable as the vistas beyond.

My Las Vegas Itineraries dish out a deep dive into my top restaurant picks, leanin’ toward spots with a historic tale, an ol’ West vibe, or simply servin’ up the best darn food in the region... They may even offer up some special deals for Posse Members as well.

Sight Seein'

While the Grand Canyon may be the crown jewel of your journey, the treasures around Las Vegas shine plenty bright. Hoover Dam, that colossal testament to human ingenuity, is a mere 45 minutes away and offers both awe-inspirin’ views and fascinating tours.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

For those seekin’ nature’s artistry, Red Rock Canyon showcases fiery cliffs and rugged trails, perfect for a day of exploration. Farther afield, the Valley of Fire State Park enchants with its Martian-like landscapes and ancient petroglyphs, a vivid reminder of the Southwest’s rich history.

Closer to the city, Nelson Ghost Town offers a peculiar charm, with abandoned mines and Wild West relics creatin’ the perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon. Whether you’re marvelin’ at man-made wonders or wanderin’ through nature’s masterpieces, Las Vegas ensures you’ll never run short of sights to behold.

Hiking

Before you tackle the trails of the Grand Canyon, consider stretchin’ your legs on the paths around Vegas. Red Rock Canyon boasts routes for all skill levels, from the family-friendly Calico Tanks Trail to the more rigorous Ice Box Canyon, where shade and solitude await the intrepid.

Petroglyphs at Mouse's Tank

Valley of Fire adds a touch of surrealism to your warm-up hikes. The White Domes Loop offers dramatic rock formations and secluded alcoves, while Mouse’s Tank leads you through a gallery of ancient petroglyphs.

Even closer to Hoover Dam, the Historic Railroad Trail provides an easy yet scenic option. Its series of tunnels, carved for the construction of the dam, offer a walk through history with stunning views of Lake Mead.

Water Adventures

Though Vegas resides in the heart of the desert, aquatic adventures are but a stone’s throw away. Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, beckons with opportunities for boatin’, fishin’, and paddleboardin’. Rent a kayak for a serene float, or charter a boat to explore its vast, glimmerin’ expanse.

For a truly unique experience, trek to the Gold Strike Hot Springs trail near Hoover Dam. This challenging hike rewards the determined with natural hot springs nestled along the Colorado River—a soak that soothes both body and soul after a day on the trail.

These water-bound adventures provide a refreshing contrast to the arid beauty of the desert, remindin’ travelers that even the driest climes hold surprises worth discoverin’.

Tours

When it comes to tours, Las Vegas pulls out all the stops, offerin’ a veritable smorgasbord of options for adventurers of every stripe. For those dreamin’ of the Grand Canyon, helicopter rides provide an aerial perspective that’s as breathtaking as a bronco’s first buck. Or hop on a plane or coach for a more leisurely journey to Grand Canyon West, where the Skywalk and stunning vistas await.

River Rafting below Hoover Dam

For the South Rim, consider full-day bus tours or overnight packages that ensure you have time to fully immerse yourself in the canyon’s grandeur. Helicopter tours that sweep over the South Rim’s iconic landscapes are also a must for those with a taste for the spectacular.

Beyond the canyon, tours to Death Valley, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and even Monument Valley offer adventures that rival the grandeur of the Grand Canyon itself. And for the truly bold, ATV and Jeep tours through the Mojave Desert will rattle your spurs and leave you grinnin’ wider than a jackrabbit in a lettuce patch.

Las Vegas is a tourin’ hub like no other, combinin’ convenience with unforgettable experiences. With so many options, your only challenge will be decidin’ which adventure to take on first.

Vegas / Grand Canyon Tours

Other Las Vegas Tours

Let's Wrap This Up!

Las Vegas, a beacon of modern marvels, serves as the ultimate gateway to the timeless wonders of the Southwest. Whether you’re standin’ on the Skywalk, explorin’ Zion’s rugged cliffs, or relaxin’ under the neon glow of the Strip, this city promises a journey as grand as the canyon itself. So cinch up your saddle and let the adventure begin, partner!