Staying in Las Vegas

Why Las Vegas?

If you’re lookin’ to mix a little neon glitz with some down-home canyon grit, Las Vegas is the place to hitch your wagon. Known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” this city’s bright lights and endless attractions are just the beginning—because it also serves as a prime jumpin’ off point to explore Grand Canyon West, Grand Canyon South Rim, and even the North Rim if you’ve got the time. Plus, there’s no shortage of nearby marvels like Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the red-rock beauty of Zion and Bryce Canyon in Utah.

From Vegas, you can visit Grand Canyon West and its famous Skywalk in just a day trip. For the South Rim you’re lookin’ at a full day out and back, though spendin’ a couple of days gives ya plenty more time to take in the sights without feelin’ rushed. If you’re blessed with two weeks, you can plan yourself an epic road trip—Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion, even up to Moab and Arches National Park if you’re feelin’ ambitious.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Bottom line: Vegas ain’t just showgirls and poker tables. It’s the perfect launchin’ point for a grand adventure through the West, whether you’re hopin’ to stand on glass over the canyon or trek your way through one national park after another.

If yer dead set on pickin' Sin City as yer Home Base go right ahead and check out my Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Itineraries so you can plan every step of your adventure.

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Gettin' There

Flyin’ into Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is as easy as drawin’ a pair of aces. It’s one of the busiest airports in the world, so you’ll find plenty of flights rollin’ in from just about anywhere. Once you land, and if yer not banking on a tour to take you to Grand Canyon, a rental car is your trusty steed for explorin’—you’re gonna need wheels to get outta the city and see all the wonders of the Southwest.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

If you’re headin’ straight for Grand Canyon West, it’s just about a 2-hour drive to the Skywalk. The South Rim takes longer at 4.5 to 5 hours, so leave early, partner, or consider stayin’ overnight. The beauty of Vegas as a base camp is the roads are good, and drivin’ through the Mojave and red rock country is part of the fun.

Need a guide? Plenty of tours leave right from Vegas if you’re lookin’ to skip the drivin’—from planes to buses to helicopters, there’s an option for every traveler.

Where to Stay

If you’re stayin’ in Las Vegas, you’ve got no shortage of beds to choose from—fancier than a silver mine’s treasure or humbler than a cowboy’s tent. But if you’re travelin’ with a mind for the Old West, I’d steer ya toward a couple of places that’ll scratch that nostalgic itch.

Nelson Ghost Town

The Golden Gate Hotel is the oldest hotel & casino in the city—built back in 1906, it’s a taste of the town’s vintage past. For a true Western vibe, the Golden Nugget has got you covered. And for RV travelers, the Las Vegas KOA near Sam’s Town gives ya a comfy spot to bunk down with easy access to the Strip.

Want somethin’ unique? Check out glamping near Nelson Ghost Town about 45 minutes outside Vegas and not far off. your path to the South Rim. They’ve got quirky-comfy tents a stone's throw away from an old mining town that offers tours for the family.

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

Vegas is a food lover’s paradise, partner, but let’s keep it grounded in the spirit of the West. For a breakfast hearty enough to fuel a day of adventurin’, saddle up at Hash House A Go Go for “twisted farm food” or Peppermill Restaurant for an old-school diner feel with portions bigger than a canyon view.

Pioneer Saloon

For lunch, the Heart Attack Grill in downtown Vegas is as wild as it gets, servin’ up massive burgers in a hospital-themed joint. Or mosey over to Lola’s for some Cajun cookin’ that’ll knock the dust off your boots.

And for dinner, why not make it a real experience? Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings—just a short drive out of town—dates back to 1913 and serves up steaks, burgers, and ghost stories. Back in the city, try Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza for a classic Vegas meal with an Old Vegas feel.

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'

When you’re not standin’ on the rim of the Grand Canyon, there’s plenty to explore in and around Las Vegas. Start with Hoover Dam, a marvel of human ingenuity that’s just 45 minutes away and on the road to the Canyon's southern rims. While you’re at it, hit the trails along Lake Mead for a scenic drive or a bit of boatin’.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

For somethin’ more rugged, head out to Red Rock Canyon—a Western paradise with fiery cliffs and trails that’ll make you wanna holler “Yeehaw!” You can also explore the aforementioned Nelson Ghost Town, where abandoned mines and Old West charm create the perfect day trip.

If you’ve got extra time, a drive out to Valley of Fire State Park will treat ya to landscapes so red, you’ll think you’re walkin’ on Mars. And if you’re after a quirky experience, visit the Neon Museum, where the ghosts of old Vegas signs light up the desert night.

Hiking

If you’re plannin’ on hikin’ the Grand Canyon, you might wanna stretch those legs beforehand. Again, Red Rock Canyon offers trails for all levels, from the easy Calico Tanks Trail to the tougher Ice Box Canyon Trail, where you’ll scramble over rocks and through slot canyons.

Petroglyphs at Mouse's Tank

Out at Valley of Fire, don’t miss the White Domes Trail or the hike to Mouse’s Tank, where ancient petroglyphs mark the walls. Both are short enough for beginners but reward you with views as grand as any.

And if you’re stickin’ close to town, the Historic Railroad Trail near Boulder City is an easy, scenic hike with views of Lake Mead and tunnels once used to haul supplies to Hoover Dam.

Water Adventures

While Vegas is landlocked, it’s a hop and a skip to some watery fun. Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S., offers boatin’, swimmin’, and even some excellent fishin’. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a peaceful float, or take a boat tour out to admire the vast blue waters surrounded by desert cliffs.

For somethin’ real special, head to the Gold Strike Hot Springs trail near the Hoover Dam. It’s a tough hike, but the reward is soakin’ in natural hot springs alongside the Colorado River. Just remember, the trail’s only open from October through May, and the desert sun can be mighty unforgivin’.

Tours

If drivin’ ain’t your style, there’s no shortage of Grand Canyon tours that start and end right in Vegas. Bus tours, airplane tours, and helicopter tours will take ya to Grand Canyon West, where you can walk the Skywalk or enjoy a meal with canyon views. Some tours even include upgrades like river rafting or ziplinin’.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

For the South Rim, tours tend to be longer, but they’ll show ya the highlights with plenty of time for takin’ photos. Helicopter tours over the canyon are especially popular—ain’t nothin’ like seein’ the canyon from above.

Beyond the canyon, partner, why not mosey on out to Death Valley, Zion, or Bryce Canyon for a day trip that’ll leave your jaw hangin’ lower than a saddlebag? Or, if you’re cravin’ a bit more grit, hop on an ATV or Jeep tour through the rugged Mojave Desert—it’s the kinda adventure that’ll rattle your spurs and put a grin on your face. I’ve even gone and wrangled up two full pages on this here website of my favorite Las Vegas tours: one dedicated to all things Grand Canyon, and the other packed with excursions to unique spots guaranteed to take your vacation up a notch. Giddyup and check ‘em out!

Vegas / Grand Canyon Tours

Other Las Vegas Tours

Let's Wrap This Up!

Las Vegas might be known for its bright lights, but it’s also the perfect gateway to some of the Southwest’s finest adventures. Whether you’re explorin’ Grand Canyon West, takin’ a longer trip to the South Rim, or soakin’ up the Old West charm of nearby ghost towns, you’ll find no shortage of ways to fill your boots with memories. So pack your bags, partner, and let Sin City be the start of somethin’ grand!

Now listen here, partner—every single one of my Las Vegas Itineraries takes a deeper dive into all I’ve mentioned here and then some. We’re talkin’ hidden gems, historic tales, and any discounts or special deals I’ve managed to wrangle up for members of the Grand Canyon Posse. So don’t let those gold nuggets slip through your fingers—go on and get your hands on ‘em!