Las Vegas & Southwest Parks, Nevada 🎲
"Neon lights meet deep red canyons under a mild winter sun."
Since you want sports and mountains, Vegas is the world's sports hub and a gateway to world-class winter hiking. Stay on the strip for the games, then drive out to Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire for incredible mountain scenery without the Austin heat.
A high-octane blend of professional sports culture in Las Vegas and the rugged, towering sandstone cathedrals of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Stadiums and Neon Lights
Morning — Arrive in Las Vegas, check into a hotel on the Strip, and fuel up with a classic buffet brunch.
Afternoon — Tour Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders, then check out the shops and sports memorabilia at the Forum Shops.
Evening — Walk the Strip to see the Bellagio Fountains, then catch a high-energy hockey game if the Vegas Golden Knights are playing.
💡 Purchase a 3-day RTC bus pass to easily traverse the Strip without expensive Ubers.
Day 2 · Red Rocks and Old Vegas
Morning — Drive 30 minutes to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for a scenic 13-mile loop drive.
Afternoon — Hike the Calico Tanks Trail for a mix of red sandstone scenery and a hidden view of the distant city skyline.
Evening — Head to Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont Street) for zip-lining and lower-limit gambling inside historic casinos.
💡 Timed entry reservations are required for Red Rock between October and May.
Day 3 · Gateway to Zion National Park
Morning — Drive 2.5 hours to Zion National Park. Secure your park shuttle pass early.
Afternoon — Continue to Springdale, Utah. Walk through the town and grab gear rentals if you plan to hike the Narrows.
Evening — Dinner at King's Landing Bistro for views of the towering cliffs under the moonlight.
💡 Download the 'NPS App' for offline trail maps before entering the canyon.
Day 4 · Deep Canyons and High Peaks
Morning — Start early to hike 'The Narrows' (weather permitting) to experience the deepest parts of Zion Canyon.
Afternoon — Complete the scenic Riverside Walk or hike to Scout Lookout (base of Angels Landing) for breathtaking mountain vistas.
Evening — Stargaze from the park entrance—Zion is a certified Dark Sky Park.
💡 Angels Landing requires a permit; if you don't have one, Scout Lookout offers nearly identical views.
Day 5 · The Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon
Morning — Drive 2 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park, stopping at 'Inspiration Point' for the first look at the amphitheater.
Afternoon — Hike the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail to stand amongst the towering orange hoodoos.
Evening — Check into a lodge near the rim and enjoy the silence of the high-altitude desert.
💡 Bryce is at 8,000+ feet elevation; drink twice as much water as usual to avoid altitude sickness.
Day 6 · The Scenic Road Back to Vegas
Morning — Begin the 4-hour drive back toward Las Vegas, stopping at the Valley of Fire State Park to see the 'Fire Wave'.
Afternoon — Drive through the Mojave Preserve, stopping at the Kelso Dunes if time permits for a quick sand-climb.
Evening — Return to Las Vegas for a celebratory dinner at a world-class steakhouse like SW Steakhouse.
💡 The Fire Wave trail is often closed if temperatures exceed 100°F.
Day 7 · Hoover Dam and Final Farewells
Morning — Relaxed morning at the hotel pool or a final round of Topgolf with views of the Strip.
Afternoon — Drive out to the Hoover Dam for a tour of the engineering marvel before heading to the airport.
Evening — Depart from LAS (Harry Reid International Airport).
💡 Allow extra time for car rental return as the facility is located off-site from the airport.