Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. A Scenic Drive cuts through its main section, leading to forest trails along the Virgin River. The river flows to the Emerald Pools, which have waterfalls and a hanging garden. Along the river, partly through deep chasms, is Zion Narrows wading hike. All are awe inspiring to say the least!

Travel time:

      2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas

Monument Valley, a red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border, is known for the towering sandstone buttes of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The park, frequently a filming location for Western movies, is accessed by the looping, 17-mile Valley Drive. The famous, steeply sloped Mittens buttes can be viewed from the road or from overlooks such as John Ford’s Point.

Travel time:

      3 Hours from Moab

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a natural formation distinguished by layered bands of red rock, revealing millions of years of geological history in cross-section. Vast in scale, the canyon averages 10 miles across and a mile deep along its 277-mile length. Much of the area is a national park, with Colorado River white-water rapids and sweeping vistas.

Travel time:

      3 hours from Lake Powell, 3 1/2 hours from Lake Mead, or 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a U.S. National Park in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. Until very recently this was the worlds biggest man-made lake. Fishing, water sports, breath-taking views and even scuba diving all draw us to this beautiful area. Not to mention the Hoover Dam!

Travel time:

      1 hour from Las Vegas

Arches National Park lies north of Moab in the state of Utah. Bordered by the Colorado River in the southeast, it’s known as the site of more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches, such as the massive, red-hued Delicate Arch in the east. Long, thin Landscape Arch stands in Devils Garden to the north. Other geological formations include Balanced Rock, towering over the desert landscape in the middle of the park.

Travel time:

      4 hours from Bryce

Explore the trails and dunes of beautiful Snow Canyon on foot, bike, and horseback. Camp in the peaceful campground surrounded by ancient lava flows and red Navajo sandstone. Discover the secrets of the desert landscape through seasonal nature programs. This is a favorite hangout for the local VRVA team. We love the peaceful views and dark night sky, perfect for stargazing with a telescope.

Travel time:

      2 hours from Las Vegas.

Bryce Canyon National Park, a sprawling reserve in southern Utah, is known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path. It has overlooks at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. Prime viewing times are around sunup and sundown. Don't forget your camera.

Travel time:

      2 hours from Las Vegas

Lake Powell is an artificial reservoir on the Colorado River in Utah and Arizona. The city of Page connects Lake Powell and the famous Horseshoe bend stop. Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped incised meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona, United States. It is also referred to as the "east rim of the Grand Canyon.

Travel time:

      2 1/2 hours from Bryce or 3 hours from Monument Valley

A college town with metropolitan appeal in a gorgeous mountain setting, Cedar City equals year-round FUN! Welcome to Festival City, USA! Cedar City is home to three world-class theaters and hosts the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival summer through fall. The mountain getaway closest to Las Vegas, Cedar City is 20 degrees cooler than Zion.It's 20 minutes from the Kolob entrance into Zion National Park, 30 minutes to Cedar Breaks National Monument and 90 minutes to Bryce Canyon National Park. World-class skiing at Brian Head is 30 miles away. Nearby, enjoy mountain biking, ATV trails, trout fishing and an 18-hole golf. This is another personal favorite of the VRVA team.

Travel time:

      2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas.