Las Vegas: Day Trips

Grand Canyon Tours It’s far to drive, but it’s a reasonable day-trip by helicopter. Operators like Heli USA Airways run trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon that include both air and ground tours. Heli USA Airways, Grand Canyon; 800-359-8727; www.heliusa.com
family | outdoors | nature

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead Tour the Dam and the visitor center (702-494-2517; www.usbr.gov) in the morning, enjoy your choice of afternoon recreation, and end with a sunset paddlewheel cruise on the lake. 30 miles southeast of Vegas, U.S. 93
family | outdoors

Mt. Charleston This verdant oasis tops out at about 12,000 feet. The most unexpected recreational opportunity here? The un-glitzy, 10-run Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort. Come summer, enjoy hiking, biking, and horse trails. 45 miles northwest of Vegas; 702-872-4586
family | outdoors

Pink Jeep Tours Get away from the glitz with a 10-hour journey to Death Valley, checking out historic ghost towns en route to the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. Other trips explore Hoover Dam and the petroglyphs and petrified sand dunes of the Valley of Fire. Pick-up at hotel; 888-900-4480; www.pinkjeeptours.com
tour | smart splurge | adventure

Red Rock Canyon A brilliant crimson splash of ancient sandstone stitched with black obsidian and milky limestone, makes this canyon a natural rival to Las Vegas’ neon glitter. 17 miles west of Vegas; 702-515-5350; www.redrockcanyonlv.org
family | outdoors | nature

Sundance Helicopter Tours Take a flight to the rim of the Grand Canyon for a champagne and BBQ lunch (3.5 hours round trip) or a twilight city tour showcasing the glittering lights of the Strip (2 hours round trip). Sundance Helicopter Tours will escort you from your hotel to the heliport in a limo for the ride of your life. Pick-up at hotel; 702-736-0606; www.helicoptour.com
tour | smart splurge | adventure | helicopter tour