Best day trip from Westgate: Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam
Both Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam make great day trips from Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Red Rock is the closer option for a scenic 13-mile loop drive, short hikes, and rock formations; Hoover Dam is a longer half-day drive focused on engineering history and Lake Mead views.
In this guide
Overview: two very different day trips
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers a 13-mile scenic loop drive with short hikes and striking sandstone formations—it's primarily about scenery and light activity. Hoover Dam is an engineered landmark on the Nevada–Arizona border best suited to visitors interested in history, architecture, and views of Lake Mead.
Both are doable from Westgate in a single day; Red Rock is closer and often faster to visit for a short nature escape, while Hoover Dam is typically a half-day outing or combined with other southeastern Lake Mead/Grand Canyon plans.
- Red Rock: scenic driving, short hikes (Calico Tanks is a popular 2.5-mile round-trip option), rock climbing opportunities nearby.
- Hoover Dam: tours, visitor center and viewpoints of the dam and Lake Mead; suitable as a half-day trip from Las Vegas.
| Feature | Red Rock Canyon | Hoover Dam |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Scenery, hiking, photography | Engineering history, viewpoints, Lake Mead |
| Typical visit time | 2–4 hours | 2–4 hours (half-day) |
| Driving time from Westgate | About 20–45 minutes (west of the Strip) | About 45 minutes (southeast via US-93) |
Getting there from Westgate
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino sits at 3000 Paradise Road with an onsite Monorail stop for resort-corridor travel. Both day trips require a car, tour, or private transfer—public transit options to these sites are limited or slow.
Expect roughly a 20–45 minute drive to Red Rock Canyon depending on traffic and route, and about a 45-minute drive to Hoover Dam from the Strip area. If you prefer not to drive, look for organized tours that pick up near major hotels or the Convention Center area.
- Drive: easiest and most flexible for timing and viewpoint stops.
- Tour shuttle: removes parking and navigation concerns; good for Hoover Dam half-day tours.
- Public transit: lengthy and not recommended for direct day trips to these locations.
| Option | When to choose it |
|---|---|
| Self-drive | You want flexibility to stop, hike, or change plans. |
| Guided tour | You want commentary, no parking concerns, or a combined itinerary (e.g., Hoover Dam + Lake Mead). |
| Public transit | Not ideal—takes much longer and may require transfers. |
Red Rock Canyon: what to expect
Red Rock Canyon’s 13-mile Scenic Drive passes crimson sandstone cliffs, pullouts, short trailheads, and several easy hikes suitable for most visitors. Popular short hikes include the Calico Tanks Trail (roughly 2.5 miles round-trip) and scenic overlooks that require minimal walking.
There is no detailed permit or ticket information provided here, so check the official Red Rock Canyon visitor site or your tour operator for road entrance fees, seasonal closures, or parking updates before you go.
- Scenic Drive: 13 miles with numbered pullouts and overlooks.
- Hikes: many short hikes and viewpoints; choose a trail appropriate for heat and your fitness level.
- Timing: morning or late afternoon light is best for photography and cooler temperatures.
| Tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Bring water and sun protection | Desert conditions can be hot and dry even outside summer months. |
| Wear sturdy shoes | Trails vary from paved viewpoints to rocky single-track. |
| Start early | Fewer cars, cooler temperatures, and better photographic light. |
Hoover Dam: what to expect
Hoover Dam sits on US-93 at the Nevada–Arizona border and is commonly visited as a comfortable half-day trip from the Las Vegas area. Visitors can view the dam from multiple overlooks, visit the visitor center, and book guided tours if they want interior access or more history.
If you plan to add Lake Mead beaches or a boat segment, allow more time. There are no precise ticket or tour prices listed here, so check the official sites or tour operators for current tour availability and scheduling.
- Drive time: about 45 minutes from the Strip area in typical conditions.
- Visitor options: viewpoint photography, walking across the top, and guided dam tours (book in advance if required).
- Combine with: Lake Mead viewpoints or a Grand Canyon West drive if you want a longer outing.
| Activity | Recommended duration |
|---|---|
| Dam overlooks and short visit | 1–2 hours |
| Visitor center + guided tour | 2–3 hours |
| Hoover Dam + Lake Mead beach stop | Half day |
Which should you pick: quick decision guide
Choose Red Rock Canyon if you want a closer nature escape, short hikes, and photography. It’s the better pick for a half-day outdoors visit with minimal driving.
Choose Hoover Dam if you are interested in architecture and history, or if you want to combine the stop with Lake Mead or a longer southeastern drive (or a Grand Canyon West day that passes nearby).
- Pick Red Rock if: you prefer hiking, shorter drive time, and desert scenery.
- Pick Hoover Dam if: you prefer interpretive history, engineering viewpoints, or Lake Mead access.
- Consider both on different days if you have more than one full day in Las Vegas.
| Your priority | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Photography and short hikes | Red Rock Canyon |
| Historic engineering and dam views | Hoover Dam |
| Minimal driving | Red Rock Canyon |
Practical tips and timing
Best months for comfort in Las Vegas are March–May and October–November; summer can be very hot. Morning visits help avoid heat and crowds at both destinations. Always carry water and sun protection for desert outings.
Parking and access rules can change seasonally; if you’re driving, allow extra time for parking and for walking from parking areas to viewpoints. If you plan to arrive late at night, Westgate’s 24-hour front desk can advise, and check your tour operator’s pickup policies if you booked a shuttle.
- Check weather and heat advisories before setting out.
- Start early: better light, cooler temps, fewer cars.
- If you need gear, bring a hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and comfortable shoes.
| From Westgate | Before you leave |
|---|---|
| Drive to either site | Confirm parking, bring water, and allow extra time for traffic |
| Book a tour | Confirm pickup location and arrival time with the operator |
| Return to hotel | Plan for post-trip dining or a pool break at the Westgate rooftop pool |
Back at Westgate: rest and meal options
After your day trip you can return to Westgate to use the rooftop seasonal pool and hot tub (pool season and hours vary) or visit Serenity Spa & Salon for treatment. The property has 13 restaurants ranging from casual quick bites to sit-down dinner options.
If you want a relaxed evening meal after a day outdoors, consider Sid's for a casual breakfast-style dinner or Fresco Italiano and Edge Steakhouse for evening dining—check current hours and reservation policies with the concierge.
- Pool and spa: seasonal rooftop pool and Serenity Spa & Salon (spa hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM).
- Dining options: Benihana, Edge Steakhouse, Fresco Italiano, Silk Road Asian Bistro, Sid's, and quick eats in The Food Court.
- Room choices: If you plan to rest with a Strip or city view, look at Premier Room, Luxe Room, or Signature Room options when booking.
| Service | What to check |
|---|---|
| Dining | Hours and reservations (Edge Steakhouse recommends reservations) |
| Spa | Book treatments ahead; spa guests must be 18+ for spa facilities |
| Pool | Seasonal hours and hotel-guest access rules |
