Las Vegas isn’t just about neon lights and casinos; it’s a launchpad for full-day tours that take you beyond the Strip into some of the most fascinating landscapes and experiences in the Southwest. Whether you’re into mysterious military bases, wild desert landscapes, or spectacular natural wonders, Vegas offers an incredible variety of day trips. For instance, the Area 51 tour is a must for UFO enthusiasts, while the Death Valley tours reveal some of the hottest, lowest, and most dramatic terrains in North America. We love the Colorado River kayaking trip for a water-based escape, and if you’re craving big scenery, the private Grand Canyon Skywalk tour offers a VIP experience with unbeatable views. Whatever your interest, Vegas’s full-day options are both diverse and well worth planning ahead.
Quick Overview
Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment, but it’s also a gateway to adventure-filled full-day tours. Options range from mystery and conspiracy trips like the From Las Vegas: Area 51 Full-Day Tour to nature excursions at Death Valley NP, and spectacular adventures such as Grand Canyon whitewater rafting. Other popular choices include ATV adventures, kayaking trips, and guided national park tours. Keep reading to find out which tour suits your style and interests.
1. From Las Vegas: Area 51 Full-Day Tour
At number 1, this tour offers a peek into one of the most guarded military sites in the world. You’ll visit the famous “Black Mailbox”, cruise along the “Extraterrestrial Highway”, and stand at the perimeter of Area 51 itself. The tour also includes a visit to the secretive Janet Airlines, the airline that doesn’t officially exist, and a stop for lunch at the “Little Ale’ Inn”—a favorite UFO enthusiast haunt. Rated 4.7/5 with over 200 reviews, this 10-hour adventure is perfect for those curious about extraterrestrials and government secrets. Expect a mix of history, conspiracy, and fun storytelling. The tour’s value lies in the access to remote, top-secret sites, making it a rare and thrilling experience for UFO lovers.
Bottom Line: If you’re into mysteries and conspiracy theories, this tour delivers a full day of intrigue with professional guides and excellent reviews.
2. Death Valley NP Full-Day Small Groups Tour from Las Vegas
At number 2, this tour takes you through Death Valley, the hottest and driest spot in North America, in a small-group setting. Guided by a local expert, you’ll see Badwater, the lowest point in North America, and enjoy a scenic drive through Artists Pallet. The 4.8-star rated tour covers Dantes Point, Zabriskie Point, and the Salt Flats, offering awe-inspiring visuals and compelling stories of the area’s geology and ecology. The tour emphasizes comfort and personal attention, making it ideal for travelers who want a deeper connection to this unique landscape without the crowds. The 1-day experience balances awe with education, all in a small-group environment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers who want a well-rounded, informative, and intimate Death Valley experience.
3. From Las Vegas: Full Day Death Valley Group Tour
Ranking third, this 8-hour tour explores the majestic sand dunes, Artist’s Palette, and Rhyolite—an abandoned mining town with remnants of the old west. It’s a slightly shorter option, but it packs a punch with visits to the lowest elevation point and scenic vistas from Dante’s Point. Guests rave about the value, with many appreciating the combination of natural beauty and historical sites. The guide’s insights into the landscape’s geology make this tour engaging for those interested in both nature and history. The trip is a good pick for a quick yet comprehensive Death Valley experience.
Bottom Line: For a mix of stunning landscapes and historic ruins, this tour offers good value at a reasonable price.
4. Full Day Colorado River Kayak Tour from Las Vegas
Number 4 on our list, this kayaking adventure is rated a perfect 5.0/5. The tour launches from Hoover Dam, covering approximately 12 miles of the Colorado River in a day packed with wildlife sightings, like bald eagles and big horn sheep. Stops include hot springs and Emerald Cave, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing on beaches. The tour includes all gear, a picnic lunch, and hotel pickup, making it a hassle-free outdoor escape. Guests describe it as visually stunning and physically challenging—great for active travelers seeking a scenic water adventure close to Vegas.
Bottom Line: If you love water and nature, this kayak trip marries adventure with spectacular river scenery, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. From Las Vegas: Valley of Fire Full-Day Guided Tour w/ Lunch
Holding the 5th spot, this 5-hour tour visits Nevada’s oldest state park, famous for swirling sandstone formations, petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, and Fire Wave. The highlight is the dramatic red rock scenery and photo-worthy spots like Elephant Rock. Rated 5/5, guests love the guided insights into the geology and history, as well as the included lunch. It’s a perfect shorter option for travelers who want to see a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet, without spending a full day on the road.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking dramatic scenery with easy walks and great photo ops, topped with a tasty lunch.
6. Las Vegas: Old West Adventure ATV/RZR Full-Day Tour
Number 6, rated 4.7/5, invites you to drive through Eldorado Canyon in an ATV or RZR. It’s an action-packed 5-7 hour trip with desert rides, gold mine history, and scenic views of the rugged Nevada landscape. The tour provides a driving class and safety gear, making it accessible even for beginners. Plus, it includes lunch and hotel pickup, making logistics easy. Guests mention how much fun they had and the breathtaking vistas. This is perfect if you want an adrenaline rush and a taste of the Old West.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active, adventure-minded travelers who don’t mind getting dusty and want an authentic off-road experience.
7. Grand Canyon Full-Day Whitewater Rafting from Las Vegas
Rated an impressive 4.9/5, this tour offers a 15-hour rafting adventure on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. It includes lunch and a chance to learn about the canyon’s geology and native stories from guides. The thrill of navigating whitewater rapids combined with majestic canyon views makes this one of the most exhilarating options. The trip is suited for those with some physical stamina and a sense of adventure, providing a real taste of the canyon’s raw power.
Bottom Line: For adrenaline junkies and landscape lovers alike, this day-long rafting trip is a memorable way to see the Grand Canyon from a different perspective.
8. Private Tour: Grand Canyon Skywalk Full-Day Tour
At number 8, this VIP experience features a luxury Mercedes Sprinter and a private route. You’ll visit Grand Canyon West, Guano Point, Eagle Point, and the Skywalk—offering some of the best panoramic vistas in the canyon. The small-group, customizable approach, rated 5.0/5, means more flexibility and comfort. The tour includes lunch, snacks, and Wi-Fi. Guests love the personalized service and the chance to avoid crowds, making this perfect for those seeking comfort and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: For a private, high-end canyon experience with tailored stops, this tour fits well for travelers who want luxury and convenience.
9. From Las Vegas: Death Valley and Mojave Desert Full-Day Tour
Ranking ninth, this tour combines Death Valley with the Mojave Desert, starting with a desert sunrise. It’s a quieter, more relaxed way to experience these stunning landscapes, with stops at key spots and tips for capturing perfect photos. Rated 5/5, it’s suited for travelers wanting a peaceful desert experience with guided insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in a scenic, less crowded desert day with a focus on photography and tranquility.
10. All Day GoCar Ultimate Las Vegas Day Tour
This unique option, rated 5.0/5, offers a full-day tour in a GPS-guided GoCar, allowing you to explore Vegas at your own pace. Cover popular sights like Stratosphere Tower, Circus Circus, and The Sphere, as well as lesser-known spots. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting a personalized, flexible day.
Bottom Line: For customizable exploration with a bit of tech, this tour lets you control your schedule while seeing the city’s highlights.
11. Full Day Emerald and Echo Cave Kayak Adventure
Number 11, rated 5.0/5, takes you just an hour from Vegas to Black Canyon for a kayaking trip through Emerald Cave and Echo Cave. This small-group adventure includes snacks, gear, and optional hikes. Guests rave about its beauty and educational value, noting how much they loved spotting wildlife and exploring caves.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers wanting a scenic, peaceful kayaking trip with a manageable day’s commitment.
12. UTV Valley Of Fire Exploration Full Day Tour
Rated 5.0/5, this UTV tour offers a half-day off-road adventure through the Valley of Fire’s red rock formations. The 6.5-hour trip includes lunch, water, and roundtrip hotel pickup. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a more personalized and adventurous experience with expert guides.
Bottom Line: Best for those craving off-road thrills and stunning desert scenery, with flexible schedules and all logistics handled.
13. Full-Day Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Las Vegas
Number 13 takes you deep into the Southwest’s natural beauty with visits to Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend. This 10-12 hour tour combines hiking, photography, and scenic stops, rated 5/5. The small-group format and included admission fees make it a top choice for travelers eager to see these iconic formations.
Bottom Line: If you want an immersive day of hiking and photography in some of the most photographed slots and vistas, this trip delivers.
14. Full Day Sedona Highlights from Las Vegas
At number 14, this 15-hour tour explores Sedona’s red rocks, Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the unique energy vortex sites. Rated 5/5, it’s perfect for those wanting a spiritual and scenic experience, including lunch and breaks at key stops.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers interested in red rock scenery and spiritual energy with a full day of exploring.
15. From Las Vegas: Full-Day Guided Tour of Death Valley
This 10-hour tour offers panoramic views from Dante’s View and the vibrant Artist’s Palette. It’s a straightforward, well-reviewed trip suited for those wanting a comprehensive overview of Death Valley’s highlights without too much fuss.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a classic Death Valley experience with professional guides and minimal hassle.
$365 per person
16. Full-Day Zion National Park Tour from Las Vegas
Finally, Zion’s canyons and sandstone cliffs are the focus here. This 12-hour trip offers short walks and scenic stops in a comfortable vehicle. Rated 4.0/5, it’s good for those who prefer a less intense but still immersive Zion experience.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking iconic canyon scenery in a manageable day trip.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, fitness level, and budget. For example, if you’re fascinated by UFOs and secret bases, the Area 51 experience (see details here) is unmatched. Want a natural landscape? The Death Valley trips (such as this one) are perfect. For adventure seekers, the ATV trip (here) or kayaking (try this) will satisfy your adrenaline cravings. Always check tour durations and reviews to be sure it aligns with your expectations. Booking early is wise, especially for exclusive experiences like the Grand Canyon Skywalk or private tours.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas offers an incredible array of full-day tours catering to all kinds of interests—from mystery and conspiracy to natural wonders and adventure sports. If you’re looking for something unique, the Area 51 tour provides a rare peek behind the scenes of one of the world’s most secretive sites. Nature lovers will appreciate the Death Valley and Zion trips, while thrill-seekers should consider ATV rides or river rafting.
For best results, plan and book well in advance. Whether you’re after an educational experience, a thrilling adventure, or a relaxing scenic drive, Las Vegas’s full-day tours are sure to add a memorable chapter to your trip—so pick your adventure and enjoy the ride.