Riding Through the Desert: 5 Thrilling Road Trips From Las Vegas

The Open Road Beckons

There’s nothing like the rush of wind against your face as you cruise through the desert on a motorcycle. The rumble beneath you, the endless sky above, and miles of open road ahead create a sense of freedom that can’t be matched.

Las Vegas is the perfect gateway to some of America’s most stunning landscapes. Visitors don’t need to bring their own bikes – a rental makes it easy to hit the road on an iconic machine.

These five road trips offer everything from quick escapes to full-day adventures, each showcasing a different face of the desert’s beauty.

Trip #1: Valley of Fire Excursion

Just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas lies the Valley of Fire State Park, a wonderland of 150-million-year-old red sandstone formations that appear to be on fire when reflecting the desert sun.

The route takes you through the desert on Interstate 15 before transitioning to the Valley of Fire Highway, where the landscape dramatically transforms from typical desert terrain to striking crimson rock formations.

Best Stopping Points:

Mouse’s Tank Road – A 6-mile scenic drive through the heart of the park
Rainbow Vista – Offers panoramic views of multi-colored sandstone
Atlatl Rock – Features ancient petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years
Fire Wave Trail – A striking striped sandstone formation

Riding Details:

Distance: 100 miles round trip
Riding time: 1.5-2 hours each way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Park entry fee: $10 per motorcycle

Safety Tips:

Carry extra water (at least 1 gallon per person)
Watch for loose gravel at viewpoint turnoffs
Plan around summer heat (temperatures can exceed 100°F)

Trip #2: Grand Canyon West Adventure

The ride to Grand Canyon West takes you through stark desert landscapes and small towns before revealing one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

The route follows US-93 south, crossing the impressive Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge with views of Hoover Dam before continuing on Pierce Ferry Road to Grand Canyon West.

Key Attractions:

The Grand Canyon Skywalk – A glass bridge extending 70 feet over the canyon rim
Eagle Point – Named for the rock formation resembling an eagle
Guano Point – Offers 360-degree views of the canyon
Native American cultural presentations

Planning Your Day:

Start early (before 7am) to avoid afternoon heat
Allow 6-8 hours for the round trip plus time at the canyon
Reserve Skywalk tickets in advance
Bring cash for food and souvenirs

Accommodations:

Grand Canyon Western Ranch offers cabins and glamping tents
Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs provides comfortable rooms
Las Vegas is close enough to return the same day

Trip #3: Red Rock Canyon Loop

Red Rock Canyon offers a quick escape just 17 miles west of the Strip for those short on time but still craving desert beauty.

The 13-mile scenic drive loops through the conservation area, featuring dramatic red rock formations contrasting with the desert flora and distant mountains.

Viewpoints and Breaks:

High Point Overlook – Highest elevation on the loop
Calico Hills – Striking red and white sandstone formations
Willow Spring – Shaded picnic area with ancient petroglyphs
Lost Creek – Short trail to a seasonal waterfall

Best Times:

Early morning (7-9am) for wildlife sightings and softer light
Late afternoon (4-6pm) for golden hour photography
Weekdays to avoid crowds

The entrance fee is $15 per motorcycle, and the entire loop takes about 35-45 minutes of riding time, plus stops.

Trip #4: Hoover Dam Cruise

The 40-mile ride to Hoover Dam takes you through Boulder City and across the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, offering spectacular views of both the dam and the Colorado River.

Route Highlights:

Boulder City – Historic town built for dam workers
Lake Mead Overlook – Panoramic views of America’s largest reservoir
Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge – The second-highest bridge in the US
Hoover Dam – An engineering marvel built during the Great Depression

Dam Facts:

Height: 726 feet
Width: 1,244 feet
Built between 1931 and 1936
Tours available of the power plant and dam passageways

Border Tips:

Bring ID for security checkpoints
Expect slower traffic on the dam
Watch for tourist traffic and pedestrians

Trip #5: Death Valley Day Trip

This challenging ride takes you to the lowest, hottest, and driest national park in the US. The approximately 130-mile route to the park entrance leads to truly otherworldly landscapes.

Must-See Locations:

Badwater Basin – The lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level
Zabriskie Point – Colorful eroded badlands
Artist’s Palette – Multi-colored volcanic and sedimentary hills
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – Star Wars filming location

Weather Warnings:

AVOID summer travel (temperatures regularly exceed 120°F)
Best time: November through March
Check weather forecasts before departing

Preparation Requirements:

Extra fuel (gas stations are limited)
Minimum one gallon of water per person
Snacks and emergency supplies
Fully charged phone and paper maps (cell service is limited)

What to Pack for Your Desert Adventure

Essential Item	Purpose
Water (1 gallon minimum)	Prevent dehydration
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)	Protect from intense UV rays
Lip balm with SPF	Prevent cracked lips
First aid kit	Handle minor injuries
Basic tools	Emergency motorcycle repairs
Paper maps	Backup for GPS/phone
Cooling vest	Temperature regulation in summer

Motorcycle-Specific Gear:

Full-face helmet (better protection from sun and debris)
Ventilated riding jacket with armor
Riding gloves (fingerless in summer can help with airflow)
Bandana or neck gaiter (protection from dust and sun)
Clear and tinted visor options

Rental Options: Many rental companies provide saddlebags, GPS units, and even GoPro cameras as add-ons. When you arrange a Harley Davidson rental Las Vegas, ask about package options that include essential gear.

Freedom on Two Wheels

Each of these five road trips offers a unique window into the desert’s soul – from the fiery red rocks of Valley of Fire to the breathtaking depths of the Grand Canyon and the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley.

The convenience of motorcycle rentals means you can fly into Vegas, pick up your bike, and be cruising through some of America’s most spectacular scenery within hours.

Remember these final tips: