Backpacking Near Las Vegas

Best National Parks for Backpacking Near Las Vegas, NV

National parks near Las Vegas, NV ranked by backpacking quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

The Desert View Watchtower looms 70 feet into the air over a vast and dramatic view of the canyon.

Grand Canyon

AZ

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

220 mi -- about 4 hr drive

A steep granite slope leads from forest to a bare alpine landscape

Sequoia & Kings Canyons

CA

Comfortable

254 mi -- about 4.6 hr drive

Morning light on the badlands below Zabriskie Point.

Death Valley

CA, NV

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

147 mi -- about 2.7 hr drive

Bristlecone pine tree with a dark blue sky behind it with a bright Jupiter shining

Great Basin

NV

Room to BreatheHidden GemDark Sky

257 mi -- about 4.7 hr drive

people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky

Joshua Tree

CA

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

209 mi -- about 3.8 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

Upper Yosemite Fall and Merced River in spring

Yosemite

CA

Comfortable

351 mi -- about 6.4 hr drive

A hiker stands beside Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone bridge

Capitol Reef

UT

Busy

337 mi -- about 6.1 hr drive