Valley of Fire & Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas
Valley of Fire Day Trip from Las Vegas
On our third day in Las Vegas, we ventured out for a double adventure: Valley of Fire State Park and Hoover Dam. This day trip offers stunning red rock formations, petroglyphs, and a scenic drive through Nevada’s desert landscape—perfect for families and first-time visitors.
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Scenic Drive & Wildlife Sightings
I knew we made the right decision when we started the scenic drive and immediately saw Big Horn Sheep right beside our car. As we drove around, we stopped periodically and did some light hiking and climbing on rocks. Learn more about Valley of Fire State Park.
There were so many beautiful red rocks. The drive is breathtaking. We were excited to see some amazing petroglyphs.
Lunch in Overton: Where to Eat
We enjoyed our morning at Valley of Fire State Park. We could have hiked longer for sure but we had reservations at the Hoover Dam we needed to get to. After we left the Valley of Fire, we turned left and ate lunch in Overton. There are just a handful of restaurants there (if that many). We ended up at the Mexican place. After lunch, we headed towards Hoover Dam via the Lake Mead Recreation Area.
Hoover Dam Power Plant Tour Highlights
I had been to the Hoover Dam 15 years ago. I forgot how impressive it was. We had reservations for the power plant tour. We could have upgraded to a longer tour when we checked in, but we knew we were losing daylight, so we opted to stick with our shorter tour. You can purchase tickets from Recreation.gov.
My family enjoyed the tour. It starts with and then they take you down into the Dam. We had two elevator rides on this tour that moved very fast. I am claustrophobic, and I didn’t have time to panic. I highlighted where the building we went to on the tour.
Tips for Visiting Both in One Day
Visiting Valley of Fire is the perfect way to experience Nevada’s natural beauty beyond the Las Vegas Strip. From fiery red sandstone formations to ancient petroglyphs and scenic drives, every stop offers a glimpse into the desert’s history and wonder. Pairing this adventure with Hoover Dam makes for a day trip full of contrast—nature’s artistry and human engineering side by side. Save this guide for your next Vegas getaway and let Valley of Fire ignite your sense of adventure.
Overall, this was a great pairing for day trips. I think my family could have had more time at the Hoover Dam and been happy. They really loved it.
Looking for other fun things to do near Las Vegas? We enjoyed these:
Las Vegas Red Rock Canyon tour
Death Valley National Park From Las Vegas
We enjoyed this trip so much that we are flying to Vegas this year to head to Zion. You can read how we booked this trip using points and miles -> Zion National Park Travel Hacks
