After six days of exciting and extensive travel, upon reaching Las Vegas, we have thoughtfully arranged a day of free time for everyone. You can leisurely experience the culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, and glamour of the entertainment city, Las Vegas. Alternatively, you can opt for our exciting one-day tour activities to visit the Grand Canyon or explore Death Valley and Red Rock Canyon, experiencing a visual feast brought by different landscapes.
Option 1: Grand Canyon West Rim + Hoover Dam + Helicopter
The West Rim is the western end of the extensive Grand Canyon, known as the West Rim or Grand Canyon West. It is part of the protected land of the Hualapai Tribe and developed with private investment, not under the management of the Grand Canyon National Park. The West Rim is within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas. A U-shaped glass walkway has been constructed here, allowing visitors to experience the height and excitement of the canyon.
The West Rim Skywalk, conceptualized by Chinese architects and taking 10 years to plan and build, is known as the "Skywalk" and is acclaimed as the eighth wonder of the world. The structure is designed to withstand strong winds, earthquakes up to magnitude eight, and support the weight of 20,000 people. Shaped like a horseshoe, the bottom surface of the entire bridge is made of glass, putting visitors' courage to the test. Standing on the glass bridge, you can overlook the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, over 1,000 meters below, providing a sense of freedom as if strolling in the clouds.
The Hoover Dam is a crucial project for the comprehensive development of the Colorado River's water resources in the United States. Located at the Black Canyon, where Nevada and Arizona meet, it serves multiple purposes such as flood control, irrigation, power generation, navigation, and water supply. Positioned on Interstate 93, it holds a significant place in the world's water engineering. The construction of the Hoover Dam required substantial funds and a large workforce, completed in 1936 and put into operation. It is an arch-gravity concrete dam, standing at a height of 220 meters, with a base width of 200 meters, a top width of 14 meters, and a dam length of 377 meters. Such a colossal dam is a rare sight worldwide. The Colorado River below the dam, once the deepest and most turbulent river in the United States, now flows gently.
Option 2: Death Valley + Red Rock Canyon
Death Valley National Park, located in the desert valley of California, USA, lies along the California-Nevada border, with the Nevada mountains to the east. It covers a total area of 3,000 square kilometers, which is one and a half times the size of Delaware, making it the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Within its boundaries, there are 550 square kilometers that are below sea level. It is situated approximately 224 kilometers away from Las Vegas.
Death Valley National Park is renowned for being the hottest and lowest point in North America. It boasts an impressive reputation on Google Review, with a very high rating and significant attention. As of 2019, it has received over 17,000 reviews, consistently maintaining a rating of 4.7/5 or higher. This score is on par with one of the most beloved national parks, Grand Teton National Park.
Badwater, a representative landmark of Death Valley, is a must-visit attraction (approximately 30 minutes). Badwater Basin holds the distinction of being the lowest point in North America, sitting at 282 feet below sea level. It is one of the most iconic destinations in Death Valley, drawing visitors from far and wide.
This unique landscape was once the location of a vast, ancient inland sea known as Lake Manly. Over tens of thousands of years, as rainfall diminished due to changing climates, the lake gradually evaporated and dried up. The increasing salinity of the remaining water led to the crystallization process, eventually forming the incredible expanse of pure white, honeycomb-patterned salt flats that we see today.
Zabriskie Point, a representative landmark of Death Valley, offers a captivating experience lasting approximately 30 minutes. It stands as one of the most iconic and breathtaking vistas in Death Valley, shaped over millennia by the forces of nature.
Over thousands of years, the natural forces have sculpted the mountain ranges here into a unique folded landscape. Under the angled rays of the rising sun, the mountains exhibit stark contrasts, intricate details, and a profound three-dimensional quality. The setting sun yesterday painted the landscape in fiery red, while today's sunrise bathes it in golden hues. In the early morning light, Death Valley transforms into a different world. The undulating mountains are mostly cloaked in shades of gold, and even the originally red cliffs reflect a resplendent blend of gold and crimson.
Dante’s View, offering a panoramic vista of Death Valley, is approximately a 30-minute experience. Located over 6,000 feet above Badwater Basin, Dante's View provides a breathtaking perspective of the colossal vertical drop just within arm's reach.
If Zabriskie Point left you in awe, Dante's View takes that awe to an entirely new level. As you step onto the viewing platform, a collective gasp often escapes from visitors. Dante's View doesn't just make you feel small amidst the mountains; it makes you feel like you've reached the very zenith, where there's nothing around except the endless sky. Below, almost vertically, you can see the irregular, whitish, semi-circular expanse, which is the Badwater Basin, lying nearly 6,000 feet below the viewpoint. This kind of sheer drop and ascent is an experience unique to Death Valley.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, covering an area of 197,000 acres, is located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Las Vegas. It boasts 19 hiking trails and is considered one of the most picturesque destinations in Nevada.
This natural wonderland owes its formation to dramatic geological events that took place over 600 million years ago, resulting in the breathtaking landscape we see today, characterized by winding mountain ranges, towering peaks, and stunning red rock formations. The unique fiery red color of the rocks is a result of iron oxide infiltration and centuries of weathering.
The area also features Native American remnants and offers opportunities for wildlife sightings. It is a must-visit destination near Las Vegas, often chosen as a scenic backdrop for wedding photos by couples who tie the knot in the city's famous venues.
Tour duration:
Death Valley - approximately 1-2 hours
Red Rock Canyon - 1 hour