Shadows creep up sandstone cliffs glowing red as the sun sets on Zion National Park near Springdale, Utah. This is one of a number of scenic attractions, parks and other sites near enough to Las Vegas to add to itineraries as a day trip when visiting the gambling capital.

Two cyclists ride along the 13-mile-long scenic drive at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada. These towering red sandstone cliffs, some reaching 3,000 feet, are just 15 miles west of metropolitan Las Vegas.