Las Vegas & Canyon Country
Our USA Travel experts answer your travel questions to help you plan a holiday to the Las Vegas and Canyon Country region.
What states are included in Las Vegas and Canyon Country?
Las Vegas & Canyon Country refers to a region including the states of Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. It’s a diverse region defined by dramatic desert scenery, towering red rock formations and some of America’s most iconic National Parks, with the bright lights of Las Vegas acting as the main gateway.
Which airports best serve Las Vegas and Canyon Country?
The main arrival airports, especially when flying from the UK are Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Phoenix (PHX) in Arizona, Denver (DEN) in Colorado and Salt Lake City (SLC) in Utah. All these airports offer good connections to smaller regional airports making them ideal choices for exploring this area.
What is the best time of year to visit this region?
It is possible to visit this region throughout the year, but the different seasons do bring some changes that are worth considering.
- Spring (March to May) provides ideal temperatures for hiking and sightseeing across all the National Parks
- Summer (June to August) brings hot conditions to the deserts of Nevada and Arizona, but the higher altitude of Utah and Colorado remain comfortable
- Autumn (September to November) The Autumn colours throughout Colorado are at their peak, and temperatures are milder in the other states
- Winter (December to February) There can be snow in the mountains and even Grand Canyon’s North Rim, but Arizona and Nevada remain mild and sunny.
Which National Parks can I visit in Las Vegas & Canyon Country?
Las Vegas & Canyon Country covers four states with some of the highest concentrations of National Parks in America, making it possible to visit multiple parks in just one holiday.
Arizona’s National Parks
Utah’s ‘Mighty Five’ National Parks
- Arches National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
Colorado’s National Parks
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Nevada’s National Parks
- Great Basin National Park
- Death Valley National Park (shared with California)
In addition there are a number of State Parks (eg. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada) and Scenic Byways (eg. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Colorado) that are equally impressive.
What is the best way to explore Las Vegas & Canyon Country?
Whilst it is relatively easy to explore Las Vegas on foot, or by public transport, to explore the landscapes beyond the city requires alternative transportation.
- Self-drive holidays are the most popular way of visiting this region. Having your own car offers independence to explore at your own pace, and the roads are easy to navigate and relatively traffic free
- Motorhome holidays allow you to stay in the National Parks and private campgrounds out in nature, giving a more immersive holiday
- Rail holidays are a scenic option, especially when travelling between Colorado and Utah. The Canyon Spirit train provides a luxury rail experience with amazing views of the Red Rocks, without needing to drive.
- An escorted tour is ideal if you prefer for someone else to drive and take care of navigation. An expert guide will also provide a further insight into the landscapes and culture of the region.
