Desert & National Parks from Las Vegas

The West Rim with the Skywalk is about two and a half hours by road, the South Rim in the national park a good four and a half. That is why day trips take ten hours or more. If you are short of time, fly: helicopter tours with a landing in the canyon take around four and a half hours including the transfer.

They can walk through the resorts, but in Nevada only adults aged 21 and over may gamble or stay in the gaming areas. With children you pass through the casino rather than into it. Many resorts have their own family attractions, such as the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

Spring and autumn. In July the average daily high is above 40 °C and it barely cools down at night, so desert tours start very early. In winter the days are mild, but night temperatures around freezing are possible, and there can be snow at the Grand Canyon.

Hardly for the city itself. The Monorail runs along the east side of the Strip between MGM Grand and SAHARA, and the Deuce bus runs along the Strip around the clock. For trips into the desert a car is worth it, unless you book a guided tour with pick-up. Many resorts charge for parking.

For the view of the lights, yes: night flights start at €85.26 and last around eleven to twelve minutes in the air. It does not replace a flight to the Grand Canyon, which costs several times as much.

Book shows and helicopter flights early for weekends and convention weeks, when prices rise noticeably. Many tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before; the exact terms are on each booking page.