Day Trip from Las Vegas Feedback

Question

I am looking for opinions. I have two days that I will use for day trips in my January trip to Vegas. I plan to use one of them to see Valley of Fire SP. That is locked in and I am looking forward to that!. I am considering one of the following options for the second day. 1) Cathedral Gorge SP/Kershaw Ryan SP combo or 2) Death Valley NP. Although both parks are something like 2.5 hours from Vegas, I think Death Valley would be a more grueling day of driving considering some of the things to see are not all that close together. Is Death Valley so much cooler than Cathedral Gorge/Kershaw Ryan that it is worth all the extra driving? I appreciate any help you can give.

Answer

Both options for your second day trip offer unique experiences, and it ultimately depends on what you're looking to get out of the day. Here's a breakdown of each option:

1. Cathedral Gorge State Park / Kershaw Ryan State Park Combo

If you're looking for a more relaxed, scenic day with less driving, this combo could be a great option. Cathedral Gorge is known for its dramatic rock formations and slot canyons, which create a stunning and unique landscape. It’s a bit more off-the-beaten-path and will give you the chance to explore without the crowds.

Cathedral Gorge State Park: This park offers a surreal landscape of eroded limestone formations and a labyrinth of slot canyons. It’s a perfect spot for photography, short hikes, and enjoying the tranquility of the desert.
Kershaw Ryan State Park: Located a bit closer to the Valley of Fire, Kershaw Ryan offers stunning views of colorful canyons and rock formations. It’s a smaller park, but it has a peaceful atmosphere with some easy hiking trails and picnic areas. You could combine the two parks and have a slower-paced day exploring.
Distance: This combo is a more relaxed day, with a total drive time of about 5-6 hours round trip. The two parks are not too far from each other, making it a manageable trip.

2. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is a must-see for many people visiting Vegas, especially if you want to experience the extremes of the desert. However, it is a longer drive and involves a bit more time in the car. Death Valley has some incredible natural sights, such as Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America), Dante's View, Zabriskie Point, and the colorful Artist's Palette.

Death Valley National Park: The park is massive, with vast desert landscapes, salt flats, canyons, and unique geological formations. Highlights include Badwater Basin, Dante's View, Furnace Creek, and the famous Artists Drive. The park is a bucket-list destination for many nature enthusiasts.
Drive Time: The drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley is about 2.5 hours one-way. However, because the park is so large, expect a lot of driving once you're there to see the major points of interest. The park can be a bit grueling in terms of driving distance.
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve never been to Death Valley, it’s an experience you won’t forget, offering some of the most unique desert landscapes in the world. However, it does require more time and a bit of endurance for the driving.

Is Death Valley "cooler" than Cathedral Gorge / Kershaw Ryan?

Death Valley certainly offers a more iconic and dramatic desert experience, with its extreme landscapes and world-famous sites. However, it’s a much longer drive and may not leave as much time for exploration. If you’re looking for a deeper connection with the unique desert environment and aren’t as concerned about time or driving, Death Valley is definitely worth it. However, if you want a more laid-back day with less driving and still some incredible desert scenery, the Cathedral Gorge / Kershaw Ryan combo would be perfect.

Final Recommendation:

If you’re feeling up for a long day of driving and want to experience the raw beauty and extremes of Death Valley, go for that option.
If you want a more relaxed day with scenic views, interesting landscapes, and minimal driving, Cathedral Gorge and Kershaw Ryan will provide a rewarding experience without the grueling drive.

Either way, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty, so you can’t go wrong. Enjoy your trip!