Ultimate 4-Day Las Vegas Road Trip: Joshua Tree, Valley of Fire & Route 66
If you’re looking for a short but memorable adventure from Las Vegas, this 4-day Las Vegas road trip is packed with unique desert landscapes, quirky Route 66 stops, and easy-access nature experiences. We stayed all four nights in Las Vegas and did day trips to explore national parks, scenic spots, and even the birthplace of McDonald’s!
This trip is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy both city and nature, especially if you prefer easy hikes, quiet drives, and a bit of retro charm along the way.
Trip Length: 4 days
Start/End: Las Vegas, NV
Main Highlights:
Joshua Tree National Park
First McDonald’s Museum (San Bernardino, CA)
Route 66’s historic Amboy
Mojave National Preserve
Valley of Fire State Park
Red Rock Canyon
Las Vegas sightseeing
Where We Stayed: Excalibur Hotel and Casino
We chose to stay at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino for all four nights, right on the Las Vegas Strip.
While it might not be the most luxurious option, this castle-themed hotel offered great value for money and comfortable accommodations. The unique medieval architecture made it easy to spot, and staying in one location meant we didn’t have to pack and unpack constantly.
Pro tip: Casino hotels often offer better rates than traditional roadside motels, especially when you factor in amenities and location.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas
We arrived in Las Vegas and checked into our hotel. Since we planned to return to Las Vegas every night, this was a relaxing start to the trip. If you have time, you can explore the Strip or enjoy a casual dinner.
Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park → First McDonald’s Museum → Amboy → Mojave National Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park
Our first major stop was Joshua Tree National Park, and it completely exceeded expectations! Before visiting, I thought we’d just be looking at some unusual trees, but this park offers so much more.
What to expect:
- Unique desert plants and the famous Joshua trees
- Incredible rock formations and strange-shaped boulders
- Wide, stunning desert landscapes
- Easy, family-friendly walking trails
The park is perfect for non-hikers like myself. All the main attractions are accessible via easy walks, making it ideal for families or anyone who wants to experience desert beauty without strenuous hiking.
First McDonald’s Museum
We stopped at the original site of McDonald’s in San Bernardino, California. This location is now a museum — but unfortunately, it wasn’t open yet when we arrived. Still, it’s a fun quick stop for fans of food history and factory tours
Check out my factory tour blog posts if you enjoy these kinds of behind-the-scenes travel spots!
Amboy: A Route 66 Ghost Town
Amboy was one of our most atmospheric stops. This historic Route 66 town was completely quiet when we arrived – no crowds, no noise, just us and the desert silence.
We explored the old gas station, abandoned shops, and classic Route 66 signage. There’s something deeply nostalgic about this place that really captures the spirit of America’s Mother Road.
Mojave National Preserve
We drove through the Mojave National Preserve, where unique desert trees line the roads and beautiful rock mountains create stunning backdrops. While we mostly experienced it as a scenic drive-through, the landscapes were absolutely gorgeous.
Returned to Las Vegas for the night
Day 3: Valley of Fire State Park → Fremont Street, Las Vegas
Valley of Fire State Park
This was the absolute highlight of our trip! Valley of Fire State Park blew us away – honestly, it feels more like a national park than a state park. The red rock formations and unique surface patterns are simply incredible.
Must-do experience: The White Domes Trail
- Walk through narrow passages between towering rock walls
- Reminds you of famous slot canyons like Antelope Canyon
- Moderate hiking difficulty (manageable for non-hikers!)
- Absolutely stunning photo opportunities
Wildlife bonus: We spotted numerous desert bighorn sheep during our drive through the park. Keep your camera ready!
Las Vegas: Fremont Street Experience
After returning from Valley of Fire, we explored Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. This pedestrian mall offers a completely different vibe from the Strip:
- Live street performers playing music and doing magic shows
- Zip line adventures overhead
- Unique shops and restaurants
- Free entertainment and people-watching
It’s a fun way to experience Las Vegas beyond the typical casino scene.
Another night at Excalibur
Day 4: Red Rock Canyon and Departure
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Our final adventure was Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just a short drive from Las Vegas. This scenic loop drive offers:
- Dramatic red rock formations and desert mountains
- Easy accessibility from the city
- Perfect for a half-day trip
- Excellent photography opportunities
The contrast between the red rocks and blue desert sky creates some truly stunning landscapes. It’s an ideal final stop before heading to the airport.
Departure
We flew out of Las Vegas later that day, feeling like we’d experienced a perfect blend of natural wonders and city entertainment.
Planning Your Own Las Vegas Desert Road Trip
Transportation Tips
- All destinations are easily accessible by regular passenger vehicles
- Fill up with gas in Las Vegas before heading to remote areas
Best Time to Visit
- Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather
- Summer can be extremely hot in the desert
- Winter provides clear skies but cooler temperatures
Packing Essentials
- Plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera or smartphone for incredible photo opportunities
Final Thoughts
This 4-day road trip from Las Vegas was short but full of variety — national parks, retro Americana, easy hikes, and a bit of Vegas fun. If you’re looking for a desert adventure without needing to change hotels every night, this loop is a great option.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited any of these places or if you’re planning a similar trip!
