If you live in Boulder, you already have it made. The Rockies are right there as your outdoor playground, and downtown Boulder offers an exciting cultural scene all its own.

Adventures in the Flatirons mean lots of fresh air, but sometimes you just want more. And if it’s more you want, no destination says excess and excitement like Las Vegas. In a hop, skip and a jump—or however long it takes to drive, Las Vegas experience gifts are all over the map. In a single weekend, you can trade those trails from Boulder for some neon glitz and glamour.

Why Las Vegas Makes the Perfect Getaway

Dip your toes in the proverbial adventure waters in Boulder and lay the pedal to the metal for some great Nevada experiences. This is the ultimate laid-back in and out in a jiffy kind of weekend. Just think about it. You’re outside in Boulder on a Friday morning. And then, (hopefully) by the end of the day, you’re rolling down the Vegas Strip.

Add to the mix that there are things to do in Las Vegas that are just about right for everyone. From heart-pumping adventures to perfect pampering, across the board, Las Vegas is the perfect place for living it up in one destination for one awesome activity filled weekend. Ready for that getaway? Here’s how to do it.

Getting There: Boulder to Vegas Travel Tips

Getting to Vegas from Boulder is simple. If you opt for flying, there are direct flights out of Denver International Airport that can have you pulling the lever on a slot machine in less than 1.5 hours. A road trip is always a solid choice, and the roughly 11-hour drive through Colorado and Utah is beautiful.

Plan to pack both outdoor gear and your fanciest digs. You’ll want your hiking boots for the Grand Canyon Hike and a fancy outfit for dinners out and shows. Of course, Las Vegas weather is warm most of the year but you may want a sweater or jacket for the casinos, so plan to pack layers.

Day 1: Settle In and Soak Up the Vibes

You just landed in Vegas! The first thing you have to do? Drop your bags off. Unwind at The Bellagio, take a modern, artsy nap at The Cosmopolitan, or just get an Airbnb through Instant Book—Vegas has a place for everyone! And, of course, have some fun in the sun by hitting up the pool and baking in the desert heat.

Once you’ve shaken off the journey, wake yourself up and start your weekend with that Vegas energy! Take a leisurely walk around on the Strip for some bites, coffee, or tea, or even stop by the city’s favorite places to fuel up. Posh Burger at Aria, Hattie B’s at Cosmo, or Maxie’s in the LINQ Promenade are great options. Take your Friday easy before the weekend officially begins!

Day 2: Thrill Seekers Unite

No visit to Vegas would be complete without a little taste of the extreme.

Exotic Car Racing: It’s every motorhead’s dream: a race car getaway in a Lamborghini or Ferrari. Make your Fast and Furious fantasies come true. Spend the morning burning rubber at a professional race track and feel the sensation of high-speed racing just miles off the strip.

Helicopter Tour of the Grand Canyon: This is for those who prefer natural beauty to human innovation. Experience breathtaking views and fly over the rugged rock formations of this wonder. This adventure can truly be your opportunity to connect with both the beauty of the natural world and the wild environment of Las Vegas. What could be better?

Sky Diving Over the Nevada Desert: They say the people who love it most are those who have tried it more than once. So, if you live for the thrill, why not jump out of a plane? Free-fall above stunning landscapes before landing safely on the unique desert terrain, just a short drive from the Las Vegas strip.

Day 3: Luxury Meets Relaxation

After all the activity of Saturday, Sunday should be about taking care of you. Vegas isn’t always about go-go-go; it’s also about being good to yourself and enjoying a relaxing time.

Spa Day at a Top Resort: Hitting the spa is the perfect way to knock out a relaxing morning. With options like deep-tissue massages, facials, or steaming in the sauna, Las Vegas casino resorts are yours to demand the world of. Just take a day for yourself and kick back.

VIP Dining: Dining in Las Vegas is some of the best dining in the world, with Michelin-star restaurants and intimate, chef-forward dining to rival any city. Make sure you leave town in style; dine at Vegas’ top restaurants with a VIP reservation.

Cirque du Soleil Showing: Go out in high-fashion style with a world-class Cirque de Soleil show. Vegas is renowned for its extravagant, acrobatics-laced, gestural storytelling and aural-visual stimulation performances. It’s a great way to end your getaway on a fantastic note before heading home to Boulder.

Boulder Meets Vegas: The Ultimate Weekend Break

From adventurous escapes to indulgent experiences—Las Vegas delivers for Boulderites searching for a weekend away from home. This quick trip near Boulder to Las Vegas means you’ll be speeding around a racetrack one minute and lounging poolside at a 5-star spa the next, all while swinging into the desert’s must-see locales for a quick getaway.

Ready to trade the mountains for a quick weekend in the city? Your next trip is right around the corner —well, not the corner, but only a short trip from Boulder to Las Vegas!

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com