Ride the Red: Sidecar Day Trip from Las Vegas to Lake Mead & Valley of Fire
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—participants should be able to sit comfortably for several hours and manage short walks on uneven ground.
Overview
Leave the Strip behind and let a professional driver guide you by sidecar through Lake Mead’s shoreline and the flaming rocks of Valley of Fire. This private, seven-hour loop mixes lakeside picnic stops, petroglyph visits, and cinematic viewpoints with the straightforward logistics of hotel pickup.
Ride the Red: Sidecar Day Trip from Las Vegas to Lake Mead & Valley of Fire
Select participants and date
The engine settles into a steady, contented rumble as you roll away from the neon and noise of the Strip. Wind opens a corridor of desert air, and the sidecar—part motorcycle, part time machine—carries you across the Mojave’s broad shoulder. High mesas and peeling red sandstone take over the view; blue sky tightens above. You make a slow, deliberate sweep along the shore of Lake Mead, then climb into the Valley of Fire where rock folds into glowing orange slabs. It’s a day of motion and stillness balanced together: seats that vibrate and vistas that hold you motionless.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Wind on the sidecar can make temperatures feel colder than forecast—bring a light jacket even on warm days.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Wide desert sky reflects intense UV—sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat for off-bike stops will keep you comfortable.
Secure camera gear
Bring a wrist or neck strap for cameras; a few tight turns and gusts can make loose gear go airborne.
Hydrate before and during the tour
Bottled water is provided, but drink early to avoid fatigue in the dry air and sun.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- desert bighorn sheep
- ravens and other raptors
History
Valley of Fire preserves ancient sandstone shaped by dunes and contains petroglyphs and artifacts left by Native peoples and early travelers, while Lake Mead was formed after the Hoover Dam’s construction in the 1930s.
Conservation
The region is sensitive to foot traffic and graffiti; stay on marked paths, avoid climbing fragile sandstone, and pack out all trash to protect desert soils and rock art.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against gusts while riding and provides warmth during cooler stops.
fall specific
Sunglasses with UV protection
Reduces glare from rock and water and protects eyes from dust and wind.
summer specific
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Good for short walks to petroglyph sites and on uneven sandstone surfaces.
Compact camera or smartphone with strap
Captures the dramatic color contrasts and lakeshore vistas—strap prevents accidental drops while riding.