Things to Do in Las Vegas Memorial Day Weekend: Ghost Town + Desert Trails + Epic Photo Stops

Memorial Day Weekend in Las Vegas is peak energy. Pools are packed, reservations disappear, and the Strip turns into one long line for everything. If you want a plan that actually feels worth it (and doesn’t require fighting crowds all day), this is the move: go off-Strip for a real Nevada adventure.

At Awesome Adventures, we run guided ATV and RZR tours in the Eldorado Canyon and Nelson area near Las Vegas. You’ll get ghost town vibes, epic desert trails, and photo stops that look like a movie set—plus free photos and videos so you can stay present while we capture the whole experience.

This isn’t rentals. It’s guided. It’s organized. It’s built for groups. And it’s one of the best ways to make Memorial Day Weekend feel like a story instead of a blur.

Quick Overview

Here’s what makes this the perfect Memorial Day Weekend plan:

• Off-Strip, so you’re not stuck in the chaos all day
• Guided tours, not rentals (we lead the route, pace, and flow)
• Ghost town-style sightseeing + iconic backdrops
• Desert trails with real “wow” views
• Free photos and videos included, so your camera roll is handled
• Great for couples, families, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette groups, and corporate/convention crews

Why Memorial Day Weekend Is the Best Time to Go Off-Strip

Memorial Day Weekend is basically the start of Vegas summer. That means:

• Peak crowds on the Strip
• Pool parties and dayclubs filling up fast
• Traffic and long waits for anything popular
• Everyone trying to do the same thing at the same time

An off-Strip desert adventure fixes all of that.

You trade crowds for open views.
You trade lines for trails.
You trade “what should we do?” for a full experience with a real flow.

And the best part: you can still go back and do Vegas later. This is the kind of activity that makes your dinner plans feel even better because you earned them.

The Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary That Always Hits

If you want the cleanest, easiest plan for a holiday weekend, copy this.

Morning adventure, Vegas night after

• Book a morning tour
• Ride, sightsee, and get your photos and videos
• Head back to the Strip
• Shower and reset
• Dinner, show, nightlife, whatever you want

This is the best combo because morning desert air is usually more comfortable, and you’re still back in time for the full Vegas night.

Midday adventure, early dinner after

• Tour midday
• Quick reset
• Early dinner
• Drinks or show after

This is great if your group isn’t doing early mornings, but still wants the desert experience on the same day as a dinner reservation.

Make it the main event

• Book the full experience tour
• Do the ghost town, trails, lunch, hangout, and gold mine
• Keep the rest of the day flexible

If your crew wants the “this was the highlight of the weekend” experience, this is the one.

What You’ll Actually Do: Ghost Town + Trails + Photo Stops

A lot of activities in Vegas sound good on paper and then feel rushed in real life. This isn’t that.

Here’s what the experience feels like when you ride with Awesome Adventures.

Ghost town-style sightseeing (the photo stop everyone wants)

Before you even ride, you’ll step into an 1861 mining town-style ghost town setting with Old West energy and iconic backdrops. This is where Memorial Day Weekend photos go from “nice” to “this looks like we planned a whole shoot.”

If you’re coming with a group, this is also the perfect time for:

• group shots
• couples photos
• birthday/bachelorette moments
• that “we’re in Vegas” photo that isn’t on the Strip

Guided desert trails (the part you’ll talk about after)

Then it’s ride time. You’ll hit scenic desert trails with a guide leading the way. We set the pace, keep the group together, and make sure the ride stays smooth and fun.

This is beginner-friendly, but not beginner-only. If you’ve ridden before, you’ll still have a blast, and you can ask about upgrades like Extended Ride or Desert Dash for advanced riders depending on the tour.

Epic photo moments (and we capture them for you)

This is one of the biggest differences with Awesome Adventures: you don’t have to spend the entire time filming.

Free photos and videos are included, so you can enjoy the ride while we capture:

• action shots
• scenic backdrops
• group moments
• the “dusty and proud” finish

If Memorial Day Weekend is your content weekend, this is how you get it without doing the work.

ATV vs RZR: What Should You Book for Memorial Day Weekend?

Both are fun. Your choice just changes the vibe.

Choose an ATV if you want

• a single-rider, hands-on ride
• classic off-road energy
• a more active experience where you’re in full control
• that “I rode my own ATV in the desert” story

Choose a RZR if you want

• a side-by-side ride that feels stable and comfortable
• a shared experience with someone next to you
• a more “off-road car” vibe while still being wild
• an easy option for mixed comfort levels in a group

Important driver note:

• RZR drivers must be 21+ to drive

If your group has a mix of “send it” and “I’m nervous,” RZR is usually the easiest crowd-pleaser.

The Best Tours to Book Memorial Day Weekend (Based on Your Schedule)

Memorial Day Weekend schedules fill up fast, so this is the easiest way to pick your tour.

If you want a shorter, ride-forward experience

Go with a ride-focused tour that fits between pool time, brunch, and dinner plans. Perfect for last-minute planners or groups stacking activities.

If you want ghost town vibes plus trails

Choose an Eldorado Canyon style experience where you get the sightseeing vibe and the ride time in one flow.

If you want the full “Nevada story” day

Choose the full experience that stacks the best parts together: ghost town-style sightseeing, guided trails, lunch included, Adventure Zone time, and the Techatticup Gold Mine tour finale.

If you tell us your group size and your time window, we’ll point you to the best option for Memorial Day Weekend.

What’s Included (And Why It Matters on a Holiday Weekend)

Holiday weekends are when little details matter the most. This is what makes the experience smooth and worth it:

• Guided tour flow from start to finish (not rentals)
• Safety gear and instruction included (helmet sock, helmet, goggles, gloves)
• Unlimited ice-cold water during your experience
• Free photos and videos delivered digitally
• Private riding location away from crowds
• Dust-off after the ride so you’re more comfortable going back to Vegas
• Adventure Zone hangout on select tours

Adventure Zone note:

• On Awesome Adventures and Eldorado Canyon tours, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch and eat in the Adventure Zone area after your tour.

Memorial Day Weekend Packing List (Copy/Paste)

Bring this:

• driver’s license and ID
• booking ID
• the credit card used to book (for verification)
• sunscreen and lip balm
• hair tie (if needed)
• light layer (if needed)
• extra shirt if you’re going out after

Optional but smart:

• small snack for after
• water bottle for the drive back

What to Wear (Memorial Day Weekend Edition)

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. No exceptions.

Wear this:

• closed-toe shoes
• comfortable pants you can move in
• long sleeve shirt (sun, wind, desert terrain)
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• light layer depending on the time of day

Helmet tip:

• helmets are required
• wear hair flat so the helmet fits properly (low ponytail or braid works best)

Dust tip:

• you will likely get dusty
• bring an extra shirt if you’re going straight to dinner or a show
• white shows dust the most

Photo tip:

• bright colors pop in desert photos
• neutrals look clean and classic
• wear what makes you feel confident because you’ll be in a lot of shots

Booking Rules That Keep Check-In Smooth

This part matters, especially on a holiday weekend when everything is moving fast.

For verification, the booking person should be ready to show:

• booking ID
• ID
• the credit card used to book

Your driver’s license must match the credit card on file used during booking.

If you have a big group, decide ahead of time who is booking so check-in stays quick and smooth.

Safety and Incidentals (Quick and Clear)

We keep the vibe fun, but these are real machines in real terrain. The best tours happen when everyone rides smart.

• listen to your guide
• keep spacing
• ride smooth, not reckless

If equipment is tipped or rolled, minimum charges apply and are charged to the card on file, plus any additional damages:

• ATV tipped or rolled: minimum $300 plus additional damages
• 2-seater RZR and 6-seater Ranger tipped or rolled: minimum $3500 plus additional damages
• 4-seater RZR tipped or rolled: minimum $4500 plus additional damages

Follow the rules and everyone stays safe and it won’t hit your pocketbook.

Pro Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

• book early (Memorial Day Weekend spots go fast)
• go morning if you want the most comfortable ride and the cleanest schedule
• hydrate the night before and the morning of
• relax your grip and shoulders, tension makes people tired
• ride smooth, not fast
• plan a buffer if you’re going straight to dinner after
• let us capture the photos and videos so you can actually enjoy the moment

Who This Is Perfect For

This is a strong Memorial Day Weekend plan for:

• couples who want a date day that isn’t a reservation
• friend groups who want a main event and content
• bachelor and bachelorette groups who want something off-Strip and unforgettable
• families who want something outdoorsy and exciting
• corporate and convention groups who want real bonding without awkward icebreakers

Ready to Book the Best Off-Strip Memorial Day Weekend Plan?

If you want something different this Memorial Day Weekend in Las Vegas, this is it. Ghost town vibes, desert trails, epic photo stops, and free photos and videos so you can relive it after.

Book HERE or give us a call (702) 257-8509