I think the Grand Canyon is a truly amazing place. But it does sound like a difficult way to do it. As for another, closer site, I am always surprised that more people don't mention Valley of Fire State Park, just NE of LV.

If you think of the park as an upside-down T, then most people just view the red rock cliffs and formations along the crossbar main east-west road. But if you take the road north to White Domes you can take short hikes to petroglyphs, a short slot canyon and rock formations used in movies and TV shows, and view a painted desert landscape.

If you want a majestic canyon, I second Zion NP, as a much smaller but still impressive area of natural beauty.