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The Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

• April 6, 2023

Las Vegas is a popular point of origin (or final destination) for a Grand Canyon road trip. What exactly makes Sin City such an ideal starting point?

• If you have enough time, its proximity to the Grand Canyon offers easy access to every spot on the Rim.
• It’s also within easy driving distance of a number of other nearby southwest hotspots —not to mention the smorgasbord of activities and attractions available in Sin City to any type of visitor.
• Flights to Las Vegas are usually reasonably priced compared to Phoenix (another popular point of origin for a Grand Canyon road trip).

Whether you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or you’re ending your southwest journey in Sin City, we’ve created a Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip itinerary to get you rolling.

Before we jump into places to visit on the way, you’ll need to decide what region(s) of the Grand Canyon you want to visit. Each tourist region can be reached fairly easily from Las Vegas by car, depending on how much time you have.

If you have five days or more, and are flexible with your route, you can easily hit all four regions by following our itinerary. If you have less time, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered, too.

Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip

Explore all four rims of the Grand Canyon—and beyond if you want to keep the fun rolling!

Route Summary

Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City →  Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix

Total Miles Travelled: 823 miles (from Las Vegas to Phoenix); 784 miles (Las Vegas Loop) Total Driving Time: 14 hours 40 minutes; 13 hours 35 minutes Recommended Trip Duration: 5-7 days

To make it easier for road trippers who have less time to explore the southwest, we’ve broken up our itinerary into two segments:

From Las Vegas to the South Rim and everything in between, including Grand Canyon West, Route 66, and the Hoover Dam. Ideal for shorter timelines, loop routes, and those beginning their road trip in Las Vegas.

• If you only have one day for your Grand Canyon road trip, opt for the West Rim—you can easily make it there and back to Las Vegas in a single day. Save yourself the work of driving and hop on a guided tour instead—there are many guided tour options available, including airplane tours, helicopter floor landings, and leisurely Colorado River boat tours through the Grand Canyon.
• If you only have the time to visit one Rim, head to the South Rim—it has the greatest number of viewpoints, guided ranger programs, and hiking trails, as well as many of the most iconic sights and vistas. The best way to experience the South Rim as part of a Grand Canyon road trip is to spend the night—that way, you can break up the drive and check out the many other places to visit on the way to the Grand Canyon. More on that below.
• If you have more time, you can add the East Edge segment to your trip.

ROAD TRIP TIP: While it is possible to drive straight to the South Rim from Las Vegas and back in a single day, we don’t recommend it—you won’t have time to stop at the many other places to visit on the way to the Grand Canyon, and you may feel too rushed to truly enjoy the splendor of the South Rim. Instead, plan to spend the night somewhere so you can experience everything the region has to offer without feeling stressed or pressured to get back on the road, or hop on a guided South Rim tour and let someone else do the driving.

Explore the sights and attractions that lie beyond the borders of the South Rim, including Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Bryce Canyon, as well as cities like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Phoenix. Ideal for those journeying westward towards Las Vegas from Phoenix or other eastern points of origin, or for longer road trips. If you have lots of time to work with, you can also add the East Edge component of the Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary to the West Edge segment of our suggested route, or skip the West Edge altogether by heading straight to the South Rim from Las Vegas and continuing east.

The Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip: West Edge route details

What can you see and do between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, and beyond? Let’s find out.

Las Vegas hosts nearly 43 million visitors every year. Its reputation for catering to visitors of every inclination—including kids—and its proximity to numerous Southwest locations make it an ideal spot to start your Grand Canyon road trip. Depending on your preferences, you can start your Grand Canyon road trip in Las Vegas or end your southwest adventure in Sin City.

If you have a few days to explore Las Vegas, check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Las Vegas for our tips for finding the right hotel, what to pack, where to eat, and what to see and do in the city limits and beyond.

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Springs Preserve

Located just 5 miles from the Strip, Springs Preserve is a 180-acre natural preserve featuring interactive exhibits about how to live sustainably in the desert, the history of Las Vegas, and its historic and current inhabitants.

It’s a great place to stop if you’re beginning your southwest adventure in Las Vegas for a quick primer on area history, geology, and wildlife. If you’re ending your Grand Canyon road trip in Las Vegas too, make sure you visit Springs Preserve either before you continue your journey or head home.

Boulder City

About 30 minutes southeast of Las Vegas and just a short hop from Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, Boulder City is the last place you can stop for major metropolitan conveniences before you hit the desert.

ROAD TRIP TIP:  Skip the busy and expensive breakfast in Sin City and stop in Boulder City instead. Pack a picnic to enjoy in Hemenway Park—you may even spot a bighorn sheep. They’re known to frequent the area.

Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

• The Hoover Dam created the nation’s largest reservoir—Lake Mead—covering 248 square miles and containing approximately 29 million acre-feet of water. One acre-foot is equivalent to about 325,000 gallons. As a result of a drought in the Colorado River Basin, Lake Mead has since dropped to its lowest water level since it was first filled in the 1930s.
• It took a total of 21,000 workers to build the Hoover Dam. Each worker was paid an hourly wage ranging from $0.50 to $1.25. There were officially 96 construction-related fatalities, but no workers were buried alive while the Dam was poured.
• The Dam consists of approximately 4.3 million cubic yards of concrete—that’s enough concrete to pave a 16-foot-wide, 8-inch-thick road from San Francisco to New York City.
• The Hoover Dam is not the world’s tallest dam—that title belongs to the 1,001 foot high Jinping-I Dam in Liangshan, Sichuan, China.
• Lake Mead is America’s most diverse recreation area, with 600,000 hectares of mountains, canyons, and wilderness, plus two lakes where you can fish, participate in watersports, and swim.

About 40 miles east of Las Vegas, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while you snap a pic of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and the Bypass Bridge. If you have the time, hop on a Hoover Dam tour and journey deep inside the Dam for a look at the hydroelectric generators, a chance to navigate the interior tunnels, and to learn more about the Dam. Guided tours run daily and are about one hour in duration.

The Hoover Dam isn’t directly en route for road trips to the North Rim or Grand Canyon East, so if you’re heading in that direction, you might be better off making a separate trip or taking a guided Hoover Dam tour from Las Vegas so you can take your time to truly enjoy the visit.

After your visit to the Hoover Dam, cross the Bypass Bridge into Arizona.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Arizona does not observe daylight saving. After you cross the border, double check your timezones so you can adjust your clocks accordingly and stay on schedule.

• Grand Canyon West

Continue 100 miles from the Hoover Dam to Grand Canyon West. If you don’t have time to visit Grand Canyon West and the South Rim, stay on Highway 93 till you reach Kingman, AZ .

While you’re there, be sure to check out Eagle Point and Guano Point, as well as attractions like the Skywalk, Hualapai Ranch, and the new zipline.

Learn more about what you can do and see at Grand Canyon West:

These 3 Viewpoints Will Make You Want to Visit the Grand Canyon’s West Rim

• September 24, 2021

The Grand Canyon’s West Rim has no shortage of breathtaking vistas and experiences to offer.

How Did They Build the Skywalk?

• August 24, 2021

Learn how this 1.2 million pound steel and glass structure is able to extend straight out from the edge of Eagle Point, 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor.

8 Reasons Why You Should Visit the West Rim

• August 10, 2021

There are many advantages to visiting the West Rim. Here’s why you should make the short trip to the West Rim next time you’re in Las Vegas.

8 Questions We Know You Have About the Grand Canyon Skywalk

• August 9, 2021

How does the Skywalk stay up? How thick is the glass? Keep reading to get the answer to all your questions about the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ

After visiting Grand Canyon West, it’s time to get your kicks on Route 66. Hop on the Mother Road in Kingman, AZ and continue your journey along one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System.

ROUTE 66 FACT: Route 66 was established in 1926. Also known as the Main Street of America and the Mother Road, Route 66 originally stretched from Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before culminating in California. Because it crossed the majority of the country, it was one of the main routes for people migrating west during the 1930s Dust Bowl.

Kingman, AZ

Kingman, AZ, is a common stop on the road between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and it’s where you’ll catch Route 66 if you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon. With over 60 restaurants to choose from, including the famous Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner (try their famous homemade root beer), it’s a great place to stop for a bite to eat or to spend the night after exploring Grand Canyon West—you can even hunker down in one of the last remaining pre-WWII tourist motor courts. Kingman, AZ

Be sure to check out:

• The Arizona Route 66 Museum: Located across from Mr. D’z Route 66 Dinner, this museum features photos of Dust Bowl survivors and stories of post-WWII America, as well as an exhibit featuring the famous Burma-Shave signs that used to line the route.
• The old town area —it’s a living tribute to the Mother Road.
• The world’s longest Route 66 map, painted onto the side of the El Trovatore Motel. Also check out El Trovatore’s restored 100-foot neon sign.

ROAD TRIP TIP: Take a short 30-mile detour off Route 66 from Kingman to visit Oatman, AZ. This abandoned ghost town was originally founded in 1908, and is now home to just 135 people. Stop in for some quick souvenir shopping before you continue your journey to the South Rim.

Seligman, AZ

About 87 miles from Kingman along Route 66, Seligman is a great place to stop and stretch your legs on your way to the South Rim. There are only 500 inhabitants and few tourists. Check out the Route 66 General Store and the Return of the 50s Museum, and stop in at the Roadkill Cafe to try one of their famous buffalo burgers.

ROUTE HACK: If you want to save some time, skip the drive down Route 66 and hop on the I-40 instead. You’ll shave 14 miles off your trip.

Williams, AZ

Williams, AZ is your last stop on Route 66 (signposted here as Route 161). Despite its small size, there’s lots to do in Williams before you head to Tusayan and onto the Grand Canyon:

• Bearizona Drive-thru Wildlife Park: See bears, wolves, buffalo, and more, from the comfort and safety of your own car.
• Grand Canyon Brewing Co: If you’re a fan of craft brews, jump on a brewery tour or stop for a bite.
• Kaibab National Forest: Explore the Kaibab National Forest and try some of the many hiking trails that originate in Williams.
• Grand Canyon Railway: Bypass Tusayan and hop on the Grand Canyon Railway for a leisurely ride through the Arizona forest right to the Grand Canyon Village, complete with a (staged) train heist.

Williams is also a convenient place to spend the night—it’s about an hour’s drive to the South Rim, and hotels are more plentiful and affordable than inside the National Park.

Tusayan, AZ

Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City →  Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix

A short 1-hour drive from Williams, Tusayan, AZ is your last stop before the Grand Canyon. Like Williams, Tusayan is a prime spot to spend the night, but since it’s only about 15 minutes from the South Rim, hotels book up quick, so book as far in advance as possible. Stop in at the National Geographic Visitor Center and the IMAX theater to learn all about the hidden secrets of the Grand Canyon before you make your way to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon South Rim National Park

Make the most of your Grand Canyon road trip and stay overnight at (or near) the South Rim. Two days gives you the perfect amount of time to snap pics at the most iconic viewpoints, explore the Grand Canyon Village , and even check out some hiking trails.

ROAD TRIP TIP: If you want to stay overnight inside the National Park, book your accommodation as early as possible. Hotels on the Rim can be fully booked up to a year in advance.

If you’re not staying overnight in the National Park or only have one day to explore, park your car in the lots near the main entrances and take advantage of the shuttle bus. It’s the best way to get around and easily access every viewpoint and attraction, including:

• Mojave Point
• The Grand Canyon Village
• Mather Point

Discover 11 more South Rim viewpoints to visit, find out what to do in the Grand Canyon Village, and more with our South Rim resources:

6 Iconic Grand Canyon Buildings Designed by Mary Colter

• August 25, 2021

Exploring the Grand Canyon Village

• August 20, 2021

Located on the South Rim within the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon Village contains many of the Grand Canyon’s most iconic buildings and structures.

15 Breathtaking Grand Canyon South Rim Viewpoints [Updated in 2023]

• February 28, 2023

Some of the most recognizable Grand Canyon viewpoints can be found at the South Rim. Discover some of the most popular, from remote Yuma Point to Desert View Watchtower.

Should I Drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or Take a Guided Tour?

• July 28, 2021

Las Vegas is one of the closest major cities to the Grand Canyon, so the question for Vegas visitors isn’t “should I visit the Grand Canyon?”, it’s “should I drive myself to the Canyon, or take a guided tour?”.

Return to Las Vegas or continue east

From the South Rim, you can return to Las Vegas and check out any spots you might have missed on your way to the Grand Canyon, or you can continue east to explore the east rim and beyond on the East Edge segment of the Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip.

The Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip: East Edge route details

Continuing eastward? Here’s where to stop on your journey.

Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ

Page, AZ is the perfect home base for exploring the Grand Canyon East region, including Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend (one of the most photographed natural places in the world), Marble Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

Spend a day exploring viewpoints like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, then trade your tent, camper, or hotel room and rent a houseboat on Lake Powell for a relaxing break from the road.

FACT: Lake Powell is the second largest manmade lake in the United States, with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, more than 90 major canyons, and numerous sandy beaches.

Learn more about the Grand Canyon East region and find out what else you can do and see in our East Rim Guide.

From Page, you can head back west to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, or detour northeast to Monument Valley before continuing on to Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome.

Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome, AZ

Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City →  Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome  → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix

Flagstaff, Jerome, and Sedona, AZ are all very close to each other—only about 70 miles separate Flagstaff and Jerome, with Sedona sitting right in the middle. You can easily explore all three towns in 2 or 3 days.

If you’re arriving from the east rim of the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley, your first stop will be Flagstaff. If your Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip originated in Phoenix, you’ll reach Jerome first.

Flagstaff is home to Mount Humphreys, Arizona’s tallest mountain, as well as the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. The resort is open year round, with summertime activities like tubing, bungee trampolining, ropes courses, and more. You can also hop on the scenic chairlift for a ride up the western side of the San Francisco Peaks to catch birds-eye views of Northern Arizona, including the red rocks of Sedona and the Grand Canyon. There are also numerous hiking trails leading up to the resort and in the surrounding area.

The Flagstaff Arboretum is also worth a visit—this 200-acre botanical garden is home to 2,500 plant species, and one of the largest collections of mountain plants and wildflowers in the world.

DETOUR: Fans of the Eagles (the band) might recognize another town near Flagstaff. You too can stand on the corner of Winslow, Arizona—it’s only about an hour’s drive from Flagstaff. After a quick stop in Winslow, continue another 60 miles east to Petrified Forest National Park. From here, you can return to Flagstaff or continue on to Phoenix.

Situated in the middle of Arizona’s red mountains and right between Flagstaff and Jerome, Sedona is an ideal spot to set up camp while you explore the area. There are plenty of upscale hotels, spas, and restaurants to enjoy, as well as dozens of hiking and biking trails, and other activities such as:

• Sedona Trolley: Hop on board this historic trolley for a 55 minute narrated tour of Sedona’s landmarks and scenic overlooks.
• Oak Creek Canyon: About 4 miles outside of Sedona, this 12-mile long river gorge is a lovely place to stop for a picnic lunch.
• Meteor Crater: Created more than 50,000 years ago when a meteor crashed into the earth, this giant crater stretches 1 mile across and is more than 550 feet deep. Bonus for Eagles fans: it’s located just outside Winslow, AZ.

Founded in the late 19th century, Jerome was once a booming mining town with a population of more than 10,000 people. Today, it’s home to less than 500 people, but there’s lots to explore, including numerous ghost and vampire tours, as well as historical and heritage sites.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Adventurous travelers might enjoy an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel—formerly an insane asylum, the Grand Hotel is now considered one of the most haunted hotels in the country. If you’re a fan of the band Tool, take a trip to Caduceus Cellars—Maynard James Keenan’s winery—for a tasting.

Montezuma Castle

If you’re heading to Phoenix from Flagstaff, Sedona, or Jerome, stop at Montezuma Castle, just 25 miles outside of Jerome, to see the well-preserved ruins of an early cliff dwelling built around 700 AD by the pre-Columbian Sinagua people.

Whether you start your journey in Phoenix and head westward towards the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, or end your epic Grand Canyon road trip from Las Vegas in Arizona’s state capital, there’s lots to see and do in Phoenix.

Enjoy the sunshine (Arizona’s capital city sees 310 days of sunshine per year) while you check out these activities and attractions:

• Street art on Roosevelt Row: Get that perfect vacation selfie (besides your #CanyonSelfie, of course).
• Camelback Mountain: Hike to the top of Camelback Mountain for some of the best views of the area. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to start early to beat the heat. There are also several less intensive hikes in the area.
• First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, downtown Phoenix turns into a huge street festival, complete with food trucks, live music, street exhibitions, and more.
• Taliesin West: Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home on the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Night Lights tour.
• Tubing: Float down the salt river in Tonto National Forest.
• South Mountain Park and Preserve: Explore over 16,000 acres of land, with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails.

If you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas is a great place to kickstart or wrap up your journey. You can reach each of the four rims of the Grand Canyon by car, and there are numerous places to visit on the way. See them all on the Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip itinerary:

The Ultimate Grand Canyon Road Trip Guide

Get more tips for your Grand Canyon road trip in our comprehensive guide:

Itineraries

• 7 Popular Grand Canyon Road Trip Routes
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

Tips & Road Trip Hacks

• How To Plan a Road Trip

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10 Best Stops on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

Last Updated on November 12, 2023

by Kate Stewart

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the country, and chances are that you will drive there from Las Vegas, a classic desert road trip. You might think the only place worth stopping is the Hoover Dam, but there are many unique places to check out on your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip.

Historic Route 66 is right on this route if you get off I-40 at Kingman, Arizona. In fact, you should probably avoid the interstate altogether if you want to get the most out of this fascinating stretch of Western Americana.

Many of the stops involve a lot of outdoor activities, which should get you in the mood for your Grand Canyon adventure.

Table of Contents

Planning a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

Highway 93 from Las Vegas to Kingman used to be one of the most treacherous roads in America, but recent upgrades have made it much safer. Watch out for lots of curves and slow down.

Highway 66 is only two lanes and is not as well maintained. If you want to go faster, you may want to stick to I-40.

Highway 64 from Williams to the South Rim is a two-lane road and the only way into that area from the South, unless you want to go up through Flagstaff. The large amount of traffic can slow you down and there are frequent accidents on this road in summer.

Like many areas of the West, there will be long stretches with no gas stations, rest areas, or cell service, so be sure that you fill up in cities like Boulder City and Kingman when you can.

If you need to hire your own transport for the trip from Las Vegas, Rentalcars.com has deals across all the major providers.

Alternatively, browse Outdoorsy for campervan or RV rentals which might be a great option if you continue on from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix , drive to Los Angeles from the Grand Canyon or drive north to Zion to explore Utah.

How Far is Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

The total distance from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park is about 280 miles if you take the I-40 route, just 17 miles longer if you take Route 66.

The total Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive time is five hours without stopping, but you will want to make it at least a full day’s drive, maybe two. The ideal place for an overnight stop is Kingman, which has a variety of options for hotels and campgrounds.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Stops

Sloan canyon national conservation area.

When starting off on your road trip, a great first place to stop is Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area , a huge swath of land south of Las Vegas. This nearly 50,000-acre area is famous for its petroglyphs and includes more than 300 separate sites to view.

The McCullough Hills Trailhead at the north end of the park, which includes spectacular volcanic flows, is just off I-11 in the city of Henderson near where you will likely be heading out of Las Vegas on your way to the Grand Canyon.

This is worth short hike, or you may want to travel around to the west side of the park to hike up Black Mountain or see the Petroglyph Canyon. Some trails allow for horses and mountain biking, so you may want to plan your route accordingly.

Railroad Pass Trails

Starting at Railroad Pass off of I-11 and north of Highway 93 to Lake Mead is an extensive network of hiking trails.

You can park at the Railroad Pass Casino and choose multiple routes from here—make it as short or as long as you like. You could even hike all the way to Lake Mead if you want. Some of these trails go through old railroad tunnels.

They also allow mountain biking and ATVs, so watch out if you are hiking. The terrain can be steep and rocky so ensure you find a route that’s right for you. For an easy hike, check out the Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden off Highway 93.

Head up either Highway 93 or I-11 to the Hoover Dam, the most iconic stop on this road trip itinerary. This dam is one of the most famous New Deal projects and took almost five years to build. It was a symbol of technological progress in the mist of the Great Depression.

The dam was built to harness the vast power of the Colorado River and provides hydroelectric power to Arizona , Nevada, and California. When the dam was finished in 1935, it was the largest in the world. It no longer holds that record, but it is still an impressive site to see.

At the Visitor Center, you can learn about the history and science of the dam and see a 360 view of the dam and Lake Mead as well as models to help you learn about how it works.

The Hoover Dam is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas and charges $10 for the tour at the Visitor Center. Right now, this is the only tour available, but check the Bureau of Reclamation’s website to see if the guided dam tour and the powerplant tour have started again.

There are also several private companies that offer their own tours of the dam, listed on the BOR Hoover dam website.

Lake Mead is another one of the classic places to stop between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It’s the United States’ largest reservoir and a National Park.

You’ve probably seen in the news that the lake is rapidly shrinking due to climate change and the lack of rainfall in the Southwest. As you drive around the lake, you can see the visible “bathtub ring,” the lighter-colored rocks at the edge of the shore that mark where the waterline used to be years ago.

But despite the lowered level of water, there is still plenty of lake to enjoy. Stop at the Visitor Center, which is just north of the Hoover Dam, to check out your options of what to do on the lake.

To the west of Hoover Dam are several harbors and beaches you may want stop by — including Boulder Beach and Campground, Hemenway Fishing Pier and Campground, and the Lake Mead Marina. At Hemenway Harbor, you can rent your own boat for the day or take a cruise around the lake.

Besides boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, you can also hike around the lake and hunt in designated areas, too.

The daily entrance fee for Lake Mead is $25 per vehicle, but it will last you a week if you choose to stay longer.

Willow Beach

Continuing down Highway 93 on your drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you’ll see a scenic overlook above the Colorado River on the Arizona side.

Turn right here to head to Willow Beach, a privately owned campground and RV park right on the Colorado River, one of the longest and most important rivers in the Southwest.

You can launch your own boat at Willow Beach or rent a kayak, canoe, or pontoon boat. Further north up the river from Willow Beach, the cliffs along the river narrow for some dramatic scenery.

There is also a trout hatchery maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to keep the river stocked, so don’t forget your fishing gear.

Arizona Route 66 Museum

Further down Highway 93, you’ll come to Kingman, the largest city between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, and your first stop on historic Route 66.

Kingman takes a lot of pride in its Route 66 history, and you’ll see it everywhere: in its Route 66-themed diners, motels, classic cars that rove the streets, and the Arizona Route 66 Museum .

The museum is run by the Mohave Pioneers Historical Society and located in the city’s old Powerhouse building. You can see exhibits and a movie on the history of Route 66 here and view many classic and newer electric vehicles.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm and charges $4. It also has a gift shop with lots of Route 66 memorabilia to buy.

Hualapai Mountain Park

Southeast of Kingman on 147, a little detour on the typical drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, is Hualapai Mountain Park , a recreation area maintained by Mojave County and named for the Native American tribe that originally occupied the area.

There are ten miles of trails, originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, with beautiful views of Kingman and Highway 66 in the distance.

There is a campground, RV park, and cabins available for rental, and even a disc golf course. The daily use fee is $10 per vehicle. You can also eat at the restaurant or stay at the cabins of the Hualapai Mountain Resort nearby, which was also built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Historic Route 66

From Kingman, you can get on Route 66 to experience for yourself what this famous road is really all about (if you’re in a hurry take I-40 to Williams, which parallels Route 66).

Route 66 goes through several small Arizona towns here, including Hualapai, Hackberry, Valentine, Truxton, Peach Springs, and Seligman. These are very tiny towns, some of which are just a few buildings, sprouting up in the Arizona high desert landscape.

Some travelers may not be impressed by this road, but you can really let your imagination stretch here, picturing what it was like for thousands of Dust Bowl migrants heading the other way, searching for a better life in California. Stop in Seligman to see the many Route 66 gift shops, diners, and motels.

Grand Canyon Caverns

If you are doing this trip in the summer, you will definitely need some relief from the heat. Stop at the Grand Canyon Caverns on Route 66 between Peach Springs and Yampai.

It is one of the largest dry limestone caverns in the United States, meaning that its stalactites and stalagmites don’t grow anymore. But it is an enormous cave with many beautiful formations still worth exploring.

The cave was discovered by Walter Peck in 1927 when he nearly fell in it. He purchased the land around it because he thought it would be a gold mine and was sorely disappointed it wasn’t. But other discoveries were yielded later, including an intact giant sloth.

There are four different tours, including a ghost tour, that range in price from $26 to $120. Grand Canyon Caverns has its own campground, RV park, and bunkhouses you can stay in, and you can even dine inside the cave. There are also hiking trails to explore nearby outside.

The last stop is the town of Williams, known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.”

You’ll notice the landscape changing to pine forest and the elevation rising as you drive up the Coconino Plateau. There are lots of fun things to do in Williams, a town built on tourism, before you head to the Grand Canyon up Highway 64.

One of the more interesting options is Bearizona , a wildlife park on the east side of Williams.

For most of the tour, you’ll remain in your car as you drive through park viewing (of course) several different species of bears, wolves, porcupines, bighorn sheep, bison, foxes, elk, goats and more. There are about 160 acres to drive through and 20 acres available for walking to see the animals up close.

The park is open daily from 9am to 4pm, and tickets vary in price from $30 to $35 depending on if you go on the weekend or a weekday and there are reduced prices for children. There are also two restaurants at Bearizona.

Where to Stay on a Vegas to Grand Canyon Drive

If you want to make all of these stops, you’re likely going to need to find a place along the way to spend the night.

The city of Kingman is an excellent halfway point here and there are a number of accommodation options to choose from. At the Grand Canyon, there are some hotels within the National Park, however, the town of Williams makes a great base for exploring this natural area, as well.

SpringHill Suites Kingman Route 66 – Well-located in Kingman, this hotel is a great option if you’re looking to stay on the historic Route 66. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available that can suit anyone from solo travelers to families. It is pet-friendly and breakfast is available each morning.

Arizona Inn – If you’re looking for a good, budget-friendly option in Kingman, then this motel is a great choice. They are centrally located and have a range of basic yet comfortable rooms available that are suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Private Rental – A private vacation rental is an excellent option if you’re looking for a bit more privacy. There are tons of options available in Kingman, including this beautiful, centrally located house .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Kingman hotels!

Grand Canyon

T he Lodge on Route 66 – If you’d like a bit of luxury on your trip to the Grand Canyon, then this hotel is an excellent choice. They have a number of beautifully decorated rooms available, a central location in downtown Williams and even include a buffet breakfast each morning.

El Rancho Motel – If you’re on a bit of a tighter budget, then this motel in Williams is a great option. Located in downtown Williams on the historic Route 66, they have a range of basic and comfortable rooms on offer and serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the Grand Canyon.

Private Rental – If it’s a private vacation rental you are after, then you’ll be happy to know there are lots of options available near the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re looking for a luxury lakefront house like this one or something a bit more basic, there are lots of choices on offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Grand Canyon hotels!

Bellagio — If you want to go all in for a classic “Vegas” experience, then you can’t go wrong with the iconic Bellagio. Situated directly on the Las Vegas strip, they have countless beautiful rooms available and some great shows on site, as well.

Horseshoe Las Vegas — If you’re traveling on a mid-range budget, then this is a great hotel choice for you. Located right on the strip, they have a number of great rooms available, restaurants and bars, a great swimming pool, an on-site casino and breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Sin City Hostel — If you’re looking to save money on accommodation when in Vegas, then this hostel is a great choice for you. They have a range of dorm beds available, an involved staff, great common areas, and social events organised most nights of the week.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vegas hotels!

After stopping in Williams, you should be ready to head on up to the Grand Canyon, either by car on Highway 64, or for an extra special treat, consider taking the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim. Regardless of how you get there, you’ll know you’ve already seen some incredible places in Nevada and Northern Arizona on your way there.

Are you planning to drive to the Grand Canyon from Vegas? Have any questions about these stops? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 1 to 2 Days in Saguaro National Park Itinerary

5-Day Arizona Itinerary: Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon

The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Tucson Itinerary

About Kate Stewart

Kate Stewart is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an archivist specializing in oral history who is based in Tucson, Arizona and grew up in the Midwest. Kate loves driving across the country and exploring the oddities of American and Southwest culture. In her spare time, she is a political activist, country music junkie, and baseball fan.

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10 Awesome Stops from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car

As if the two epic stops bookending this road trip aren’t motivation enough, the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park is filled with other amazing places you can use to break up the 253 mile distance from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, or 4 and a half hour trip.

This article will help you plan out your trip from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, with all the best stops in between. Complete with maps and timings.

– Here’s what’s waiting for you if you travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car!

Don’t simply make your Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip about getting from one bucket list stop to another, instead make the most of the drive by squeezing in a few top Nevada and Arizona photo ops. If you’re renting a car in Las Vegas you might as well make the most of it! 

No idea where to start? Here are the most exciting stops on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip, according to me. 

Road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon 

Here are the best stops on the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive, including all the best places to stop between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon!

READ MORE: The Most Unique Places to Stay in the Grand Canyon

(Tents, tiny homes, glamping and sheep wagons!)

Map of Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car

While you’re in Las Vegas, how about doing a helicopter ride over the strip , or booking a ticket to the High Roller Ride at the Linq. Both offer amazing views of an iconic city! Also, read my review of staying at The Stratosphere – the Vegas hotel with the rollercoasters on the top!

Check out my top tips for making the most of Las Vegas here .

And if you don’t plan to drive or rent a car, here are  the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas . Travel by land, air, and water on a guided tour of the major attractions. There’s no need to miss out!

For a hassle-free enjoyable day trip, join a bus tour that takes you straight to the Grand Canyon from your hotel in Las Vegas. Or for an incredible bird’s-eye view, soar above the canyon in a helicopter or airplane, after which you can hop on a boat to see the sights below.

1. Lake Mead

You won’t be far into the Grand Canyon road trip, before you start to see Lake Mead. This lake lies on the Colorado River and is flanked by beautiful mountains. It makes for the perfect photo op (especially with a drone – check laws) and as if by magic there’s the Lake Mead Scenic View, Sunset View or Lake Mead National recreation area set up to make sure you get a snap worth sharing.

All have amazing views and if you’re already feeling like you need a quick refresh, you can take a quick dip in the water. LOOK AT IT! 

Click here if you want to experience the Grand Canyon by helicopter – one of the most impressive sights in the world. And if you just want to do a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Vegas, via the Hoover Dam, this is the tour for you.

Check out all the impressive Grand Canyon tours here .

Las Vegas to Lake Mead time and distance: 

If you want to know more about the Grand Canyon, ready for your trip, watch this video!

2. Hoover Dam

Hop in the car for another 10 minutes and pull up to the Hoover Dam. A big concrete arch on the border of Arizona and Nevada states, it might not sound that interesting but this spot has a load of historical significance and is pretty impressive to see.

The Hoover Dam is a 700-foot tall, man-made dam that produces hydroelectric power and water. Completed in 1936, it was considered an engineering win at the time, and you can now walk over the damn via the world’s tallest concrete arch bridge. If you want to get a bit more info then you can take a construction tour of the dam and adjoining powerplant.

Bit of a niche audience but if you want to learn more about the Hoover Dam, think about joining one of the Hoover Dam information tours . 

Lake Mead to Hoover Dam time and distance: 

Directions to the Hoover Dam

Just put ‘Nevada 89005, United States’ in your Sat Nav, and it’ll give you the exact directions to the Hoover Dam.

The Hoover Dam is on the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US states of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

It’s huge, you can’t really miss it. There’ll also be plenty of signs directing you to the Hoover Dam too. 

3. Chloride, Arizona

Say hello to Arizona and a whole lot of history with a stop in the city of Chloride. As the oldest mining town in Arizona, there’s a fair bit of history and some cool things to see here, including the roadside junk art and quirky murals.

Only a few hundred people live in this place, but if you turn up on a reenactment day with mock gunfights, you’ll see a few more and get a real feel for what this town was like in its mining heyday.

Hoover Dam to Chloride time and distance: 

ACCOMMODATION IN CHLORIDE, AZ: Grand Canyon West Hotel Sheps Miners Inn

The Grand Canyon West Hotel Sheps Miners Inn is a 4-star hotel, complete with karaoke! Now that’s not something you see advertised by a hotel very often. As well as the karaoke you’ll also get the usual air-con, mountain views and Wi-Fi as standard. Stay here and there’s a children’s playground and a steakhouse onsite too.

4. Kingman, Arizona

Also known for its history as well as the hiking, Kingman is worth parking up to take a look around. Depending on how much time you have on your Grand Canyon trip, you can make this a real educational stop by hitting up the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, the Route 66 Museum and Kingman Railroad Museum.

If you’re travelling from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car, these are the kind of fun detours you can enjoy. 

If you’d prefer an alcoholic education then, granted you’re not the one at the wheel of the rental car , swing by the Cella Winery, Stetson Winery or Desert Diamond Distillery instead.

Chloride to Kingman time and distance: 

5. Alpacas of the Southwest

From Kingman you can opt to take the I-40 or Route 66. If you go for the I-40 then 14 miles east you’ll reach a ranch that’s home to 37 alpacas all waiting to be fed, petted and photographed.

For $11 per car you can get up close with a tour at the SouthWest Alpacas Farm , but be sure to put some dimes aside to purchase the essential souvenir: a pair of alpaca socks. No road trip to the Grand Canyon is complete without them.

Kingman to the alpacas time and distance: 

6. Keepers of the Wild

– Billy Connolly knows what it’s like driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon!

If instead of the I-40 you opted for Route 66, then apart from driving on one of the world’s most famous roads, you can surprisingly do a safari. Not quite what you were expecting on your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive? Me neither but Keepers of the Wild is a sanctuary for rescue animals and offers tours for $20.

While you might be imagining the usual dogs and cats scenario, instead expect to see tigers, lions, bears and wallabees.

Alpacas to Keepers of the Wild time and distance: 

READ MORE: This is one of the best US Road Trips you can go on.

Click to read my post for more!

7. Seligman, Arizona

Whether you’re driving from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas or the other way around, consider making Seligman, aka the birthplace of Route 66, your next stop.

Throwing you back to the 1950s, Seligman has retained all its otherworldly charm. In fact, if you’ve ever watched the Disney movie Cars, you’ll know exactly what to expect because rumour has it Pixar may have drawn a little inspiration from this place. A dusty desert town, there are only 500 residents so it’s really quiet meaning no queues when you grab a milkshake from the Delgadillo’s Snow Cap drive-in or a buffalo burger from the Roadkill Cafe.

Keepers of the Wild to Seligman time and distance: 

ACCOMMODATION IN SELIGMAN: The Aztec Motel & Creative Space

The Aztec Motel & Creative Space is located in beautiful Seligman, Arizona, on the Historic Route 66. It offers comfortable, modern accommodations with a retro flair. The Creative Space is a formal/informal meeting space and also ‘party hub’ where guests can chill out. The property is great for people and families on road trips, and even better for groups.

How about this for an Arizona road trip: the Phoenix to Sedona drive !

Make sure you get your travel insurance sorted before you go on a solo road trip. HeyMondo offer 24/7 worldwide assistance with travel cancellation and interruption cover. They also have tailor made policies and cover medical expenses up to $10 million. Click here and you’ll get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo.com too. Check out their App for more details. 

8. Williams, Arizona

Before you take a swift turn north for the final stretch on your journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon south rim, pull in to the town of Williams.

Calling itself the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, it marks the last part of the famous Route 66 and is again another one sending you onto what feels like a movie set, this time to the Wild West. Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, the Route 66 Zipline or a visit to the Bearizona Wildlife Park are all fun activities to do here.

Definitely one of the hotspots on the drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon!

Seligman to Williams time and distance: 

9. Kaibab National Forest

– One of the sweeter spots on the drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon

If you have a bit of time before you reach the Grand Canyon, stop off at the Kaibab National Forest. Think of the forest as a primer for the breathtaking views you’re about to see in the canyon itself.

The forest is 1.6 million acres of lush greenery making it the perfect spot for a quick hike or picnic. You can also get some great views from the Marble Viewpoint.

Williams to Kaibab time and distance: 

10. Tusayan

The closest pitstop to make from the Grand Canyon National Park is the town of Tusayan. It sits just by the south rim entrance so is a good alternative for accommodation if everything closer is fully booked.

The town itself is quite small and made up of hotels and restaurants and so while it’s not bursting with things to do, it’s a good place to consider parking and then taking the shuttle bus up to the entrance. This is a good spot on the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon if you just want somewhere to chill. 

Kaibab to Tusayan time and distance: 

ACCOMMODATION IN TUSAYAN: WANDER CAMP GRAND CANYON

The Wander Camp Grand Canyon is located in Valle Grand Canyon Junction Arizona. Tusayan is 34km from the tented camp, but it is on the way to the Grand Canyon so a great stop. And just look at how beautiful the beds and rooms are!

11. Grand Canyon

You definitely need a few days in the Grand Canyon to explore the best of the area. How about doing a Grand Canyon West Rim Skywalk while you’re there?

Alternatively, this jeep and hike tour of the Grand Canyon looks pretty sweet too. These tours are great if you want to know more about the Grand Canyon, how it came to be, and need all your weird and wonderful questions answered.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center address

If you’re wondering what to put in your Sat Nav for the Grand Canyon, here’s the Grand Canyon Visitor Center address.

20 South Entrance Road Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

ACCOMMODATION IN GRAND CANYON: ZION VIEW CAMPING

Zion View Camping has mountain views and is a stunning place to stay in the Grand Canyon. Some units feature a balcony and/or a patio with river views too. The campground offers an outdoor fireplace, which is a beautiful way to spend an evening with your fellow campers. There’s also outdoor play equipment for all to play on!

Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car

And you’ve made it! 

Fun route for travelling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car, hey?

Let me know how you get on.  

If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon, you can download the VPN for unblocked USA website to research all your route online, without any issues and obstacles. And if you are planning to work during your trip, you may also  check part-time weekend jobs in Las Vegas .

One of the best things to do between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon is to find some cool places to stay. 

12 Unique Places to Stay Near the Grand Canyon

Tents, tiny homes, glamping and sheep wagons!

READ MORE 

The best Grand Canyon day hikes for you to enjoy on Vagrants of the World. One of the best things to do from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is to get out and see the views for yourself.

Want another Vegas road trip option? How about driving from Vegas to Yosemite ?

Where to Stop Between LA and the Grand Canyon

Popular questions about driving from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

How far is grand canyon from las vegas.

It’s 253 miles from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. The drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is a 4 and a half hour trip, straight. However, I’d totally recommend you take the detours on this list to really make the most of your road trip. 

More cities near the Grand Canyon 

– Just two hours north of the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and you can visit the incredible Zion National Park. Here you can follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked.

If you look at a map you’ll see there are lots of National Parks near the Grand Canyon. If you want to extend your trip to look round these, then it’s really easy to drive there. 

Here are some of the best cities near the Grand Canyon, with their distances and timings too. I just want to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy your road trip from Las vegas to Grand Canyon, and vice versa. 

Sedona in Arizona would be my top choice, in fact, I’ve written a guide to the best things to do in Sedona here.

FAQs about Vegas to Grand Canyon Stops

1. How is the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon?

The drive is pretty easy. You’ll pass some high points but these give the best views. It’s mostly highway, and coming from England, the roads seem super wide so you’ll have plenty of space to manoeuvre. We had no problems driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, and I hope you don’t either! 

2. What are some cool things to do on drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas?  

Well, apart from all the cool stops from Vegas to Grand Canyon, you can also have fun in the car. There are loads of fun car games you can play, you can make some cool road trip playlists before you go, and you can also enjoy all the drive thrus on a road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon. The scenery from the car is worth the trip alone!

3. Is there a national park from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

Lake Mead, which happens to be the US largest reservoir, is the national park that can be passed by on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip. And hey, if it counts, Grand Canyon itself is a national park exposing a rich history of rock formation.

4. Is Las Vegas close to Grand Canyon?

The distance between Las Vegas and to Grand Canyon is over 270 miles which would take more than 4 hours to drive. With this fact, Las Vegas is not that close to the Grand Canyon but the good thing about is its road trip is worth taking!

5. Are there any tolls from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

Based on the accounts of drivers, there are no tolls between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Park fees are required though.

6. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car?

Yes, driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is worth it for the scenic route, flexibility, and potential cost savings. Make sure you take the scenic route as highlighted above!

7. What is the closest rim on a trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is the closest to Las Vegas. A trip going to this route is only over 130 miles which are estimated to be a two-and-a-half-hour drive.

8. What does a one-day trip look like on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon trip?

A one-day trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon would either have the North Rim or South rim as the destination – both routes cover 270 miles distance. Stops would usually include the Hoover Dam, Seligman, AZ Route 66, Snow Cap Drive-In, Lilo’s Cafe, and more. Learn more about these by checking the places I featured that you must visit on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon.

9. Can you do Grand Canyon in a day from Vegas?

Yes, it is possible to visit the Grand Canyon in a day from Las Vegas, but it will be a long and packed day. The South Rim, the most popular part of the Grand Canyon, is about a 4.5 to 5-hour drive from Las Vegas. You’ll need to leave early in the morning to make the most of your day at the canyon. While a day trip allows you to see some of the Grand Canyon’s highlights, keep in mind that it’s a vast natural wonder, and a longer visit would provide a more in-depth experience. Consider guided tours or helicopter flights for efficient day trips.

If you want to do it in a day, I’d recommend you join one of the Grand Canyon by helicopter tours so you can get there quicker.

More on road trips in the USA 

• Incredible Stops on an Florida Road Trip
• How to Plan an Emerald Coast Road Trip
• The Best Stops on an LA to Vegas Road Trip

Pin these Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip tips for later

Related Posts:

• 14 Amazing Stops on a Phoenix to Las Vegas Drive
• 15 Must-See Stops on Your LA to Grand Canyon Road Trip
• 10 Greatest Stops on the LA to Vegas Drive
• 7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Road Trip Budget
• Everything You Need to Know About the LA to the Bay…
• 10 Unique Ways to Spend Your Birthday in Las Vegas 

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

10 Comments

Hi, driving from Chicago to Monterey bay California, stopping by the west Grand Canyon. My question is are there any stops from Vegas that you can see the canyon but not go all the way to the sky walk entrance? Its more a time thing than price to get in. Thanks!

I’m travelling in the USA for 85 days in May to July and would love any advice going.

Grab edibles in Oklahoma!

hi, this is a great article! but the drive times appear to be blank .. is this just an error on my end?

Looking to drive from Vegas to the grand canyon

@Michelle Matuska, is there a sand rail thur grand canyon forsand buggys?

Stop in Valle at the 64/180 junction and visit Raptor Ranch and the old Bedrock City…Raptor flight demos, play in Bedrock park for a dose of nostalgia, visit the gift shop, have food at the diner…open daily …

good stuff, thanks!

Thank you we are going to take your suggestions

Great, hope you have a great time!

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8 Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip Itineraries

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of those bucket list adventures that is almost mandatory if you live in the US. It’s the fourth most-visited national park in the country, hosting over 4.5 million visitors in 2021.

And the best way to see it? Take a road trip.

The closest big airport is Phoenix, AZ and it’s 3.5 hours away. Las Vegas is 4 hours away, and in another time zone to boot. So, one way or another, you’re going to road trip to the Grand Canyon.

But the wonderful thing about the American Southwest is there are a ton of amazing national parks, monuments, forests, and historic sites to see.

So, while you’re here to see the Grand Canyon, you might as well stay a bit longer and check out some of the region’s other amazing sights.

Whether you have 3 days or 2 weeks, there’s a Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for you. Buckle up and let’s take a look!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Quick Intro to Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is appropriately named: it’s a big and awe-inspiring canyon that goes on for miles.

It’s such a fascinating piece of natural landscape that people come from all over the world to see it. Sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms, and blankets of snow all look amazing here.

But you have to see it for yourself and bask in its hugeness to really appreciate it. Photos just can’t do justice to the truly grand scale of this canyon.

While this guide is focused on Grand Canyon road trip itineraries, we’d be remiss to not give you some background information about the Grand Canyon before we start throwing out things to do and places to see in the park and nearby, like you have any idea what we’re talking about.

We’ll answer a few basic questions and get you up to speed enough to understand the itineraries.

Where is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon extends across the entirety of the northwest corner of Arizona. Much of the canyon’s 277 mile length is desolate desert.

There’s not much out here because it’s no small feat to build a bridge over a 10 mile-wide canyon with modern equipment.

Pioneers in horse-drawn wagons took one look at it and went around. We don’t blame them!

Grand Canyon National Park has two separate sections.

What many people don’t know is Grand Canyon National Park is actually split into two parts: the South Rim and the North Rim.

The South Rim is easier to get to and has more infrastructure built up, so it’s naturally the most popular.

The North Rim has a lodge and views of the same stunning canyon, looking the other direction of course, but sees just 10% of Grand Canyon visitors. Something to consider if you’re anti-crowds.

When we discuss visiting Grand Canyon in the road trip itineraries below, we are referring to the South Rim.

We will always call out the North Rim specifically as the North Rim.

Grand Canyon has a year-round free shuttle bus system.

The shuttle bus system on the South Rim is a major help for moving visitors around the park as well as reducing pollution.

Park your car once and take the shuttle bus everywhere. The only place they don’t go is along Desert View Road (the east section of the South Rim)

There are four routes: red, orange, blue, and purple. Shuttles all start very early (think 4AM in the summer) and run late (either 30 minutes after sunset or as late as 11PM).

Purple connects the town of Tusayan outside the park’s southern entrance to the central bus hub at the Visitor Center complex.

Leave your car at your hotel and take the shuttle in. Roundtrip loop is about 40 minutes, so it takes 20 minutes or so to get from town to the Visitor Center.

Blue is the park’s Village Route , connecting the Visitor Center with the park lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants in the Village and Market Plaza areas.

It’s also the connector to the Red Route from the Visitor Center. Roundtrip is 50 minutes.

The Red Route is Hermit’s Rest Road . This road is closed to private vehicles from March to November every year, so you have to take the shuttle or walk/hike/bike the sometimes paved, sometimes not Rim Trail.

This route takes 80 minutes roundtrip if you don’t get off the bus, but it also has some of the most popular overlooks and hikes in the park. Well worth the effort!

Also important to note: the eastbound Red Route bus does not stop at every overlook on the way back to the Village. Double check the schedules if you want a specific overlook.

Lastly, the Orange Route is the Kaibab Rim Route . The road up to Yaki Point is closed to private vehicles, all year round.

On Yaki Road, the South Kaibab Trailhead is the most popular trailhead in the park . Most visitors hike down to the Ooh Aah Point and turn around. Roundtrip rides on this shuttle are 50 minutes.

Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of the park, let’s get to the road trip itineraries already!

A Grand Canyon Road Trip: 8 Suggested Itineraries

The wonderful thing about road trips: there’s no one, single right way to do them.

You could follow the same route and have two very different trips, based solely on which roadside attractions you stop for, where you eat, and where you stay.

There are infinite possibilities for road trip routes to the Grand Canyon because you can start from almost anywhere, the canyon is huge, and it’s surrounded by fascinating landscapes and historical sites.

Today, we’re discussing the most popular Grand Canyon road trip routes, which generally start and end in either Las Vegas, NV or Phoenix, AZ.

We recommend a minimum of a 3 day weekend to get your money’s worth out of a Grand Canyon road trip.

But there is so much else within driving distance that you might want to extend your trip for a week or two to enjoy the area! We’ll discuss a few options for that as well.

In all cases, if you can snag a flight the night before your first day off, we highly recommend that. We call this the Day 0 trick.

It requires no extra time off and eliminates a bunch of wasted travel hours from your vacation days.

So, for the 3 day weekend example: fly out Friday night after work (Day 0), get in late Friday to Las Vegas or Phoenix, and spend the night nearby. Start your road trip as early as you want on Saturday (Day 1).

The 3 Day Weekend Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

Starting off with the fastest Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for all those travelers with limited time off.

This short and sweet road trip really only qualifies as a road trip because the park is so far from major cities and airports.

It’s a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas or a 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon.

There are tons of roadside stops and major attractions along those routes, but this 3 day weekend itinerary is all about FOCUS.

You want to see the Grand Canyon, so you’ll see the Grand Canyon.

Pro Tip : The Day 0 trick is almost mandatory for this itinerary, especially if you’re flying in from the east coast.

(Day 0: Fly in to origin in the evening)

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, eat lunch in Tusayan or the park, stop into the Visitor Center, see Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route with a hike to Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore the Red Route, drive the Grand Canyon Desert View scenic drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive back to the airport, fly home

Depending on your good fortune and flight times, you may be able to add another attraction on the third day.

If driving back to Las Vegas , consider stopping in Kingman, AZ for the Route 66 Museum, at the Hoover Dam for a photo and/or tour, or spending some time in Vegas itself.

If driving back to Phoenix , you will pass no less than 6 national monuments along the way.

We loved Walnut Canyon National Monument , a quick hour or so stop in Flagstaff to see ancient Native American cliff dwellings in the canyon walls.

5 Day Road Trip Itinerary: Grand Canyon + City Break

If you take two vacation days and add them to a 3 day weekend, you get a 5 day vacation.

This is a great way to save some PTO but go on a longer, more satisfying vacation.

Here’s how we’d suggest you break it down.

• Fly in and Explore Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Flagstaff.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, arrive no later than lunchtime, stop in the Visitor Center and see Mather Point, explore the Orange Route, and take a short hike to the Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend a full day in the park: explore the Red Route (views and hiking opportunities), drive the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Leisurely drive back to your origin city, stopping at attractions along the way.

Day 4 can be as adventurous or as laid back as you like.

Drive back to your origin city and enjoy some down time by the pool at your hotel before your busy travel day.

Las Vegas and Phoenix both have so much to do within their respective metro areas that you could easily spend another day sightseeing in each.

The route back to your origin city is guaranteed to have some interesting waypoints as well.

We strongly recommend the in-depth tour of the Hoover Dam if you’re going back to Las Vegas, and stopping in Sedona is always a good idea if you’re on the way back to Phoenix.

7 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary: See Both Rims!

So, you lucked out and have an entire week for vacation. Booyah!

Now, if you have 5 vacation days, we would always encourage you to pair that with two weekends to give yourself a 9 day vacation.

However, we realize some people prefer a day at home before and after a trip, so they have time to decompress and mentally prepare themselves to go back to their ordinary lives.

Post-vacation depression is a real thing.

So for those that need the extra couple of days, this itinerary is for you.

For this timeframe you can see both the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park and also spend a few days exploring nearby must-see sights.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, chill in the city
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, stopping along the way at Hoover Dam , the Grand Canyon Skywalk , or Kingman for the Route 66 Museum . Spend the afternoon in the park at the visitor center, Mather Point, and either the Orange Route or strolling along the Rim Trail. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Full day in Grand Canyon National Park: explore the Red Route, the Orange Route if you missed it yesterday, and the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend . Overnight in Page.
• Day trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim . Overnight in Page.
• Drive back to Las Vegas, considering a stop in Valley of Fire State Park along the way.

This itinerary works just as well if you fly into Phoenix rather than Vegas. On Day 6 you’d swap a stop in Valley of Fire for a stop in Flagstaff or Sedona.

9 Day Road Trip: So Many National Parks!

This Grand Canyon road trip itinerary is for all our fellow national park bucket list seekers!

When you’ve got a week in a new region and you really want to do some damage to your national park checklist , this is a great option.

Pro Tip : You only need 5 vacation days to go on a 9 day vacation. Use both the weekend before and the weekend after your 5 PTO days for a total of 9 days.

We’ll go ahead and warn you: this is highly ambitious and you cannot fully explore most of these parks with just one day. ( Well, maybe this one. )

But you can hit the highlights and see some pretty amazing stuff, and then plan a more in-depth trip later for your favorites.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, NV
• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight back in Vegas.
• Drive to Zion National Park (lose an hour for crossing time zones). Spend the rest of the day in the park. Drive to overnight in Bryce, UT.
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the morning (early start). Spend the afternoon in Capitol Reef National Park. Drive to overnight in Moab, UT.
• Begin the day in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky area. End the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab again.
• Drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and spend a few hours here. Drive to and through Monument Valley as leisurely as you’d like. End in Page, AZ to overnight, possibly catching Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
• See Antelope Canyon (and Horseshoe Bend if you missed it yesterday) in the morning. Drive to Grand Canyon National Park and take the Desert View Scenic Drive from the east entrance. Overnight in the park or in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park. Drive back to Las Vegas to overnight (gain an hour for crossing time zones).

All said and done, this whirlwind road trip itinerary sprints through seven national parks and three nearby attractions that aren’t national parks but still impressive must-see sights nonetheless.

Day 4 will feel rushed. We suggest doing the scenic drive and a hike or two of your choice in each park, but don’t forget the 2.5hr drive in between parks when you split your day up.

On Day 5, don’t forget that Arches National Park requires advanced timed entry tickets from early April through early October.

9 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip: A More Relaxed Loop from Las Vegas

This 9 day itinerary offers more breathing room than some of the more ambitious routes discussed, and still only requires 5 vacation days.

You’ll still see a lot, but you won’t have to get up super early and stay up late to drive to the next destination to fit it all in.

• Fly in to Las Vegas .
• Spend the morning at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the afternoon back in Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip out to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Vegas again.
• Start the day by touring Hoover Dam . Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zone change), and catch a few hours in the park exploring the visitor center and Mather Point in late afternoon. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore Grand Canyon National Park: the Red Route, the Orange Route, hike to Ooh Aah Point, take in the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, tour Antelope Canyon , and see Horseshoe Bend . Check out Lake Powell or Glen Canyon National Conservation Area if you have extra time. Overnight in Page.
• Drive to Zion National Park and spend the day in the park. Overnight in Springdale.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park (gain an hour from time zone change) and spend the day in the park. Continue on to overnight in Las Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon has a timed entry system during its peak season from October through the end of May. The entry fee is covered by the America the Beautiful Annual Pass .

Zion National Park operates a free but mandatory shuttle bus system for the inner canyon from March through November and some busy weeks/weekends. Check their website for the current shuttle schedule.

When you enter Zion on Day 7 during this timeframe, you’ll have to drive to the Visitor Center first, park, and hop a shuttle to get to trailheads for popular hikes like the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.

The Grand Circle Road Trip – 10 Day Minimum

There are so many amazing sights to see in the Arizona/Colorado/Utah region!

Getting to them all is one giant circular route through northern Arizona, the southwest corner of Colorado, and southern Utah, and it’s become known as the Grand Circle.

This is easily one of the most epic Grand Canyon road trip itineraries out there , but it does not leave a lot of extra time for exploration.

You can still do this itinerary with only 5 vacation days, but you have to pair it with a 3 day holiday weekend to get the 10 th day without using PTO.

Of course, you can extend this itinerary if you can wring a few more PTO days out of work.

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zones). Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive through Monument Valley and overnight in Cortez, CO.
• Visit Mesa Verde National Park in the morning, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument in the afternoon, and drive to Moab, UT.
• Spend the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Explore the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park, with a side trip to Dead Horse Point State Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Drive to and spend the day in Capitol Reef National Park. Afterward, drive to and overnight in Bryce.
• Spend a full day in Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to and overnight in Springdale.
• Explore Zion National Park. Drive to and overnight in St George.
• Drive to Las Vegas (gain an hour for time zone change). Fly home.

The itinerary above is the basic Grand Circle, but if you’ve got the time, it’s easy to add on several more parks.

Death Valley National Park is within driving distance of Las Vegas. Petrified Forest National Park could be added between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Both Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park could be added in Colorado before heading to Moab.

Don’t forget the national monuments and other historic sites! There are a ton of these, as well as state parks, that you’ll likely pass on your way to the other parks.

We loved our morning adventure in Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff and an afternoon exploring Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas.

10 Day Southwest Road Trip from Las Vegas

Heavy on national parks, this southwest road trip itinerary uses the Day 0 trick to allow for two full days in one of the national parks. (We chose Zion in the example.)

Feel free to shift the itinerary to spend two days in whichever park you choose.

(Day 0: Fly into Las Vegas)

• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just 30 minutes from downtown Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park and spend the day here (bring a lunch!). Drive up to Springdale late afternoon/evening (lose an hour to time zone change). Overnight in Springdale.
• First full day in Zion National Park: Hike Angel’s Landing. Overnight in Springdale.
• Second full day in Zion National Park: Hike the Narrows. Drive up and stay in Bryce tonight.
• Spend a full day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to Page to overnight.
• Tour Antelope Canyon and see Horseshoe Bend in the morning. Grab an early lunch in Page before driving to the Grand Canyon North Rim for the afternoon. Drive back to overnight in Page.
• Drive to and spend a full day exploring Grand Canyon National Park. Overnight in Tusayan or Williams.
• Drive to the Hoover Dam and take a tour. Optional stop at the Grand Canyon Skywalk along the way. (Gain an hour from time zone change.) Overnight in Las Vegas.

Remember that Red Rock Canyon has timed entry in the winter, and Zion has mandatory shuttles from March to November.

As of 2022, the Angel’s Landing hike requires a permit to hike the portion from Scout Lookout up to Angel’s Landing. It’s incredibly popular and done by lottery, so may the odds be ever in your favor.

10 Day Arizona Highlights Road Trip

Arizona just has so much to see! This road trip itinerary focuses solely on Arizona sights.

Phoenix and its neighboring cities create a ginormous urban area that has quite a lot to explore. You won’t get to all of it in one day, but there is decent and affordable public transit to get around.

• Fly in to Phoenix
• Explore Phoenix and its huge urban area, including Tempe and Scottsdale.
• Day trip to Tucson to see Saguaro National Park. Drive back to Phoenix to overnight.
• Drive to Sedona and spend the day hiking and exploring. Overnight in Flagstaff.
• Day trip to Petrified Forest National Park. Overnight back in Flagstaff.
• Start the day at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Drive to Page. Tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. Overnight in Page.
• Day trip out to Monument Valley . Overnight back in Page.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park. Enter via the Desert View scenic drive, stop at the visitor center and Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park, exploring the Red Route. Drive back to and overnight in Phoenix.

What’s life without options? In this instance, you could swap the second day in Grand Canyon for a second day in Sedona.

Hiking in Grand Canyon is not for everyone, so your time may be better spent hiking in Sedona.

Which Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary is Right for You?

At this point, you might be a bit overwhelmed. You want to do all the things, but you’re a responsible adult that has bills to pay and mouths to feed (even if it’s just you and your dog).

Here are the top 3 excuses we often hear for staying in analysis paralysis and not choosing an itinerary.

Excuse #1: “I don’t have enough PTO for this.”

Remember: you can do a Grand Canyon road trip with just a 3 day weekend, no PTO required!

Even if you live on the east coast of the US and have to fly out to Arizona first.

East coasters have the time zone advantage when flying east to west, even without nonstop direct flights.

Flights leave at like 6PM and arrive in Las Vegas at midnight, or if you’re an early bird, leave at 6AM and get in by noon.

That means you could leave Friday after work, arrive in Vegas Friday night to sleep, and then have a full Saturday and Sunday to road trip before heading back Sunday night or Monday morning to Vegas and catching a midday flight home on Monday.

The time zone difference on the way back to the east coast is annoying, but you should be able to catch a noon flight in Vegas and arrive at your home airport by mid-evening.

Excuse #2: “This sounds expensive.”

This excuse irks me. It sounds expensive?

Have you even tried to price it out first, or are you just going back to the safety of your I-can’t-afford-anything-so-I-won’t-try-to-afford-anything-but-I’ll-still-complain-about-it life?

Of course, we understand that having the funds to travel is a privilege, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have the funds or access to travel. That’s not what we’re arguing here.

This excuse is almost always thrown out by people that actually do have some extra income; they just have no idea how to budget or no discipline to save.

Travel is about priorities. You have to prioritize it and then budget for it. It’s not just gonna happen if you don’t plan it.

Yes, it’s going to take some longer than others to save up for it, but there are plenty of travel options to make trips more affordable, if you plan them right.

Excuse #3: “This sounds too complicated.”

Maybe it’s not the PTO or the expense. Maybe you’re just intimidated by the number of stops on the itinerary, having to coordinate it all yourself.

You can do hard things! ( Read that again .)

Choose your favorite itinerary above, and the bulk of the planning is already done.

Now all you have to do is plug-and-play by choosing flights and a hotel or campground in each overnight spot.

Organizing isn’t your forte? No problem. I’m a pro at it, and I have this amazing trip organizer that will keep it all straight for you. ⬇️⬇️

I Found My Perfect Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary! Now What?

Congrats! The hard part is over. Now it’s simple plug and play.

Pick your dates, book your flights and rental car, and choose your hotels in the cities noted on your itinerary.

It really is that easy!

Now that you’ve got the base itinerary, here are some in-depth guides for destinations mentioned.

• Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which is the Best?
• See Everything in Bryce Canyon National Park in One Day
• Where to Stay near Zion National Park
• Everything You Need to Know to See Horseshoe Bend

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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Road Trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Arizona | Grand Canyon | Road Trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

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For the ultimate American West adventure, consider a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon . In less than a week, you can see some of the most incredible natural wonders in the country and the entertainment mecca of Sin City.

Visiting the Grand Canyon is something that you should do at least once. Its grandeur is almost unbelievable, and this famous landmark is just a few hours from Vegas. So, if you rent a car in Las Vegas , you can drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon and see some iconic places along the way. We used Travellers Autobarn to rent a campervan in Las Vegas for this itinerary and it was an experience of a lifetime!

• Route summary
• Best stops between Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip itinerary

In this guide, I’ll share my recommended route summary and travel tips. You’ll also see how far the Grand Canyon is from Las Vegas and my downloadable map. Plus, some of our favorite places in the country are near the Grand Canyon, so keep reading to see our road trip itinerary!

Also, check our guide on the best road trips from Las Vegas if you want more ideas.

The Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip

Check out the best route from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and how much time you’ll need for your trip .

Route Summary

Time recommended.

If you’re wondering how long the drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon takes, it depends. To visit all four rims of the Grand Canyon, we recommend 6 days.

However, if you have less time, you can skip some stops or go straight to the West Rim (the closest section to Las Vegas). In fact, many Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas do this, even if the West Rim isn’t within the National Park limits .

Best stops from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car

Below, you can find the best places to stop between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon . Read a bit about each stop and decide which ones you want to visit during your road trip.

Boulder City

About 45 minutes from the Strip, Boulder City is one of the first stops between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon . This historic city originally housed the construction crew that worked on the Hoover Dam. Today, it offers dining, shopping, and tourist attractions like the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum , the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum , and the Alan Bible Botanical Garden .

Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

While you’re in Boulder City, you must visit the Hoover Dam . As one of the most impressive and historical places near Las Vegas , I recommend it for any road trip.

You can learn more about this landmark at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center . There are also great lookouts, like the Hoover Dam Bridge , where you can capture amazing photos.

Moreover, the dam’s construction led to the creation of Lake Mead , a large reservoir with swimming beaches, water sports, and campsites. They’re scattered throughout the Lake Mead National Recreation Area .

Grand Canyon West Rim

For this road trip, I recommend driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim . This rim is closest to Vegas and is just 118 miles away. It’s technically not part of the Grand Canyon National Park but managed by the Hualapai tribe instead.

While you’ll have to pay an extra fee to access the West Rim, it’s worth it for the views. This is also where you can find the Skywalk , a floating glass walkway that hangs over the canyon’s edge.

Route 66: Kingman to Seligman

Our Las Vegas – Grand Canyon road trip itinerary takes you along Route 66 , specifically the 87-mile stretch between Kingman and Seligman , Arizona.

Approaching Kingman, you’ll find attractions like the  Historic Route 66 Museum , the  Mohave Museum , and the old  Kingman Railroad Station . Seligman is an old railroad town known today as the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66.” Between these two charming villages, you’ll pass through smaller communities like Peach Springs , which serves as the Hualapai Tribe headquarters. 

Grand Canyon South Rim National Park

The driving distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim is much longer than the West Rim. However, I really recommend including it in your road trip from Las Vegas if you have the time. This is the most beautiful (and popular) section within Grand Canyon National Park.

At the South Rim or Grand Canyon Village , you’ll find hotels, shops, and restaurants. From here, you can take a free shuttle to the most popular viewpoints in the park, including Yavapai Point , Mather Point , Yaki Point , Maricopa Point , Mohave Point , and Pima Point . The extrenuos South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail take you to the bottom of the canyon, and the Rim Trail is good for families and those with less time.

Grand Canyon East Rim National Park

Continue your drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon East Rim . This area is part of the South Rim, but it’s less crowded. If you travel along Desert View Drive , you can get pristine canyon views from Navajo Point , Lipan Point , Moran Point , and Grandview Point .

From the Desert View lookout , you can see the Colorado River and an Indian watchtower. The East Rim is also home to the Tusayan Ruins & Museum .

• Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Another benefit of traveling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car is that you can add a stop at Antelope Canyon . Your jaw will drop the moment you see the smooth, snaking walls and brilliant pinks and whites. Here, you can take a tour through the Lower or Upper Canyon and see the famous light beams.

While you’re there, you should also visit Horseshoe Bend , a 984-foot precipice overlooking the Colorado River.

• Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Along the border of Utah and Arizona, near Page, you can see the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument . You can follow the highway along the base of the cliffs and take in the magnitude of this geological wonder.

One part of the monument, White Pocket , is one of the best places to visit in Utah , especially for photographers, but there are many others, such as the Coyote Buttes (you will need to win a lottery if you want to visit the world-famous Wave), the Toadstool Hoodoos , and  Buckskin Gulch . 

Grand Canyon North Rim National Park

As you make your way out of the Vermilion Cliffs, you’ll enter the Grand Canyon North Rim . It’s less crowded but also less accessible and only open from mid-May to mid-October. Even so, it offers beautiful lookouts like Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal . We have a full guide with all the cool things to do at the Grand Canyon North Rim .

• Zion National Park

Less than three hours from the North Rim is Zion National Park . Cross back into Utah and explore this vast area full of hikes, overlooks, and impressive rock formations. We have a complete guide to visiting Zion to help you choose which sights to see.

Valley of Fire State Park

As you circle back to Las Vegas, make a stop at the Valley of Fire . This gorgeous state park is a unique landscape of fiery sandstone structures, scenic hiking trails, and colorful vistas. It’s truly the icing on the cake for this Las Vegas – Grand Canyon road trip !

Now that you know about the best things to do between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas , here is a breakdown of what to do for each day on this 6-day itinerary!

Day 1 - Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim

130 miles and 2 hrs, 30 mins.

As you embark on your Las Vegas road trip to the Grand Canyon , make your first pitstop in Boulder City . It’s less than an hour from Vegas, and it’s home to the famous Hoover Dam .

It’s worth seeing this engineering marvel up close, either from the viewpoint at the Visitor Center or from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge . As you take in the amazing vista, you’ll see Lake Mead , the massive reservoir created by the dam.

You can also visit the Lake Mead National Recreation Area , where you’ll find beaches, marinas, and watersports. Get some fresh air before jumping back in the car and continuing to the Grand Canyon West Rim, where you’ll spend the night.

• Recommended accommodations: Hualapai Lodge or consult our guide on where to stay in the Grand Canyon

Day 2 - Grand Canyon West Rim to Grand canyon South Rim

230 miles and 4 hrs, 5 mins.

Wake up early to make the most of your day at the Grand Canyon West Rim . If you really want to do something memorable, take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour and see the canyon from above. We loved the flight we took , which landed at the bottom of the canyon, but there are other options, as you can see in our guide.

Besides a heli-tour, you can explore the West Rim’s hiking trails and overlooks. At Eagle Point , you can see the authentic Native American community of the Hualapai tribe. Meanwhile, Guano Point has one of the most impressive panoramic views in the park. You may also like the Skywalk , a glass bridge that hangs over the edge of the West Rim.

After spending the day here, it’s time to hit the road again. For this Vegas road trip to the Grand Canyon , I recommend taking Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman . Along this historic highway, you’ll see fun roadside attractions and pass through the Hualapai tribe headquarters of Peach Springs . Once you arrive at the South Rim , you can stay in Grand Canyon Village or a nearby hotel.

• Recommended accommodations: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn or see our guide on where to stay in the Grand Canyon

Day 3 - Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, Arizona

155 miles and 3 hrs.

Day 3 begins at the South Rim , also known as Grand Canyon Village . This is the most popular part of the national park, thanks to its stunning lookouts and hiking trails. It’s also where most of the hotels and tourist facilities are located.

Most of the top viewpoints are at the South Rim, so take your time to explore. Yavapai Point , Yaki Point , Maricopa Point , and Hopi Point are just a few ideas. The South Rim is also where the famous Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails begin.

While you’re visiting this area, take some time to explore the East Rim , too. You can travel along the scenic Desert View Drive and see less-crowded lookouts like Navajo Point , Lipan Point , Moran Point , and Grandview Point .

Later, it’s time to travel to Horseshoe Bend , an imposing meander on the Colorado River. This horseshoe-shaped landmass is especially beautiful at sunset when the sun descends into the horizon. The attraction is in Page, Arizona , where you’ll spend the night.

• Recommended accommodations: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson or consult our guide on where to stay in Page, Arizona

Day 4 - Page, Arizona to Kanab, Utah

Horseshoe Bend is a very short drive from Antelope Canyon , so you’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring this spectacular place. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon that boasts vibrant shades of pink, red, and purple, depending on the time of day.

The canyon is on Navajo land, so if you want to walk among the undulating walls, you’ll need to book a tour. The Lower Canyon is typically less crowded and cheaper, while the Upper Canyon offers more photogenic scenery.

Afterward, continue your Vegas – Grand Canyon road trip by driving to Kanab, Utah . There are some cool places to see along the way, although you’ll only have time to explore one, if any, during a 6-day road trip. With more time you want to make sure you check out White Pocket at the Vermilion Cliffs. Other sights on the way include Alstrom Point , Coyote Buttes (where the famous Wave is located), Wahwap Hoodoos , Toadstool Hoodoos , and Buckskin Gulch . Keep in mind that to visit some of these sights you will need a permit or booking or planning well in advance.

• Recommended accommodations:  La Quinta by Wyndham Kanab

Day 5 - Kanab, Utah to Zion Canyon

180 miles and 3 hrs, 40 mins.

The penultimate day of this road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is when you’ll visit the Grand Canyon North Rim . Remember, the North Rim is only open from mid-May to mid-October, and while it has fewer tourists, it also has fewer viewpoints.

That said, there are some pretty overlooks you can check out, like Imperial Point , Cape Royal , Roosevelt Point , and Walhalla Overlook . You can also explore the North Kaibab Trail by descending the canyon and following the path to the South Rim. From there, you can take the Trans-Canyon Shuttle back to the North Rim, but you will need to book around 3 days for doing this and be in very good shape.

When you’re done at the North Rim, drive to Zion National Park , where you can settle in for the night.

• Recommended accommodations: Zion Canyon Lodge or consult our guide on where to stay in Zion

Day 6 - Zion Canyon to Las Vegas

190 miles and 3 hrs, 30 mins.

As you do the last stretch, first explore Zion National Park , one of the best national parks near Las Vegas . Here, you can get some movement and take in the most majestic scenery.

The Narrows hiking route runs through the Virgin River Gorge , while the Angels Landing Trail takes you to an incredible 360° lookout. The Lower Emerald Pools route is a family-friendly hike that leads to different waterfalls. Zion also has interesting formations like Weeping Rock and Court of the Patriarchs , so be sure to check our article for more ideas!

The last stop on this Las Vegas – Grand Canyon road trip itinerary is the Valley of Fire . You won’t want to miss this National Natural Landmark because not only is it close to Vegas, but it also has dozens of things to see.

For example, among the hikes at Valley of Fire , the Fire Wave is the most popular. You could also check out the Rainbow Vista and Pink Canyon , two other gorgeous attractions. I recommend driving down Mouse’s Tank Road to see the famous petroglyphs and structures like Arch Rock , Elephant Rock , the Beehives , Balanced Rock , and the Seven Sisters .

From the Valley of Fire, you’re less than an hour from Sin City, so once you get to Vegas, crash at one of the top resorts on the Strip . You made it!

• Recommended accommodations: Stay at any of the best hotels in Las Vegas and recuperate!

How far is the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

The driving distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon depends on which part you visit. You could do a loop to each of the rims, like in this Las Vegas – Grand Canyon road trip itinerary , or you can go directly to one of the rims. Here is the distance and driving time for each option.

Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim

It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim . The total driving distance is 118 miles.

Driving distance from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim

The driving distance from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim is 280 miles. It takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to drive this route.

Road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim

If you want to take a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon North Rim , it’ll take 4 hours and 30 minutes. The total driving distance is 270 miles.

Please be aware that times can increase if you rent an RV in Las Vegas for this trip.

FAQ – Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip

Here are the answers to some common questions about traveling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car .

How long is the drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

The drive time to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas ranges from 2.5 hours to 4.5 hours, depending on which rim you visit.

How many miles from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

The  driving distances from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon  are:

• 118 miles to the West Rim
• 280 miles to the South Rim
• 270 miles to the North Rim

How to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

My first recommendation is to take a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car. However, if you don’t want to rent a car in Vegas , you can take one of these Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas .

What are the most important stops between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas?

There are some awesome places to stop between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon :

• Boulder City, Hoover Dam & Lake Mead
• Route 66, Kingman & Seligman
• Valley of Fire

I hope you enjoy this Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon road trip itinerary ! I also have a map to help you plan your route to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas .

This trip is truly a wonderful experience, so if you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. Happy trails!

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2 replies on “ Road Trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park ”

Thank you for your in-depth guide. I have done the South and West rims but at different times. I have friends coming from Canada in October and am looking for guidance because they also want to visit Vegas!

This site was extremely helpful.

Hi Angell, Thank you! I suggest reading our article about Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas . This could be a good way to see the Canyon and Vegas in a shorter period of time. Let me know what you think! 🙂

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Planning a Road Trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

· how to road trip from las vegas to the grand canyon, including the best places to stop, how long the drive takes, and our tips for a safe and enjoyable trip ·.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most marvelous things I have ever seen. You can’t begin to fathom how big it is until you are standing right next to it – the views are insane!

While the Grand Canyon is an incredible, bucket list destination, it is definitely not convenient to get to. The closest cities to the Grand Canyon are Phoenix (3.5 hours) and Las Vegas (4.5 hours). Both of these are definitely not quick drives.

However, the drive from Las Vegas is especially fun and beautiful due to the striking natural landscapes, the potential sunrise, and driving on the Main Street of America, Route 66. Not to mention Las Vegas is an incredible place to visit!

This guide will break down everything you need to know about planning a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

Why Drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas instead of Phoenix?

Don’t get me wrong. Both drives are fantastic and will have good views, and the drive from Phoenix is definitely shorter. However, there are two main reasons why to drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas instead of Phoenix.

Firstly, the sunrise. If you’re going to drive to the Grand Canyon from either of these cities, you’ll want to leave very early. The drive is long from both places and you’ll want as much time as possible at the canyon if you’re only going for a day trip.

When you drive from Las Vegas you drive eastward and get a straight-on view of the magnificent sunrise over the mountains of Arizona. When you drive from Phoenix, you drive north, putting the sunrise on the passenger side of the car and taking views away from the other half.

Secondly, when driving to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas you get to drive along Route 66 , one of the most iconic roads in the United States. If you drive from Phoenix you would need to go out of your way to get to Route 66, while driving from Las Vegas naturally goes through Route 66 and passes through several small, quaint towns.

Driving along part of Route 66 was one of our favorite parts of the road trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

How Long Does the Road Trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Take?

The Grand Canyon has many different visiting areas that are very far apart. When most people think of the Grand Canyon, they think of the South Rim. This is the part that I reference throughout this blog post.

Depending on traffic and how much of a lead foot you have, the drive with no stops takes anywhere from 4 to 5 hours.

We left at 4:00am from Las Vegas so that we would be heading eastward over the mountains in time for the sunrise, and we encountered no traffic at all on the whole drive. Had we not stopped several times to take in the views and explore the small towns, the drive would’ve been just over 4 hours.

We took our time with the drive, made several stops, sat down for breakfast, and refilled on gas, and our total drive time was about 6.5 hours. The stops were great and we easily could have spent more time had we left later, but most places along Route 66 were still closed as we passed them.

Where to Stop on the Road Trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

As I’ve mentioned already in this post, the drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is filled with cool things that you can choose to do. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it will contain some of the things we did and loved or that we wanted to do but didn’t have time for.

1. Eat Breakfast at the Roadkill Cafe

First things first, it doesn’t need to be breakfast – this place serves all three meals and also has a saloon bar, and everything is incredible. We went for breakfast right as they opened at 8:00 and were so happy that we did.

The names of the food, as you might expect from the name of the place, are all roadkill themed. It’s kind of morbid but it has a really unique charm to it.

We got the whole gamut, from burritos, to French toast, to biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and more. One of our friends who is a huge fan of hash browns will proudly tell you that the hash browns at the Roadkill Cafe are the best hash browns in the world! The Roadkill Cafe is located in Seligman, Arizona right along Route 66 and is an absolute must-do on the road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

2. Take a Picture at the Big Route 66 Sign

In an Instagram-influenced attempt to attract tourism, giant Route 66 signs have been put up at various points all along Route 66 in Arizona. While this isn’t something that takes a lot of time, it is definitely a cute memory to have of your road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

You’ll see them scattered all along Route 66, but conveniently there is one located right across from the Roadkill Cafe. Talk about killing two birds with one…car?

3. Shop at the Hackberry General Store

While it is definitely novel, the Hackberry General Store definitely has a certain charm to it. This little shop is completely Route 66-themed and you can find just about any kind of souvenir that you want inside. I’d recommend grabbing a Route 66 brand soft drink to sip along the rest of the way!

4. Admire the Engineering Marvel That Is Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam is absolutely huge, and fittingly it created the largest man-made lake in the United States, Lake Mead. When it was built in the 1930s, it was the tallest dam in the world.

While that isn’t the case anymore, it is still extremely impressive and provides a ton of hydroelectricity to the region. This stop is very close to Las Vegas – less than an hour – and makes a great stop on the way back from the Grand Canyon.

If you’re trying to catch the sunrise, Hoover Dam will still be closed. For information on visiting, check out the official website .

5. Learn Some Local History in the Museums in Kingman

Kingman, Arizona is the first town – and by far the biggest – that you’ll hit on Route 66. It is actually the point that you switch highways to get onto Route 66. This town has a lot to do and a lot of unique history to it, but what I would recommend most is checking out the different museums that it has to offer.

I highly recommend checking out the Mohave Museum of History and Arts , the Route 66 Museum , and the Kingman Railroad Museum . The Mohave Museum of History and Arts is especially interesting, as it contains a really cool exhibit on the Hualapai Tribe.

Final Tips for Planning a Road Trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

The road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is fairly long, but it’s really easy and straightforward. However, I have two tips for you to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Don’t Drive Too Quickly

Firstly, don’t drive too fast. Route 66 especially seems like a great place to test out your car’s top speed, but I’d really caution against that. The road is very straight and in good shape, but it’s also prone to screws and nails and you could very easily blow a tire.

Additionally, part of the drive passes through a Native American reservation, and their tribal authority has full autonomy within the reservation’s limits. I’ve heard that some Native American tribes take speeding much more seriously, so you may be more likely to get a speeding ticket there.

Take Your Time And Enjoy The Drive

Secondly, coinciding nicely with my first tip, take your time and enjoy the drive. So many people rush through a drive to get to their destination. Don’t get me wrong, the Grand Canyon is incredible and will be the highlight of the trip, but skipping out on the great viewpoints, towns, restaurants, and other stops along the way really robs you of a special experience.

Relax, drive leisurely, and soak in all of the natural, raw beauty of the American southwest. You won’t regret it! The landscapes change drastically very quickly, and I was constantly amazed at how different one 5-mile stretch could look from the next.

That’s all we have for you about planning a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon! Hopefully, this blog post helps you to plan the perfect road trip to one of America’s greatest natural wonders. If you’re looking to plan another road trip out west any time soon, I highly recommend driving down Route 1 along the California Coast from San Francisco to San Diego.

If you’re planning a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, comment below ! We’d love to chat ahead of time and answer any questions you have.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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The Grand Canyon is on many peoples bucket list and a lot of people visit it as a day trip from Las Vegas. But, there is so much more to explore in the area, from man-made wonders to spectacular natural scenery and once in a lifetime adventures that we wanted to see more. So we put together this seven-day road trip that encircles the Grand Canyon and takes in a multitude of amazing places to see.

This suggested (and tested!) itinerary will help you get the most of this wonderful part of Arizona and Nevada. You’ll drive completely around the Grand Canyon, take a helicopter to the top of a butte, gaze at amazing scenery from the Grand Canyon to Sedona and even drive on a section of the famous Route 66.

Want to save this for later? Click the Pinterest button on the left for a pinnable image!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure policy here .

To enjoy this itinerary you will need your own vehicle, it is not possible to do this trip otherwise. By having your own car you can explore at your own pace, make alterations to the itinerary to suit your requirements or just suddenly decide to stop and explore something you see on your travels.

So let’s hop in the car and take a 7-day road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and beyond!

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP OVERVIEW

• Travel to Las Vegas
• DAY 1 : Drive the Strip  |  Scenic Drive Across Northwestern Arizona |  Scenic Drive from Kanab/Fredonia to Page  |  Glen Canyon Dam
• DAY 2 : Tower Butte  |  Antelope Canyon  |  Horseshoe Bend  |  Grand Canyon
• DAY 3 : Scenic Drive from Flagstaff through Sedona  |  Montezuma Castle  |  Bell Rock  |  Chapel of the Holy Cross  |  Airport Overlook  |  Unique McDonalds  |  Meteor Crater  |  Lowell Observatory
• DAY 4 : Drive Route 66  |  Seligman  |  Grand Canyon Caverns  |  London Bridge
• DAY 5 : Grand Canyon West  |  Skywalk  |  Hoover Dam
• DAY 6 : Las Vegas Sign  |  Explore the Las Vegas Strip
• DAY 7 : Valley of Fire State Park  |  National Atomic Testing Museum  |  Pinball Hall of Fame  |  Ethel M Chocolates
• Travel Home from Las Vegas

Click the link on the “DAY” to quickly jump to that section of this itinerary.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP MAP

Please feel free to download this map for your personal use when planning your trip.

To download this Google Map, click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. 

We use these maps in the planning stage of creating all our itineraries as you can set out your plan in advance and then quickly reference these maps through the planning process.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: DAY 1

Las vegas to page.

Drive the Strip  |  Scenic Drive Across Northwestern Arizona |  Scenic Drive from Kanab/Fredonia to Page  |  Glen Canyon Dam

We’ll explore more of Las Vegas later in the trip, but it’s worth driving north out of the city along the famous strip. You can get your first glimpse of the elaborate hotels, landmarks and gimmicks that are designed to draw you in and gamble.

With Las Vegas behind you, you quickly enter the desert landscape of Nevada towards Arizona. The relatively short trip across northwest Arizona will take you through the mountainous country where it looks as if the road must just end. There doesn’t appear at times to be a path the road can take through the hills. The road curves through the mountains along the rough path of Virgin River allowing you to enjoy some impressive scenery.

Entering Utah for the first time today you’ll pass through St George before heading back south and into Arizona once more. Once you arrive at Fredonia you can choose whether to take US-89 or US-89A to Page. Both are scenic drives, so which you take is up to you. If you are short of time, US-89 is quicker. It takes you back into Utah and across the bottom of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

If you choose US-89A, you’ll stay in Arizona and head across the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and Marble Canyon where you can see Navajo Bridge and see the Colorado River which carved the Grand Canyon over the millennia. If you want to add a trip to the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon, you would use 89A and head south from Jacob’s Lake.

On US-89 you will cross Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, and if you choose US-89A it is worth backtracking along US-89 from Page to visit here. You can pull over at one side of the bridge and walk back across in order to take in the impressive view of Glen Canyon Dam which holds back Lake Powell and uses it to generate electricity.  

WHERE TO STAY IN PAGE

RECOMMENDED : 2 Bedroom Townhouse (Airbnb) in Page

We found this house to be a comfortable place to stay with lots of space. It’s really well-located in Page and though we only stayed a single night would have no hesitation in recommending it.

You can check out these alternative  Airbnbs in Page  or here are some ideas for  hotels in Page if you’d prefer that instead.

NEW TO AIRBNB?  Click for a discount on your first booking when you sign up for a new account.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: DAY 2

Page to flagstaff.

Tower Butte  |  Antelope Canyon  |  Horseshoe Bend  |  Grand Canyon

The second day of your trip will find you up early to begin a day of seeing mother nature at it’s incredible best. The first stop is a once in a lifetime adventure to the top of Tower Butte . Only accessible by helicopter, unless you are a very skilled climber, the butte juts up almost vertically from the desert floor. This trip begins from Page Airport where you’ll meet your pilot and go through a safety briefing. You then board the helicopter for a trip across Lake Powell and up to Tower Butte . The pilot will land the helicopter so you can get out and explore the area and take in the breathtaking views. It really does feel like you are on top of the world.

If Tower Butte doesn’t appeal, then check out these other great options from Page .

Having started the day with such an adventure, thankfully the rest of the stops don’t disappoint! The next stop is to take a trip to Antelope Canyon , a slot canyon on native Navajo land just outside Page. Tours begin from offices within Page and they take you out to the canyon in small groups. Your guide will walk you the length of the slot canyon and point out interesting shapes and images that the wind and water have marked in the rocks.

Heading south out of Page, it’s worth stopping at one of the most photographed things in the area, Horseshoe Bend . This natural formation on the Colorado river is worth the walk, out from the parking lot to see. The dramatic juxtaposition of the calm looking water with the knowledge that it carved this canyon over thousands of years is thought-provoking.

After three beautiful wonders of nature, it’s time to head to the biggest in the area, the Grand Canyon. Once you’ve entered Grand Canyon National Park your first stop should be at Desert View Watchtower . Here you can see a fantastic view of the canyon, up the Colorado River ahead of you and down to the left. Climbing the watchtower takes you 80ft (21 m) higher and offers panoramic views of the area.

A short distance west is Tusayan Ruin and Museum which is the remains of a small Ancestral Puebloan village. The design of the desert watchtower is in the style of Ancestral Puebloan. You can visit the small museum and walk the short trail around what is left of the village.

Continuing along the Canyon edge road US-64, there are many places you can stop to take in more views of the canyon. We’ve marked the ones we stopped at on the map which are Grandview Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Point, Maricopa Point, Mohave Point and Hermit’s Rest. The last three are beyond Grand Canyon Village and can only be accessed by the shuttle buses during high season which run regularly between the village and Hermit’s Rest.

If you can stay at the canyon for sunset, then we recommend Hopi Point. Here you’ll have excellent views to the west to watch the sun fall below the horizon and see the many changing colours of the canyon as the light fades.  

WHERE TO STAY IN FLAGSTAFF FOR TWO NIGHTS

Unfortunately, the lovely self-contained apartment in the host’s house we stayed at in Flagstaff isn’t available on Airbnb anymore so we don’t have any personal recommendations for Flagstaff.

You can check out these alternative  Airbnbs in Flagstaff  or here are some ideas for  hotels in Flagstaff if you’d prefer that instead.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: DAY 3

Flagstaff to sedona.

Scenic Drive from Flagstaff through Sedona  |  Montezuma Castle  |  Bell Rock  |  Chapel of the Holy Cross  |  Airport Overlook  |  Unique McDonalds  |  Meteor Crater  |  Lowell Observatory

The first stop today is the furthest south, so you can get there more quickly by using I-17 and just coming back on AZ-179 and AZ-89A, but we recommend using the smaller roads both ways and enjoying the more scenic drive. You can make a brief stop at Oak Creek Vista to look over the valley you are about to visit if you wish. Then return to your vehicle and descend rapidly through multiple sharp turns and hairpins to the valley floor. You follow the valley down through Sedona and it’s stunning red rock scenery before briefly joining I-17 to get to Montezuma Castle .

Montezuma Castle is an 800-year-old “apartment-complex” set high up in the cliffs and was inhabited by people called Sinagua.  The castle was one of the original four national monuments of the USA under the Antiquities Act such is its historic importance. The homes have survived so well due to their protection from the elements and the visitors centre even asks “Will your home look this good in 800 years?”. You can’t enter what remains of the houses today, only view them from the trail at ground level.

Heading back north towards Sedona, a popular tourist stop is Bell Rock. This butte is believed by some to have a high concentration of spiritual energy and has become a place of meditation. The next stop on the itinerary is also a place where people can meditate, even if you aren’t religious, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is worth visiting. The building appears to almost rise from the surrounding rocks, with a giant cross on the front, which is both aesthetic and structural. The views of the red rocks from the windows and the sunlight streaming through the stained glass are quite beautiful.

If you aren’t tired of the views of the amazing red rock scenery, then a stop at the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout gives you a view across Sedona and to the beautiful red rock backdrop behind it from a great vantage point. Heading down into Sedona itself, we had to make a quick stop at a unique Mcdonalds . Sedona has strict rules for buildings and can veto anything they think doesn’t fit in with the surroundings. So when McDonald’s wanted to build a restaurant, they were told the famous yellow of their arches was unacceptable. So this McDonalds has turquoise arches instead!

After enjoying the scenic drive back towards Flagstaff, the next stop on the itinerary is a meteor crater . Though basically just a big hole in the ground, it’s quite amazing to imagine the impact required to make this big a dent in the surface of the Earth. The impact happened 50,000 years ago and the crater today is one of the best-preserved impact craters anywhere. The meteorite that created the crater is thought to have been about 150 ft (45 m) across and created a crater almost a mile (1.6 km) across and 550 ft (167 m) deep!

The final stop on today’s itinerary is an evening stop at one of the oldest observatories in the US, Lowell Observatory . Opened in 1894 and famous for discovering Pluto a visit to the observatory allows you to learn more about the solar system and universe, but also take a peek through some of their telescopes. On the day we visited we were able to view the Andromeda galaxy which is about 2.5 million light-years from Earth. To think that the light you are seeing left the stars of another galaxy over 2.5 million years ago is quite amazing.

After a long day sight-seeing, it’s time to return to your accommodation in Flagstaff for another night.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: DAY 4

Flagstaff to dolan springs.

Drive Route 66  |  Seligman  |  Grand Canyon Caverns  |  London Bridge

Heading west out of Flagstaff it’s time to drive a part of the Mother Road, the iconic Route 66. One of the original US highways and the first to be completely paved, it gained cult status with references in hit songs and a tv series. Though no longer part of the US Highway system, the roads fame has kept parts of the route, that originally ran from Chicago to Santa Monica, alive.

The small town of Seligman is a great place to stop and drink in the nostalgia of Route 66. Once on the primary route west in the area, it is now bypassed by I-40 and hence passing trade has fallen dramatically. The small town offers food and beverages, a well-stocked gift shop and lots of memorabilia from the glory days of Route 66. Keep an eye out for Delgadillo’s Snowcap car with its funky decorations which include a Christmas tree on the back! As you continue on Route 66, you’ll see some of the old Burma-Shave advertising signs which told a short tale or joke across several signs.

A great stop on this part of Route 66 is Grand Canyon Caverns . These are among the largest dry caverns in the USA and because they are dry don’t feature the stalactites and stalagmites of the more common wet caverns. The caverns offer several different tours depending on how much time you want to spend and how deeply you want to explore the caverns.

The regular tour that we took takes about 45 minutes and visits the main areas of the caverns. You’ll see the stores that were placed here for when it was intended to be a fallout shelter, the suite which you can book to stay in overnight and the many varied rock formations that were created millions of years ago.

Leaving the caverns, it’s time to spend another hour driving on Route 66 to Kingman. From here, our itinerary was to head south to Lake Havasu, it’s quite a drive “out of the way”, but this was probably the closest we might ever be to go and see London Bridge , so we went for it.

The bridge from Lake Havasu City to a small island in the Colorado River really is London Bridge and was shipped over stone by stone by chainsaw magnate Robert P. McCullock and reassembled in Lake Havasu City. His intention was to put the city on the map, and in that, he succeeded, as the bridge is now the second most visited attraction in Arizona, after the Grand Canyon.

From Lake Havasu, we headed back north to stay as close as we could to our early morning stop the next day.

WHERE TO STAY IN DOLAN SPRINGS

Unfortunately, the cool place we stayed, which was also an ostrich farm, in Dolan Springs isn’t available on Airbnb anymore so we don’t have any personal recommendations for Dolan Springs.

We chose Dolan Springs in order to be as close as possible to our early morning activity the next day and it is a very small and rustic town which may not be to everyone’s tastes. The nearest bigger town is Kingman about 40 minutes south.

You can check out these alternative  Airbnbs in Dolan Springs  or there is one hotel in the nearby Chloride or here are some ideas for  hotels in Kingman if you’d prefer that instead.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: DAY 5

Dolan springs to las vegas.

Grand Canyon West  |  Skywalk  |  Hoover Dam

It’s time to head back to the Grand Canyon today, about 90 miles (145 km) west of where we saw it at Hermit’s Rest. This part of the canyon is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation land rather than the National Park Service and they offer activities which the park service doesn’t. For us this meant taking a second helicopter trip down into the canyon, landing at the bottom and then rafting a short distance along the Colorado River.

After checking in at Grand Canyon West you’ll take the short 5-7 minute flight over the canyon rim and down 4,000 ft (1200 m) to the canyon floor where the helicopter will land. You then walk a short distance to get on board a pontoon boat for a 15-20 minute float along the Colorado River with the walls of the canyon towering above you. Like the trip to the top of  Tower Butte  at the start of the itinerary, this is an amazing experience and one you’re sure to remember for many years to come.

Once your helicopter flight returns, you can explore other parts of Grand Canyon West. There is a bus service that takes you to several different stops that are included within your entrance ticket. One of the biggest attractions here is the Skywalk which is a U-shaped glass walkway that extends out over the canyon edge allowing you to look directly down into the canyon. You can also explore Guano point where you can walk out along a fairly narrow peninsula to a grand view of the canyon. Here you’ll also found what’s left of a cable car station which used to provide access to a guano mine. The final main stop is Hualapai Ranch which is a small “wild west” town.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  If you want to visit the Skywalk or land at the bottom of the canyon, your only option is to pay the entrance fees for Grand Canyon West. The prices are exorbitant and we found the service and customer focus to be lacking. Once they have your money, they didn’t seem interested in much else. We saw people complaining and being simply brushed off, no matter how valid their issue. We, therefore, cannot recommend a visit to Grand Canyon West, though we fully understand people will take the risk due to the unique attractions it offers. Caveat Emptor.

Leaving the Grand Canyon behind it’s time to head back to Nevada and Las Vegas with one last stop en route. Straddling the border of Arizona and Nevada and two timezones, Mountain Standard Time and Pacific Time Zone, Hoover Dam  is on the Colorado River that formed the Grand Canyon and that we saw way back on day 1 at Glen Canyon Dam. The dam holds back Lake Mead, which is the largest man-made lake in the USA and the dam itself is the second tallest in the country.

The road to Las Vegas used to go across the top of the dam, but you now cross the river on a large bridge that bypasses the dam, which provides visitors coming from Arizona a great view of the dam as the cross. Once you enter the dam area past security you can still drive across the roof of the dam to the lookout points that provide views of the back of the dam and Lake Mead. To get a greater understanding of the dam and its history you can do tours inside the dam.

The guided dam tour takes visitors into the dam’s interior where you can see information about how the dam was built and explore some of the original art-deco decorations. The tour will show you the Nevada powerhouse which houses 8 generators in one of the two powerhouses within the dam. You’ll then get to walk down an inspection tunnel which allows you to peer out of the concrete face of the dam and down the Colorado River before riding an original elevator back to the top of the dam. The tour is very interesting and makes a stop at Hoover Dam well worth the time before heading to Las Vegas.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS FOR THREE NIGHTS

Unfortunately, the excellent apartment in a gated community we stayed at in Henderson (just south of Las Vegas) isn’t available on Airbnb anymore so we don’t have any personal recommendations for Las Vegas.

However, there is no place on earth with more choices of hotels and places to stay than the gambling capital of the world… You can check out these alternative  Airbnbs in Las Vegas  or here are some ideas for  hotels in Las Vegas if you’d prefer that instead.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: DAY 6

Las vegas strip.

Las Vegas Sign  |  Explore the Las Vegas Strip

There’s no better place to start a journey of discovery up the Las Vegas Strip than the world-famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Erected in 1959, the 25 ft (7.6 m) tall sign the most well-known symbol of Las Vegas and is generally seen to denote the southernmost end of the famous strip.

There are a plethora of sights along the strip vying for your attention, and as it stretches over 6.5 miles (10.5 km) from the Las Vegas sign to the Fremont Street Experience so you probably won’t have time to visit them all in a day. As most casinos now charge for parking, you’ll most likely want to park at a single casino for the day and then make use of public transport. You can travel the length of the strip on the regular Deuce buses for just $8 per day or $20 for a three-day pass.

The four hotels below are all relatively close together and can easily be visited by parking at any one of them for the day.

The Bellagio is one of the most famous hotels on the strip and it’s worth stopping by to see the fountains if you can. Choreographed to music, the fountains shoot water as high as 460 ft (140 m) into the air for the man-made lake in front of the hotel. Inside the hotel, renowned for its elegance you’ll find exquisite decorations including 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers on the lobby ceiling.

Caesars Palace’s theme is ancient Greece and Rome and the hotel abounds with statues and columns to provide a Greco-Roman feel. One of the most impressive statues is the 20 ft (6 m) high statues of Julies Caesar apparently hailing a taxi in the entrance! Caesar’s was one of the first hotels in Vegas to focus on shopping with the opening of The Forum Shops. The Forum features spiral escalators, replicas of famous fountains and all the high-end shops you would expect.

The Mirage was the first of the new breed of hotels that lead to the extravagant Vegas you see today. It has a Polynesian theme and includes a huge aquarium behind the reception desk which is home to almost 1,000 creatures. The most famous attraction at the Mirage is the “volcano” which erupts several times a night outside the hotel. The effect is very impressive and you can feel the heat from the “magma” as it “erupts”.

Finally, for our small selection of the many hotels along the strip, we come to The Venetian . Themed as the name suggests after Venice in Italy, the Venetian has replicas of St Mark’s Campanile and the Rialto Bridge as well as plenty of waterways to mimic the canals. Inside you’ll find beautifully decorated ceilings and arcades as well as Venetian streets where the ceilings are painted so they appear to be the sky. You can even take a gondola ride along the canals, though unlike in Venice itself, the canals here are crystal clear and the gondolas are electrically propelled.

There are plenty of other attractions to fill your day along the famous strip. Whether you try your hand at cards or your luck at roulette or the slots in one of the many casinos. Watch one of the dozens of shows that the casinos put on or just explore the many attractions. You can ride a rollercoaster through a casino or zipline starting inside the world’s largest slot machine, the possibilities are endless.

GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP: DAY 7

Las vegas area.

Valley of Fire State Park  |  National Atomic Testing Museum  |  Pinball Hall of Fame  |  Ethel M Chocolates

For the final day of this road trip, we are heading out to see the sights of Las Vegas beyond the strip.

The first stop is Valley of Fire State Park to the northeast of the city. Here you’ll find 40,000 acres of bright red sandstone to explore which looks amazing in the sunlight. There are several trails you can walk and photo stops with names such as Crazy Hill, Mouse’s Tank and Elephant Rock to explore and the park contains ancient petroglyphs as well as petrified trees. The visitor centre has exhibits on the geology of the area to help you better understand the ecology and history of the park.

Back within the city limits, the next stop is the National Atomic Testing Museum which tells the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site. Before above-ground nuclear testing was banned, people would come to Vegas to watch the bright flash of the nuclear test in the distance! The museum traces the earliest tests at the site through the transition to underground testing and after nuclear testing was banned. Visitors can experience a simulation of an above-ground test as well as explore the many exhibits including products from the Atomic Age. The museum also has an exhibition about the fabled Area-51 which is located about 80 miles (130 km) northwest of Las Vegas.

A very different museum is next up, one where you are actively encouraged to play with the exhibits. The Pinball Hall of Fame provides visitors with over 150 pinball machines which you can play for just 25 or 50 cents a play. If you used to enjoy pinball or were even a pinball wizard, there is sure to be some machines here that bring back memories. But even if not, you can easily while away some time enjoying playing the silver ball. The museum is not-for-profit and has a thrift store feel, but that’s because pretty much all their focus is on the pinball machines.

Our final stop on the itinerary will tantalise the tastebuds as we visit Ethel M Chocolate Factory . Founded by Forrest Edward Mars Sr. of the Mars chocolate family after he retired, Ethel M Chocolates is named after his mother and is now owned by Mars Inc. You can view the making of chocolates through the large glass windows into the production plant before entering the shop where you can taste and purchase some of the delectable confectionery. Outside the factory is a Botanical Cactus Garden, three acres of cacti and other succulents that visitors can explore at the leisure.  

BEST TIME TO TAKE A GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP

In our opinion, the best time to visit Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon is outside of the searingly hot summer months where temperatures can be over 40°C (104°F). Even in winter, temperatures are generally mild and attractions are quieter without the summer crowds.

We visited in late December and found everything we wanted to visit was open and only the very biggest sights had any crowds. In some cases, we had “private” tours as we happened to be the only people visiting a particular attraction at the time which was fantastic!

In the summer (June to mid-September) the days are long (like 09:00 pm sunsets), the weather is extremely hot, and every sightseeing attraction, B&B, and hotel is open. However, with this, you’ll also find the biggest crowds, especially in the most popular areas such as Las Vegas itself, the Grand Canyon and attractions like the Hoover Dam. This is also the time of year where airfare, car rental, and hotel prices will be the highest.

In the winter (November – February) there are fewer daylight hours and in some cases, you might find reduced opening hours for attractions, and it’s possible that some of the smaller attractions may be closed altogether. The weather is still reasonably warm and dry, which is great as so much of this itinerary is outside, and you are likely to find great prices on airfares, hotels, and B&Bs.

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR GRAND CANYON & LAS VEGAS ROAD TRIP

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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The Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip + Best Tour Options

• Arizona / Grand Canyon / Las Vegas / Outdoors

Visiting Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? Here’s everything you need to know.

I’m always shocked to hear how many Vegas locals have not been to the Grand Canyon. Even if you’re visiting for multiple days, a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip is an easy add on that’s well worth the journey (especially if it’s your first time!).

The Grand Canyon is a bucket list item, and each year, the  National Park  has more than 5 million visitors from all over the world. 

Its location in Arizona isn’t that close to any major cities, but one of the most popular launching points is where we currently call home, Las Vegas. When most people think of Las Vegas, they think casinos and the strip, but one of the main reasons we love it here is the  easy access to the outdoors .

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 8, 2023

− − Content Menu

• Distance from Las Vegas
• What You Need to Know Before You Go
• Drive vs Helicopter vs Bus vs Plane
• Which Part of Grand Canyon Should You Visit?

Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

• Tour Options
• Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
• Where to Stay
• Detours Worth Taking

Planning Checklist

More resources.

The Grand Canyon is massive, and once you arrive in Las Vegas, you’ll see tons of tour options to Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll also see trips to West Grand Canyon, which is actually not part of the National Park. To help you sort through all the options, we’ve put together this guide to help you decide what’s best for you.

How Far is it From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park?

Because of the sheer size of the canyon, it can take anywhere from 2 hours to over 5 hours. There are 3 main areas you’ll hear about: Grand Canyon West, the South Rim, and the North Rim.

• Grand Canyon West  is the closest to Las Vegas at 130 miles away (~2 hrs). This area is part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation and not part of the National Park. It’s best known for the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
• Grand Canyon National Park South Rim  is 280 miles away (~4.5 hrs) and the most popular section of the park. It’s open year-round and where you’ll find the most amenities, services, and people.
• Grand Canyon North Rim  is 265 miles away (~5 hrs) but takes longer to get to because of the roads. It’s also only open from May to October. It is much less frequented by visitors.

We’ll go into more detail about each area further down in the post.

Essential Tips – What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Fees:  There is a $35 per vehicle fee to enter Grand Canyon National Park, which is good for 7 days. If you plan on visiting other National Parks within one year of your visit, we highly recommend the annual  America the Beautiful National Park Pass for $80  (we get one every year). It gets you into national parks, monuments, BLM lands, and more.
• Best Time to Visit:  Spring and Autumn will give you the most access to the park while avoiding crowds and the summer heat. April and October are the most ideal months. The high season typically runs from June to August. Winter will have the fewest crowds but the North Rim will be closed off along with some of the other amenities.
• Renting a Car:  A few new things to consider when  renting a car . Look to see if they have touchless check-in. Also,  pack some wet wipes  so you can wipe down high-contact areas.
• Time Zones:  Nevada is on PST and Arizona is on MST. But to make things more confusing, Navajo lands in Arizona observe daylight savings but the rest of Arizona does not. During daylight savings (Mar to Nov), most of Arizona is the same time in Las Vegas and Arizona.
• Visiting in the Winter:  The South Rim is open year-round, although not all facilities will be open in the winter. For the most part, you should be able to drive from Las Vegas unless there is a big winter storm that makes the roads dangerous. Typically even when there is snow, the roads are cleared quickly. Keep an eye on the weather before heading out and be flexible.
• West Rim:  Keep in mind that the West Rim is within the Hualapai Indian Reserve and not part of the National Park system.

Should I Self-Drive, Take a Helicopter, Plane, or Bus??

The ideal mode of transportation depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Over the years, we’ve done every option except for the plane tour. To help you decide, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of each.

• Driving Yourself  gives you the most flexibility but is also the most work (4+ hours drive one way to visit the actual National Park). If you prefer to go at your own pace or you’re a photographer and want to catch sunrise and sunset at specific spots, drive yourself so you can set your own schedule.
• Helicopter  tours from Las Vegas are best if you are limited on time. You get aerial views and views from inside the canyon, but the downside is that no helicopter tours from Las Vegas go to the National Park. Instead, you’ll be visiting Grand Canyon West which is generally regarded as inferior to the National Park.
• Plane  tours take you to multiple spots in Grand Canyon and typically include time on the ground. It is much quicker than driving and you get aerial views but you less time to explore yourself. Plus you’ll most likely miss sunrise/sunset unless you opt-out of the tour and book just the flight and do the rest on your own schedule.
• Bus  tours are great if you don’t want to drive and ranges from small (15 seat) to large (50 seat) buses. Most tours give you a chance to see other popular destinations nearby, like  Antelope Canyon  or Hoover Dam. The downside is you won’t have control over the timing and things are paced for large groups, which can get annoying. We did a small bus tour that overnighted in a hotel, which allowed us to catch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon.

See More: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

Which Part of the Grand Canyon to Go to?

With the Grand Canyon covering a large area, it’s important to decide which part of the Grand Canyon you want to visit to help you plan your trip.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim / Grand Canyon West

If you’re like us and have a  goal to visit every National Park , Grand Canyon West does not count. We also like to  collect stamps from National Parks , which are located at the visitor centers.

Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai tribe land and is privately run.

Most people say the highlight of Grand Canyon West is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that lets you walk 4000 feet above the canyon floor. It’s also the closest to Las Vegas making it an easy day trip. 

For us, our favorite spot was Guano Point. The views on the skywalk weren’t that impressive compared to the surrounding areas, plus we weren’t allowed to take our own photos on it. 

The West Rim also costs more than the National Park. General Admission tickets are $45 and that doesn’t include the Skywalk.

With that said, everything purchased goes to support the Hualapai tribe and they are one of the few tribes that do not take any monetary help from the government.

See More: 11 Stunning Canyons in the US to Add to Your Bucket List

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

The South Rim is the most popular part of the National Park and where the majority of the 5 million+ visitors go each year. From Las Vegas, it takes 4.5 hours to drive there (so a minimum of 9 hours round trip) making it a commitment for sure.

The South Rim will give you the best easy-access viewpoints in the park and is open year-round. It is also the most developed, which gives you access to all the amenities you need.

On the flip side, it is the most crowded, especially during peak season from June to August, and the most touristy section in the National Park.

Note: You may also read about the East Rim. This section of the park is located within the South Rim. There are fewer services here and you get similar views like those from the Grand Canyon Village.

Shuttle Service:  If you are visiting the South Rim, there is a shuttle service between the rim and Grand Canyon Village. It’s helpful during the busy season since parking is limited. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Village Route (Blue): Connects hostels, campsite, and other facilities in the Grand Canyon Village with the Visitor Center.
• Kaibab Rim Route (Orange): Quickest route to the Visitor Center and popular views of the canyon.
• Hermit Road Route (Red): Takes you to beautiful panoramic views on the western border of the Grand Canyon Village. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from Mar to Nov.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

The North Rim is only open between May 15 and October 15. From Las Vegas, it is closer in mileage but still takes 30 extra minutes to drive to because of the roads you’ll be on. It’s also 200+ miles away (4 hours) from the South Rim.

This area is great if you’re looking to get away from crowds since it is by far the least traveled of the three areas.

Unfortunately, the viewpoints are more limited and aren’t as nice as the South Rim. Plus, there are very few amenities up here.

As we mentioned before, driving yourself is our preference because you get to control your itinerary and make changes along the way.

Driving to the  West Rim  ( 5001 Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, map ) is the shortest trip at roughly 2 hours each way. Once you arrive, there is a free parking lot where they will have shuttle buses to take you to different points. To access anything else you will have to purchase a ticket.

The drive to the  South Rim  ( S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, map ) takes roughly 4.5 hours each way. You are driving on major highways or roads the whole way making it an easy drive. When you arrive, you pass through a pay station, where you can either use your  Annual National Parks Pass ($80)  or purchase a vehicle pass ($30). Once you pay, you can park in the village and take a shuttle, or park directly at specific viewpoints. Keep in mind that during the busy season, parking is hard to find at viewpoints.

The  North Rim  ( AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86023, map ) is the longest drive at roughly 5 hours. It’s slightly closer distance-wise, but towards the end of your drive, you’ll be driving through smaller, windy roads in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Similar to the South Rim, you’ll pass a pay station then you can park in any of the designated spots.

Local Tip:  If you plan on driving, it’s always good to download the area on google maps or have a  physical road map  with you in case you end up in spots with no service.

All Your Tour Options

If you’ve decided to go with a tour, here are a few things you want to consider when choosing the right tour for you and your group:

• Where you want to go?
• How long you want to spend there?
• Other activities you want to do?
• What size of a group do you want to go with?
• Do you want to catch sunrise or sunset?
• Do you want aerial views?
• Will they pick you up from your hotel or do you have to meet them somewhere?
• What else is included, i.e. admission, meals, etc?
• Do you want to stop at other notable locations?
• Airplanes vs helicopters: planes fly higher and to more remote places, but helicopters can fly you closer to the walls of the canyon.

If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, there’s probably a lot  you want to see in town , but you may also want to take advantage of being so close to the Grand Canyon. If you’ve never seen it and have limited time, day tours are the best option for you.

We recently went on a day tour to Grand Canyon West with  Comedy on Deck Tours . They have multiple pick-up spots on the strip, provide breakfast and dinner, and coordinate everything for you while giving you free time to explore.

After they picked us up at Excalibur, we made two stops, one for breakfast and one for a view over the Hoover Dam.

Our tour guide is also a professional comedian, so not only do they give you insight into the area but also tell jokes while you’re in transit.

The Grand Canyon Sky Walk is optional, and you can either pre-purchase the ticket or get it there. If you opt out, there are plenty of viewpoints nearby.

During this visit, we bit the bullet decided to get photos. I mentioned before the photos were trash, but they were better this time around. The photographer took us in various poses and spent longer with us than we expected. On our first trip, it was snap and go.

We ended up purchasing the whole digital package for $65. If you want photos, it’s your only choice (you must store all phones and cameras in a locker beforehand). Plus, you’re helping support the Hualapai Tribe, who take no federal funding at Grand Canyon West.

After the Sky Walk, the bus takes you to Guano Point, where you have time to explore and have lunch. Most of our bus decided to eat first, so we did the opposite. There was no line for the food by the time we made it back. Yeet!

Local Tip: If you plan on doing the Sky Walk, go on a weekday for fewer crowds. During holiday weekends, waits can be up to two hours.

More Day Tour Options

Looking for inspiration? TourScanner has listed the  best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas .

Here are some other Day Tours to check out:

• South Rim Bus Tour ($107 / 14 hrs)  – lunch and stop at the Nat Geo Visitor Center (optional upgrade to IMAX, Jeep tour, or helicopter flight)
• Helicopter to South Rim ($498 / 12 hrs)  – includes snacks and lunch.

PACKAGE TOURS

• Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & Route 66 ($199 / 14 hrs)  – includes breakfast, lunch, and stops at Hoover Dam & Route 66.
• Grand Canyon National Park, Route 66 & Caverns Tour ($195 / 14 hrs)  – See Route 66, the park, and Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the US. Includes morning snacks and lunch.

GRAND CANYON WEST RIM

• West Rim Bus Tour ($89.99 / 12 hrs)  – includes Skywalk and lunch (optional to add helicopter or pontoon boat)
• Drive, Fly & Float Tour ($645.99 / 10.5 hrs)  – travel in a 4×4 Tour Trekker, hop on a helicopter flight from the rim into the canyon, walk the Skywalk, and take a 20-minutes float down the Colorado River

Local Tip: Don’t believe everything your tour guide says. We’ve caught tour guides sharing false facts in the past. It typically isn’t done maliciously, but simply something they heard another guide or traveler share. We always try to do our own research.

See More: 7 Breathtaking National Parks Near Las Vegas You Need to See

Overnight Tours

Overnight tours are great if you want to explore deeper in Grand Canyon or have more time to see the other iconic spots in the SouthWest. When Jacob’s dad visited last fall, he wanted to visit Antelope Canyon, so we did the first tour listed below. It was nice not having to worry about the details and focus on spending time with family. Plus, we got to revisit some of the spots we’ve been to while seeing new ones.

• Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon Sunrise Tour ($419 / 2 days)  – See Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Hoover Dam, sunrise at the Grand Canyon, and Route 66. Includes 1-night hotel, breakfast, and snacks.
• 3-Day National Parks Camping Tour ($775 / 3 days)  – Check out Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and Grand Canyon. Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and camping accommodations (option to add camping equipment or lodging).
• Luxury Shuttle to Grand Canyon (from $25 each way / 5 hrs)  – If you prefer to plan your trip yourself without driving, ride a shuttle down and spend as much time as you want in the area.

See More: Tour Antelope Canyon – What You Need to Know

Grand Canyon Railway

Although this isn’t something you can do directly from Vegas, train lovers should check out the Grand Canyon Railway. It runs from Williams, Arizona into the heart of the park. It has been running since 1901, and you see a range of landscapes. You can choose which car or tours  on their site .

Williams is roughly a 3 1/2 hour drive from Las Vegas or you can fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, the closest major airport near Williams AZ, which is a 40-minute drive.

Local Tip: Williams is a great spot to check out Route 66 as well!

Things to Do at the Grand Canyon →

• Grand Canyon Skywalk Glass Bridge (West Rim) – Test your fear of heights here. Remember that you aren’t allowed to take your own photos.
• Ride a Mule (South Rim) – You can a mule down tot he Colorado River and spend a night at Phantom Ranch. You can also take a short ride along the rim.
• South Rim – Mather Point, Yaki Point,  & Hopi Point
• East Rim – Desert View
• West Rim – Eagle Point & Guano Point
• North Rim – Bright Angel Point & Cape Royal
• Rafting – Whether you’re looking for a leisurely float or 2-week rafting trip, there’s a wide range available between the West and South rim.
• Bright Angel Trail (South Rim, 16 mi RT, ▵4366 ft, strenuous) – One of the most popular trails that takes you to the canyon. If you’re only doing a day hike, turn back at Indian Garden to make it 10 miles RT.
• South Kaibab Trail (South Rim, 12.4 mi RT, ▵4888 ft, strenuous) – Better views than Bright Angel Trail but also more complicated.
• Rim Trail (South Rim, 10.4 mi, easy) – Runs along the rim and great for the family. Just do as much as you want and turn around.
• North Kaibab Trail (North Rim, 15 mi one-way, ▵6398 ft, strenuous) – This is a tough hike that takes you into the canyon.
• Grandview Trail (East Rim, 12.5 mi RT, ▵3280 ft, strenuous) – Another long hike that is less popular than the ones on the South Rim.
• Museums in Grand Canyon (South Rim) – Check out the Grand Canyon: Tusayan Ruins and Museum & the Yavapai Geology Museum.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park

Best Places to Stay

If you’re staying in Las Vegas:

If you’re staying in Grand Canyon:

What’s Nearby / Detours Worth Taking

• Hoover Dam   ( 81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, map )
• Seligman / Route 66 ( 22265 W Historic Rte 66, Seligman, AZ 86337, map )
• Williams / Route 66 ( 200 W Railroad Ave, Williams, AZ 86046, map )
• Antelope Canyon  ( Indian Rte 222, Page, AZ 86040, map )
• Monument Valley ( U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, map )
• Bryce Canyon National Park  ( UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map )
• Zion National Park  ( 1101 Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy, Hurricane, UT 84737, map )
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Las Vegas travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with Go City .
• Moon USA National Parks Guide
• Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West
• National Park Annual Pass
• National Parks Passport
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA Travel Guide
• Base Camp Las Vegas: 101 Hikes in the Southwest

Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Do you think the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is worth it for you? Have you checked out any of these tour options and what did you think?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES

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DEATH VALLEY

GRAND CANYON

GRAND TETON

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SEQUOIA + KINGS CANYON

WHITE SANDS

YELLOWSTONE

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Las Vegas to Grand Canyon: From City Lights to Canyon Sights

In this Article

Explore the incredible beauty of the southwestern United States on an unforgettable road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon! As you leave the city lights, you’ll experience the stark beauty and vast landscapes of the American Southwest.

The over-the-top excesses of Las Vegas and the impressive natural beauty of one of the world’s deepest canyons — could two experiences be more different? And, in a way, that’s part of the charm of road tripping from Sin City to the Grand Canyon .

Just a few hours from the smoke-filled casinos and dazzling lights of Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon stretches across the Arizona landscape. As you gaze at its detailed, colorful landscape, you can almost hear the whispered stories, millions of years old, in each layer of its vast depths. Its overwhelming size evokes a sense of awe unlike any other. 

So, why embark on a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon? This adventure offers the chance to witness the diverse beauty of the American Southwest as you cruise through vast deserts, past historic landmarks, and across state lines — it’s almost as breathtaking as the route from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon , with its spectacular views and diverse landscapes.

This scenic drive is a popular route for good reason, appealing to everyone from families seeking adventure to couples on a romantic getaway. As you navigate through some of the most beautiful parts of Arizona and Nevada, the route offers stunning views of desert landscapes, towering red-rock formations, iconic neon signs, and an array of unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the Grand Canyon or just want to cross the experience off your bucket list, this journey through the American Southwest is as breathtaking as it is unforgettable.

To help offset the costs of running EverydayWanderer.com, you’ll find affiliate links lightly sprinkled throughout the site.   If you choose to make a purchase via   one of these links , there’s no additional cost to you, but I’ll earn a teeny tiny commission.   You can read all of the legal blah blah blah (as my little niece says) on the   full disclosure page .

Have You Driven from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer

Planning Your Route

When planning a trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, there are several options depending on your time and what you want to see. Choosing the best route depends on your interests, budget, and time. Each alternative offers unique views and experiences, so select the one that appeals most to you. It will take a few hours, so you may want to play some fun road trip games while you drive.

Direct from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim National Park

Driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim is the most direct route, clocking in at about four hours each way. The drive takes you through the scenic Mojave Desert, past the Hoover Dam, around Lake Mead, and through the Kaibab National Forest. Once you reach the South Rim, make a beeline for the visitor center. Here, you can get your national park passport stamped, pick up a Junior Ranger book for any children in your group, and get an overview of this natural wonder before admiring the breathtaking views of the scenic canyon.

Explore Hoover Dam from multiple angles in a small group tour.

• Walk across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
• View the dam from below with a guided Powerplant tour
• Includes unlimited snacks, drinks, and bottled water
• Reserve now and pay later
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

The typical drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim is from Route 93 North to Route 40 East. You can also take Route 15 North to Route 40 East. Both routes will take you through stunning desert landscapes and allow you to see unique attractions. You should bring your favorite road trip snacks , plenty of water, and other road trip essentials . Before leaving, it is also a good idea to check the weather and road conditions — especially in winter —  to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Ali Garland of Travel Made Simple made this trip part of a more extensive Southwest USA road trip . She shared, “The Southwest has so many amazing national parks, but it’s nice to break it up with a few days in a city. Vegas is an excellent choice.”

• A 45-minute helicopter flight from the Grand Canyon's South Rim to the North Rim
• See the world's largest ponderosa pines in Kaibab National Forest and the mighty Colorado River
• Snap photos of the Painted Desert, Desert View Watchtower, Marble Canyon, and Point Imperial before your return flight takes you through the dramatic backdrop of the Dragon Corridor 

Short Route from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim

It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim via US Highway 93 South and Pierce Ferry Road. This area offers stunning canyon views from the Skywalk, a 10-foot-wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge and a glass-bottomed observation deck that extends 70 feet over the rim of the Grand Canyon. If you are brave enough to look down, you’ll see incredible views of the canyon floor. It’s like getting an aerial view without a helicopter ride!

The Hualapai Tribe manages the Grand Canyon West Rim, and this area is separate from the Grand Canyon National Park located at the South Rim. There is an admission fee to see the canyon and visit the Skywalk. Booking your tickets in advance is recommended.

“Make a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by visiting the not-often visited West Rim of the canyon, home of the famous Skywalk. This trip is only five hours round-trip! A small portion of the road to the canyon is a dirt road, but well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles,” suggests Kristen Wood of TheWanderBucket.com .

Summer Route from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim

The drive from Las Vegas to the North Rim takes around four to five hours. This part of the Grand Canyon is in a remote area of northern Arizona that gets snow and ice, so it closes in the winter months.

This route takes you through some stunning scenery across three states. From Vegas, take I-15 east to St. George, Utah. Then take State Route 9 toward Hurricane, Utah. Shortly after passing through town, take State Route 59 south toward Arizona where the road will change to AZ-389 after you cross the state line. At the park entrance, follow North Rim Parkway for the various lookout points and trails.

Long Drive to Grand Canyon Along Historic Route 66

For those who fancy a dash of nostalgia, driving historic Route 66 from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon offers a scenic and unhurried drive of about five to six hours — but you can counter any backseat inquiries of “Are we there yet?” with these easy road trip hacks and family-friendly audiobooks . This route winds through small towns with old gas stations, historic diners, and a slice of classic Americana. It’s a journey through the heart of American history, surrounded by stunning scenery. 

Route 66 no longer exists as a continuous highway. However, there are still plenty of sections of the original road that you can explore. And here is a long list of Route 66 quotes that can help you add the perfect caption for your Instagram pics from along the Mother Road. 

Here are some general directions:

• From Las Vegas, head south on Route 95 until you reach the town of Oatman.
• Take the Oatman Highway towards Kingman.
• Continue on Route 66 toward Hackberry. 
• From Hackberry, head towards Peach Springs.
• Continue towards the Grand Canyon Caverns.
• Keep driving towards Seligman, then continue to Williams. A quick stop at Buckskinner Park in Williams is a great way to see a beautiful water view.
• From Williams, follow Route 64 north to the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.

While following this route, you’ll see some of the roadside attractions that keep Route 66 famous while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. It’s a great way to experience a bit of American history and culture on your way to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world.

Stops and Sights from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

When you leave the bright lights of Las Vegas and head to the Grand Canyon, you can see a wide range of attractions. Along your scenic route, you will find plenty of opportunities to indulge in local culture and embrace all that nature offers. 

Here are some incredible sights you can see on a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon:

Located on the border between Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the dam and learn about its history and significance.

Just east of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. It offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

If you’re interested in American history and culture, driving along historic Route 66 is a can’t-miss experience. Explore quaint towns like Kingman, Seligman, and Williams, which preserve their Route 66 heritage with vintage motels, diners, and other roadside attractions.

If you have some extra time, I recommend visiting the town of Sedona. Known for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy, Sedona offers visitors a unique and memorable experience.

Completing the Journey

From the bright neon lights of Las Vegas to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Grand Canyon, this road trip gives travelers an incredible glimpse into one of America’s most famous landmarks. It’s an epic adventure that everyone should experience at least once.

As you approach the Grand Canyon, the breathtaking view will leave you speechless as its vastness stretches before you. The deep valleys and dramatic rock formations create a sense of tranquility that is hard to beat, making it one to truly remember. And, as the sun slips behind the horizon, a spectacular dark-sky preserve opens before your eyes. The incredible display of stars twinkling from above will take your breath away all over again.

Have You Driven from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

What route did you take? What stops did you make along the way? Do you have any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below!

Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life .

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• Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

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2 thoughts on “Las Vegas to Grand Canyon: From City Lights to Canyon Sights”

My husband loves a good road trip, and I love Vegas. This trip seems like the perfect fit for us. I’m going to book our flights and give this trip a go!

Have so much fun!

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Road Trip From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Anyone looking to go on an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic parks and forests in America should make the journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon. From red rock formations to gorgeous forest sunrises, there's something for everybody on this incredible road trip.

The 360-mile road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon takes 6 hours of driving non-stop. Key attractions include Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Prescott, Dixie, and Coconino National Forests, as well as Sedona, Flagstaff, and Horseshoe Bend.

Keep on reading to find out just what this amazing drive has to offer.

How far is Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and how long will the road trip take?

Along the quickest route, the road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon takes around 4 hours of driving and covers 275 miles of ground, not accounting for detours. This means you could take off in the morning and easily finish the drive that same day.

That being said, a better option would be to take it slow and explore everything the route has to offer: taking the interstate through Arizona, you'll get to visit some of the state's most iconic cities and natural attractions by simply devoting a little extra time to the drive.

Another option is to drive north of Grand Canyon and wind your way around to its eastern entrance. This will add another two hours to your drive, and it trades Arizona's state forests for iconic Utah locations like Zion National Park.

Whichever route you decide to take, you can expect a fair bit of traffic congestion, especially near the tail end of the shorter route. Passing near the likes of Flagstaff and Sedona on the weekend is guaranteed to get you caught up in traffic.

Best road trip route from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

If you want to balance sightseeing with convenience, however, we'd recommend that you take one route on the way to Grand Canyon and the other on the way back.

How to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Quick Route

Leave Las Vegas via Interstates 515 and 11, passing by Hoover Dam as you make your way into Arizona. Follow Route 93 to Kingman, and if you have some time, consider detouring a bit eastward to visit the nearby Havasu National Wildlife Refuge or Mojave National Preserve.

Back in Kingman, get on Interstate 40 and stick with it all the way to Williams - on the way, be sure to stop at Ashford and do a southward detour to Prescott National Forest.

Once you're in Williams, you'll definitely want to do some more detouring to visit Flagstaff, Sedona, and Coconino National Forest. Once you're done, take Route 64 from Williams and make your way to Grand Canyon via the southern entrance.

The Utah Route

Take Interstate 15 out of Las Vegas and follow it past Valley of Fire State Park. Drive through Mesquite before dipping into Utah and stopping at St George - this is the perfect time to off-road and visit Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, as well as Dixie National Forest.

After you're done, follow Route 59 into Arizona, then take routes 389 and 89A to Kaibab National Forest - you could enter the park via the north rim here, but instead, visit Kaibab National Forest before continuing past Vermillion Cliffs National Monument.

From Marble Canyon, you have two main options: follow Route 89 to Cameron and enter the park via the eastern entrance, or continue all the way down to Flagstaff and take the southern entrance, like on the shorter route.

Best places to stop between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

Don't let the low mileage fool you - you'll definitely want to make some overnight stops on the road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon to check out all the things there are to see along the way.

Although there are plenty of great resorts, these are the very best the route has to offer:

Enjoy the royal treatment at Flagstaff

Flanked by spectacular forests, historic monuments, and all kinds of geological oddities, Flagstaff is a place you absolutely have to visit. The city is home to lots of great hotels, but nothing can beat the gorgeous aesthetic and amazing pool at Little America Hotel Flagstaff .

The cozy rooms are retro yet extremely comfortable and easy on the eye, and you'll especially love the romantic ambient if you're on a trip with your significant other.

You'll definitely want something to perk you back up after a tiring day out, and the Little America Restaurant and Bar can hook you up with some all-American cuisine or some amazing cocktails.

Rain or shine, there's always something to do here - you can beat the summer heat with a dip in the pool, evade the winter cold with an indoor workout at the gym, or enjoy a stroll through the courtyard for everything in between.

The hotel's location is as convenient as it gets, and the price is extremely fair considering just how much there is to do on-site and in the general area.

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Admire the beautiful scenery at Zion National Park

St George is effectively Zion's front porch, and it's by far your best option for an overnight stop if you don't want to camp. The nicest hotel here is Inn on the Cliff , whose beautiful views of the surrounding red cliffs are one that'll stay with you for a long time.

You can't go wrong with a mixture of whites and wood textures, and the suites here are the perfect example - the rooms feel like something you'd expect to see in a luxury resort in a major metropolis.

If the weather is nice, you can enjoy a nice swim in the outdoor swimming pool, and admire the beautiful views as you plan your next adventure. Add to that the great restaurant, and you couldn't really ask for much more.

Considering the quality of the hotel and its proximity to Zion National Park (not to mention the countless attractions in the St George area), the rooms here are won't come with a price tag that will break the bank, so there's little reason to even consider any other hotel in the region.

Things to see on a road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Although the drive is short, there's so much to see on the road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon that you could spend well over a week on it. These are some of the places you'll want to visit along the way:

• Lake Mead/Hoover Dam - One of the most beautiful vistas in the Las Vegas region is a great place to snap some sunrise photography
• Prescott National Forest - Nestled in the mountainous region near Flagstaff, this forest is a refreshment for the senses after a lengthy drive through the desert
• Flagstaff - This iconic city is perhaps best known for being surrounded by beautiful natural attractions from all sides, making it the perfect anchor point when exploring Arizona
• Sedona - Famous for its iconic red rock formations, this quaint tourist magnet is a mandatory detour during this trip.
• Coconino National Forest - Housing everything from volcanic remains and mesas to lush greenery and beautiful lakes, this is one of the most geologically diverse forests in The States
• Valley of Fire State Park - If you manage to catch a sunset here, you'll be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of the park's rock formations 'catching on fire'
• Mesquite - This charming city is a kind of 'mini-Vegas' that offers plenty of gambling, golfing, and sightseeing opportunities
• Zion National Park - The Virgin River, scenic forest trails, and the unforgettable Zion canyons are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this iconic park. If you'd like to hike up to Angels Landing, you will need a permit and will need to make a reservation. Check the Zion National Park's website for more details.
• Bryce Canyon National Park - This park's famous hoodoos form a so-called 'natural amphitheater', not to mention a beautiful landscape, ripe for exploring and sightseeing
• Dixie National Forest - Utah's biggest national forest is known for its beautiful, varied terrain and drastic weather shifts
• Kaibab National Forest - This gorgeous forest acts as a 'gateway' into Grand Canyon if you enter via the North or South Rim
• Horseshoe Bend - Sometimes referred to as 'The East Rim of Grand Canyon', this is a place you'll definitely want to snap a photo of before pulling into Grand Canyon
• Wupatki National Monument - Another must-see stop in the Flagstaff region, the monument is home to scenic desert landscapes and complexes of Wukoki ruins

Best time to go on a road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Summer is the most popular time to visit Grand Canyon, but this might not be best for you if you want to avoid crowds. On top of that, you'd have to drive through the desert in peak high temperatures, which might not make for the most comfortable trip, depending on your preferences.

Winter, on the other hand, is the ultimate 'budget' season for visiting this place, as there are very few tourists thanks to the low temperatures. Just keep in mind that the North Rim is inaccessible this time of year, so make sure you are clear on your route options when planning your itinerary.

If you want the perfect mix of fair prices, low crowds, and pleasant temperatures, spring and fall are the best times to do the trip.

With that said, you should still do a little research before setting off at these times of year - after a particularly cold winter, snow and general bad weather can sometimes carry over into spring, and summer crowds will occasionally linger in early October if the weather is nice.

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6 Best Road Trips

Driving to the Grand Canyon is the ultimate road trip. Here are scenic, adventure-packed road-trip itineraries complete with maps and the best towns, attractions and smaller parks to stop at along the way.

Launch your Grand Canyon road trip from Phoenix , Las Vegas , Salt Lake City , Denver , New Mexico or drive a section of the famous Route 66 . But don’t be in a hurry. You’ll find that the surrounding Americana, Native American culture and Arizona’s wine country can be as enchanting as the national park itself.

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Las Vegas to Grand Canyon: A Spectacular Road Trip

By: Author Betsy Wuebker

A Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip is a one-of-a-kind adventure!

Explore the incredible beauty of the southwestern United States on an unforgettable Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip! Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind adventure through spectacular landscapes.

As one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is on many travelers’ bucket lists. Taking a scenic drive from Las Vegas is one of the most popular ways to get to this famous National Park. This journey is just as breathtaking as the route from Phoenix to Grand Canyon , with its spectacular views and diverse landscapes.

This article contains affiliate links and/or references to our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on or make a purchase using these links.

Table of Contents

Driving through this area of the Southwest will take you through stunning views of the desert landscape and surrounding mountains. This route takes travelers through some of the most beautiful parts of Arizona and Nevada. With towering red-rock formations, iconic neon signs, and an array of unique cultural experiences, this trip has something to offer everyone — from families looking for an adventure to couples on a romantic getaway.

Planning Your Route

You can take a few different scenic routes from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, depending on your time and the scenery you want to see. The best scenic way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon depends on your interests and time.

Each route offers unique views and experiences, so choose the one that appeals to you the most. It will take a couple of hours, so you may want to play some fun road trip games .

Direct to Grand Canyon South Rim National Park

Driving right to the South rim is the most direct route from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park, taking about four hours each way. The drive takes you through the scenic Mojave Desert, the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, and the Kaibab National Forest. Once you reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you can take in the breathtaking views of the canyon.

The typical drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is from Route 93 North to Route 40 East. You can also take Route 15 North to Route 40 East. Both routes will take you through stunning desert landscapes and allow you to see unique attractions. You should bring snacks, water, and other essentials for the road. Before leaving, it is also a good idea to check the weather and road conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Ali Garland of Travel Made Simple made this trip part of a more extensive Southwest USA road trip . She says, “The Southwest has so many amazing national parks, but it’s nice to break it up with a few days in a city, and Vegas is an excellent choice. Stopping in Vegas allowed us to stay in a nice hotel, and the city also has a big enough airport to fly in/out of.”

Short Route to the West Rim

“Make a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by visiting the not-often visited West Rim of the canyon, home of the famous Skywalk. This trip is only four hours round-trip! A small portion of the road from the interstate to the canyon is a dirt road, but well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles.” — Kristen Wood, TheWanderBucket.com .

It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon via US-93 South and Pierce Ferry Road. This area offers stunning canyon views from the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed observation deck. During the drive from Vegas, you’ll pass through the Mojave Desert and the Joshua Tree National Forest. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead along the way.

The Hualapai Tribe manages the Grand Canyon West Rim, and this area is separate from the Grand Canyon National Park located at the South Rim. There is an admission fee to see the canyon and visit the Skywalk. Booking your tickets in advance is recommended.

Summer Route to the North Rim

The drive from Las Vegas to the North Rim takes around four to five hours. This part of the Grand Canyon is in a remote area of northern Arizona that gets snow and ice, so it closes in the winter months.

This route takes you through some stunning scenery across three states. From Vegas, take I-15 east to St. George, Utah. Then take State Route 9 toward Hurricane, Utah, continuing to La Verkin. From there, you’ll take State Route 59 south toward Arizona. Once you reach the park entrance, follow North Rim Parkway for the various lookout points and trails.

Long Drive Through Historic Route 66

Consider taking Historic Route 66 from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon for a more scenic and leisurely drive that will take about five to six hours. You can make the time feel faster with some easy road trip hacks .

This route takes you through small towns, past old gas stations, diners, and other classic Americana. You’ll also pass through Seligman, Arizona, which is known as the birthplace of Route 66.

Route 66 no longer exists as a continuous highway. However, there are still plenty of sections of the original road that you can explore that follow the old Route 66 path.

Here are some general directions to follow:

• From Las Vegas, head south on Route 95 until you reach the town of Oatman.
• Take the Oatman Highway towards Kingman.
• Continue on Route 66 toward Hackberry. 
• From Hackberry, head towards Peach Springs.
• Continue towards the Grand Canyon Caverns.
• Keep driving towards Seligman, then continue to Williams. A quick stop at Buckskinner Park in Williams is a great way to see a beautiful water view.
• From Williams, follow Route 64 north to the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.

While following this route, you’ll have the chance to see some of the classic Americana and roadside attractions that made Route 66 famous and some beautiful scenery along the way. It’s a great way to experience a bit of American history and culture on your way to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world.

Stops and Sights from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

This thrilling route offers an abundance of diverse attractions, each worthy of your attention. Along your drive, you will find plenty of opportunities to indulge in local culture and all that nature offers. 

Here are some incredible sights to see on a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon:

• Hoover Dam: Located on the border between Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the dam and learn about its history and significance.
• Lake Mead: Just east of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States and offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
• Route 66: If you’re interested in American history and culture, driving along the historic Route 66 is a must-do. You can explore towns like Kingman, Seligman, and Williams that have preserved their Route 66 heritage with vintage motels, diners, and other roadside attractions.
• Sedona: If you have some extra time, we recommend visiting the town of Sedona. Known for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual energy, there are unique things to do in Sedona for a memorable visit.

Completing the Journey

This spectacular trip offers a lifetime of memories and unforgettable views, which everyone should experience at least once. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon, this road trip gives travelers an incredible glimpse into one of America’s most famous landmarks.

As you approach the Grand Canyon, you will see a breathtaking view that will leave you speechless as its vastness stretches before you. The deep valleys and dramatic rock formations create a sense of tranquility that is hard to beat, making it truly one to remember.

For a spectacular American road trip , few destinations rival the grandeur of Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. This journey offers breathtaking views, unique experiences, and exciting adventures. Whether planning a weekend getaway or an inexpensive vacation , completing this journey is an unforgettable experience.

Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author based in Connecticut. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa enjoys knitting and taking scenic day trips around New England.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life .

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Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon: Ultimate 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary (2024)

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

The Grand Circle is a popular place to plan a route for a one week family friendly adventure, in the US southwest. A road trip through Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon here will let you hit all the highlights this beautiful area has to offer. You could take multiple trips through here and still not see everything, as there’s so much to do.

We’ve put together our one week road trip itinerary , an action packed introduction to all the best hikes, sites, tips and places to visit you won’t want to miss. 

Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary: A Family Friendly One Week Road Trip

• Day 1 : Las Vegas / Hoover Dam tour
• Day 2: Drive to Zion. Stop at Valley of Fire along the way.
• Day 3: Zion National Park – full day
• Day 4 : Zion – most of the day  and drive to Bryce Canyon late afternoon, early evening
• Day 5: Bryce Canyon – full day
• Day 6: Drive to Page, AZ – Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell
• Day 7: Drive to Grand Canyon, Half day visit in Grand Canyon, Evening Drive to Las Vegas

We love road tripping through America’s southwest. So read on for all our top recommended activities, accommodations, hikes, viewpoints and tips for visiting each Park.

We’ve also included some FAQs at the end to help answer commonly asked questions.

Table of Contents

How Many Days do you need in Zion & Bryce?

You will need at least 3 days when visiting Zion and Bryce to really see the highlights of both parks. Zion is a larger park, and a bit more difficult to get around in peak season (you must use the in park shuttle), so we recommend at least 1.5 to two days here.

You can see the highlights of Bryce Canyon in one day, including hiking, and driving to all the view points in the Canyon itself.

While we have worked out a 7 day road trip through Utah, Arizona and Nevada, if you have an extra few days, 10 – 14 days would be ideal and allow for a slower, and less jam packed pace, especially if you have younger kids.

For a 10 day trip , I would add an extra day in Page, AZ and spend the day on Lake Powell, and do a full day in Grand Canyon, before taking the day to drive back to Las Vegas.

There is a lot to see and do along that route back. You can also do this road trip in reverse Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce.

👉 Save money on entrance fees with the annual  America the Beautiful Park Pass.

Covers entrance fees for driver and passengers for over 2000 National Park and Federal Rec Sites . Especially useful if you are planning on a long road trip or visiting more than one park in a year.

Road Trip Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

Day One: Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV is a popular place to fly into given its a top tourist destination, with cheap flights from all over the world. 

It’s the perfect place to start on your Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary.

Las Vegas also tends to have the lowest car rental rates around .

Starting your Zion to Grand Canyon road trip here is to your advantage , if you need to rent a car .

Things to do in Las Vegas

Besides wandering the strip which is an adventure in itself, there are endless options of how your family could spend the day in and around Las Vegas:

• Take a Hoover Dam Tour – half a day
• LINQ High Roller (super cool ride in America’s tallest observation wheel)
• Take a Hop On – Hop Off Bus Sightseeing Tour
• See a family friendly magic show or the Cirque du Soleil . Michael Jackson’s One was fantastic.
• Marvel Avenger STATION in Treasure Island, for your superhero fans
• Las Vegas Night Helicopter Flight & Neon Sign Museum
• Madam Tussauds Wax Museum
• Medieval Knights Tournament themed dinner show
• Hot Air Balloon Rides
• Indoor Skydiving, ziplining, mini golf, and arcades

LOCAL TIP : Short on time? Take a day tour from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, lunch included.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

• Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort is a well recommended resort by families. Enjoy their 5 heated swimming pools, a game room, plus it’s an all-suite resort.
• Mandalay Bay is another family friendly option, with two outdoor splash swimming pools complete with a lazy river and a real sand beach. As well as easy access to the Shark Reef Aquarium.

Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary

Day two is the start of your Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce Grand Canyon Itinerary on the road.

Grab a self driving audio tour , so you can learn and be entertained as you drive.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Day Two: Las Vegas to Zion National Park & Valley of Fire 

Day two, you’ll drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park.

It only takes about 2.5 hours direct to drive along this scenic route, with breathtaking views.

So you have some time to play with if you want a little extra time in Las Vega s. Or take a stop at  Valley of Fire along the way, as the geology and formations are different from Utah, which is interesting to  compare. 

LOCAL TIP: You lose one hour on the drive as Las Vegas is on PST and Utah is MDT.

Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire is a Nevada State Park less than an hour from Las Vegas. 

You can stop here for an hour, or half a day.  Visit the Visitors Centre first, to get the scoop on what’s open, where to hike and more. 

In the Valley of Fire you can see hoodoos, caves, 2000 year old petroglyphs and wildlife. Keep your eyes open for Big Horn Sheep, snakes, and vultures. 

The Beehives is an easy stop with kids which takes only a short time. Enjoy the strange beehive looking sandstone formations and desert flora and fauna. Climb to the top of a dome to see what you can see.

If you are hiking around, make sure you have a good travel and hiking backpack for your kids, to carry their own water bottle, a snack, and a light jacket or sweater.

Other Valley of Fire ideas include:

• Enjoy the landscape – drive along Mouse’s Tank Road
• Check out Elephant Rock – near the east entrance
• Climb to Rainbow Vista – this 1 mile hike offers  a panoramic viewpoint of the Valley of Fire. The last bit is a hill climb.
• Hike the Fire Wave – one of the most gorgeous spots in the valley, this 1.5mile out and back  hike will take you to amazing white and red patterned sandstone. Photo op!

Things to know:   Day use fees are $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada license plates ($10/car with). There is also no food services in the park, so make sure you pack lots of water and food.

Cool fact: This park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, created 150 Million years ago by shifting sand dunes.

Where to Stay in Zion 

The closest town to Zion National Park is Springdale, UT, which is about a 30 minute drive from the park itself. This tiny town has a population of less than 1,000 people, so  tourists make up a vast majority of the people in this town.

As parking is limited at the Zion Visitors Centre, and you need to use a shuttle in the Zion Canyon portion most of the year, we recommend staying close to the park.

• Zion Lodge – In the Park is the only lodging (besides camping) available in the park itself. While more rustic accommodations, it gives you access to the park, and stargaze worthy skies right from your front door.
• Cable Mountain Lodge is a fabulous choice for its proximity to the park, plus it has a pool, great amenities, and beautiful Zion views. It’s within walking distance to the park entrance. So you can leave your car at the Lodge, and only have to take the Zion Canyon Shuttle in the park itself. 

Springdale, UT Hotels

Other family friendly options if you prefer staying in Springdale, UT  near Zion National Park:

• Affordable & Traveller’s Favorite Chain Hotel – Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park
• Cliffrose Springdale  Curio Collection by Hilton

👉 Check out all the Best places to stay in & near Zion & Bryce

Day Three: Zion National Park

Day three will be a full day in Zion National Park . The Zion Canyon section of the park is popular, and for good reason.

From stunning Canyon views, to once in a lifetime hikes to instagram worthy shots in the Narrows and Angel’s Landing, this picturesque park really highlights the beauty of this earth. 

Day Three: Zion Itinerary includes:

• Sunrise walk along Pa’rus Trail (up to 2 hours): If ambitious, wake up early and watch the sun’s rays light up the Towers of the Virgin. This easy, multi use trail starts at the Visitors Centre and follows the Virgin River towards the Canyon Junction for 3.5mi / 5.6km. You don’t have to walk far to see stunning views.
• Riverside Walk (1.5 hours): To beat the worst of the crowds , shuttle early morning all the way to the last stop, #9 Temple of Sinawava, and the start of the Riverside Walk. This trail is an easy, paved, and wheelchair accessible path ending at the river and the start of The Narrows hike. The Narrows is a strenuous hike in the river itself, so requires proper gear and preparation to do the full hike. It is fun though to dip your toes in the river and  hike a little ways along the Narrows, for the experience.
• Zion Lodge for Lunch: Take Shuttle to Zion Lodge for Lunch. Picnic on the grass or eat at the restaurant. Make reservations ahead, as the restaurant does get busy.
• Hike the Lower Emerald Pools trail (1 hour)  – after lunch head to the trailhead near the lodge and walk this easy 1.2mi / 1.9km roundtrip trail. This is a fun hike for kids, as you can walk behind the misty waterfall and wends its way through a shady forest so perfect for those hot summer months. You can extend the hike by also walking the Upper or Middle Emerald Pools trails as well.
• Visit  the Zion Human History Museum (1 hour)  – On the way back to the Visitors Centre, make a stop at the Zion Museum if it’s open. Learn more about the rich human history of the park from American Indian Culture, to pioneer settlement and the effects of water in Zion. 
• Sunset watching – Take a Zion sunset jeep tour to watch the sun go down over Zion National Park.
• Stargazing – The open night skies are the perfect place for stargazing. Ranger led  fascinating stargazing tours (seasonal) are an option
• Stargazing at Kolob Canyon Viewpoint on the other side of the park – If you haven’t worn out your hiking legs by this point, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail starts at the viewpoint and is only a 30 minute hike that  follows the ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains

Grab your free Mini Road Trip Planner Here:

Check out these not to miss Zion activities if you have more time:

• Popular Guided Tour – Guided Tour to Peekabo Slot Canyon in Kanab, UT close by.
• Horseback Riding – Small-Group East Zion White Mountain Horseback Ride
• Jeep Tour – East Zion Checkerboard Overlook Jeep Tour
• Zion UTV Tours – Fun family friendly UTV Tours with sandboarding & hikes through Peekaboo Canyon

Things to know about Zion: 

Zion Shuttle – During the busy tourist season, cars are not allowed in the Zion Canyon portion of the park. You will have to use the Zion Canyon Shuttle , unless you’ve booked  a tour.

Phone and cell service in Zion is almost non-existent , so come prepared for that. Wifi available at Zion Lodge for a fee.

Tips for kids: The National Parks Junior Ranger program is a fun thing to do with kids in parks across the US. Zion’s is fantastic as well. 

This program offers fun and educational activities for kids to do while they are out exploring. You can pick up the Junior Ranger Handbook at the Visitors Center, or download from the NPS website.

LOCAL TIPS: Check out our top kid friendly tips for beating the crowds and heat in Zion .

Day Four: Zion to Bryce Canyon

Day four is focused on seeing more of Zion Canyon in the am, then driving to Bryce Canyon in later afternoon or early evening.

Day four Zion to Bryce itinerary includes:

• Weeping Rock & Court of Patriarchs (1.5 Hours)  (If open) & Watchman Trail (2 hours)  OR
• Angels Landing Trail (4 hours) – Everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit.
• Drive to Bryce Canyon (1.5 -2 hours)

Get an early morning start by taking the first shuttle out to Weeping Rock then back to the viewpoint of the Court of Patriarchs.

As of this writing they are closed due to rockfall, so check ahead to see if they’ve re-opened.

For easy to moderate hiking, choose the Weeping Rock, Court of Patriarchs and Watchman Trail option:

• Weeping Rock is an easy, short but steep 30 minute return hike. Stop at Shuttle Stop #7. This trail ends at a rocky alcove, where the porous rock seeps water, hence the name. Look out for exhibits along the way.
• Court of Patriarchs is at Shuttle Stop #4, and is a quick and easy two-minute trail to a viewpoint above the trees. Here you can see the Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as The Sentinel and Mount Moroni. Stop in early morning as the light starts to peak above the Patriarchs.
• Watchman Trail (2 hours) is a delightful moderate, family friendly  hike that starts right from the Visitor’s Centre. This is a great option if the Zion Canyon Shuttle is busy, as there’s no need to take it! The Watchmen Trail follows the Virgin River ending at a viewpoint of the whole area. See if you can identify the Temples & Towers, lower Zion Canyon, Watchman Peak and Springdale town in the distance.

👉 Grab more fun Zion ideas: Comprehensive One Day Guide to Zion National Park

Angels Landing

Choose Angels Landing if you want the full Zion experience, and can handle a strenuous hike.

One note, there can be up to an hour or more wait to summit and take your pics, during the busiest months.

Angels Landing via the West Rim Trail is a strenuous, but rewarding 4 hour return hike to the infamous red rock at the edge of the world photo op.

This hike however is not suitable for young kids, or people who are afraid of heights, as there are long drop offs, and the last bit is a steep narrow trail to the summit.

LOCAL TIP: Everyone who hikes Angels Landing now needs to have a permit.

How Far is Bryce Canyon from Zion?

Bryce Canyon is approximately 80 miles (128 km) from Zion, and  the drive takes about  1.5 -2 hours. Drive the Zion – Mt Carmel Highway through the Zion tunnel, built in the rock in the 1930’s. Continue following route 89 north, towards Bryce Canyon, until you get to route 12. Turn onto Route 12 east, until you reach Bryce Canyon City.

• Canyon Overlook Trail – If you have the time and desire, pull into the parking lot on the right, just after the Zion Tunnel for the Canyon Overlook Trail. This is a one hour easy to moderate trail (1 mi / 1.6km round trip) to a wonderful viewpoint for Pine Creek and the Lower Zion Canyon.

There is so much to see and do in both Zion and Bryce, that there really is no need to stop along the way. 

However if you are looking for more to do, Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest is a fun place to stop.

Enjoy the vermilion-colored rock formations and ponderosa pine forests. The Birdseye Trail is a moderate 0.8-mile hike with close-up views of this spectacular rock.

Day Five: Bryce Canyon One Day Itinerary

Bryce Canyon is such a gorgeous area, known for its hoodoo rock formations. I’ve put together our family friendly one day itinerary that takes in some short hikes, and drivable viewpoints. 

👉 Want more Bryce Canyon ideas? Grab your Complete Guide: What not to miss in one day in Bryce

Things to know about Bryce Canyon National Park:

Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, year round, with the closest town being Bryce Canyon City. You will need to buy a pass to enter.

Parking can be a challenge in Bryce, so the parks service recommends taking their free Bryce Canyon Shuttle service.

It can pick you up from major hotels in Bryce Canyon City and drop you off at the four most iconic viewpoints of Bryce Canyon National Park; Bryce, Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points.

If you’re driving, we recommend the Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour , to listen and learn as you drive the park.

✅ Grab the Zion & Bryce Self-Driving Tour

The park is broken up into three scenic areas: 

• Bryce Amphitheatre – Sunrise & Sunset Points, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, portions of the Rim Trail, and trailheads for Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trails.
• Scenic Southern Drive (includes the Natural Bridge and Rainbow Point); and 

One Day in Bryce Canyon Itinerary

As you only have one day in Bryce, focusing on the Bryce Amphitheatre area is a must. Especially if it’s your first time.

Morning Activities in Bryce Canyon include: 

• Watch the Sunrise – Choose either Sunrise, Sunset or Bryce Point  if ambitious, and early risers.
• Check out the Visitor’s Centre, located at the entrance to the park, just beyond the pay stations. Knowledgeable rangers can give you all the latest park info, and help plan your day.
• Early Morning Hike to Mossy Cave (start by 9am) & Picnic Snack – Mossy Cave Trail is located along highway 12, and is a very kid-friendly easy hike to a small you guessed it mossy cave, and waterfall. The hike only takes about an hour, and is a streamside meander  following the river, coming up close to hoodoos, and arches. It’s extremely popular as it’s the only trail that doesn’t require a 1,000 foot descent into the Amphitheatre . So go well before 10 am or after 6 pm to avoid the crowds.
• Lunch at Bryce Lodge (make reservations) – Bryce Lodge restaurant  is one of the few food services in the Park. You can also check out the General Store (at Sunrise Point) or the Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop adjacent to the Lodge for food.

Afternoon Activities include: 

Your afternoon In Bryce Canyon will focus on hiking in the Bryce Amphitheatre . To experience the beauty of hoodoos and brilliant shades of red and orange, plus taking in other viewpoints. 

Three hiking options to choose from:

• Easy Hike (1 hour) – Sunset Point to Sunrise Point (or vice versa) . This part of the Rim Trail is partially paved and is the easiest trail in the park for views of the hoodoos and amphitheater from above.
• Moderate Hike (2-3 hours) – Recommended hike –  Navajo Loop Trail & Queen’s Garden Trail ( Start at Sunset Point). For the full Bryce Canyon, hike in a clockwise direction down the Queen’s Garden Trail to see wide awesome views of the Bryce Amphitheater in front of you, then back up through the Navajo Loop Trail.
• Moderate Hike (1-2 hours ) – Easiest into Bryce Amphitheater – Queen’s Garden Trail Start at Sunrise Point following the Rim Trail, before descending into the canyon. For an up close look at the hoodoo and arches formed of rock, worn by erosion. Trail ends at the Queen Victoria walk.

Next drive or Shuttle to the following Viewpoints:

• Inspiration Points:  Lowest viewpoint, so you feel closest to hoodoos.
• Bryce Point: Bryce Point is the most famous and popular viewpoint. The sunset from here is spectacular. Here you can view the entire Bryce Canyon amphitheater from a cliff-side viewing area.

Evening Activities – Dinner &  Stargazing

If you still have energy, star gazing is a must!

Take a walk along the Rim Trail between Sunrise  at Sunset Point. You can stargaze along the way, or at either point.

Where to eat: After all this hiking, and outdoors time you and your travel companions will be hungry.

For dinner try out the Stone Hearth Grille , but make sure to make reservations ahead of time, to avoid disappointment. Open March thru October – 5 to 9 PM

Where to stay in Bryce Canyon, UT

There are fewer places to stay here in Bryce Canyon  than in and around Zion National Park.

In the park itself, you have the Bryce Lodge or camping at the North Campground and the Sunset Campgrounds. Both have about 100 sites, but do not have RV hookups for electrical, sewer or water.

Here are some other highly recommended and reviewed accommodation options near the National Park.

Family Friendly Places To Stay Near Bryce Canyon

• Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel  is one of the nicer hotels in the area, and should be top of your list of where to stay in Bryce Canyon City. Guest love their free breakfast, an outdoor pool and fitness area and easy access to the shuttle route to the park are some of its perks.
• Luxe Bryce Canyon home is a family friendly option with a bit more room to play with.  In addition to three bedrooms, there’s a child’s playground, free WIFI and parking and a kitchen. Which is perfect if you are looking to do a little cooking yourself. Plus as it’s only 1 mile from the park so you can be there in no time at all. 
• Bryce Glamp And Camp is a cool alternative to camping, in mountain view luxury domes . Includes kitchenette, bathrooms, space for up to 4 people, all in a stunning setting.

👉 Grab more ideas of the best places to stay between Bryce and Zion

Day 6: Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ (Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell )

Ideally you would have two  days in the Page, AZ and Lake Powell area , when heading to the American Southwest.

With only one, you’ll need to make some choices. Leave Bryce Canyon, UT early in the morning to ensure you have a full day in this area, and arrive in Page, AZ by breakfast time.

Visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, as well as boating or swimming in Lake Powell are all fun things to do with kids of all ages. 

If you arrive by breakfast , you’ll have time to spend half a day visiting Antelope Canyon and/or Horseshoe Bend, then the other half doing water sports, boat tour, or hanging out on the beach at Lake Powell.

Things to know :

Antelope Canyon : Antelope Canyon is a sacred place for the Navajo people, and they believe that this canyon is where you go to pay respect to Mother Nature. So be respectful during your visit.

• You also must take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon.
• You can check out all our tips and recommendations for Antelope Canyon tours here .

Where to Eat: Stop in at R.D. Drive-In   at 143 S Lake Powell Blvd in Page, AZ for family friendly eats. This family owned business serves everything from hamburgers, burritos and chicken sandwiches to dipped cones, and desserts.

The “Rainbows” an ice cream-slushie combo, are perfect for a hot day.

How far is Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ

The drive from Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ is about 150 mi / 243km and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Follow route 12 back to route US-89 S, past the Zion Junction and straight to Page, AZ. Lake Powell is located off route 89, about 15 minutes before Page as well. 

Antelope Canyon, AZ

Antelope Canyon is located  a 20 minute drive east of Page, Arizona in the Navajo Nation.

This  area is actually two slot canyons, the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon , plus the Antelope Canyon X. 

You aren’t allowed to wander around on your own, and must take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon .

The world of sandstone and the wavy, orange, red, and tan hues of the canyon walls beckon.

• Upper Antelope Canyon: The Upper Antelope is considered the easiest canyon to travel, as its entrance and length are both at ground level. This slot canyon is a 660 feet long, in-and-out trail which is great for families with smaller children who are preschool age or younger. If you’re visiting in summer for the famous light beams, visit between 11:00am and 1:30pm.
• Lower Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon is a lesser travelled one-way trail that is approximately 1,335 feet long, which gets great light year round.
• Antelope Canyon X: This canyon is the shortest walk at only 334 feet in and out. It does have some light beams, and lighting is good before 2pm.

Antelope Canyon Tours

As you must book a tour to be able to visit Antelope Canyon . Here are a few of the most popular choices, that also allow children.

Tours typically leave from Page, AZ and take between 1 and 2.5 hours. 

For the Upper Canyon Tours try this popular 90 minute small group Antelope Canyon Tour. Experience the narrow slot canyon made of dramatic sandstone wall, while learning the history and geology of the area.

For Lower Antelope, these 60 minute family friendly tours are a blast. Walk, take photos, and enjoy the beauty of the area, which is shallower than the Upper Canyon.

Horseshoe Bend, AZ

Horseshoe Bend, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is located 7 miles from Antelope Canyon. You can hike, fly over or boat along this 1000 ft (305 m) deep, horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. 

The overlook hike is a gentle slope of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip, over flat terrain, suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and hikers. There are even two shade stations, as it is a very sunny and hot trail.

Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The busiest times are between 9:00am to 11:00am in the morning and 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the evening. 

Horseshoe Bend parking lot and trailhead is located off US Highway 89. The City of Page, AZ charges $10/car to park. 

LOCAL TIP: Watch your kids carefully. While some areas have railings, it is a 1,000 ft /305 m drop to the Colorado River below.

Lake Powell 

Lake Powell twists and winds its way for 186 mi /299 km straddling  Utah and Arizona.

Here you can rent house boats to small watercraft including kayaks and jet skis at the Wahweap Marina and even do boat tours. Lake Powell Resort is the main rental place for these.

Lake Powell is the perfect way to spend the afternoon, or a full day. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, cliff jumping and spending time at the beach are all favourite activities here. 

Lake Powell is also a world class fishing destination, for all you anglers out there. Try fishing for northern pike, wide-mouth bass, catfish, crappie, and  walleye.

Cool Fact: Lake Powell is a man made lake, formed after the  Glen Canyon dam’s diversion tunnels closed in 1963. Did you know that it took 17 years for the lake to reach its full capacity? Nope me neither.

Where to stay in Page and Lake Powell, AZ:

Page and Lake Powell, AZ can provide you with many unique accommodation options from renting houseboats, to camping on the beach, or more traditional hotels, motels and resorts. I’m all for renting a houseboat, how cool is that. 

Lake Powell Accommodations

Camping – Lone Rock Beach – Lone Rock Beach is a gem, as it is the only beach you can drive onto for camping. Come out of your tent in the morning to impeccable views of the Lone Rock monolith. Fun fact: “The Impossible Astronaut,” the first episode of the sixth season of Doctor Who, was filmed at Lone Rock Beach. 

Lakeside Resort: Lake Powell Resort located at the Wahweap Marina is a fun option. With a restaurant onsite, family rooms, pool,  fridges in room, plus easy access to their boat tours and rentals, it’s a one stop place to stay.

Family friendly places to stay in Page, AZ 

• Family Favourite with Mountain Views : Country Inn and Suites by Radisson (Page, AZ) – What families love : includes free  breakfast, family rooms, fitness centre, free private parking, and gorgeous mountain views. Restaurant onsite.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Page – Lake Powell (Page, AZ) – What guests love : The indoor Pool, free hot breakfast buffet and Wifi. Family rooms available.   5 Minutes from Horseshoe Bend and 15 from Lake Powell Marina.
• Pet Friendly: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham (5 minutes from Lake Powell) – What guests love: Pet friendly with free breakfast & wifi plus an outdoor pool and laundry access. The Days Inn offers panoramic views of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, the Navajo Indian Reservation, and the Vermillion Cliffs along the Colorado River
• Budget Friendly: Lake Powell Motel & Apartments (Page, AZ) – What guests love: Homey feel, budget friendly, and units with kitchens and patio garden views. Free WiFi and private parking. Very clean and family friendly.

Day Seven: Page, AZ to South Rim of Grand Canyon & Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon was formed over 200 million years ago by erosion and the Colorado River.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sight to behold. 

If you have an extra day you might consider spending more than half a day here, then taking a more leisurely drive back to Las Vegas, the next day.

The drive from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas has some great spots to stop along the way.

Drive from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon

The fastest route from Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon, South Rim is approximately  150 miles, and just under 3 hour drive. If you have time, stop at Horseshoe Bend along the way, for epic photos, if you didn’t have a chance yesterday.

South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon gives you the iconic views  of what you think of as the Grand Canyon.

View chiseled rock, amongst the great depths of the winding Colorado River. More facilities including the Visitors Centre, accommodations and restaurants are  located at the South Rim. So it’s a good place for a first visit. 

As you’ll only have about half a day, you’ll need to be choosy about what you want to see.

• For a first time visitor, a visit to the Grand Canyon Village and Hermit Road  / walk along the Rim Trail is a must. 

Stop first at the Visitors Centre, and the Mather Point viewpoint. Then take a walk along the Trail of Time between Yavapi Point and the Grand Canyon Village.

Follow your adventure up by taking the shuttle along the rest of Hermit Road.

Jump on and off at various viewpoints as you are inspired. You can also hike the full 7 mile Rim Trail and catch the shuttle back.

Here is a list of family friendly things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon:

• Grand Canyon Visitor Center – Stop in for your  free map of area. Take a few moments to  visit the geological exhibits, watch the documentary, and see historic artifacts. You can also buy souvenirs, rent bikes,  and check out their ranger led programs.
• Drive along the Rim Road or take the park and ride options along 4 routes. 
• Mather Point Viewpoint – short walk from Visitor Center for your first majestic views. Can walk along the trail from Mather Point to the next viewpoint Yavapi or drive.
• Yavapai Point – Yavapi Point  has fabulous views at sunset for that WOW factor.
• The Trail of Time – The Trail of Time is the easiest part of the Rim Trail which running 1.3 miles between Yavapai Geology Museum and Grand Canyon Village. Perfect for families with little kids.
• Grand Canyon Village – The Grand Canyon Village started growing in 1901, when the steam train arrived. Several historic buildings from that area are here to check out, including the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, the Hopi House,  Kolb Studio and the historic landmark El Tovar.
• Hermit Road   – 7 mile scenic drive from Grand Canyon Village to West Rim. You’ll need to hike, bike or use the shuttle in summer as cars are not allowed between March and November.  See 10 awe inspiring viewpoints of the Grand Canyon.
• Desert View Drive – 25 mile long scenic drive from GC Village to the Desert View Watchtower in the east. Has about 10 pullouts and viewpoints a long the way. Climb the Watchtower for epic views.
• Sunrise or sunset – Maricopa Point, Hopi Point or Yavapi Point

Things to know:

Grand Canyon National Park:

• As with all National Parks there are fees to enter. $35 / car which is good for seven days.   
• Grand Canyon is a remote area, so make sure you carry an extra set of car keys, your car is gassed up and in good repair. The nearest gas station and mechanic is not close by. 
• Hermit Road is only open to private cars December to February. You will need to use the shuttle the rest of the year. 

Drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

The drive back to Las Vegas from the South Rim or the Grand Canyon Village is roughly 4.5hrs.

There are a few places you may want to consider stopping along the way if you have some extra time.

• Route 66 from Flagstaff to Kingman, Arizona – explore Historic Downtown and Railroad District of Flagstaff to learn more about its history and visit the Wupatki National Monument.
• Bearizona Wildlife Park , Williams, AZ  (short distance from Flagstaff) – Drive through Safari Park. You can see bears, elks, mountain goats, mule deer, wolves, and bison, in a more natural habitat. Pet some animals at the petting zoo.
• Hoover Dam – if you didn’t visit when you first arrived in Las Vegas.
• Lake Mead Recreation Area – The reservoir is created by the Hoover Dam and is a pleasant place to stop for a picnic. It’s also a popular summer destination for boating and lake cruises, kayaking, swimming, biking and hiking the trails. 

How Long Is the Drive From Zion To Bryce Canyon?

The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon takes around 1.5 hours directly, and is about 80 miles / 128km. There are plenty of stops and sights to see as you drive if you have extra time. Some of the highlights include Many Pools Slot Canyon, Red Hollow Slot Canyon, Red Canyon, and a detour to Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Should you spend more time in Bryce or Zion?

Zion needs more time than Bryce, as it is a larger, more spread out park with longer hiking options, such as the Narrows and Angels Landing. The minimum amount of time you will need is two days in Zion and one day in Bryce Canyon. Zion is a much busier, more difficult park to navigate, given you must use the Zion Canyon Shuttle most of the year.

Planning for at least three days will give you enough time to do those not-to-miss hikes, take some epic photographs and see the best viewpoints. 

How Far is Bryce Canyon from Antelope Canyon?

Bryce Canyon to Antelope Canyon is about a 160 mi / 257 km drive, which takes about 3 hours via US-89 S. Antelope Canyon is located near the Arizona / Utah border, just east of Page Arizona. 

How far is Grand Canyon from Antelope Canyon 

The Grand Canyon is  147 mi / 236km from Antelope Canyon and is about  a 3 hour drive. Due to the relatively short distance, Antelope Canyon is a popular day trip from the Grand Canyon. 

The most common route is via AZ-64 E to US-89 N through the Navajo Nation.

If AZ-64E is closed you will need to drive the long way around, through Flagstaff, AZ. It’s a bit longer of a drive at 221 mi / 355 km and will take approximately  3 hour and 45 minutes.

Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon: One Week Family-Friendly Itinerary

Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce is one of the best road trips in the USA for good reason. Gorgeous ever changing landscapes, this route offers nature at its best. From dramatic waterways, to slot canyons, and wildlife, this is a one week trip you and your family are sure not to forget.

Related family travel destinations and travel planning tips:

• Simple ways to save money on road trips
• Fun RV Gift Ideas
• 150 Road Trip Questions to spark conversations
• Easy Road Trip Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Best Walkie Talkies for Road Trips

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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great overview, however, there are no hotels listed for grand canyon?….any help in that regard?

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Road Trip from Las Vegas: The Grand Canyon – Hoover Dam – and Route 66

Road Trip from Las Vegas To The Grand Canyon

We took a Road Trip from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon after spending a few wonderful fun-filled days in Las Vegas The City of Lost Wages.

This article will help you to plan your trip itinerary from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon.

We took a bus tour from Las Vegas to The South Rim of The Grand Canyon

Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon? I say yes! And even better to travel in comfort and leave the driving to someone else. This article features our entire and fantastic road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon!

Road Trip from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is closest to Las Vegas at 130 miles (210km) which is about a 2.5 hour drive.

But we chose to go to The South Rim which is further away at 275 miles (440 km) and around a 4.5 hour drive.

The road route to the South Rim of The Grand Canyon takes in views of  Lake Mead , crosses over the  Hoover Dam , and then travels along the historic Mother Road of Route 66 .

Along the way , we also stopped off at the quirky historic towns of Flagstaff and Seligman and Kingman before we finally got to our destination and walked along The Rim Trail from Mather Point to Bright Angel Lodge taking in the incredible and awe-inspiring views along the South Rim of The Grand Canyon .

ROAD TRIP FROM LAS VEGAS TO THE GRAND CANYON

Table of Contents

THE EXCURSION

There are many tour operators of tours from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon. We chose to go to The South Rim with a company called Sweetours who I can personally recommend to you. The bus/coach was large and comfortable and the driver friendly and knowledgeable (note: NOT a paid/affiliated link). The all-day bus tour included pick up and drop off at our hotel in Las Vegas. A continental breakfast. Deli-style lunch. National Park Fees.

Just outside Las Vegas is Lake Mead. It’s immediately refreshing on the eyes to see its blue waters shimmering in the desert landscape. The lake is the largest man-made reservoir in the United States providing water to farmland and around 20 million people. Worryingly, the lake is now at less than 50 percent of its water capacity due to drought and increased demand.

THE HOOVER DAM

The first stop on our bus tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon was at The Hoover Dam on the border between the states of Nevada and Arizona. The dam was built in the 1930’s, during the time of The Great Depression, to provide power to California, Nevada and Arizona.

The Hoover Dam is an interesting stop off and without a doubt a breath-taking feat of construction and engineering

It was really interesting to travel over the U-shaped concrete construction across the Colorado River. But, once again, we can see how a clear white band betrays the low water levels.

Note: 2023 Update: Do check with your chosen tour operator if The Hoover Dam is still a stopping point on the bus tour due to newly implemented commercial vehicle fees.

THE MOTHER ROAD – ROUTE 66

Route 66 was America’s first continuous stretch of highway. Established in 1926, it stretched almost two and a half thousand miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. These days, it’s mostly been replaced by modern Interstate highways, but it’s legendary status as the most famous road in America still remains.

The historic road can still be seen today where 87 miles of Route 66 passes through the historic towns of Flagstaff , the old Santa-Fe railroad town of Seligman and the old road to Kingman.

Passing through these quirky old historic towns is like travelling back in time

THE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM

The Grand Canyon can be viewed at four distinct points: The South Rim, Grand Canyon West, Grand Canyon East, and the North Rim.

The South Rim is the most visited and the most popular part of the Grand Canyon National Park. It is open all year and offers various viewing points of the Colorado River far below and the widest and most expansive views of the Grand Canyon.

We chose the South Rim for the world-famous expansive views.

The South Rim also offers the visitor various hiking routes for most abilities and The Grand Canyon Village with shops and lodges and visitor facilities. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic and wonderfully rustic looking Bright Angel Lodge .

GRAND CANYON HIKES AT THE SOUTH RIM

We had a perfectly sunny and warm day for our visit and for our gentle hike along part of The Rim Trail . We walked for about an hour on an easy paved path and we stopped often to be amazed at the breath-taking views and to take photos.

You can find out more about hiking The Rim Trail HERE and study the destination map HERE.

After spending our allotted time at the Grand Canyon we got back to Angel Lodge in time for a drink at the bar before boarding our bus and heading back to Las Vegas. On the way back, we watched a movie on the TV screen at the front of the bus and then, suddenly feeling exhausted as light faded in the desert along Route 66, we napped until we finally arrived safely back at our hotel very late that evening.

It was a very long day. But it was a wonderful day. It was a big tick off the bucket list for sure and so worth every dollar and every minute we spent that day!

I have to say that I found the exceptional views from Mather Point at the South Rim so stunning and surreal and overwhelming that I experienced sensory overload and regularly had to pinch myself to prove I wasn’t dreaming.

Visiting The Grand Canyon was a dream come true for me and I’m so happy that we decided to tag an extra couple of days onto our Vegas trip to make the excursion possible if only for one day.

Seeing and experiencing The Grand Canyon is on most people’s travel wish lists. You can plan your visit and find out more about all four different viewing point locations and decide which part of the Grand Canyon suits you best HERE .

MAKING MEMORIES AT THE GRAND CANYON

You can go hiking at a gentle scenic saunter or you can tackle the Rim To Rim Hike . You can go white water River Rafting on the might Colorado River. You can also take Mule Trips into the Grand Canyon – creating even more memories by riding your mule deep into the Canyon to stay one or two nights at the historic Phantom Lodge Ranch – only to be reached by mule. What an adventure!

GRAND CANYON INTERESTING FACTS

The Grand Canyon is one of the  natural wonders of the world .

The Grand Canyon is a natural formation with layered bands of red rock.

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 kilometres) long and 6000 feet (1800 metres) deep.

At its widest point the Grand Canyon stretches 18 miles (29 kilometres) across.

Parts of the Grand Canyon are believed to be 70 million years old.

The Grand Canyon creates its own weather. The weather varies significantly and suddenly from one part of the canyon to another.

There are around 1000 caves in the park but only 335 have been explored.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON

The best time for visiting the Grand Canyon is often during the ‘shoulder seasons’ between March to May and from September to November when it’s less crowded. In the summer (peak season) you can expect the park to be more crowded and local accommodation scarce (therefore do book ahead).

It’s also worth knowing that much of the park remains closed during the winter months (including the North Rim) although the South Rim can usually be visited in the winter and throughout the year. Indeed, many people think the wintertime and when it’s snowy is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon.

Is The Grand Canyon on your travel bucket list?

Have you already been to The Grand Canyon?

Do tell me about it!?

The Backpacking Housewife recommends accommodation website Booking.com

The Backpacking Housewife recommends World Nomads Travel Insurance

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JANICE HORTON

Janice Horton is The Backpacking Housewife and the person behind the travel and adventure website www.thebackpackinghousewife.com

Las Vegas: City of Lost Wages

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Hi Janice we did this trip for my birthday we spent 5 days in vegas and 3 days in the Grand Canyon we past through boulder and then to the hoover dam the most fantastic experience going from a warm place to snow in one day absolutely incredible

Hi Amanda – that sounds like an amazing trip with lots of time to spend having fun and adventures! Thanks for your comment and do come back soon. xx

Who did you book the tour through looks amazing!

Alice – I can’t remember right now who we booked the bus tour with from Vegas – but it was amazing and I will find out and leave another message here soon.

Alice getting back to you – we used SWEETours for our bus tour trip and you can find them on trip advisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g45963-d11992111-Grand_Canyon_South_Rim_Day_Tour_from_Las_Vegas-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html

600 miles is no joke! Good thing you took the bus and didn’t drive. I once drove from Chicago to LA in 3 days and I will never do it again!!

It was a very early start and a late finish to what was an amazing day. The coach was comfortable – they played a movie – and all we had to do was sit back and relax and enjoy the trip. So glad not to drive actually. I prefer not to drive if possible over long distances. Chicago to LA – wow!

That looks like quite an amazing trip. I would love to visit the Grand Canyon, but also other places along the way.

Hi Sarah – yes the road trip TO the Grand Canyon is fascinating too especially the small towns on route 66! Thank you for leaving a comment. xx

Wonderful pictures Janice. I really want to do the Grand Canyon, but it’s such a long day trip from Vegas that I think we are going to have to incorporate it into a future road trip. We did the Hoover Dam a few years ago but I would do that again. Did you do all this in a day? How long was the trip?

Hi Natalie – thank you for your lovely comment. Yes it was a long 600 mile round trip from Vegas to the canyon and back in one day – taking in the dam and route 66 but – it was so worth it and we actually enjoyed the trip and the views and various stop-offs along the route. I do remember we were up at 5am to meet the bus (we were picked up from our hotel and it was a big comfortable coach) and we got back to Vegas late that night. I would however highly recommend it as I do prefer to sit back and let someone else do the driving!

I really want to do this. Everytime we go to Vegas, we never find the time for it as the bus trips seem such a long day (13hours, I think?) and I’m too scared to go by helicopter! One day, we will have to just hire a car and do it ourselves. You have some amazing pics here. Love your pages.

Natalie x (backinamerica.co.uk)

Natalie – I recommend next time you stay an extra day or two in Vegas to do the Grand Canyon trip – it’s fun and worth the long day. I’ll look forward to seeing your post when you do it! LOVED your Great American Road Trip Mix Tape post btw!

Great post Janice. We drove the exact same route in our little hire car last year and spent a week or so exploring Seligman, Flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. Wonderful trip and even thinking of going back and doing it again but even slower.

It was a great trip Jonno – but a loooong day – as the round trip back to Vegas clocked up 600 miles. It was so worth it – but I’m glad we took the bus and didn’t have to drive ourselves (I get lazy about driving these days). I loved Seligman – the small town that inspired the ‘Cars’ movie!

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Itinerary for Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon (+Map & Insider Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 20, 2023

Are you thinking of visiting Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend , but are not sure how to plan a trip? In this article, we share the perfect 2-day itinerary that covers all these bucket-list landmarks and so much more. This itinerary starts and ends in Las Vegas, but you can easily adjust it and start from Grand Canyon. We also include some suggestions for additional places you could visit nearby if you have more time. Find out!

Every traveler visiting American Southwest wants to see the famous Grand Canyon ! But Antelope Canyon and the nearby Horseshoe Bend are definitely worth a trip just as much. Unique landscapes, grandiose displays of nature’s power, and iconic imagery make these sites absolutely unmissable.

The sights along this 2-day trip rival any other in the United States. And while these natural landmarks are quite far from major cities, Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon/ Horseshoe Bend are only two hours apart, making it easy to see them all on the same trip. 

Below, we have put together one of the most efficient itineraries so see the best of Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend in just two days . We have laid out the perfect loop starting and ending in Las Vegas . This road trip itinerary makes sure that you don’t backtrack and also get to see the major attractions at the best time of day.

Need a rental car for your road trip?

We recommend renting your car via the Rental Cars website . You can compare different companies and their offers, and find the best prices for your trip. They have an excellent cancelation policy and you can also get full insurance for a much lower price than at the counter. We personally always use them, also on a recent road trip from Las Vegas.

Good to know: This itinerary is designed with the help of Matthew Meier , a local guide from Las Vegas who has led thousands of travelers on tours to Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon. In this article, he shares the best Grand Canyon – Horseshoe Bend – Antelope Canyon itinerary that not only brings you to all the must-see places along the way but also includes some hidden gems, his personal recommendations, and insider tips that will help you make the most of your trip.

Using his suggestions, you can easily plan a self-drive road trip visiting the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Hoover Dam, and more amazing places in two days .

TIP: Alternatively, if you don’t feel like planning everything yourself or driving 13 hours over two days, you can simply book this 2-day tour from Vegas that follows this exact same itinerary and hits all the places listed below.

Or you can book two separate day tours if you prefer not to do it all in one go. In that case, on one day, you could take this day tour to the Grand Canyon, including Hoover Dam & Route 66, then take a day to rest/ explore Vegas, and then go on this popular day tour to the Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend.

When to go: Weekdays are better than weekends, and spring and fall are better than summer and winter. Our absolute favorite time to visit Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend is in October and early November.

What to wear : Note that the Grand Canyon is almost 8,000 feet of elevation and can get cold in any season (although it’s usually hot in summer). Antelope Canyon is in the desert and can get very hot in all seasons apart from winter. It’s best to dress in layers so that you can adapt to the situation. Wear comfortable walking shoes, take sun protection, and pack plenty of water.

Good to know: It’s essential to book your Antelope Canyon tour in advance so that you can immediately see if it’s available for your travel dates. In the peak travel season, these tours usually sell out weeks in advance. So be sure to check availability for Antelope Canyon tours before planning your trip!

PRO TIP: Check the availability for all slot canyon tours in Page and book your Antelope Canyon tour before you book anything else. If there’s limited availability, you may have to adjust your itinerary to make it work.

TIP: If the Upper and the Lower Antelope Canyon tickets would be sold out, Antelope Canyon X is a great alternative. You’ll find more information about all of these options below.

Grand Canyon – Antelope Canyon 2-day road trip itinerary: overview & map

Hemenway park, grand canyon national park.

• Lower Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend

Glen canyon dam.

• Lake Powell
• Back to Las Vegas (with detour suggestions and tips to extend your trip)

Here you can see the map of this Grand Canyon – Antelope Canyon – Horseshoe Bend itinerary . On this map, we indicated all the places mentioned in this guide (and you can find all the details about each place further below).

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Day 1: Las Vegas – Hoover Dam – Route 66 – Grand Canyon

Since this itinerary is designed to make the most of the short time, this is a long and exciting day with lots to see. So in order to see it all and not have to rush everywhere, you will need to leave Las Vegas very early. Ideally, you depart from Vegas no later than 6.30 am in the winter, and 7.30 am in the summer.

TIP: You will need a car for this trip, so if you are renting a car, get it the evening before. On the RentalCars website , you can compare different providers and find some of the best deals for car rental. We always book our car rental via this website (at least 2-3 times a year, all over the world) and I can highly recommend it based on our (many) personal experiences.

Here’s what your first day would look like:

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

On the way out of town, make a quick stop at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign – one of the must-see attractions in Las Vegas . A photo stop in front of this iconic sign works best in the morning as the sun will be behind you for great lighting and crowds are thin this time of day.

TIP: Grab Coffee and pastries to go at Mothership Coffee Roasters as you pass by on your way to the next stop – see our map for the exact location.

Next stop: Hemenway Park, 27 miles/ 30 minutes drive.

Hemenway Park is a beautiful small park with nice views and – often – wildlife. It’s a hidden gem and just 1 minute off of the main road on the way to the Hoover Dam, so be sure to check it out.

This is a great place to spot bighorn sheep and take in views of Lake Mead. The bighorn sheep are part of a herd that hangs out at the park, particularly in the hotter months. They are wild animals but are used to seeing lots of people in the park, so you can usually get quite close to them for a photo.

Next stop: Hoover Dam, 6 miles/ 10-15 minutes.

The Hoover Dam is a modern engineering marvel in the middle of a ruggedly beautiful canyon. Along with the fantastic views of Lake Mead, this stop is a must on any road trip to the Grand Canyon.

There is a lot to see at the Hoover Dam, but with limited time, these are my recommended stops that will get you great photos and a personal sense of the size of the dam. Plus, it’s free!

After passing through security, you will see a parking lot on your right for the Mike O’Callaghan Memorial Bridge . A 5-minute walk up the ramps will lead you to the top of the second-highest bridge in the United States with sweeping views of the Hoover Dam and Colorado River below. This is the best place to take in the immense size of the dam and get a full photo of the face of the Hoover Dam.

After this photo stop, drive down the Hoover Dam access road, cross the Hoover Dam, then park at the first parking lot on the right side, Parking Lot 10. Parking area 9 is on the left and a bit closer, but charges a $10 parking fee. We recommend Parking Lot 10.

From here, walk back down the way you came, and walk across the Hoover Dam, going down one side and back another. On the left side with the Colorado River, make sure to check out the face of the Dam.

On the opposite side of Lake Mead, see the plaque halfway across the dam for a chance to stand in Nevada and Arizona at the same time !

Next stop: Route 66, 2 hours drive. Pit stop: Kingman AZ for cheap gas.

Route 66 is an iconic road that used to run from Los Angeles to Chicago . There are three main stops along Route 66 that we recommend checking out on your way from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon: Seligman, AZ, the historic section of highway, and Williams, AZ. See below for more info on each of these places.

Seligman, AZ

Seligman is a small town along the original Route 66 line that has preserved a lot of its buildings and culture, making it an ideal place to stop and see what Route 66 used to look like. It’s also a nice place to take some outstanding photos! 

You can park in front of or nearby the Copper Cart , an old gas station turned gift shop. It has the greatest variety of photo opportunities. Often you will see a real-life cowboy fully equipped with a couple of horses, cowboy hats, and 1870s Winchester rifles that you can use as props for your own epic photo. This service is free, but tips are appreciated and go toward hay for the horses.

Across the street from the Copper Cart is a colorful Seligman sign that will make any social media feed pop. There are dozens of great opportunities for photos in Seligman! However, try not to spend more than 40 minutes exploring this small town because you have to save time for the day’s highlight – The Grand Canyon.

Historic Route 66

From Seligman, you can get back on Interstate Hwy 40 and get going towards Grand Canyon… or you can spend a few extra minutes and cruise down the original Route 66 . I always recommend a short detour on this historic section of the highway! It’s not going to take you much longer than following the Interstate and can say you’ve driven on Route 66! 🙂

Just one minute down the road from the Copper Cart, you will see the turn-off to stay on Route 66 – see the picture below. Take a right here and stay on Route 66 for 20 minutes until it merges back with Interstate 40 East. 

Next stop: Williams, AZ, 40 miles/ 45 minutes from Seligman.

Williams, AZ

Williams is another small town along Route 66. Williams stands out for its excellent dining options. It makes a perfect place to grab lunch and get a few more classic Route 66 photos. Our top choice for lunch is Red Raven, a classic American restaurant that serves great food at fair prices. 

TIP: Williams has the only chance to get a photo with the Route 66 sign painted on the road in this region! So if you want to take a picture like that, make a quick stop on the way in or out of Williams to get your shot. Just be careful and keep an eye out for traffic if taking pictures on the road!

Next stop: Grand Canyon National Park, 60 miles/ 1 hour.

Grand Canyon National Park is enormous, spread out over 1,900 square miles (4,926 km²). There are three main rims that you can visit and you could spend several days just exploring the canyon… However, following this itinerary, you’ll only have half a day here. No worries – you can still see some of the best scenery of the Grand Canyon!

The most popular place to visit at the Grand Canyon (and the one we recommend for this itinerary) is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Here, you have easy access to some of the very best viewpoints over the majestic scenery. You’ll need to pay the National Park entrance fee (about $35 per car), or you use your annual National Parks Pass if you have it.

If you have been staying on schedule, you should be arriving at the Grand Canyon in the afternoon, giving you great light for photos and setting yourself up for a memorable sunset over the Grand Canyon.

TIP: To help avoid crowds AND get the best views, here are the best stops along the South Rim that you should hit, in this order: Yavapai Point, Grandview Point, Moran Point, and Lipan Point. See below for more information about each of these stops and why we recommend them over the others.

Yavapai Point

Yavapai point has arguably the best views of the entire park. It is a great alternative to the more popular Mather Point just up the road. Mather Point does have a visitor center, but it is also the most crowded of all viewpoints at the Grand Canyon. Parking there can be a nightmare. Yavapai Point, on the other hand, almost always has available parking spaces. 

You could also walk to Mather Point from Yavapai, but it’s about 1 mile/ 20 minutes each way, and might be hard to squeeze it in with limited time. Or you could check out the parking lot there as you drive by after leaving Yavapai and stop for a quick visit if you can find a spot for your car (this will be easier in low season).

Anyway, back to the Yavapai Point. There are 3 things you MUST see here:

1. Yavapai Geology Museum

We prefer this museum over the visitors center. Not only does it have impressive displays and information about the creation of the Grand Canyon, but it also offers magnificent views of the canyon , as well.

They chose this spot for the museum because it is the best place to see the layers and colors in the Canyon. As a bonus, on freezing, hot, snowy, or windy days, this is a great place to escape the weather and still enjoy some views of the Grand Canyon. 

2. Wide-open canyon views

This hidden gem does not have an official name. From the museum with the Canyon on your right, walk along the rim trail for 3 minutes, until you see a small trail on your right leading out to an open rock. This viewpoint has the best unobstructed view of the Grand Canyon at the South Rim . 

While we don’t recommend this if you are scared of heights, this is also the best place to get a photo with your feet dangling over the Grand Canyon. If you want this type of photo, only do it via the “sit and scoot” method. Sit down 5 feet away from the edge, scoot out, get your shots, then scoot back 5 feet and stand up. Or simply enjoy the views and take some nice pictures of the Grand Canyon without putting yourself at risk!

3. Yavapai Point

Leaving the Museum with the canyon on your left, one minute down the Rim Trail, there is a set of stairs leading down to Yavapai Point. This overlook has a sturdy guardrail, making it a good chance for those with a fear of heights to get a close-up look at the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Leaving Yavapai Point, you will want to drive east on Highway 64 heading towards Desert View. As you drive, keep an eye out the left side of your car for views of the Grand Canyon, and out the right side for deer and elk.

Here are more viewpoints that you will not want to miss along the road:

Grandview Point

Grandview Point is the first major stop along Highway 64 towards Desert View. Along with a nice view of the Grand Canyon, there are a couple of things to see here. The first is a “secret spot”.

To get there, find the very first parking spot in the lot, and to the right of it, there is a small trail. Follow that trail out and stay to the right. This will take you out to a secluded, quiet area with fantastic views of the mountains, canyon, and the Colorado River. Follow the blue arrows to get to the secret spot – see one of the pictures below. The red circle on the map below is another great photo opportunity. 

From the secret spot, you can follow the ridgeline back to the main point. Grandview point is also the starting point of the Grandview Trail. This trail can be taken all the way to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, but on a short visit, you can just walk a small part of it – this is a good chance to spend a few minutes inside the canyon. 

Moran Point

The next major stop along Hight 64 is Moran Point. It is another great place to get out of the car and see the Grand Canyon from a different angle.

Lipan Point

Lipan Point is one of the highest viewpoints at the South Rim. There isn’t a lot of room to walk around and explore here, but the views are amazing and make this a must-see.

TIP: Lipan Point is a great spot to watch the sunset. If visiting between March and October, this is our favorite place to watch the sunset over the canyon. From November until February, Moran Point is a better bet for catching a stellar sunset.

What about the Desert View Point?

Desert View also has some very nice views of the Grand Canyon, but we find it overrated (and mostly overcrowded) compared to the previously listed viewpoints.

It is one of the few places with parking for big buses, so it’s often very busy here. If you don’t have the time to see everything and it is busy, we suggest skipping Desert View and spending more time at the previously listed Grand Canyon stops.

Next stop: Hotel – see our recommendations on where to stay for this Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon itinerary.

Where to stay between Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon

There are a few options for lodging after this long day:

• Cheapest . The cheapest hotels somewhat along the way are in Flagstaff , but this is a serious detour. You’d have to drive over 50 miles extra to get to Flagstaff and then 50 miles back again on the next day. This would mean at least an hour, more likely 1.5 hrs, of extra driving on day 1 and also on day 2.
• Most fun . Cameron Trading Post . This is our favorite place to stay between Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon and it’s right en-route. It is a hotel that has been around for more than 100 years, yet they have recently renovated all their rooms, giving it a clean and updated feel. As a bonus, they have the best gift shop in the area, and the on-site restaurant serves traditional Navajo food along with Mexican and American favorites. If you want to stay here, make sure to book in advance!
• Half-way. Navajoland Hotel of Tuba City . This is a good alternative place to stay between Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, about 70 minutes drive to Page. This is a simple lower budget hotel with a 24/7 reception, a restaurant (including Navajo specialties on the menu), and easy parking. Ideal if you’re just looking for a good value place to stay in the area.
• Most convenient . Page, AZ . Getting into Page will take you a bit longer on day one (about 75 miles/ 1h 15 drive from Cameron), but it will lead to a relaxed start to day two. Accommodation prices can be high on holidays and during the summer, but it’s worth it. Some hotels we particularly like in Page, AZ, are Country Inn and Suites , La Quinta , or Hampton Inn and Suites . Also here, for the best deals and availability, be sure to book in advance!

Where to eat

For dinner on day 1, we usually get sandwiches and salads at McAlister’s Deli in Cameron. The food is great and is quick. Alternatively, you can eat at any of the variety of places in Flagstaff or Page.

In Page, try Big Johns Texas BBQ or Birdhouse. Note that places close early in Page, one of your best bets for late-night eats is State 48 Tavern.

Day 2: Antelope Canyon – Horseshoe Bend – Glen Canyon Dam – Lake Powell – (Zion NP) – (Red Hills Desert Garden) – Las Vegas

Most hotels in Page and Flagstaff will serve free breakfast in the morning. Grab something quick to get you started on your day. If you spend the night in Flagstaff or in Cameron, you’ll have to start very early. If you slept in Page, you can have a bit more relaxing morning.

The second day of this itinerary is going to revolve around your visit to the two major attractions in the Page area: Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower Canyon, or Canyon X) and Horseshoe Bend . We recommend touring Lower Antelope Canyon. Alternatively, if you have trouble walking or descending stairs, opt for the Upper Antelope Canyon.

TIP: To get the best light for your photos, plan the first half of your day like this:

• If visiting Lower Antelope Canyon . Tour Lower Antelope Canyon in the morning, 8.30-10.30 am is best. Go to Horseshoe Bend around noon.
• If visiting Upper Antelope Canyon or Canyon X. Visit Horseshoe Bend in the morning. Visit Upper Antelope Canyon as close to noon as possible. The same applies for Canyon X, where the best time to visit is +- between 10.30 am and 1 pm.

No matter which one you choose, be sure to reserve your tickets well in advance (one of the easiest ways is to book tickets and tours on GetYourGuide or on Viator ). Below, you can find all the essential information for visiting the Antelope Canyon, and more information about various ticket options.

Lower Antelope Canyon OR Upper Antelope Canyon OR Canyon X

If you are physically capable, we recommend visiting the Lower Antelope Canyon. Here are some things you may want to know when deciding where to go:

Lower Antelope Canyon is over twice as long as Upper Antelope Canyon and the tickets for the Lower Canyon are a lot cheaper. It also has fewer people inside at one time. In the second half of your tour at the Lower Canyon, the crowds will spread out and you get good chances for photos without other people in them. Furthermore, Lower Antelope Canyon also has more twists and turns, plus stairs going up and down, giving you a real feeling of adventure when hiking through this slot canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon is also amazing and is better known! It is great for people with mobility issues who can’t navigate the stairs of the Lower Canyon, so all tour groups tend to visit the Upper Canyon. That’s why it’s much busier and also a lot more expensive. Depending on the season, Upper Antelope Canyon tickets can be twice the price of the Lower Canyon.

Good to know: Note that neither Lower nor Upper Antelope Canyon offers photography tours anymore. Also, neither section allows you to bring in tripods, selfie sticks, bags of any size, or other photography equipment inside the canyon. Cameras and phones are allowed. 

Canyon X is a lesser-known canyon just nearby. It has a bit of a mix of what you see at the Upper and Lower Canyon – with the stunning pillars of light that you see at the Upper Antelope Canyon, but it’s steeper – like the Lower Antelope Canyon. It’s also deeper and offers lots of great photo opportunities.

Because it’s not that well known, at the moment, Canyon X is still much cheaper to visit than the other two canyons. It can be a great alternative for those who prefer to get a bit off the beaten path.

Antelope Canyon tour companies

Antelope Canyon is part of the Navajo Nation. You must join a tour if you want to see the canyon and the Navajo Nation has authorized several companies to run the tours. There are two companies running tours of the Lower Antelope Canyon and four companies run tours of the Upper Antelope Canyon. They all offer very similar experiences and prices.

Lower Antelope Canyon tour companies are Ken’s Tours and Dixie Ellis. They both lead the same tour of the same section of the canyon and prices are usually the same. We prefer Ken’s Tours as they have a nice air-conditioned waiting room with a cafe, but as far as tours go – it’s all the same.

Upper Antelope Canyon tour companies: Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours, Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours, Antelope Canyon Tours, and Antelope Slot Canyon Tours.

Canyon X can be a nice alternative to the more famous Antelope Canyons. It’s also much quieter.

Antelope Canyon tickets !!!

More important than the tour company you choose is actually getting your tickets. On weekends, holidays, and during the summer, tickets can sell out very far in advance. When planning your trip, the absolute first thing you need to plan is your Antelope Canyon tickets! Seriously, don’t book anything until you have these tickets in your email inbox. 

You can get tickets on the websites of all the official tour companies mentioned above, and also on Viator . Please note that most of these tickets are non-refundable .

TIP: Alternatively, you can also easily reserve your tickets for the Antelope Canyon on GetYourGuide . At the moment of the last update, they offer Antelope Canyon ticket options with free cancelation (but be sure to double-check, in case things change). This is where we booked our tickets for the most recent visit to Antelope Canyon.

Here are some of the best options for the Antelope Canyon tickets online:

• Lower Antelope Canyon tickets ,
• Upper Antelope Canyon Tickets ,
• Canyon X tickets .

TIP: As already mentioned, for the Lower Canyon, try to book the 8.30 or 9 am tour – the light will be best for your photos, and the crowds are not as thick at this time. For the best light at the Upper Canyon or Canyon X – go around 11 am – noon.

Additional things to know when visiting the Antelope Canyon

• Arrive 30 minutes before your tour. From the time you arrive to the time you leave, plan on spending here about 2 hours. 
• Leave all your bags in the car!
• Filters can help you get the best photos. Try ‘Vivid’ mode on iPhone or ‘Pro Mode’ on Android.
• Your Navajo tour guide will help you take photos throughout the tour. If you are happy with their service, tips are appreciated. $2-3 per person is recommended. 
• It is generally 10 degrees cooler inside the canyon. Wear your warmest clothes in the winter! Also, wear sensible walking shoes.

Next stop: Horseshoe Bend, 15 minutes.

Horseshoe Bend is a U-shaped turn in the Colorado River with 1,000-foot sheer rock drops down to the river. The entrance fee is $10 per car, you can not use a National Park Pass here.

You can visit Horseshoe Bend in as little as one hour, but to really get the most out of it you should plan on spending two hours. 

There is a bit of a hike out to the viewing area, it takes about 15 minutes or 0.6 miles to get there and the same coming back. After your hike, your first point in front of you will be an overlook with a sturdy railing. This is a good chance for a photo, but it can get quite crowded. The more you hike towards your right, the thinner the crowd will get. You can get some fresh angles of the bend up there as well!

TIP: Bring water and wear comfy shoes. You are hiking in the desert, please come prepared. And of course, be careful around the edge – there have been quite a few accidents here! 

The town of Page is only 10 minutes from Horseshoe Bend and has some winning options for lunch. Our favorites include Birdhouse, Slackers, and Big Johns Texas BBQ. For an afternoon cup of coffee, there is a Starbucks inside the Safeway in the middle of town.

Next stop: Glen Canyon Dam, 10 minutes.

Similar in size and structure to the Hoover Dam, the Glen Canyon Dam makes for a fun and literally knee-shaking stop on your way back to Las Vegas. 

Park in the visitor center’s parking lot, and make sure to turn around and climb out on the Glen Canyon Dam Bridge, the fifth highest bridge in the United States. The view of the Dam and the Colorado River is great, and the feeling of the entire bridge shaking as semi-trucks pass can raise some eyebrows. 

The visitor center here has some useful information on the creation of the dam and nice views of the dam and Lake Powell.

Good to know: The restrooms in the visitor center are the last decent ones for a while along the road back to Las Vegas.

TIP: If you want to take a picture of the entire dam – similar view of what you see at Hoover Dam – you can find this view at the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook on the left side before you leave Page (we indicated the location on our map as well).

Wahweap Overlook of Lake Powell

Wahweap Overlook is another nice stop just outside of Page. With a free parking lot 1 minute off of the main road, it is worth a try. The 360 views of Lake Powell and the surrounding mountains, plateaus, and valley make it a great photo stop.

Next stop: Las Vegas, 270 miles/ 4-5 hours.

TIP: Depending on how you are doing for time, you can make a few more stops on your way back from Page to Las Vegas. See below for our favorite of suggestions.

Zion National Park

A detour through Zion National Park will cost you an hour of time but can be worth it for the towering views, even if only seen from your rental car.

If, however, you could add a day to your itinerary, stay in Springdale near Zion and visit the park the next day. Here you can find our suggestions for the best hikes in Zion . Also Bryce Canyon National Park is not far away and makes a great addition to any trip to this area, but only if you have more time than these two days. Here you can find our guide on how to visit Zion and Bryce Canyon in 1-3 days .

Alternatively – if you are driving straight to Las Vegas – below, we have one more suggestion for one more nice stop along the way.

Red Hills Desert Garden, St. George Utah

Red Hills Desert Garden is one of our favorite short stops on the way back to Las Vegas. 

This botanical garden has a variety of desert plants and cactus and is a great place to break up your drive and stretch your legs on multiple walking paths. Admission is free and the park is open daily between 6 am and 10 pm.

From here, it is a straight shot back to Las Vegas down Interstate 15. The driving distance from St George to Las Vegas is about 120 miles and it normally takes just a bit under 2 hours.

So, this is our suggested itinerary with Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend as the main highlights. As you can see, it covers a lot of ground in just two days. It’s perfect for those who have limited time and want to make the absolute most of their short trip in this area. But it is packed indeed!

Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to rent a car in Las Vegas and pick it up the day before you start your trip and likely only return it the day after you get back to Vegas. If you have a few days extra, keep the car longer and do a couple of more great day trips from Las Vegas as well.

TIP: As already mentioned before, if you want to see Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and all the other places mentioned in this itinerary without having to worry about all the practicalities, hotels, tour tickets, parking, and driving, you can also book this small-group tour that does this exact same trip .

If you have a few more days…

If you have more time, there are several ways to adjust this itinerary and make it more relaxing, or add a few more destinations to the mix and see even more amazing places in the area. Here are some suggestions:

• Stay at the Grand Canyon for one night . This would allow you to spend more time at the South Rim and maybe even take a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon . Here you can find our suggestions on where to stay at the Grand Canyon and here – the best one-day itinerary for Grand Canyon South Rim .
• Spend a day visiting Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park . As already mentioned, Zion NP is practically on the way between Antelope Canyon and Las Vegas and is a perfect addition to this itinerary. More info: Zion to Bryce Canyon .
• When driving from Grand Canyon to Page, you can take a short detour to Monument Valley . This would require at least half a day in your itinerary, and is well worth it. Here you can find our guide to the Monument Valley Scenic Drive .
• Also Sedona, AZ , could be a nice place to include in this itinerary if you have at least a day extra. It’s just 30 miles south of Flagstaff and you can see the main highlights of Sedona in one full day, so you could easily add it to your Southwest road trip. Here you can find more information about the best things to do in Sedona , and here – Sedona day trip itinerary .
• On an even longer holiday, consider a visit to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area , about 2 hours south of Sedona. There’s so much to see and do there as well! Here you can find itinerary suggestions for Phoenix – Scottsdale area .

As you can see, there are so many beautiful places that you can visit and there are many ways to plan a trip to the region.

We hope that this itinerary with all the insider tips and recommendations will help you make a real bucket-list trip to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Route 66, and maybe also a few other destinations nearby.

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in Arizona

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are located less than 10 miles from each other and about 110 miles, 2 hours drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim. Because of this proximity, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are popular destinations to visit as a day trip from Grand Canyon, or as part of a longer road trip through the region.

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are about 280 miles, almost 5 hours drive from Las Vegas. While it is a long drive, it is even possible to visit here as a day trip from Las Vegas. In that case, it’s best to go with an organized day tour as they’ll make sure that you can see everything and make the best of your day.

While it is possible to see some viewpoints at the Grand Canyon and visit Antelope Canyon in one day, we recommend at least two days for these two areas. If you are starting/ending in Las Vegas, you should definitely count two days: one day for Route 66 and Grand Canyon and the second day for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the drive back to Vegas.

READ ALSO: How to See the BEST of Las Vegas in 1 Day

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: Matthew Meier and Depositphotos.com

More travel inspiration for the USA:

• Los Angeles 3-day Itinerary
• 1 day in NYC
• 2 days in NYC
• San Diego Itinerary
• 2 days in Chicago
• Best Things to Do in Death Valley
• Best U.S. National Parks with Kids
• Lesser-known National Parks for Families
• Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
• Yellowstone Itinerary
• Glacier National Park Itinerary
• Grand Teton and Yellowstone Itinerary
• Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary
• Acadia Itinerary
• Yosemite Travel Tips
• … for more destinations, please see our  USA travel guide .

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Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Thanks a ton, Jurga, for this detailed itinerary, the tips and suggestions. We used the 2-day itinerary but added a third day (in the middle between GC and Antelope Canyon) for Sedona, as we stayed in Flagstaff. We just came back and this itinerary was super helpful including the nudge to drive through Zion NP which was amazing. Couple of pointers for future travelers: 1) Our kids on Spring Break did not want to rise too early, so we started mid-morning on Day 1 and only got to see Yavapai Point in the GC before dark on Day 1. We planned to come back to GC from a half day at Sedona. As it turned out, our time there was in the middle of a winter storm, so when we came back the next day, Desert View Avenue was closed due to snow on the ground and we could not access Moran Pt, Lipan Pt or Desert View Pt. We revisited Yavapai and some neighboring lookouts, but there was heavy fog. Stepping inside the museum is indeed a great idea.

We were not able to find the Route 66 sign on the road near Williams. The Locals were not sure either. We did find a Route 66 mural and one more cute picture-worthy Route 66 sign-post, but not a sign painted on the road itself.

2) Day 2- Cathedral trail in Sedona was closed due to weather and or maintenance, but we were able to go a short distance on the trail that was open, for some photos, and turned back. The Holy Cross Chapel offered a good view of some of the overlooks. We also added the Amitabha Stupa to round out a half day in Sedona.

3) Day 3- The winter weather put water into the Antelope Canyon due to which both Upper and Lower canyons were closed while they worked through water removal. We did not get the closure notification until about 30 mins out of Page and an hour out of our reserved time slot. We improvised and visited the Horse Shoe Bend Canyon instead (also called Secret Canyon) which was not closed. It was very beautiful and not crowded at all- so got plenty of photo ops there. We got some sudden hail while we were there but that did not disrupt the visit much. You can visit this canyon with bags etc, would highly recommend the Horse Shoe Bend Slot Canyon as an alternative to the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyons. Doesnt look like pre-reservations are needed for this. The tour company provides a combined tour that includes a private access point to the Horse Shoe Bend overlook itself- again the only crowds there are the ones on your tour with the tour company.

4) We are very glad we decided to drive through the Zion NP. Very beautiful and scenic!

Thanks again, Jurga for the ready-to-use 2-day itinerary! Utpala

Thursday 21st of March 2024

Thanks for sharing your experience; I'm sure it will be helpful to others. Seems like the weather threw quite a few challenges on you, but you made the best of it. Happy travels!

Monday 18th of March 2024

My husband and I, both in our seventies, would like to visit Antelope Canyon. If I understand correctly, the upper Canyon is not as bad as the lower Canyon as far as walking. How difficult is it getting around the upper Canyon?

Hi Gayle, you are right that the Upper Antelope Canyon is easier to access. It's not like the Lower one is 'bad', it simply has some stairs and steps which, in my view, make the experience even more unique. But if you have any mobility concerns, opt for the Upper one indeed. There's nothing really difficult about it and anyone in regular physical condition shouldn't have any issues. It's not wheelchair accessible or so, but otherwise, nothing to worry about. If you can stand and walk (slowly) for about an hour, you'll be fine. It's absolutely worth it! Just get your tickets in advance or you won't be able to visit!

Thursday 11th of January 2024

Hi, thank you for your very well written and detailed itinerary. My partner and I plan to follow this itinerary when we travel to Las Vegas in a few weeks. Is there anyway I can get a 'printer-friendly' version? So we have a hard copy to utilise? Thank you

Hi Monica, you can always try Ctrl+p or just screenshot the parts that you want to have at hand during the trip. Unfortunately, we do not have printable versions of our articles. There are just too many changes and updates all the time and we try to keep them as up-to-date as possible. Have a great trip!

Saturday 6th of January 2024

Hi, this is probably a crazy question but would you happen to know the total mileage for this trip?

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Devon, the route as shown on our embedded map is about 703 miles (1132 km) and Google Maps shows 12.5 hours of driving time. Just keep in mind that the actual mileage will depend a bit on your choices and which detours (if any) you take and that you will also need more time for sightseeing so 2 days is really an absolute minimum for this trip. Hope this helps.

Monday 25th of September 2023

Hi, what is the cost for 2 days tour for 4 people from 9th Oct to 10th Oct? Thanks, Sally

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

Hi Sally, if you want to book a tour that follows this itinerary, you can check availability and prices here. Have a great trip!

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary: California, Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

Last updated: March 6, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 13 Comments

We’ve taken a lot of road trips in the USA, and it is our favorite country for taking road trips. From Route 66 to the Oregon Trail to the Pacific Coast Highway to the Deep South , we’ve had some amazing adventures by road across the states.

One of our most popular road trip itineraries for the USA is our two week California road trip itinerary . However, I’m often asked by readers how to adapt it to include some other popular destinations in the USA, specifically Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon .

In response to this request, I’ve put together this detailed two week USA road trip itinerary through parts of the southwest and western USA.

This itinerary includes highlights of California, such as Yosemite and Death Valley national parks, as well as the Pacific Coast Highway, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It also has you driving some iconic stretches of Route 66, spending time in Las Vegas, and taking a visit to the incredible Grand Canyon.

This is an extension to the popular “Golden Triangle” road trip, which usually features Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Our road trip itinerary takes you across three states – California, Arizona and Nevada, and would suit trips of two to three weeks.

Obviously, as you are trying to see a fair bit in this itinerary, it does require quite a bit of driving, and you won’t be able to see absolutely everything on offer. We’d suggest a minimum of two weeks for this trip, but if you have a little longer, then you could easily stretch it out to three weeks or more, and have a few more stops along the way.

For now though, let’s take a look at this itinerary on a day by day basis to see what it looks like. As always, please just use this itinerary as a guide, and feel free to adjust it to your particular interests!

USA Road Trip Itinerary

I’ve designed this itinerary to be circular, so you start and finish at the same place. This makes things like car hire easier, as often there’s a one-way fee if you rent a car in one place and leave it somewhere else. However, this isn’t always the case, for example, we’ve rented in Las Vegas and dropped off in San Francisco and not been charged a fee.

Of course, if you are wanting to avoid driving in the USA, then you can also take tours that follow a very similar route to this one, such as this one . You can check out a list of tour options later in the post.

A circular route also means that you can start and finish at any point on the route, and you can do it in either direction. If you’re flying to the start, cities with major airports include Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For now, we’ll assume you’re going to start in Las Vegas.

Days 1 & 2 – Las Vegas

We recommend starting your US road trip in Las Vegas. The city is world famous as basically an adults playground, with gambling, shows, restaurants and bars aplenty. It’s an easy place to spend a lot of money very quickly!

However, there is definitely a lot more to Las Vegas than the famous Las Vegas Strip, both in town, and in the nearby area. The stunning Valley of Fire state park is a short drive away, and you can also visit the impressive Hoover Dam very easily. So whether you are into natural wonders or man-made delights, you should find something to do.

Our recommendation would be to spend your two days in Las Vegas. There is a lot to do in the city, and if you arriving from a different time zone, these two days will give you time to adjust and acclimatize. However, if you do want to head out of the city, we have included a couple of suggested trips to popular nearby attractions as well.

Things to do in Las Vegas

With around two days to explore, depending on when you arrive in the city, you should be able to see a good amount in Las Vegas.

Some of our personal highlights we recommend include the views from the top of the Stratosphere Tower, visiting the famous Welcome to Las Vegas sign for a photo opportunity, walking the Strip at night, watching the famous Bellagio fountains display and taking in the Mob Museum.

You will also likely want to take in one of the shows that are hosted every evening at venues across the city. There’s a huge number of shows to choose from, you can see the options and book them online in advance here . Other popular activities in Vegas include dining. The city is home to a number of truly world class restaurants, as well as quite spectacular buffets.

There’s also no shortage of shopping if you want to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. We’d also suggest taking a bit of down time and relaxing by your hotel pool as part of your acclimatization strategy. There’s going to be a lot of driving and sight-seeing in the days ahead, so a bit time relaxing by the pool with a beer or cocktail will start your trip off on the right foot. Alternatively, there are also a number of fun rides you can take in the city, if you’re more of a thrill seeker.

Finally, you will probably want to take part in the pastime that Vegas is most well-known for – gambling. There’s a huge number of casinos to choose from, with many of the hotels also running huge casino operations. Even if you don’t wish to gamble, it is worth visiting a few of the casinos as the buildings themselves are so iconic.

In terms of getting around Las Vegas, the city has a lot of options. It’s also relatively spread out, so whilst you can walk, it will likely take you longer than you think to get around on foot. The temperatures in summer also make walking very uncomfortable.

Instead, you might consider one of the popular rideshare services, taxis, or the monorail, which connects many of the key points of the city together. We would advise against driving in the Las Vegas – parking fees are high, and the roads are busy.

If you’d prefer to head out of the city for either part of all of one of your days in the city, we’d recommend visiting either the Hoover Dam and taking the tour there or heading out to the Valley of Fire State Park . If you head out early and have your own vehicle you can fit both into one day out.

The Hoover Dam is an incredible feat of modern engineering and is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the industrial world .

The Valley of Fire State Park is home to spectacular landscapes, made up from wonderfully colored rocks which give the park its name

The Hoover Dam is a ticketed attraction, with different tours available. Some of these tours can be purchased in advance online, whilst others are only available in person. If you choose to take a tour that requires an in person ticket purchase you will want to arrive early as slots are limited and this is a popular attraction. See more on ticket types and prices on the official website here .

The Valley of Fire State Park also has a fee, which is charged per vehicle rather than per person, and you can see details of that here . There are a number of short hikes you can take to explore the park, or you can just drive to observation points and enjoy the views.

Note that if you are doing this road trip in the summer, hiking is generally not recommended as it gets very hot, often in excess of 100F / 37C. Visiting the Valley of Fire at this time of year is not as pleasant an experience as in the cooler months.

You can either take a tour to reach our suggested sites or you can drive yourself. If you don’t want to pick up your rental car yet, or would just prefer the convenience of a tour, here are some options to consider:

• A three hour mini tour of the Hoover Dam, where you will see the main exterior highlights but not the interior parts
• A 4-6 hour guided hiking tour of the Valley of Fire from Las Vegas, with varying levels of hike available depending on your fitness

Whether you decide to spend all your time in Las Vegas or take in some of the surrounding attractions, we’re sure you won’t run out of things to do here.

For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Las Vegas which has lots more ideas as well as tips on saving money.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Las Vegas. Our suggestion would be to try and stay on or near the Strip if possible, as this will make it easier to get to many of the sights. We’d also suggest staying in one of the casinos because that’s part of the Vegas experience! Here are some suggested options to get you started across a range of budgets.

• Travelodge by Wyndham Las Vegas Airport – if you’re looking for a budget hotel and don’t mind not being on the strip or having an on-site casino, this 2* Travelodge offers comfortable rooms, free parking and a breakfast bag.
• The D Las Vegas – found in the older part of Las Vegas, amongst the famous neon of Fremont Street, this hotel offers good value accommodation as well as on-site casino.
• Luxor – if you ever wanted to sleep in a pyramid, without the associated hassle of becoming an Egyptian pharaoh and dying, the Luxor is for you. This 3* hotel is famous for its iconic pyramid shape, and is handily located near the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. Naturally there’s a casino, range of dining options and usually some kind of show or entertainment to enjoy.
• New York, New York – another well known Vegas hotel, this property was constructed to resemble the New York skyline, complete with a 150 feet Statue of Liberty. There’s an on-site rollercoaster, casino, range of restaurants, and live shows.
• Flamingo Las Vegas – this is the oldest resort hotel on the Strip, although don’t let that put you off as it’s been refurbished a number of times. It offers colourful rooms, a huge on-site casino, and good prices for the central location. Another of our favourites in Vegas.
• Bellagio – found behind the famous fountains, this is one of the most iconic five star hotels in Las Vegas. Many rooms offer spectacular strip views, and there’s an on site casino, multiple dining options, and on site entertainment. A great option for those with a larger budget, or just looking to start the trip in style. We loved our stay here.

Day 3 – Grand Canyon

It’s time to start the real road trip part of your adventure! If you’re picking up your rental car, now is the time to do that if you haven’t already.

For your third day you’ll want to get an early start as you’ve got around 300 miles to go, or just under a five hour drive.

It’s worth it though, for what is arguably one of mother nature’s most spectacular sights in the world – the Grand Canyon.

You have a couple of options for your drive. First, you can drop down to Kingman, Arizona, and then take the I-40 all the way to Williams, Arizona, before turning north.

However, you might prefer to take the more scenic route along a stretch of the legendary Route 66 driving route . This runs from Kingman, Arizona, up to Peach Springs and back down to Seligman, where you join the I-40. This won’t add much to your journey (around 20 minutes extra driving time), but will give you the opportunity to follow just over 80 miles of Route 66.

There are a few notable highlights along this stretch of the route which are worth stopping at, even if just for a quick photo opportunity. These include Hackberry General Store, a Route 66 era gas station in Truxton, and the Grand Canyon Caverns . You can see more options for this stretch of the route in this part of our 2 week Route 66 guide .

Now, onto the main attraction of the day – the Grand Canyon! This is a National Park with entry fees, which are charged per vehicle. You can see information on prices, opening times and concessions here .

You are basically going to have most of the afternoon, the evening, and the following morning to visit the park. Obviously, more time would be best, but we’re on a schedule for this itinerary. If you do want to do more activities here though, including lengthier hikes, you will definitely want to extend your stay here.

Let’s assume you are following this itinerary though, and have around 1.5 days at the Grand Canyon. I would recommend spending this as follows.

Things to do at the Grand Canyon

First, I suggest visiting the main Grand Canyon Visitor Centre in Grand Canyon Village. This has detailed information on the park, with exhibits on a range of subjects including the geology, geography, and wildlife of the park. There’s also a 20 minute video you can watch to get acquainted with the park.

You can also talk to the rangers based here who can give you advice for everything related to your visit, from shuttle timetables through to great spots to watch the sunset and sunrise, and suggested short hikes that you can take to match your specific fitness.

From the visitor centre, it’s a short walk to Mather Point which offers incredible views across the Canyon. You can also walk along the trail which follows the rim in both directions, for more views (and fewer crowds).

At this point you’ll probably want to head to your accommodation and check-in, after which, depending on how much time you have, you may want to take the shuttle bus to one of the viewpoints along the rim. I’d definitely recommend ensuring you have a good spot to watch the sunset – I have a guide to the best places to watch the sunset and sunrise at the Grand Canyon here .

Finally, after a long day it’s time to turn in. On the morning of your fourth day I suggest taking another short hike if that interests you, or driving to some of the many viewpoints along the rim as you exit the park.

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

You have a few options for staying at the Grand Canyon. My recommendation is to stay on-site at the south rim in Grand Canyon Village. There are five hotels to choose from, plus two campgrounds. They cover a range of budgets, but be aware you do pay a bit of a premium for the location. You can see all the options available here .

If you want to stay at any of these, you will definitely need to book online in advance as they are all very popular and do sell out.

The hotels are all operated by Grand Canyon Lodges, and can be booked online here .

The two campgrounds are Mather Campground (no RV hookups) and Trailer Village (full hook-ups available).

Mather Campground is operated by the National Parks Service, and can be booked online here . Trailer Village is a concession, which can be booked online here .

Day 4 – Route 66 to Joshua Tree National Park

Your fourth day of this itinerary has you heading to California, with your destination being the Joshua Tree National Park .

You have a decent amount of driving today, and again we’re going to suggest you take the opportunity to take in stretches of iconic Route 66. Doing so will result in around a 6.5 hour drive, or around 375 miles of driving. If you would prefer a more direct route, it’s around 5.5 hours / 361 miles.

We think the scenic route is worth it though, as this drive across the wild and rugged back country of California and parts of Arizona Is truly spectacular, and one we always enjoy. Specifically, you will follow I-40 to Kingman, then take the 10 out to Oatman. This town maintains the feel of a former wild west frontier town, and burros still roam the streets. There are even regular “gunfights” here, staged for the benefit of visiting tourists.

Just note, the traffic around Oatman can be quite slow (and even stop sometimes) as a result of the daily shows. In addition, the road up to Oatman is quite curvy, so you will want to take your time.

From Oatman, you’ll head on to Needles, one of the hottest places in the USA, follow the I-40 for a short while longer, and then rejoin Route 66 to pass through Amboy. A photo stop and a purchase of Route 66 Route beer is essential at Roy’s Motel in Amboy!

From Amboy, it’s due south until you reach Twentynine Palms. This is where you can access the Joshua Tree National Park, which we suggest you leave until the following day.

Once you consider various stops for photo opportunities, dining and so on, you will likely have used up all your useful daylight by now, so we suggest stopping overnight in Twentynine Palms, and continuing your adventures tomorrow. Of course, if you’re a fan of astrophotography , you might want to pop into the park, which has some excellent star gazing and astrophotography opportunities. But it’s up to you.

Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park

There are no hotels within the park grounds, although there are nine campgrounds to choose from if you plan on camping. You can book these campgrounds online here . I’ve camped at the Jumbo Rocks campground and it was an amazing experience.

Otherwise, we would suggest staying in a property in Twentynine Palms. There is a good choice of 2 and 3 star properties to choose from, such as:

• 9 Palms Inn – this budget 2* property gets good reviews, and rooms come with a coffee machine, microwave and refrigerator. There’s also free parking on site.
• El Rancho Dolores – this is a great value 3* property with a seasonal pool. Rooms have microwaves and refrigerator, and free parking is included.
• Sunnyvale Garden Suites – a very well rated 2* hotel offering a range of suites, each of which comes with a BBQ as well as a full kitchen. There’s a hot tub and gym on site, and free parking is available.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites – this 3* chain hotel offers comfortable and well reviewed accommodation, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. Rooms have coffee making facilities, microwave and small fridge, and there are BBQ facilities available for guest use.
• Flying Point Homestead – if you want something a little bit different, check out this property. It’s actually a holiday home rather than a hotel, but one of the options is a beautiful silver streak trailer!

If you want a higher end experience, you would need to head on to Palm Springs, where there are a number of spa resorts and high end 4* hotels to choose from, such as The Palm Springs Hotel or the Alcazar Palm Springs .

Day 5 – San Diego or Joshua Tree

You have a couple of options for your fifth day, depending on whether you prefer nature or cities. You can spend the day exploring the Joshua Tree National Park , where there are plentiful hiking and wilderness activities. Or, you can press on to San Diego, where there are plentiful city and cultural attractions to choose from.

If you choose to spend the day exploring and hiking at Joshua Tree National park, we’d suggest visiting the Oasis Visitor Centre in Twentynine Palms, where you can learn about the park and get advice and information on your visit. Conditions can vary in the park depending on the weather and time of year, so obtaining up to date information is useful.

There’s also an entry fee for the park, which covers one vehicle for a week.

If you decide to spend the day exploring Joshua tree, then we recommend spending another night near the park, and then heading to Los Angeles the next morning after breakfast, just under 3 hours drive away.

If you choose to spend the day exploring San Diego, it is about a 3 hour drive to San Diego from Twentynine Palms. If you wanted to, you could spend a few hours in the morning at Joshua Tree and then head into the city. We’d suggest you spend the afternoon of Day 5 and morning of Day 6 in San Diego, and you won’t run out of things to do.

Here are some ideas:

Things to do in San Diego for a Day

We can recommend visiting the excellent USS Midway Museum , which is a fantastic museum ship found on what was, for a long time, the largest ship in the world. Built just as the second world war ended, this aircraft carrier saw service in the Vietnam War as well as the first Gulf War.

You can easily spend your whole afternoon here, and lovers of military or aviation history will definitely want to come here. There’s also the nearby  San Diego Air and Space Museum .

There are lots of other sights to choose from in San Diego. Don’t miss a wander through the historical gaslamp district, and a visit to San Diego Zoo is a popular option especially with families. If you would prefer to visit the beach, Coronado Beach is well worth visiting.

See our complete guide to things to do in San Diego for more ideas!

Where to Stay in San Diego

San Diego is a major city and as such there is no shortage of excellent accommodation options to choose from. Of course, the flip side being that budget accommodations are a little harder to come by, although there are still some options. Here are our picks for your time in San Diego.

• HI San Diego Downtown Hostel – this is a great value centrally located hostel, although be aware you’ll have to pay for parking. Private and shared accommodation is available and guests can use an on-site kitchen.
• Berkshire Motor Hotel  – this budget 3* motel offers free parking, a little way north of the city centre. Rooms are en-suite and have a refrigerator. A good budget option.
• Coronado Inn – a well priced 3* inn on Coronado Island with free parking and breakfast included. All rooms are en-suite, and free bicycle hire is available.
• Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter – a great value and very well reviewed 4* hotel in the Gaslamp quarter. All rooms are en-suite and breakfast is available. Note that parking in this area is expensive.
• The Westgate Hotel – another well reviewed and centrally located 4* San Diego hotel. There’s a rooftop pool, full spa, on-site gym and a full service restaurant. Paid parking is possible on site.
• 1906 Lodge – We loved our stay at this historic bed and breakfast just near Coronado Beach. Rooms are very comfortable and uniquely decorated, and each features a microwave and fridge.The included breakfast was excellent, and the free parking was appreciated.
• Pendry San Diego – if you want five star city centre luxury, this is a great option. You get an outdoor pool, beautiful rooms, and breakfast is available. On-site parking is also possible for a fee.

Days 6 & 7 – Los Angeles

From San Diego, it’s time to turn north, and visit the sprawling city of Los Angeles, the largest city in California and the second most populous city in the USA. From San Diego, it’s around a 2 hour drive up the coast to LA.

There is a huge amount to see and do in Los Angeles, and the city is quite spread out, so we feel you will want to spend a couple of days here to do it justice. Of course, if you aren’t a city person, you can adjust this itinerary to spend more time at the outdoor attractions along the route instead.

Based on our itinerary though, you’ll have one full day in Los Angeles (Day 7) and then half a day on Day 6, depending on what time you leave San Diego. Here are some ideas of how to fill that time.

Things to do in Los Angeles

There is a huge amount to do in Los Angeles, so you will need to pick and choose depending on your particular interests.

We think most visitors will enjoy visiting the Hollywood part of town, where you can see the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There’s also a good view of the famous Hollywood Sign from the north-east corner of the Hollywood & Highland retail centre. Other attractions in this area include Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and The Hollywood Museum.

Another popular activity is to get a behind the scenes tour of a movie studio. A couple of popular options are the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour , and Universal Studios . Both are active movie studios where you can take tours of the working movie lots, with Universal Studios also home to a number of rides and other attractions.

Art lovers will want to take the time to visit the Getty Center . This free art museum is famous for its spectacular views, lovely gardens, architecture, and of course, art collection! The latter focuses primarily on pre 20th century European art, as well as photographs and sculpture. Note that whilst the Getty Center is free, there is a fee to park here if you visit by car.

If you are planning on seeing a sporting event or concert, or for the famous LA nightlife, you might want to stay in the LA Live area, where there are many venues for entertainment.

If you love the beach, then you’ll want to head out to the coast and visit Venice Beach and Santa Monica, where a stroll along the pier is a must. Naturally there’s plenty more to see and do in Los Angeles, and we’re sure you won’t run out of things to do. Just be aware the city is vast, and sprawls across a large area, so you will want to carefully plan your time so as to see everything you want.

In terms of getting around LA, the most popular option is to drive, although the traffic is legendary. If you would prefer not to drive, you have other options. We’ve use the ridesharing options, but also found the Hop on Hop off bus was a great option, as it took us all around the main sights we wanted to see, and even went all the way out to the beach.

There are also public transport options in LA, including an extensive bus network and a metro.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

As the second largest city in the USA, there are a lot of places to stay in Los Angeles. One thing to bear in mind though is that the city sprawls across a vast area and is known for its heavy traffic. It can take a long time to get from one end of the city to the other, so do keep this in mind.

We’d suggest picking a hotel near the attractions you are most interested in. We tend to stay either in Santa Monica or the Hollywood area, both of which made for a good base for local exploration of those areas. Here are some of our recommended hotels in the city.

• Santa Monica Motel – this basic 2* motel offers a good location for Santa Monica and is around a 10 minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. There’s free morning coffee and free parking, and rooms come with coffee makers and in-room refrigerators. It’s definitely a good value location and we’ve stayed here. Just be aware there is no A/C, although we visited in the summer and the provided fan unit worked fine.
• Banana Bungalow – this hostel offers shared and private accommodation, around a mile from the downtown Hollywood area. There’s free parking on-site, and reviews are positive.
• Orange Drive Hostel – a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this is a well-reviewed hostel offering shared and private rooms, with on-site kitchen and laundry facilities. Breakfast is included, and parking is available for a good price.
• Magic Castle Hotel – this 3* hotel is a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and you get a pool, unlimited free snacks, free continental breakfast and reasonably priced parking. It’s also a short walk to the Hollywood Bowl, and only three miles from Universal Studios. We really enjoyed staying here, and it is particularly popular with families
• Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills – this 3* well rated hotel just a few minutes walk from the Hollywood walk of fame offers spacious rooms with microwaves and coffee makers, as well as on on-site diner. On-site parking is also available
• Villa Delle Stelle – this boutique hotel in central Hollywood gets excellent reviews and will make you feel like a celebrity. Each suite is designed after a specific old Hollywood Celebrity, and guests can avail of celebrity style services such as in-room massages, private chefs and a personal trainer. Free parking is also included.
• JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE – we’ve stayed at this 4* hotel in the LA Live area, which is perfect if you plan to take in a show in the nearby area. Rooms are luxurious and feature mini-fridges and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also a rooftop pool and six restaurants to choose from. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
• The Georgian Hotel – this beautiful 1933 4* Art Deco hotel is a short walk from Santa Monica pier, and offers ocean views and on-site dining. Breakfast is available, and parking is available on-site for a fee.

Days 8 & 9 – Pacific Coast Highway

Now it’s time to head north on one of the world’s most beautiful road trips – the Pacific Coast Highway . You’ll follow this coastal route from Los Angeles all the way to San Francisco. The total drive is around 450 miles, which would take you about 9 hours if you drove it straight in one go.

Of course, we’re not going to recommend you do it all in one go. We suggest you take two days and two nights to drive the route. We’d suggest stopping somewhere like San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay or Cambria for your first night on the route, and then in Monterey, Carmel, or Pacific Grove for your second night. You will then arrive into San Francisco in the morning of your 10th day.

There is a huge amount to see and do along the route, as well as just taking in the spectacular vistas as you do so. We have a complete guide to driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which should give you lots of ideas. However, some suggested stops along the route would be as follows, in order from south to north.

Highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway

Soon after you leave Los Angeles you’ll drive through Malibu, which is famous for its beach, and the home of many celebrities. There’s also a pier you can walk along. As you continue along the coast you’ll pass through numerous towns, many of which also have lovely beaches.

We can recommend visiting Santa Barbara and the Mission here. Founded in 1786, there’s a museum for those interested.

Onwards again, you may want to detour off the 101 and heading to Solvang. This town is famous for its Danish-style architecture, and there are numerous sights and attractions here, including a motorcycle museum, Christmas store, and early 19th century Franciscan church.

It’s also a lovely town to just wander around, and there are plenty of eateries here as well. You’ll also find Pea Soup Andersen’s in nearby Buellton, famous (as the name suggests) for their pea soup.

From Solvang, continue north to San Luis Obispo. You can choose to spend the night here, or you can head a little further along to Morro Bay or Cambria . All three make good stopping points.

On your second day on the Pacific Coast Highway, we’d suggest spending a little time exploring Cambria – we have a complete guide to things to do in Cambria for tips.

From Cambria, we suggest your next stop should be Hearst Castle . This sprawling hilltop castle estate was the home of William Randolph Hearst, an early 20th century media tycoon. The castle has an incredible location, offers amazing views up and down the coast, and is well worth a few hours of your time to visit.

Just be aware that visits are by guided tour only, and it’s best to book in advance to guarantee a time. See more on visiting in our complete guide to visiting Hearst Castle .

A little further north from Hearst Castle is the Elephant Seal vista point . Here, if you visit between November and March, you will see thousands of elephants seals on the beach, as they come to mate and give birth. If you visit outside these months, there will still likely be seals on the beach, but not in quite the same volumes.

You’ll now start to drive along some of the most rugged and beautiful parts of the route, as you drive through the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park . The views along this stretch of the route are really lovely, and there are plenty of pull outs so you can stop and enjoy the view.

Don’t miss stopping at McWay Cove, where you can see a waterfall plunging onto the beach below. Finally, you’ll finish your day at Carmel By the Sea or Monterey, where you can spend the night. If you have time, you might enjoy taking a drive along the famous 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach .

Where to Stay Along the Pacific Coast Highway

These recommendations are listed from south to north along your route, covering a number of locations we suggest you consider stopping. We love the smaller B&B style accommodation on this stretch of the route, and there are some really nice guesthouse style properties to choose from.

For your first night, we recommend one of the following:

• Apple Farm Inn , San Luis Obispo – we really enjoyed our stay here on one of our Pacific Coast Highway road trips. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the breakfast was fantastic, and the on-site bakery has some delicious food. There are also two pools on site, and free parking.
• Madonna Inn , San Luis Obispo – this four star family-owned motel just to the south of SLO is a truly quirky destination, and a landmark of the central coast. Each of the 110 rooms is uniquely decorated, with pink being a key theme throughout. We didn’t stay here, but we did have dinner at the Gold Rush steak house on-site, which was fantastic.
• Seaside Inn , Morro Bay – this 2* budget inn is one block from the waterfront. Rooms have a microwave and refrigerator, and there’s free on site parking and coffee.
• Beach Bungalow Inn and Suites , Morro Bay – five minutes walk from the aquarium, this three star inn is very well reviewed. Comfortable rooms have fireplaces, refrigerators and coffee machines, and a hot breakfast is included as is parking.
• Estero Inn , Morro Bay – this exceptionally well reviewed property is found on the beachfront. Rooms all have microwaves, and breakfast is included. A popular option in Morro Bay.
• Cambria Palms Motel , Cambria – this 2* motel is a couple of blocks from downtown, and offers comfortable rooms at a good price. Rooms have refrigerator and coffee machine, and free parking is available on site.
• Bluebird Inn , Cambria -this well rated 2* inn is found on Cambria’s main street. Rooms have microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers, and there’s free on-site parking
• El Colibri Hotel & Spa , Cambria – on one of our visit to Cambria we stayed here for a couple of nights and really enjoyed it. The rooms are lovely, with fireplaces, and some have spa tubs. There’s an on-site spa, outdoor hot tub, and breakfast is available. Free parking on-site.
• J Patrick House B&B , Cambria – this five star Irish themed inn was Cambria’s first B&B. There’s a a free wine hour, evening cookies and a full breakfast included with your stay. Each room is individually designed, and there’s free parking on site. A great pick in Cambria.

For your second night, we recommend one of the following:

• If you like to camp, then there are camping options in the national parks along the route here, including the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground . I’ve camped here and it’s lovely to be surrounded by the massive redwoods. Just be aware that it is popular, and booking in advance is a must.
• Sandpiper Inn , Carmel – we stayed here when we visited Carmel. We enjoyed the comfortable rooms, inclusive breakfast, and proximity to the beach. Free parking is available.
• Sea View Inn , Carmel – a quiet, 3* inn just moments from Carmel Beach. Rooms are individually decorated and free parking is available.
• Coachman’s Inn , Carmel – we’ve stayed at a number of the boutique hotels which are in the Four Sisters Inn collection, and they’ve all been excellent. This inn, found in the heart of Carmel Village, gets good reviews. Rooms include coffee makers and free popcorn, wine with hors d’oeuvres is served in the evenings, and breakfast is included.
• HI Monterey Hostel , Monterey – for budget travellers, or those who just prefer a hostel, this is a very centrally located option just minutes from Cannery Row. There’s free parking on site, and a selection of dormitory rooms to choose from.
• The Inn at 1252 , Monterey – a good value inn on the way into Monterey. Rooms feature coffee makers, and a heated pool is available year round. There’s also a fitness room, free parking and free coffee.
• The Jabberwock B&B , Monterey – just a few blocks from Cannery Row, this very well reviewed B&B offers seven lovely guest rooms, some of which have fireplaces and hot tubs. Free parking, and breakfast is included.

Days 10 & 11 – San Francisco

On your 10th and 11th days you’re going to head to San Francisco, where you will have one full day, and one partial day, depending on what time you arrive.

From Monterey it’s around a 2.5 hour drive along the coast to San Francisco. If you are not in a hurry, there are few sights to take in along the way. First, Monterey itself is home to the fantastic Monterey Bay Aquarium . This is an amazing attraction, but it is quite large and relatively expensive, so you will probably want to spend at least a few hours here to get value for money.

Next, Santa Cruz is well worth a stop. There’s a lovely pier and beach, the surf here is legendary, and there are nearby redwood forests for a nice hike. See our guide to things to do in Santa Cruz for some ideas.

Ok, let’s move on, and assume you’re going to arrive into San Francisco in the early afternoon. There’s a huge amount to see and do in the city, but here are some suggestions to fill your 1.5 days.

Things to do in San Francisco

First, on the afternoon you arrive we can recommend visiting Alcatraz. This island was home to one of the world’s most famous prisons, commonly referred to “The Rock”. For almost thirty years this was home to some of the most notorious criminals in the USA.

Today, Alcatraz is open for tours. These are very popular so you will want to be sure to book in advance as they often sell out. Make sure you only book from the official Alcatraz Cruises website , as these are the only ones that land on the island and let you tour the prison. Other sightseeing tours just take you around the island. For more on visiting Alcatraz, see our guide to visiting Alcatraz .

For your full day in San Francisco, we suggest starting off by taking in a view of one of the cities most iconic landmarks – the Golden Gate Bridge. Joining a bike tour  or hiring a bicycle to cycle out to and over the bridge is a popular option. Although you can get also good views of the bridge from the city, particularly around the Maritime Museum area.

You’ll also want to visit Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s spectacularly tacky, in a way that only seems to work in the USA.

You’ll find no shortage of dining options here – we can recommend the famous Clam Chowder filled sourdough bread bowls at the Boudin Bakery . You can also learn about their bread making process at the free museum, and watch the bakers making bread.

While you are at Fisherman’s Wharf, don’t forget to say hello to the sea lions who pass the time lazing in the sun on floats just by the pier.

Other unmissable highlights of the city include the famous curvy Lombard Street , said to be the most crooked street in the world. You should also try to ride the famous street cars, visit the Chinatown and Union Square area, wander around Golden Gate Park , and peer up at the Transamerica Pyramid.

There’s loads more to do in San Francisco of course, from museums to art exhibits to cultural attractions, but hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to get you started. We have a guide to some great photo spots in San Francisco if you are looking for inspiration.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco is another large city with a lot of accommodation options, however in our experience it’s also one of the more expensive cities for accommodation in the USA. Parking is also at a premium, and hotels with free parking are fairly rare.

We’ve stayed at a number of hotels in the city, and here are our recommendation for your time in San Francisco.

• HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel – found right on Fisherman’s Wharf, this budget hostel offers both dormitory and private accommodation options. There’s free breakfast and free parking, making this an excellent option for the location.
• Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel – found in the popular Union Square district, this great value 3-star hotel has a rooftop restaurant, library, and on-site theatre. Rooms have private bathrooms and coffee makers, and breakfast is included. A paid parking garage is available nearby.
• Parker Guest House – found in the old Mission district just behind the San Francisco mission building, this is a well reviewed and good value guesthouse offering private rooms. Free breakfast is available, and parking is available on site for a reasonable (by San Francisco standards) fee.
• Columbus Inn – Just a few hundred yards from Lombardy Street and Fisherman’s Wharf in the North Beach district,  this 3* inn offers great value for the location. Private rooms offer en-suite and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s also free parking on site.
• Golden Gate Hotel – a very well reviewed 3* hotel just minutes from Union Square. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included. Rooms are definitely on the cosy side, and some have shared bathrooms, but the price is great for the location. Paid parking available nearby.
• Staypineapple Union Square – we stayed at this restored historic 4* 1913 hotel on a recent trip to San Francisco, and loved the mix of the old and the new. We loved the rooms, the colorful pineapple theme, and the free pineapple flavoured cupcakes certainly helped! Parking is available nearby for a fee.
• Four Seasons Hotel – if you are after five star luxury, then consider the Four Seasons hotel. Also found in Union Square, rooms are huge, there’s an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, and many rooms have city views.

Days 12 & 13 – Yosemite National Park

You’re into the final few days of your US road trip now, and it’s time to visit some more of the spectacular scenery that the state is so well known for.

The plan is to spend your next couple of days visiting Yosemite National Park , which is home to some gorgeous natural scenery, including epic waterfalls and towering mountains.

From San Francisco it’s around a four hour drive to Yosemite. We’d suggest planning to arrive in the early afternoon, checking into your accommodation where you’ll stay for two nights, and then going sightseeing.

With a full afternoon on day 12, and all of day 13 to visit the park, you should be able to visit many of the highlights. On the afternoon you arrive, we would suggest visiting some of the highlights near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre to start with, including Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls.

A visit to the visitor centre itself is also recommended, as here you’ll be able to get up to date information on the park, as well as talk to the rangers about suggested walking routes.

For your full day in the park, you have a few options. First, you might want to take advantage of the free Yosemite shuttle , and visit the highlights that it goes to.

I would also consider a drive up to Tunnel View and then on to Glacier Point, where you’ll be able to get amazing views across the park. These can also be done as part of a tour offered by the park if you’d rather not drive.You then might consider a shorter afternoon hike, such as that up to Vernal Falls.

Alternatively, if you love hiking, you might consider tackling one of the longer or more strenuous day hikes. There are plenty of these, such as the Yosemite Falls hike .

Just note that some hikes, like the popular Half Dome Hike , do require an advance purchase permit. These are distributed via a lottery system as they are so popular so are difficult to obtain. If you plan to explore the backcountry areas of the park, you will also need a permit.

For more inspiration for your visit to Yosemite, see our guides to what to do in Yosemite for a day , as well as our guide to photography locations in Yosemite .

Important –  As of 2022, Yosemite has introduced a reservation system for park entry. If you are visiting between late May and the end of September and planning on driving into or through the park between 6am and 4pm you will need to have a reservation. You can find out more and make your reservations online here .

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

There are a range of accommodation options in Yosemite National Park, ranging from campsites to canvas-sided tent cabins, through to luxury hotels.

There are 13 campsites available in the park , with a number of these available for reservation, and the rest operated on a first come first serve basis. If you want to camp, we highly recommend booking well in advance, which you can do here .

There are also nine lodging options operated by Yosemite Hospitality inside the park, which are the only other accommodation options available in the park itself. These can be reserved up to a year in advance, and range from simple canvas cabins through to a high-end luxury hotel. These can all be reserved online in advance here .

We would definitely recommend staying in the park if possible, as this will put you close to the sights. However, if you struggle to find an option that works for you, some recommended lodging just outside the park is as follows. As a general rule, the closer to the park, the more expensive the property is likely to be.

• Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort – At just over 26 miles outside Yosemite, this property is quite far out compared to others, but the price reflects that. So if you are on a tighter budget this is a good option to consider. Think glamping and rustic style accommodation, with an on-site spa, restaurant, and kitchen for use. Dormitory accommodation is also available.
• Narrow Gauge Inn – found just four miles from Yosemite, this is a great value 3* motel offering comfortable en-suite rooms. All rooms feature coffe machines, and there’s a seasonal restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub
• Yosemite View Lodge – Just under nine miles from Yosemite National Park, this 3* lodge has 4 pools, a hot tub and a restaurant. It has lovely views, gets positive reviews, and there’s free parking on-site. Breakfast is available.
• Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite – this 4* lodge is found just two miles from Yosemite National Park, and offers comfortable and well-reviewed lodging. There’s a on-site fitness centre and spa as well as two pools. Free parking is available, and breakfast is an option.

Day 14 – Death Valley & Las Vegas

It’s the final day of your road trip! Today you have a fair old drive ahead of you – around 6 hours in total. However, we’re going to break it up a bit with some sights.

Before we begin, it’s worth mentioning that this route has you exiting Yosemite on the east side of the park, which requires you to take Highway 120, also known as the Tioga Road. Due to its elevation and exposure to snow, this road is closed over winter, usually from November to late May. You can see the latest road conditions here .

If this road is closed, then you are looking at a significant detour to get to Death Valley, requiring you to exit the park to the south or west, and then to loop a long way south via Bakersfield to get around the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As such, you may prefer instead to skip Death Valley, or to visit it earlier in your trip as a day trip from Las Vegas (it’s a 4 hour round trip). In this case, instead of driving all the way back to Las Vegas, you might prefer just to return to San Francisco.

Assuming you visit when the Tioga Road is open though, you will leave Yosemite and come to California’s Highway 395, often referred to as California’s backbone. We suggest taking a left onto the 395, and driving to the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, a couple of miles up the road.

Mono Lake is a saline soda lake is home to many limestone columns, known as tufa towers, which are a popular visitor attraction. Definitely worth a photo stop.

You’ll now head south on Highway 395, driving parallel to the incredible Sierra Nevada mountain range. You’ll pass through lovely towns like Mammoth Lakes, and the views will definitely require you to stop for a few photos as you drive.

We suggest following Highway 395 until Lone Pine, and then heading on Highway 136 into the last National Park of the trip – the infamous Death Valley National Park .

This is home to over 3 million acres of desert and mountains, and was named during the California Gold Rush. During this time, a group of 100 wagons became lost in the valley, and though they eventually found their way out, it was only after they gave up their wagons and ate their oxen.

Today, Death Valley is a popular place for visitors to experience an extreme desert environment. There’s plenty to see and do here as you pass through. We’d suggest stopping at the visitor centre and visiting Badwater Basin, which is the lowest point in the USA, at 279 feet below sea level.

One thing to note – if you visit California in the summer months, particularly late June to early September, it can be incredibly hot in Death Valley. Hiking is not recommended in these months due to the temperature, and you’ll want to be sure the A/C in your car is working well!

Finally, you’re going to arrive back in Las Vegas, complete the circuit, and finish your US road trip. We hope you had a great time! Now you can either fly home, or spend some more time in Vegas. Now, onto some practicalities for your trip.

2 Week USA Road Trip Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of the route to help you visualise it. You can also see this on Google Maps here .

When Is The Best Time of Year to Road Trip the USA?

We would suggest that for this itinerary, the best time of year would be May through June, or September and October. At these times of year the weather will be warm but not too hot (although Las Vegas will definitely be hot in late May and June), and it won’t be as busy as the summer months.

You could also do this trip in winter of course, but it will be a lot cooler. In addition, some of the national parks, and especially Yosemite, can have restricted access in winter if there is a lot of snow. In particular, the east exit from Yosemite, the Tioga road, is usually closed from November through May. In this scenario you would be looking at a lengthy detour to travel to Death Valley, and might instead prefer to return to San Francisco.

If you choose to visit in the hotter summer months, such as July and August, then you’d definitely want to avoid any sort of longer hikes in places like the Valley of Fire and Death Valley. Instead, maybe plan more time along the coast, at higher altitudes, and exploring city attractions.

Western USA Tour Options

This is a road trip itinerary, and as such there’s quite a lot of driving involved. However, I appreciate not everyone will want to drive. The good news is that there are a number of tours which follow a fairly similar route to our itinerary. The advantage of a tour is that you can let someone else handle all the logistics, from booking hotels to handling the transport, and you can just relax and enjoy the experience.

Here are some tours which follow a fairly similar route to our itinerary for your consideration.

• This 11 day budget tour includes the Pacific Coast Highway, as well as Los Angeles, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley and Yosemite. A good value option, aimed at the budget travellers wanting to see a lot in a fairly short amount of time
• If you’re on a tighter timescale, consider this 8 day express tour with G Adventures. It goes from LA to San Francisco, calling at Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley and Yosemite. You don’t get to see San Diego or the Pacific Coast Highway, but otherwise you will cover a lot and see plenty!
• If you would prefer to see more national parks, consider this 15 day G Adventures tour in partnership with National Geographic. As well as most of the national parks on our list, you will also visit such spectacular locations as Bryce Canyon and Zion. One for those of you who prefer nature to cities.
• This 11 day tour from Las Vegas to San Francisco includes Death Valley, Yosemite the Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands and Bryce National Parks, as well as Monument Valley and time in San Francisco.

Practicalities for Planning a USA Road Trip

If you are visiting from outside the USA, we wanted to share some tips that should help make planning and preparing for you US road trip a little easier.

Driving in the USA

In the USA , you drive on the right hand side of the road, and the majority of vehicles are automatic. Compared to Europe, fuel prices are low.

If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll likely be renting a car. To do so, you will need a valid drivers license, and many rental car companies also have a minimum age for renters, which can start as high as 25. Some visitors may also need an International Drivers Permit from to drive in the USA, which needs to be arranged in advance from your home country.

We have a complete guide to driving in the USA , which you might want to read if this is your first time driving in the United States.

Renting a Car or Motorhome for your Trip

If you are coming from overseas, then you’ll need a vehicle in which to do this road trip. You have two main options – you can rent a car, or you can rent an RV/motorhome.

For this itinerary specifically we’d generally recommend a car as there are quite a few city stops which wouldn’t be practical for a motorhome. However, if you decide to skip the cities and focus on the great outdoors, then a motorhome might be more practical.

For car rental in the US, we usually use either Discover Cars or Enterprise . For one-way trips, we’ve found Enterprise often has the lowest one-way fees, but it is always worth comparing on a site like Discover Cars.

For RV rental, we recommend checking out Motorhome Republic . They compare prices across all the major suppliers so you can find the right rental for you. You can see their USA listings here .

We can also recommend checking out  RVShare , who offer peer to peer campervan rental – a bit like the AirBnB of RV rental! Similar options include Outdoorsy and RVEzy .

Money in the USA

The USA uses the US dollar, with notes available in denominations ranging from 1 up to 100. Coins are also widely used, which range from a cent to a dollar. There are ATM machines available throughout the country.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, however it is worth keeping some bills to hand for tipping. In addition, the 25 cent coin, known as a quarter, is widely used for short stay parking meters, so you will want to have some of these handy as well.

If you’ve not visited the USA before, and in particular if you are from a country where tipping is not normal, you might find the tipping culture a bit of a shock. Tips are expected for a great many service based roles, from restaurant service through to valet parking.

The percentage you tip will obviously depend on your personal preference, but tips in the region of 10 – 20% for restaurant service is common, whilst one to three dollars for bar service or valet parking is also expected.

Electricity in the USA

The USA uses a 110v electrical system. If you are coming from a country that uses a 220v to 240v system, this means that some of your electrical items might not work.

In our experience, the majority of smaller electronics, like laptops and cell phone chargers, are compatible with 110v – 240v and will work in the USA. You can check on the charger, it should tell you.

However, higher powered devices like hair dryers, flat irons, and electric kettles are unlikely to work, unless you have a dual voltage model specifically designed for international travel or have a voltage converter.

In addition, if you are visiting from outside the USA, you will likely need a travel adaptor like this . See our comprehensive guide to travel adaptors for recommendations.

Accommodation in the USA

There is a huge range of accommodation options in the USA across a wide range of budgets. From budget motels near highway intersections to five star luxury hotels, to campsites and apartment rentals – we’re sure you’ll find something to suit.

For this itinerary we’ve suggested a few options for each stopping point, across a range of budgets. As this is a road trip, we can recommend trying to find places which include free parking where possible, although in the major cities you are likely going to have to pay for a parking service.

In terms of whether or not you need to book in advance, we’d suggest that this is a good idea for the most part to ensure you get your choice of accommodation. This is definitely the case in and around popular national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, where even campsites can book out months in advance.

We generally use booking.com for our travel booking needs, they have a huge range of options, and most properties offer free cancellation in case your plans change.

Safety in the USA

For the most part, the USA is a safe destination to travel in, and we have never had any problems travelling here.

Violent crime against tourists is quite unusual, and the most common types of crime are opportunistic ones like pickpocketing, theft, and auto break-ins.

Of course, every country has crime, and areas where you would be wiser to avoid, however if you practice basic safety precautions, keep your valuables out of sight, and behave with some caution, you should be fine!

Internet Access in the USA

Internet access is widely available across the USA in the form of WiFi, which can be found for free at most hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants. There are also a number of free WiFi hotspots in some of the cities on our list.

If your phone is unlocked you can pick up a pay as you go SIM in the USA. One of the better options is from  Straight Talk , which you can buy in Walmart stores.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options.

Water across the USA is safe to drink, unless otherwise indicated. There are drinking fountains in the majority of public locations, and we recommend you travel with a  re-usable water bottle  so you can just fill it up as you go.

One thing we always love about travelling in the USA is how drinking water is typically brought to your table at a restaurant – something we wish was standard around the world!

Further Reading

That’s it for our two week USA road trip itinerary, which features some of our favourite destinations in this part of the USA. Before you head off though, I just wanted to share some more resources we’ve put together to help you plan your trip.

• We have a two week California road trip itinerary , in case you wanted to cover a little less ground on your trip
• I’ve written a guide featuring some of my  top tips for driving in the USA  to help get you going on the road!
• We have a guide to things to do in Las Vegas to give you some ideas for your time in the city, as well as a guied to things to do in San Diego
• Wondering how much a California road trip will cost? Check out our  guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA  to help you plan your trip budget.
• Jess has a guide to  driving the Pacific Coast Highway , which will give you lots of ideas for that section of the road
• If you’re interested in California’s wine country, see our  guide to visiting Napa Valley
• Route 66 ends in California, so take a look at our  guide to planning a route 66 trip , as well as our detailed  2 week Route 66 itinerary  and  1 week Route 66 itinerary
• Fodor’s  Guide to California , which also includes details on a number of fantastic road trips
• The  Lonely Planet California Guide , which is great for finding things to do, places to eat and places to stay
• A  US road atlas , because sometimes you don’t want to rely on GPS!
• If you’re planning on hiring an RV or camping, this  guide to free and super cheap campgrounds  will quickly pay for itself
• The official  Visit California  page, which will give you more advice on what to see and when to visit
• My guide to  things to do in Redding California , if you decide to head to northern California
• Getting online when travelling in a foreign country can be daunting – check out our  guide to getting online when travelling  to help you figure out the best options for your trip
• And if you’re looking for inspiration for the rest of the USA, check out our  USA section , which includes a  Deep south itinerary , tips for  New Orleans during Mardi Gras  – and lots more!

We hope you found this itinerary useful for your trip planning. As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you might have, just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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akhilash says

13th March 2024 at 8:17 pm

I think this itinerary is a great starting point for planning your own 2-week road trip through the southwestern and western United States. With a little bit of planning and customization, you can create a trip that is perfect for you.

Laurence Norah says

19th March 2024 at 4:15 pm

Thanks very much Akhilash, have a great trip through the USA 🙂

Joanna Madej says

10th May 2023 at 7:41 pm

I am a mum from Poland planning a trip this August with 3 kids (16,13 and 10- just girls) starting/ending from LA for appr 3 weeks. I really like your plan and if there was a digital version I could paly with it would be great!

do you have any tips not to rush and also find time to spend in the beach?

11th May 2023 at 3:35 pm

So you can get a printable version of the post from the print button on the bottom of the page. Then you can edit it to suit you own needs 🙂 If you’d rather not rush then my recommendation is to have fewer stops and spend longer in each stop. For beaches, along the coast around Los Angeles will be your best bet, there are a lot of beaches in that area!

Have an amazing time and let me know if I can offer any more advice!

19th April 2023 at 9:07 am

Thank you for writing this itinerary. We are coming from Australia and will be spending close to 3 weeks following this itinerary give and take. We are planning to arrive on mid-Jan 2024. Do you know whether some parks will be closed during that time ?

19th April 2023 at 10:14 am

It’s my pleasure. So the main park that will likely pose difficulties in January is going to be Yosemite. It can occasionally close in Winter if there is a lot of snow which can block access road. Additionally, the road that links the east side of the valley to the road to Death Valley is normally closed in winter so you would have to backtrack and drive around. The other stretch of road to always check before setting out is the Pacific Coast Highway around Big Sur especially, as this can be affected by landslips.

Other than that I think you would be fine! Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions.

Norine says

3rd March 2022 at 1:51 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica!

Thank you for such a detailed itinerary! Most of the places you’ve listed are exactly where I’d like to visit during my trip in end May’22 – early Jun’22 (Total of 15 full days). But instead of Las Vegas, I’ll be flying to San Francisco and starting from there instead. Was thinking of doing this circular road trip in the other direction, meaning from SF > Pacific Coast > LA > LV > Grand Canyon > LV > Death Valley > Yosemite > SF. I’m pushing Yosemite to the end, hoping that Tioga pass will be open by early Jun.

Would you recommend this itinerary? Or do you have any other tips/suggestions?

Thanks a lot in advance! 🙂

4th March 2022 at 10:13 am

It’s our pleasure! Sounds like you have a great trip planned. Your trip is definitely do-able and it sounds like a good itinerary to me! The main thing is of course whether or not Tioga pass will be open. It should be open by early June but that’s not guaranteed. Other than that, it sounds like an awesome road trip! Let me know how it goes and do let me know if you have any specific questions we can help with 🙂

23rd March 2022 at 4:25 pm

I just wanted to quickly add to this that this year Yosemite are requiring visitors to make a reservation for park entry. The system is going online today. You can find out more and reserve online here:

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

I’ve updated the post but as you indicated you were visiting this year I wanted to be sure you were aware of this new requirement so you don’t miss out!

Have a great trip,

Janice says

8th February 2022 at 1:49 pm

I want to thank both of you for this awesome road trip circuit. I have a question, I would love to go to Sequoia National & Kings Canyon after Yosemite. Would you recommend that? Which route will be the best from Yosemite and how many extra days that will add to my trip? After that, I will go to Death Valley and then back to Vegas. Any suggestions?

10th February 2022 at 12:27 pm

Glad you found this guide useful! So you can definitely do this trip and add in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon to your trip. From Yosemite it’s around a 3 hour drive down, and then it’s another 5-6 hours after that on to Death Valley. How long you want to spend here will definitely depend on you, but personally I’d allocate at least two full days in the parks and a day for the driving, so three extra days onto the trip as a minimum. But there is always more to see and do!

I hope this was helpful, let me know if I can offer any more advice 🙂

Have a great trip!

7th May 2020 at 6:10 pm

Your pictures are always great, but the the one of the Grand Canyon with the sunlight streaming is spectacular!

7th May 2020 at 6:19 pm

Thanks so much Toni! That was quite a morning – I got up at 4am for the sunrise, which seemed like it was going to be a total washout. I persevered though, and it was all worth it. Truly a spectacular experience 😀

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Planning a Road Trip to the Grand Canyon

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This past summer, my family and I experienced a most epic southwest road trip to the Grand Canyon driving through Nevada and Arizona. There are so many ways to do this trip and I’ve planned my family’s adventure, and four similar trips for clients. I am excited to share our Grand Canyon road trip itinerary and trip report to give you options if you are interested in planning something like this with your family.

The Grand Canyon can be accessed by flying to Las Vegas or Phoenix – it’s about equidistant from both. I’ve planned this Grand Canyon road trip for four clients and three had each done one-way adventures, flying into one city and out of the other, and the other did round-trip from Phoenix.

My family  started and ended our trip in Las Vegas since the flight prices and schedules for that worked best for us. Each day was an adventure and this was truly a great trip. It was a lot of planning and moving parts,  but our trip was enjoyed by all and I love planning trips like these!

Here is our road trip to the Grand Canyon day to day itinerary and how it went:

Day 1 – flying to las vegas, our starting point for our grand canyon road trip and a visit to the hoover dam.

We flew from New York to Las Vegas on a Saturday morning. With the time change,  we really seized the day taking off at 8AM, and landing at 10:30AM.

Easy peasy!

Upon landing, we picked up our luggage and picked up a rental car at the Las Vegas airport.

Our first stop was lunch at Sinful Subs , a local Las Vegas sub shop that I had seen on social media and did not disappoint! If you are in the West Las Vegas area, be sure to check them out!

Our second stop was Wal-Mart.

Good times, I know!

We wanted to stock up on waters, wine, snacks, and breakfast items. We also needed to purchase water shoes for our kayaking trip the following day.

Once we were fed, and stocked up – we headed out to the Hoover Dam .

The Hoover Dam is about a thirty minute drive from Las Vegas. We traveled in August 2021, so they still were not giving tours or allowing guests in the visitors center. But you can park for $10 and self-tour.

When you walk across the dam, on one side is Nevada. Half-way across the dam,  you enter Arizona. Which is a fun geography phenomenon, but in the winter months,  you are also crossing into a different (one hour later) time zone when you venture into Arizona.

Arizona does not observe daylight savings time so in the summer, it’s on Pacific Time (like Nevada) and in the winter, its in the Mountain time zone.

After walking around for about an hour (it was very hot on the day of our visit), we headed to our hotel for the night, and the first of the trip – the Hoover Dam Lodge and Casino in Boulder City, Nevada.

This hotel is only about five minutes from the dam, and was the perfect spot for our first night. I was so tired after waking up early on the east coast, flying out, and touring the dam, so I knew I didn’t want to make the drive (3+ hours) to the Grand Canyon that day. I also wanted to explore more of the Lake Mead area in the morning.

The Hoover Dam Lodge was honestly nicer than I thought it would be. The rooms were huge! Our room had two king beds, a sofa, desk, TV and a nice bathroom. Everything we needed to rest for the night.

We also enjoyed the outdoor pool and on-site café. If you are looking to gamble, there is a small, machine-only casino, on site.

Day 2 – Kayaking the Colorado River and a bit of a blow out

With the time change, we were up early, had breakfast in the room, and checked out of the Hoover Dam Lodge.

I had booked a three hour, private, kayaking trip through Kayak Las Vegas that left from Willow Beach, Arizona in the Lake Mead National Park. We met our guide around 8:45 and spent the morning having a lovely paddle ride  up the Colorado River.

This was the perfect tour for us – easy and scenic. Educational, but the trip also afforded us some exercise.

Our guide had water and snacks for us, and all of the equipment needed was provided. Well except water shoes, we had to buy those the day before at Wal-Mart! Or you could wear Teva’s or old sneakers. Just no flip flops.

Desert Adventures also offers full day tours that pick up from Las Vegas, and gives you a longer time on the water, and provides lunch. If you want a harder paddle to Emerald Cave, maybe this kayaking trip is for you.

At Willow Beach   you could also rent equipment or pontoons to paddle or boat yourself. For more motorized water sports,  you can visit Lake Mead proper. I had learned that the Dam is what separates the Colorado River from the Lake.

I wish we would have spent more time at Lake Mead, but maybe next time. I know there you can rent jet skis, and this SUP YOGA class looks pretty cool too!

Our tour ended around 12:30, and our plan was to head down to the Grand Canyon for our next stop for the night. We had lunch in Kingman at In-n-Out (a fun stop for us east coast folk) but when rolling down the highway, we blew a tire!

This was not fun, but thankfully we were close to a highway exit. We pulled off in Seligman , and ended up spending the night there!

Long story short, we were fortunate to get a tire, and to get stuck for the night in a town along Historic Route 66 .  We tried to make the best of it, having a nice dinner at Westside Lilo’s Cafe and spending the night at the Deluxe Inn Motel .

Our original plan was to arrive at our Grand Canyon hotel, the Grand at the Grand Canyon late in the day and self-tour the park, so we did sadly lose that extra time near the Grand Canyon.

Day 3 – Back on the Road and Finally to the Grand Canyon

Monday morning arrived and so did our tire – our Grand Canyon guide offered to drive one up from Flagstaff for us and by 11AM we were on the road. This was truly the nicest act of kindness!

Finally on our way to the Grand Canyon, we stopped in Williams, Arizona for lunch at a cute little diner right on Route 66. The towns of Williams and Seligman are fun to visit, stop for a meal or some pics, but don’t plan to get stranded with a flat!

Although worth noting – Williams, Arizona is a nice place to stay if you are wanting to do the Grand Canyon train !

After lunch, we did FINALLY make it to the Grand at the Grand Canyon and we were immediately disappointed we did not get to spend two nights here – this hotel is the perfect place to stay when visiting the South Entrance of the Grand Canyon!

A beautiful hotel, just two miles south of the south rim entrance, we loved the rustic theming and well-appointed rooms.

But no time to wallow in that, we had our private, guided hike scheduled for 3PM and we had a canyon to see!  Our guide, Jon, from Only Grand Canyon Day Hikes , picked us up at our hotel and had all the food, water and equipment we needed to hike the Kaibab Trail .

If you are visiting the Canyon, I  HIGHLY recommend a hike with Jon. There is no better way to see the canyon then from going INSIDE it!

Yes, you can hike yourself, but that is definitely not recommended unless you really are an experienced hiker.

Hiking in is so much better than seeing it from the rim.

The hike was hard, challenging, but one of the best things we’ve done as a family. We were exhausted after our hike and went back to the hotel and passed out.

Day 4 – More time at the Grand Canyon and a Night of Glamping

We woke up at the Grand, enjoyed coffee on the balcony and swam at the hotel’s indoor pool before packing up and checking out.

The hike was everything, but we did want to explore the Grand Canyon a little bit more. We had a lunch reservation scheduled for 12:45 at the dining room at the el Tovar Hotel , which is one of the National Park Lodges.

We were able to park at the hotel and enjoyed a delicious lunch with a great view of the Canyon. The el Tovar dining room overlooks the Canyon, so this is definitely a must do when visiting the Grand Canyon.

After lunch, we walked around that area of the rim, called the Village. There is an ice cream shop, gift shop and more phenomenal views.

We did ride around to the visitor center – which is currently offering all of its resources and info outdoors.

After our visit to the Grand Canyon, we headed back to Tusayan to the Grand Canyon  Information Center . This is where the Pink Jeep tours meet and where you can buy tickets for the Grand Canyon IMAX movie .

The IMAX movie is shown every hour on the half-hour and is about 35 minutes long. Hubby and I enjoyed it, the kids thought it was too educational – but yes, we did learn a bunch about the history of the Grand Canyon!

After the movie,  it was time to head to our home for the night, Clear Sky Resorts .

This is a glamping resort about 20 minutes south of Tusayan.

We were so excited to stay in the dome,  and the experience exceeded our expectations.  This was a SUPER FUN thing to do – we wish we had arrived earlier than 5PM (check in time is at 4PM) to fully enjoy all the on-site amenities. So definitely plan to arrive earlier!

I did a full review of the Clear Sky Resorts at the Grand Canyon, so check that out.

Day 5- Heading to Las Vegas

On day 5, well-adjusted to Pacific Time, we woke up with the sun. We purposely left the shades open in our dome to wake up at sunrise. We also needed to return our rental car by 11:30AM and it was about a 3.5 hour drive from Clear Sky Resorts to Las Vegas.

The ride between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas is really beautiful. The Grand Canyon is at a much higher elevation than Las Vegas, so its cooler and greener. As you descend, it gets hotter and more desert like.

We did make it back to the rental car office on time, ditched the car, and took an Uber to our hotel, where we would finally be able to unpack and sleep for more than one night!

In Las Vegas, we stayed at the Venetian / Palazzo resort –  our favorite in Las Vegas! A great choice for all, but especially families because the standard room is a big suite. They also have great pool areas and the Canal shoppes have some fun eateries and stores for kids.

Days 6 & 7 – Enjoying Las Vegas with Kids

Over our three nights in Las Vegas, we did a ton of fun stuff.

We spent quite some time at the Palazzo pool , which is a great way to beat the heat.

We did also explore the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian (which is so funny because in September of 2019, we did visit the real Venice).

On the first day we visited the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay , the HyperX e-sports arena at Luxor , and the Big Apple Arcade at New York, New York . On day two, we visited the Mirage , walked the LINQ promenade , and rode the High Roller .

There are definitely lots of fun things to do in Vegas with kids, and even just walking around and checking out all the themed hotels is fun (and  mostly free!).

Day 8 – Time to Head Home

On our final morning, we packed up and headed back to the Las Vegas airport. Heading back to the east coast, you lose three hours of your day, but it was time to go home and get ready for school to start later in the week.  And to start planning our next trip!

Grand Canyon Road Trip Variation #1: Phoenix to Las Vegas

For one of my clients, I planned a slight variation of our itinerary, where they started in Phoenix and ended in Las Vegas.

This family flew to Phoenix in the evening, picked up a rental car at the Phoenix airport, and stayed at an airport hotel the first night.

Day two was spent exploring Sedona on the way up to the Grand at the Grand Canyon. They spent two nights at the Grand Canyon doing a bike tour and self-touring before heading to Las Vegas for two nights. They kept their rental car the whole time, so could explore the greater Las Vegas area, including jet skiing on Lake Mead!

Grand Canyon Road Trip Variation #2: Las Vegas to Phoenix

Last spring, I put together a trip for a family starting in Las Vegas and finishing in Phoenix. They spent the first three nights at the Venetian,  with one whole day out on the Colorado River with Kayak Las Vegas. They then grabbed a rental car and headed to the Grand at the Grand Canyon for two nights. After that, they drove down to Phoenix for two nights at a luxury desert resort, the JW Marriott .

These are all great ways to do a Grand Canyon Road Trip. One-way affords you the ability to not have to double back to where you have already been, but round trip might be more convenient and/or less expensive.

Southwest Road Trip to the Grand Canyon Tips:

Here are some tips to make your road trip to the Grand Canyon the best, no matter where you start –

• The Grand Canyon is at a higher elevation than Las Vegas or Phoenix, so you will need to pack for two different climates. Be sure to check your weather apps to pack appropriately.
• Bring a car phone charger – you will need that for the GPS
• Keep your car stocked with lots of water – maybe bring a small cooler if you can!
• On the roads out west, services are few and far between – towns are on average about every 20 miles so be sure to not get stuck without gas/bathroom/food.
• Be sure to travel with a spare tire – even a donut. Our fatal flaw and I will never, EVER, rent a car again without a spare!
• If you have a fourth grade student, you can get a FREE every kid in the park pass . Or you can purchase an annual National Park pass .
• Use a travel professional to help plan your trip. Yes, we can assist with a trip like this. I can put together a package with flights, hotels, rental cars and make sure you are booked for all the best tours and excursions! Plus I don’t charge a fee for my planning services – I get paid by the vendors we book through. Just click the banner below to get started!

I am so glad we decided to road trip the southwest and cross off my bucket list item of exploring the Grand Canyon! Las Vegas with kids was super fun, and my whole family loved this vacation. I cannot wait to help more families plan this epic southwest adventure!

Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Did you road trip from Phoenix?  Las Vegas? Los Angeles? Or somewhere else? Leave me a comment and tell me all about it!

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Looks like y’all had such a great time! So impressed that you hiked into the canyon – I’ve been many times but never done that hike!

oh yeah – I wanted to get in there and have the full experience!

Saving this for later! We did Utah National Parks this summer and had an awesome time. I’d love to do a Grand Canyon road trip soon too!

We are the opposite – did Grand Canyon, now gotta do Utah National Parks!

I love reading about your adventures! This entire itinerary is right up our alley! I am so inspired to look into doing a lot of the same things. Thanks for your insight!

This was our best trip! It was really great. Learned alot, had fun, and family time

It was great to bop around to so many different places, which then felt like a longer trip than it was

I have such great memories of doing a Grand Canyon road trip as a kid! These photos brought back great memories.

I had never been – so glad we went. My kids when they go back some day will be like “remember when I was a kid”

We have not yet been to the Grand Canyon. This is such an awesome post and itinerary and great tips I will save for when we go!

Grand Canyon was awesome, this was my first time. So glad we went

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Las Vegas to Zion National Park: A One Week Road Trip

A re you looking for a great family road trip? We’ve got the perfect itinerary that is full of natural beauty! Let’s travel from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, and explore the amazing destinations along the way. 

Las Vegas to Zion National Park – Southwest Road Trip

It is possible to take a day trip from Las Vegas to Zion. The drive is 2.5-hours each way, but why rush? You don’t want to breeze past the natural wonders and incredible memories that await you in the American Southwest. And you’ll want at least a couple of days exploring Zion. So we created an 8-day itinerary that showcases some of America’s most unique beauty, even if it means taking a few detours. 

So pack your bags and come along as we create the ultimate Las Vegas to Zion National Park itinerary. 

When is the best time for a Las Vegas to Zion National Park road trip?

Fall is an amazing time for a southwest road trip. The weather is cooler and the crowds are thinner. Winter and even spring might include a rare snowfall, and summer can reach extremely high temperatures, especially in the desert. If you have the time, we choose fall, but spring is a good alternative.

Day 1: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

Begin your journey at the Las Vegas airport (LAS), where you will hire a rental car and head to stop #1 – Grand Canyon National Park. It’s about a four-hour drive to the main park, so we recommend skipping any Vegas sightseeing for now. 

The sooner you arrive at the Grand Canyon, the better. You’ll likely want to allow enough time to check out the visitors center at the park entrance and use the free shuttles to access different viewpoints. Plus, you can stretch your legs along part of the Canyon Rim Trail, which has fantastic views of the canyon and the Colorado River. 

For the best sunset views, head to Hopi Point. After that, you’ll likely be ready to rest up for another exciting day tomorrow. 

Where to Stay

El Tovar Hotel is a historic hotel right on the rim of the Grand Canyon. There’s an onsite restaurant, a nice little gift shop, and free parking. 

Under Canvas Grand Canyon offers a unique glamping experience less than 30 minutes from the National Park. Luxe tents feature private bathrooms and comfortable beds. Plus, there’s a restaurant and fire pits onsite. 

Clear Sky Resorts is about 25 minutes from Grand Canyon Village. Here, you can stay in unique glamping domes with fantastic star-gazing opportunities. 

Day 2: Grand Canyon to Page

On the second day of your adventures, you’ll take your time heading to Page, Arizona. There’s no huge rush to begin this two-hour drive, so finish up any Grand Canyon sightseeing in the morning to make it to Page by early afternoon.

Just south of Page, you’ll want to stop at Horseshoe Bend, which features a ¾-mile hike out to the scenic overlook. This is a great place to see the Colorado River in action, and stretch your legs for a bit. 

The next stop is Glen Canyon Dam, a massive dam set among the beautiful sandstone cliffs of Arizona. This is an easy and quick stop with lots of nice scenery. 

Glen Canyon Dam created Lake Powell, the final stop on today’s journey. It’s stunning to see, as the lake reflects the desert scenery. It’s a popular destination for all kinds of watersports. 

Where to Stay in Page

Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell has a great location near Page’s best destinations, so you won’t have to drive far after seeing Glen Canyon Dam and Horseshoe Bend. There’s also onsite breakfast, a pool, and nice views. 

Shash Dine’ EcoRetreat is a unique opportunity for glamping in the Navajo Nation. The property features bell tents, covered wagons and a cabin, so families are sure to find an accommodation to suit their needs. Star gazing here is second to none and guests can enjoy cookouts and stories around the fire pit.

Day 3: Page, Upper Antelope Canyon, & Lake Powell

Get an early start on Day 3, as you’ve got a lot to see in and around Page, Arizona. One of the most memorable attractions nearby is Upper Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon located on Navajo land. You must book a tour to see the canyon – visit  the official Antelope Canyon site here  to see approved tour companies. Tours typically last about an hour and a half. 

Another great thing to do in the area is join a boat tour on Lake Powell . These guided journeys are the best ways to see the lake’s scenery without worrying about navigating the tricky waterscape. 

There are many great options, so consider choosing something that aligns with your tour of Upper Antelope Canyon. A Lake Powell day tour could include hiking stops, or you can opt for a simple (and scenic!) dinner cruise. 

You’ll stay put in Page tonight, so there’s no need to change hotels yet. 

Day 4: Page to Zion National Park

It will take a little under two hours to reach Zion National Park . We recommend leaving early, as there’s so much to do once you arrive. Begin your adventure at the Visitors Center, as it will help you get your bearings and allow you to learn about this unique place. 

After you get your bearings, hop back in the car and head to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This is a can’t-miss, and you may want to explore some of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive as well. 

Today is a great day for a couple of short hikes: Pa’rus Trail is 3.5 miles roundtrip and close to the Visitors Center. Or, for something even easier, consider the 1-mile Grotto Trail, which has excellent wildlife viewing. 

Plan to spend a little time exploring the nearby town of Springdale, Utah. It has a charming small downtown area and is close to Grafton Ghost Town, which kids of all ages will love to see. 

Where to Stay near Zion National Park

Zion Wildflower Resort has covered wagons that sleep up to six people – they’re a unique stay and are super Instagram-worthy. Or, opt for one of their private bungalows or glamping tents. 

Cliffrose Springdale is a riverfront hotel within walking distance of the Zion Visitor Center. There’s onsite breakfast, a seasonal pool, and a waterfall hot tub. 

Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites is in a quiet, scenic setting just outside the park. Enjoy free breakfast, a seasonal pool, and private balconies. 

Day 5: Zion National Park

Today is your full day in Zion National Park! You’ll get to see some of the best sights around the park and simply enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. 

The most popular hike in Zion is the Narrows, so if the weather is right, you should plan on including this. You’ll walk through the narrowest parts of the gorge, surrounded by thousand-foot walls.

It can be tricky since you have to wade through the river, but it’s a really fun adventure for kids who are old enough to enjoy it. Be sure to check in with a local outfitter to ensure you have the right gear.

If you’re lucky enough to get a permit to hike Angels Landing , it’s an incredible adventure. However, it is steep and strenuous, so make sure the entire family is up for it (or willing to sit it out while the rest of the group embarks). 

Have you ever heard of Zion’s Emerald Pools? Hiking the lower Emerald Pool will take you to a stunning waterfall. Upper and Middle Emerald Pool trails will take you to even more sweeping views. 

Beyond hiking, you can also swim in the Virgin River or bike along the Pa’rus Trail. Be sure to explore the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive if you didn’t get it in yesterday!

This will be your second night staying in Zion, so there’s no need to change hotels tonight.

Day 6: Zion to Las Vegas

It’s time to return to Vegas, but our adventure isn’t over yet! We’ll get to see Snow Canyon State Park , a true gem that’s just an hour west of Springdale. 

Here, you’ll be surrounded by sandstone cliffs, volcanic cinder cones, and petrified cliffs. There are 38 miles of hiking trails throughout the state park. We recommend Johnson’s Canyon and Lava Flow trails for their varied landscapes. 

To really get into the Western spirit, consider joining a horseback riding tour through Snow Canyon State Park – it’s a great way to enjoy the incredible scenery. 

If you have extra time, check out nearby St. George, Utah. Kids will love the Dinosaur Discovery Site, and its downtown area has cute shops and restaurants. 

St. George is less than two hours away from Las Vegas. You’ll spend the next day out on the town, so you can take your time getting there. 

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Feel free to opt for a family-friendly Vegas hotel tonight. For family vacations, we recommend the  Bellagio Hotel & Casino ,  Wynn Las Vegas , or  The Venetian Resort Las Vegas .

Day 7: Las Vegas

You’ve seen some of the best scenery in the American Southwest. Now it’s time to enjoy a short visit to Sin City. 

For family-friendly fun near the Las Vegas Strip, we recommend checking out Stratosphere Adventures, TopGolf, the Pinball Hall of Fame, and the Bellagio Fountains Nighttime Show.  If you need more ideas, you’ll want this list of the best family-friendly activities in Las Vegas or the best things to do in Las Vegas with teens .

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, consider checking out Red Rock Canyon or taking an off-roading tour of the desert . 

This will be your second night in your Las Vegas hotel. 

Day 8 – Las Vegas to Home

Your Las Vegas to Zion National Park road trip has come to an end. Now it’s time to return to the airport and fly back home. Some families plan for a later flight to pack in a little more Vegas excitement. Or, you might be ready to catch an early flight and rest up at home. 

What was your favorite day of your road trip? From the noisy streets of Las Vegas to the echoing walls of Zion, you’ve seen some of the best scenery in the United States. Now it’s time to plan for your next family road trip!

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