This Las Vegas to Denver itinerary is great for an epic U.S. road trip craving fix!
Below, you will find the greater experiences in Nevada / Azizona/ Utah and Colorado at an amazing family road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Denver!
This post is an in-depth road trip guide and I hope that you find all the good tips to make your journey perfect.
I’ve included a sample of main attractions for each, top dining and chess, accomdations, many other spots in which you may want to extend stay.
This Las Vegas to Denver trip takes 11 days at our speed. Although you can certainly stretch this trip out to 2 weeks or more if you want to spend more time at each place!
Optimal Driving Route from Las Vegas to Denver: A Comprehensive Guide
The road from Nevada to Colorado well-trodden, with many paths available for the trek but which is one that really hits home?
The following route offers only a taste of several national parks, two incredible cities — and the views in between change at every mile.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada → Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) → Monument Valley (Utah). Take a road trip to Moab, Utah and then Grand Junction Colorado before making it all the way out east for reconvergence in Denver.
Personally, my #1 route I would take! The complete itinerary of this route is mentioned below:
PROS: You will drive down Route 66, see the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley as well as Arches National Park.
CONS: You will miss Zion and its immediate vicinity.
TIME: If you drive straight through this route should take over 15 hours and 45 minutes.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada → St. George, Utah (move onto the back half of itinerary towards Denver) Continue on to Moab, UT; it intersects with the other tour combined for day one seen below.
pros: You get to visit Zion National Park along the way!
CONS: Shortcuts Grand Canyon National Park and Monument Valley.
TIME: 11 hours and 45 minutes, nonstop.
From there, start in Las Vegas, through Flagstaff and up to the Four Corners Monument from which you head on due east towards Denver (via Durango, Pagosa Springs & Rio Grande National Forest).
Details of Your Las Vegas to Denver Road Trip
You weighed the pros and cons of all three, bookmarked option #1 — Vegas to Grand Canyon through Monument Valley then onto Moab, Utah before making your way back East toward Denver.
This is a day-by-day account of your Las Vegas to Denver trip.
N.B.- We did this road trip with two kids — ages 6 months &4 years.
I have kept the drive time fairly light each day as I want to experience things along the way rather than just be in a hurry from one place to another resulting driving long hours.
Day 1: Arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada
Must-See Sights
- Welcome to Las Vegas Sign : It is free to be visited and nearby there is a small parking lot. Of course, you can grab a quick selfie here and purchase your own photo from one of the locals too for a small contribution.
- Bellagio Fountains: To the tune of music, this 24/7 water show is just across from Paris. They are impressive at any time, but they really come into their own after dark.
- Las Vegas Strip – Gamble at the casinos, see a show or concert and do some people-watching on this busy sidewalk.
Granted, you probably wouldn’t have two tired kids in tow on your Las Vegas to Denver road trip which is why you would likely just hop off the plane and go straight to all of that Strip fun — food, drinks, entertainment.
Still, we had a baby and preschooler in tow after an overnight flight so rather than take up residence at the Bellagio like many of his followers on our adventure to Sin City—which would have certainly brought bad luck—I am content for us to grab our rental car, head out onto The Strip just quickly enough that I could see those iconic fountains outside the Bellagio light up briefly before calling it a night.
Overnight Stay in Las Vegas, Nevada
We then opted for the Best Western McCarran in Las Vegas, Nevada to rest overnight.
It was nothing fancy or high-end, but it did the trick — simple room that good enough for crash and clean up, close to both the airport and The Strip.
Even though it was our fault and no one elses that we arrived late, the front desk clerk greeted us warmly and took care of everything extremely quickly. Taking one look at how exhausted our kids were, she immediately checked us in and took us to the room.
I also appreciated how safely I could walk down to the property at night and had to do a few trips back up in total darkness (to the rental car) for things we forgot.
Extend Your Adventure: Add a Day in Sin City!
Think about extending your stay in Las Vegas an extra day!!
If do it all over again I would have had another day just to soak in what the city has there.
From here you just continue on with itinerary as we leave Las Vegas and of a day or two later after having fun in Sin City yet another day Before Each.
Day 2: From Las Vegas, Nevada, to Grand Canyon National Park
Must-See Sights
- Hoover Dam
- Lake Mead
- Seligman, Arizona
Day 2 Road Trip Overview
When my husband went for his early morning run, we took another drive up and down the Strip and then bought some groceries (snacks for us and baby supplies) from a nearby grocery store.
(Tip: If you are planning this road trip be sure to grab anything essential while in Vegas because items like Target or Walmart do not exist until Grand Junction, Colorado!)
Half an hour outside of Las Vegas and it looked like this. The surrounding flat land with large buildings turned into nothing but steep cliffs and wild desert vegetation.
We were tempted to since we had a late start out of Las Vegas but decided not risk missing Route 66!
I sort of glad we got it out of the way; something I had always wanted to do, experience a small piece of Route 66.
About the publisher: Route 66 my daughter knows it from Cars but that’s about all she needs to be pointing at things and saying “That looks just like Lightening McQueen’s house!”
We were thoroughly impressed with the way in which the animators brought Route 66 to life on screen by mimicking actual landscapes and architecture.
It was our longest day of driving, but we passed the time by watching for the strange little Burma Shave signs and pulling off at every scenic overlook.
Since we needed a break anyways by the time we reached Seligman, Arizona.
We learned some Western history and indulged in traditional American cuisine at the Roadkill Cafe. The O.K. Saloon, which is adjacent to the museum, is an authentic Wild West saloon where visitors are invited into wander through and look at all of those antiques that you still remember from when was half your age as well a plethora of historical photos.
On the menu at the Roadkill Cafe are clever items like “Poached Bambi Burger,” reflecting their motto, “You Kill It, We Grill It.”
But don’t worry, despite the cheeky slogan if you fear that food was roadkill it’s all showbiz!
We then had an early dinner and went to see the Arizona Territorial Jail followed by Wild West Town where our daughter pretended to be a Western cowgirl.
After a reasonable walk down the street we were at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, where having it two ways isn’t restricted to their long list of ice cream double-dips: every order comes with extra helpings in puns.
We got to the Grand Canyon just in time for an amazing sunset over the South Rim.
Extend Your Adventure
You could also break up this day into 2 days, one for Lake Mead/Hoover Dam and the other to drive along Route 66 on your way to the Grand Canyon including stops in Peach Springs or Kingman.
Williams, Az: Get A Different View Of The Grand Canyon Or take the train up early in morning and spend the night at South Rim—returning to Williams on day two.
After Williams, you rejoin the itinerary for your tour of Monument Valley.
Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park to Mexican Hat, Utah
Must-See Sights
- Bright Angel Trail
- Painted Desert
- Monument Valley
Day 3 Road Trip Overview
And that is saying something because I am a pretty gung-ho traveler. I mean, I immediately teared up after pulling over and seeing the Grand Canyon through those trees.
The vastness and grandeur of the Grand Canyon is something that can not be described in words, it does tap into a deeper part within ourselves for lack of any other illustration.
The morning of our second day we work in my daughter’s Junior Ranger book and went to a free ranger led talk on the park’s fossils.
Then, we walked briefly on the Bright Angel Trail before heading back to our car to continue driving through the park. Stops on our Drive along Desert View included the Tusayan Ruins, Moran Point and The Desert View Watchtower.
Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to the Grand Canyon as new adventures lay ahead on the other side of Utah.
On our way to Utah we drove through the Painted Desert. The scenic lookouts are beautiful–stop at a few! Tuba City to Kayenta: Every twenty miles or so the land converts dramatically, be sure to have your camera prepared.
Later in the day, we did a drive-through at Monument Valley and saved our looking for tomorrow.
Overnight Accommodations near Monument Valley
Near Monument Valley, only a handful of towns exist; one is Mexican Hat and it so happens that we happened to end up staying in the cutest yurt outside this adorable town.
You can reserve the yurts through Mexican Hat’s other lodging option, San Juan Inn.
There was a queen bed and room for the both our toddler travel cot & babies crib.
It was without a kitchen, yet fully equipped with bath washroom facilities consist of WC/Toilet, shower and garden squid.
All the meals then were eaten outside at a large picnic table, under the canopy of one big shade tree. The views from around the yurt were stunning.
Extend Your Adventure
You can’t visit the Grand Canyon in one night and day, but we had another destination on this trip.
Add on that extra day or so in your itinerary. From there, you can embark on longer hikes (many are easy assorted also for families), or if up to it so choose hike down into the canyon and stay overnight at Phantom Ranch.
Day 4: Exploring Mexican Hat, Utah
Must-See Sights:
- Self-Guided Tour of Monument Valley
- Iconic Road Leading into Monument Valley
Day 4 Road Trip Overview
Maybe our dependable rental Toyota Avalon wasn’t the most productive vehicle for a self-guided Monument Valley tour, however I’m glad to report it executed it’s direction out without getting embedded—or there were several tense occasions!
Monument Valley — inside the Navajo Nation, you’ve seen it in a dozen westerns (if it’s not Monument valley is proably John Wayne) Forrest Gump ended his epic cross-country run here too.
In addition to being one of the most iconic and photographed locations in cinema, Monument Valley is also culturally significant for its Native American heritage. There are petroglphs in ancient rock formations, and the great Rain God Mesa is a sacred spot where medicine men pray for rain.
Spend time at each stop taking many pictures and plan your visit to be about 2–3 hours in the park.
You will also get to pay a visit to Mexican Hat, the rock formation that named this town. Now that makes an interesting view for you, does it not seem to be toppling over any minute right!
That night we found dinner at the Old Bridge Grill in San Juan Inn, feasting on Navajo tacos (Picture giant funnel cakes smothered with taco meat, refried beans and all of your favorite toppings) Delicious!
Expand Your Adventure
While hiking in Natural Bridges, nearby Mexican Hat an easy drive of less than 2 hours and featured on the way to our Four Corners Monument so be sure add it to your road trip!
Or enjoy a trip to the nearby Valley of Gods. But to actually enjoy it, you’ll need a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle–this is no easy walk in the park
Must see sights
- Bowtie Arch
- Canyonlands National Park
- Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
Moab and the Grand Canyon were two spots we drove to in our road trip from Las Vegas to Denver which my mom, dad and I could have stayed for a few weeks.
Our first day in Moab, we had lunch and went shopping downtown before hiking to Bowtie Arch.
If you find yourself driving from downtown Moab towards the pull off for Bowtie & Corona Arches- drive as far as found necessary to witness petroglyphs right alongside the road. Don’t miss those!
We are 4 people from a very flat part of the country with little prior hiking experience, and our preschooler + infant went on the hike to + from Corona Arch; it was totally doable.
And it was a lovely (and not crowded at all) introduction to this beautiful region.
Day 5: Mexican Hat, Utah, to Moab, Utah
Must-See Sights:
- Bowtie Arch
- Canyonlands National Park
- Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
Out of all the places we visited on our Las Vegas to Denver road trip, I think Moab and Grand Canyon are probably two that you could just stay an entire week at each easily.
We spent our first day in Moab having a lunch and doing some shopping downtown, then going on a hike to Bowtie Arch.
As you leave the comforts of downtown Moab en route to Bowtie and Corona Arches, notice petroglyphs that are only feet away from where you’re driving. They are easy to pass by but make the brief detour!
It was a pretty easy hike for us flatlanders with no hiking experience, we could even take our preschooler and infant there. However! It also presented a (relatively unpopulated) first look at the amazing view.
Returning to the car and rehydrating we next explored fossils at a closer range along with one of our favorite trails there, Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail. Dinosaur fossils including vertebrae, leg bones and other Fossils and a Giant Petrified Tree Trunk encased in the ground to view up close!!
This is just one of the great Moab hikes besides Arches National Park so take a look at other options if you have time.
Overnight Accommodations in Moab, Utah
Our cabin was at the Archview Campground (now Canyonlands Gateway) just north of Moab, Utah.
They stood in a small semi-circle around the central firepit, each named after one component making up an element of a typical Wild West town. Other guests were in the “Saloon” or even the”BROTHEL”.
The interiors were snug, but practical none the less; they had a range of bunk beds small table and lose. There were no bathrooms in the cabins, but a bathhouse was just steps away.
We have camped here with our camper since, and while the sites run a bit on the smaller side you CANNOT beat views. This property wins for us, cabins or campground. We absolutely loved it at this place!
Extend Your Adventure
Insist on 1-2 days in Canyonlands National Park.
Although Arches is the park that tends to get all of the glory since it sits so close to Moab, Canyonlands warrants a trip as well. With sprawling canyons, hoodoos and rock spires spanning three unique districts the side of this park is huge.
If you are torn between the two then read our Arches vs Canyonlands comparison here!
Day 6: Exploring Moab, Utah
Must-See Sights:
- Arches National Park
- Downtown Moab
- Moab Rock Shop
Day 6 Road Trip Overview
The majority of the day was devoted to exploring Arches National Park, which is a place that had been on my bucket list for years.
On our Windows Arches hike, we chose to do the easy 1-mile walk around the base (though even with a preschooler and an infant in tow!)
Sand Dune Arch was another favorite, where our preschooler enjoyed walking through the sand. A flat, kid-friendly hike and we all loved it.
The biggest tip: make sure to visit Arches National Park – but do know that the park is a little bit of a process. From 2022, reservations for the park are required; get your’s timed entrance in advance.
They are tiny lots for how many people visit this place so make sure to come early. When we did find parking, it was often in a far corner after 20 minutes of searching (in some areas there were simply no spots to be found so you had to move on and try another section).
Extend Your Visit
Next on the list, if I had more time was Dead Horse Point State Park — iconic location of car jump scene in Thelma and Louise for many amusment and eye candy with scenes from Mission Impossible 2.
I would have also been interested in the Tubing Tour down the Colorado River had our kids been a little older.
Day 7: Moab, Utah, to Grand Junction, Colorado
Must-See Sights:
- Dinosaur Journey Museum
- Colorado National Monument
Day 7 Road Trip Overview
Beyond this lay one of the least populated stretches of I-70 — Grand Junction, our only real taste of civilization since leaving Las Vegas a week earlier. New Mexico was calling us, but first we stopped at the Dinosaur Journey Museum (right off I-70), our transitional element towards Moab.
This museum is smaller than many of Colorado’s other dinosaur museums, but it’s extremely well-curated and interesting.
Then we drove a little bit over to the Colorado National Monument. Alas, Mother Nature was in a damp and raw mood, some views pretty well hidden by the clouds of fog and rain. But that was enough for us to experience the beauty of this park.
Between Myrdal and Flåm, you can find a number of easier hikes we would have been interested in had weather allowed (or maybe on another trip!). Drivers, please remember: slow down through the Colorado National Monument. There are those terrifying cliffs, just yards away from the road which explains why there is such a low speed limit. And, because the terrain is so beautiful and calm you will want to ride slow — taking in all of Nature’s brilliance.
Overnight Accommodations in Grand Junction, Colorado
We spent one night at The Grand Vista Hotel in Grand Junction. The Hotel, It’s a bit run down but clean and comfortable.
Our room was large and included all the basic amenities that you could find in a mid-range hotel. The heated pool was great and you can relax indoors.
Extend Your Visit
There are some lovely areas just outside of Grand Junction, including several wineries that are worth exploring.
Day 8: Grand Junction, Colorado, to Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Must-See Sights:
- Glenwood Caverns
- Glenwood Hot Springs
Day 8 Road Trip Overview
It might be tempting to speed from Grand Junction to Denver, but doing so would mean missing out on the charming town of Glenwood Springs with its historic hot springs and quaint downtown.
Overnight Accommodations in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
To be completely steeped in the past, we spent a night at the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs right across from those hot springs.
The hotel, built in the Gilded Age Boar Dakota Canada 1893 to be a luxury refuge for wealthy and all those of the famous-bent circulating westward was. Teddy Roosevelt used the hotel as his base in 1905 for a hunting expedition, while Molly Brown (who survived the sinking of Titanic) and President William Howard Taft were other famous guests.
The huge lobby alone — with it’s numerous fireplaces and inviting seating nooks — won us over immediately. Our room which was small but very nice. There’s not an A/C unit in sight, but really, we didn’t need it with the cool mountain air clearing wafting through our window.
Day 9: Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Denver, Colorado
Must-See Sights:
- Rocky Mountains
- Loveland Pass
- Breckenridge, CO
- Georgetown, CO
Day 9 Road Trip Overview
We took our time traveling by way of I-70 towards Denver, pulling off to see whatever struck our interests along the route. DownloadIt was really fun to explore on the fly like this!
Our next stopover was Loveland Pass at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level -the highest altitude we hit all trip.
Lunch break in Breckenridge where we mapped out future ski vacays. We even to get a glimpse of bighorn sheep in Georgetown, the quaint town along I-70 but we had no luck today with that.
But we were only just realizing how good the skiing in Colorado is by the time we pulled into downtown Denver. However, the more we spent time in this beautiful place and drove around New Zealand, we quickly learned that a 1.5 week road trip was just too short for what could have also been three months filed with adventure!
Our kids were exhausted from the day, so we settled for room service at Hotel Teatro and a convenience store just steps away.
Overnight Accommodations in Denver, Colorado
We stayed at Hotel Teatro, a luxurious hotel in the LoDo district of downtown Denver. The room was elegantly decorated, featuring large windows and a lavish bathroom. We also admired the hotel’s attention to detail and refined decor throughout.
Extend Your Visit
Instead of just passing through the ski towns, consider spending a day or two skiing or hiking, depending on the season, in places like Vail, Breckenridge, Frisco, or Keystone.
Days 10-11: Exploring Denver, Colorado
Must-See Sights:
- Union Station
- City Park
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Days 10-11 Road Trip Overview
Since my husband’s brother and family live in Denver, we spent a lot of our time catching up with them once again much more fun than sightseeing (which I did little to none of other than the drive around Colorado)!
We are family-oriented and although we spent a vast majority of our time with each other, this post lists places around the city where inclusion was an easy part.
We had brunch at Snooze and boy was it worth the wait! The smothered hash browns, the memories of those little buggers. Since we opted to have it at the Union Station location, our view during lunch was of this beautiful building.
While, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science was equally divided into exhibits suitable for science lovers like my friends as well as area where kiddies can have fun. It has everything from a planetarium and IMAX theater to science labs where kids can do fun experiments, areas with astronaut dress-up clothes and just about the most engaging museum I’ve come across in recent years.
One night we went into Golden, Colorado and walked the Riverwalk then grabbed dinner at Mountain Toad Brewery Farmer in the Hive setup their food truck at Blank Slate that evening, and we mostly ate dinner from them every Friday.
City Park, which is near the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo Be sure to explore this large park with trails, lakes, sprawling playground and summertime concerts.
Overnight Accommodations in Denver, Colorado
We spent another night at Hotel Teatro in LoDo, which provided a perfect finale to our road trip from Las Vegas to Denver.
Extend Your Stay
Denver really does have a ton to offer that we couldn’t even squeeze in! Renowned music venue Red Rocks Amphitheatre commands a bouldered .
MLB games at Coors Field, numerous performing arts venues, an aquarium and a great children’s museum grace downtown Denver.
