The Grand Canyon is a spectacular natural wonder and the drive from Las Vegas to get you there only contains more beauty. The drive itself is approximately 4.5 hours, as well yikes! I mean that would make it a possible day trip from Las Vegas if you really wanted to see the park and head back by nightfall.
You might be better off taking a day or two to break up the trip and enjoy all the many attractions that you will find along this route. Visitors can explore either the South Rim or North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, which is overseen by the federal National Park Service. The South Rim is the most popular with its vistas and easy access. The North Rim is at a higher elevation, which means longer hiking trails and forested surroundings.
Many hikers and campers also begin at the East Rim, which will lead them to South Rim. As for the Grand Canyon West Rim, there’s that popular Skywalk — a bridge made of glass extends out into open space above the canyon Floor. The section on the Hualapai Indian Reservation is fairly easy for a day trip as it’s only about two hours out of Las Vegas.
Stop off at a few lookouts whichever way you decide to travel and snap some obligatory pics. For this most recent trip, we went on the east side of the park so we stayed a night in Cameron and then walked into canyon next morning. We spent the first day touring around Page, AZ to scope out some of it’s beautiful slot canyons and Horseshoe Bend.
Preparing for Your Road Trip
When setting off on a journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, it’s important to keep a few key details in mind to ensure a smooth and memorable adventure. Here are some tips to help guide your travel experience.
Ideal Time for Your Visit
Starting in the north, each part of the Grand Canyon opens seasonally so observe your watch as you plan that road trip. If you can avoid the middle of summer and late autumn, Spring (typically between March to May) or Fall (usually from September through November). These are the seasons which welcome tourists for sightseeing due to mild climate.
If you are considering going to the North Rim, keep in mind that region is open only mid-May through October. If you use google maps or GPS, remember to account for this small window.
The West Rim is still open 365 days of the year and this can be very convenient for people who have tight schedules.
Exploring Route Options from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
There are several ways to journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, each offering it’s own unique sights and experiences.
Option 1: South Rim
For example, I-40 East to AZ-64 North will take you from Phoenix directly to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It will normally take a minimum of 4.5 hours to ramble between these spots without venture offs. For those with extra time take the old Historic Route 66 a few more miles and give yourself another half hour, but decide to enjoy real sights on your mini-vacation trip.
Beginning from Las Vegas, other key points include the Hoover Dam — an engineering marvel stretching across the Colorado River with Lake Mead in front of it (the largest reservoir in America) where you get great views just before reaching the dam. Also, Mike O’Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge is a must visit.
Option 2: East Rim
Continue due north off I-15 onto US89A South, and whip it down to AZ64 East where you’ll hit the rim in about six hours. It’s a decently longer drive with some good spots to stop, but this is for those looking to maybe see more of the Grand Canyon. The route includes a visit to the Valley of Fire State Park with spectacular red sandstone formations and Zion National Park, making it an ideal place for staying one night or two.
Option 3: West Rim
The West Rim is the closest and about two hours from Las Vegas traveling via US-93 south to Pierce Ferry Road. It is as simple as possible, yet also giving you an opportunity to make some quick stop at several landmarks like the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead.
Option 4: North Rim
The North Rim is accessed via the same route to get to the East Rim, which takes about 4.5 hours! This route will still get you to stops like Valley of Fire State Park and Zion National Park, deepening your sense of discovery along the way.
Departure Point: Las Vegas
Your road trip starts in the bright city of Las Vegas, Nevada by night and casino-laden adventure. It is one of the most popular attractions in the world, making it an ideal base for your Grand Canyon trip.
McCarran International Airport is the obvious place to land for anyone flying in. From there, the best way to capitalize on the routes mentioned below is by renting a car. There are plenty of tours if that’s more your thing but their itineraries and stops vary accordingly.
Key Stops and Landmarks: Southern Route
1. Boulder City, NV (26 miles from Las Vegas)
Boulder City is a cute little town and just a short drive away from the Las Vegas strip, so this makes an ideal day trip to break up some of that glitz within history washer charm.
Best Behaved: Boulder City with its quaint downtown area near the Hoover Dam, is a North American Goldilocks not too big and bustly to be impersonal or intimidating and Return(false);
Things to Do: Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum (702 Hoover Dam Dr. ) — explore local art galleries and the historic district
Our Suggestion: A brisk 1–2 hours bathing in the ambiance of this beautiful little town before you head out.
2. Hoover Dam (36 miles from Las Vegas)
You can also stop here to see Hoover Dam, an iconic structure and well worth the hour drive from Vegas.
Highlights: Tall art deco style concrete dam that stops the Colorado River, offers scenic landscape views.
Things to Do: Guided tours explaining the construction of the dam, walking across to see panoramic views and exhibits at Hoover Dam Visitor Center.
Recommended Time: You should budget anywhere from 1 to over the course of your visits here, taking a moment to absorb it all.
3. Lake Mead National Recreation Area (32 miles from Las Vegas)
Lake MeadPhoto courtesy of Lake Mead National Recreation Area A vast and stunning body of water, the country’s largest reservoir—Lake Mead is an outdoor person’s playground set among desert landscapes.
Haighlights: A lake unblemished a desert, with every type of land adventure you could want at the ready.
Activities: Spend the day on the lake by boating, fishing, or swimming; picnic and drive scenic shoreline
Recommend Time: Plan to spend 2-3 hours at the lake and enjoy its beauty, recreational opportunities.
5. Nelson Ghost Town (45 miles from Las Vegas)
Take a step back in time at this abandoned mining site that is chock full of intriguing historical artifacts.
Attractions: Dead mining town with a lot of old, western-style buildings and relics from the past.
What to Do: Take a tour of the old mining sites, picture shots with retro cars and aged artifacts remaining all across town or opt for hiking in Eldorado Canyon which is just close by.
Recommended Time: Allow 1-2 hours to meander through this intriguing display of Nevada antiquity.
6. Kingman, AZ (107 miles from Las Vegas)
A stop rich with history, Kingman is a classic Route 66 town that offers a blend of cultural heritage and scenic surroundings.
Highlights: A quintessential Route 66 destination known for its storied past and charming views.
Things to Do: Spend time at the Route 66 Museum to immerse yourself in the road’s history, wander through the historic downtown area, or visit the Kingman Railroad Museum for a glimpse into the town’s rail heritage.
Recommended Time: Plan to explore for 1-2 hours, soaking up the nostalgia and unique attractions Kingman has to offer.
7. Hackberry, AZ (135 miles from Las Vegas)
Hackberry is not a gem stop on Route 66, filled with nostalgia and old-school ambiance.
Latest Posts: This timeless Route 66 location houses a nostalgic general store that whisks visitors away to the bygone era of road trips.
What To See: Visit the Hackberry General Store, photograph retro gas pumps and kooky signs, sip soda with fellow American Road enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: 30 minutes up to an hour soaking in the retro glory and charm of this classic roadside attraction.
8. Peach Springs, AZ (157 miles from Las Vegas)
It also functions as a jumping off point for the Grand Canyon Caverns and is located on both Route 66, as well as upon Hualapai reservation land.
Noteworthy: Home to the Grand Canyon Caverns and boasting a deep Route 66 history.
What To Do: If the caverns are open, take a roughly 3-hour guided tour; explore Route 66 history around town; visit Hualapai Lodge for some cultural infusion.
Ideal Time: Half hour to 1 hr, or more if you plan on hiking back into the caves.
9. Seligman, AZ (180 miles from Las Vegas)
Quirky Seligman, the birthplace of Historic Route 66 and home to roadies around the world.
Show highlights: Known for its vibrant, old-timey feel that keep the spirit of Route 66 alive.
Do this: Munch on a wacky snack at the well-loved Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, and shop for quirky Rap 66 bric a brac as you see throughout city; tons of tchotchkes just call out to your phone camera.
Recommendation: Take your time spending 30 minutes to one hour soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere and finding out about unique points of interest this little city has.
10. Williams, AZ (220 miles from Las Vegas)
Williams is the final town in Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate forty and serves because of the gateway towards Grand Canyon.
Highlights: A charming historic town dedicated to maintaining its Route 66 legacy paired with easy access to the Grand Canyon.
Things to Do in Williams, Arizona: jump on the Grand Canyon Railway for a journey through scenic landscapes all the way to The Grand Canyon or take a wander around downtown history, tour Bearizona Wildlife Park and experience wildlife encounters close up.
Avg Time: 2-3 hrs (or stay the night and make a complete day out of it.
11. Grand Canyon South Rim (280 miles from Las Vegas)
The South Rim (which is the most popular and therefore, often busier) offers more awe inspiring vistas with activities abound.
Highlights: The South Rim is renowned for its extensive and accessible panoramic vistas that afford views of the most expansive section of canyon.
Activities: Stop in at well-known overlooks, such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point to see views that’ll put you a mile high (literally), hit the trails with a hike on the iconic Bright Angel Trail or learn about more of what makes up this vast hole known locally as The Abyss.
Recommended Duration: Considering the amount of natural beauty and depth this place offers, ideal is 1 -2 daysavo
We created a route from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim that take in history, huge landscapes and outdoor adventures all ingredients of an award winning road trip.
Key Stops and Landmarks: Northern Route
For those heading from Las Vegas toward the Grand Canyon East Rim, the northern route offers fascinating stops along the way.
12. Valley of Fire State Park (46 miles from Las Vegas)
It’s main features include its dramatic red sandstone formations and prehistoric petroglyphs, some dating back over 5,000 years.
What you will see: Red Rock formations Vast panoramas of red rock More than 2,000 petroglyphsPlace to look for Spirit Animals:Sculptures Garden TrailHighlights ~ This place is so amazing it plays with your mind and spiritwaters!
Must-See: Fire Wave, Elephant Rock, Atlatl Rock Use the hiking trails to closer with this beautiful rock structures.
Perfect Timing: 2-3 hours to trek the pathways and savor otherworldly views Take me there!
13. Mesquite, NV (82 miles from Las Vegas)
Kathleen Rellihan Mesquite is a quaint desert city that provides both relaxation and recreation as well.
Highlights: Home to golf courses, casinos and scenic desert landscapes — perfect for recharging.
Activities: Visit the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum for historical insights about local history, spend your days playing golf on one of our 5 beautiful and unique courses, or test out some lady luck at any one of the casinos.
Time Recommendations: 1-2 hours casually seeing the attractions in BJ or take your time before resuming s road trip.
14. St. George, UT (120 miles from Las Vegas)
A bustling entryway to everything in the great outdoors and Southern Utah history, St.George is a perfect place to pull over between stops on your journey west.
Highs: Adjacent to Zion National Park; red rock views, historical downtown.
Things to do: Snow Canyon State Park, St. George Diner Discover Site or stroll through historic downtown for local shopping and dining
Time Recommended: 1-2 hours (longer, if you are interested in Town’s history and natural sights)
15. Zion National Park (152 miles from Las Vegas)
Zion National Park is an incredible place and a sanctuary of stunning cliffs, forests with winding canyons, and important wilderness where wildlife roams free.
Signature Feature: It’s pair of 140µmetre (460-foot) sandstone cliffs create a backdrop for an excellent blend of active pursuits and quiet relaxation.
What To Do: tackle the exhilarating Angels Landing hike, wade The Narrows — which made Zion famous in the first place — or take a leisurely stroll to The Emerald Pools.
Best time: Your visit may take you a day to hike, or even an overnight stay gives fuller appreciation for the park’s incredible scenery.
16. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (180 miles from Las Vegas)
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is a seemingly out-of-place, otherworldly destination where soft coral-red sands create vistas that are quite difficult to fathom beforehand.
Best Nature: Sleek dunes bottomed out, coral-colored against desert scenery
Activities: You can either attempt to slide on the precipices, adventure with desert dune flights or even walk through its swells by passing over various valleys.
Ideal visit time: Undertake one or two hours of adventure, it depends on what you do and how much fun is their waiting for you.
17. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (186 miles from Las Vegas)
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument offers striking geological formations in the form of tall, escarpment cliffs and vast desert landscapes.
Region: Arizona Key Feature: With its dramatic rock formations and rugged beauty in total isolation, this is one of the best surprises for any outdoor adventure seeker.
Things to Do: Test yourself on the arduous hike to The Wave (permit required), navigate Paria Canyon and its picturesque narrows, or wander among otherworldly rockscapes at White Pocket.
Suggested Time: Spend a few hours to 2+ or goals within this huge and jaw-dropping area.
18. Kanab, UT (200 miles from Las Vegas)
Known as “Little Hollywood” due to its filming past, Kanab is a great small town for visiting the incredible sights nearby.
Highs: Culture touches and proximity to some of the area’s most incredible landforms from Kanab, a movie-history town.
If You Have Time: Learn more about the town’s history with a visit to Kanab Heritage House Museum, discover why Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is important in this part of southern Utah and get out on some guided tours at nearby slot canyons for some adventure.
Ideal Time: A 1-2 hour visit, though to take in more of the attractions at a leisurely pace you could stay overnight.
19. Marble Canyon & Lees Ferry (262 miles from Las Vegas)
Marble Canyon and Lees Ferry offer dramatic views and a rich history, making them a must-see stop on your journey.
Highlights: This area is known for its breathtaking vistas of Marble Canyon and the historic significance of Lees Ferry, a former river crossing.
Things to Do: Take a rafting trip along the Colorado River, enjoy fishing in the clear waters, or hike the Cathedral Wash Trail to experience the area’s rugged beauty up close.
Recommended Time: Plan to spend 1-2 hours here, whether you’re soaking in the scenery or embarking on a short adventure.
20. Page, AZ (272 miles from Las Vegas)
Page serves the doorway to some of Arizona’s best natural wonders and outdoor adventures.
Highlights: Page is a go-to scenic destination for nature lovers, with close proximity to Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and the sprawling Lake Powell.
Activity Highlights: visit Horseshoe Bend for an iconic panoramic view of the Colorado River; take a guided tour through breathtaking slot canyons at Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower); recreational opportunities abound on Lake Powell – boat, fish and kayak to your heart’s content.
Recommended time to spend: 2-4 hours, unless you want to make a weekend of exploring everything in Page.
21. Grand Canyon East Rim (Desert View Drive) (366 miles from Las Vegas)
Nothing beats sweeping vistas and a great story, so the East Rim of Grand Canyon is among it’s most beautiful destinations for spoils in planning travel.
High Points: One of the most panoramic routes in the park, highlighting breathtaking canyon views and culminating at Desert View Watchtower.
Things to Do: Drive through Desert View drive and the Navajo Point, Lipan point for canyon vista points. The Desert View Watchtower is a must-visit stop to learn about the area’s cultural heritage.
Average Time Spent: 2–3 hours for all the different viewpoints and historical monuments.
This route is a mix of great outdoors and cultural stops which makes your Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon East Rim road trip itinerary easily customizable according to what you are interested in doing or how much time you have on hand. Be sure to plan ahead as the hotels here are few.
Accommodation Options: Hotels, Lodging, & Camping
Choosing where to stay during your road trip is important because if you get a good place it will make the journey comfortable.
In case of plans for more than just a casual visit to any one place (in this instance the Grand Canyon after leaving Las Vegas,) here are 3 Options as stopovers on your way.
Staying Near the South Rim: Lodging and Camping Choices
Williams and Flagstaff, both Arizona cities, give you a variety of choices based on where are going to the South Rim. Best Place to Stay in Williams: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
Though Flagstaff is the longest drive – about 80 miles away – you’ll find familiar choices like Little America Hotel and Drury Inn & Suites offering contemporary amenities and an easy dash to South Rim.
Share this photo with someone who loves camping: Mather Campground in Grand Canyon National Park, a great spot right in the park and offering services essential for families.
For RV travelers, private campgrounds like Grand Canyon Camper Village in Tusayan, AZ offer full hookups as well as showers and laundry facilities.
Accommodation Choices Along the North and East Rim Routes
The East Rim – stay near Zion National Park Springdale, UT – Stay at Zion Lodge or Cable Mountain Lodge. accommodations are easier options in Springdale and offer a kind of creature comfort and concrete style (also literally).
Kanab, UT is the perfect place to stay when you travel between Zion and Page, AZ. There is everything from the Canyons Boutique Hotel and historic Parry Lodge, where you can walk to various sites including lodges or bed-and-breakfasts.
Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn and Lake Powell Resort are great modern options in Page, AZ, providing easy access to the East Rim views of Horseshoe Bend.
Another option is the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, AZ. This one gets you a stay much closer to the East Ridm with rooms that are perfect for enjoying your Southwestern surroundings when not standing there gawking at it and great location if more horsing around in Navajo territory sounds like appealing results of having performed little to no due diligence on an area thousands miles from where many people we know live.
A note: The food at Cameron Trading Post is satisfactory, and while the rooms are no frills they provide a safe place to stay.
The East Rim Desert View campground provides desert solitude on the nearby east rimoecoast. Wahweap Campground, located in Page, AZ offers tent and RV camping along with easy access to Lake Powell and the East Rim.
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Final Thoughts: Road Trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
There are so many incredible views and stops to be had on the journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon village.
If you are headed to the South Rim, North Rim, East or West Rims (or a complete loop of this park) then every route takes through some famous landscapes within one of America’s most well-loved regions.
Before planning your trip, make a list of which sites and activities you wish to attend the most. The paths vary of course, with some passing through historical locations while others offering stunning views.
Inspiration for the seasoned traveler and first-time road tripper alike is just a click away with this guide.
