Epic Las Vegas To Grand Canyon Road Trip Itineraries (2024)

1 month ago 74

Here is our ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip itinerary so you can enjoy one of the USA’s most iconic national parks from Sin City!

The Grand Canyon is one of the best road trips to try from Las Vegas!

As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon features scenic vistas and incredible hikes that draw in adventurers from around the globe. Grand Canyon National Park as a whole is one of the most visited national parks in the USA.

One of the best ways to explore the Grand Canyon is on a road trip from Las Vegas! The iconic natural landmark is located just east of Las Vegas, and you can drive there in just a couple of hours depending on which part of the canyon you want to visit.

But there is lots of planning that goes into a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip.

First, you have to decide which rim of the Grand Canyon you want to explore. Each section of the Grand Canyon has its own major attractions where you can try cool activities like a helicopter tour, camping trip, or even a hike to the canyon floor.

Once you pick your destinations in the Grand Canyon, you can plan your route and which stops you might want to make along the way. For example, the Hoover Dam is a popular stop on the way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, as are other forests, national parks, and desert towns.

We’re going to help you plan your perfect Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip! From the different rims to the best things to do once you arrive, planning an amazing adventure from Las Vegas has never been easier.

Horseshoe Bend Las Vegas To Grand Canyon Road Trip

How long is a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive?

The amount of time it takes to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon depends on which part of the canyon you’re visiting.

The closest rim to Las Vegas is the West Rim at around 2 hours away. The drive to either the North Rim or the South Rim is around four and a half hours. But the route to the North or the South Rim is different.

You can also drive around all of the Grand Canyon’s Rims, just note that the road trip will be much longer. You can modify your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip any way you choose, but we’ll outline the most logical ways to complete the journey.

Here is a quick breakdown of the different areas you can visit in the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Grand Canyon South Rim

The Grand Canyon South Rim is the most touristy part of the Grand Canyon National Park. If you drive here directly from Las Vegas with no stops, it’s about a four and a half hour drive.

If you include the stops we’ll mention in our road trip itinerary, you might want to take a full day or even two days to travel from Sin City to the South Rim.

There are so many cool lookouts and hikes in the South Rim, and it’s home to the bustling Grand Canyon Village. This is also the most popular spot for airplane tours and helicopter tours of the canyon, though you can also find a few of these in the West Rim.

Find more epic things to do in Las Vegas during your stay.

Grand Canyon North Rim

The Grand Canyon North Rim offers a quieter and less touristy side of Grand Canyon National Park.

It’s also about four and a half hours to drive directly here from Las Vegas. But this drive takes you northeast out of Las Vegas, whereas driving to the South Rim takes you southeast.

So if you’re planning to visit the North Rim from Las Vegas, you’ll take an entirely different route which we’ll explain in detail shortly.

There are very few guided tours here, but there are lots of incredible hikes, lookouts, and camping spots where you can escape the crowds.

Grand Canyon West Rim

The Grand Canyon West Rim is only about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Las Vegas if you drive direct with no stops. This is the closest rim to Sin City and is the most popular destination for day trips and even half day trip excursions.

The West Rim is also pretty touristy, and there are lots of fun things to do here including aerial tours and guided walks. If you’re looking at guided tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, this is likely where you’ll end up.

What is the best time for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive?

The best time for a drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon depends on the weather, which in turn impacts the crowds.

For optimal weather conditions, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal times for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive. This is when temperatures are mild, so the heat is less intense. It also avoids peak holiday season when the area is most crowded.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is higher in elevation, opens mid-May to mid-October. So a spring or early fall trip is perfect for those looking to explore this quieter part of the canyon. During these months, you’ll also experience less traffic on the roads, allowing for a more peaceful and uncrowded Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip.

Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, especially at the South Rim. This isn’t the best time for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip because of the intense heat, especially in desert areas like Las Vegas. If traveling in summer, it’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day and take advantage of cooler morning temperatures.

Winter can offer a unique experience at the Grand Canyon, especially if you enjoy solitude and snow-dusted canyon views. But be prepared for potential road closures or weather delays, particularly if you’re heading to the North Rim, which is usually closed during winter.

For a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, spring and fall are the best choices for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip.

Planning more adventures from Vegas? Check out this Ultimate Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip!

Guided tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

You can also book guided tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Though a road trip is recommended for those who want an epic adventure full of freedom and flexibility, it’s worth mentioning the multitude of highly rated tours.

The Grand Canyon is a popular day trip from Las Vegas. Guided day trips take care of all the transport and planning for you, which can be ideal for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or anyone who likes the convenience of a guided tour.

The Grand Canyon West Rim is the closest part of the national park to Las Vegas at just a 2.5 hour drive. So if you’re booking a guided one day trip, a tour to the West Rim is the best option.

A day trip from Vegas to the West Rim usually includes a stop at Hoover Dam and the chance to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

You can also find longer guided day trips that combine the Grand Canyon with Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. There are also multiday adventure tours from Las Vegas that include the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and Monument Valley.

Or if you’re really looking for an upscale experience, you can book helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. So if you’re considering a guided tour rather than a self-drive road trip, there are plenty of options!

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Drive Itineraries

Now that you understand the different areas of Grand Canyon National Park, let’s break down the itineraries from Las Vegas!

Here are some detailed options for your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip. We’ve separated the itineraries for the South Rim, North Rim, and West Rim since they are all quite far apart and require different routes from Las Vegas.

Keep in mind, you can totally alter these itineraries or combine them. Your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon adventure is entirely up to you, so you can modify it to suit your time frame and budget.

If you have a week or more, consider visiting all the different parts of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas!

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim

Here is our convenient road trip itinerary from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. It’s about four and a half hours and 280 miles if you drive direct.

But we’ll list some of the best stops on the way for those who want to enhance their road trip.

Boulder City

From Las Vegas, drive about 30 minutes southeast towards the Arizona border. Here you can stop in Boulder City, a place originally established in the early 1930s as a base for workers who built the Hoover Dam.

Unlike Las Vegas, Boulder City has preserved a quieter, small-town charm. It is one of the few communities in Nevada where gambling is prohibited, helping maintain its tranquil atmosphere.

Boulder City has a historic downtown where you can wander around and admire the Art Deco architecture or check out a museum.

This is also a great place to base yourself for adventures in stunning natural landscapes such as Lake Mead and the Colorado River. Visitors and locals alike enjoy hiking, boating, and exploring the nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Whether you want to hang out for a day or two, or just stop through en route to the Grand Canyon, Boulder City is a cool place to check out in Nevada.

Hoover Dam

Even if you don’t stop in Boulder City, make sure you stop by the Hoover Dam on your way to the Grand Canyon! It’s a world-famous landmark that is right on the way.

Standing 726 feet tall and spanning 1,244 feet across the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam was the largest dam in the world at the time of its completion.

The Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S. by volume, which today supplies water to millions of people in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.

Visitors can take guided tours of the Hoover Dam power plant and sightseeing cruises of the waterways of Lake Mead. The Hoover Dam was an essential part of economic progress in the USA during the Great Depression, so it’s amazing to see this vital piece of history.

Grand Canyon Caverns

Continue on your drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim! From Hoover Dam, it’s about two hours to Grand Canyon Caverns and Inn in Peach Springs, Arizona.

Discovered in the 1920s, these caverns lie over 200 feet below the surface and are among the largest and most extensive in the United States.

Visitors can take guided tours to explore the impressive limestone formations, stalactites, and expansive chambers. The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to stay overnight in the world’s largest, deepest, and darkest motel room at an underground suite in the caverns.

You can also stay in normal hotel rooms at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn if you’re looking for somewhere to spend the night on the way to the Grand Canyon. Located along the historic Route 66 near Peach Springs, the inn is a perfect stop for travelers.

In addition to cavern tours, guests can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the surrounding Hualapai Reservation.

Explore more of Arizona on an Ultimate Arizona Road Trip Itinerary!

Kaibab National Forest

Just south of the Grand Canyon lies Kaibab National Forest. If you have some time to spare before your Grand Canyon adventures, consider exploring this stunning area on the way.

Known for its rich biodiversity, the forest features several ecosystems from arid desert to lush pine and aspen forests. Wildlife such as mule deer, elk, and even the endangered California condor can be found within its boundaries.

The forest offers abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, with popular trails like the Kaibab Plateau Scenic Byway providing breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and surrounding terrain.

Its close proximity to the Grand Canyon makes Kaibab National Forest a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers looking to explore the region’s natural beauty.

Grand Canyon South Rim

You’ve made it to the Grand Canyon South Rim! Your first stop might be the Grand Canyon Visitor Center in Grand Canyon Village. The Visitor Center offers an introduction to the park with interactive exhibits, maps, and a theater showcasing a short film about the canyon’s history and geology.

If you don’t need an introduction at the Visitor Center, you can get straight into the activities. The Grand Canyon South Rim offers so many amazing things to do.

Grand Canyon Village is still a great place to start, as lots of viewpoints and hikes are located here.

Visitors can enjoy the scenic overlooks at Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, both offering panoramic views of the canyon’s layered rock formations and the Colorado River below.

You can also find some amazing hikes here along the South Rim, such as the Rim Trail or the challenging Bright Angel Trail, which descends into the canyon itself.

The village also provides access to the Grand Canyon Railway, a scenic train ride that runs from Williams, Arizona, to the park. South Rim airplane tours and helicopter tours are also popular in this part of the Grand Canyon.

Find more cool locations nearby with these places to visit in Arizona.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim

Another option for driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is a road trip to the North Rim.

This route is also about four and a half hours and covers around 265 miles if you drive direct with no stops. But this road trip takes you northeast out of Las Vegas, through southern Utah, and down towards the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This is a more direct route for those visiting the North Rim because you won’t have to drive all the way around the canyon (which you would have to do if you arrive at the South Rim first).

Valley of Fire State Park

From Las Vegas, hit the road and consider stopping in Valley of Fire State Park on the way. This is one of the absolute best state parks in Nevada, and it’s right outside Sin City on the way to the Grand Canyon.

Known for its red sandstone rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and vibrant desert landscapes, Valley of Fire State Park has geological features that date back millions of years. It’s a fabulous spot for hiking, camping, and photography.

If you’re looking for the coolest rock formations, make sure you visit the Fire Wave, Elephant Rock, and Atlatl Rock, where visitors can view well-preserved petroglyphs left by the region’s ancient Native American inhabitants.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park in southern Utah is one of the USA’s most spectacular national parks. On a road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim, you will have to take a slight detour north to visit this destination.

It adds about an hour of total driving time onto the road trip, so this is only recommended for those with lots of time and a willingness to take detours.

But if you do want to add more adventures to your Grand Canyon road trip, it’s definitely worth spending an extra day or two exploring Zion National Park!

Zion has some truly breathtaking landscapes full of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, gorges, and lush forests. It’s a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, camping, backpacking, and stargazing.

Grand Canyon North Rim

If you don’t visit Zion National Park after Valley of Fire State Park, it’s just four hours to the Grand Canyon North Rim. If you’re coming from Zion, it’s about two and a half hours.

Either way, arriving at the North Rim of the iconic Grand Canyon will blow your mind!

The Grand Canyon North Rim offers a more secluded and serene experience compared to the busier South Rim, appealing to those seeking quieter, less-crowded exploration of this natural wonder.

Located at a higher elevation of around 8,000 feet, the North Rim has cooler temperatures and lush forests full of amazing hiking trails.

The most iconic trail in this part of the Grand Canyon is the North Kaibab Trail, which descends deep into the canyon and offers numerous scenic lookouts. The Cape Final Trail, Cliff Springs Trail, or Cape Royal Trail are easier options for day hikes.

Visitors can also enjoy camping at the North Rim Campground or stay at the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, which offers cozy accommodations with canyon views.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim

You can also try road-tripping from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim! This is the closest of the Grand Canyon rims to Las Vegas, making it convenient even for day trips.

If you’re driving directly from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim, it’s only 2 hours and 15 minutes of driving and about 128 miles.

Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead

If you’re doing a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim road trip, you’ll follow the same route as if you were going to the South Rim.

So the most popular stops along the way are the same! Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead are the top places to explore before you reach the Grand Canyon.

But after the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, you’ll turn towards the Grand Canyon and be at the West Rim in just an hour and 40 minutes. So you’ll probably skip the Grand Canyon Caverns and Kaibab National Forest which we included in the road trip itinerary to the South Rim.

Grand Canyon West Rim

After checking out the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, arrive at the Grand Canyon West Rim and begin exploring.

The Grand Canyon West Rim, located on the Hualapai Reservation in northwestern Arizona, offers a unique and thrilling way to experience the Grand Canyon’s awe-inspiring beauty.

Unlike the more traditional North and South Rims, the West Rim is privately owned by the Hualapai Tribe. You can have a more cultural experience here, with opportunities to learn about Hualapai traditions, visit replicas of traditional dwellings, and watch Native American dance performances.

Or check out the Hualapai Ranch, which recreates the atmosphere of a historic western town. Here you can enjoy cowboy-style entertainment, rustic accommodations, and a range of activities such as horseback riding, wagon rides, and roping demonstrations.

In the Grand Canyon itself, the West Rim has lots of epic attractions. It’s home to the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the canyon’s edge. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a must see, as it offers a heart-pounding view 4,000 feet down to the Colorado River.

Visitors can also visit incredible scenic overlooks like Eagle Point and Guano Point, or see more on a West Rim helicopter tour.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Read Entire Article