The Best Los Angeles To Grand Canyon Road Trip (2024 Guide)

Planning a Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip? These convenient itineraries will help you plan your adventure with ease!

A Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip is one of the most incredible adventures to have in western USA. From the legendary beaches and national parks of Southern California, to the rugged red rocks of Arizona, you can drive through some incredible sights on a Grand Canyon road trip.

There are a few ways to drive from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon National Park. Our road trip guide features the two best routes to take.

One heads directly from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon’s South Rim, and the other follows a northern route through Las Vegas, southern Utah, and towards the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.

Both drives are packed with cool attractions to entertain nature enthusiasts, rock climbers, wildlife lovers, city dwellers and more.

Our Grand Canyon road trip tips will help you plan the most convenient adventure through western USA. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon at the end of the road trip, we’ll mention some of the best things to do in this famous national park.

Venture outside the sunny city of LA with a road trip to the Grand Canyon!

How long is a Los Angeles To Grand Canyon drive?

Driving directly from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon National Park is about 8 hours if you drive nonstop. So you can complete the drive in a day! But it’s much more fun to take the scenic route and stop at the best national parks, cities, and nature preserves along the way.

The exact driving time for your road trip will depend on how many stops you take and your final destination in the Grand Canyon.

We’re going to provide two different road trip itineraries from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon. Each road trip could be done in a straight shot, or they can be extended into a few days if you want to make stops.

It is around 500 miles from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon National Park, and there is so much to do once you arrive at the famous natural wonder. So take your time and try to spend at least a few days or even a week or more for this adventure.

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.

What is the best way to get from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon National Park?

The Grand Canyon is a massive area, and there are two different routes from Los Angeles.

The first is from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon South Rim. This is about 491 miles and 7 hours and 20 minutes of driving (without stops). It’s the most direct route and takes you straight from California into Arizona.

This route takes you east out of LA and past Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, and Lake Havasu City. Then you’ll arrive at the South Rim Grand Canyon Village.

There is another route that is more convenient for those visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This route takes you northeast out of LA towards the Mojave National Preserve. You’ll then pass through Las Vegas in Nevada, and head into southern Utah where you could stop to explore Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park. Then you’ll leave Utah and enter northern Arizona before reaching the North Rim Visitor Center.

The northern route takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes of driving to the North Rim Visitor Center, covering roughly 533 miles (without stops).

Should I visit the North Rim or South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

First time visitors to the Grand Canyon generally choose the South Rim because it has lots of facilities and amazing views. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is less touristy and more wild. Both are breathtaking!

If you have the time, you can do both of our road trips from Los Angeles! Start with the southern route when you drive from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon National Park. Explore the South, then drive to the North and experience both areas.

To drive between the North and South of the Grand Canyon takes around 4 hours since you have to go around the canyon. So only consider this option if you have plenty of time.

After checking out the North, you can return to Los Angeles via the northern route in reverse. You might want around 2 weeks at least for both road trip itineraries and a few days exploring both ends of the Grand Canyon.

But if you have time, this is the most incredible adventure from Los Angeles!

Have more time in Arizona? Check out these Top Things To Do In Arizona!

How many days is enough for the Grand Canyon?

Though many people visit the Grand Canyon as a day trip, the more time you have there, the better. If you’re only visiting the South Rim, try to have 2 days at the least. 3 days or more is ideal!

If you’re going to visit both the South and North of the Grand Canyon, try to spend at least 2 days in each place. And remember it takes 4 hours to drive between the two.

You can take on multiday treks and camping adventures in the Grand Canyon if you have time. But the time you spend here is up to you. Even if you only have a day at the Grand Canyon, it’s better than never seeing this natural wonder!

If you only have time to visit one side of the Grand Canyon, you could also consider a helicopter tour! This is one of the best things to do in Grand Canyon National Park and you can see all of the canyon from the sky without having to drive from place to place.

What time of year is best for a Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip?

The best time for a Grand Canyon road trip is either spring (March, April, May) or autumn (September, October, November).

These months fall under “shoulder season”, meaning they are between peak tourist season and off season. Not only are temperatures the most pleasant during these months, but prices tend to be lower and crowds are less intense.

A Grand Canyon road trip is doable in summer, but the weather can be very hot which isn’t ideal for hiking. A winter road trip is doable as well, and you may even see some snow in certain high elevations! But desert temperatures can be extreme, so you may encounter some cold weather and road closures.

Spring and autumn are definitely the best months for a Grand Canyon road trip because of the ideal weather conditions.

Whether you want to go horseback riding through the desert, take on an iconic hike through a canyon, tour a beautiful city, or swim in pristine lakes, spring or autumn will provide the most comfortable temperatures for all activities.

If you visit the Grand Canyon in winter, you might see snow!

Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary – South Rim

So here are the two best road trip itineraries for traveling from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon National Park. These road trips also work in reverse if you’re going from the Grand Canyon to Los Angeles.

The first route is ideal for visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The second is ideal for visiting the North Rim. Both can be modified however you want to suit your schedule!

We’ve broken up the itinerary so you only have to drive a few hours at a time. Feel free to skip any destinations or spend longer at any given place, depending on how long you want your road trip to be.

Los Angeles

Before you begin your Grand Canyon route, try to spend a few days exploring Los Angeles! This incredible city is home to fabulous beaches, unique neighborhoods, epic nightlife, and endless entertainment.

Those interested in art and culture can tour the Getty Center, the Broad, or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. If you’re more interested in film and entertainment, visit the amazing Universal Studios Hollywood or tour the iconic Warner Bros Studios.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory are other highlights of Los Angeles, particularly for those who want a photo-op.

Anyone looking for outdoor activities in Los Angeles can explore its many beaches, such as Venice Beach, Malibu or the surf mecca of Huntington Beach. Or you can go for a hike in Runyon Canyon.

Los Angeles is full of wonders. Once you’ve had your fill of the city, it’s time to embark on your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip!

Palm Springs

• Distance from Los Angeles: 107 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

From Los Angeles, start heading east towards the Grand Canyon. Palm Springs is right on the way, and this energetic desert oasis is a fabulous place to spend a few hours or even a few days.

The resort city of Palm Springs is celebrated for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, and vibrant arts scene. With year-round warm weather, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs has much to offer!

A must-do is riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for the best views over the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert. Or check out the Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs Art Museum, Moorten Botanical Garden, or Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for more insights into the local art, culture, and wildlife.

From there, it’s definitely worth stopping in the nearby natural wonder of Joshua Tree National Park on your way to the Grand Canyon.

Read about the best things to do in Palm Springs for more ideas!

Joshua Tree National Park

• Distance from Palm Springs: 37 miles
• Driving time: 50 minutes

One of California’s most famous national parks is Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a very remote park with little to no facilities, so make sure you come prepared with water, food, and extra fuel or supplies.

But what it lacks in modern amenities, it makes up for in breathtaking natural beauty.

Joshua Tree National Park combines the fascinating landscapes of both the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. You can find twisted, iconic Joshua trees and rugged rock formations throughout the area.

From epic hiking trails to vast starry skies, Joshua Tree National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This is an amazing place for camping if you want to spend a night here before continuing on your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip!

Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful place in California.

Lake Havasu City

• Distance from Joshua Tree National Park: 149 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

After Joshua Tree National Park, continue on your Grand Canyon road trip and cross the border into Arizona. You’ll pass right through Lake Havasu City on your way to the Grand Canyon, so this is a convenient place to stop, refuel, stretch your legs, and explore.

The centerpiece of the city is Lake Havasu itself, a large reservoir on the Colorado River that provides a stunning backdrop for a wide range of water-based activities.

Boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming are immensely popular, attracting visitors from around the region. The city’s warm climate and sunny skies make it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures year-round.

One of the city’s most famous attractions is the historic London Bridge, which was purchased from the City of London in 1968 and reconstructed in Arizona. This remarkable feat of engineering has become a symbol of the city and a major tourist draw.

Grand Canyon Village

• Distance from Lake Havasu City: 232 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours and 40 minutes

You’ve finished your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip! Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is a great place to begin your exploration of the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Village is the primary gateway for visitors exploring this iconic natural wonder. As the main hub for the Grand Canyon National Park, the village offers a range of accommodations, dining options, and visitor services, making it an ideal base for tourists.

Key attractions within the village include the historic El Tovar Hotel, the Hopi House, and the Grand Canyon Railway Depot. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon from various lookout points, embark on guided tours, or hike along scenic trails that cater to different experience levels.

Cruise over the Grand Canyon on a scenic airplane tour or admire the views of the Colorado River from a leisurely ride on the Grand Canyon Railway. Embark on camping adventures or take day hikes to various sections of the Grand Canyon.

Hiking trails like the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail provide breathtaking views and challenging hikes. For a less strenuous option, the Rim Trail offers panoramic vistas without steep elevation changes.

You can also continue your Grand Canyon road trip through the area by taking on a scenic drive, such as the Desert View Drive. This 25-mile route along the South Rim offers numerous viewpoints, such as Moran Point and Lipan Point, where visitors can marvel at the canyon’s expansive beauty.

Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary – North Rim

Here is another Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip itinerary that is a bit longer but includes some amazing attractions. It’s also ideal for heading to the northern side of the Grand Canyon.

Los Angeles

This Grand Canyon drive also starts in Los Angeles, of course.

If you have time, consider taking a day trip from Los Angeles before starting your Grand Canyon road trip. You can sip wine in Santa Barbara, see famous attractions in San Diego, or soak in the sun in Santa Monica.

Or spend more time delving into the entertainment wonders of Hollywood!

Whenever you’re ready to embark on your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip, here is another popular route you can take.

It’s also important to note that any driving distances in and around LA on your road trip may take longer due to traffic.

Spend some quality time in the vibrant neighborhood of Hollywood!

Mojave National Preserve

• Distance from Los Angeles: 176 miles
• Driving time: 3 hours

Head northeast out of the city towards the barren landscapes of the Mojave Desert. You’ll pass in between Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest if you feel the need to stop for any hikes.

But once you exit the mountains and forests of Southern California, it’s all sand dunes and cacti as you drive into the Mojave Desert.

Mojave National Preserve is a gorgeous place to stop and explore during your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon drive. There are so many cool natural wonders and activities to try here.

Go sandboarding down the massive golden slopes of the sand dunes. The Kelso Dunes are some of the largest and best for sandboarding in Mojave National Preserve.

You can also go off-roading, camping, rock climbing, and wildlife spotting. There are also some epic hiking trails including the Teutonia Peak Trail, Lava Tube Trail, and the Rings Loop Trail where you can view unique rock formations, ancient lava beds, and dense Joshua tree forests.

For another incredible road trip, check out this Amazing Las Vegas To Zion National Park Drive!

Las Vegas

• Distance from Mojave National Preserve: 67 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour

Next on your Grand Canyon drive is the famous Sin City, more formally known as Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas is most known for its casinos and entertainment, as found in the heart of the city, the Las Vegas Strip. If you’re looking for Sin City highlights such as the Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the gondola rides at The Venetian, the Las Vegas Strip is the place to be.

Other fun things to do in Las Vegas include indulging in fine dining, strolling down the action-packed Fremont Street, or admiring panoramic views of the city from the High Roller Ferris Wheel.

There is also an abundance of shops, museums, spas, and day trips to consider while visiting Las Vegas. Most people prefer to spend 3 days in Las Vegas as there is so much to do, but when you’re ready to hit the road you can continue on your Grand Canyon road trip.

Valley of Fire State Park

• Distance from Las Vegas 45 miles
• Driving time: 45 minutes

Just outside Las Vegas on the way to the Grand Canyon lies Valley of Fire State Park, an exquisite area in southeastern Nevada known for its vibrant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs.

Start your exploration of the park at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center to learn about the park’s geology, ecology, and history. The center offers informative exhibits and is a great place to get maps and trail information.

If you’re looking for the coolest rock formations in the park, check out Arch Rock and Elephant Rock. Or go on a hike such as the Fire Wave, a trail leading to a beautiful wave-like rock formation, or the White Domes Trail, which features slot canyons and historic film sites.

For seeing ancient petroglyphs, check out Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank. Or just drive through the park and admire the views from the car! Valley of Fire Highway and Mouse’s Tank Road are two of the most scenic drives in Valley of Fire State Park.

Even if you don’t have time to stop, driving through Valley of Fire State Park is incredible!

Zion National Park

• Distance from Valley of Fire State Park: 120 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours

From Valley of Fire State Park, your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip continues. It may seem counterproductive to keep heading north, but this is the main road and the fastest way to reach the Grand Canyon on this route.

You’ll briefly cross through northern Arizona before entering southern Utah. The road curves back south into Arizona and brings you right to Grand Canyon National Park, but it’s definitely worth exploring one of the national parks in Utah while you’re here.

Zion National Park is right on the way. This majestic national park showcases some of Utah’s best scenery, including dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and rugged valleys. There is amazing rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and stargazing in Zion National Park.

If you have time, check out Bryce Canyon National Park which is just one hour away from Zion. But Bryce Canyon is slightly out of the way from the Grand Canyon road trip, so it’s only a good option if you have spare time.

Grand Canyon North Rim

• Distance from Zion National Park: 121 miles
• Driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

From Zion National Park, it’s just under 3 hours to drive south into Arizona and reach the northern section of Grand Canyon National Park.

So you’ve completed this Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip and can now spend a few days exploring the North of the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon North Rim offers a more secluded and tranquil experience compared to the South Rim, with stunning vistas, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife.

Some of the best hikes include the easy Bright Angel Point Trail and the challenging North Kaibab Trail. This part of Grand Canyon National Park has lots of incredible viewpoints as well that don’t require much effort to reach.

Drive or hike to Cape Royal for one of the most expansive views of the Grand Canyon, including a clear sight of the Colorado River.

Point Imperial offers amazing views of the eastern Grand Canyon and is the highest point on the North Rim at over 8,000 feet. Roosevelt Point and the Torro Weap Overlook also offer mindblowing views of the canyon walls, valleys, and Colorado River below.

There is no shortage of beautiful views in Grand Canyon National Park.

Other destinations for your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon road trip

These road trip routes we’ve laid out offer the most direct drive from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon.

But there are many more destinations that could fit into a Grand Canyon road trip if you had lots more time! Maybe you have a few weeks and you’re hoping to see as much as possible in the area.

Here are some suggestions for ways to extend your road trip and explore more of California, Nevada, Arizona, or Utah.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is just 30 minutes southeast of Las Vegas and is a popular day trip from the city. A famous engineering marvel located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, Hoover Dam stands as one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century.

Constructed during the Great Depression between 1931 and 1936, this colossal concrete arch-gravity dam spans the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. You could easily stop by Hoover Dam on your way to the Grand Canyon!

Read next: The Ultimate Las Vegas to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

Death Valley National Park

Located on the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is one of the coolest national parks in the area. It’s a bit further north so isn’t exactly on the way to the Grand Canyon from Los Angeles.

But you can make a small detour here and spend a day or two exploring the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States. Death Valley is home to mindblowing natural wonders like the salt flats of Badwater Basin and the towering sand dunes of Mesquite Flat.

Looking for more road trip ideas? Check out The Ultimate Northern California Road Trip Itinerary.

Sedona

After checking out the Grand Canyon, explore another gem of Arizona by heading about 2 hours south to Sedona. This charming little town surrounded by red rocks and lush valleys has so much to see and do!

Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock are just a handful of the rich red rocks that have epic hiking trails near Sedona. Locals and tourists alike love the fascinating natural scenery that thrives in and around Sedona.

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