Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Road Trip

From glittering lights on the strip to Route 66 and roaring rapids on the Colorado River, you’ll be on a winning streak during this 984-mile Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon road trip adventure.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, they say. But there’s no reason to stay in Las Vegas when so many incredible natural wonders are within a day’s drive. First head to Springs Preserve for a whirlwind primer on area history, geology and critters. A hidden gem, this 180-acre nature preserve features indoor interactive exhibits on living sustainably in the desert, the humble beginnings of Sin City and the habits of its ancient and modern inhabitants.

From there, explore the wild rock formations of Valley of Fire State Park, the inner workings of Hoover Dam and the water scene on Lake Mead.

Then, head south to the Hualapai Reservation in Arizona to raft through the western end of the Grand Canyon. Dry off and take Historic Route 66 toward the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

Check out highlights below of this fantastic trip that takes you far beyond Sin City’s gleaming lights.

Tip: Every year Nevada goes to Daylight Savings time, but Arizona does not. Remember this one-hour difference as you travel between the two states.

Map

Before You Go

Download the GuideAlong App
Enjoy the freedom of driving your own car while traveling with an entertaining guide that doesn’t take up space. Learn more at guidealong.com/tour/grand-canyon-hoover-dam/ and guidealong.com/tour/grand-canyon-south-rim/.

Start: Las Vegas

Fly Over Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon with Maverick Helicopters
Take an amazing Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas and complete your sightseeing adventure with a sunset view of the Las Vegas Strip. Learn more at www.maverickhelicopter.com

Springs Preserve Botanical Gardens
A few miles away from downtown Las Vegas is a 180-acre utopia that features museums, art galleries, animal exhibits, live show, and botanical gardens.

Explore Valley of Fire State Park
Experience an incredible sandstone wonderland less than an hour from Nevada’s biggest city.

Grand Canyon West Skywalk Glass Bridge and Rafting

Experience the Other Side at Grand Canyon West
Two hours from Las Vegas, visit the Skywalk, go rafting or take a scenic helicopter ride at Grand Canyon West.

Quick Facts: South Rim vs. Grand Canyon West
What’s the difference between the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West? A lot. To start, they are in opposite corners of Arizona.

Everything to Know about the Grand Canyon Skywalk Glass Bridge
Towering 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon is the $30-million Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway.

Grand Canyon West Rafting Trip Ends with Helicopter Ride
Join Hualapai River Runners for an unforgettable day rafting through the western end of the Grand Canyon and taking a helicopter to its rim.

The Hualapai Bird Singer
One Hualapai discovers the magic of his tribe’s traditions in an unlikely place.

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 in Kingman, Arizona

From Route 66 history and an incredible photo op at the iconic shield, to ghost towns, petroglyphs and other unexpected treasures, don’t miss a stop in the King.

Bears, Brew and Trains in Williams, Arizona

Historic downtown Williams with its vintage Route 66 businesses is one of the Grand Canyon area’s best kept secrets. A wildlife park, scenic train ride, a thrilling zipline adventure above Route 66, and a peaceful mountain retreat are waiting for you.

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway into the Heart of Grand Canyon National Park
Take a scenic train ride to the south rim of the Grand Canyon from the depot in Williams, or drive to the south entrance near Tusayan.

End: Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim

Stop at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Start your trip to the park at this visitor center in Tusayan where you can buy your entrance pass and watch an IMAX movie that serves as an amazing introduction to the park.

A Perfect Weekend on the South Rim
Only have 48 hours? Not a problem. Here are some of our favorite things to do while at the South Rim from biking in solitude to exploring some of the rim’s most historic treasures.

Leave Your Car When You Stay at Yavapai Lodge
Sleep in a forest of ponderosa pine trees near Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The Yavapai Lodge’s restaurant, tavern and nearby market and shuttle stop make navigating the rim easy.

Think Pink
When you board one of Pink Adventure Tours’ signature pink Jeep Wranglers, you’ll soak up more information than you thought possible on your Grand Canyon tour. Catch a tour from Tusayan near the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Sedona or Las Vegas.