Road Trip From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
You've probably heard that it's not about the destination, but it’s about the journey. This is definitely true during a scenic road trip, like during a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon tour! While there are many sites along the South Rim, North Rim, and Grand Canyon West, the sights on the way from Vegas to the canyon are equally beautiful.
Here is an itinerary idea for your road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. If you prefer not to do the driving yourself, there are several tour companies worth considering.
Day 1–Arrive in Las Vegas
If you're not local to Las Vegas, the first thing you should do is rent a car and check in to your hotel. Then, you can spend the rest of your day checking out the local restaurants, plunging into the pool, or doing some shopping.
If you're a party person, you can hit the local clubs, or hit the casino floor for some gambling–in moderation, of course!
Day 2–Drive to the Grand Canyon
It will take you approximately four-and-a-half hours to drive the 280 miles from Vegas to the canyon. The best time to start your road trip is early in the morning, which gives you more time to explore. One of the popular stops on this stretch is the Hoover Dam, where reservations are made on-site. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you will get a ticket.
You can also visit the Skywalk at the West Rim to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding areas. Depending on your departure time, you’ll likely be able to hit the Grand Canyon by noon. This should give you enough time to explore the South Rim, including taking the Shuttle Train–which will allow you time to take spectacular photos of your surroundings. You can also opt to have dinner at a canyon-view restaurant as you watch the stunning sunset over the Grand Canyon.
Day 3: Grand Canyon
If you like hiking, one day probably won’t be adequate to explore all the trails. The South Kaibab Trail should be on your list, as it’s often less crowded than other trails despite being one of the best places to see the Grand Canyon. Bright Angel Trail is alluring to bicyclists, as it provides miles of uninterrupted cycling and sightseeing.
If you're looking for an experience out of the ordinary, you can hike the South of Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. However, if hiking, you should consider planning your visit during the cooler months to avoid overheating.
If hiking isn't your cup of tea, no worries! You can still enjoy spectacular views from the Ooh Aah Point, located on the South Kaibab trail. Many Grand Canyon activities won't require you to break a sweat, such as taking a helicopter ride or watching the Grand Canyon Imax. Then, if you're satisfied with your exploration, you can hit the road back to Las Vegas, or continue on to Flagstaff or Phoenix.
