Right here is our final Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Street Journey itinerary so you’ll be able to get pleasure from one of many USA’s most iconic nationwide parks from Sin Metropolis!
The Grand Canyon is likely one of the finest highway journeys to strive from Las Vegas!
As one of many seven pure wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon options scenic vistas and unbelievable hikes that attract adventurers from across the globe. Grand Canyon Nationwide Park as an entire is likely one of the most visited nationwide parks within the USA.
Among the best methods to discover the Grand Canyon is on a highway journey from Las Vegas! The enduring pure landmark is positioned simply east of Las Vegas, and you may drive there in simply a few hours relying on which a part of the canyon you need to go to.
However there’s numerous planning that goes right into a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon highway journey.
First, you must resolve which rim of the Grand Canyon you need to discover. Every part of the Grand Canyon has its personal main points of interest the place you’ll be able to strive cool actions like a helicopter tour, tenting journey, or perhaps a hike to the canyon ground.
When you decide your locations within the Grand Canyon, you’ll be able to plan your route and which stops you may need to make alongside the way in which. For instance, the Hoover Dam is a well-liked cease on the way in which from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, as are different forests, nationwide parks, and desert cities.
We’re going that will help you plan your good Las Vegas to Grand Canyon highway journey! From the totally different rims to the very best issues to do when you arrive, planning a tremendous journey from Las Vegas has by no means been simpler.
How lengthy is a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive?
The period of time it takes to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon relies on which a part of the canyon you’re visiting.
The closest rim to Las Vegas is the West Rim at round 2 hours away. The drive to both the North Rim or the South Rim is round 4 and a half hours. However the path to the North or the South Rim is totally different.
It’s also possible to drive round the entire Grand Canyon’s Rims, simply word that the highway journey will likely be for much longer. You’ll be able to modify your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon highway journey any approach you select, however we’ll define essentially the most logical methods to finish the journey.
Here’s a fast breakdown of the totally different areas you’ll be able to go to within the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.
One of the best ways to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of autos for the very best worth in the marketplace.
Grand Canyon South Rim
The Grand Canyon South Rim is essentially the most touristy a part of the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. If you happen to drive right here straight from Las Vegas with no stops, it’s a couple of 4 and a half hour drive.
If you happen to embrace the stops we’ll point out in our highway journey itinerary, you may need to take a full day and even two days to journey from Sin Metropolis to the South Rim.
There are such a lot of cool lookouts and hikes within the South Rim, and it’s dwelling to the bustling Grand Canyon Village. That is additionally the most well-liked spot for airplane excursions and helicopter excursions of the canyon, although you may as well discover just a few of those within the West Rim.
Discover extra epic issues to do in Las Vegas throughout your keep.
Grand Canyon North Rim
The Grand Canyon North Rim gives a quieter and fewer touristy facet of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park.
It’s additionally about 4 and a half hours to drive straight right here from Las Vegas. However this drive takes you northeast out of Las Vegas, whereas driving to the South Rim takes you southeast.
So when you’re planning to go to the North Rim from Las Vegas, you’ll take a wholly totally different route which we’ll clarify intimately shortly.
There are only a few guided excursions right here, however there are many unbelievable hikes, lookouts, and tenting spots the place you’ll be able to escape the crowds.
Grand Canyon West Rim
The Grand Canyon West Rim is just about 2 hours and quarter-hour from Las Vegas when you drive direct with no stops. That is the closest rim to Sin Metropolis and is the most well-liked vacation spot for day journeys and even half day journey excursions.
The West Rim can be fairly touristy, and there are many enjoyable issues to do right here together with aerial excursions and guided walks. If you happen to’re guided excursions from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, that is seemingly the place you’ll find yourself.
What’s the finest time for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive?
The most effective time for a drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon relies on the climate, which in flip impacts the crowds.
For optimum climate situations, spring (March to Could) and fall (September to November) are supreme instances for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive. That is when temperatures are delicate, so the warmth is much less intense. It additionally avoids peak vacation season when the world is most crowded.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is increased in elevation, opens mid-Could to mid-October. So a spring or early fall journey is ideal for these trying to discover this quieter a part of the canyon. Throughout these months, you’ll additionally expertise much less site visitors on the roads, permitting for a extra peaceable and uncrowded Las Vegas to Grand Canyon highway journey.
Summer season (June to August) is the height vacationer season, particularly on the South Rim. This isn’t the very best time for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon highway journey due to the extraordinary warmth, particularly in desert areas like Las Vegas. If touring in summer time, it’s finest to start out early within the morning to keep away from the most popular a part of the day and benefit from cooler morning temperatures.
Winter can supply a singular expertise on the Grand Canyon, particularly when you get pleasure from solitude and snow-dusted canyon views. However be ready for potential highway closures or climate delays, significantly when you’re heading to the North Rim, which is normally closed throughout winter.
For a steadiness of excellent climate and fewer crowds, spring and fall are the very best selections for a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon highway journey.
Planning extra adventures from Vegas? Take a look at this Final Las Vegas to Los Angeles Street Journey!
Guided excursions from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
It’s also possible to e-book guided excursions from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Although a highway journey is beneficial for individuals who need an epic journey filled with freedom and adaptability, it’s price mentioning the multitude of extremely rated excursions.
The Grand Canyon is a well-liked day journey from Las Vegas. Guided day journeys care for all of the transport and planning for you, which might be supreme for first-time guests, solo vacationers, or anybody who likes the comfort of a guided tour.
The Grand Canyon West Rim is the closest a part of the nationwide park to Las Vegas at only a 2.5 hour drive. So when you’re reserving a guided in the future journey, a tour to the West Rim is the best choice.
A day journey from Vegas to the West Rim normally features a cease at Hoover Dam and the prospect to go to the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
It’s also possible to discover longer guided day journeys that mix the Grand Canyon with Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. There are additionally multiday journey excursions from Las Vegas that embrace the Grand Canyon, Zion Nationwide Park, and Monument Valley.
Or when you’re actually searching for an upscale expertise, you’ll be able to e-book helicopter excursions from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. So when you’re contemplating a guided tour fairly than a self-drive highway journey, there are many choices!
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Drive Itineraries
Now that you simply perceive the totally different areas of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, let’s break down the itineraries from Las Vegas!
Listed below are some detailed choices on your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon highway journey. We’ve separated the itineraries for the South Rim, North Rim, and West Rim since they’re all fairly far aside and require totally different routes from Las Vegas.
Bear in mind, you’ll be able to completely alter these itineraries or mix them. Your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon journey is fully as much as you, so you’ll be able to modify it to fit your time-frame and finances.
You probably have per week or extra, contemplate visiting all of the totally different elements of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas!
Learn Subsequent: Unimaginable Should-Do Day Journeys From Las Vegas
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim
Right here is our handy highway journey itinerary from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. It’s about 4 and a half hours and 280 miles when you drive direct.
However we’ll listing a number of the finest stops on the way in which for individuals who need to improve their highway journey.
Boulder Metropolis
From Las Vegas, drive about half-hour southeast in direction of the Arizona border. Right here you’ll be able to cease in Boulder Metropolis, a spot initially established within the early Thirties as a base for employees who constructed the Hoover Dam.
In contrast to Las Vegas, Boulder Metropolis has preserved a quieter, small-town appeal. It is likely one of the few communities in Nevada the place playing is prohibited, serving to keep its tranquil ambiance.
Boulder Metropolis has a historic downtown the place you’ll be able to wander round and admire the Artwork Deco structure or take a look at a museum.
That is additionally an incredible place to base your self for adventures in gorgeous pure landscapes comparable to Lake Mead and the Colorado River. Guests and locals alike get pleasure from climbing, boating, and exploring the close by Lake Mead Nationwide Recreation Space.
Whether or not you need to hang around for a day or two, or simply cease via en path to the Grand Canyon, Boulder Metropolis is a cool place to take a look at in Nevada.
Hoover Dam
Even when you don’t cease in Boulder Metropolis, ensure you cease by the Hoover Dam in your option to the Grand Canyon! It’s a world-famous landmark that’s proper on the way in which.
Standing 726 ft tall and spanning 1,244 ft throughout the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam was the biggest dam on the earth on the time of its completion.
The Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir within the U.S. by quantity, which at this time provides water to tens of millions of individuals in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.
Guests can take guided excursions of the Hoover Dam energy plant and sightseeing cruises of the waterways of Lake Mead. The Hoover Dam was a vital a part of financial progress within the USA in the course of the Nice Despair, so it’s superb to see this important piece of historical past.
Grand Canyon Caverns
Proceed in 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.
Found within the Nineteen Twenties, these caverns lie over 200 ft under the floor and are among the many largest and most in depth in the USA.
Guests can take guided excursions to discover the spectacular limestone formations, stalactites, and expansive chambers. The spotlight of the expertise is the chance to remain in a single day on the earth’s largest, deepest, and darkest motel room at an underground suite within the caverns.
It’s also possible to keep in regular resort rooms on the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn when you’re searching for someplace to spend the night time on the way in which to the Grand Canyon. Situated alongside the historic Route 66 close to Peach Springs, the inn is an ideal cease for vacationers.
Along with cavern excursions, friends can get pleasure from outside actions like climbing, horseback driving, and exploring the encompassing Hualapai Reservation.
Discover extra of Arizona on an Final Arizona Street Journey Itinerary!
Kaibab Nationwide Forest
Simply south of the Grand Canyon lies Kaibab Nationwide Forest. You probably have a while to spare earlier than your Grand Canyon adventures, contemplate exploring this gorgeous space on the way in which.
Recognized for its wealthy biodiversity, the forest options a number of ecosystems from arid desert to lush pine and aspen forests. Wildlife comparable to mule deer, elk, and even the endangered California condor might be discovered inside its boundaries.
The forest gives considerable leisure alternatives, together with climbing, tenting, and wildlife viewing, with in style trails just like the Kaibab Plateau Scenic Byway offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and surrounding terrain.
Its shut proximity to the Grand Canyon makes Kaibab Nationwide Forest a preferred vacation spot for nature lovers and adventurers trying to discover the area’s pure magnificence.
Grand Canyon South Rim
You’ve made it to the Grand Canyon South Rim! Your first cease may be the Grand Canyon Customer Heart in Grand Canyon Village. The Customer Heart gives an introduction to the park with interactive displays, maps, and a theater showcasing a brief movie concerning the canyon’s historical past and geology.
If you happen to don’t want an introduction on the Customer Heart, you may get straight into the actions. The Grand Canyon South Rim gives so many superb issues to do.
Grand Canyon Village continues to be an incredible place to start out, as numerous viewpoints and hikes are positioned right here.
Guests can benefit from the scenic overlooks at Mather Level and Yavapai Commentary Station, each providing panoramic views of the canyon’s layered rock formations and the Colorado River under.
It’s also possible to discover some superb hikes right here alongside the South Rim, such because the Rim Path or the difficult Brilliant Angel Path, which descends into the canyon itself.
The village additionally supplies entry to the Grand Canyon Railway, a scenic prepare experience that runs from Williams, Arizona, to the park. South Rim airplane excursions and helicopter excursions are additionally in style on this a part of the Grand Canyon.
Discover extra cool places close by with these locations to go to in Arizona.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim
An alternative choice for driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is a highway journey to the North Rim.
This route can be about 4 and a half hours and covers round 265 miles when you drive direct with no stops. However this highway journey takes you northeast out of Las Vegas, via southern Utah, and down in direction of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This can be a extra direct route for these visiting the North Rim since you gained’t should drive all the way in which across the canyon (which you would need to do when you arrive on the South Rim first).
Learn subsequent: The Final 10-Day Utah Street Journey Itinerary | Greatest Utah Nationwide Parks Street Journey
Valley of Hearth State Park
From Las Vegas, hit the highway and contemplate stopping in Valley of Hearth State Park on the way in which. This is likely one of the very best state parks in Nevada, and it’s proper exterior Sin Metropolis on the way in which to the Grand Canyon.
Recognized for its purple sandstone rock formations, historical petroglyphs, and vibrant desert landscapes, Valley of Hearth State Park has geological options that date again tens of millions of years. It’s a superb spot for climbing, tenting, and images.
If you happen to’re searching for the best rock formations, ensure you go to the Hearth Wave, Elephant Rock, and Atlatl Rock, the place guests can view well-preserved petroglyphs left by the area’s historical Native American inhabitants.
Zion Nationwide Park
Zion Nationwide Park in southern Utah is likely one of the USA’s most spectacular nationwide parks. On a highway journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim, you’ll have to take a slight detour north to go to this vacation spot.
It provides about an hour of complete driving time onto the highway journey, so that is solely beneficial for these with numerous time and a willingness to take detours.
However when you do need to add extra adventures to your Grand Canyon highway journey, it’s positively price spending an additional day or two exploring Zion Nationwide Park!
Zion has some actually breathtaking landscapes filled with mountains, valleys, waterfalls, gorges, and luxurious forests. It’s a preferred spot for climbing, horseback driving, tenting, backpacking, and stargazing.
Grand Canyon North Rim
If you happen to don’t go to Zion Nationwide Park after Valley of Hearth State Park, it’s simply 4 hours to the Grand Canyon North Rim. If you happen to’re coming from Zion, it’s about two and a half hours.
Both approach, arriving on the North Rim of the long-lasting Grand Canyon will blow your thoughts!
The Grand Canyon North Rim gives a extra secluded and serene expertise in comparison with the busier South Rim, interesting to these in search of quieter, less-crowded exploration of this pure surprise.
Situated at the next elevation of round 8,000 ft, the North Rim has cooler temperatures and luxurious forests full of fantastic climbing trails.
Essentially the most iconic path on this a part of the Grand Canyon is the North Kaibab Path, which descends deep into the canyon and gives quite a few scenic lookouts. The Cape Remaining Path, Cliff Springs Path, or Cape Royal Path are simpler choices for day hikes.
Guests also can get pleasure from tenting on the North Rim Campground or keep on the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, which gives cozy lodging with canyon views.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim
It’s also possible to strive road-tripping from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim! That is the closest of the Grand Canyon rims to Las Vegas, making it handy even for day journeys.
If you happen to’re driving straight from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim, it’s solely 2 hours and quarter-hour of driving and about 128 miles.
Learn Subsequent: 21 Greatest Issues To Do In Las Vegas, Nevada
Boulder Metropolis, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead
If you happen to’re doing a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim highway journey, you’ll comply with the identical route as when you have been going to the South Rim.
So the most well-liked stops alongside the way in which are the identical! Boulder Metropolis, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead are the highest locations to discover earlier than you attain the Grand Canyon.
However after the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, you’ll flip in direction of the Grand Canyon and be on the West Rim in simply an hour and 40 minutes. So that you’ll most likely skip the Grand Canyon Caverns and Kaibab Nationwide Forest which we included within the highway journey itinerary to the South Rim.
Grand Canyon West Rim
After testing the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, arrive on the Grand Canyon West Rim and start exploring.
The Grand Canyon West Rim, positioned on the Hualapai Reservation in northwestern Arizona, gives a singular and thrilling option to expertise the Grand Canyon’s awe-inspiring magnificence.
In contrast to the extra conventional North and South Rims, the West Rim is privately owned by the Hualapai Tribe. You’ll be able to have a extra cultural expertise right here, with alternatives to study Hualapai traditions, go to replicas of conventional dwellings, and watch Native American dance performances.
Or take a look at the Hualapai Ranch, which recreates the ambiance of a historic western city. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from cowboy-style leisure, rustic lodging, and a spread of actions comparable to horseback driving, wagon rides, and roping demonstrations.
Within the Grand Canyon itself, the West Rim has numerous epic points of interest. It’s dwelling to the well-known Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 ft over the canyon’s edge. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a should see, because it gives a heart-pounding view 4,000 ft right down to the Colorado River.
Guests also can go to unbelievable scenic overlooks like Eagle Level and Guano Level, or see extra on a West Rim helicopter tour.
DISCLAIMER: A few of the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests when you e-book lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no additional price to you. These commissions assist us maintain creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely suggest the very best lodging, excursions and merchandise that ourselves or our incredible editorial workforce have personally skilled, and recurrently evaluation these. Thanks on your assist, variety good friend!
