Road Trip from Las Vegas To The Grand Canyon
A Road Trip from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon is an exciting and fabulous way to take a break from Fabulous Las Vegas!
If you are wondering if it’s worth driving from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona USA – I say yes!
Even better – I recommend you take a bus tour to travel in comfort and to leave the driving to someone else – leaving you free to concentrate on all the surrounding surreal scenery and focus on the entire epic journey along the way.
In this article, I’m sharing with you what was a fabulous adventure to tick off a top bucket list experience.
The road route from Las Vegas to the South Rim of The Grand Canyon takes in views of Lake Mead, crosses over the Hoover Dam, and then travels along the historic Mother Road of Route 66.
Along the way, we stopped off at the quirky historic towns of Flagstaff and Seligman and Kingman before we finally arriving at our destination and walking along The Rim Trail from Mather Point to Bright Angel Lodge, from where we were able to take in the incredible and awe-inspiring views along the South Rim of The Grand Canyon.
I feel sure after reading this post and seeing my photos you too will feel inspired to follow my tips and recommendations in planning your own road trip itinerary from Las Vegas – City of Lost Wages to The Grand Canyon and to one of the Natural Wonders Of The World!
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is closest to Las Vegas at 130 miles (210km) which is about a 2.5 hour drive.
But we chose to go to The South Rim which is further away at 275 miles (440 km) and around a 4.5 hour drive.
There are lots of options for tour operators from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon and we chose to book our road trip to The South Rim online with KLOOK whom I can personally recommend to you.
The bus/coach was large and comfortable and our driver was competent, friendly, and knowledgeable.
The all-day bus tour included an early morning pick up and late night drop off at our hotel in Las Vegas and a continental breakfast, a deli-style lunch and included National Park Fees.
Table of Contents
- Road Trip from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon
- THE EXCURSION
- LAKE MEAD
- THE HOOVER DAM
- THE MOTHER ROAD – ROUTE 66
- THE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM
- MOST POPULAR VIEWING POINTS AT THE SOUTH RIM
- MOST POPULAR HIKES AT THE SOUTH RIM
- A GRAND TICK OF THE BUCKET LIST!
- MAKING MEMORIES AT THE GRAND CANYON
- WHERE TO STAY OVER AT THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
- GRAND CANYON INTERESTING FACTS
- THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON
Road Trip from Las Vegas to The Grand Canyon
THE EXCURSION
LAKE MEAD
Just outside Las Vegas is Lake Mead and it’s immediately refreshing on the eyes to see its blue waters shimmering in the desert landscape.
Lake Mead is named after Elwood Mead and it was formed in 1935 by the construction of the iconic Hoover Dam on the Colorado River.
It is the largest man-made reservoir in the United States providing water to farmland and millions of people in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Mexico.
Interestingly, several towns were submerged when the reservoir was created including St. Thomas, Nevada, which occasionally re-emerges when water levels drop as do several ‘islands’ such as the Boulder Islands.
When full, Lake Mead holds 26.12 million acre-feet of water, but worryingly, the lake is reportedly now at less than 50 percent of its water capacity due to drought and increased demand and have reached record lows in recent years.
This has exposed the “bathtub ring,” a white mineral deposit on the canyon walls.
These days, Lake Mead is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and supports a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons and the water itself is home to fish like striped bass and catfish.
Popular activities on and around the lake include camping, boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and scuba diving.
Lake Mead is a unique diving destination with underwater attractions like the submerged town of St. Thomas and the wreck of a World War II B-29 Superfortress bomber that crashed into the lake in 1948.
THE HOOVER DAM
The Hoover Dam is an interesting stop off on route to The Grand Canyon and without a doubt a breath-taking feat of construction and engineering and architectural design.
It was really interesting to travel over the U-shaped concrete construction across the Colorado River.
But, once again, we can see how a clear white band betrays the low water levels.
Our guide shared an interesting and fun fact that the dam straddles two states – Nevada and Arizona – so it is possible to stand in two states at once and also cross a time zone boundary!
The dam took five years to complete during the time of The Great Depression and provided thousands of jobs during what was a challenging period in U.S. history to provide hydroelectric power to California, Nevada and Arizona.
The dam is an impressive 726 feet tall (roughly the height of a 60-story building), 1,244 feet long, and 660 feet thick at the base, and on its completion in 1936, the Hoover Dam was the largest dam in the world and remains a symbol of engineering brilliance.
THE MOTHER ROAD – ROUTE 66
Route 66 was America’s first continuous stretch of highway.
Established in 1926, it stretched almost two and a half thousand miles from Chicago to Los Angeles.
These days, it’s mostly been replaced by modern Interstate highways, but it’s legendary status as the most famous road in America still remains.
The historic road can still be seen today where 87 miles of Route 66 passes through the historic towns of Flagstaff , the old Santa-Fe railroad town of Seligman and the old road to Kingman.
Passing through these quirky old historic towns really is like travelling back in time!
But it’s also possible to stay over and so do check out my list of hotels in Flagstaff and the tiny town of Seligman.
THE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM
We chose the South Rim for the widest and most expansive views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River far below.
The South Rim also offers the visitor various facilities and hiking routes for most abilities and The Grand Canyon Village with its shops and lodges.
It’s also at the South Rim where you’ll find the iconic and wonderfully rustic looking Bright Angel Lodge.
The Grand Canyon can be viewed at four distinct points: The South Rim, Grand Canyon West, Grand Canyon East, and the North Rim but it’s The South Rim that’s most visited and the most popular part of the Grand Canyon National Park.
I’ve listed these various viewing points with a summary of their unique vistas below.
MOST POPULAR VIEWING POINTS AT THE SOUTH RIM
Mather Point: Near the Visitor Centre, this is one of the first viewpoints for most visitors offering stunning panoramic views of the canyon, with visibility up to 60 miles on a clear day, plus the Colorado River and the Bright Angel Trailhead in the distance.
Bright Angel Point: Close to the Bright Angel Trailhead making it a great starting or ending point for hikers and offering a dramatic view of Bright Angel Canyon and nearby rock formations like the Zoroaster and Vishnu Temples.
Yavapai Point: A broad view of the Colorado River, the Vishnu Temple, and Bright Angel Canyon and features the Yavapai Geology Museum, where visitors can learn about the canyon’s geology while enjoying spectacular vistas.
Desert View: The iconic Desert View Watchtower designed by architect Mary Colter offers a unique perspective from the eastern end of the South Rim with its sweeping views of the canyon, the Painted Desert, and the Colorado River winding through the landscape.
Grandview Point: Known for its breathtakingly colourful and expansive views and access to the Grandview Trail, a historic hiking path, and exceptional access to views of the canyon’s stratified rock layers and Horseshoe Mesa.
Hopi Point: One of the South Rim’s most popular spots for sunset due to its vantage point over the canyon with unobstructed views of the Colorado River and incredible vistas to the west that make this a prime spot for sunset photography.
Mohave Point: Sweeping views of the canyon’s depth and the Colorado River along with dramatic formations and a quieter less crowded alternative to Hopi Point for sunsets.
Pima Point: A quieter and more serene experience with dramatic canyon vistas with some of the best views of the Colorado River including rapids.
Shoshone Point: A secluded and peaceful view of the canyon with picnic facilities that’s reachable via a short hike and is ideal for those looking for a less touristy South Rim experience.
Moran Point: A great spot for appreciating the geological history of the canyon with excellent views of Red Canyon area, the Colorado River, and ‘Great Unconformity’ rock formations.
MOST POPULAR HIKES AT THE SOUTH RIM
We had a perfectly sunny and warm day for our visit and for our gentle hike along part of The Rim Trail.
The Rim Trail is approximately 13 miles (20.9 km) from Hermit’s Rest to the South Kaibab Trailhead and is a mix of paved and unpaved sections that offers something for everyone and makes the trail accessible for all ages and skill levels for hikers, casual walkers, and those with mobility aids.
The free shuttle bus system runs parallel to the trail, allowing hikers to customize their journey.
More adventurous options are available too with steeper access points providing challenges for experienced hikers.
The trail offers continuous panoramic views of the Grand Canyon from its numerous designated viewpoints and the ever-changing light on the canyon walls creates spectacular photo opportunities throughout the day.
Along the trail there are lots of pause points at sites like The El Tovar Hotel – a historic lodge that dates back to 1905. The Kolb Studio – a photographic studio and museum showcasing early Grand Canyon photography. And, The Trail of Time – which is a fascinating geological timeline exhibit where visitors can walk through two billion years of Earth’s history.
We set off from the Visitor’s Centre and walked slowly along the trail for about an hour, stopping often along the way, to be amazed at the breath-taking views and to take lots of photos.
At Mather Point, the views over The Grand Canyon looked unreal and the whole experience so surreal and overwhelming that I experienced sensory overload and regularly had to pinch myself to prove I wasn’t dreaming.
You can find out more about how to hike the iconic Rim Trail by studying the destination map HERE.
A GRAND TICK OF THE BUCKET LIST!
After spending our allotted time at the Grand Canyon, the backpacking husband and I reached Angel Lodge in time for a drink at the bar before boarding our bus and heading back to Las Vegas.
On the way back, we watched a movie on the TV screen at the front of the bus and then, suddenly feeling exhausted as light faded in the desert along Route 66, we napped until we finally arrived safely back at our hotel in Las Vegas very late that evening.
It had been a very long day but a wonderful day.
It was a big tick off the bucket list for sure and worth every dollar and every minute that we spent that day!
Seeing and experiencing The Grand Canyon is on most people’s travel wish list and it was certainly on mine.
Visiting The Grand Canyon was a dream come true and I’m so happy we decided to tag an extra couple of days onto our Las Vegas trip to make the excursion possible even if it was only for one day.
MAKING MEMORIES AT THE GRAND CANYON
You can go hiking at a gentle scenic saunter or you can tackle the Rim To Rim Hike.
You can go white water River Rafting on the might Colorado River.
You can also take Mule Trips into the Grand Canyon – creating even more memories by riding your mule deep into the Canyon to stay one or two nights at the historic Phantom Lodge Ranch – only to be reached by mule.
Take a helicopter tour and so much more!
Check out your options with itineraries and prices at Get Your Guide.
What an adventure!
WHERE TO STAY OVER AT THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
GRAND CANYON INTERESTING FACTS
The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world.
The Grand Canyon is a natural formation with layered bands of red rock.
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 kilometres) long and 6000 feet (1800 metres) deep.
At its widest point the Grand Canyon stretches 18 miles (29 kilometres) across.
Parts of the Grand Canyon are believed to be 70 million years old.
The Grand Canyon creates its own weather.
The weather varies significantly and suddenly from one part of the canyon to another.
There are around 1000 caves in the park but only 335 have been explored.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GRAND CANYON
The best time for visiting the Grand Canyon is often during the ‘shoulder seasons’ between March to May and from September to November when it’s less crowded.
In the summer (peak season) you can expect the park to be more crowded and local accommodation scarce (therefore do book ahead).
It’s also worth knowing that much of the park remains closed during the winter months (including the North Rim) although the South Rim can usually be visited in the winter and throughout the year.
Indeed, many people think the wintertime and when it’s snowy is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon.
Is The Grand Canyon on your travel bucket list?
Have you already been to The Grand Canyon?
Do tell me about it!?
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14 comments
Hi Janice we did this trip for my birthday we spent 5 days in vegas and 3 days in the Grand Canyon we past through boulder and then to the hoover dam the most fantastic experience going from a warm place to snow in one day absolutely incredible
Hi Amanda – that sounds like an amazing trip with lots of time to spend having fun and adventures! Thanks for your comment and do come back soon. xx
Who did you book the tour through looks amazing!
Alice – I can’t remember right now who we booked the bus tour with from Vegas – but it was amazing and I will find out and leave another message here soon.
Alice getting back to you – we used SWEETours for our bus tour trip and you can find them on trip advisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g45963-d11992111-Grand_Canyon_South_Rim_Day_Tour_from_Las_Vegas-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html
600 miles is no joke! Good thing you took the bus and didn’t drive. I once drove from Chicago to LA in 3 days and I will never do it again!!
It was a very early start and a late finish to what was an amazing day. The coach was comfortable – they played a movie – and all we had to do was sit back and relax and enjoy the trip. So glad not to drive actually. I prefer not to drive if possible over long distances. Chicago to LA – wow!
That looks like quite an amazing trip. I would love to visit the Grand Canyon, but also other places along the way.
Hi Sarah – yes the road trip TO the Grand Canyon is fascinating too especially the small towns on route 66! Thank you for leaving a comment. xx
Wonderful pictures Janice. I really want to do the Grand Canyon, but it’s such a long day trip from Vegas that I think we are going to have to incorporate it into a future road trip. We did the Hoover Dam a few years ago but I would do that again. Did you do all this in a day? How long was the trip?
Hi Natalie – thank you for your lovely comment. Yes it was a long 600 mile round trip from Vegas to the canyon and back in one day – taking in the dam and route 66 but – it was so worth it and we actually enjoyed the trip and the views and various stop-offs along the route. I do remember we were up at 5am to meet the bus (we were picked up from our hotel and it was a big comfortable coach) and we got back to Vegas late that night. I would however highly recommend it as I do prefer to sit back and let someone else do the driving!
I really want to do this. Everytime we go to Vegas, we never find the time for it as the bus trips seem such a long day (13hours, I think?) and I’m too scared to go by helicopter! One day, we will have to just hire a car and do it ourselves. You have some amazing pics here. Love your pages.
Natalie x (backinamerica.co.uk)
Natalie – I recommend next time you stay an extra day or two in Vegas to do the Grand Canyon trip – it’s fun and worth the long day. I’ll look forward to seeing your post when you do it! LOVED your Great American Road Trip Mix Tape post btw!
Great post Janice. We drove the exact same route in our little hire car last year and spent a week or so exploring Seligman, Flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. Wonderful trip and even thinking of going back and doing it again but even slower.
It was a great trip Jonno – but a loooong day – as the round trip back to Vegas clocked up 600 miles. It was so worth it – but I’m glad we took the bus and didn’t have to drive ourselves (I get lazy about driving these days). I loved Seligman – the small town that inspired the ‘Cars’ movie!