trip to vegas grand canyon

10 Best Stops on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

Last Updated on November 12, 2023

by Kate Stewart

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The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the country, and chances are that you will drive there from Las Vegas, a classic desert road trip. You might think the only place worth stopping is the Hoover Dam, but there are many unique places to check out on your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip.

Historic Route 66 is right on this route if you get off I-40 at Kingman, Arizona. In fact, you should probably avoid the interstate altogether if you want to get the most out of this fascinating stretch of Western Americana.

Many of the stops involve a lot of outdoor activities, which should get you in the mood for your Grand Canyon adventure.

Table of Contents

Planning a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

Highway 93 from Las Vegas to Kingman used to be one of the most treacherous roads in America, but recent upgrades have made it much safer. Watch out for lots of curves and slow down.

Highway 66 is only two lanes and is not as well maintained. If you want to go faster, you may want to stick to I-40.

Highway 64 from Williams to the South Rim is a two-lane road and the only way into that area from the South, unless you want to go up through Flagstaff. The large amount of traffic can slow you down and there are frequent accidents on this road in summer.

Like many areas of the West, there will be long stretches with no gas stations, rest areas, or cell service, so be sure that you fill up in cities like Boulder City and Kingman when you can.

If you need to hire your own transport for the trip from Las Vegas, Rentalcars.com has deals across all the major providers.

Alternatively, browse Outdoorsy for campervan or RV rentals which might be a great option if you continue on from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix , drive to Los Angeles from the Grand Canyon or drive north to Zion to explore Utah.

How Far is Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

The total distance from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park is about 280 miles if you take the I-40 route, just 17 miles longer if you take Route 66.

The total Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive time is five hours without stopping, but you will want to make it at least a full day’s drive, maybe two. The ideal place for an overnight stop is Kingman, which has a variety of options for hotels and campgrounds.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Stops

Sloan canyon national conservation area.

When starting off on your road trip, a great first place to stop is Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area , a huge swath of land south of Las Vegas. This nearly 50,000-acre area is famous for its petroglyphs and includes more than 300 separate sites to view.

The McCullough Hills Trailhead at the north end of the park, which includes spectacular volcanic flows, is just off I-11 in the city of Henderson near where you will likely be heading out of Las Vegas on your way to the Grand Canyon.

This is worth short hike, or you may want to travel around to the west side of the park to hike up Black Mountain or see the Petroglyph Canyon. Some trails allow for horses and mountain biking, so you may want to plan your route accordingly.

Railroad Pass Trails

Starting at Railroad Pass off of I-11 and north of Highway 93 to Lake Mead is an extensive network of hiking trails.

You can park at the Railroad Pass Casino and choose multiple routes from here—make it as short or as long as you like. You could even hike all the way to Lake Mead if you want. Some of these trails go through old railroad tunnels.

They also allow mountain biking and ATVs, so watch out if you are hiking. The terrain can be steep and rocky so ensure you find a route that’s right for you. For an easy hike, check out the Nature Discovery Trail and Rock Garden off Highway 93.

Head up either Highway 93 or I-11 to the Hoover Dam, the most iconic stop on this road trip itinerary. This dam is one of the most famous New Deal projects and took almost five years to build. It was a symbol of technological progress in the mist of the Great Depression.

The dam was built to harness the vast power of the Colorado River and provides hydroelectric power to Arizona , Nevada, and California. When the dam was finished in 1935, it was the largest in the world. It no longer holds that record, but it is still an impressive site to see.

At the Visitor Center, you can learn about the history and science of the dam and see a 360 view of the dam and Lake Mead as well as models to help you learn about how it works.

The Hoover Dam is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas and charges $10 for the tour at the Visitor Center. Right now, this is the only tour available, but check the Bureau of Reclamation’s website to see if the guided dam tour and the powerplant tour have started again.

There are also several private companies that offer their own tours of the dam, listed on the BOR Hoover dam website.

Lake Mead is another one of the classic places to stop between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It’s the United States’ largest reservoir and a National Park.

You’ve probably seen in the news that the lake is rapidly shrinking due to climate change and the lack of rainfall in the Southwest. As you drive around the lake, you can see the visible “bathtub ring,” the lighter-colored rocks at the edge of the shore that mark where the waterline used to be years ago.

But despite the lowered level of water, there is still plenty of lake to enjoy. Stop at the Visitor Center, which is just north of the Hoover Dam, to check out your options of what to do on the lake.

To the west of Hoover Dam are several harbors and beaches you may want stop by — including Boulder Beach and Campground, Hemenway Fishing Pier and Campground, and the Lake Mead Marina. At Hemenway Harbor, you can rent your own boat for the day or take a cruise around the lake.

Besides boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, you can also hike around the lake and hunt in designated areas, too.

The daily entrance fee for Lake Mead is $25 per vehicle, but it will last you a week if you choose to stay longer.

Willow Beach

Continuing down Highway 93 on your drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you’ll see a scenic overlook above the Colorado River on the Arizona side.

Turn right here to head to Willow Beach, a privately owned campground and RV park right on the Colorado River, one of the longest and most important rivers in the Southwest.

You can launch your own boat at Willow Beach or rent a kayak, canoe, or pontoon boat. Further north up the river from Willow Beach, the cliffs along the river narrow for some dramatic scenery.

There is also a trout hatchery maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to keep the river stocked, so don’t forget your fishing gear.

Arizona Route 66 Museum

Further down Highway 93, you’ll come to Kingman, the largest city between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, and your first stop on historic Route 66.

Kingman takes a lot of pride in its Route 66 history, and you’ll see it everywhere: in its Route 66-themed diners, motels, classic cars that rove the streets, and the Arizona Route 66 Museum .

The museum is run by the Mohave Pioneers Historical Society and located in the city’s old Powerhouse building. You can see exhibits and a movie on the history of Route 66 here and view many classic and newer electric vehicles.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm and charges $4. It also has a gift shop with lots of Route 66 memorabilia to buy.

Hualapai Mountain Park

Southeast of Kingman on 147, a little detour on the typical drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, is Hualapai Mountain Park , a recreation area maintained by Mojave County and named for the Native American tribe that originally occupied the area.

There are ten miles of trails, originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, with beautiful views of Kingman and Highway 66 in the distance.

There is a campground, RV park, and cabins available for rental, and even a disc golf course. The daily use fee is $10 per vehicle. You can also eat at the restaurant or stay at the cabins of the Hualapai Mountain Resort nearby, which was also built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Historic Route 66

From Kingman, you can get on Route 66 to experience for yourself what this famous road is really all about (if you’re in a hurry take I-40 to Williams, which parallels Route 66).

Route 66 goes through several small Arizona towns here, including Hualapai, Hackberry, Valentine, Truxton, Peach Springs, and Seligman. These are very tiny towns, some of which are just a few buildings, sprouting up in the Arizona high desert landscape.

Some travelers may not be impressed by this road, but you can really let your imagination stretch here, picturing what it was like for thousands of Dust Bowl migrants heading the other way, searching for a better life in California. Stop in Seligman to see the many Route 66 gift shops, diners, and motels.

Grand Canyon Caverns

If you are doing this trip in the summer, you will definitely need some relief from the heat. Stop at the Grand Canyon Caverns on Route 66 between Peach Springs and Yampai.

It is one of the largest dry limestone caverns in the United States, meaning that its stalactites and stalagmites don’t grow anymore. But it is an enormous cave with many beautiful formations still worth exploring.

The cave was discovered by Walter Peck in 1927 when he nearly fell in it. He purchased the land around it because he thought it would be a gold mine and was sorely disappointed it wasn’t. But other discoveries were yielded later, including an intact giant sloth.

There are four different tours, including a ghost tour, that range in price from $26 to $120. Grand Canyon Caverns has its own campground, RV park, and bunkhouses you can stay in, and you can even dine inside the cave. There are also hiking trails to explore nearby outside.

The last stop is the town of Williams, known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.”

You’ll notice the landscape changing to pine forest and the elevation rising as you drive up the Coconino Plateau. There are lots of fun things to do in Williams, a town built on tourism, before you head to the Grand Canyon up Highway 64.

One of the more interesting options is Bearizona , a wildlife park on the east side of Williams.

For most of the tour, you’ll remain in your car as you drive through park viewing (of course) several different species of bears, wolves, porcupines, bighorn sheep, bison, foxes, elk, goats and more. There are about 160 acres to drive through and 20 acres available for walking to see the animals up close.

The park is open daily from 9am to 4pm, and tickets vary in price from $30 to $35 depending on if you go on the weekend or a weekday and there are reduced prices for children. There are also two restaurants at Bearizona.

Where to Stay on a Vegas to Grand Canyon Drive

If you want to make all of these stops, you’re likely going to need to find a place along the way to spend the night.

The city of Kingman is an excellent halfway point here and there are a number of accommodation options to choose from. At the Grand Canyon, there are some hotels within the National Park, however, the town of Williams makes a great base for exploring this natural area, as well.

SpringHill Suites Kingman Route 66 – Well-located in Kingman, this hotel is a great option if you’re looking to stay on the historic Route 66. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available that can suit anyone from solo travelers to families. It is pet-friendly and breakfast is available each morning.

Arizona Inn – If you’re looking for a good, budget-friendly option in Kingman, then this motel is a great choice. They are centrally located and have a range of basic yet comfortable rooms available that are suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Private Rental – A private vacation rental is an excellent option if you’re looking for a bit more privacy. There are tons of options available in Kingman, including this beautiful, centrally located house .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Kingman hotels!

Grand Canyon

T he Lodge on Route 66 – If you’d like a bit of luxury on your trip to the Grand Canyon, then this hotel is an excellent choice. They have a number of beautifully decorated rooms available, a central location in downtown Williams and even include a buffet breakfast each morning.

El Rancho Motel – If you’re on a bit of a tighter budget, then this motel in Williams is a great option. Located in downtown Williams on the historic Route 66, they have a range of basic and comfortable rooms on offer and serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the Grand Canyon.

Private Rental – If it’s a private vacation rental you are after, then you’ll be happy to know there are lots of options available near the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re looking for a luxury lakefront house like this one or something a bit more basic, there are lots of choices on offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Grand Canyon hotels!

Bellagio — If you want to go all in for a classic “Vegas” experience, then you can’t go wrong with the iconic Bellagio. Situated directly on the Las Vegas strip, they have countless beautiful rooms available and some great shows on site, as well.

Horseshoe Las Vegas — If you’re traveling on a mid-range budget, then this is a great hotel choice for you. Located right on the strip, they have a number of great rooms available, restaurants and bars, a great swimming pool, an on-site casino and breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Sin City Hostel — If you’re looking to save money on accommodation when in Vegas, then this hostel is a great choice for you. They have a range of dorm beds available, an involved staff, great common areas, and social events organised most nights of the week.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vegas hotels!

After stopping in Williams, you should be ready to head on up to the Grand Canyon, either by car on Highway 64, or for an extra special treat, consider taking the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim. Regardless of how you get there, you’ll know you’ve already seen some incredible places in Nevada and Northern Arizona on your way there.

Are you planning to drive to the Grand Canyon from Vegas? Have any questions about these stops? Let us know in the comments!

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About Kate Stewart

Kate Stewart is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an archivist specializing in oral history who is based in Tucson, Arizona and grew up in the Midwest. Kate loves driving across the country and exploring the oddities of American and Southwest culture. In her spare time, she is a political activist, country music junkie, and baseball fan.

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How to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

One of the world's natural wonders and a bucket list item for many travelers, the Grand Canyon is a popular day trip or multi-day adventure from Las Vegas . In fact, more than 6 million people annually visit Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona , which is just a few hours by car from the bright lights of the Vegas Strip.

Today, let's look at all the ways to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and the modes of transportation that may work best for you.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Embark on a road trip

Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) has a Rent-A-Car Center that houses 11 rental companies under one roof. Since the Las Vegas Strip (where the majority of visitors stay) is less than a 10-minute Uber or Lyft ride from the airport, it's easy to rent a vehicle conveniently and affordably just before taking off for the Grand Canyon.

Make sure you book your rental car with a credit card that provides a collision damage waiver (CDW) and other protections to cover the rental car (and yourself) if you're in an accident or if the vehicle is stolen or damaged.

Related: Getting to Las Vegas on points and miles

The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon's iconic South Rim -- the most-visited section due to its superior canyon viewpoints and accessibility -- is approximately 275 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and takes around 4.5 hours.

If you're short on time and simply want a glimpse of the Grand Canyon, the West Rim is only a two-hour drive from Las Vegas and offers an adrenaline-filled zip line and Skywalk experience. But you won't be awarded the same staggering views as the South Rim from Grand Canyon National Park, the only section of the park open year-round.

To reach the South Rim from Las Vegas, take Highway 93 south to I-40. From there, get on I-40 east to Route 64. Then jump on Route 64 north and you'll arrive directly at the South Rim in approximately one hour.

A more scenic alternative, albeit a bit longer drive, is to take I-515 south from downtown Las Vegas to US-93 southbound. Exit US-93 to visit the Hoover Dam if time permits and then jump back on US-93 heading east while crossing over the Colorado River and getting on I-40 to continue to the South Rim.

The freedom afforded by having your own car means you can decide what highlights to hit, where to stop and how long to stay on your visit to the Grand Canyon.

Related: Credit cards that offer elite status for car rentals

Go by plane

Flying directly to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas on a commercial airline is complicated. The closest commercial airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) but as a commuter airport, you won't find direct service from LAS airport. Instead, you would have to fly from LAS into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and take an expensive connecting flight to Flagstaff. You'd then drive 90 minutes to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

A number of private charter companies offer one-hour flights directly to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Airplane tours feature luxury "flightseeing" airplanes built for sightseeing, featuring high wings and panoramic windows for clear viewpoints. Many tours boast breathtaking views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Mojave Desert and the winding Colorado River before reaching the Grand Canyon.

Experiencing the Grand Canyon from this bird's-eye perspective on a privately chartered airplane is certainly more costly than driving. However, if time is of the essence, flying affords you more time at the South Rim plus astounding aerial views.

Related: The best credit cards for airfare purchases

Take a helicopter

Soar over the most beautiful landscapes at Grand Canyon National Park like a VIP in a helicopter. Companies such as Papillon Helicopters and Maverick Helicopters offer tours that depart from a helicopter air terminal near LAS Airport. Tours include round-trip transportation from all major Las Vegas hotels. (Popular helicopter aviation company Blade offers rides from Las Vegas to nearby cities, yet none to the Grand Canyon -- although you can always charter a private Blade ride.)

Related: Camping in the Grand Canyon with a family

Helicopter tours from Las Vegas range in length from short flights over the Grand Canyon to fascinating experiences that involve a full day including Champagne, food and a stop on the canyon floor.

Helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon have become increasingly popular, resulting in more helicopter operators and competitive pricing starting as low as $250 per person.

Ride the rails

For those with time to spare and a desire to ride the rails, the journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is a long, yet scenic one. Your day will start by departing from the Gray Line Tour Center in Las Vegas, located just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip. From there you will ride Amtrak's Thruway bus service to Kingman, Arizona, where you will board Amtrak's Southwest Chief train and enjoy a two-hour ride to Williams, Arizona. From Williams, you'll climb aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway for an hour-long journey through a beautiful stretch of forests and arrive just steps from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Related : The best credit cards to use for train travel

The iconic Grand Canyon Railway is the highlight of traveling by train from Las Vegas to the South Rim. If you can embrace the 12+ hour round-trip by rail, you'll be presented with majestic scenery -- particularly on the last leg of the journey -- from the comfort of a vintage rail car.

Book a bus tour

If you prefer to let someone else do the driving and favor an on-the-ground mode of transportation, there are a vast number of bus tours -- some even narrated -- that include hotel transfers from Las Vegas and take guests directly to the South Rim.

These air-conditioned luxury motorcoaches include strategic quick stops at scenic points, including Grand Canyon National Geographic Center, Hoover Dam and Route 66. Many will also include lunch, refreshments and live commentary by an experienced guide for as low as $75 per person.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon you will have roughly three to four hours to explore the South Rim before making your way back to Las Vegas.

Bottom line

While many methods of transportation exist to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, the right one for you will depend on how much time you have to explore away from Sin City. Those with limited time may opt for an airplane or helicopter tour to take in memorable aerial views, while others might prefer the independence of driving themselves or using buses or trains.

Featured Image courtesy of Meinzahn/Getty Images.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip: 10 EPIC Stops Along the Way!

Looking to take a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip ? I’ve got all the best stops along the way, since we all know it’s all about the journey- not just the destination!

I’ve taken many road trips around Arizona and Utah flying into Las Vegas or passing through Sin City on my journey.

If you’ve read my blog before, I apologize because I’m gonna say it again .. I just love the desert! The Southwest draws me back time and time again.

Whether it’s going back to delve deeper into a popular National Park, or discovering something new down a long bumpy dirt road; there is always a new adventure to be had!

So keep reading below for all of the best stops and detours on a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon!

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Planning your trip? Use my favorite resources!

Accommodation – Booking.com to find the best deals on hotels. Flights – Skyscanner to look for the best prices and deals on flights. Rental cars – DiscoverCars to shop around at multiple car rental agencies. Travel insurance – Safety Wing ; keep your trips insured to protect yourself while traveling. Tours/experiences – Viator or Get Your Guide are excellent sources for tours.

How long is the road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

Driving directly from Las Vegas to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon takes 4 hours and 15 minutes directly and the route is 275 miles via US-93S and I-40E.

If you have a bit of extra time to spare, I highly encourage you to spend at least a day going off of the main route and going to a few of the places listed below.

A weekend or 2-3 days is needed to drive to and from the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas and squeeze at least one extra stop on the way. But 4-7 days would be more ideal!

Note that this itinerary will take you to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is the most accessible entrance open year round.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip: 10 of the Best Stops

I have divided this article into two sections below with maps .

The first 5 stops will be along the Northern Route driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon including Zion & Horseshoe Bend. And the last 5 stops will be along the Southern Route including Sedona & Flagstaff.

🗺 Both routes will take approximately 6 1/2 hours of driving one way with the included detours.

If you have 7-10 days you could do both the Northern and Southern journeys listed below and hit all the stops! Spend 2-3 days getting there, 2 days at the Grand Canyon, and then 2-3 days driving back to Las Vegas.

1. Valley of Fire State Park

This underrated Nevada State Park was relatively off the radar up until a few years ago. I highly recommend a short visit to this gem on your way out of the Las Vegas area. It is a one hour drive Northeast of the city.

You can easily spend just one morning or evening here seeing the major sights on your way from Vegas to the Grand Canyon . Find a downloadable map of the park here !

• Elephant Rock : Just a short 0.3 mile hike to quite an amazing rock formation that resembles an elephant trunk. Nature is so fun right?! This is near the East entrance.
• The Beehives : Right inside the park by the West entrance. Again aptly named, these are rock formations that resemble very large beehives. This area deserves a stop and walk around.
• Mouse Tank Road Viewpoint : One of the most popular ‘Instagram’ spots in Valley of Fire, though I kinda hate that term haha. But I have to be honest I myself have gotten the perfectly posed photo, no shame! Get the picture perfect location here from Google Maps.
• Pink Canyon : This is a short but sweet colorful and pastel narrow canyon. The trail is near the Fire Wave, but this is the specific location.
• The Fire Wave : This is a must do in the park in my opinion. The wave like rock formation is really unique and makes for one of the best photo ops in the park. The trail to the fire wave is relatively easy at 1.5 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain. Catching this at sunrise or sunset will afford you the best lighting for the red rocks to glow!

🏨 Check out these best hotels near Valley of Fire if you’re looking to spend the night. Camping is also available in Valley of Fire State Park.

2. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is located in Southwestern Utah, a little over 2 hours from Las Vegas International Airport.

While it may be small, this park is so diverse and you can easily spend a few days exploring all the best parts and hiking the infamous trails of The Narrows and Angels Landing.

With just one day, pick one or two easy to moderate day hikes and make the scenic drive through the park via the Zion- Mt Carmel Tunnel. Find a downloadable map of the park here !

• Hike The Narrows : Walk through a slot canyon in the Virgin River. Moderate difficulty due to the fact you walk through the river the entire time. You can walk as far as you’d like- so it could be anywhere from 2-10 miles round trip. No permits are needed.
• Hike Angels Landing : Permits are needed, apply for a lottery on a 3 month rolling basis or try your luck one day before. Hard difficulty, this is not for those afraid of heights as there are steep drop offs with climbing. 4.5 miles round trip with 1,600 ft elevation gain.
• Observation Point Hike : Just outside the park in East Zion. Fantastic views of Zion canyon, even overlook Angel’s Landing! Moderate difficulty. 7 miles round trip with 700 ft elevation gain. A great alternative to Angel’s Landing if you don’t like heights or couldn’t get permits. Read more about this hike on my post here !
• The Watchman trail : Great for sunset. Moderate difficulty. 3 miles round trip with 635 ft elevation gain.
• The Canyon Overlook Trail : The perfect short trail located in the Eastern side of the park.

🏨 Check out these best hotels near Zion if you’re looking to spend the night.

3. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

I bypassed Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park many times over the years, until I finally stopped in November of 2022. I went for sunset and was so glad I took the time to visit!

At sunset, the coral pink color of the sand is the most vivid and I found myself in awe wandering around the dunes, snapping pictures left and right.

This state park makes for a great afternoon pit stop, no need to spend a full day here on your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip.

• Climb the sand dunes : There are no real designated trail around the dunes, since well they’re sand dunes! Spend an hour or so meandering around the dunes.
• Try sand boarding or sand sledding : Allot yourself some time to do this, because it is just so much fun! I did this in Colorado at Great Sand Dunes National Park and had the time of my life! Sand boards (stand up) and sand sleds (sit down) are available for rent at the Visitor Center onsite on a first come, first serve basis. The rental fee is 25$ per board.
• Go on an ATV Tour : Ride some backcountry trails and over the sand dunes in an ATV for a thrilling epic adventure with Coral Pink ATV Tours . They have a few different tours to choose from. This is such a good idea for a road trip stop for long lasting fun memories!

🏨 Check out these top rated hotels in nearby Kanab, Utah if you plan to spend the night.

🎟 There is a $10 day use fee per vehicle that must be paid upon your entrance to the park.

Kanab, Utah makes for the perfect spot to spend a few extra days if you have the time on your road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and like off-roading adventures !

There are quite a few epic places you can reach from Kanab, but for some of them, you have to have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle .

When I went to these places I had rented a Jeep via Turo in St. George on my Arizona Utah road trip . There are some Jeep rental agencies near Kanab, but these can get expensive. You also have to be comfortable driving in deep sand. Taking a guided tour is a great alternative to renting a vehicle!

• Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon : 4×4, high clearance needed. Or take this tour from Kanab. A beautiful and unique slot canyon 40 minutes from town. This is a short hike just under one mile round trip. Remember to check the weather frequently prior to hiking in a slot canyon and never hike when it is supposed to rain for safety!
• The Great Chamber aka Cutler Point : 4×4, high clearance needed. This massive arch feels like a true work of art by nature. The hike to it after the drive is pretty steep and sandy but short. This is a great tour option that combines both Peek-a-boo and The Great Chamber!
• White Pocket : 4×4, high clearance needed. This is for those who want epic views like The Wave but can’t snag permits. White Pocket looks like you’ve seriously been transported to Mars, it’s such an incredible place. Sunset and sunrise really highlight the colors here. Take this tour from Kanab if you can’t drive the gnarly long road.
• Buckskin Gulch Slot Canyon : This is an absolutely amazing slot canyon, it’s actually one of the longest in the world! The trail also features petroglyphs and some rock formations that resemble The Wave. The entire trail is 12 miles long but you don’t have to walk the entire length of the slot canyon. The road is accessible by most cars in dry conditions.
• The Wave : You must have a permit to visit The Wave, that are pretty competitive to win. There is a lottery drawing for them that you can apply for at recreation.gov but it is worth seeing once in your life! Once you have scored your permits, the hike to this magnificent area is 6.7 miles round trip with 1200 feet of elevation gain.

🏨 Check out these top rated hotels near Kanab, Utah if you’re spending the night.

With Lake Powell, the infamous Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend, Page is easily one of my favorite spots in the Southwest. You can see all of the major highlights in a day, but I find myself back here a lot exploring the area much deeper.

Kayaking Horseshoe Bend and driving out to Alstrom Point are two of my favorite off the beaten path adventures in the area!

• Kayak to Lower Antelope Canyon : Take a guided kayak tour and paddle to the entrance of Lower Antelope Canyon. There is a portion of this canyon you can access via Lake Powell and is not on Navajo land. This will take half a day and is best to do Spring-Fall.
• Rent a boat for the day on Lake Powell : Gaze up at the canyon walls as you cruise by and get away from the crowds. Renting a boat gets pricey, so visiting in the spring and fall months is better for those on a budget.
• Camp at Lone Rock Beach : Right on the shores of Lake Powell you’ll find the large expanse that is Lone Rock Beach. There are no real ‘sites’ and it is first come first serve.
• Hike to the Horseshoe Bend overlook : This is the famous overlook of the Colorado River where the canyon looks like a horseshoe! The hike is easy- moderate and 1.5 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain. There is an established parking lot and trail, and you must pay a 10$ entrance fee.
• Visit Antelope Canyon : Timed reservations are necessary for both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. The canyon is located on the Navajo reservation and can only be visited with a Navajo guide, so there is no way to enter by yourself. This slot canyon is really a work of art, looking like it was hand sculpted instead of the effects of thousands of years of erosion doing its job.

🏨 Check out these top rated hotels in Page, Arizona if you’re planning on spending the night.

6. Lake Mead

Lake Mead is located just outside of Las Vegas and is the largest U.S. water reservoir, right on the border of Arizona and Nevada. There are amazing outdoor opportunities around Lake Mead, on both land and water. 

• Kayak Emerald Bay : One of the best unique things to do on Lake Mead is to kayak to Emerald Bay . This bay gets its name due to the emerald green color of the water in the full sun! It gets its bright green color from the algae resting on the bottom which reflects off of the sun down in the canyon.
• Arizona Hot Springs : During the months of September- May you can hike 7 miles to Arizona Hot Springs , a popular and scenic primitive hot spring near the banks of Lake Mead. You’ll also get views of Lake Mead on the trail. Soaking in hot springs makes for the perfect activity for a winter road trip!
• Gold Strike Hot Springs : Gold Strike hot springs is a smaller primitive hot spring also with an amazing Lake Mead view while you soak.
• Get out on the water : Rent a boat or jet ski to have some fun out on the water. And you can’t miss a stop at the Hoover Dam !

🏨 Check out these best hotels near Lake Mead if you’re looking to spend the night.

7. Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a cute small city in the midst of acres of pine trees. It is located 1 1/2 hours South from the Grand Canyon.

Flagstaff sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, a mountain range that includes Humphreys Peak- Arizona’s highest point. If you’re searching for a mountain ski town dotted with breweries, add Flag to your list!

• Climb Humphreys Peak : This is a challenging 10.7 mile round trip hike with 3,400 ft of elevation gain. See of the trail a map with recent conditions here . Plan on spending most of a day doing this hike. It is extra spectacular during the fall!
• See fall colors : Go to Flagstaff during early October to experience the Aspen trees turning golden. Hike the Inner Basin trail and take the scenic gondola ride at the Arizona Snowbowl to see all the glowing trees from above.
• Go to a local cafe or brewery : Flagstaff has a nice downtown strip, with many local restaurants, cafes, shops, and breweries. Go to the Lumberyard Brewery and enjoy a drink outside facing the high peaks.

🏨 Check out these best hotels in Flagstaff if you plan to stay a night!

8. Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is a 12 mile river gorge located in Northern Arizona.

From Flagstaff, drive down 89A, the scenic and breathtaking byway that will take you through a stunning natural landscape of red rock formations, lush forests, and the picturesque Oak Creek.

• Oak Creek Vista : Stop along your drive in Oak Creek to this stunning vista of the canyon and creek.
• Hike the West Fork Trail : This hike is 6.5 miles round trip with 565 feet of elevation gain. This is an out-and-back trail, so the length will depend on how far you choose to go. The further you go, the more narrow the canyon walls become and have that unique curved ‘subway’ appearance within the creek. The hike is likened to The Subway hike in Zion National Park, a coveted trail that is difficult to win permits for. This trail is especially crowded during the fall months since the trail comes alive with bright fall foliage. Be sure to hit the trail early to grab a parking spot.
• Slide Rock State Park : The main attraction here is the natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. It’s a lot of fun to slide down and cool off in the water- but be prepared for potentially chilly water! Apart from the slide, there are other areas along Oak Creek where you can swim and relax. This is a perfect stop in the summer!

Sedona is one of the most picturesque places in Arizona. It is a one hour drive South from Flagstaff in the middle of Arizona’s red rock country.

There are plentiful hiking and outdoor opportunities here, or you could relax and enjoy the views from downtown or at a luxurious resort. 

• Go on a hike : Some of the best day hikes in Sedona are: Keyhole Cave , Merry Go Round Rock , Subway Cave via Boynton Canyon, Fay Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Doe Mountain.
• Watch the sunset : Anywhere in Sedona is going to be amazing for sunset, but Red Rock Crossing is one of my favorites for low effort.
• Go on an adventurous off roading tour : If hiking isn’t your thing or legs need a break- try a Pink Jeep tour to see the sights of Sedona’s backcountry.
• Feel the energy vortexes : Sedona is also known for its vortexes . These are areas of supposedly high energy that can cause emotional and spiritual feelings. Some like to do meditation or yoga while at these vortexes since they can be calming. Some of the main vortex areas are: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.

🏨 See the best hotel deals in Sedona, AZ to spend extra time in this gorgeous place. I’ve personally stayed at the Oak Creek Terrace Resort when I was driving from the Grand Canyon to Sedona and had a wonderful stay. It’s a great place to stay, especially if you’re on a tighter budget.

See why January is my favorite month to go to Sedona!

10. Verde Valle y

Surrounded by greenery and red rock mountains, the Verde Valley is by far the best wine region in Arizona.

The Verde Valley includes the town of Sedona so it is easy to include an afternoon of wine tasting if you’re visiting!

• The famed Verde Valley Wine Trail has so many wineries to choose from, but a few of the most popular are Caduceus Cellars, Chateau Tumbleweed, and Page Spring Cellars.
• Or go on a winery tour ! Check out this tour to visit 4 wineries, enjoy a gourmet lunch, and most importantly- not having to worry about driving to and from all of your destinations!
• Go on a river trip with a visit to a winery. Sedona Adventures hosts day trips kayaking or floating down the Verde River, plus a wine tasting.

🏨 See the best hotels in Verde Valley Wine Country.

Best things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park

You’ve arrived! After all of your other epic stops along the way, it is now time to enjoy one of America’s most famous natural wonders.

• Go on a day hike below the rim : The South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge or the 1.5 mile Resthouse via the Bright Angel trail both make excellent day hikes. Hike in the early morning or evening hours to avoid heat, and always carry extra water with you. 
• Go up the Desert View Watchtower : Climb the steps at this iconic 70 foot watchtower, built in 1932, to get great views of the canyon. It is open for visitors 8am to 6pm daily. Tickets are first come first serve and free to the public.
• See all the most scenic viewpoints on Desert View Drive : Enjoy this 23 mile scenic road through the park and see the best views from Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Yaki Point, Moran Point and much more.
• Watch the Sunrise & Sunset . Desert sunrises and sunsets are hard to beat, plus just saying you saw the sun rise over the Grand Canyon is pretty bucket list right?!
• Go Stargazing . Since the Grand Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, staying up for some stargazing is a must. In the summer months, you may even be lucky to see the Milky Way!

🏨 Check out this list of the best hotels near the Grand Canyon .

🚙 Ways to get from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

The two main ways to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is to either rent a car and make a road trip out of it, or take a tour .

I would personally opt to rent your own car so you can spend as much time as you’d like getting to and from places and customize the trip as much as you’d like.

But I can certainly see the appeal of a guided tour so you don’t have to think about anything and just enjoy the ride!

Renting a car independently means you get to customize your itinerary and spend as much or as little time in a place as you wish. For most of the places I have mentioned you don’t need a fancy or well equipped car, a sedan will do just fine.

👉 Using Discover Cars you can search through multiple car rental agencies to find the best deal for you!

There are quite a few tours that will take you from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and hit lots of great stops along the way. Below I have linked two of the best tours I found from Get Your Guide.

👉 Las Vegas to West Rim of the Grand Canyon with a stop at Hoover Dam . Perfect for a day trip to explore the West Rim with an option add the SkyWalk!

👉 Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon with stops at Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend . This is an action packed day tour with a lot of stops, be prepared for a long day, but you will see a lot!

Looking for more road trips from Las Vegas? Check out my post on driving from Las Vegas to Monument Valley !

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip FAQs

Have more questions about the drive from Vegas to the infamous Grand Canyon? Let’s answer ‘em!

Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

Yes ! It’s still worth going from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by tour, but driving there and making a road trip out of it is half the fun. The Grand Canyon is arguably America’s most famed natural wonder.

Experience the Wild West and stop by a National or State Park and go for a hike or scenic drive, and you’ll realize that it was so worth the drive!

How are the roads from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

All of the main roads and highways from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon are paved and in great condition.

Wrap Up: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

In conclusion, a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is an experience that should not be missed.

This journey offers breathtaking scenery, thrilling adventures, and a chance to explore two iconic destinations in the American Southwest.

Whether you are seeking natural wonders or vibrant city life, this road trip has it all. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon, this adventure promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature.

So pack your bags, hit the open road, and embark on an epic journey that will leave you with lifelong memories and a sense of wonderment at the extraordinary landscapes that await you at every turn.

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The Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip + Best Tour Options

• Arizona / Grand Canyon / Las Vegas / Outdoors

Visiting Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? Here’s everything you need to know.

I’m always shocked to hear how many Vegas locals have not been to the Grand Canyon. Even if you’re visiting for multiple days, a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip is an easy add on that’s well worth the journey (especially if it’s your first time!).

The Grand Canyon is a bucket list item, and each year, the  National Park  has more than 5 million visitors from all over the world. 

Its location in Arizona isn’t that close to any major cities, but one of the most popular launching points is where we currently call home, Las Vegas. When most people think of Las Vegas, they think casinos and the strip, but one of the main reasons we love it here is the  easy access to the outdoors .

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 8, 2023

− − Content Menu

• Distance from Las Vegas
• What You Need to Know Before You Go
• Drive vs Helicopter vs Bus vs Plane
• Which Part of Grand Canyon Should You Visit?

Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

• Tour Options
• Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
• Where to Stay
• Detours Worth Taking

Planning Checklist

More resources.

The Grand Canyon is massive, and once you arrive in Las Vegas, you’ll see tons of tour options to Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll also see trips to West Grand Canyon, which is actually not part of the National Park. To help you sort through all the options, we’ve put together this guide to help you decide what’s best for you.

How Far is it From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park?

Because of the sheer size of the canyon, it can take anywhere from 2 hours to over 5 hours. There are 3 main areas you’ll hear about: Grand Canyon West, the South Rim, and the North Rim.

• Grand Canyon West  is the closest to Las Vegas at 130 miles away (~2 hrs). This area is part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation and not part of the National Park. It’s best known for the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
• Grand Canyon National Park South Rim  is 280 miles away (~4.5 hrs) and the most popular section of the park. It’s open year-round and where you’ll find the most amenities, services, and people.
• Grand Canyon North Rim  is 265 miles away (~5 hrs) but takes longer to get to because of the roads. It’s also only open from May to October. It is much less frequented by visitors.

We’ll go into more detail about each area further down in the post.

Essential Tips – What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Fees:  There is a $35 per vehicle fee to enter Grand Canyon National Park, which is good for 7 days. If you plan on visiting other National Parks within one year of your visit, we highly recommend the annual  America the Beautiful National Park Pass for $80  (we get one every year). It gets you into national parks, monuments, BLM lands, and more.
• Best Time to Visit:  Spring and Autumn will give you the most access to the park while avoiding crowds and the summer heat. April and October are the most ideal months. The high season typically runs from June to August. Winter will have the fewest crowds but the North Rim will be closed off along with some of the other amenities.
• Renting a Car:  A few new things to consider when  renting a car . Look to see if they have touchless check-in. Also,  pack some wet wipes  so you can wipe down high-contact areas.
• Time Zones:  Nevada is on PST and Arizona is on MST. But to make things more confusing, Navajo lands in Arizona observe daylight savings but the rest of Arizona does not. During daylight savings (Mar to Nov), most of Arizona is the same time in Las Vegas and Arizona.
• Visiting in the Winter:  The South Rim is open year-round, although not all facilities will be open in the winter. For the most part, you should be able to drive from Las Vegas unless there is a big winter storm that makes the roads dangerous. Typically even when there is snow, the roads are cleared quickly. Keep an eye on the weather before heading out and be flexible.
• West Rim:  Keep in mind that the West Rim is within the Hualapai Indian Reserve and not part of the National Park system.

Should I Self-Drive, Take a Helicopter, Plane, or Bus??

The ideal mode of transportation depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Over the years, we’ve done every option except for the plane tour. To help you decide, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of each.

• Driving Yourself  gives you the most flexibility but is also the most work (4+ hours drive one way to visit the actual National Park). If you prefer to go at your own pace or you’re a photographer and want to catch sunrise and sunset at specific spots, drive yourself so you can set your own schedule.
• Helicopter  tours from Las Vegas are best if you are limited on time. You get aerial views and views from inside the canyon, but the downside is that no helicopter tours from Las Vegas go to the National Park. Instead, you’ll be visiting Grand Canyon West which is generally regarded as inferior to the National Park.
• Plane  tours take you to multiple spots in Grand Canyon and typically include time on the ground. It is much quicker than driving and you get aerial views but you less time to explore yourself. Plus you’ll most likely miss sunrise/sunset unless you opt-out of the tour and book just the flight and do the rest on your own schedule.
• Bus  tours are great if you don’t want to drive and ranges from small (15 seat) to large (50 seat) buses. Most tours give you a chance to see other popular destinations nearby, like  Antelope Canyon  or Hoover Dam. The downside is you won’t have control over the timing and things are paced for large groups, which can get annoying. We did a small bus tour that overnighted in a hotel, which allowed us to catch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon.

See More: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

Which Part of the Grand Canyon to Go to?

With the Grand Canyon covering a large area, it’s important to decide which part of the Grand Canyon you want to visit to help you plan your trip.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim / Grand Canyon West

If you’re like us and have a  goal to visit every National Park , Grand Canyon West does not count. We also like to  collect stamps from National Parks , which are located at the visitor centers.

Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai tribe land and is privately run.

Most people say the highlight of Grand Canyon West is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that lets you walk 4000 feet above the canyon floor. It’s also the closest to Las Vegas making it an easy day trip. 

For us, our favorite spot was Guano Point. The views on the skywalk weren’t that impressive compared to the surrounding areas, plus we weren’t allowed to take our own photos on it. 

The West Rim also costs more than the National Park. General Admission tickets are $45 and that doesn’t include the Skywalk.

With that said, everything purchased goes to support the Hualapai tribe and they are one of the few tribes that do not take any monetary help from the government.

See More: 11 Stunning Canyons in the US to Add to Your Bucket List

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

The South Rim is the most popular part of the National Park and where the majority of the 5 million+ visitors go each year. From Las Vegas, it takes 4.5 hours to drive there (so a minimum of 9 hours round trip) making it a commitment for sure.

The South Rim will give you the best easy-access viewpoints in the park and is open year-round. It is also the most developed, which gives you access to all the amenities you need.

On the flip side, it is the most crowded, especially during peak season from June to August, and the most touristy section in the National Park.

Note: You may also read about the East Rim. This section of the park is located within the South Rim. There are fewer services here and you get similar views like those from the Grand Canyon Village.

Shuttle Service:  If you are visiting the South Rim, there is a shuttle service between the rim and Grand Canyon Village. It’s helpful during the busy season since parking is limited. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Village Route (Blue): Connects hostels, campsite, and other facilities in the Grand Canyon Village with the Visitor Center.
• Kaibab Rim Route (Orange): Quickest route to the Visitor Center and popular views of the canyon.
• Hermit Road Route (Red): Takes you to beautiful panoramic views on the western border of the Grand Canyon Village. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from Mar to Nov.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

The North Rim is only open between May 15 and October 15. From Las Vegas, it is closer in mileage but still takes 30 extra minutes to drive to because of the roads you’ll be on. It’s also 200+ miles away (4 hours) from the South Rim.

This area is great if you’re looking to get away from crowds since it is by far the least traveled of the three areas.

Unfortunately, the viewpoints are more limited and aren’t as nice as the South Rim. Plus, there are very few amenities up here.

As we mentioned before, driving yourself is our preference because you get to control your itinerary and make changes along the way.

Driving to the  West Rim  ( 5001 Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, map ) is the shortest trip at roughly 2 hours each way. Once you arrive, there is a free parking lot where they will have shuttle buses to take you to different points. To access anything else you will have to purchase a ticket.

The drive to the  South Rim  ( S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, map ) takes roughly 4.5 hours each way. You are driving on major highways or roads the whole way making it an easy drive. When you arrive, you pass through a pay station, where you can either use your  Annual National Parks Pass ($80)  or purchase a vehicle pass ($30). Once you pay, you can park in the village and take a shuttle, or park directly at specific viewpoints. Keep in mind that during the busy season, parking is hard to find at viewpoints.

The  North Rim  ( AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86023, map ) is the longest drive at roughly 5 hours. It’s slightly closer distance-wise, but towards the end of your drive, you’ll be driving through smaller, windy roads in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Similar to the South Rim, you’ll pass a pay station then you can park in any of the designated spots.

Local Tip:  If you plan on driving, it’s always good to download the area on google maps or have a  physical road map  with you in case you end up in spots with no service.

All Your Tour Options

If you’ve decided to go with a tour, here are a few things you want to consider when choosing the right tour for you and your group:

• Where you want to go?
• How long you want to spend there?
• Other activities you want to do?
• What size of a group do you want to go with?
• Do you want to catch sunrise or sunset?
• Do you want aerial views?
• Will they pick you up from your hotel or do you have to meet them somewhere?
• What else is included, i.e. admission, meals, etc?
• Do you want to stop at other notable locations?
• Airplanes vs helicopters: planes fly higher and to more remote places, but helicopters can fly you closer to the walls of the canyon.

If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, there’s probably a lot  you want to see in town , but you may also want to take advantage of being so close to the Grand Canyon. If you’ve never seen it and have limited time, day tours are the best option for you.

We recently went on a day tour to Grand Canyon West with  Comedy on Deck Tours . They have multiple pick-up spots on the strip, provide breakfast and dinner, and coordinate everything for you while giving you free time to explore.

After they picked us up at Excalibur, we made two stops, one for breakfast and one for a view over the Hoover Dam.

Our tour guide is also a professional comedian, so not only do they give you insight into the area but also tell jokes while you’re in transit.

The Grand Canyon Sky Walk is optional, and you can either pre-purchase the ticket or get it there. If you opt out, there are plenty of viewpoints nearby.

During this visit, we bit the bullet decided to get photos. I mentioned before the photos were trash, but they were better this time around. The photographer took us in various poses and spent longer with us than we expected. On our first trip, it was snap and go.

We ended up purchasing the whole digital package for $65. If you want photos, it’s your only choice (you must store all phones and cameras in a locker beforehand). Plus, you’re helping support the Hualapai Tribe, who take no federal funding at Grand Canyon West.

After the Sky Walk, the bus takes you to Guano Point, where you have time to explore and have lunch. Most of our bus decided to eat first, so we did the opposite. There was no line for the food by the time we made it back. Yeet!

Local Tip: If you plan on doing the Sky Walk, go on a weekday for fewer crowds. During holiday weekends, waits can be up to two hours.

More Day Tour Options

Looking for inspiration? TourScanner has listed the  best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas .

Here are some other Day Tours to check out:

• South Rim Bus Tour ($107 / 14 hrs)  – lunch and stop at the Nat Geo Visitor Center (optional upgrade to IMAX, Jeep tour, or helicopter flight)
• Helicopter to South Rim ($498 / 12 hrs)  – includes snacks and lunch.

PACKAGE TOURS

• Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & Route 66 ($199 / 14 hrs)  – includes breakfast, lunch, and stops at Hoover Dam & Route 66.
• Grand Canyon National Park, Route 66 & Caverns Tour ($195 / 14 hrs)  – See Route 66, the park, and Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the US. Includes morning snacks and lunch.

GRAND CANYON WEST RIM

• West Rim Bus Tour ($89.99 / 12 hrs)  – includes Skywalk and lunch (optional to add helicopter or pontoon boat)
• Drive, Fly & Float Tour ($645.99 / 10.5 hrs)  – travel in a 4×4 Tour Trekker, hop on a helicopter flight from the rim into the canyon, walk the Skywalk, and take a 20-minutes float down the Colorado River

Local Tip: Don’t believe everything your tour guide says. We’ve caught tour guides sharing false facts in the past. It typically isn’t done maliciously, but simply something they heard another guide or traveler share. We always try to do our own research.

See More: 7 Breathtaking National Parks Near Las Vegas You Need to See

Overnight Tours

Overnight tours are great if you want to explore deeper in Grand Canyon or have more time to see the other iconic spots in the SouthWest. When Jacob’s dad visited last fall, he wanted to visit Antelope Canyon, so we did the first tour listed below. It was nice not having to worry about the details and focus on spending time with family. Plus, we got to revisit some of the spots we’ve been to while seeing new ones.

• Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon Sunrise Tour ($419 / 2 days)  – See Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Hoover Dam, sunrise at the Grand Canyon, and Route 66. Includes 1-night hotel, breakfast, and snacks.
• 3-Day National Parks Camping Tour ($775 / 3 days)  – Check out Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and Grand Canyon. Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and camping accommodations (option to add camping equipment or lodging).
• Luxury Shuttle to Grand Canyon (from $25 each way / 5 hrs)  – If you prefer to plan your trip yourself without driving, ride a shuttle down and spend as much time as you want in the area.

See More: Tour Antelope Canyon – What You Need to Know

Grand Canyon Railway

Although this isn’t something you can do directly from Vegas, train lovers should check out the Grand Canyon Railway. It runs from Williams, Arizona into the heart of the park. It has been running since 1901, and you see a range of landscapes. You can choose which car or tours  on their site .

Williams is roughly a 3 1/2 hour drive from Las Vegas or you can fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, the closest major airport near Williams AZ, which is a 40-minute drive.

Local Tip: Williams is a great spot to check out Route 66 as well!

Things to Do at the Grand Canyon →

• Grand Canyon Skywalk Glass Bridge (West Rim) – Test your fear of heights here. Remember that you aren’t allowed to take your own photos.
• Ride a Mule (South Rim) – You can a mule down tot he Colorado River and spend a night at Phantom Ranch. You can also take a short ride along the rim.
• South Rim – Mather Point, Yaki Point,  & Hopi Point
• East Rim – Desert View
• West Rim – Eagle Point & Guano Point
• North Rim – Bright Angel Point & Cape Royal
• Rafting – Whether you’re looking for a leisurely float or 2-week rafting trip, there’s a wide range available between the West and South rim.
• Bright Angel Trail (South Rim, 16 mi RT, ▵4366 ft, strenuous) – One of the most popular trails that takes you to the canyon. If you’re only doing a day hike, turn back at Indian Garden to make it 10 miles RT.
• South Kaibab Trail (South Rim, 12.4 mi RT, ▵4888 ft, strenuous) – Better views than Bright Angel Trail but also more complicated.
• Rim Trail (South Rim, 10.4 mi, easy) – Runs along the rim and great for the family. Just do as much as you want and turn around.
• North Kaibab Trail (North Rim, 15 mi one-way, ▵6398 ft, strenuous) – This is a tough hike that takes you into the canyon.
• Grandview Trail (East Rim, 12.5 mi RT, ▵3280 ft, strenuous) – Another long hike that is less popular than the ones on the South Rim.
• Museums in Grand Canyon (South Rim) – Check out the Grand Canyon: Tusayan Ruins and Museum & the Yavapai Geology Museum.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park

Best Places to Stay

If you’re staying in Las Vegas:

If you’re staying in Grand Canyon:

What’s Nearby / Detours Worth Taking

• Hoover Dam   ( 81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, map )
• Seligman / Route 66 ( 22265 W Historic Rte 66, Seligman, AZ 86337, map )
• Williams / Route 66 ( 200 W Railroad Ave, Williams, AZ 86046, map )
• Antelope Canyon  ( Indian Rte 222, Page, AZ 86040, map )
• Monument Valley ( U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, map )
• Bryce Canyon National Park  ( UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map )
• Zion National Park  ( 1101 Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy, Hurricane, UT 84737, map )
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Las Vegas travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with Go City .
• Moon USA National Parks Guide
• Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West
• National Park Annual Pass
• National Parks Passport
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA Travel Guide
• Base Camp Las Vegas: 101 Hikes in the Southwest

Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Do you think the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is worth it for you? Have you checked out any of these tour options and what did you think?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES

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DEATH VALLEY

GRAND CANYON

GRAND TETON

GREAT BASIN

GREAT SAND DUNES

JOSHUA TREE

SEQUOIA + KINGS CANYON

WHITE SANDS

YELLOWSTONE

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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Grand Canyon Road Trip: Epic Itinerary From Vegas

Vegas, grand canyon, antelope canyon, bryce, zion road trip.

A Grand Canyon road trip from Vegas has been on my bucket list for years. After living and road-tripping every inch of England far more than the USA, it was time to explore my home country as much as my former expat one.

If a Grand Canyon road trip is calling your name, here’s everything you need to know for combining this 7th natural wonder with Vegas, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce National Park, and Zion National Park.

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Table of Contents

How Much Time You Need For This Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

While you can do it in 7 days, 8 is ideal to allow yourself downtime. This is a super busy itinerary that starts in Vegas to the Grand Canyon, onto Page, up to Bryce, down to Zion, and back to Vegas again. It’s a full loop where the amazingly scenic drive is 100% different the entire way.  ( Tip : Click the star next to the map to save to your own Google Maps)

Be sure to consider your own family’s limits as it pertains to driving, walking, and even eating. Time factors to be aware of for this road trip and planning tours:

• 3 states: Nevada, Arizona & Utah
• 900+ miles ~ 15 hours of driving
• Time zone changes

8 days allow for a full day in Vegas, offering a completely different kind of fun before the nature experience kicks in. We also chose 8 due to the cost of flights (as high as $1300+ per person from Houston!) which can have an impact on your schedule. For us, the high flight costs also meant committing to all the parks we wanted to see in 1 go versus taking multiple trips and needing to spend a lot more money.

We flew Frontier Airlines for the first time since it was the most economical option for our family of four. Kids under 15 fly free with the purchase of Frontier’s Discount Den and would 100% do it again.

You can eliminate a park if you don’t have 8 days or cut out a day in Vegas, but every park on this Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip offers a completely different experience. No 2 parks are identical and offer a unique memory unlike the one before.

When To Go To The Grand Canyon, Antelope, Bryce & Zion

Shoulder months are the best time to visit the Grand Canyon and other parks in this Vegas Canyons road trip. Shoulder months are March, April, October, November. This post is entirely based on visiting in March. Although the weather at the Grand Canyon is best between April and June, I can’t imagine visiting any other time than March or October.

Deciding when to visit the Grand Canyon is the reason why it’s taken me nearly 20 years beyond my bucket list goal to get there. Summer has always been out of the question since my family spends it in Maine (where Acadia is, the other top USA National Park, a Maine bucket list destination ), winter break is certainly too cold and most areas/roads surrounding national parks are closed, and spring break is typically dedicated to skiing.

This year we moved skiing to President’s Day weekend in Park City Utah (btw, a long weekend in Park City costs nearly the same as this 8 day Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip) so that we could finally hunker down and visit the Grand Canyon.

Why this year and not years past? My hesitation has always been about the weather. Fearful of freezing temps and not being able to see the Grand Canyon in all its glory, we continually delayed my Grand Canyon goal until this year. The inspiration? A friend who went last year in March and experienced t-shirt weather.

While we didn’t exactly experience the same warm weather conditions, especially at the Grand Canyon or Bryce National Park, that’s what made the entire road trip so varying, different, and fabulous. Sunny, warm, and jacket-less on some days, and bundled up in layers the next. The weather in Arizona and Utah is definitely volatile in March, but as long as you pack for it, you’ll be totally fine. And most likely love it.

In addition to the cooler weather, shoulder months are a great time to visit these national parks due to how busy they are in the summer. In March by noon, parking lots at the Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National park are full. People park illegally, queues to get into parks are extremely long, and by mid-afternoon walking paths and trails are crowded.

If you choose to do this road trip outside of shoulder months, arrive at the park by opening time and pack lunches. The Grand Canyon, Antelope, and Zion have places to eat inside the park but they are very limited in capacity. Pack protein bars, other snacks, and plenty of water for day hikes, and enjoy a huge meal at the beginning and end of each day.

8 Day Vegas To Grand Canyon, Antelope, Bryce & Zion Road Trip Outline

Massive shoutout to Earthtrekkers for their depth of expertise on Grand Canyon road trips. Earthtrekkers offers 5 sample itineraries that inspired this 8-day one in the event you’re looking for a different loop.

Day 1: Arrive early & spend 24 hours in Vegas Day 2: Drive to the Grand Canyon via Hoover Dam Day 3: Grand Canyon Day 4: Drive to Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day 5: Drive to Bryce Canyon Day 6: Bryce Canyon in the morning, then drive to Zion National Park Day 7: Zion National Park Day 8: Return to Vegas & fly home

Day 1: 24 Hours In Vegas

Arrive in the early morning and spend 24 hours in Vegas . Be sure to rent a car with unlimited mileage upon arrival at LAS. Consider renting an SUV with 4-wheel drive if visiting during non-summer months.

If you arrive in Vegas early (before 10) head to the Welcome to Las Vegas sign to kick off your epic road trip. There is a parking lot dedicated to taking a photo at this famous sign so it’s easy to pop in for a photo. If you arrive after 10am, stop on your way to the Grand Canyon on day 2. The lines for a photograph can take 30+ minutes if you arrive after 10.

Kick off your road trip with a Welcome to Vegas photo

If you’re traveling in Vegas with kids there are a number of surprising things to see and do outside the floors of a casino. The top 2 favorite activities in Vegas for my 10 and 13-year-olds include the Mat Franco magic show and the NY-NY roller coaster. Hotel-wise, Ceasar’s Palace is the most interesting shopping Mecca for this age group.

Where To Stay In Vegas

With only 24 hours in Vegas, stay at an impressionable hotel if it’s your first time. The Venetian Resort is the world’s 2nd largest hotel where MGM Grand Las Vegas takes 3rd, Wynn is 8th and Mandalay Bay Resort is 10th. While I’ve stayed at New York New York, The Bellagio, and Paris Las Vegas, The Venetian is a favorite. It’s centrally located so it allows you to see a lot in 24 hours. The indoor and outdoor gondola, along with the setup of the Venetian itself was my kids’ favorite of all the hotels they toured. Parking is free at the casinos in Las Vegas!  For the full Vegas itinerary, read  How to Make the Most of One Day in Las Vegas .

Grand Canyon Road Trip: Vegas Budget

I chose to splurge on the hotel at the beginning and end of the trip. At the beginning to pump up the kids about the trip and at the very end to reward us for all the hiking accomplished and to allow for relaxation too. Most reservations for this trip were made by mid-January for a mid-March trip. You can save more money on reservations by booking further in advance.

• The Venetian Resort: $585 (room was huge on a split-level with its own sitting area)
• Car Rental via Hertz: $358
• Mat Franco Magic Show at LINQ: $400
• The Big Apple Coaster & Arcade at New York-New York Casino: $100. It’s cheaper to ride the roller coaster before 6pm. After 6pm ticket prices go up but ironically it’s far busier.
• Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Resort: $106

Without food and souvenirs but with the rental car for a week, Vegas expenses totaled $1549.

Day 2: Drive to the Grand Canyon via Hoover Dam (4.5 hours)

Hoover Dam is just under 1 hour from Vegas on the way to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Stop at the overlook at the border of Nevada and Arizona to look down onto Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Then return to the lower bridge level for a closer view of Lake Mead water levels and views overhead. There is parking available at both bridge levels and it’s free.

View of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from top bridge

Continue on driving to the Grand Canyon for a late afternoon, early evening arrival. The only pinch in traffic that could cost you additional time is a traffic light in Kingman, which is where 93 traffic dead ends. You have to go through this traffic light to connect to 40. There is an alternative to getting around this traffic light but blink and you’ll miss it! Set Waze upon departure leaving Hoover Dam to avoid an additional 45 minutes to an hour of driving.

Kingman also offers a Route 66 alternative. Take a Route 66 photo in Kingman or in Williams, as you get closer to the Grand Canyon.

Area Of The Grand Canyon To Visit: South Rim

The South Rim is the most popular section of the Grand Canyon to visit. This is where the Grand Canyon Village is located with a Visitor Center, Market Plaza, and operating shuttles that take you point to point between Hermits Rest to Yaki Point. There are paved trails and dirt trails which is what makes the South Rim attractive for all ages and abilities. This post is directed towards a visit to the South Rim.

If you’re seeking the Grand Canyon Skywalk, drive to the Western side of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the best choice for an aggressive same day road trip from Vegas. A Grand Canyon Skywalk ticket is required to enter.

The North Rim has a higher elevation (8000 feet) and prone to more precipitation than the South Rim. As a result, it’s closed in the winter and reopens in May. The North Rim is only visited by 10% of park visitors and therefore the “road less traveled” Grand Canyon option.

Grand Canyon South Rim: Pipe Creek Vista

Where To Stay In Grand Canyon South Rim

The Grand Canyon South Rim is located in the 595 population town of Tusayan, Arizona. Despite how small it is, it’s equipped with its very own Starbucks attached to a well-stocked Grand Canyon grocery and souvenir store. The Grand Hotel is a short walk away with on-site amenities and a steakhouse restaurant that make getting settled in easy after a long drive or hike along the rim.

Highly recommend staying at  The Grand Hotel, especially for Tesla drivers. For anyone with the courage to drive a Tesla from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, there is an entire row of Tesla Supercharger stations in The Grand Hotel parking lot.

Other best where to stay options are located in the Grand Canyon Village itself. Choosing to stay at 1 of the 5 hotels inside the park means access to the shuttles and trails faster than the 7 mile drive to the South Rim Visitor Center Parking Lot from The Grand Hotel. Staying inside the park is more expensive but can be worth it should parking be problematic.

Day 3: Grand Canyon

Start your day on the South Rim as early as possible to maximize your one day at the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In order to see the entire South Rim in 1 day, mix up walks with shuttle rides. Mather Point is a great starting point for that breathtaking moment as a family.

My very first view of the Grand Canyon – EVER!

Since this was a family trip with a 10 and 13-year-old we mixed up our walks to be sure to not overdo it. To give you an idea of options you can take where each stop offers a shuttle if you want to stop walking or go to a different South Rim point:

• Mather Point to Pipe Creek Vista (Pipe Creek is the most photographed point of the Grand Canyon): 1.4 miles
• Pipe Creek Vista to South Kaibab Trailhead: .9 miles
• Mather Point to Yavapai Point : 1.4 miles

For an epic hike with switchbacks, do Ooh Aah Point. Ooh Aah Point trail entrance is located at the South Kaibab Trailhead. It’s 1.8 miles round trip and took our family an hour to complete. It can be difficult in March with the slippery snow and is advised to tackle with crampons and poles. We had neither but hiked it carefully and was the highlight of our Grand Canyon trip. It’s terrifying once you reach the point but entirely exhilarating.

Intimidating at first, but do it!

The National Park Service will provide a South Rim map upon entering and advise what trailheads are closed. Be sure to ask for recommendations on where the best points are to see the sunrise or sunset for the time of year you visit. For March, the best sunset is at Hopi Point.

The South Rim NPS map will outline the shuttle routes and trail options, making it super easy to navigate for any first-time Grand Canyon visitor.

Where To Eat Lunch In The South Rim

For lunch, the tavern at Yavapai Lodge is the best option for a sit-down meal after several hours of hiking. Be mindful of the time of day attempting to eat at Yavapai Tavern given the few in-park lunch options relative to visitors. We arrived at 1:30 for lunch and didn’t leave until 3:30 so it limited our hiking options on the western side of the Visitor Center for the rest of the day.

Grand Canyon Road Trip: Grand Canyon South Rim Budget

• The Grand Hotel : $660 for 2 nights
• Annual National Park Pass : $80 (covers all National Parks on this road trip)

Without food and souvenirs, Grand Canyon expenses totaled $740 .

Day 4: Drive to Page / Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend (2.5 hours)

Day 4 includes the scenic 25-mile Desert View Drive along the Grand Canyon exiting the park at the East Entrance on your way to Page Arizona. Time a tour at Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon that allows you time to enjoy Desert View Drive viewpoints without the pressure to hurry.

The Most Important Thing To Know About Driving From Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon

The most important thing to know about your drive from the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon is the time zone changes. The time zone in Arizona varies depending upon where you are in the state which can cause quite a panic if you aren’t aware of this on your drive to Page.

Most of Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time year round except for the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation, upper northeastern corner of Arizona, observes Daylight Savings Time. So, if you think you miscalculated when to leave the hotel to arrive at your Antelope Canyon tour on time, don’t sweat it. The time switches back as soon as you arrive in Page.

Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon?

Decisions decisions about whether to visit Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon. Upper is where “Phantom”, the most expensive photograph in the world, was sold for $6.5M whereas the peak photo for Lower sold for $1.4M. I had my heart set on Upper Antelope Canyon but due to its rising popularity tickets are more expensive and sell out far in advance. I managed to purchase tickets from Ken’s Tours for Lower Antelope Canyon just in time. Truthfully, I couldn’t be more thrilled that this was the Navajo Park slot canyon that we got to explore. You won’t be disappointed either way.

Lower Antelope Canyon – an absolute MUST on your road trip!

Of all the parks on our Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip, this one is best for the Gram and my daughter’s favorite overall.

It takes 1-1.5 hours to complete a tour through Lower Antelope Canyon. After your tour, experience a Navajo taco, and be sure to buy native jewelry, a dreamcatcher, or a craft from the tour shop. 100% of your purchase goes back to the Native American artist who made it. Love that!

Horseshoe Bend

Visit Horseshoe Bend after an Antelope Canyon Tour, at sunset, or even at sunrise on day 5. Horseshoe Bend is only a 10-minute drive from Lower Antelope Canyon so it’s super easy to visit before or after checking into your Page hotel.

Horseshoe Bend is managed by the City of Page so there is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle. It’s a 1.5-mile walk round trip from the parking lot to the Horseshoe Bend overlook. Only one tiny section of Horseshoe Bend has a railing, while the rest is entirely exposed. The overlook is a1000 foot drop down to the Colorado River. It’s by far the scariest Arizona landmark due to its vast unprotected openness compared to all the parks on this itinerary.

There will be influencers at Horseshoe Bend doing crazy things. Best advice is to keep your kids close to you and set limits in advance on how close they can get to the edge.

Horseshoe Bend’s openness is shocking when you see it for the 1st time

Where To Stay In Page Arizona

We stayed at Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell which offered more space compared to some of the other hotel options. Views from our Lake Powell side room were fabulous and the room included breakfast but it’s located in what feels like a neighborhood. Secondly, construction is about to begin so some of the Lake Powell rooms will be blocked by a new building soon enough.

Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell’s fun photo box – Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend are nearby

Now that we’ve been to Page and seen other hotel options, the Marriott Courtyard Page at Lake Powell is situated with ideal unobstructed views of Glen Canyon Dam. Should we go back, I’d consider staying there simply for the separation from the suburb and construction.

Grand Canyon Road Trip: Page Budget

Hyatt Place Lake Powell: $222 for 1 night Lower Antelope Canyon Tour : $267 for 4 Horseshoe Bend : $10

Without food and souvenirs, Page expenses totaled $499 .

Day 5: Drive to Bryce Canyon (3 hours)

On day 5, stop at the Glen Canyon Dam bridge that’s been in your hotel view for the last 24 hours. Then drive straight to Bryce Canyon through Kanab and Mount Carmel for time at the park in the afternoon. This drive, not unlike the others, is gorgeous.

The terrain drastically evolves compared to Arizona, along with the temperature. In March we left Page in sneakers and the closer we got to Bryce the weather shifted from rain to sleet to full-on snow squalls. This can feel uneasy when snow is unexpected but just roll with it and you’ll be surprised how much fun exploring Bryce National Park can be in these shifting weather conditions.

As soon as you see Red Canyon, the starting point for Scenic Byway 12, you’re incredibly close to Bryce National Park. Stop at the Bryce National Park Visitor Center for a visitor guide map and ask for recommendations from a park ranger on where to go per the weather conditions. Because of the Bryce Canyon National Park Ranger, we discovered Mossy Cave Trail.

Mossy Cave & waterfall at Bryce Canyon are a hidden favorite

If you have time to explore the park upon arrival (and the kids are willing), Mossy Cave Trail is an easy 3-mile round trip to a beautiful waterfall in one direction and cave in another.

Another thing to do at Bryce upon arrival is to walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point. You can park at Sunset and it’s only a mile round trip. This is where you’ll see Thor’s Hammer. However, if you plan to do the full loop, you can wait on this walk until Day 6.

Thor’s Hammer Hoodoo can be seen at Sunset Point

Where To Stay At Bryce National Park

Stay at Ruby’s Inn Best Western Plus for convenient access to the park and other amenities. Ruby’s Inn has a massive general store and offers a lodge environment. There is a little wine shop too for anyone wanting to celebrate that end-of-day hike.

About 10 minutes away in Tropic Utah is Bryce Canyon Inn . Bryce Canyon Inn offers charming cabins and larger houses if you’re looking for something more spacious. There is a super cute coffee shop and pizza parlor on site. Bryce Canyon Inn is located a few minutes beyond the Mossy Cave Trail parking lot.

Day 6: Bryce Canyon Then Drive To Zion National Park (2 hours)

A fun thing to do while at Bryce Canyon National Park is the “I Hiked the Hoodoos” benchmark challenge. Although it’s more for the kids, anyone can do it. To meet the Bryce National Park benchmark challenge take a photo of yourself with at least 3 of the benchmarks (the benchmark will have a metal disc) and then show the photos at the visitor center to receive a cool “I Hiked The Hoodoos! Bryce Canyon National Park” sticker. We all got one.

The 3-mile loop from Sunset Point along Navajo and over to the Queens Garden Trail has 2 benchmarks along the way. Thor’s Hammer, Two Bridges, and the Queen Victoria hoodoo are just a few reasons why this loop is so spectacular. Hiking Bryce after a snowstorm on a bluebird day made it feel quite magical. Of all the hikes, Grand Canyon included, this Bryce Canyon loop was our family’s favorite.

Queen Garden’s Trail side of the Sunset to Sunrise loop

Be sure to see Bryce’s Amphitheater before leaving the park. You can park at Bryce Point and it’s a short walk from there. Due to Bryce Point’s elevation (8296 ft), it’s windier than other points and therefore can be quite cold in March. For us, it was a quick stop to see and back in the car again.

By midday or early afternoon, drive to Zion National Park.

From Bryce, you’ll arrive at Zion from the East Entrance. Once you’re through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel, take advantage of the lookout areas to pull over. Be sure to turn around and look behind you up towards the tunnel. This is the best time to stop for views and photos of this side of the park since you won’t have time on day 7.

Stop at Zion Canyon Visitor Center for an information guide and current suggestions from a park ranger. They will advise what’s best given the time of day you arrive if you feel like squeezing in a hike before settling into your hotel.

Where To Stay At Zion National Park

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the last hotel on our Vegas to Grand Canyon loop is a splurge. After 7 days of hiking, staying somewhere convenient and with lush amenities is exactly the kind of reward and relaxation everyone needs.

We stayed at the Cliffrose Springdale Curio Collection by Hilton . The Cliffrose has multiple pools, hot tubs, spa, restaurant, complimentary coffee with scones daily, and is backed up to the Virgin River. Some first-floor rooms have walk-out patios to enjoy firepits by the river at night. The clear night skies and constellations are amazing!

The most convenient part of staying at the Cliffrose is the walking path to Zion’s South Entrance. Being so close to the park means you can park the car and leave it – a welcome break after all the driving. The Cliffrose Springdale parking lot has Tesla Supercharger stations, also.

Grand Canyon Road Trip: Bryce Canyon Budget

Bryce Canyon Inn : $158 for 1 night

Without food and souvenirs, Bryce Canyon expenses totaled $158.

Day 7: Zion National Park

The Zion National Park information guide makes it easy to plan your day at the park. Hikes are organized from easy to moderate to strenuous. You must use the Zion shuttle buses to access any of the hikes north of Canyon Junction or to enjoy the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttle buses primarily run from 7am to 7:15pm daily. It takes 40 minutes to go from Zion Canyon Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava, but it goes by quickly because interesting facts are shared along the way.

We chose to start at the top, Temple of Sinawava, and work our way back down to Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

The Narrows is closed in March – you hike entirely thru the Virgin River

Our 1 day in Zion included:

• Riverside Walk , at Temple of Sinawava, leads you to the starting point of The Narrows , the Zion hike through the river. Although The Narrows is closed in March, it’s fun to see the starting point. And the irony is that this is the only place where my husband accidentally fell in.
• Weeping Rock. This is a short and steep trail that leads you to Weeping Rock waterfall. Beware of the spray when visiting in cooler months.
• Upper, Middle, and Lower Emerald Pools Trails. We started at Kayenta Trail The Grotto and finished at Zion Lodge.
• Watchman Trail , which is the only trail during our Zion visit that didn’t include a waterfall or river.

Lower Emerald Pool Waterfall is my fav of the 3 (Lower, Middle, Upper)

In order to hike Angels Landing you must have a permit and that permit cannot be granted on the same day as the hike. You can apply for a permit via QR code on the Zion information guide or at the Visitor Center.

Grand Canyon Road Trip: Zion Budget

Cliffrose Springdale Curio Collection by Hilton: $1500 for 2 nights

Without food and souvenirs, Zion expenses totaled $1500.

Day 8: Drive to LAS and Fly Home (3 hours)

The drive from Springdale, Utah to Las Vegas Airport (LAS) is 3 hours.  Be sure to factor in the time zone difference to allow yourself plenty of time to refuel and return the rental car.  The drive leaving Zion is actually a very pretty one – you’ll travel through Arizona again before entering Nevada.

Epic Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip Summary

If you do all of the above, your road trip stats could look something like this:

• 46.8 miles of walking and hiking
• 923 miles, 15 hrs of driving, partially on Route 66
• 3 National Parks
• 2 Navajo Tribal Parks
• 20+ deer, 3 elk & 1 California Condor (we are pretty sure!)
• More hoodoos than you can count, including 1 Queen Victoria one!

Grand Canyon bucket list complete! Beyond worth it!

From a budget perspective, the cost for Vegas, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce National Park, and Zion National Park totaled the following for 2 adults and 2 kids (13 and 10) in March 2023:

• Airfare : $2756
• Car Rental : $358
• Fuel & Tolls : $341
• Hotels : $3125
• Park Fees : $90
• Tours & Entertainment: $873
• Food : $2135. This includes Starbucks or a local cafe for breakfast every morning, some sit-down lunches but mostly packed snacks, and a huge meal with wine and dessert at dinner.
• Souvenirs : $95

Total cost for 8-day Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip 2023: $9773.

Every park offers a different experience and therefore different superlatives when you see them back-to-back on a road trip. While my family voted each stop on this itinerary something different, would love to know your own “best voted for” awards after your own road trip experience:

• Best View & Most Inspiring : Grand Canyon. Seeing the Grand Canyon for the very first time is a highlight memory for my family.
• Most Unique & Best for The Gram : Antelope Canyon
• Most Scary : Horseshoe Bend
• Best Hike : Bryce Canyon National Park
• Most Majestic : Zion National Park

There you have – a fully detailed itinerary starting from Vegas to the best national parks in Arizona and Utah and back again.  Have you done this Vegas to Canyons loop? Or have questions on any of the above?  Post in the comments.

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Loved reading about your trip. You answered so many questions on where to stay, visit, cost etc. We are a family of 4 (with 2 sons who are 21 and 26) planning to take a 2 day trip from Vegas to Grand Canyon and back to Vegas in August. I was originally thinking of just covering Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West (skywalk, rafting on colorado) and returning back to Vegas in 2 days. However, after reading your article, i am inspired to add another day (maybe 2 at most) and perhaps hit one or two more sites (perhaps on the south rim). Love any direction/guidance you can provide. Thanks so much!! Jay & Harleen

Hi Jay. Thank you so much for the kind feedback and I’m so happy to hear that I’ve inspired your August trip! If you’re considering another 2 days, then I would say to definitely go to the Grand Canyon South Rim. You can spend a day hiking the rim and enjoying the area. Then on day 2, I highly recommend going to Page AZ. It’s only 2 hours from the South Rim so easy to add it onto your trip. You can hit Lower Antelope Canyon (contact Ken’s Tours to see if you can get in), Horseshoe Bend, and can even take in some hiking in Glen Canyon (near the Dam) before finishing the day at Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery (great place to unwind after a day exploring outside). Hope that helps! x

I loved reading about your trip. My husband and I are trying to figure out a last minute anniversary trip (35 years). Leaving next week from MS flying into Vegas and would like to see/do the best things. Never have been to the Grand Canyon or any of the National Parks. We don’t prefer being in the car long long but would love a scaled down version similar to your trip with the must see things. Any thoughts or suggestions? We are flexible on our fly in and fly out airports too. Thank you. Lane

Hi Lane! Thank you so much for your kind feedback. What a fun 35th anniversary trip! Are there any parks in the post you care less to see? Page is only a 2 hour drive from the South Rim so easy to get to and highly recommend. See if you can get a Ken’s Lower Antelope Tour – it might be hard to reserve at this point. If you can’t see the Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend is a historical landmark that’s a must see but if if you have your heart on Antelope Canyon and can’t get a tour you may want to skip. You may want to skip Bryce since it’s further north than heading to/from Zion directly and adds at least 1 night/day to your trip. That would be one way to shorten your trip and time in the car, BUT Bryce was a highlight for our family. We did a full loop from Vegas but two suggestions are:

Vegas > Zion > Bryce > Page > Grand Canyon > Sedona – Las Vegas to Zion – 2.5 hrs – Zion to Bryce – 2 hrs – Bryce to Page – 3 hrs – Page to Grand Canyon South Rim – 2 hrs – Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona – 2.5 hrs

Vegas > Zion > Page > Grand Canyon > Sedona – Las Vegas to Zion – 2.5 hrs – Zion to Page – 3 hours (it’s 2 hrs 20 minutes if you want to take the toll highway) – Page to Grand Canyon South Rim – 2 hrs – Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona – 2.5 hrs

You can reverse either travel itinerary (ie start in Sedona and end in Vegas). I’d check on airfare costs to determine the best options for flying in and out. At any rate, it really depends upon what you want to see/do. Let me know if this helps! xx

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Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Road Trip

So many incredible natural wonders are within a day’s drive of las vegas..

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 crazy 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.

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/ .

Rent an RV with Outdoorsy Do this road trip in an RV to stay close to nature. Learn more at www.outdoorsy.com

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.

3 Nevada Road Trip Stops Leaving Las Vegas While Las Vegas offers plenty of entertainment, get in touch with your wilder side at these three unique spots near the city on your way to the Grand Canyon: Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead.

Grand Canyon West Skywalk Glass Bridge and Rafting

Quick Facts: South Rim vs. Grand Canyon West What’s the difference? A lot. To start, they are on opposite ends of the canyon and 4 hours apart.

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. Read more .

Top 2 Grand Canyon West Viewpoints Outside of the Grand Canyon National Park on the Hualapai Indian Reservation lies Eagle Point, and Guano Point near the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

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

The Hualapai Bird Singer Hualapai elders will tell you that you don’t just find bird songs. They find you. Then one night, Luka Montana had a dream of singing .

The King of Route 66 – Kingman, Ariz.

At the “king” of Route 66 , see heartbreaking photos and life-sized depictions of the Dust Bowl refugees at the museum, then eat and sleep in iconic Mother-Road spots.

Bears, Brew and Trains in Williams, Ariz.

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.

Bearizona Drive-thru Wildlife Park See bears, wolves, buffalo and more in this drive through park among the pine forests of north Arizona. 60 miles from Grand Canyon’s south rim in Williams.

Grand Canyon Brewing Co. Savor a Sunset Amber Ale at the new Grand Canyon Brewing Co. location. There’s a tasting room and restaurant with burgers, brats and pizza. Take a tour of the brewery.

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

Grand Canyon Visitor Center and IMAX in Tusayan Right before you enter the park, soar past towering cliffs and raft through huge rapids when you watch the IMAX movie Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.

48 Hours at the South Rim Open 365 days a year, the South Rim offers plenty of activities, restaurants and, of course, gorgeous views. It is the most-visited part of the canyon. 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 .

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Visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Trip

The Grand Canyon is known as one of the 7 Wonders of the World for good reason – it’s simply magnificent. When you’re visiting Las Vegas, it’s well worth taking a day trip to go and see this breathtaking natural wonder. In this ultimate guide, we’ll give you all the tips and info you need to plan the perfect day trip from Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

What Is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon is a spectacular place you should visit at least once in your life, and it’s located just a two and a half hour drive (about 130 miles) away from Las Vegas. That means your trip to Vegas is the perfect opportunity to experience this world-famous landmark.

Measuring approximately 277 miles from end to end and more than a mile deep, the Grand Canyon is vaster than you might have even imagined it. It was created by more than 6 million years of geological changes, forming a rugged landscape with the Colorado River through it.

Where Exactly Should I Go?

If the Grand Canyon is this huge, how do you choose where to go in order to have the best experience possible?

The closest part of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is the West Rim , also known as Grand Canyon West . You’ll get some of the best views from this location thanks to the Skywalk (which we’ll tell you about in a moment!). Grand Canyon West is located on Hualapai tribal lands, and for this reason, it isn’t actually part of Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll need to purchase a Grand Canyon tour package to get entry to this rim of the Canyon.

The most popular part of the Grand Canyon with tourists is the South Rim , where you’ll be able to pack in the maximum amount of sightseeing in one day. This is where you’ll find the historic Grand Canyon Village, which is the center of activity and home to museums, historic buildings, and souvenir shops. It gets packed here (especially during the peak season), so be sure to book your tours and room reservations as early as you can.

If you’re a person who loves to get back to nature, you might prefer visiting the North Rim . Here you can find amazing hiking opportunities and fewer tourists. This area gets snow during the winter season because of its high elevation, so it’s not open from May to October.

What Are the Best Ways To See the Grand Canyon?

So you’re probably wondering how to experience the Grand Canyon in the most jaw-dropping way possible, including how to get the best view you possibly can. Here are a few different ways!

Helicopter Tour

The most incredible way to experience the Grand Canyon is to take a helicopter tour . With this option, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the spectacular natural beauty of the Canyon and a knowledgeable tour guide to tell you all the facts about everything you’re seeing.

The Grand Canyon Indian Territory tour leaves from Las Vegas and flies you over the Hoover Dam and Mojave Desert before reaching the Grand Canyon. Here, you’ll descend 3,500 feet below the rim to enjoy a champagne picnic. On the way back, you’ll soar over the Las Vegas Strip and witness the glittering neon lights at dusk.

This horseshoe-shaped glass walkway sits 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon and gives you the feeling that you’re walking on air. The founder of this awesome structure, David Jin, said, “Just like an eagle can fly into the Grand Canyon, my vision was to enable visitors to walk the path of the eagle, and become surrounded by the Grand Canyon while standing at the edge of the Glass Bridge”.

This attraction is a thrilling way to experience the Grand Canyon, but it isn’t near the South Rim or North Rim and requires you to purchase a tour package for entry. The Skywalk Odyssey helicopter tour flies you straight to the Skywalk, bypassing admission and avoiding any wait time.

Another extremely popular way to take in the Grand Canyon is on a bus tour leaving from Las Vegas like this one . On this epic full-day tour, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos at the Hoover Dam , drive through an ancient Joshua tree forest, and then have lunch at the Grand Canyon while taking in a truly unforgettable view.

Whitewater Rafting

For those with a sense of adventure, this is one heck of a way to experience the Grand Canyon. You can raft along the beautiful Colorado River at the base of the Canyon, where you’ll discover hidden waterfalls and side canyons you can only access by river. On multiple-day whitewater rafting tours, you get to fall asleep under the stars with the sound of the river flowing beneath you.

If you’re thinking of hiking the Grand Canyon, be sure you’re in good shape and plan for temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack a lot of water for your hike!

The most popular hiking trails are Bright Angel Trail and The Trail of Time. While Bright Angel Trail is considered the ultimate Grand Canyon hiking trail, The Trail of Time is a better choice for families or beginners.

Our Top 5 Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

There are so many tours of the Grand Canyon to choose from, so to make it easier for you, we selected our top 5 favorite Grand Canyon tours that leave from Las Vegas.

King of Canyons Sunset Tour

Soar in a helicopter over the Mojave Desert before reaching the majestic Grand Canyon, where you’ll land for a luxury picnic on the banks of the Colorado River at sunset. On your return, you’ll get an unparalleled aerial view of Sin City at night.

Grand Celebration Picnic Landing

This thrilling helicopter adventure gives you a bird’s eye view of the Hoover Dam , Lake Mead, extinct volcanoes, and of course, the Grand Canyon. You’ll land for an opportunity to explore the ancient Native American lands and enjoy a picnic with an unforgettable view.

Grand Canyon West Rim & Helicopter 6 in 1

Experience a whole day of adventure with this luxury mini-coach tour. You’ll get to witness the Hoover Dam, Eagle Point and Guano Point in the Grand Canyon, and much more. Then take a 15-minute helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon before having a scenic picnic lunch.

Grand Canyon Voyager Rim To River

This stunning Grand Canyon tour takes you over the Canyon in a helicopter before landing for a pontoon boat ride on the beautiful Colorado River. You’ll get to appreciate this natural wonder from the air to the canyon floor.

Western Journey

If you want to have ample time to explore the Grand Canyon on your day trip, this awesome helicopter tour is for you. After flying over the Canyon, you’ll get more than three hours to take in the magical views of the West Rim. Jump on a shuttle to visit a Native American Village, and even ride on horseback at the Hualapai Ranch.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the Grand Canyon?

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon all depends on what you’re looking for in an adventure.

Spring is a perfect time to visit the South Rim or West Rim because the weather is mild and there aren’t too many crowds to compete with.

Summer is the peak season for people visiting the Grand Canyon. All of the tourist services are open and the days are long and sunny. Just be careful to stay cool in the summer heat!

Fall is when the temperatures start cooling down, which means crowds thin out again significantly.

Winter gets quite cold, with temperatures lowering to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, the Grand Canyon is crowd-free in winter, and hotels are at their lowest rates. Keep in mind that the North Rim is closed between December 1 st and May 14 th every year.

What Are the Things I Shouldn’t Miss at the Grand Canyon?

If you have to choose between all the things to do at the Grand Canyon, here are the experiences you just can’t miss.

Watch the Sunrise at Mather Point

Mather Point in the South Rim is the ultimate viewing spot to see the sun rising over the Grand Canyon – a sight you’ll never forget.

Walk The Trail of Time

This easygoing hiking trail lets you learn about the amazing history and the mindblowing age of the Grand Canyon.

Take the Shuttle Along Hermit Road

The hop-on hop-off shuttle that runs along Hermit Road stops at a variety of the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon.

Take a Helicopter Tour

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: if you want to see the Grand Canyon in its full glory, taking a helicopter tour is simply your best option!

Featured Grand Canyon Tours

Ace of Air Adventure Air Tour with Limo

Golden Eagle Air Tour

Grand Canyon Experience

Grand Canyon Experience With Skywalk

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour With Hummer Adventure

Grand Canyon Voyager Rim to River

Grand Canyon Voyager With Skywalk

Grand Canyon West Admission

Grand Canyon West Rim & Helicopter 6 in 1

Grand Canyon West Rim & Hoover Dam Combo with Photo Stops

Grand Canyon West Rim 5 in 1

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6 Best Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas in 2024

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Arizona | Grand Canyon | 6 Best Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas in 2024

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There are lots of great Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas , so if you’re staying in Sin City and want to see this magnificent natural wonder, I highly recommend taking an excursion.

Even if you’re short on time, you can find day trips to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas , enabling you to visit the national park and return to Vegas on the same day. There are even half-day and multi-day tours, so the options are endless.

Best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas

Besides, taking a tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is an awesome experience, and it’s particularly appealing if you don’t want to deal with driving through the desert. Thankfully, a guided excursion will let you explore the most popular parts of the canyon and learn more about it without worrying about planning the trip. That’s why I think it’s one of the best things to do in Las Vegas .

In our case, we took the Grand Voyager , but I’ll share the 6 best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas below, so you can choose the most convenient option for you. Anyway, no matter what option you choose, you should go for it! It’s a convenient way to visit the Grand Canyon , and there are excursions by bus, plane, and helicopter, so you can find the perfect option for your preferences.

6 Best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas

As you’ll see in this guide, there are lots of ways to tour the Grand Canyon from Vegas . Whether you want to fly over the park, take a bus there, or even land at the bottom of the canyon, you’ll find a tour that meets your needs. Plus, these excursions come at all price points, so even if you’re looking for a cheap Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas , I’ve got you covered.

To sum up, these are the 6 best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas :

• Grand Voyager , West Rim by ✈️🚁🛥️ 🚐
• Deluxe Helicopter , South Rim by ✈️🚁🚐
• West Rim bus tour , West Rim by 🚐 with different add-ons (🚁🛥️)
• South Rim daytrip , South Rim by 🚐 with optional 🚁
• West Rim highlights , West Rim by ✈️
• Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend , South Rim by 🚐

Choosing which rim to visit during a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas

Before we get into it, I want to give you some tips to help you choose the best tour from Vegas to the Grand Canyon , based on your preferences.

First, keep in mind that the area of the park that’s closest to Sin City is the West Rim. So, Las Vegas tours to the Grand Canyon West Rim are often the cheapest. The views from the West Rim are very nice, but it’s also a super popular spot, so it’s often crowded.

As for the South Rim, it’s further away but is known for its stunning views. It’s my favorite part of the park, so if you want an unforgettable experience, I recommend booking a tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim from Las Vegas . The North Rim is also beautiful, but it’s more secluded, so there aren’t many tours to this area. It’s also closed during the winter, so keep that in mind.

Another thing to consider is that if you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas , remember that only the West Rim tours allow helicopter landings. If you want to do a landing at the bottom of the canyon, you should book an excursion that goes to the West Rim.

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the top-rated Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas !

1. Grand Voyager , the best Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas

First, the Grand Voyager is one of the best Las Vegas tours to the Grand Canyon West Rim because it includes a canyon floor landing. In fact, if you have your heart set on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour , this is one of the best.

You’ll depart from Sin City in a sightseeing airplane, which will allow you to get nice views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Then, you’ll arrive at the Grand Canyon, where you’ll take a helicopter to the bottom of the canyon, about 4,000 feet below the rim. The excursion also includes a pontoon boat ride along the Colorado River, making this one of the best Grand Canyon tours from Vegas .

After your boat ride, you’ll take the helicopter back to the West Rim, where you’ll have time to visit popular viewpoints like Eagle and Guano Point.

• Highlights : West Rim by ✈️🚁🛥️ 🚐
• Price from : $579
• Duration : 7 hours
• Description : Hotel pick-up; airplane over Hoover Dam, and Grand Canyon West Rim; below-the-rim helicopter flight with landing; pontoon boat ride on Colorado River; bus ride to Eagle and Guano Point; Skywalk optional

2. Deluxe Helicopter , our favorite Grand Canyon tour from Vegas

If you’re interested in a tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim , I recommend this deluxe heli-tour . This is one of the most popular Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Vegas , and we had the opportunity to take this excursion during one of our trips.

This is a more luxurious Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas , featuring hotel pick-up from the Vegas Strip and a comfortable airplane ride to Grand Canyon National Park. Once you arrive there, you’ll board a sightseeing helicopter and soar over the South and North Rims.

Then, you’ll enjoy a Hummer ride to some of the most beautiful lookout points along the South Rim. This excursion stands out since it’s one of the only ones that goes to the Grand Canyon North Rim from Las Vegas . In fact, it’s considered one of the top Las Vegas helicopter tours , so it’s totally worth it. It may not be the cheapest, but it takes less than an hour to get to the park, so you’ll save time on transportation.

• Highlights : South Rim by ✈️🚁🚐
• Price from : $849
• Duration : 9.5-10 hours
• Description : Hotel pick-up; airplane over Hoover Dam, and Grand Canyon; helicopter ride over North and South Rims; Hummer ride to Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints

3. West Rim bus tour , a cheap Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas

This bus trip is another great Grand Canyon West tour from Las Vegas . You’ll board a comfortable coach and enjoy the scenic views as you make your way to the Hoover Dam . Spend some time photographing this impressive structure, then hop back on the bus to go to Grand Canyon National Park.

Once you get to the West Rim, you’ll have plenty of things to do since the excursion can include various add-ons like a helicopter flight to the bottom of the canyon or admission to the famous Skywalk. If you just opt for the basic version, it’s one of the cheapest Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas , so I recommend it if you’re traveling on a budget .

• Highlights : West Rim by 🚐 with different add-ons (🚁)
• Price from : $109
• Duration : 11-11.5 hours
• Description : Hotel pick-up; bus tour to Hoover Dam, and Grand Canyon West Rim; Skywalk and helicopter ride optional

4. South Rim daytrip , a popular Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas

Another good option for budget-conscious travelers is this South Rim daytrip . Easily considered one of the best Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas , this excursion includes a comfortable ride to the national park, so you don’t have to worry about driving there yourself. This is especially convenient since the South Rim is further away (about 4.5 hours).

Along the way, you’ll pass by some interesting sights and learn more about the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. Once you reach the park, you’ll have time to explore the various lookout points and admire the views.

If you want to upgrade your Grand Canyon South Rim tour , book this excursion , which adds an exhilarating helicopter ride over the park.

• Highlights : South Rim by 🚐 with optional 🚁
• Price from : $75 (bus tour only) or $295 (with helicopter ride)
• Duration : 14-15 hours
• Description : Hotel pick-up; bus tour to Grand Canyon South Rim; helicopter ride optional

5. West Rim highlights , a fun Grand Cayon tour from Las Vegas

If you’re short on time but want to take one of the  best day trips from Vegas to see the Grand Canyon, consider taking this West Rim highlights tour . You’ll get to see all the highlights of Grand Canyon West from the air. This is also a good option if you’re short on time or want to take a cheaper Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas .

The excursion includes pick-up from Las Vegas and a ride in a sightseeing airplane to view the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the West Rim from above.

• Highlights : West Rim by ✈️
• Price from : $229
• Duration : 4 hours
• Description : Hotel pick-up; airplane over Hoover Dam, and Grand Canyon West Rim

6. Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend tour from Las Vegas

Last but not least, this full-day tour is an amazing Las Vegas – Grand Canyon day trip that visits not one, but three natural wonders.

It starts with a bus ride from Las Vegas to Antelope Canyon , where you’ll enjoy a guided hike through this incredible slot canyon. Your Navajo guide will share stories and interesting facts about this place, and you’ll get to see the marvelous colors and undulating walls of the canyon.

Then, you’ll visit nearby Horseshoe Bend , where you’ll experience the thrill of looking out from the 1,00-foot viewpoint to see the meander of the Colorado River. The last leg of this Grand Canyon South Rim bus tour from Las Vegas is the national park, where you’ll explore some of the Grand Canyon’s most iconic viewpoints.

It’s a full, action-packed day, but it’s perfect if you’re short on time and want to see all these incredible places. Plus, all your admission fees are included. Of course, if you’d rather dedicate all your time to the Grand Canyon, you can do one of the other tours above and look into one of the best Antelope Canyon tours from Vegas .

• Highlights : Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and South Rim by 🚐 
• Price from : $345
• Duration : 17-19 hours
• Description : Hotel pick-up; bus tour to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend lookout, and Grand Canyon South Rim

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon tour price comparison

To help you choose the best Grand Canyon trip from Las Vegas based on your budget, timeline, and preferences, here is a price comparison. Below, you can see the costs for each excursion I mentioned, as well as their durations, transportation options, and highlights:

As you can see, most of the cheaper Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas are bus tours that go to the West Rim. If you book a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas or add the upgrade to your excursion, expect to pay more.

How far is the Grand Canyon from Vegas?

A good question we get asked a lot regarding Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas is how far the national park is from Sin City.

The closest area to Vegas is the West Rim. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive away, so if you plan on renting a car in Las Vegas and driving yourself, it’s not too bad of a drive. The South Rim is about 280 miles from Vegas, while the North Rim is 270 miles away, so driving there takes around 4 to 4.5 hours.

During our 10-day USA West Coast road trip , we drove to the Grand Canyon. I will say that taking a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon can be lots of fun, and you have more freedom to make stops along the way. If you’re visiting the West or South Rims, you can go to Boulder City, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead first. And if you’re going to the North Rim, you can take a detour to see nearby sites like the Valley of Fire , Zion National Park , and Bryce Canyon .

Of course, for those who prefer not to drive or don’t want to deal with organizing a trip, taking a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas is the quickest and easiest option.

FAQs – Best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas

If you still have questions about touring the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas , here are the answers to some common questions:

What is the best Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas?

It depends on your budget and preferences, but any of the Grand Canyon tours in this guide will be amazing. Personally, I think the deluxe heli-tour is one of the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas .

How much is a Grand Canyon tour from Vegas?

The cheapest Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas cost around $100 per person. However, if the tour is longer or goes to additional locations, it’ll cost more.

What is the cheapest Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas

Las Vegas tours to the Grand Canyon West Rim tend to be the cheapest option. This is because the West Rim is the closest part of the canyon to Sin City. This bus tour is one of the most affordable excursions, but for just a bit more, you can take this heli-tour to see the West Rim from the air.

The West Rim is about 125 miles from Las Vegas, so it takes about 2.5 hours to get there by car. The North Rim is 270 miles away, while the South Rim is 280 miles away, so it takes about 4 to 4.5 hours to drive there.

Which is better: a bus or helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

It depends on your preferences, but from my experience, the best option is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas . You’ll get the most unique views and experience the full magnitude of the canyon, so I definitely recommend it.

Which part of the Grand Canyon should I visit?

If you’re short on time, I recommend taking a Grand Canyon West Rim tour from Las Vegas . That said, the South Rim offers superior views, so if you have the time and money, it’s worth taking a South Rim Grand Canyon tour .

There are fewer Grand Canyon North Rim tours from Las Vegas , but if you’re traveling in the summer and want a less touristy experience, it’s a good alternative.

When should I take a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas?

The best time to take a Vegas tour to the Grand Canyon is in the spring or fall when the temperatures cool down. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds that flock to the canyon during the summer.

How long is a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas?

The length of a Grand Canyon tour from Vegas can range from a few hours to a full day. There are even multi-day tours available.

Is it better to take a Grand Canyon tour from Vegas, or to drive?

It depends on your preferences, but I will say that taking a day tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is a great option if you’re short on time. If you prefer having more flexibility and freedom, you may want to drive there on your own.

Is a Las Vegas – Grand Canyon tour worth it?

Yes! An organized excursion to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is perfect for a convenient, fun, and worry-free experience. You don’t have to drive or handle the logistics, so all you have to do is focus on enjoying yourself.

Hopefully, this guide helps you plan your tour to the Grand Canyon from Vegas . Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d also love to hear about your experience taking a Grand Canyon trip from Las Vegas !

Stay safe and enjoy the Grand Canyon!

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2 replies on “ 6 Best Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas in 2024 ”

Does the bus just drop you off at the west rim and then you have to do a lot of walking? Same question t for south rim. Or is it get off buss take pics and get back on bus? I ask because I can’t walk much. Please answer

Hi Ruth, The West Rim bus tour drops you off at the Skywalk area, which is where Eagle Point is located. You can do the hike to Guano Point (it’s one of the best views of the Grand Canyon), but it is about an hour-long hike. The South Rim bus tour is similar in that you’ll get dropped off at a viewpoint (Mather Point). However, you’ll have the option to take the bus to Bright Angel or do the hike. Hope this helps!

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From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated Apr 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

If you're looking for an escape or day trip from Las Vegas, a visit to the Grand Canyon can be the perfect destination. The incredible canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is a four-hour drive or a 45-minute flight from Las Vegas.

The easiest way to do the trip is to take a tour. An organized tour makes it easy, as they handle everything from logistics to a scenic itinerary. Some tours will take you by motor coach (bus), and more expensive tours will take you by helicopter, which only takes about 15 minutes.

You can also make the drive yourself. Most of it is on large, divided highways. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park, there's a free shuttle bus system that goes throughout the park and surrounding areas.

Greyhound has a bus that goes from Vegas to Flagstaff, and several companies operate regular shuttles between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.

Here are several options for you to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

On This Page:

• From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car
• From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon on a Tour
• From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Helicopter
• From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Bus and Train

1. From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car

Highlights: A half-day trip that allows you to stop and explore highlights on the way

If you want to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, it's an easy trip almost completely done on interstate highways. Although the canyon is only 100 miles away as the crow flies, the drive is much less direct and is almost 300 miles. It will take you between four and five hours from Las Vegas .

You start from the Las Vegas Strip near the airport, heading on the I-215 east towards Henderson. You then make your way to the I-11 southbound, which will take you to the border of Arizona. The road is also US-93, and there are some scenic viewpoints of Lake Mead as you leave Henderson and begin to get into the Mojave Desert. You can also make a detour here and visit Hoover Dam and/or the lake.

From here, it's an easy drive through the Arizona desert to the I-40, where you'll take that east for a few hours until Williams, Arizona . That's where you'll get off the big interstate and start on historic Route 66. It's fun to stop in the little town of Seligman, Arizona, which celebrates its location on the famous American route. After a while, you take AZ-64, which is a 50-mile road leading directly to the Grand Canyon National Park. In the winter months, there can be snow in the area (and on the roads) between Flagstaff and the Canyon.

For fun, you may want to drive to Williams, Arizona and then take the Grand Canyon Railway train from here to the canyon. There's free parking at the train depot, and you can use the park shuttle system to move around within the park - you don't need a car.

You can rent a car to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon . Car rental companies like Avis , Budget , Hertz , and National all have locations in Las Vegas. If you are flying into Vegas, you can rent a car at the airport but keep in mind it is usually cheaper to rent from an off-airport location. The big rental car companies have multiple locations throughout the city and at several of the major resorts.

If you are planning to drive to the Grand Canyon, which is in the neighboring state of Arizona, you should rent a car from a large rental company like Sixt , Enterprise , or Thrifty . Small, local car rental agencies may have restrictions that do not allow you to drive the vehicle out of state.

2. From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon on a Tour

Highlights: Affordable, jam-packed sightseeing tour with dedicated guide

If you want an easy, inexpensive way to make the trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, try an organized tour. The Grand Canyon National Park Bus Tour is an all-day experience that takes you via motor coach (with a restroom onboard) from the Las Vegas Strip area right to the Grand Canyon.

Most bus tours stop at Hoover Dam, just outside Las Vegas, and on Route 66 in the cool town of Seligman, Arizona. The tours take you to the canyon's South Rim for a stop at the Mather Point overlook and the iconic Bright Angel Lodge .

The experience starts with a 6am departure from Las Vegas and gets you back there around 10pm. The tours include a guide who provides commentary and answers questions during the trip. The tour also includes round-trip transportation from most major Las Vegas hotels.

3. From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Helicopter

Highlights: Lux sightseeing opportunity with expansive in-flight views and on-ground exploring

The fastest (and most expensive) way to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is by helicopter. The Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk starts with free hotel pickup from your Las Vegas hotel.

After leaving Las Vegas, you pass over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River and get a truly unique aerial perspective of these sites. You'll also see the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert on the way before arriving at the awe-inspiring location.

Once at the Grand Canyon, you land at the West Rim, where you can admire breathtaking views from the overlooks. From here, you visit Eagle Point. Purchase an upgrade, and you can enjoy views over the canyon from the Skywalk here, a glass walkway suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.

You will then visit Guano Point, where you can view the canyon from atop an old mine. You'll have time to hike to an elevated vantage point with more spectacular views of the canyon. Then it's back into the helicopter for the quick return trip to Las Vegas and drop-off at your hotel. The entire experience will take about seven hours.

4. From Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Bus and Train

Highlights: Leisurely paced bus travel with opportunity to ride a historic train

It's possible to get to the Grand Canyon from Vegas by bus, or by a combination of buses and a train. Start in Las Vegas at the Greyhound bus terminal and take the bus to Flagstaff, Arizona, which takes about five hours (there are only two stops made).

You can then take a shuttle bus from Flagstaff for the 90-minute drive directly to the canyon. The shuttles take you from several locations in Flagstaff to Maswik Lodge or the Tusayan IMAX Theater, both inside the park. Once inside the national park, there is a free shuttle that takes you around to various locations.

Alternatively, you can add on a historic train ride to make things interesting. From Flagstaff, you need to get to Williams, Arizona. The best option is another bus service . You could also take a taxi or Uber or Lyft – it's only about 30 miles (48 kilometers).

Once in Williams, you take the iconic Grand Canyon Railway , which takes about two hours and brings you right to the South Rim. The train has different types of rail cars and six different classes of services and ticket prices. You have options, from very basic cars with bench seats to riding in your own private parlor car, the turn-of-the-century version of private jet travel. The trains depart Williams at 8:30 or 9:30am (8:30 am in November and December), and depart from the canyon to return to Williams at 2:30 or 3:30pm (2:30 pm in November and December).

You can even stay overnight at the historic Grand Canyon Railway Hotel , which opened in 1908. Located next to the Williams train depot, the newly refurbished hotel has some fun amenities, like an indoor pool and hot tub.

More on Arizona

15 Best Grand Canyon Tours From Las Vegas (Explore!) Grand Canyon Tours

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According to the National Park Service , the Grand Canyon attracts about 5.5 million people every year. One of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, the Grand Canyon is an imposing canvas of peaks, gorges, and ravines swathed in fiery shades of red and orange that date back millions of years.

It is easy to get lost in this vast expanse of land that stretches for 277 miles (446 km) and branches out to numerous side canyons and plateaus. 

A trip to Las Vegas provides an ideal jump-off destination for a side journey to the Grand Canyon. Even if you’re short on time, you can tour the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas in as little as a day. Half-day and full-day guided tours to the canyon from Vegas may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Going on a guided tour of the Grand Canyon region helps you make the most of your time. This article lists the 15 best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas with varying durations, covering different attractions and via various modes of transportation, such as helicopter, bus, SUV, and boat. 

Read on to learn more about each of these spectacular Grand Canyon tours leaving from Las Vegas.

Inside this article:

1. Grand Canyon Bus Tour

This bus tour of approximately 15 hours covers the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. The bus stops at popular Grand Canyon destinations like: 

• Mather Point 
• Bright Angel Lodge 
• Kolb Photo Studio 
• Hopi House 

The itinerary has been thoughtfully prepared to give you ample time to descend into the mysterious depths of the canyon and take a day hike on the Bright Angel Trail in the footsteps of Native Americans and the legendary heroes of the Wild West. 

The Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas includes: 

• An experienced driver/guide.
• Fresh deli lunch.
• Bottled water.
• All fees, taxes, and handling charges. 

Learn more about the Grand Canyon Bus Tour here (Viator)

2. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour With Champagne Toast

This tour of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes lets you experience the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon from high up in the sky while being treated like royalty. 

The flight path takes you over the towering engineering feat of Hoover Dam , the shimmering waters of Lake Mead, the stark sculptural beauty of the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees forest, and the sprawling wilderness of the Grand Wash Cliffs. 

You can enjoy a Champagne picnic during the tour on the canyon floor 4,000’ (1,219 meters) below the West Rim and feel awed as you gaze up at the towering red rock peaks and buttes of the Grand Canyon. 

The canyon tour includes: 

• Experienced pilot/guide who provides commentary. 
• Light meal and Champagne picnic on the canyon floor.
• Round-trip transfers from Las Vegas.
• Choice of taking morning, afternoon, or sunset tours. 

Learn more about the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour With Champagne Toast here (Viator)

3. Grand Canyon West Rim Coach Tour

This coach tour of approximately 11 hours takes you through the rugged vistas of the West Rim that is owned and run by the Hualapai Indians. This area of the Grand Canyon is usually free of crowds and offers ample opportunities to soak in the breathtaking views and breathe in the palpable silence. 

This Grand Canyon tour includes: 

• Fresh deli lunch 
• Bottled water 
• Las Vegas hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Option to take a guided tour.

Find out more about the Grand Canyon West Rim Coach Tour here (Viator)

4. Grand Canyon South Rim Tour

This bus tour of approximately 15 hours takes you into the heart of the stunning scenery of the South Rim. The tour has been designed to provide you with ample unstructured time to explore the Grand Canyon stops at your own pace. 

Included in the tour are stops at the towns of Williams or Seligman along the iconic Route 66 when you can stretch your legs and gaze at the historic buildings that still line the streets of this historic road. 

This canyon journey includes: 

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Las Vegas
• National Park fees 
• A guide who will brief you on the attractions before you begin exploring South Rim.

Learn more about the Grand Canyon South Rim Tour here (Viator)

5. Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Sunset Tour

This road tour of approximately 7-8 hours is packed with many extraordinary experiences. 

Behold a spectacular and fiery sunset blazing the red rocks of the West Rim from Guano Point. Drive through the stark and surreal landscapes of the Mojave Desert , and stop to take in the views from the famed Eagle Point. 

You can also purchase an optional ticket to the Skywalk, where you can walk on a glass bridge and gaze down at the canyon’s sheer walls and into its dark depths. 

This Grand Canyon tour from Vegas includes: 

• Guaranteed front-row seats to view the sunset at Guano Point. 
• Granola bar and bottled water.
• Round-trip transportation from select hotels in Las Vegas. 
• Fees and taxes for the tour.

Learn more about the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Sunset Tour here (Viator)

6. Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Small-Group Overnight Tour

This two-day overnight minivan tour is a relaxed affair. 

You visit Antelope Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Horseshoe Bend during the tour with ample time to take in the sights, explore the areas, discover the best angles to take photographs from, and learn about the geological peculiarities of the region. 

A local Navajo tour guide accompanies you on the Lower Antelope Canyon visit. It is a unique opportunity for you to learn about the history of the place and the folklores, traditions, dreams, and hopes of the people who are a part of the land. 

The tour is conducted in small groups. The goal is to create a cozy setting where you have ample opportunities to build a rapport with like-minded folks and swap travel stories. 

This magnificent canyon experience includes: 

• Overnight accommodation 
• Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan 
• Las Vegas hotel pick-up and drop-off 
• Horseshoe Bend entrance fee 

Learn more about the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Small-Group Overnight Tour here (Viator)

7. Day Tour: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend

This compact tour of approximately 16-18 hours has been cleverly planned to pack in visits to numerous attractions without any frenzy. The guided tour is ideal for time-crunched travelers and includes visits to the South and East Rim of the Grand Canyon, Antelope Bend, and Horseshoe Bend. 

The tour from Las Vegas includes: 

• Travel via an air-conditioned vehicle 
• Accredited tour guide and driver 
• Liability Business Insurance 
• Fuel surcharge 
• Entrance fees to Grand Canyon National Park, Antelope Bend, and Horseshoe Bend.

Find out more about the Day Tour: Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend here (Viator)

8. Skywalk Odyssey (Helicopter)

This four-hour tour takes your Grand Canyon trip to dizzying heights with a helicopter ride over the twinkling lights of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street and bird’s eye views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon. 

However, the high point of the tour is the visit to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. 

Perched quite securely 4,000’ (1,219 meters) above the canyon floor, you walk on clear glass and glance down into the depths of the canyon, past the sheer rocky walls of multi-hued rocks. The views will be etched in your memory for a lifetime. 

This canyon excursion includes: 

• Round-trip transportation to and from your Las Vegas hotel. 
• Entrance fees to Grand Canyon National Park and Skywalk.
• Souvenir photos at Skywalk.
• Commentary from an experienced and knowledgeable pilot.

Learn more about the Skywalk Odyssey here (Vegas.com)

9. Indian Territory Helicopter Tour

This helicopter tour of approximately 7 hours pack grand aerial views, finger-licking food, and Champagne! 

You will fly over the rugged terrain of the West Rim of Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River, and Bowl of Fire and land on the floor and top of Grand Canyon West. You can enjoy a Champagne picnic while gazing down at the Colorado River, snaking its way through deep ravines and gorges. 

This canyon tours highlights include: 

• Round-trip transportation from your Las Vegas Strip hotel.
• Champagne toast and light meal.
• Park entry fees.
• Hop-on and hop-off shuttle to various sightseeing locations of Grand Canyon West. 
• Commentary from an experienced and knowledgeable pilot during the aerial tour.

Learn more about the Indian Territory Helicopter Tour (Vegas.com)

10. Ace of Adventure Air Tour With Limo

This three-hour helicopter tour gives you sweeping, bird’s eye views of the dramatic landforms of the West Rim of Grand Canyon and the colorful, blazing lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The helicopter flies over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Black Mountains and offers opportunities for you to photograph the rugged and colorful vistas. 

The tour kicks off with style and splendor, with a shared limousine ride from the hotel to the Las Vegas air terminal. 

The canyon tour also includes: 

• Commentary by the pilot during the aerial tour.
• Round-trip limousine transportation to and from your Las Vegas Strip hotel. 

Find out more about the Ace of Adventure Air Tour With Limo here (Vegas.com)

11. Silver Cloud Helicopter Tour

This helicopter-only tour of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes is aptly planned for the time-crunched tourist who wants to take in the breathtaking sights of the Grand Canyon as part of a compact trip. 

The helicopter flies over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Temple Rock, and other famed locations of the Grand Canyon. 

However, the most exciting part of the tour is when the helicopter gently descends into the depths of the canyon to offer tantalizingly close views of the sheer, craggy walls of the canyon on the side, the colorful striations in the rock, and the sparkling waters of the Colorado River below. 

The tour includes round-trip transportation to and from your Las Vegas Strip Hotel. 

Learn more about the Silver Cloud Helicopter Tour here (Vegas.com)

12. A Grand Canyon Combo – Drive, Fly, and Float

This tour successfully packs the high points of several different tours, such as:

• The sweeping, aerial views of a helicopter ride. 
• The languid cruise on a pontoon boat down the Colorado River. 
• The excitement of coasting down barely-there trails in a comfortable SUV. 

The tour has been thoughtfully planned to give you ample time to take in the views from different heights and varied perspectives and feast on a lip-smacking BBQ lunch on top of Grand Canyon West. 

The tour includes: 

• Helicopter ride 
• Pontoon boat ride 
• Round-trip transportation to and from your Las Vegas Strip hotel.
• State and National parks entrance fees.

Find out more about the A Grand Canyon Combo – Drive, Fly, and Float here (Vegas.com)

13. Western Journey Helicopter Tour

This tour of about 7 hours allows you to take in the stunning views of Grand Canyon West and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Hualapai tribe, the people of the land. The helicopter ride offers scenic views of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, Temple Rock, and Hoover Dam. 

A hop-on/hop-off Grand Canyon bus tour lets you explore the Hualapai Indian Tribal land and lose yourself for hours in the numerous souvenir shops selling handmade jewelry, pottery, and paintings by members of the tribe. 

The intricate motifs on the jewelry, the themes, and colors on the paintings, and the forms molded on the pottery pieces embody the beliefs, customs, hopes, and aspirations of the ancient Hualapai people. 

The canyon excursion includes: 

• Ride in an ECO star helicopter. 
• Ground transportation on hop-on/hop-off bus. 

Find out more about the Western Journey Helicopter Tour here (Vegas.com)

14. Grand Canyon Helicopter and Eagle Point Rim Landing Tour

This half-day helicopter tour is ideal for time-crunched travelers who want to experience the spectacular rugged and fiery vistas of the West Rim of Grand Canyon without spending the whole day onboard buses, boats, SUVs, or helicopters. 

The plane flies over the imposing edifice of Hoover Dam, the stark landscapes of the Mojave Desert, and several extinct volcanoes en route to the scenic West Rim and then lands at the canyon to transfer you to Eagle Point. 

At Eagle Point, you can enjoy sweeping views across the vast expanse of the canyon and stare down into the deep gorges and ravines that preserve in their rocky layers millions of years of geologic history. 

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off 
• Light refreshments 
• Alcoholic beverages 
• Commentary from an experienced and knowledgeable pilot. 
• All fees, taxes, and handling charges.

Learn more about the Grand Canyon Helicopter and Eagle Point Rim Landing Tour here (Viator)

15. Grand Canyon: 4-in-1 Grand Circle 2-Day Tour From Las Vegas

This two-day overnight tour starting from Las Vegas is an excellent option for those travelers who want to revel in the vastness of the Grand Canyon and take in the sights and sounds at a leisurely pace. 

You will visit Grand Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend and watch a blazing sunrise wash over and light up the craggy vistas of Monument Valley. Finally, you will travel on the iconic Route 66. 

The great tour from Las Vegas includes: 

• Lunch on Days 1 and 2 
• Hotel accommodation 
• Round-trip transportation to and from specified locations.
• Entrance fees to Grand Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon (Upper, Lower, or X), and Horseshoe Bend.
• Entrance fees to Monument Valley. 
• English-speaking guide or driver. 

The itinerary also includes a Navajo Jeep tour that will take you across the surreal landscape of the Monument Valley as your guide enthralls you with the stories, history, and customs of this ancient land and its custodians. 

Find out more about the Grand Canyon: 4-in-1 Grand Circle 2-Day Tour From Las Vegas here (Viator)

RELATED: How to See Zion National Park in One Day

Grand Canyon Railway: Bonus Grand Canyon Tour!

If you want to experience the Grand Canyon just like they did in the old west, you can hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. This is one of the most unique tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon you’ll ever find!

This two-day trip to the south rim of the Grand Canyon is one you and your family won’t soon forget as you’ll be traveling aboard a Western-style steam locomotive. You’ll never know who you’ll encounter with wandering old timey musicians and performers. You might even encounter a few train robbers before you arrive at the canyon!

This tour from Las Vegas includes: 

• Grand Canyon train coach pass
• Bearizona Wildlife pass
• Pass to Meteor Crater
• One night of lodging
• Unlimited beverages

As trips from Las Vegas go, this is possibly the best tour for families to see the Grand Canyon.

Learn more about the Grand Canyon Railway tour here (Viator)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are grand canyon tours from las vegas worth it.

Many people find Grand Canyon tours from Vegas to be worth it due to the convenience and opportunity to see one of the world’s natural wonders. There are many different types of tours available, including helicopter, bus, and self-driving options, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget and preferences.

Should I drive to the Grand Canyon or take a tour bus?

Driving to the Grand Canyon gives you more flexibility and control over your schedule and allows you to explore the area at your own pace. However, it can also be tiring and stressful, especially if you’re not used to driving long distances or navigating unfamiliar roads.

Taking a tour bus, on the other hand, allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving or navigating. It can also be a more social experience, as you’ll be traveling with a group of other tourists. However, you’ll be limited by the tour’s schedule and itinerary, and you may not have as much time to explore the area on your own.

Which part of the Grand Canyon is closest to Vegas?

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is the closest part to Las Vegas, located approximately 120 miles away. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to the West Rim.

The West Rim is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe and is home to the famous Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge that extends over the canyon. The West Rim is also known for its stunning views and unique experiences, such as helicopter tours, river rafting, and cowboy ranches.

Can you do a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

Yes, you can easily do a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. The West Rim is the most popular destination for day trips from Las Vegas, as it is the closest part of the Grand Canyon to the city. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to the West Rim, and there are many tour operators that offer day trips from Las Vegas.

Most day trips include transportation to and from the Grand Canyon, as well as admission to the park. Some tours also include additional activities, such as a helicopter or boat tour, or a visit to the Skywalk. It’s important to book in advance, as day trips can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Best Las Vegas Tours & Excursions

Wrapping Up

Now you know there is no reason to miss an excursion to the Grand Canyon if you’re planning a vacation in Las Vegas.

With over a dozen Grand Canyon tours leaving daily, you can be sure to find the best Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas to match your timeframe and budget.

Bryan is a Las Vegas local who has spent years exploring the city's vibrant culture and entertainment scene. With his extensive knowledge of the best attractions and hidden gems, he has become an expert on all things Las Vegas. He regularly shares his insider tips with people looking to visit Las Vegas and make the most of their trip. More about Bryan.

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How to Travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car, Bus, Helicopter, or Plane

Alisha McDarris / TripSavvy

If you're in Las Vegas with some time to spare, the Grand Canyon is a worthwhile respite from the slot machines and card tables of the neon-lit Strip. Located less than 300 miles from the North Rim, South Rim, and Grand Canyon East, and less than 150 miles from Grand Canyon West, Sin City offers many an excursion by helicopter and bus. A side trip will take you about 4.5 hours one way if you'd prefer to drive yourself.

The Grand Canyon is one of the many national parks you can visit from Las Vegas . You can get there by plane, train, bus, car, or helicopter. Renting a vehicle from Las Vegas will give you the freedom to explore fun roadside attractions along the way and is much less complicated than taking a plane. Bus tours and train transport are both much slower, but relatively straightforward. Keep in mind that the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon are about a 300-mile drive apart. The North Rim is extremely remote compared to the heavily trafficked and tourist-centric South Rim, so many choose the latter.

The Grand Canyon does have an airport in Tusayan, Arizona, but the closest hub for commercial air travel is in Flagstaff, nearly 2 hours away. A flight from either the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas or the Boulder City Municipal Airport to Flagstaff Pulliam will take about an hour and a half and cost anywhere between $50 and $250 depending on the day and season. Arriving by commercial flight is not ideal when you factor in transportation from the airport to the park, so those who prefer to fly usually opt for a "flightseeing" tour instead.

The one offered by Pappillion , in particular, starts at $372 and offers bird's-eye views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River in addition to the Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, a motorcoach transfers passengers from the airport to the Bright Angel Lodge and Mather Point on the South Rim. The tour takes about 9.5 hours from hotel to hotel, including a lunch break, time for hiking, and more. Similar tours are offered via helicopter by Maverick .

Travel the old-fashioned way on the Grand Canyon Railway, a 64-mile heritage railroad that runs between Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim. First, getting to the station requires guests to take an Amtrak bus from the Gray Line Tour Center in Las Vegas to Kingman, where they then transfer onto a two-hour train to Williams. The final leg—from Williams to the South Rim—is only an hour long, but it runs through a stretch of untouched forest on the outskirts of the canyon.

The train usually departs once a day from Williams (at 9:30 a.m. from July through October and 8:30 a.m. from November to January) and departs from the Grand Canyon at 2:30 or 3:30 p.m. every afternoon. Altogether, the trip from Las Vegas to the South Rim can take between 10 and 12 hours and cost a total of $250 for the bus ticket and two train tickets, but it is an unforgettable experience.

Traveling by bus to the Grand Canyon will also take you about 10 to 12 hours. FlixBus runs regular routes from downtown Las Vegas to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (5 hours, 30 minutes), then to Flagstaff Station (2 hours, 30 minutes). Buses depart from the city at 11 a.m. daily and tickets cost $15 to $22 for the first leg and $9 to $13 for the second. When you get to Flagstaff Station, you can catch the Arizona Shuttle to Maswik Lodge on the South Rim (2 hours) for $35 to $50.

Because the last departure is at 3:45 p.m., you may have to stay overnight in Flagstaff, inevitably driving up the cost and prolonging the journey. Because of the inconvenient transfers, most people will opt for a group bus tour instead of taking public buses.

A typical tour includes stops at the National Geographic Visitors Center in Tusayan and two spectacular lookouts, Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge. There is usually time for short hikes and self-exploring on these excursions. Popular tours include full-day outings by Canyon Tours and Grand Canyon Destinations , starting at $75.

The easiest and perhaps most versatile way to travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is by car. There are about 10 rental car companies on offer at the McCarran International Airport's Rent-A-Car Center , but you can also rent from various places on the Strip. You may be able to secure a rental car through your hotel, too.

The North Rim is located 264 miles from downtown Las Vegas. The easiest way to get there is to take I-15 North to Utah 59 South, then follow Arizona 389 East to 89A and Arizona 67 South. The last stretch will lead you through the stunning Kaibab National Forest.

The South Rim is a more popular destination and arguably a more entertaining route. It's about 280 miles from Las Vegas and you can get there by following U.S. 93 South to I-40 East, then Arizona 64 North, which leads into Grand Canyon National Park by way of Tusayan, the closest town. Popular stops along the way include the Hoover Dam and the small towns of Seligman and Williams, Arizona. Views of the desert landscape are fabulous along this route, making it popular among avid motorcyclists.

Grand Canyon West , where the famous SkyWalk is, is only 130 miles from Las Vegas and best for a day trip. Grand Canyon East is the farthest from Las Vegas, about 336 miles away. It can be accessed from Arizona 64 West, a short trip on U.S. 89 North from Flagstaff.

If you decide to drive, you should allocate at least two days to the journey—especially if you're going further than Grand Canyon West. Carry plenty of water in the summer and make sure to bring warm clothing in the winter as the desert can be frigid. For a standard rental car, expect to pay about $30 per day.

What to See in the Grand Canyon

There are countless things to see and do at the Grand Canyon. On the South Rim—the canyon's top tourist destination—you can take in the spectacular views from Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Hopi Point, and Bright Angel Lodge, all accessible by a free shuttle provided by the National Park Service. You can walk along the canyon's edge on the Rim Trail or descend into it on the popular Bright Angel Trail. Then, dine at one of the lodges and shop for souvenirs.

On the North Rim, the view from Bright Angel Point should not be missed. Though it does have a visitor center and lodge, this is a more remote part of the park, offering less tourist attractions and more backcountry adventures. Popular hikes include the paved Bright Angel Point Trail, Cape Royal Trail, and Cape Final Trail.

The main attraction at Grand Canyon West is the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass platform that extends 70 feet from the canyon's edge. Here, you can also zip line, take a helicopter or boat tour, or go white-water rafting. Grand Canyon East is home to the Little Colorado River Tribal Park, the 5,000-foot-tall Tower Butte, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.

What are Other Good Day Trips From Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is surrounded by a vast desert boasting extraordinary natural sights in every direction. The Valley of Fire State Park is a popular side trip only 45 minutes from the city. It contains countless sandstone formations with that wave-like pattern characteristic of the region, all spread over 46,000 acres. A 2-hour, 15-minute drive from the Strip, Death Valley National Park in California offers sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Just don't go during the peak of summer as it can get up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hoover Dam, a concrete dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, is a quick jaunt (about 40 minutes) from Sin City. Red Rock Canyon —packed with sandstone peaks, as its name suggests—is only 20 minutes away. For something spooky, take the Extraterrestrial Highway to Alamo, home of Area 51 and the Little A’le’inn (2 hours, 20 minutes).

When is the Best Time to Visit Las Vegas?

The best time to visit Las Vegas is during spring and fall, from March to May (with the exception of spring break) and September to November. Folks flock to the pools and air-conditioned casinos of Las Vegas during the summer months, but the shoulder seasons are cooler, less crowded, cheaper, and provide an all-around less chaotic experience. Plus, if you're keen to get out into the desert for a day or two, you'll want to avoid the hottest months, as three-digit temps are the summer standard.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 6 best grand canyon bus tours from las vegas.

Go beyond the glitz and glam to see one of the country's top natural landmarks.

The Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours

Courtesy of National Park Express

While the Strip is certainly one of Las Vegas' most famous features, it's not all the city has to offer. A trip to Las Vegas wouldn't be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring natural wonders just outside of it, such as the Grand Canyon. Tourists and locals alike will enjoy a break from the bright lights and bustling city on a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. As one of the largest natural canyons on Earth, the Grand Canyon is more than 270 miles long, meaning there are multiple destinations to explore; the most popular are the South and West Rims.

We've rounded up the top options for Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas, whether you seek an adventurous ride or a more tranquil sightseeing experience.

Best Overall: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus/Helicopter & Landing Tour with Optional Skywalk

Getty Images

Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: From $358 per person Duration: About 10 hours

Visitors can experience the ultimate Grand Canyon bus tour paired with an unforgettable helicopter ride down to the floor of the canyon. The adventure begins on an air-conditioned tour bus that departs from the Vegas Strip and carries passengers to the West Rim. From there, passengers will board a helicopter that descends 4,000 feet, landing on the floor of the canyon. Visitors can explore the canyon floor before reboarding the motorcoach and continuing onto Grand Canyon West, which is home to Guano Point, Eagle Point and Hualapai Ranch. You'll also have the option to brave the world-famous glass Skywalk for sweeping views (and an additional fee).

Local tip: Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribal Nation. In the tribe's traditions, the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River are considered living, spiritual entities. When visiting Grand Canyon West, travelers are immersed in the rich culture and history of the Hualapai Nation.

Check prices & availability on:

Best West Rim Tour: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $99 per person Duration: About 11 hours

Located in Peach Springs, Arizona, the West Rim is only a few hours from Las Vegas. This tour will show you the best that the West Rim has to offer, including the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk bridge (for an added fee). After being picked up from select Vegas hotels and traveling three hours on an air-conditioned bus, passengers get to spend up to four hours exploring the West Rim. A must-see lookout point at the West Rim is Guano Point, from which you can hike to Highpoint Hike and get a view of the Colorado River.

A lunch box, snacks and plenty of water are included with the tour. One unique feature of this outing is that you get to stop at the Hoover Dam for a photo during the bus journey (but keep in mind this stop is available seasonally). You can also choose from several upgrades, including a Skywalk admission ticket, a helicopter ride or a boat excursion.

Local tip: Because it's closer to the Las Vegas desert, this side of the Grand Canyon is the warmest year-round, with hot and dry summers, mild shoulder seasons, and occasional snowfall in the winter.

Best Budget: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $84 per person Duration: About 15 to 16 hours

A South Rim bus tour offers a quieter, more historic sightseeing experience. The South Rim is one of the most popular parts of Grand Canyon National Park . Guests can see the wide variety of flora and fauna native to the area. This bus tour – which takes around four hours to get to the South Rim's Mather Point from Vegas – gives visitors the opportunity to walk along Bright Angel Trail; it leads to Bright Angel Lodge, located in the Village Historic District.

You can also stock up on snacks and souvenirs at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, since the tour only includes a box lunch and water. Or, upgrade your excursion with the guided walking tour add-on. Another historic part of the tour is the scenic drive along the famous Route 66, one of the first U.S. highways.

Local tip: Located farther from Vegas, the South Rim is cooler, with rainy and snowy winters, and more moderate temperatures in spring, summer and fall.

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Best South Rim Tour: Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch

Tour operator: National Park Express Price: From $119 per person Duration: About 13 hours

This guided bus tour includes lunch, bottled water and a granola bar to snack on during the day, as well as admission to some of the most popular Grand Canyon destinations, like Mather Point and Bright Angel Point. You'll get about three hours total at the Grand Canyon. Plus, you can select your own pickup location from several Las Vegas-area hotels and be dropped off at one of three locations (Excalibur, Horseshoe or Treasure Island).

Local tip: Visitors who are looking to experience the wildlife native to the area often choose the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is home to more animal species than the West Rim, such as coyotes and bighorn sheep.

Best All-Inclusive: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk

Courtesy of Comedy on Deck Tours

Tour operator: Comedy on Deck Tours Price: From $149 per adult Duration: About 10.5 hours

This full-day Grand Canyon tour run by Comedy on Deck Tours gives guests several options to customize their experience, such as a VIP Skywalk tour. But there is also a great base package. Guests are treated to not one but two sit-down meals from local restaurants: a freshly prepared breakfast and a barbecue lunch with an incredible view of the canyon. Additionally, this all-inclusive tour also stops at the Hoover Dam on the way to the Grand Canyon, so guests get to experience two national landmarks for the price of one. The professional comedian who doubles as tour guide makes for an even more fun experience.

Local tip: The West Rim is typically less crowded than the South Rim, so it may be a good option for your Grand Canyon destination if you're hoping to avoid all the tourist congestion.

Best for Families: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: $85 per person Duration: About 14 hours

Although there are plenty of kid-approved activities in Las Vegas itself, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is a must-see for any family vacation. This South Rim bus tour from Canyon Tours offers a full day of activities that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Not only will youngsters marvel at the beauty of the canyon, but they can also have an interactive experience at the IMAX theater, which plays a film that takes you into the center of the canyon. Visitor centers throughout the park also offer free activities that allow children 4 and older to earn an official Junior Ranger badge and learn about nature, history and park preservation.

Local tip: The South Rim is divided into different viewpoint areas that visitors can explore. One of the most popular viewpoints is Hermit Road, which is ideal for families with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact tour duration depends on the company you choose, but you should budget at least 10 hours for the entire experience.

You'll pay at least $85 per person for a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. This price will vary based on company, tour inclusions and location along the canyon.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Taylore Fox is a Las Vegas local who has two decades' worth of experience living in and exploring the city. As an experienced writer, reader, researcher and learner, she believes there is always something new to learn and explore, even in one's own hometown.

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10 Awesome Stops from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car

As if the two epic stops bookending this road trip aren’t motivation enough, the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park is filled with other amazing places you can use to break up the 253 mile distance from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, or 4 and a half hour trip.

This article will help you plan out your trip from Vegas to the Grand Canyon, with all the best stops in between. Complete with maps and timings.

– Here’s what’s waiting for you if you travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car!

Don’t simply make your Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip about getting from one bucket list stop to another, instead make the most of the drive by squeezing in a few top Nevada and Arizona photo ops. If you’re renting a car in Las Vegas you might as well make the most of it! 

No idea where to start? Here are the most exciting stops on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip, according to me. 

Road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon 

Here are the best stops on the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive, including all the best places to stop between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon!

READ MORE: The Most Unique Places to Stay in the Grand Canyon

(Tents, tiny homes, glamping and sheep wagons!)

Map of Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by Car

While you’re in Las Vegas, how about doing a helicopter ride over the strip , or booking a ticket to the High Roller Ride at the Linq. Both offer amazing views of an iconic city! Also, read my review of staying at The Stratosphere – the Vegas hotel with the rollercoasters on the top!

Check out my top tips for making the most of Las Vegas here .

And if you don’t plan to drive or rent a car, here are  the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas . Travel by land, air, and water on a guided tour of the major attractions. There’s no need to miss out!

For a hassle-free enjoyable day trip, join a bus tour that takes you straight to the Grand Canyon from your hotel in Las Vegas. Or for an incredible bird’s-eye view, soar above the canyon in a helicopter or airplane, after which you can hop on a boat to see the sights below.

1. Lake Mead

You won’t be far into the Grand Canyon road trip, before you start to see Lake Mead. This lake lies on the Colorado River and is flanked by beautiful mountains. It makes for the perfect photo op (especially with a drone – check laws) and as if by magic there’s the Lake Mead Scenic View, Sunset View or Lake Mead National recreation area set up to make sure you get a snap worth sharing.

All have amazing views and if you’re already feeling like you need a quick refresh, you can take a quick dip in the water. LOOK AT IT! 

Click here if you want to experience the Grand Canyon by helicopter – one of the most impressive sights in the world. And if you just want to do a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Vegas, via the Hoover Dam, this is the tour for you.

Check out all the impressive Grand Canyon tours here .

Las Vegas to Lake Mead time and distance: 

If you want to know more about the Grand Canyon, ready for your trip, watch this video!

2. Hoover Dam

Hop in the car for another 10 minutes and pull up to the Hoover Dam. A big concrete arch on the border of Arizona and Nevada states, it might not sound that interesting but this spot has a load of historical significance and is pretty impressive to see.

The Hoover Dam is a 700-foot tall, man-made dam that produces hydroelectric power and water. Completed in 1936, it was considered an engineering win at the time, and you can now walk over the damn via the world’s tallest concrete arch bridge. If you want to get a bit more info then you can take a construction tour of the dam and adjoining powerplant.

Bit of a niche audience but if you want to learn more about the Hoover Dam, think about joining one of the Hoover Dam information tours . 

Lake Mead to Hoover Dam time and distance: 

Directions to the Hoover Dam

Just put ‘Nevada 89005, United States’ in your Sat Nav, and it’ll give you the exact directions to the Hoover Dam.

The Hoover Dam is on the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US states of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

It’s huge, you can’t really miss it. There’ll also be plenty of signs directing you to the Hoover Dam too. 

3. Chloride, Arizona

Say hello to Arizona and a whole lot of history with a stop in the city of Chloride. As the oldest mining town in Arizona, there’s a fair bit of history and some cool things to see here, including the roadside junk art and quirky murals.

Only a few hundred people live in this place, but if you turn up on a reenactment day with mock gunfights, you’ll see a few more and get a real feel for what this town was like in its mining heyday.

Hoover Dam to Chloride time and distance: 

ACCOMMODATION IN CHLORIDE, AZ: Grand Canyon West Hotel Sheps Miners Inn

The Grand Canyon West Hotel Sheps Miners Inn is a 4-star hotel, complete with karaoke! Now that’s not something you see advertised by a hotel very often. As well as the karaoke you’ll also get the usual air-con, mountain views and Wi-Fi as standard. Stay here and there’s a children’s playground and a steakhouse onsite too.

4. Kingman, Arizona

Also known for its history as well as the hiking, Kingman is worth parking up to take a look around. Depending on how much time you have on your Grand Canyon trip, you can make this a real educational stop by hitting up the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, the Route 66 Museum and Kingman Railroad Museum.

If you’re travelling from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car, these are the kind of fun detours you can enjoy. 

If you’d prefer an alcoholic education then, granted you’re not the one at the wheel of the rental car , swing by the Cella Winery, Stetson Winery or Desert Diamond Distillery instead.

Chloride to Kingman time and distance: 

5. Alpacas of the Southwest

From Kingman you can opt to take the I-40 or Route 66. If you go for the I-40 then 14 miles east you’ll reach a ranch that’s home to 37 alpacas all waiting to be fed, petted and photographed.

For $11 per car you can get up close with a tour at the SouthWest Alpacas Farm , but be sure to put some dimes aside to purchase the essential souvenir: a pair of alpaca socks. No road trip to the Grand Canyon is complete without them.

Kingman to the alpacas time and distance: 

6. Keepers of the Wild

– Billy Connolly knows what it’s like driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon!

If instead of the I-40 you opted for Route 66, then apart from driving on one of the world’s most famous roads, you can surprisingly do a safari. Not quite what you were expecting on your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive? Me neither but Keepers of the Wild is a sanctuary for rescue animals and offers tours for $20.

While you might be imagining the usual dogs and cats scenario, instead expect to see tigers, lions, bears and wallabees.

Alpacas to Keepers of the Wild time and distance: 

READ MORE: This is one of the best US Road Trips you can go on.

Click to read my post for more!

7. Seligman, Arizona

Whether you’re driving from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas or the other way around, consider making Seligman, aka the birthplace of Route 66, your next stop.

Throwing you back to the 1950s, Seligman has retained all its otherworldly charm. In fact, if you’ve ever watched the Disney movie Cars, you’ll know exactly what to expect because rumour has it Pixar may have drawn a little inspiration from this place. A dusty desert town, there are only 500 residents so it’s really quiet meaning no queues when you grab a milkshake from the Delgadillo’s Snow Cap drive-in or a buffalo burger from the Roadkill Cafe.

Keepers of the Wild to Seligman time and distance: 

ACCOMMODATION IN SELIGMAN: The Aztec Motel & Creative Space

The Aztec Motel & Creative Space is located in beautiful Seligman, Arizona, on the Historic Route 66. It offers comfortable, modern accommodations with a retro flair. The Creative Space is a formal/informal meeting space and also ‘party hub’ where guests can chill out. The property is great for people and families on road trips, and even better for groups.

How about this for an Arizona road trip: the Phoenix to Sedona drive !

Make sure you get your travel insurance sorted before you go on a solo road trip. HeyMondo offer 24/7 worldwide assistance with travel cancellation and interruption cover. They also have tailor made policies and cover medical expenses up to $10 million. Click here and you’ll get 5% off your travel insurance with HeyMondo.com too. Check out their App for more details. 

8. Williams, Arizona

Before you take a swift turn north for the final stretch on your journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon south rim, pull in to the town of Williams.

Calling itself the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, it marks the last part of the famous Route 66 and is again another one sending you onto what feels like a movie set, this time to the Wild West. Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, the Route 66 Zipline or a visit to the Bearizona Wildlife Park are all fun activities to do here.

Definitely one of the hotspots on the drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon!

Seligman to Williams time and distance: 

9. Kaibab National Forest

– One of the sweeter spots on the drive from Vegas to the Grand Canyon

If you have a bit of time before you reach the Grand Canyon, stop off at the Kaibab National Forest. Think of the forest as a primer for the breathtaking views you’re about to see in the canyon itself.

The forest is 1.6 million acres of lush greenery making it the perfect spot for a quick hike or picnic. You can also get some great views from the Marble Viewpoint.

Williams to Kaibab time and distance: 

10. Tusayan

The closest pitstop to make from the Grand Canyon National Park is the town of Tusayan. It sits just by the south rim entrance so is a good alternative for accommodation if everything closer is fully booked.

The town itself is quite small and made up of hotels and restaurants and so while it’s not bursting with things to do, it’s a good place to consider parking and then taking the shuttle bus up to the entrance. This is a good spot on the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon if you just want somewhere to chill. 

Kaibab to Tusayan time and distance: 

ACCOMMODATION IN TUSAYAN: WANDER CAMP GRAND CANYON

The Wander Camp Grand Canyon is located in Valle Grand Canyon Junction Arizona. Tusayan is 34km from the tented camp, but it is on the way to the Grand Canyon so a great stop. And just look at how beautiful the beds and rooms are!

11. Grand Canyon

You definitely need a few days in the Grand Canyon to explore the best of the area. How about doing a Grand Canyon West Rim Skywalk while you’re there?

Alternatively, this jeep and hike tour of the Grand Canyon looks pretty sweet too. These tours are great if you want to know more about the Grand Canyon, how it came to be, and need all your weird and wonderful questions answered.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center address

If you’re wondering what to put in your Sat Nav for the Grand Canyon, here’s the Grand Canyon Visitor Center address.

20 South Entrance Road Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

ACCOMMODATION IN GRAND CANYON: ZION VIEW CAMPING

Zion View Camping has mountain views and is a stunning place to stay in the Grand Canyon. Some units feature a balcony and/or a patio with river views too. The campground offers an outdoor fireplace, which is a beautiful way to spend an evening with your fellow campers. There’s also outdoor play equipment for all to play on!

Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car

And you’ve made it! 

Fun route for travelling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car, hey?

Let me know how you get on.  

If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon, you can download the VPN for unblocked USA website to research all your route online, without any issues and obstacles. And if you are planning to work during your trip, you may also  check part-time weekend jobs in Las Vegas .

One of the best things to do between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon is to find some cool places to stay. 

12 Unique Places to Stay Near the Grand Canyon

Tents, tiny homes, glamping and sheep wagons!

READ MORE 

The best Grand Canyon day hikes for you to enjoy on Vagrants of the World. One of the best things to do from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is to get out and see the views for yourself.

Want another Vegas road trip option? How about driving from Vegas to Yosemite ?

Where to Stop Between LA and the Grand Canyon

Popular questions about driving from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

How far is grand canyon from las vegas.

It’s 253 miles from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. The drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas is a 4 and a half hour trip, straight. However, I’d totally recommend you take the detours on this list to really make the most of your road trip. 

More cities near the Grand Canyon 

– Just two hours north of the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and you can visit the incredible Zion National Park. Here you can follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked.

If you look at a map you’ll see there are lots of National Parks near the Grand Canyon. If you want to extend your trip to look round these, then it’s really easy to drive there. 

Here are some of the best cities near the Grand Canyon, with their distances and timings too. I just want to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy your road trip from Las vegas to Grand Canyon, and vice versa. 

Sedona in Arizona would be my top choice, in fact, I’ve written a guide to the best things to do in Sedona here.

FAQs about Vegas to Grand Canyon Stops

1. How is the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon?

The drive is pretty easy. You’ll pass some high points but these give the best views. It’s mostly highway, and coming from England, the roads seem super wide so you’ll have plenty of space to manoeuvre. We had no problems driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, and I hope you don’t either! 

2. What are some cool things to do on drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas?  

Well, apart from all the cool stops from Vegas to Grand Canyon, you can also have fun in the car. There are loads of fun car games you can play, you can make some cool road trip playlists before you go, and you can also enjoy all the drive thrus on a road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon. The scenery from the car is worth the trip alone!

3. Is there a national park from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

Lake Mead, which happens to be the US largest reservoir, is the national park that can be passed by on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip. And hey, if it counts, Grand Canyon itself is a national park exposing a rich history of rock formation.

4. Is Las Vegas close to Grand Canyon?

The distance between Las Vegas and to Grand Canyon is over 270 miles which would take more than 4 hours to drive. With this fact, Las Vegas is not that close to the Grand Canyon but the good thing about is its road trip is worth taking!

5. Are there any tolls from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

Based on the accounts of drivers, there are no tolls between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon. Park fees are required though.

6. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon by car?

Yes, driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is worth it for the scenic route, flexibility, and potential cost savings. Make sure you take the scenic route as highlighted above!

7. What is the closest rim on a trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is the closest to Las Vegas. A trip going to this route is only over 130 miles which are estimated to be a two-and-a-half-hour drive.

8. What does a one-day trip look like on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon trip?

A one-day trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon would either have the North Rim or South rim as the destination – both routes cover 270 miles distance. Stops would usually include the Hoover Dam, Seligman, AZ Route 66, Snow Cap Drive-In, Lilo’s Cafe, and more. Learn more about these by checking the places I featured that you must visit on a Las Vegas to Grand Canyon.

9. Can you do Grand Canyon in a day from Vegas?

Yes, it is possible to visit the Grand Canyon in a day from Las Vegas, but it will be a long and packed day. The South Rim, the most popular part of the Grand Canyon, is about a 4.5 to 5-hour drive from Las Vegas. You’ll need to leave early in the morning to make the most of your day at the canyon. While a day trip allows you to see some of the Grand Canyon’s highlights, keep in mind that it’s a vast natural wonder, and a longer visit would provide a more in-depth experience. Consider guided tours or helicopter flights for efficient day trips.

If you want to do it in a day, I’d recommend you join one of the Grand Canyon by helicopter tours so you can get there quicker.

More on road trips in the USA 

• Incredible Stops on an Florida Road Trip
• How to Plan an Emerald Coast Road Trip
• The Best Stops on an LA to Vegas Road Trip

Pin these Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip tips for later

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

10 Comments

Hi, driving from Chicago to Monterey bay California, stopping by the west Grand Canyon. My question is are there any stops from Vegas that you can see the canyon but not go all the way to the sky walk entrance? Its more a time thing than price to get in. Thanks!

I’m travelling in the USA for 85 days in May to July and would love any advice going.

Grab edibles in Oklahoma!

hi, this is a great article! but the drive times appear to be blank .. is this just an error on my end?

Looking to drive from Vegas to the grand canyon

@Michelle Matuska, is there a sand rail thur grand canyon forsand buggys?

Stop in Valle at the 64/180 junction and visit Raptor Ranch and the old Bedrock City…Raptor flight demos, play in Bedrock park for a dose of nostalgia, visit the gift shop, have food at the diner…open daily …

good stuff, thanks!

Thank you we are going to take your suggestions

Great, hope you have a great time!

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8 Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip Itineraries

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of those bucket list adventures that is almost mandatory if you live in the US. It’s the fourth most-visited national park in the country, hosting over 4.5 million visitors in 2021.

And the best way to see it? Take a road trip.

The closest big airport is Phoenix, AZ and it’s 3.5 hours away. Las Vegas is 4 hours away, and in another time zone to boot. So, one way or another, you’re going to road trip to the Grand Canyon.

But the wonderful thing about the American Southwest is there are a ton of amazing national parks, monuments, forests, and historic sites to see.

So, while you’re here to see the Grand Canyon, you might as well stay a bit longer and check out some of the region’s other amazing sights.

Whether you have 3 days or 2 weeks, there’s a Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for you. Buckle up and let’s take a look!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Quick Intro to Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is appropriately named: it’s a big and awe-inspiring canyon that goes on for miles.

It’s such a fascinating piece of natural landscape that people come from all over the world to see it. Sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms, and blankets of snow all look amazing here.

But you have to see it for yourself and bask in its hugeness to really appreciate it. Photos just can’t do justice to the truly grand scale of this canyon.

While this guide is focused on Grand Canyon road trip itineraries, we’d be remiss to not give you some background information about the Grand Canyon before we start throwing out things to do and places to see in the park and nearby, like you have any idea what we’re talking about.

We’ll answer a few basic questions and get you up to speed enough to understand the itineraries.

Where is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon extends across the entirety of the northwest corner of Arizona. Much of the canyon’s 277 mile length is desolate desert.

There’s not much out here because it’s no small feat to build a bridge over a 10 mile-wide canyon with modern equipment.

Pioneers in horse-drawn wagons took one look at it and went around. We don’t blame them!

Grand Canyon National Park has two separate sections.

What many people don’t know is Grand Canyon National Park is actually split into two parts: the South Rim and the North Rim.

The South Rim is easier to get to and has more infrastructure built up, so it’s naturally the most popular.

The North Rim has a lodge and views of the same stunning canyon, looking the other direction of course, but sees just 10% of Grand Canyon visitors. Something to consider if you’re anti-crowds.

When we discuss visiting Grand Canyon in the road trip itineraries below, we are referring to the South Rim.

We will always call out the North Rim specifically as the North Rim.

Grand Canyon has a year-round free shuttle bus system.

The shuttle bus system on the South Rim is a major help for moving visitors around the park as well as reducing pollution.

Park your car once and take the shuttle bus everywhere. The only place they don’t go is along Desert View Road (the east section of the South Rim)

There are four routes: red, orange, blue, and purple. Shuttles all start very early (think 4AM in the summer) and run late (either 30 minutes after sunset or as late as 11PM).

Purple connects the town of Tusayan outside the park’s southern entrance to the central bus hub at the Visitor Center complex.

Leave your car at your hotel and take the shuttle in. Roundtrip loop is about 40 minutes, so it takes 20 minutes or so to get from town to the Visitor Center.

Blue is the park’s Village Route , connecting the Visitor Center with the park lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants in the Village and Market Plaza areas.

It’s also the connector to the Red Route from the Visitor Center. Roundtrip is 50 minutes.

The Red Route is Hermit’s Rest Road . This road is closed to private vehicles from March to November every year, so you have to take the shuttle or walk/hike/bike the sometimes paved, sometimes not Rim Trail.

This route takes 80 minutes roundtrip if you don’t get off the bus, but it also has some of the most popular overlooks and hikes in the park. Well worth the effort!

Also important to note: the eastbound Red Route bus does not stop at every overlook on the way back to the Village. Double check the schedules if you want a specific overlook.

Lastly, the Orange Route is the Kaibab Rim Route . The road up to Yaki Point is closed to private vehicles, all year round.

On Yaki Road, the South Kaibab Trailhead is the most popular trailhead in the park . Most visitors hike down to the Ooh Aah Point and turn around. Roundtrip rides on this shuttle are 50 minutes.

Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of the park, let’s get to the road trip itineraries already!

A Grand Canyon Road Trip: 8 Suggested Itineraries

The wonderful thing about road trips: there’s no one, single right way to do them.

You could follow the same route and have two very different trips, based solely on which roadside attractions you stop for, where you eat, and where you stay.

There are infinite possibilities for road trip routes to the Grand Canyon because you can start from almost anywhere, the canyon is huge, and it’s surrounded by fascinating landscapes and historical sites.

Today, we’re discussing the most popular Grand Canyon road trip routes, which generally start and end in either Las Vegas, NV or Phoenix, AZ.

We recommend a minimum of a 3 day weekend to get your money’s worth out of a Grand Canyon road trip.

But there is so much else within driving distance that you might want to extend your trip for a week or two to enjoy the area! We’ll discuss a few options for that as well.

In all cases, if you can snag a flight the night before your first day off, we highly recommend that. We call this the Day 0 trick.

It requires no extra time off and eliminates a bunch of wasted travel hours from your vacation days.

So, for the 3 day weekend example: fly out Friday night after work (Day 0), get in late Friday to Las Vegas or Phoenix, and spend the night nearby. Start your road trip as early as you want on Saturday (Day 1).

The 3 Day Weekend Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

Starting off with the fastest Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for all those travelers with limited time off.

This short and sweet road trip really only qualifies as a road trip because the park is so far from major cities and airports.

It’s a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas or a 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon.

There are tons of roadside stops and major attractions along those routes, but this 3 day weekend itinerary is all about FOCUS.

You want to see the Grand Canyon, so you’ll see the Grand Canyon.

Pro Tip : The Day 0 trick is almost mandatory for this itinerary, especially if you’re flying in from the east coast.

(Day 0: Fly in to origin in the evening)

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, eat lunch in Tusayan or the park, stop into the Visitor Center, see Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route with a hike to Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore the Red Route, drive the Grand Canyon Desert View scenic drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive back to the airport, fly home

Depending on your good fortune and flight times, you may be able to add another attraction on the third day.

If driving back to Las Vegas , consider stopping in Kingman, AZ for the Route 66 Museum, at the Hoover Dam for a photo and/or tour, or spending some time in Vegas itself.

If driving back to Phoenix , you will pass no less than 6 national monuments along the way.

We loved Walnut Canyon National Monument , a quick hour or so stop in Flagstaff to see ancient Native American cliff dwellings in the canyon walls.

5 Day Road Trip Itinerary: Grand Canyon + City Break

If you take two vacation days and add them to a 3 day weekend, you get a 5 day vacation.

This is a great way to save some PTO but go on a longer, more satisfying vacation.

Here’s how we’d suggest you break it down.

• Fly in and Explore Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Flagstaff.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, arrive no later than lunchtime, stop in the Visitor Center and see Mather Point, explore the Orange Route, and take a short hike to the Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend a full day in the park: explore the Red Route (views and hiking opportunities), drive the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Leisurely drive back to your origin city, stopping at attractions along the way.

Day 4 can be as adventurous or as laid back as you like.

Drive back to your origin city and enjoy some down time by the pool at your hotel before your busy travel day.

Las Vegas and Phoenix both have so much to do within their respective metro areas that you could easily spend another day sightseeing in each.

The route back to your origin city is guaranteed to have some interesting waypoints as well.

We strongly recommend the in-depth tour of the Hoover Dam if you’re going back to Las Vegas, and stopping in Sedona is always a good idea if you’re on the way back to Phoenix.

7 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary: See Both Rims!

So, you lucked out and have an entire week for vacation. Booyah!

Now, if you have 5 vacation days, we would always encourage you to pair that with two weekends to give yourself a 9 day vacation.

However, we realize some people prefer a day at home before and after a trip, so they have time to decompress and mentally prepare themselves to go back to their ordinary lives.

Post-vacation depression is a real thing.

So for those that need the extra couple of days, this itinerary is for you.

For this timeframe you can see both the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park and also spend a few days exploring nearby must-see sights.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, chill in the city
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, stopping along the way at Hoover Dam , the Grand Canyon Skywalk , or Kingman for the Route 66 Museum . Spend the afternoon in the park at the visitor center, Mather Point, and either the Orange Route or strolling along the Rim Trail. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Full day in Grand Canyon National Park: explore the Red Route, the Orange Route if you missed it yesterday, and the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend . Overnight in Page.
• Day trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim . Overnight in Page.
• Drive back to Las Vegas, considering a stop in Valley of Fire State Park along the way.

This itinerary works just as well if you fly into Phoenix rather than Vegas. On Day 6 you’d swap a stop in Valley of Fire for a stop in Flagstaff or Sedona.

9 Day Road Trip: So Many National Parks!

This Grand Canyon road trip itinerary is for all our fellow national park bucket list seekers!

When you’ve got a week in a new region and you really want to do some damage to your national park checklist , this is a great option.

Pro Tip : You only need 5 vacation days to go on a 9 day vacation. Use both the weekend before and the weekend after your 5 PTO days for a total of 9 days.

We’ll go ahead and warn you: this is highly ambitious and you cannot fully explore most of these parks with just one day. ( Well, maybe this one. )

But you can hit the highlights and see some pretty amazing stuff, and then plan a more in-depth trip later for your favorites.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, NV
• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight back in Vegas.
• Drive to Zion National Park (lose an hour for crossing time zones). Spend the rest of the day in the park. Drive to overnight in Bryce, UT.
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the morning (early start). Spend the afternoon in Capitol Reef National Park. Drive to overnight in Moab, UT.
• Begin the day in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky area. End the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab again.
• Drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and spend a few hours here. Drive to and through Monument Valley as leisurely as you’d like. End in Page, AZ to overnight, possibly catching Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
• See Antelope Canyon (and Horseshoe Bend if you missed it yesterday) in the morning. Drive to Grand Canyon National Park and take the Desert View Scenic Drive from the east entrance. Overnight in the park or in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park. Drive back to Las Vegas to overnight (gain an hour for crossing time zones).

All said and done, this whirlwind road trip itinerary sprints through seven national parks and three nearby attractions that aren’t national parks but still impressive must-see sights nonetheless.

Day 4 will feel rushed. We suggest doing the scenic drive and a hike or two of your choice in each park, but don’t forget the 2.5hr drive in between parks when you split your day up.

On Day 5, don’t forget that Arches National Park requires advanced timed entry tickets from early April through early October.

9 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip: A More Relaxed Loop from Las Vegas

This 9 day itinerary offers more breathing room than some of the more ambitious routes discussed, and still only requires 5 vacation days.

You’ll still see a lot, but you won’t have to get up super early and stay up late to drive to the next destination to fit it all in.

• Fly in to Las Vegas .
• Spend the morning at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the afternoon back in Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip out to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Vegas again.
• Start the day by touring Hoover Dam . Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zone change), and catch a few hours in the park exploring the visitor center and Mather Point in late afternoon. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore Grand Canyon National Park: the Red Route, the Orange Route, hike to Ooh Aah Point, take in the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, tour Antelope Canyon , and see Horseshoe Bend . Check out Lake Powell or Glen Canyon National Conservation Area if you have extra time. Overnight in Page.
• Drive to Zion National Park and spend the day in the park. Overnight in Springdale.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park (gain an hour from time zone change) and spend the day in the park. Continue on to overnight in Las Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon has a timed entry system during its peak season from October through the end of May. The entry fee is covered by the America the Beautiful Annual Pass .

Zion National Park operates a free but mandatory shuttle bus system for the inner canyon from March through November and some busy weeks/weekends. Check their website for the current shuttle schedule.

When you enter Zion on Day 7 during this timeframe, you’ll have to drive to the Visitor Center first, park, and hop a shuttle to get to trailheads for popular hikes like the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.

The Grand Circle Road Trip – 10 Day Minimum

There are so many amazing sights to see in the Arizona/Colorado/Utah region!

Getting to them all is one giant circular route through northern Arizona, the southwest corner of Colorado, and southern Utah, and it’s become known as the Grand Circle.

This is easily one of the most epic Grand Canyon road trip itineraries out there , but it does not leave a lot of extra time for exploration.

You can still do this itinerary with only 5 vacation days, but you have to pair it with a 3 day holiday weekend to get the 10 th day without using PTO.

Of course, you can extend this itinerary if you can wring a few more PTO days out of work.

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zones). Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive through Monument Valley and overnight in Cortez, CO.
• Visit Mesa Verde National Park in the morning, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument in the afternoon, and drive to Moab, UT.
• Spend the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Explore the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park, with a side trip to Dead Horse Point State Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Drive to and spend the day in Capitol Reef National Park. Afterward, drive to and overnight in Bryce.
• Spend a full day in Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to and overnight in Springdale.
• Explore Zion National Park. Drive to and overnight in St George.
• Drive to Las Vegas (gain an hour for time zone change). Fly home.

The itinerary above is the basic Grand Circle, but if you’ve got the time, it’s easy to add on several more parks.

Death Valley National Park is within driving distance of Las Vegas. Petrified Forest National Park could be added between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Both Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park could be added in Colorado before heading to Moab.

Don’t forget the national monuments and other historic sites! There are a ton of these, as well as state parks, that you’ll likely pass on your way to the other parks.

We loved our morning adventure in Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff and an afternoon exploring Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas.

10 Day Southwest Road Trip from Las Vegas

Heavy on national parks, this southwest road trip itinerary uses the Day 0 trick to allow for two full days in one of the national parks. (We chose Zion in the example.)

Feel free to shift the itinerary to spend two days in whichever park you choose.

(Day 0: Fly into Las Vegas)

• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just 30 minutes from downtown Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park and spend the day here (bring a lunch!). Drive up to Springdale late afternoon/evening (lose an hour to time zone change). Overnight in Springdale.
• First full day in Zion National Park: Hike Angel’s Landing. Overnight in Springdale.
• Second full day in Zion National Park: Hike the Narrows. Drive up and stay in Bryce tonight.
• Spend a full day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to Page to overnight.
• Tour Antelope Canyon and see Horseshoe Bend in the morning. Grab an early lunch in Page before driving to the Grand Canyon North Rim for the afternoon. Drive back to overnight in Page.
• Drive to and spend a full day exploring Grand Canyon National Park. Overnight in Tusayan or Williams.
• Drive to the Hoover Dam and take a tour. Optional stop at the Grand Canyon Skywalk along the way. (Gain an hour from time zone change.) Overnight in Las Vegas.

Remember that Red Rock Canyon has timed entry in the winter, and Zion has mandatory shuttles from March to November.

As of 2022, the Angel’s Landing hike requires a permit to hike the portion from Scout Lookout up to Angel’s Landing. It’s incredibly popular and done by lottery, so may the odds be ever in your favor.

10 Day Arizona Highlights Road Trip

Arizona just has so much to see! This road trip itinerary focuses solely on Arizona sights.

Phoenix and its neighboring cities create a ginormous urban area that has quite a lot to explore. You won’t get to all of it in one day, but there is decent and affordable public transit to get around.

• Fly in to Phoenix
• Explore Phoenix and its huge urban area, including Tempe and Scottsdale.
• Day trip to Tucson to see Saguaro National Park. Drive back to Phoenix to overnight.
• Drive to Sedona and spend the day hiking and exploring. Overnight in Flagstaff.
• Day trip to Petrified Forest National Park. Overnight back in Flagstaff.
• Start the day at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Drive to Page. Tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. Overnight in Page.
• Day trip out to Monument Valley . Overnight back in Page.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park. Enter via the Desert View scenic drive, stop at the visitor center and Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park, exploring the Red Route. Drive back to and overnight in Phoenix.

What’s life without options? In this instance, you could swap the second day in Grand Canyon for a second day in Sedona.

Hiking in Grand Canyon is not for everyone, so your time may be better spent hiking in Sedona.

Which Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary is Right for You?

At this point, you might be a bit overwhelmed. You want to do all the things, but you’re a responsible adult that has bills to pay and mouths to feed (even if it’s just you and your dog).

Here are the top 3 excuses we often hear for staying in analysis paralysis and not choosing an itinerary.

Excuse #1: “I don’t have enough PTO for this.”

Remember: you can do a Grand Canyon road trip with just a 3 day weekend, no PTO required!

Even if you live on the east coast of the US and have to fly out to Arizona first.

East coasters have the time zone advantage when flying east to west, even without nonstop direct flights.

Flights leave at like 6PM and arrive in Las Vegas at midnight, or if you’re an early bird, leave at 6AM and get in by noon.

That means you could leave Friday after work, arrive in Vegas Friday night to sleep, and then have a full Saturday and Sunday to road trip before heading back Sunday night or Monday morning to Vegas and catching a midday flight home on Monday.

The time zone difference on the way back to the east coast is annoying, but you should be able to catch a noon flight in Vegas and arrive at your home airport by mid-evening.

Excuse #2: “This sounds expensive.”

This excuse irks me. It sounds expensive?

Have you even tried to price it out first, or are you just going back to the safety of your I-can’t-afford-anything-so-I-won’t-try-to-afford-anything-but-I’ll-still-complain-about-it life?

Of course, we understand that having the funds to travel is a privilege, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have the funds or access to travel. That’s not what we’re arguing here.

This excuse is almost always thrown out by people that actually do have some extra income; they just have no idea how to budget or no discipline to save.

Travel is about priorities. You have to prioritize it and then budget for it. It’s not just gonna happen if you don’t plan it.

Yes, it’s going to take some longer than others to save up for it, but there are plenty of travel options to make trips more affordable, if you plan them right.

Excuse #3: “This sounds too complicated.”

Maybe it’s not the PTO or the expense. Maybe you’re just intimidated by the number of stops on the itinerary, having to coordinate it all yourself.

You can do hard things! ( Read that again .)

Choose your favorite itinerary above, and the bulk of the planning is already done.

Now all you have to do is plug-and-play by choosing flights and a hotel or campground in each overnight spot.

Organizing isn’t your forte? No problem. I’m a pro at it, and I have this amazing trip organizer that will keep it all straight for you. ⬇️⬇️

I Found My Perfect Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary! Now What?

Congrats! The hard part is over. Now it’s simple plug and play.

Pick your dates, book your flights and rental car, and choose your hotels in the cities noted on your itinerary.

It really is that easy!

Now that you’ve got the base itinerary, here are some in-depth guides for destinations mentioned.

• Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which is the Best?
• See Everything in Bryce Canyon National Park in One Day
• Where to Stay near Zion National Park
• Everything You Need to Know to See Horseshoe Bend

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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Grand Canyon Tours

If you’ve been lucky enough to visit Grand Canyon, you’re fully aware of its majestic aesthetic. If not, you’ve come to the right place because we have all the Grand Canyon tours to get you there. Our extensive list has an adventure for every kind of explorer. Travel by bus or get a bird’s-eye view from the windows of a helicopter or plane to really take your breath away. Try a rafting tour to experience this natural wonder from the Colorado River or walk the famous Skywalk glass bridge for a truly memorable experience.

Highlights Over Grand Canyon Tour

• Tour Length: 240 minutes (hotel to hotel).
• Air Time: 70 minutes.
• Location : Grand Canyon.
• Tour Days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
• Tour Times : 7:15a.m., 7:30a.m., 9:00a.m., 11:30a.m., 1:45p.m., 2:00p.m., 3:30p.m.

Ace of Adventure Air Tour

• Category : Grand Canyon Tours
• Tour Length: 3 hours
• Air Time: 90 minutes.
• Location : The West Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Get an extra 10% off or more!

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King of Canyons Landing Tour

• Tour Length: 4 hours
• Air Time: Appropriately 35 minutes (each way).
• Tour Times : 8:00a.m., 10:45a.m., 1:30p.m., 5:15p.m., 5:30p.m., 5:45p.m.

Booked 1 times today

Wind Dancer

• Tour Length: 210 to 240 minutes
• Air Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
• Locations : Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River, Downtown, Las Vegas Strip
• Tour Times : 7:00a.m., 8:00a.m., 9:00a.m., 10:00a.m., 11:00a.m., Noon, 1:00p.m., 2:00p.m., 3:00p.m.

Golden Eagle Air Tour

• Categories : Grand Canyon Tours, Hoover Dam Tours
• Air Time: Approximately 60 minutes.
• Locations : Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam
• Tour Times : 7:00a.m., 4:00p.m.

Grand Canyon West Rim & Helicopter 6 in 1

• Tour Length: 10 hours, 30 minutes
• Air Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Locations : Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam.
• Tour Time : 7:00a.m.

Grand Canyon West Rim and Hoover Dam Photo Stop Bus Tour

• Tour Length: 10.5 hours
• Air Time: N/A
• Location : Grand Canyon West Rim
• Tour Time : 7:30a.m.

Booked 7 times today

Grand Canyon West Rim 5 in 1

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Cookie duration: 90 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Cookie duration resets each session.

Roq.ad GmbH

Cookie duration: 365 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Index Exchange Inc.

Cookie duration: 395 (days).

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Cookie duration resets each session. Uses other forms of storage.

Cookie duration: 396 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

BeeswaxIO Corporation

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Sovrn, Inc.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Doesn't use cookies.

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Uses other forms of storage.

RTB House S.A.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

The UK Trade Desk Ltd

Cookie duration: 3629 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

admetrics GmbH

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Nexxen Inc.

Cookie duration: 180 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Cookie duration: 184 (days).

Yahoo EMEA Limited

Cookie duration: 397 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

ADventori SAS

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, IP addresses

TripleLift, Inc.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Xandr, Inc.

Nexxen group llc.

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

ADITION (Virtual Minds GmbH)

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, User-provided data, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Active Agent (Virtual Minds GmbH)

Taboola europe limited.

Cookie duration: 366 (days).

Cookie duration: 3650 (days).

Magnite, Inc.

Rategain adara inc.

Cookie duration: 730 (days).

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Sift Media, Inc

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, IP addresses

Rakuten Marketing LLC

Lumen research limited.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, IP addresses

Amazon Ad Server

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Yieldlab (Virtual Minds GmbH)

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, User-provided data, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Roku Advertising Services

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, User-provided data, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Nano Interactive Group Ltd.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data

Simplifi Holdings LLC

Data collected and processed: Precise location data, Device identifiers, IP addresses

PubMatic, Inc

Comscore b.v..

Cookie duration: 720 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Flashtalking

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

PulsePoint, Inc.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Device identifiers, IP addresses

Smaato, Inc.

Cookie duration: 21 (days).

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, User-provided data, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Semasio GmbH

Data collected and processed: Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Crimtan Holdings Limited

Genius sports uk limited.

Cookie duration: 390 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, IP addresses

Blis Global Limited

Cookie duration: 400 (days).

Lotame Solutions, Inc

Cookie duration: 274 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

GroupM UK Limited

Loopme limited.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

DoubleVerify Inc.​

Bidswitch gmbh, iponweb gmbh.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

NextRoll, Inc.

Cookie duration: 183 (days).

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Teads France SAS

Ströer ssp gmbh (ssp), os data solutions gmbh & co. kg.

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Permodo GmbH

Platform161 b.v., adacado technologies inc. (dba adacado).

Data collected and processed: Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Basis Global Technologies, Inc.

Smadex, s.l.u..

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Bombora Inc.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

EASYmedia GmbH

Remerge gmbh.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, IP addresses

advanced store GmbH

Data collected and processed: Device identifiers

Magnite CTV, Inc.

Delta projects ab, usemax advertisement (emego gmbh).

Data collected and processed: Users’ profiles

emetriq GmbH

Publicis media gmbh.

Cookie duration: 1825 (days).

M.D. Primis Technologies Ltd.

Cookie duration: 25 (days).

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

OneTag Limited

Cloud technologies s.a., smartology limited.

Data collected and processed: IP addresses

Improve Digital

Adobe advertising cloud.

Data collected and processed: Authentication-derived identifiers, Device identifiers, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Bannerflow AB

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Non-precise location data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Integral Ad Science (incorporating ADmantX)

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Cookie duration: 393 (days).

Jivox Corporation

Cookie duration: 30 (days).

Data collected and processed: Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Sage+Archer BV

Data collected and processed: Non-precise location data

On Device Research Limited

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, User-provided data, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, IP addresses

Rockabox Media Ltd

Exactag gmbh.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Celtra Inc.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Precise location data, Device identifiers, IP addresses

mainADV Srl

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles

The Kantar Group Limited

Cookie duration: 914 (days).

Nielsen Media Research Ltd.

Cookie duration: 120 (days).

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Pixalate, Inc.

Oracle advertising, audienceproject a/s, demandbase, inc., effiliation / effinity.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics

Arrivalist Co.

Data collected and processed: Non-precise location data, IP addresses

Seenthis AB

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, IP addresses

Commanders Act

Data collected and processed: Device identifiers, IP addresses

travel audience GmbH

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, IP addresses

Adludio Ltd.

Blendee srl, innovid llc, papirfly as, neustar, inc., a transunion company, verve group europe gmbh, otto (gmbh & co kg).

Data collected and processed: User-provided data, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Adobe Audience Manager, Adobe Experience Platform

Localsensor b.v., online solution, relay42 netherlands b.v..

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, User-provided data, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

GP One GmbH

Cookie duration: Uses session cookies.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, User-provided data, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, Privacy choices, IP addresses

The MediaGrid Inc.

Mindtake research gmbh.

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Google Advertising Products

Data collected and processed: Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses

Protected Media LTD

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, IP addresses

Clinch Labs LTD

Oracle data cloud - moat, hearts and science münchen gmbh.

Cookie duration: 60 (days).

Amazon Advertising

Moloco, inc..

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, IP addresses

Adtriba GmbH

Objective partners bv.

Data collected and processed: Device characteristics, Privacy choices, IP addresses

Hurra Communications GmbH

Data collected and processed: Probabilistic identifiers, Device characteristics, Authentication-derived identifiers, Precise location data, Device identifiers, Non-precise location data, Browsing and interaction data, IP addresses

Ad partners

Booking.com

Dentsu aegis network, omnicom media group, haensel ams, bdsk handels gmbh & co. kg, tradedoubler ab, marketing science consulting group, inc., travel data collective, advolution.control, batch media, vodafone gmbh, scenestealer, salesforce dmp, macromill group, applovin corp., fractional media.