Going on a road trip is a big adventure for everyone, whether you’re with family or friends. There are so many cool places to see across the country. But, the Grand Canyon is a top spot for many travelers. It’s perfect for a road trip, whether it’s the main goal or just a stop on the way to somewhere else.
We’ve put together some top routes to get you to the Grand Canyon from nearby places. This will help you plan your trip.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The recommended duration for a Grand Canyon vacation averages around 10 days.
- Advice suggests spending 3-4 nights in Sedona, 1-2 nights in the Grand Canyon National Park, and 2-3 nights in Page, Arizona.
- The road trip itinerary covers a distance of over 1000 miles through 3 states in 7 days.
- Visiting 3 national parks and one national recreation area during the road trip.
- The Grand Canyon South Rim to Page drive duration is about 2.25 hours.
Exploring the Grand Canyon From Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great place to start a road trip to the amazing Grand Canyon. From the city, you’ll travel through different landscapes. You’ll see the natural beauty of the American Southwest.
Route Summary
The trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon includes these key stops:
- Las Vegas → Springs Preserve (180-acre nature preserve)
- Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead
- Hoover Dam → Grand Canyon West (including the breathtaking Skywalk glass bridge at 4,000 feet)
- Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Explore the historic towns of Kingman and Seligman, Arizona
- Seligman → Williams, Arizona (60 miles from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim)
- Williams → Tusayan → South Rim National Park
- South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, Arizona → Flagstaff, Jerome, and Sedona → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix
This 984-mile road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is full of natural wonders, historic sites, and small-town charm. You can visit the Grand Canyon West, the famous Route 66, or the beautiful Sedona. This trip is sure to be an adventure you won’t forget.
| Destination | Distance from Las Vegas | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| South Rim of the Grand Canyon | 290 miles | 4.5 hours |
| Las Vegas to Phoenix (via Grand Canyon) | 823 miles | 14 hours 40 minutes |
| Las Vegas Loop (Grand Canyon and back) | 784 miles | 13 hours 35 minutes |
This Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip should take about 5-7 days. This lets you enjoy the area’s beauty and history fully.
Combining the Grand Canyon With Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks
Many travelers love to visit the Grand Canyon and its neighbors, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. This trip takes you through different landscapes. You’ll see the Grand Canyon’s vast beauty, Bryce Canyon’s unique hoodoos, and Zion’s tall sandstone cliffs.
Our family went on a big trip across Utah, Arizona, and more. We visited many national parks. We did fun things like canyoneering in Zion, which was exciting with a 70-foot rappel. We went in mid-October to miss the crowds and the heat.
We started in Las Vegas and headed to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Then, we went to the quieter North Rim. Next, we visited the East Entrance and Page, Arizona. Page was a great spot to see Kodachrome Basin State Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Hiking among the iconic hoodoos and exploring the park’s dramatic landscapes |
| Zion National Park | Canyoneering with a 70-foot rappel, hiking the Narrows, and enjoying the park’s towering sandstone cliffs |
| Valley of Fire State Park | Admiring the vibrant red and orange rock formations before returning to Las Vegas |
This trip through the Southwest is an adventure you won’t forget. It’s perfect for those who love excitement or just want to see beautiful views. This journey has something for everyone.
Grand Canyon South Rim Road Trip From California
Start your journey from California’s sunny beaches to the stunning Grand Canyon South Rim. Drive east from San Diego, passing through Yuma, Arizona, known as the sunniest city. Then, head 185 miles to Glendale and Phoenix, where you can see beautiful gardens and climb Camelback Mountain.
Next, go 115 miles north to Sedona, famous for its trails, art, and amazing stargazing. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway to see incredible views. From Sedona, drive another 75 miles to Flagstaff, your last stop before the Grand Canyon. The trip from California to the Grand Canyon is 601 miles, taking about 10 hours and 30 minutes.
| Destination | Distance from Previous | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego, CA to Yuma, AZ | 185 miles | 3 hours |
| Yuma, AZ to Glendale/Phoenix, AZ | 185 miles | 3 hours |
| Glendale/Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ | 115 miles | 2 hours |
| Sedona, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ | 46 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Flagstaff, AZ to Grand Canyon South Rim | 80 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes |
This road trip from California to the Grand Canyon South Rim is full of variety. You’ll see coastlines, deserts, cities, and mountain towns. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with natural beauty and stunning views.
Grand Canyon South Rim Road Trip From Denver
Start an unforgettable journey from Denver to the stunning Grand Canyon South Rim. This trip will take us through Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes. We’ll see the Rocky Mountain National Park, Glenwood Springs, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
We begin in Denver and head west to Rocky Mountain National Park. There, we’ll see 14,000-foot peaks and hike over 350 miles of trails. Then, we’ll go to Glenwood Springs to relax in the natural hot springs after our hike.
Next, we’ll visit Mesa Verde National Park, about 350 miles from Glenwood Springs. We’ll explore over 5,000 archaeological sites and learn about the area’s rich culture.
Our last stop is the iconic Grand Canyon South Rim, about 290 miles from Mesa Verde. On our way back to Denver, we’ll stop at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. There, we’ll see the tallest sand dunes in North America.
This 893-mile road trip will take about 16 hours to complete. It offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences. From the Rocky Mountains to the Grand Canyon, this trip will leave a lasting impression.
| Destination | Distance from Previous Stop | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park | 74 miles | 1.5 hours |
| Rocky Mountain National Park to Glenwood Springs | 200 miles | 3.5 hours |
| Glenwood Springs to Mesa Verde National Park | 350 miles | 5.5 hours |
| Mesa Verde National Park to Grand Canyon South Rim | 290 miles | 5.5 hours |
| Grand Canyon South Rim to Great Sand Dunes National Park | 350 miles | 6 hours |
The best times for this trip are in spring and fall. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
“The Grand Canyon is the most sublime spectacle on Earth.” – John Muir
This road trip from Denver offers majestic mountains, ancient ruins, and the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. So, pack your bags and let’s start our adventure!
Grand Canyon South Rim road trip
Desert View Drive Highlights
Start an amazing journey along Desert View Drive, a 23-mile scenic route. It hugs the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ll see stunning views of the canyon and the Colorado River below.
Along the way, you’ll find awe-inspiring viewpoints. Each one has its own special charm. Pipe Creek Vista lets you see the canyon’s rock layers and the distant river. Duck on a Rock is a curious rock formation that looks like it’s floating.
Then, there’s Grandview Point with its wide canyon view. Moran Point shows you the ancient Tusayan Pueblo Site. This site tells the story of the area’s rich culture.
Next, you’ll see Lipan Point with views of Hance Rapid and the Unkar Delta. This delta is an important archaeological site. The drive ends at Navajo Point, the highest overlook on the South Rim. Here, you can enjoy the Colorado River and the landscape.
There are many places to stop and explore along the way. You can visit viewpoints, picnic areas, and pullouts. Each spot offers a different view of the Grand Canyon. Make sure to see the Desert View Watchtower, designed by Mary Colter, for a memorable experience.
This drive is a journey of natural wonders. You’ll see towering rock formations and the canyon’s changing colors. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned explorer, the Desert View Drive will amaze you. It will make you appreciate the Grand Canyon’s beauty even more.
Conclusion
The Grand Canyon is a great spot for a quick stop or the main highlight of your trip. You can easily add it to many Southwest road trip routes. Whether you start from Las Vegas, visit Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, or come from California, Denver, or New Mexico, the South Rim is easy to get to.
This area is famous for its beautiful views, hiking trails, and historic sites. It’s a key stop for anyone traveling through the Southwest.
Every year, almost six million people visit the Grand Canyon. Because it’s so popular, planning ahead is a must. The El Tovar Lodge rooms get booked fast, so you should book your stay several months early.
Day trips to the Grand Canyon are common, but spending two days there is better. This way, you can see more of what the park offers. Be prepared for long lines when checking in, especially at places like Mather Point for the best views at sunrise and sunset.
Evening activities, like night hikes and stargazing, are great ways to enjoy the park after dark.
FAQ
What are some popular road trip routes to the Grand Canyon South Rim?
Popular routes to the Grand Canyon South Rim start from Las Vegas. You can also combine it with Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Or drive from California or Denver to the South Rim.
What can I see and do along the Desert View Drive at the Grand Canyon South Rim?
Desert View Drive offers 23 miles of stunning views. You’ll see the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Don’t miss Pipe Creek Vista, Grandview Point, and Moran Point.
Also, visit the Tusayan Pueblo and the historic Desert View Watchtower.
What other attractions are often included in a Grand Canyon South Rim road trip from Las Vegas?
On the way from Las Vegas, stop at the Hoover Dam. Then, explore Route 66 towns like Kingman and Seligman. Don’t forget Williams and Tusayan.
What National Parks can be combined with the Grand Canyon on a Southwest road trip?
Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks are common additions to a Grand Canyon trip. They make a loop through the Southwest’s iconic landscapes.
What are the top sights to see on a Grand Canyon road trip from California?
From California, the trip includes stops in Yuma, Arizona. You’ll also visit Glendale, Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff before reaching the South Rim.
What other National Parks can be visited on a Grand Canyon road trip from Denver?
Driving from Denver, you’ll stop at Rocky Mountain National Park. Then, visit Mesa Verde National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve before the Grand Canyon.