Visiting the Grand Canyon from Vegas: How We Did It

There’s a reason why Las Vegas is called the Sin City. It’s where slot machines jingle, dazzling shows erupt, and endless fun awaits. But just a few hours away, a different kind of magic awaits. We’re talking about the magnificent Grand Canyon, a vast natural wonder humbling even the flashiest casinos. And if you plan on visiting the Grand Canyon from Vegas, we’re here to show you exactly how. Well, at least our way! This trip is perfect for those who enjoy what Vegas has to offer but also want to take a break from the neon and have a dose of awe-inspiring scenery. Below, we’ll share every detail of our adventure. You’ll learn where we started our journey, what places we visited, and where we spent our nights. So, keep scrolling!

Planning our trip

Just like any other adventure, the key to a successful road trip to Grand Canyon from Vegas is excellent preparation. In this case, our team had already planned the trip months before. We made sure we had everything we needed, from snacks and books to hiking boots and blankets. But more importantly, we made sure each we had enough time to enjoy every single place we visited. And why did we start from Las Vegas? Well, who needs a reason to be there? We just wanted to! From Las Vegas’ rooftop pool hotels to its out-of-this-world casinos, there are so many to enjoy, and one doesn’t need to have a specific “why” to be in Sin City!

The distance between Vegas and the Grand Canyon is around 280 miles. As you can see from the map above, it takes around 4.5 hours for you to reach the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas via Interstate 40 without stopping. But being our avid adventurers, we wanted to make a few stops. There were so many things to see and do; missing them would be a bump.

Here’s what our journey looks like:

• Drive from Las Vegas
• Make a stop at Hoover Dam
• Spend a night in Kingman
• Full day at the Grand Canyon and spend the night there
• Spend two days in Williams
• Fly back home

Leaving Las Vegas

How many days did we spend in Vegas, you asked? We were there for only two days. We’ve been there a few times, but Vegas never gets old. Its High Roller, Fountains of Bellagio, and MGM Grand – everything in the city is worth multiple visits. Surprisingly, though we jammed so much into those two days, we weren’t tired. Accommodation-wise, we were treated to the luxurious Vdara Hotel & Spa at ARIA Las Vegas.

The hotel was fantastic, so much so that we spent most of our spare time there. The outdoor pool was just too good to ignore, and we were glad we decided to pamper ourselves at the Spa at ARIA LV. The treatments there were top-notch. You definitely should give this Las Vegas boutique hotel a try. However, if you plan to stay somewhere more family-friendly or group-oriented, check out these Airbnbs in Las Vegas instead.

Though we wished we could stay at Vdara forever, we unfortunately had to check out early since we wanted to make a stop at Hoover Dam. Once we finished packing our stuff, we checked out at around 9 AM, hopped in our rental car, and started our exciting trip of visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

Marveling at Hoover Dam

So, how long did it take us to reach Hoover Dam from the hotel? It was actually so fast. It only took half an hour to get there via I-125 E and I-11 S. When we arrived, we were straight-up blown away by the views. Since it was our first time visiting the Hoover Dam, we initially didn’t know what to expect. But the sight there was terrific. The dam itself is massive. We walked across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which offered us insane views of the dame and the Colorado River snaking below. Fun fact: the bridge straddles the Nevada-Arizona border, so you’ll be in two states at once.

Better yet, you can take one of the tours to explore the area better. We opted for the Powerplant Tour, and it was totally worth it. Our helpful guide explained the history of the dam’s construction, and it’s mind-boggling if you consider the period. We even got to go down into the bowels of the dam and see the generators up close. But since it was a bit claustrophobic, we didn’t spend much time there.

We’re glad we decided to make a stop. It’s a marvel of human engineering and even if you’re not a history buff, the size and scale of the dam are enough to awe you. Also, if you want, you can see Lake Mead, one of the top things to do in Arizona, and it’s right behind Hoover Dam.

A break in the historic town of Kingman

Of course, we could drive straight to the Grand Canyon from Hoover Dam. However, where’s the fun in it? Since we were going to pass the town of Kingman, Arizona, we figured, why not spend a night there? It was our first time visiting and spending the night in Kingman, and it was a blast. There, you can expect unique diners and vintage shops selling one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Everything there’s waiting to be explored.

Since we didn’t go to the Grand Canyon until the next day, we booked a room at the Best Western Plus A Wayfarer’s Inn & Suites. For us, the location of this hotel is perfect. Right off the historic Route 66, we could go anywhere we wanted to easily. But what impressed us the most was the outdoor pool and hot tub, which was great for relaxing after hours on the road. That’s not all, though, as the hotel also offers its guests a fitness center, which we didn’t use on our trip as we were too lazy. It was all about relaxation after all!

We were glad we chose the King Suite, as it had everything we needed—from a hairdryer to a washing machine, you name it. However, the highlight was the hot tub! Also, the walls were soundproof, so we had a good night’s sleep. Best of all, some rooms are pet-friendly!

Need an alternative? Before deciding to stay at the Best Western, we were also tempted to stay at the SpringHill Suites Kingman Route 66, which is only a few minutes’ walk from the Best Western. We decided to stay at the Best Western as at that time it was slightly cheaper than SpringHill Suites. But that doesn’t mean the hotel is inferior!

When we read the reviews of SpringHill Suites, we saw that people were in love with the breakfast. It’s complimentary, and one user even said the breakfast is fantastic. If you want to stay here, you should consider the King Studio. We almost wanted to spend the night there. It looks huge and kind of like an apartment. It also has a sofa bed, mini-fridge, and all other essentials for the perfect stay.

Arrival at the Grand Canyon

From the Best Western Plus, we were only three hours away from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. While the North Rim is excellent, the South Rim was more accessible for us. In case you didn’t know, it’s also the most popular entry point to the canyon. It’s the more crowded place between the two and is open year-round. The North Rim, on the other hand, is only open from May to October. However, it’s worth going if you want more intimate views with less crowd. You can book a room at one of these hotels near the Northern Rim Grand Canyon.

We arrived at 2 PM, and we immediately got our entry passes at the visitor center and embarked on a journey of discovery along the rim trails. At every turn, we saw breathtaking panoramas. It was truly a magical experience. We spent countless hours marveling at the sheer magnitude of the canyon’s vast expanse and captured tons of pictures with the canyon’s kaleidoscopic hues as our backdrop. Our favorite pictures, however, are the ones we took during sunset. They look ethereal!

Some of our favorite spots include the Grandview Point, Lookout Studio, and Rim Trail. If you’re kind of on a budget, make sure to check out these free things to do in the Grand Canyon. However, make sure to bring your best sunscreen and sun hat as the weather can get really hot in here.

Highly recommended accommodations around the Grand Canyon

Since we were already there, we might as well make the most of our experience, which was why we decided to spend a night inside the Grand Canyon. Yep, there are so many unique hotels inside the Grand Canyon National Park. The one that we called home was the Yavapai Lodge. Some people might think that staying on the rim isn’t fun, but we’re here to prove them wrong.

Built for the surge of visitors after World War II and the National Park Service’s 50th anniversary, Yavapai Lodge offers two distinct styles. The East Wing features standard hotel rooms, all recently renovated with air conditioning. In contrast, the West Wing provides motel-style rooms with a retro vibe reminiscent of Route 66 motels. While these rooms lack air conditioning, they make up for it with pet-friendly accommodations.

However, the highlight of our stay was the on-site Yavapai Tavern. There, we found some of the most delicious food ever. If you plan to go there, make sure to order the Tavern Street Tacos and Melted Elk Burger. Sometimes, it hosts live music performances, too. Best of all, it received an award from the Department of the Interior for its waste diversion program. Wow!

If you plan on bringing your dog along, you should check out these best dog-friendly hotels near the Grand Canyon. Our favorite, though, is the Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon. We spent a few nights at the hotel with our dog back then, and everything was flawless. The nightly pet fee was reasonable, and there was ample green space on the property for our dog to run around and relieve himself.

No, that’s not even the best part! While your dog is taking a nap. You should check out the hotel’s fantastic bowling alley. It’s the place to be if you’re into something fun and meeting fellow travelers. Furthermore, the Grand Canyon is only moments away, and the national park’s airport is only a short drive from the hotel. You can even join one of the tours it offers.

Williams, Arizona: A Can’t-Miss

As we said earlier, we wanted to spend two days in Williams, AZ, after we were done with the Grand Canyon. First of all, Williams is only a short drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It can be your perfect basecamp to explore the natural wonder. Best of all, you can even take a scenic train ride to the canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway.

And for those not familiar with Williams, it’s a well-preserved town along the historic Route 66. When we first arrived, we were charmed by the colorful streets lined with classic neon signs. We could even find old-fashioned diners and quirky gift shops. It felt like we were back in the 80s. What’s more, the area around Williams offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, or horseback riding in the surrounding mountains and forests.

So, where did we spend our night? We stayed at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Yep, as if it’s not obvious enough, the hotel is next door to the railway station. Aside from its location, the hotel also boasts amazing amenities. Think sparkling indoor pool, hot tub, and sports courts. When we stepped inside, we were wowed by the majestic lobby. We almost felt like we were in an ancient castle. The best part? Our room was big, spotless, and cozy. But the best part of our stay was the visit to the on-site Spenser’s Pub. It’s a bar from the 1800s, and its oven-baked pizzas tasted so good. A+!

Need a budget-friendly place to stay in the canyon’s vicinity? Fret not! Here are the best cheap places to stay near the Grand Canyon!

Until next time!

Our whirlwind two days in Williams, AZ, left us buzzing with adventure. With heavy hearts, we said goodbye to the cozy mountain town and the Grand Canyon and went straight to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, a mere 30 minutes away. Yes, those wondering how to get to the Grand Canyon from Vegas might be scratching their heads seeing our trip. However, for us avid explorers who are always seeking the hidden gem, this wasn’t just a trip to the Grand Canyon; it was a full-blown odyssey.

Every twist of the road and every quaint town square became an opportunity to uncover something extraordinary. This trip was a chance for us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of the Southwest truly. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t jump at that chance?

Tips for an unforgettable experience

Visiting the Grand Canyon from Vegas is fun. But to make sure your trip is filled with lots of laughs and less sighs, consider these tips:

• Bring your favorite snacks and drinks as well as the comfiest car pillows, as the trip could take a while, especially during peak season.
• The drive from Las Vegas to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 4.5 hours. However, you’ll want to factor in time for rest stops, traffic, and sightseeing. If you’re planning on making any stops along the way, you’ll need to allow even more time.
• Pack essentials such as sunscreen, water, sturdy footwear, and a camera to capture memories.
• The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination, so it’s essential to book your accommodations in advance.
• Fill up your gas tank before you leave Las Vegas. There are limited gas stations along the way to the Grand Canyon.

Is it worth going to the Grand Canyon from Vegas?

Yes, visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is absolutely worth it. You might ask yourself, how is the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon? While it’s a long drive, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery the whole time.

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

Of course! You don’t have to spend days like us. The South Rim is around 4.5 hours away from Vegas, so it’s possible to do a day trip.

What is the best way to see the Grand Canyon from Vegas?

It depends on your budget and time. For a quick, unforgettable experience, consider a helicopter tour. For a more in-depth exploration, rent a car and drive to the South Rim, the most popular and visually stunning section of the canyon.