Best of the Southwest Road Trip from Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon is truly a sight to see on your road trip from Las Vegas. It was originally estimated to be between 5 to 70 million years old. However, recent studies have found rock formations dating back 1.7 billion years.

The Grand Canyon’s immense size stretches over 270 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. It’s a testament to the power of geological processes over millennia. Its breathtaking vistas, layered rock formations, and the mighty Colorado River winding through its depths make it a place of unparalleled natural beauty and geological significance.

The journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park will take around four and a half hours, depending on traffic, rest stops, and sightseeing breaks. You’ll log around 275 miles between highway US-93 South and I-40 East.

On your way out of Las Vegas, you might want to visit the historic Hoover Dam, an impressive hydroelectric power plant, that sits at the border between Nevada and Arizona. Along the way, you’ll traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Mojave Desert, with its iconic Joshua trees and vast, arid plains.

As you approach the Grand Canyon, the terrain becomes more rugged, hinting at the awe-inspiring natural wonder that lies ahead. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of wildlife, like bighorn sheep and coyotes, which inhabit this harsh yet beautiful environment.

Once at the Grand Canyon, you can take advantage of some of the best Grand Canyon Campgrounds and RV Parks. These sites have both tented campgrounds and rental cabins if you wish to extend your stay. Of course, you’ll also find important amenities like toilets and running water.

You will need to plan ahead if you want to secure a campground or cabin rental. The Grand Canyon is a popular tourist destination and camping spots can book up months in advance. You’ll also need to consider the time of year you book your Las Vegas campervan rental as the Summer and Spring seasons can be the busiest for travel.

From the Grand Canyon to Sedona, Arizona you’ll drive around 108 miles utilizing the AZ-64 South and I-40 East highways. There are also the US-180 East (103 miles) and AZ-64 E/Desert View Dr and US-89 S/N 89 (111 miles) routes. All of these highways are toll roads and the average drive time is about 2 hours.

This natural water park features a natural rock water slide and swimming area, surrounded by stunning red rock formations and lush greenery. It’s a perfect spot to cool off and enjoy the beauty of Arizona’s landscape.

In Sedona, you’ll want to visit Cathedral Rock, a stunning sandstone formation that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding red rock landscape. Hiking to and from Cathedral Rock is a 3.7-mile roundtrip adventure.

Also of note is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a 250-foot Catholic church built directly into the red rock buttes of a thousand-foot rock wall. This provides breathtaking views of the city.

Next, your Las Vegas campervan rental will take you from Sedona to Phoenix, AZ. The Sedona to Phoenix drive is a little over 2 hours and around 117 miles via I-17 South or AZ-179 South and I-17 South.

Just about 18 minutes outside of Sedona, AZ, in Rimrock, is the Montezuma Well and Castle. This is a worthy detour that lets you see a well-preserved five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling built into a limestone cliff. It was constructed by the Sinagua people around 1100 A.D. and is situated near a limestone sinkhole that provides a source of natural spring water.

Upon reaching Phoenix, AZ, you’ll have a wealth of interesting sights and activities to take part in. For starters, there’s the Desert Botanical Garden which spans over 140 acres and contains 50,000+ plant displays in outdoor exhibits along with garden trails and galleries, farm-to-table dining, and a butterfly pavilion.

The Phoenix Zoo is another great attraction for families. The zoo actively engages in conservation efforts of both native and global species. They also host regular events and daily activities such as animal presentations, encounters, and immersive experiences.

Phoenix is home to many different museums and historic landmarks, catering to a wide variety of different interests. One in particular is the Musical Instrument Museum which presents diverse concerts in a 300-seat theatre. It also has a collection of dynamic music galleries and kids programs.

The Japanese Garden of Friendship is a unique cultural experience. It’s inspired by traditional Japanese garden design. It also features Tea Tours which allow guests the opportunity to learn about and share in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

For families or groups of 4 to 5, the Hi5 Campervan Rental is the perfect choice. It offers a full kitchenette, 2 fridges, and seats and sleeps 4-5 comfortably

Driving from Phoenix to Joshua Tree National Park via the I-10 West will take you about 3 and a half hours, spanning over 222 miles. As you leave Phoenix, you’ll drive through the Sonoran Desert, known for its iconic Saguaro cacti and stunning desert vistas.

The desert landscape gradually gives way to more mountainous terrain as you approach the border between Arizona and California. As you continue westward, you’ll pass through the Colorado Desert, characterized by its lower elevation and unique plant life. This includes the iconic Joshua trees that give the national park its name.

There are many good reasons why Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most unforgettable family camping spots in California. For one, its diverse landscape offers a range of activities, from hiking and rock climbing to stargazing and wildlife watching. This ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The park offers ranger-led programs and guided hikes that provide insight into the park’s natural and cultural history. It also features numerous hiking trails that range from easy walks to more challenging treks. This offers opportunities to explore the park’s diverse landscapes.

Joshua Tree is a popular destination for rock climbers. There are thousands of different climbing routes that cater to climbers of all skill levels. Its dark skies make it an excellent destination for stargazing where visitors can see the Milky Way and countless stars on clear nights.

Joshua Tree National Park also has camping inside and outside of the park. Visiting during the off-season between June and September will offer the best availability as weekends from October through May fill up quickly. It’s recommended to reserve a campsite ahead of time.

The last part of your Las Vegas campervan rental trip will take you from Joshua Tree National Park back to Las Vegas by way of the Mojave National Preserve. This portion will take around 4 hours with no traffic and rack up 266 miles on the odometer.

As you leave Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll pass through the town of Twentynine Palms. This city has a variety of dining and shopping options as well as live music. It’s home to one of the park’s visitor centers, where visitors can learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.

You may also want to consider a detour to visit Amboy Crater, a dormant volcano that last erupted 10,000 years ago. It measures 1,500 feet in diameter and stands 250 feet high. There’s a hiking trail that takes you up to the rim.

The Mojave National Preserve is a notable attraction to stop by on your way to Las Vegas. The preserve is home to several well-preserved ghost towns, including Kelso and Cima. This offers a glimpse into the area’s mining history.

The Kelso Dunes are 600-foot dune formations built by windswept sand deposits from the Mojave Desert. They are a popular destination for hiking and sandboarding.

The preserve offers several scenic drives, including the Mojave Road, which follows a historic route through the desert. It provides stunning views and opportunities for exploration. From the preserve, you’ll continue onto Las Vegas, where you can enjoy all the entertainment, dining, and nightlife the city has to offer.

If you’re planning a road trip from Las Vegas, a Las Vegas campervan rental is the perfect choice. A campervan allows you to sightsee and camp the way you want with all of the best amenities included.

Travellers Autobarn is a great way to travel in style. Our selection of quality campervans and RVs helps you find the right fit for your travel needs. We also offer campervan and RV rentals in Seattle, L.A., San Franciso, and Denver.

Ready to get started planning your next vacation? Provide us with the details to get a quick quote today.