Las Vegas to Phoenix Road Trip

Just a short distance from Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is an awe-inspiring way to kick off your road trip. Built in the 1930s, this towering structure holds back the Colorado River and is the source of power for much of the Southwest. The views here are simply epic, with Lake Mead’s turquoise waters stretching out on one side and the rugged desert on the other, offering you a captivating blend of natural beauty and human innovation. You can take guided tours to get a close look at the dam and learn more about its fascinating history while you’re here, or if you simply want to explore and take it all in by yourself, there are allocated viewpoints across the walking route. 

Just a few minutes from Hoover Dam, Boulder City offers you a pleasant small-town vibe that’s worlds away from the electrifying atmosphere of Vegas. It was originally built to house Hoover Dam’s workers, and while it is no longer used for this purpose, it has retained its vintage feel and is complete with retro cafes and shops that look like they belong in a 1950s movie. For a dose of history, visit the Boulder City Museum while you’re here, where you’ll learn about how this town helped make the Hoover Dam a reality. Or, if you’re craving some fresh air, take a stroll along Lake Mead or check out the Railroad Museum.

Located just over the border in Arizona, Willow Beach is a very popular spot for water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming, so it’s an absolute must if you’ve been itching to get out on the water. The surrounding area is beautiful, too, with high canyon walls that, along with the crystal clear waters, help shield you a bit from the desert heat. Don’t worry if you haven’t packed your own equipment. You can still enjoy exploring the waters by renting kayaks, canoes, and more from on-site stores.

Chlorides is a ghost town with a big personality! Established in the 1860s as a mining town, it has retained much of its Old West atmosphere, and as you walk around, you’ll find relics from a bygone era. This includes things like weathered wooden buildings, vintage artifacts, and desert art installations. One of the must-see attractions here is the Chloride Murals, which are painted onto rocks by local artists, bringing a burst of color to the otherwise barren landscape and creating a fascinating mix of history and creativity. This is the place to pull over, slow down, and snap some truly Instagram-worthy photos!

Kingman is the epitome of classic Route 66 nostalgia, with a mix of retro diners, neon signs, and historic landmarks that transport you to the heyday of the American road trip. One of the best things to do here is visit the Route 66 Museum, where you can explore the history of this famous highway and see how it shaped the American West. If you’re hungry after exploring the museum, pop into Mr. D’z Diner for a classic milkshake and burger combo. Or, if you want to find some amazing views, take one of the many nearby hiking trails.

Hackberry General Store is an iconic Route 66 stop that has been transformed into a mini-museum, filled with classic cars, retro gas pumps, neon signs, and shelves stocked with memorabilia of “The Mother Road”. This is a great place to stop and grab a souvenir, enjoy an ice-cold soda, and take some photos in front of vintage vehicles and old-timey decor.

Located about 200 feet below the surface, the Grand Canyon Caverns are accessible by guided tours that walk you through the massive, eerily silent caves filled with beautiful rock formations. This is the place to go if you want to explore a hidden world filled with geological wonders, and if you’re up for something a bit more daring, there’s an underground motel room where you can spend the night!

If you’re looking for some quirky roadside charm, make sure you stop at Seligman. This town was a major inspiration for the fictional town of Radiator Springs in Disney’s “Cars”, and it is packed with kitschy Route 66 memorabilia. Take the time to explore all of the gift shops and eat at the Roadkill Cafe (don’t worry, the food is regular fare, despite the name!) There are also retro cars and neon signs scattered around the town that make for some amazing photo opportunities, and the entire atmosphere is reminiscent of a classic American road trip.

A few hours on the road from Seligman will take you to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which is home to the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. This bridge stretches over a 400-foot-long tunnel and is the base for several beautiful hiking trails, making it one of the best places on the journey to break free from your campervan and stretch your legs. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, incredible viewpoints, or a shaded picnic area, you’ll find a hiking trail you’ll love here.

After miles of desert, the Prescott National Forest offers you a refreshing change of scenery with its tall pine trees, beautiful lakes, and cool mountain air. You’ll find Prescott National Forest along the edges of the Bradshaw Mountains, and one of the most popular spots here is Lynx Lake, where you can spend an afternoon fishing, paddle boating, or simply kicking back and relaxing in the shade.

Perched on a hill overlooking the Verde Valley, Jerome is a former mining town that’s now known as an artist haven with a haunted past! You can wander through the old streets here to see historic buildings, visit art galleries, and explore museums that recount the town’s mining history. It’s also said to be one of the most haunted towns in Arizona, so if you’re into ghost stories, you’ll find plenty of legends here to feed your craving for the paranormal!

Montezuma Castle National Monument is home to one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. These ancient structures were built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago and offer a rare glimpse into the life and culture of the Southwest’s early inhabitants, so it’s a must-visit if you’re fascinated by Native American history. There are some easy walking trails that lead you to cliffside homes, and the surrounding area also has some lovely picnic spots, making it a peaceful place to stop and look back at your road trip before taking the final stretch of the road to Phoenix.

Once you arrive in Phoenix, waste no time diving straight into the city’s desert beauty and culture. We recommend starting at the Desert Botanical Gardens, where you’ll find trails winding through incredible displays of cacti and desert plants from around the world. Or, if you prefer an indoor experience, the Musical Instrument Museum houses a collection of instruments and has hands-on exhibits for music lovers. Whatever you want to do, Phoenix is the perfect final stop to relax, explore, and recharge.

For the ultimate Las Vegas to Phoenix road trip experience, renting a campervan from Travellers Autobarn gives you the freedom to explore at your pace with unlimited miles and the flexibility to stop wherever you please. So, pack your bags and hit the open road because adventure awaits! Don’t feel like ending the journey in Phoenix? Discover some other awesome Las Vegas Road Trips to keep the adventure going!