Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Before completely escaping Las Vegas, take the time to stop by Springs Preserve. This is a beautiful area with botanical gardens and walking trails that, while only being 10 minutes away from downtown Las Vegas, will feel like you’ve driven miles to a different place altogether. This is also a great way to get a first taste of the Mojave Desert that lies ahead of you, stretch your legs, and prepare for the journey to come.

Just a short drive away (40 minutes), the Hoover Dam is a pit stop that you cannot miss. The dam’s sheer size and engineering genius are mind-boggling, and you can walk along the top for views of the Colorado River Below. If you have time, you can also take a tour inside the dam to learn more about its history and how it changed the landscape. Just make sure you bring plenty of water and slap on some sunscreen if you’re traveling during the summer months, as it can get very hot out here!

Lake Mead is a beautiful reservoir practically right next to the Hoover Dam and it is the perfect place for a quick stop or, if you’re keen on watersports, a great place to kayak or paddleboard. You don’t have to head out on the water to enjoy this place, though. It’s equally as good for relaxing by the shore with a picnic and enjoying the calm before heading back to your campervan and carrying on with the next leg of your road trip.

A little further on from Lake Mead, you’ll find Boulder City, a cool little town that’s worth exploring. There are plenty of cafes here where you can grab a much-needed coffee, and once you’ve refueled yourself, check out the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum to learn more about the lives of the workers who made both places a reality. 

Now we’re done exploring the attractions closer to Las Vegas, it’s time to make some miles and start heading north toward the Grand Canyon. Just over an hour into this part of your journey, you’ll come across Valley of Fire State Park, which is filled with red sandstone formations sculpted by nature over millions of years. There are some great RV-friendly campsites nearby, and once you’re parked up, one of the most exciting things to do here is head out on the Fire Wave Trail, which is particularly beautiful in the early afternoon when the red rocks glow under the sun.

As you make your way to Utah, the next place we recommend stopping is Mesquite. This is another small town with a big character, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’ve bought your golf clubs with you, Wolf Creek Golf Club is just 3 miles from downtown Mesquite and is home to one of the most beautiful courses in the country. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars with live music to enjoy, and some interesting shops where you can pick up some souvenirs of your trip.

Before you hit Zion, pull over and take a breather in St. George. This friendly town gives you the opportunity to recharge your batteries a little while taking in the incredible views of the red cliffs surrounding it. You can also check out the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve while you’re here, which is only 20 minutes away. Or, if you’re traveling with kids or just love natural history yourself, the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is even closer and gives you the chance to explore ancient dinosaur footprints up close. 

This is the part of your journey from Las Vegas where you’ll start realizing you’ve really left city life behind. You’re fully immersed in nature here, and there are some awesome hiking trails for all experience levels to enjoy. The Rim Trail is a good choice if you’re looking for a relatively easy stroll, or for something more challenging, take the legendary Angel’s Landing hike. Whichever you choose, you should plan to spend a day or two here to explore everything and truly soak up the magic of this place. 

After a couple of days exploring Zion National Park, a 40-minute drive will take you to Kanab, a small town that is often called “Little Hollywood”, thanks to its history as a filming location for several Westerns. There are some classic American diners here where you can grab a delicious meal, as well as some shops selling one-of-a-kind mementos. If you’re an animal lover, make sure to stop by the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary while you’re here, where you can feed and play with dogs, cats, and a huge variety of other rescued animals. 

You’re nearly at the Grand Canyon, but before you reach your final destination, make one last stop at Glen Canyon Dam near Page. This is another engineering marvel that created the beautiful Lake Powell, and you’ll get the opportunity to learn all about its impact on the area through tours and exhibits. Not to mention, the views are spectacular here, too, so make sure you’ve got your camera to take some Instagram-worth photos of this incredible spot. 

Finally, the Grand Canyon National Park awaits! This will be the longest unbroken stretch of your road trip, with very little to see or do from Glen Canyon Dam, but the drive is totally worth it. Once you arrive, head straight to the South Rim for the best views in the park, and after you’ve soaked in all its glory, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is the next place to go. This will have information on how to map out the rest of your stay here, with details on some of the most famous spots like Mather Point, Hopi Point, and the Desert View Watchtower. 

The Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip is more than a simple vacation. It’s a journey through some of the Southwest’s most amazing landscapes, from the glittering Vegas Strip to the unparalleled beauty of the Grand Canyon, every mile brings something new to discover.

Are you ready to hit the road and take on this amazing adventure? With Travellers Autobarn, you can cruise along the road with the freedom of unlimited miles, making this dream trip easy, affordable, and, most importantly, feel like it’s being done at your own pace. So, pack up, head out, and let the road take you away!

Interested in more? Some other articles you may enjoy:

• Las Vegas Campervan Trip: Experience the Best of the Southwest
• Las Vegas Campervan Adventure: Legends of the Old West
• Las Vegas to Los Angeles
• Las Vegas to Death Valley

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