Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Road Trip

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Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: the drive

The drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) covers 276 miles (444 km) and takes about 4 hr 30 min without stops, mostly on I-40, US-93 and AZ-64.

It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 6 hrs door to door.

We found 9 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Seven Magic Mountains, Hoover Dam, Oatman and Kingman Route 66 Museum.

Best time to go: Year-round for the South Rim. The North Rim is a separate trip and normally closes mid-October to mid-May.

Best stops between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon

Before you leave Las Vegas

1. 1

   Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

   1–3 hrs~60 min detour

   A 13-mile one-way scenic loop 25 minutes from the Strip. A timed-entry reservation has been required for most of the year.

   

1. 2

   Seven Magic Mountains

   Mile 1420–30 min~73 min round-trip detour

   Seven towers of neon-painted boulders in the desert just off I-15 south of Las Vegas. Free, quick and very photogenic.

   

2. 3

   Hoover Dam

   Mile 331–2 hrsOn the route

   Walk across the 726-foot Art Deco dam, or take the power plant tour. The Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman bridge walkway gives the best view.

   

3. 4

   Oatman

   Mile 981 hr~74 min round-trip detour

   A Route 66 mining town where wild burros wander the main street. The drive over Sitgreaves Pass is narrow and twisty.

   

4. 5

   Kingman Route 66 Museum

   Mile 1031 hrOn the route

   In Kingman's historic powerhouse, covering the Mother Road from wagon trails to the Dust Bowl.

   

5. 6

   Hackberry General Store

   Mile 11830 min~50 min round-trip detour

   A classic Route 66 roadside stop crammed with old gas pumps, signs and a vintage Corvette.

   

6. 7

   Seligman

   Mile 17645 minOn the route

   The town credited with reviving Route 66, full of quirky diners and souvenir shops.

   

7. 8

   Williams

   Mile 2161 hrOn the route

   The 'Gateway to the Grand Canyon': a Route 66 main street and the depot for the Grand Canyon Railway.

   

Near the Grand Canyon

1. 9

   Desert View Watchtower

   45 min16 mi from the route

   Mary Colter's 1932 stone tower at the east end of the South Rim, and the first viewpoint if you enter from Cameron.

   

Where to stay in Tusayan

The South Rim is open all year and has the classic viewpoints: Mather Point, Yavapai and the Desert View Watchtower. Tusayan is the closest town with lodging. Rooms near national parks sell out in peak season, so book early.

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Renting a car for this trip

Most travelers fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and pick up a car there. Booking a round trip from the same airport is usually much cheaper than a one-way rental. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.

Trip cost calculator

Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon:

Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon road trip FAQ

Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.