Las Vegas Road trip to Grand Canyon and Sedona

Question

Looking for ideas on road trip from Las Vegas. We are staying a total of 7 nights. We want to spend 2 nights in Las Vegas then see the Hoover Dam. Then we'd like to see the Grand Canyon, hoping to spend 2 nights there. Possibly stay at hotel in the park. From there off to Sedona for 2 nights and fly home out of Phoenix. Is this possible? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Answer

Your road trip plan sounds fantastic! A 7-night adventure from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Phoenix offers a great mix of natural beauty, history, and unique experiences. Let's break down the itinerary and make sure it's all feasible while offering some recommendations along the way.

Day 1-2: Las Vegas
Starting your trip in Las Vegas gives you a chance to enjoy the city’s iconic attractions, food, and entertainment. Since you're only staying for two nights, focus on the highlights like the Bellagio Fountains, the Strip, and perhaps a show or a nice dinner. You can also visit Fremont Street for a more vintage Vegas experience.

Day 3: Hoover Dam and Lake Mead
On day three, plan for a morning visit to Hoover Dam, which is only about a 30-45 minute drive from Las Vegas. Spend a couple of hours exploring the dam and the surrounding area. If you're interested in more outdoor activities, you could also visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area nearby for a short hike or even a boat tour.

Day 4-5: Grand Canyon (South Rim)
After Hoover Dam, you’ll head to the Grand Canyon, which will take about 4.5 hours by car (around 275 miles). The South Rim is the most popular area to visit, and it offers stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and excellent visitor services. Two nights here will give you enough time to explore, enjoy a sunset or sunrise, and perhaps even take a short hike along the rim or down into the canyon (e.g., South Kaibab Trail for a short but scenic hike).

Accommodation: Staying inside the park at places like El Tovar Hotel or Bright Angel Lodge is a great option for easy access to the viewpoints and trails. However, reservations for park accommodations can fill up fast, especially in peak seasons, so book early!
Activities: Be sure to check out the Grand Canyon Railway or take a helicopter tour for a unique aerial view of the canyon.

Day 6-7: Sedona
From the Grand Canyon, head to Sedona, which will take around 2.5 hours (115 miles). Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, vortex sites, and charming downtown area. There are plenty of hiking options, like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or a more leisurely stroll in the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon on the way into Sedona is beautiful and worth taking time to enjoy. Two nights here will allow you to explore the area and perhaps visit some of the local art galleries or spas for a bit of relaxation.

Accommodation: Sedona has a range of options, from luxury resorts to cozy B&Bs. Depending on your preferences, you could stay at resorts like L’Auberge de Sedona, known for its creekside setting, or find a charming inn in town.
Activities: Besides hiking, Sedona is famous for its spiritual vortexes. If you're interested, you can book a vortex tour or simply take in the serene energy of the area at popular spots like Airport Mesa or Boynton Canyon.

Day 8: Travel to Phoenix
On your final day, drive about 2 hours (115 miles) to Phoenix to catch your flight home. If time allows, you can make a brief stop in Scottsdale or visit Desert Botanical Garden for a little more nature and local flavor before heading to the airport.

Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is definitely doable! You’ll have enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed, and you’ll experience some of the most iconic landscapes in the U.S. The only thing to keep in mind is that this is a road trip with several hours of driving between each destination, so make sure to plan for rest stops and maybe some scenic detours along the way to stretch your legs and take in the views. The timing and route seem perfect for a memorable trip, and you’ll surely enjoy the beauty and diversity of these locations.

Las Vegas Road trip to Grand Canyon and Sedona

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