Driving to sedona

Question

We are driving from Vegas to Sedona and want to stop at the Hoover dam. We don’t want to do the dam tour (😀) but just want drive over the dam and get out of the car for a minute and a picture. Alternately happy to walk across the Tillman bridge if possible.

Also any other stops on the way to Sedona worth checking out? We have all day …. And I can’t figure out how to find the road trip forum.

Thanks

Answer

Driving from Las Vegas to Sedona is a scenic and enjoyable road trip, and stopping at the Hoover Dam is a great way to break up the drive. Here’s a detailed answer to your questions:

1. Hoover Dam Stop

It’s definitely possible to drive across the Hoover Dam and stop for a quick photo without doing the full tour. The Hoover Dam is located on the border between Nevada and Arizona, and you can access the dam via US Route 93. There is a pull-off area on the Arizona side of the dam where you can park and take some photos of the dam and the surrounding area.

Tillman Bridge: Walking across the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (which spans the Colorado River next to the dam) is a great alternative to walking on the dam itself. There’s a pedestrian walkway on the bridge that offers fantastic views of the dam and the Colorado River below. It’s a short, easy walk and gives you a unique perspective of the area.
Parking: There are parking lots near the Hoover Dam, including a lot near the pedestrian walkway for the Tillman Bridge. This is a great spot for a brief stop.

2. Other Stops on the Way to Sedona

The drive from Hoover Dam to Sedona is about 4.5 hours, but you have all day, so there are a few interesting stops worth checking out along the way:

Route 66 – Seligman, Arizona: If you take the more scenic route via Route 66, you can stop in Seligman, a charming town with a nostalgic, old-school vibe. Seligman is known for its Route 66 history and roadside attractions. You can grab a bite to eat, take pictures, and explore some cool shops along the historic highway.
Kingman, Arizona: If you’re taking I-40 through Kingman, consider stopping for a quick look around. Kingman is another historic Route 66 town and home to the Route 66 Museum, which is a small but fun stop to learn more about the history of the iconic highway.
Walnut Canyon National Monument: Just before you reach Sedona, you can stop at Walnut Canyon National Monument, which features cliff dwellings from the Sinagua people. It’s a beautiful spot with a short, easy hike down to see the ancient dwellings. The view of the canyon is also stunning.
Red Rock Scenic Byway (AZ-179): As you approach Sedona, take the Red Rock Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the red rock formations that Sedona is famous for. There are several pull-off areas along the byway where you can stop and take in the scenery.

3. Road Trip Forum

For future reference, the road trip forum is usually located under the “Travel” or “Road Trips” section on most travel-related websites or apps. It’s a great resource for planning and finding advice for long drives, but in this case, you’ve already got great recommendations here!

Final Tips:

Since you have all day, don’t rush. Take your time at each stop, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. The drive from Vegas to Sedona is beautiful and full of interesting history.
Make sure to check your route ahead of time for any road closures or detours, especially if you’re traveling through more remote areas like Route 66.

Enjoy your road trip, and have fun exploring the Hoover Dam and all the beautiful stops on your way to Sedona!