road trip from tennessee to grand canyon

8 Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip Itineraries

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of those bucket list adventures that is almost mandatory if you live in the US. It’s the fourth most-visited national park in the country, hosting over 4.5 million visitors in 2021.

And the best way to see it? Take a road trip.

The closest big airport is Phoenix, AZ and it’s 3.5 hours away. Las Vegas is 4 hours away, and in another time zone to boot. So, one way or another, you’re going to road trip to the Grand Canyon.

But the wonderful thing about the American Southwest is there are a ton of amazing national parks, monuments, forests, and historic sites to see.

So, while you’re here to see the Grand Canyon, you might as well stay a bit longer and check out some of the region’s other amazing sights.

Whether you have 3 days or 2 weeks, there’s a Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for you. Buckle up and let’s take a look!

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Table of Contents

Quick Intro to Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is appropriately named: it’s a big and awe-inspiring canyon that goes on for miles.

It’s such a fascinating piece of natural landscape that people come from all over the world to see it. Sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms, and blankets of snow all look amazing here.

But you have to see it for yourself and bask in its hugeness to really appreciate it. Photos just can’t do justice to the truly grand scale of this canyon.

While this guide is focused on Grand Canyon road trip itineraries, we’d be remiss to not give you some background information about the Grand Canyon before we start throwing out things to do and places to see in the park and nearby, like you have any idea what we’re talking about.

We’ll answer a few basic questions and get you up to speed enough to understand the itineraries.

Where is the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon extends across the entirety of the northwest corner of Arizona. Much of the canyon’s 277 mile length is desolate desert.

There’s not much out here because it’s no small feat to build a bridge over a 10 mile-wide canyon with modern equipment.

Pioneers in horse-drawn wagons took one look at it and went around. We don’t blame them!

Grand Canyon National Park has two separate sections.

What many people don’t know is Grand Canyon National Park is actually split into two parts: the South Rim and the North Rim.

The South Rim is easier to get to and has more infrastructure built up, so it’s naturally the most popular.

The North Rim has a lodge and views of the same stunning canyon, looking the other direction of course, but sees just 10% of Grand Canyon visitors. Something to consider if you’re anti-crowds.

When we discuss visiting Grand Canyon in the road trip itineraries below, we are referring to the South Rim.

We will always call out the North Rim specifically as the North Rim.

Grand Canyon has a year-round free shuttle bus system.

The shuttle bus system on the South Rim is a major help for moving visitors around the park as well as reducing pollution.

Park your car once and take the shuttle bus everywhere. The only place they don’t go is along Desert View Road (the east section of the South Rim)

There are four routes: red, orange, blue, and purple. Shuttles all start very early (think 4AM in the summer) and run late (either 30 minutes after sunset or as late as 11PM).

Purple connects the town of Tusayan outside the park’s southern entrance to the central bus hub at the Visitor Center complex.

Leave your car at your hotel and take the shuttle in. Roundtrip loop is about 40 minutes, so it takes 20 minutes or so to get from town to the Visitor Center.

Blue is the park’s Village Route , connecting the Visitor Center with the park lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants in the Village and Market Plaza areas.

It’s also the connector to the Red Route from the Visitor Center. Roundtrip is 50 minutes.

The Red Route is Hermit’s Rest Road . This road is closed to private vehicles from March to November every year, so you have to take the shuttle or walk/hike/bike the sometimes paved, sometimes not Rim Trail.

This route takes 80 minutes roundtrip if you don’t get off the bus, but it also has some of the most popular overlooks and hikes in the park. Well worth the effort!

Also important to note: the eastbound Red Route bus does not stop at every overlook on the way back to the Village. Double check the schedules if you want a specific overlook.

Lastly, the Orange Route is the Kaibab Rim Route . The road up to Yaki Point is closed to private vehicles, all year round.

On Yaki Road, the South Kaibab Trailhead is the most popular trailhead in the park . Most visitors hike down to the Ooh Aah Point and turn around. Roundtrip rides on this shuttle are 50 minutes.

Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of the park, let’s get to the road trip itineraries already!

A Grand Canyon Road Trip: 8 Suggested Itineraries

The wonderful thing about road trips: there’s no one, single right way to do them.

You could follow the same route and have two very different trips, based solely on which roadside attractions you stop for, where you eat, and where you stay.

There are infinite possibilities for road trip routes to the Grand Canyon because you can start from almost anywhere, the canyon is huge, and it’s surrounded by fascinating landscapes and historical sites.

Today, we’re discussing the most popular Grand Canyon road trip routes, which generally start and end in either Las Vegas, NV or Phoenix, AZ.

We recommend a minimum of a 3 day weekend to get your money’s worth out of a Grand Canyon road trip.

But there is so much else within driving distance that you might want to extend your trip for a week or two to enjoy the area! We’ll discuss a few options for that as well.

In all cases, if you can snag a flight the night before your first day off, we highly recommend that. We call this the Day 0 trick.

It requires no extra time off and eliminates a bunch of wasted travel hours from your vacation days.

So, for the 3 day weekend example: fly out Friday night after work (Day 0), get in late Friday to Las Vegas or Phoenix, and spend the night nearby. Start your road trip as early as you want on Saturday (Day 1).

The 3 Day Weekend Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

Starting off with the fastest Grand Canyon road trip itinerary for all those travelers with limited time off.

This short and sweet road trip really only qualifies as a road trip because the park is so far from major cities and airports.

It’s a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas or a 3.5 hour drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon.

There are tons of roadside stops and major attractions along those routes, but this 3 day weekend itinerary is all about FOCUS.

You want to see the Grand Canyon, so you’ll see the Grand Canyon.

Pro Tip : The Day 0 trick is almost mandatory for this itinerary, especially if you’re flying in from the east coast.

(Day 0: Fly in to origin in the evening)

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, eat lunch in Tusayan or the park, stop into the Visitor Center, see Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route with a hike to Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore the Red Route, drive the Grand Canyon Desert View scenic drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive back to the airport, fly home

Depending on your good fortune and flight times, you may be able to add another attraction on the third day.

If driving back to Las Vegas , consider stopping in Kingman, AZ for the Route 66 Museum, at the Hoover Dam for a photo and/or tour, or spending some time in Vegas itself.

If driving back to Phoenix , you will pass no less than 6 national monuments along the way.

We loved Walnut Canyon National Monument , a quick hour or so stop in Flagstaff to see ancient Native American cliff dwellings in the canyon walls.

5 Day Road Trip Itinerary: Grand Canyon + City Break

If you take two vacation days and add them to a 3 day weekend, you get a 5 day vacation.

This is a great way to save some PTO but go on a longer, more satisfying vacation.

Here’s how we’d suggest you break it down.

• Fly in and Explore Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Flagstaff.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, arrive no later than lunchtime, stop in the Visitor Center and see Mather Point, explore the Orange Route, and take a short hike to the Ooh Aah Point. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend a full day in the park: explore the Red Route (views and hiking opportunities), drive the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Leisurely drive back to your origin city, stopping at attractions along the way.

Day 4 can be as adventurous or as laid back as you like.

Drive back to your origin city and enjoy some down time by the pool at your hotel before your busy travel day.

Las Vegas and Phoenix both have so much to do within their respective metro areas that you could easily spend another day sightseeing in each.

The route back to your origin city is guaranteed to have some interesting waypoints as well.

We strongly recommend the in-depth tour of the Hoover Dam if you’re going back to Las Vegas, and stopping in Sedona is always a good idea if you’re on the way back to Phoenix.

7 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary: See Both Rims!

So, you lucked out and have an entire week for vacation. Booyah!

Now, if you have 5 vacation days, we would always encourage you to pair that with two weekends to give yourself a 9 day vacation.

However, we realize some people prefer a day at home before and after a trip, so they have time to decompress and mentally prepare themselves to go back to their ordinary lives.

Post-vacation depression is a real thing.

So for those that need the extra couple of days, this itinerary is for you.

For this timeframe you can see both the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park and also spend a few days exploring nearby must-see sights.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, chill in the city
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, stopping along the way at Hoover Dam , the Grand Canyon Skywalk , or Kingman for the Route 66 Museum . Spend the afternoon in the park at the visitor center, Mather Point, and either the Orange Route or strolling along the Rim Trail. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Full day in Grand Canyon National Park: explore the Red Route, the Orange Route if you missed it yesterday, and the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend . Overnight in Page.
• Day trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim . Overnight in Page.
• Drive back to Las Vegas, considering a stop in Valley of Fire State Park along the way.

This itinerary works just as well if you fly into Phoenix rather than Vegas. On Day 6 you’d swap a stop in Valley of Fire for a stop in Flagstaff or Sedona.

9 Day Road Trip: So Many National Parks!

This Grand Canyon road trip itinerary is for all our fellow national park bucket list seekers!

When you’ve got a week in a new region and you really want to do some damage to your national park checklist , this is a great option.

Pro Tip : You only need 5 vacation days to go on a 9 day vacation. Use both the weekend before and the weekend after your 5 PTO days for a total of 9 days.

We’ll go ahead and warn you: this is highly ambitious and you cannot fully explore most of these parks with just one day. ( Well, maybe this one. )

But you can hit the highlights and see some pretty amazing stuff, and then plan a more in-depth trip later for your favorites.

• Fly in to Las Vegas, NV
• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight back in Vegas.
• Drive to Zion National Park (lose an hour for crossing time zones). Spend the rest of the day in the park. Drive to overnight in Bryce, UT.
• Visit Bryce Canyon National Park in the morning (early start). Spend the afternoon in Capitol Reef National Park. Drive to overnight in Moab, UT.
• Begin the day in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky area. End the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab again.
• Drive to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and spend a few hours here. Drive to and through Monument Valley as leisurely as you’d like. End in Page, AZ to overnight, possibly catching Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
• See Antelope Canyon (and Horseshoe Bend if you missed it yesterday) in the morning. Drive to Grand Canyon National Park and take the Desert View Scenic Drive from the east entrance. Overnight in the park or in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park. Drive back to Las Vegas to overnight (gain an hour for crossing time zones).

All said and done, this whirlwind road trip itinerary sprints through seven national parks and three nearby attractions that aren’t national parks but still impressive must-see sights nonetheless.

Day 4 will feel rushed. We suggest doing the scenic drive and a hike or two of your choice in each park, but don’t forget the 2.5hr drive in between parks when you split your day up.

On Day 5, don’t forget that Arches National Park requires advanced timed entry tickets from early April through early October.

9 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip: A More Relaxed Loop from Las Vegas

This 9 day itinerary offers more breathing room than some of the more ambitious routes discussed, and still only requires 5 vacation days.

You’ll still see a lot, but you won’t have to get up super early and stay up late to drive to the next destination to fit it all in.

• Fly in to Las Vegas .
• Spend the morning at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the afternoon back in Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip out to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Vegas again.
• Start the day by touring Hoover Dam . Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zone change), and catch a few hours in the park exploring the visitor center and Mather Point in late afternoon. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Explore Grand Canyon National Park: the Red Route, the Orange Route, hike to Ooh Aah Point, take in the Desert View Scenic Drive. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive to Page, tour Antelope Canyon , and see Horseshoe Bend . Check out Lake Powell or Glen Canyon National Conservation Area if you have extra time. Overnight in Page.
• Drive to Zion National Park and spend the day in the park. Overnight in Springdale.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park (gain an hour from time zone change) and spend the day in the park. Continue on to overnight in Las Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon has a timed entry system during its peak season from October through the end of May. The entry fee is covered by the America the Beautiful Annual Pass .

Zion National Park operates a free but mandatory shuttle bus system for the inner canyon from March through November and some busy weeks/weekends. Check their website for the current shuttle schedule.

When you enter Zion on Day 7 during this timeframe, you’ll have to drive to the Visitor Center first, park, and hop a shuttle to get to trailheads for popular hikes like the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.

The Grand Circle Road Trip – 10 Day Minimum

There are so many amazing sights to see in the Arizona/Colorado/Utah region!

Getting to them all is one giant circular route through northern Arizona, the southwest corner of Colorado, and southern Utah, and it’s become known as the Grand Circle.

This is easily one of the most epic Grand Canyon road trip itineraries out there , but it does not leave a lot of extra time for exploration.

You can still do this itinerary with only 5 vacation days, but you have to pair it with a 3 day holiday weekend to get the 10 th day without using PTO.

Of course, you can extend this itinerary if you can wring a few more PTO days out of work.

• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (lose an hour to time zones). Overnight in Tusayan.
• Drive through Monument Valley and overnight in Cortez, CO.
• Visit Mesa Verde National Park in the morning, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument in the afternoon, and drive to Moab, UT.
• Spend the day in Arches National Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Explore the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park, with a side trip to Dead Horse Point State Park. Overnight in Moab.
• Drive to and spend the day in Capitol Reef National Park. Afterward, drive to and overnight in Bryce.
• Spend a full day in Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to and overnight in Springdale.
• Explore Zion National Park. Drive to and overnight in St George.
• Drive to Las Vegas (gain an hour for time zone change). Fly home.

The itinerary above is the basic Grand Circle, but if you’ve got the time, it’s easy to add on several more parks.

Death Valley National Park is within driving distance of Las Vegas. Petrified Forest National Park could be added between the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.

Both Great Sand Dunes National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park could be added in Colorado before heading to Moab.

Don’t forget the national monuments and other historic sites! There are a ton of these, as well as state parks, that you’ll likely pass on your way to the other parks.

We loved our morning adventure in Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff and an afternoon exploring Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas.

10 Day Southwest Road Trip from Las Vegas

Heavy on national parks, this southwest road trip itinerary uses the Day 0 trick to allow for two full days in one of the national parks. (We chose Zion in the example.)

Feel free to shift the itinerary to spend two days in whichever park you choose.

(Day 0: Fly into Las Vegas)

• Day trip to Death Valley National Park. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Day trip to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just 30 minutes from downtown Vegas. Overnight in Las Vegas.
• Drive to Valley of Fire State Park and spend the day here (bring a lunch!). Drive up to Springdale late afternoon/evening (lose an hour to time zone change). Overnight in Springdale.
• First full day in Zion National Park: Hike Angel’s Landing. Overnight in Springdale.
• Second full day in Zion National Park: Hike the Narrows. Drive up and stay in Bryce tonight.
• Spend a full day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Drive to Page to overnight.
• Tour Antelope Canyon and see Horseshoe Bend in the morning. Grab an early lunch in Page before driving to the Grand Canyon North Rim for the afternoon. Drive back to overnight in Page.
• Drive to and spend a full day exploring Grand Canyon National Park. Overnight in Tusayan or Williams.
• Drive to the Hoover Dam and take a tour. Optional stop at the Grand Canyon Skywalk along the way. (Gain an hour from time zone change.) Overnight in Las Vegas.

Remember that Red Rock Canyon has timed entry in the winter, and Zion has mandatory shuttles from March to November.

As of 2022, the Angel’s Landing hike requires a permit to hike the portion from Scout Lookout up to Angel’s Landing. It’s incredibly popular and done by lottery, so may the odds be ever in your favor.

10 Day Arizona Highlights Road Trip

Arizona just has so much to see! This road trip itinerary focuses solely on Arizona sights.

Phoenix and its neighboring cities create a ginormous urban area that has quite a lot to explore. You won’t get to all of it in one day, but there is decent and affordable public transit to get around.

• Fly in to Phoenix
• Explore Phoenix and its huge urban area, including Tempe and Scottsdale.
• Day trip to Tucson to see Saguaro National Park. Drive back to Phoenix to overnight.
• Drive to Sedona and spend the day hiking and exploring. Overnight in Flagstaff.
• Day trip to Petrified Forest National Park. Overnight back in Flagstaff.
• Start the day at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Drive to Page. Tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in the afternoon. Overnight in Page.
• Day trip out to Monument Valley . Overnight back in Page.
• Drive to Grand Canyon National Park. Enter via the Desert View scenic drive, stop at the visitor center and Mather Point, and explore the Orange Route. Overnight in Tusayan.
• Spend most of the day in Grand Canyon National Park, exploring the Red Route. Drive back to and overnight in Phoenix.

What’s life without options? In this instance, you could swap the second day in Grand Canyon for a second day in Sedona.

Hiking in Grand Canyon is not for everyone, so your time may be better spent hiking in Sedona.

Which Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary is Right for You?

At this point, you might be a bit overwhelmed. You want to do all the things, but you’re a responsible adult that has bills to pay and mouths to feed (even if it’s just you and your dog).

Here are the top 3 excuses we often hear for staying in analysis paralysis and not choosing an itinerary.

Excuse #1: “I don’t have enough PTO for this.”

Remember: you can do a Grand Canyon road trip with just a 3 day weekend, no PTO required!

Even if you live on the east coast of the US and have to fly out to Arizona first.

East coasters have the time zone advantage when flying east to west, even without nonstop direct flights.

Flights leave at like 6PM and arrive in Las Vegas at midnight, or if you’re an early bird, leave at 6AM and get in by noon.

That means you could leave Friday after work, arrive in Vegas Friday night to sleep, and then have a full Saturday and Sunday to road trip before heading back Sunday night or Monday morning to Vegas and catching a midday flight home on Monday.

The time zone difference on the way back to the east coast is annoying, but you should be able to catch a noon flight in Vegas and arrive at your home airport by mid-evening.

Excuse #2: “This sounds expensive.”

This excuse irks me. It sounds expensive?

Have you even tried to price it out first, or are you just going back to the safety of your I-can’t-afford-anything-so-I-won’t-try-to-afford-anything-but-I’ll-still-complain-about-it life?

Of course, we understand that having the funds to travel is a privilege, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have the funds or access to travel. That’s not what we’re arguing here.

This excuse is almost always thrown out by people that actually do have some extra income; they just have no idea how to budget or no discipline to save.

Travel is about priorities. You have to prioritize it and then budget for it. It’s not just gonna happen if you don’t plan it.

Yes, it’s going to take some longer than others to save up for it, but there are plenty of travel options to make trips more affordable, if you plan them right.

Excuse #3: “This sounds too complicated.”

Maybe it’s not the PTO or the expense. Maybe you’re just intimidated by the number of stops on the itinerary, having to coordinate it all yourself.

You can do hard things! ( Read that again .)

Choose your favorite itinerary above, and the bulk of the planning is already done.

Now all you have to do is plug-and-play by choosing flights and a hotel or campground in each overnight spot.

Organizing isn’t your forte? No problem. I’m a pro at it, and I have this amazing trip organizer that will keep it all straight for you. ⬇️⬇️

I Found My Perfect Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary! Now What?

Congrats! The hard part is over. Now it’s simple plug and play.

Pick your dates, book your flights and rental car, and choose your hotels in the cities noted on your itinerary.

It really is that easy!

Now that you’ve got the base itinerary, here are some in-depth guides for destinations mentioned.

• Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon: Which is the Best?
• See Everything in Bryce Canyon National Park in One Day
• Where to Stay near Zion National Park
• Everything You Need to Know to See Horseshoe Bend

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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Franklin (Tennessee) to Grand Canyon National Park drive

Franklin (tennessee) to grand canyon national park road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Franklin (Tennessee) to Grand Canyon National Park. If you're planning a road trip to Grand Canyon National Park, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Franklin (Tennessee) drive for about 3.5 hours

1:21 pm   Memphis stay for about 3.5 hours and leave at 4:51 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Little Rock drive for about 2 hours

11:57 am   Ozark stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:57 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 5.5 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City drive for about 4 hours

12:58 pm   Amarillo stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:58 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

3:42 pm   Tucumcari stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:42 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 3 driving ≈ 8 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Los Poblanos Inn & Cultural Center drive for about 3.5 hours

1:33 pm   Petrified Forest National Park stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:33 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

6:10 pm  arrive at Grand Canyon National Park

day 4 driving ≈ 7 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Memphis   (140 answers)     Beale Street   (9 mentions)     Graceland   (9 mentions)     National Civil Rights Museum   (8 mentions)     Memphis Zoo   (7 mentions)     Mud Island   (6 mentions)     restaurants around Memphis:         Central BBQ         Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken         Charlie Vergos Rendezvous         Payne's Bar-B-Q         Cozy Corner Restaurant     questions about Memphis:         What's the best neighborhood in Memphis for a first time visitor?         What are the musts of Memphis, y'all?         Must sees in Memphis TN?? Hidden gems places to eat??         Best blues clubs in Memphis?         Good Food and Fun With Kids Little Rock   (48 answers)     William J Clinton Library   (6 mentions)     Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site   (3 mentions)     Governors Mansion Historic District   (2 mentions)     William J. Clinton Presidential Center   (2 mentions)     Museum of Discovery   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Little Rock:         Doe's Eat Place         Loca Luna     questions about Little Rock:         What is your favorite restaurant in Little Rock?         Best sights in Little Rock         Arkansas to Northern California         Good Eating Gems         Can't miss restaurants in Little Rock? Ozark   (3 answers) Oklahoma City   (60 answers)     Boathouse District   (4 mentions)     Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum   (3 mentions)     AT&T Bricktown Ballpark   (2 mentions)     Science Museum Oklahoma   (2 mentions)     Stockyards City Main Street   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Oklahoma City:         Kitchen No. 324         Big Truck Tacos         Waffle Champion         Cheever's Cafe         Museum Cafe     hotels around Oklahoma City:         The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City     questions about Oklahoma City:         What's the best neighborhood in Oklahoma City for a first time visitor?         Breakfast Restaurant in OKC         What sort of hands-on things can I experience in OKC? Amarillo   (43 answers)     questions about Amarillo:         THING TO SEE         Hotels Tucumcari   (6 answers)     questions about Tucumcari:         What are the must see/must stay/ must eat places in Tucumcari? Albuquerque   (117 answers)     Old Town Albuquerque   (3 mentions)     New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science   (2 mentions)     Explora!   (2 mentions)     Nob Hill   (2 mentions)     Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Albuquerque:         Frontier Restaurant         Standard Diner         Frontier Restaurant     hotels around Albuquerque:         Los Poblanos Inn & Cultural Center     questions about Albuquerque:         What is your favorite restaurant in Albuquerque?         Affordable hotel in Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta?         Temporary home!         Where to stay Petrified Forest National Park   (10 answers)     Petrified Forest National Park   (2 mentions)     questions about Petrified Forest National Park:         Accessibility         Lodging

What are some things to do in Grand Canyon National Park?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Grand Canyon National Park. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Grand Canyon National Park.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Grand Canyon National Park to Franklin (Tennessee) drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Franklin (Tennessee) to Grand Canyon National Park . Or get a full Franklin (Tennessee) to Grand Canyon National Park flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Franklin (Tennessee) well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Franklin (Tennessee)!

More info on this route:

road conditions

places to eat

flattest route

alternate routes

Google driving directions

The top 6 road-trip routes to Grand Canyon National Park

Mar 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Find the perfect route to the Grand Canyon with these fantastic road trips © Torresigner / Getty Images

So, you’ve decided this much: Grand Canyon National Park will be the end point of your next road trip.

The next questions are: where will your journey begin, and how will you get to such a remote part of the US ? Before you get to the varying terrains within the Arizona park itself, you'll experience jagged desert ridges, soaring firs and oft-snow-capped mountains looming in the distance – along with some super-quirky towns – en route.

Though there are private bus tour options from Las Vegas , helicopter flights from Phoenix and shuttles aplenty from Flagstaff , Los Angeles and even Salt Lake City , having a car at the Grand Canyon has major perks. With your own wheels, you can map your own adventure of both North Rim and South Rim stops as well as hikes to fill your day (or week) to the max.

So, as you balance flight costs, road-trip wishlists and pinpoint the perfect place to start and/or end your voyage, here are the best road trips to the Grand Canyon .

1. Las Vegas to the North Rim via Zion National Park

Best road trip for a bonus national park Las Vegas–North Rim, 275 miles (443km)

From Las Vegas, why not enjoy a bonus national park on the way to the Grand Canyon? While the southern route to Grand Canyon National Park deservingly gets a lot of love, the northern route opens up a seamless detour to Zion National Park , where vivid red cliffs and emerald pools await. The closest town to the park’s gate, Springdale, is a prime spot to recharge at Tex-Mex hotspot Oscar’s Café or the artsy  Spotted Dog eatery . From there, it’s nothing but desert landscape and small towns – like Kanab – as you make your way to the Northern Arizona border before ultimately entering the park. 

Planning tip: If the North Rim is your final destination, ensure you’re going during the six months of the year its roads are open. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed – encompassing all roads like key thoroughfare State Route 67 – between December 1 and May 14 annually.

2. Las Vegas to the South Rim via Kingman, Arizona

Best road trip for quirky desert finds Las Vegas–South Rim, 290 miles (467km)

There is no shortage of glittering casino lights and non-stop entertainment in Sin City, but after a few days and perhaps many free casino drinks, some visitors need a nature-infused reprieve. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is within day-trip distance . From wherever your Vegas home base may be, your South Rim journey will look like a capital U on the map, via Interstate 11, US Route 93 and Interstate 40.

Within 45 minutes of Vegas, make pit stops at the Hoover Dam and the antique shop-laden town of Boulder City . A drive along its main drag – Nevada Way – feels like Main Street USA, tucked worlds away from Vegas’ glitz. As for a detour, make a stop in  Kingman, Arizona , which has an Insta-worthy stretch of Route 66 , including the Arizona Route 66 Museum and quintessential American joint, Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner .

Planning tip: Strolling down the Las Vegas Strip or Fremont Street , you will see tour companies aplenty offering Grand Canyon bus or helicopter journeys. If a pitstop-free trip to see the Grand Canyon is most desired, a 12-hour round-trip bus ride from organizations such as  Canyon Tours or GC Tours may be your best option.

3. Flagstaff to the South Rim

Best road trip for a seamless, full-canyon adventure Flagstaff–South Rim, 80 miles (129km)

Situated approximately 150 miles north of Phoenix and just 90 miles south of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Flagstaff provides about as frictionless a road trip to canyon country as it gets. Its airport – Flagstaff Pulliam Airport – is serviced by regional operators American Eagle and United Express, so be on the lookout for flight options. From Flagstaff, it’s a straight-shot north on US Route 89 and over to Route 64 into the canyon. While the views are far less multifaceted than some other regional options, you can still count on a sweeping, flat desert vistas.

Detour: If you have a few extra hours to kill, trek north to Horseshoe Bend near the border town of Page. While it technically isn’t in the national park, its canyon wizardry will leave you inspired and perhaps wanting to kayak in it.

4. Phoenix to the South Rim via Wickenburg and Williams

Best road trip for vineyards and historic towns Phoenix–South Rim, 236 miles (380km)

It can be oh-so-easy and tempting to take the Interstate 17 straight shot from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon but opt for the scenic route instead, which curls west of the interstate via US Route 93 and Arizona Route 89. After getting out of the urban bubble, hit the old west-vibey town of Wickenburg where its history is on full display at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum . From there, your next stop is the historic downtown of Cottonwood , which has wine-tasting rooms aplenty and the looming Tuzigoot National Monument , with panoramic views of Sedona ’s red rock-filled flair. Additional stops can include Flagstaff as well as Prescott, whose Sharlot Hall Museum includes a prior governor’s mansion within its confines.

Planning tip: In Cottonwood – if you’re looking to explore multiple vineyards and tasting rooms – there are local wine tour operators that can handle the transportation. A safe bet is Taste of the Valley Tours .

5. Los Angeles to the South Rim

Best road trip for desert tranquility Los Angeles–South Rim, 502 miles (808km)

Yes, a trip from Los Angeles to the South Rim is doable in about eight hours. But, along the primarily Interstate 40 stretch, you’ll want to make a few stops, so prepare for a long day or overnight journey. Among the more nostalgic stops is the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, which features artifacts from local Mojave communities, rotating art exhibits and a healthy collection of Route 66 branded knickknacks. Before crossing into Arizona where Kingman and Williams await, pop into the 1.6 million-acre Mojave National Preserve  to see Joshua trees and explore sandy dune trails.

Detour: To weave in a bonus state, detour north on Route 95 in the town of Needles to the Colorado River-adjacent town of Laughlin , Nevada. In Laughlin, you’ll find a smattering of casinos and lodging options.

6. Salt Lake City to the North Rim via Moab

Best road trip for national park hoppers Salt Lake City–North Rim, 622 miles (1001km)

Utah is national park heaven , and the Grand Canyon is often the final stop on a park hop that stems from a flight into Salt Lake City. If you take this route – along US Route 6 and 191 through Utah – you can experience the 2500-plus stone arches that await in Arches National Park and the sandstone swirls of Canyonlands en route to your final destination. Once you cross into Arizona, hit the Navajo National Monument as a bonus, which has a handful of self-guided tours through the rocky terrain.

Planning tip: Take a week-plus to do this trip and if you’d like to camp or stay in lodges in the parks, book as soon as the appropriate window opens (usually about six months in advance).

This article was first published January 2023 and updated March 2024

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The Ultimate Grand Canyon Road Trip Guide

• January 12, 2022

Whether you make the Grand Canyon the centerpiece of your adventure or stop for a short visit en route to another destination, the Grand Canyon is a can’t-miss stop for any Southwest road trip.

There are tons of road trip routes and itineraries that include stops at the Grand Canyon, with a variety of exciting excursions, as well as numerous other nearby locales and National Parks to explore en route. If you’re planning a Grand Canyon road trip, get started with our Ultimate Grand Canyon Road Trip Guide, featuring:

• Sample itineraries for some of the most popular routes, including Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon , and the Grand Canyon to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park
• Suggested routes and stops for other common points of origin, including California, Denver, Phoenix, and Route 66
• Other nearby locations to explore
• Expert advice for making the most of each stop
• Tips for how to plan a road trip that satisfies every adventurer in your vehicle

Get more tips for your Grand Canyon road trip in our comprehensive guide:

Itineraries

• 7 Popular Grand Canyon Road Trip Routes
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park

Tips & Road Trip Hacks

• How To Plan a Road Trip

Grand Canyon Visitor Guide

Our Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon contains all the information you need to know for your Grand Canyon adventure, including:

• Individual guides for the South, West, North, and East Rims
• What to wear and what to pack
• Tips for visiting with kids
• Photography tips

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4 Absolutely Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip Itineraries

Hands up if a Grand Canyon road trip is on your bucket list? Thought so. And, if it isn’t, it really should be. I’ve created four of the most memorable journeys you can go on as a Grand Canyon road trip – thank me later.

No matter how many times I visit, the Grand Canyon never fails to amaze me – I’m talking open-mouthed, eyes wide wonder. As far as USA bucket lists are concerned, it should be at the very top of yours.

But why stop there? Let’s throw in a few more brilliant destinations and make a road trip out of it. Vegas, Phoenix, Denver , and Boulder, to name a few.

Buckle up for the ride of your life…

Handy Tips for Planning Your Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary 

Key tips for planning your road trip to the grand canyon.

Outline your trip as well as you can beforehand. Read up on your route, find out what lies along its roads, and pinpoint your favourite sights and must-visit attractions. 

It’s all very well trying to cram in ten cities in 5 days, but I reckon you would be better off removing a few and enjoying a couple of the biggies for a bit longer. 

Decide on your accommodation early. Check out my guide on where to stay in the Grand Canyon to help make it a breeze.

What to Pack for Your Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

Pack the travel gear essentials you will need for your escapades at the canyon, such as a comfortable pair of shoes – my favourites right now are the Tropicfeel Canyon Shoes . 

Don’t underestimate the need for suitable clothing, hiking poles , and a hydration pack – if you’re hiking, you need to stay comfortable, safe, and hydrated

Pack essential travel items, such as a roadside emergency kit, snacks, and your camera with a spare battery (trust me on this one).

Sunscreen and sunglasses, as well as a cap to protect you from the sun.

A universal adapter – once you start snapping photos (and boy, you will) your phone’s battery will run down very quickly.

If you’re lugging items around with you, make sure you’re wearing a suitable backpack – you can read about my favourites here .

Useful Resources 

• Skyscanner – the perfect tool in your arsenal for booking local flights in the US and international flights from abroad at the best price.
• Booking.com – the top website for booking hotels and accommodation, for the very best prices.

Getting Around 

Trust me on this one – the best way to travel on your epic Grand Canyon road trip is via a car. If you’re not planning to use your own car for this road trip, consider the following rental agencies:

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• National Car Rental

Renting a car is generally pretty cheap in this region of the US and will allow you to take your perfect trip at your own pace.

4 Grand Canyon Road Trip Itineraries

3-day las vegas to grand canyon road trip .

Ready for a kick-ass adventure? There’s one place synonymous with a Grand Canyon road trip… and that is Las Vegas, of course. It would’ve been rightfully sinful for this guide to start with anything else than a road trip from Sin City to the Canyon.

This Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip highlights several top attractions and side trips for the perfect 3-day road trip from Nevada to Arizona.

Route Summary 

Las Vegas >> Boulder City >> Kingman >> Williams >> Grand Canyon

Detailed Route Itinerary 

Las vegas to boulder city.

Las Vegas is where this wild adventure starts – and honestly, what a place to kick things off. 

From the famous Las Vegas Strip to the High Roller , it’s truly like no other city in the world. With some of the world’s best restaurants, sideshow attractions, and epic daytime parties — starting day one here is a surefire hit.

From Las Vegas, you’ll head through Henderson onwards to your first overnight destination, Boulder City. From here, opting for a tour, including a stop at the Hoover Dam , is something I’d highly recommend. 

You’ll have worked up quite the appetite by now, I’m sure. So, end the night with dinner from either the Southwest Diner or The Dillinger.

Suggested Stay: Best Western Hoover Dam Hotel

Boulder City to Williams

Starting the second day of this trip, you’ll depart from Boulder City and cross the border into Arizona along route 93. The state is an absolute gold mine (pun intended – sorry not sorry) of mining history. 

And one of the best pit stops to witness this is the oldest mining town in Arizona, Chloride. It’s the perfect spot to get some snapshots of the town’s quirky murals and roadside ‘junk’ art – quite a rude name IMHO.

From here, your route will take you to Kingman, another spot steeped in history. I recommend visiting Mohave Museum of History and Arts or the Route 66 Museum – or indulge in a pit stop at the Desert Diamond Distillery (if you hadn’t guessed, this is where I ended up).

The historic Route 66 leads out of Kingman to Williams. This is one of the closest towns to the canyon and where you’ll spend the second night of your trip.

Suggested Stay: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel

Williams to Grand Canyon

Ready for the grand finale? Day 3 is a shortie – it’s a simple drive from Williams towards the gateway to the Grand Canyon. And, if you couldn’t tell by the name, this is the perfect spot to start your canyon adventure. 

Early morning is the ideal time to head to the famous Bearizona Wildlife Park – it’s a drive-thru, so you don’t even need to leave the comfort of the AC.

After a morning in Williams, follow Route 64 through to Grand Canyon Junction. It’s a super little spot to get an early taste of the canyon. 

And after that? Well, continue up Route 64 directly to Grand Canyon Village. Tadah! You’ve arrived in style.

Suggested Stay: The Grand Canyon Hotel at The Grand Canyon

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip Map 

2-Day Phoenix to Grand Canyon Road Trip 

I’m going to play devil’s advocate and throw another option into the mix. After all, a road trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon is an option too good to pass up. 

The entire city of Phoenix is, in essence, a resort-style paradise that can quickly fill up a few days by itself. But the trip from here to the Grand Canyon does offer up picturesque locations from the get-go.

From Camp Verde, through Coconino National Forest, to Kachina Village, it’s the scenic trip to end all trips. Now do you see why I said bring a spare camera battery? Exactly.

Phoenix >> Camp Verde >> Kachina Village >> Williams >> Grand Canyon 

Phoenix to Camp Verde

To kick off this epic road trip, your departure point is Phoenix. Route 17 will lead you out of the city on the way to Camp Verde. 

You’ll pass through Black Canyon City, which is a potential early pitstop. As you drive, a few notable snapshot spots are Sunset Point (this gets a huge YES from me) and the quaint little town of Cordes Lake.

From Cordes Lake, the Arizona Veterans Highway will lead you past Flower Pot and right to Camp Verde. 

Camp Verde is just beautiful. Here you can enjoy attractions such as the Out of Africa Wildlife Park or indulge in a Jeep tour and wine tasting – don’t drink two much though, day 2 brings more adventure.

Suggested Stay: Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

Camp Verde to Grand Canyon

Day 2 is a bit of a slog, but well worth it. I promise. 

The longest part of this road trip is the road from Camp Verde to the gateway to Williams, the Grand Canyon. Firstly, Route 17 takes you through the beautiful Coconino National Forest. Notable stops are Scenic View and Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook. 

Those few extra hours don’t seem too bad when the views are this damn good.

Then, you’ll reach Kachina Village. A part of greater Flagstaff, this scenic little village is the perfect rest stop to catch a bite to eat and breathe in the crisp forest air. From here, it’s a short drive to Williams.

Enjoy your final road trip moments outside the park and head to Grand Canyon Village to begin your next adventure.

Suggested Stay: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn

Phoenix to Grand Canyon Road Trip Map 

2-Day Zion to Grand Canyon Road Trip 

What’s better than one national park? Answer: Two. Don’t say I don’t treat you.

I don’t like to play favourites, but this road trip might be my favourite option – you’re whisked straight from the stunning red cliffs of Zion National Park to the otherworldly views of Grand Canyon National Park . 

Zion National Park >> Colorado City >> Grand Canyon National Park  

Zion National Park to Colorado City

Start by spending a few days in Zion National Park – you’ll seriously regret not giving yourself longer. Once you‘ve ticked off a fair few things from your Zion bucket (skip on the bat bite though – if you know, you know), this is the starting point for option 3.

Route 9 takes you out of the park and crosses through the towns of Rockville – by the way, if you want a helicopter tour of Zion (who doesn’t?), you’ll drive past its take-off point – across the Virgin River to Hurricane. This is where you can opt to sky-dive above Zion or hike the historic Babylon trailhead.

Route 59 takes you out of Hurricane to Colorado City, right on the Utah and Arizona border. 

Before booking into your overnight accommodation, grab a sun-downer or two at the Edge of the World Brewery (I will never get over how incredible the beer is in this part of The States!).

Suggested Stay: Zion Glamping Adventures

Colorado City to Grand Canyon National Park

Hopefully you haven’t had too many drinks last night, as the second day of this unforgettable road trip from Zion to Grand Canyon will see you drive down Route 389. This route passes through the historic Kaibab Indian Reservation. 

A photo-op at the Pipe Spring National Monument is a must. Continuing on this route will lead to Fredonia, where you’ll turn down Route 89A.

Hold on to your camera for this part, as this route will take you straight down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. In fact, it will take you down the Grand Canyon Highway along the North Kaibab Trail. 

Suggested Stay: Kaibab Lodge

Zion to Grand Canyon Road Trip Map 

3-Day Denver to Grand Canyon Road Trip 

I will never stop professing my love for the city of Denver , Colorado. It’s a prime destination on its own, but it is also an excellent kick-off point for an epic 3-day road trip to the Grand Canyon. 

If anything, this route will teach you that Mother nature truly is a show off, but I love her for it. 

The entire route features forested national parks set to the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Once you cross the border into Utah, the glorious roaming landscapes take centre stage… *opens Skyscanner and books my next flight*.

Denver >> Grand Junction >> Moab >> Tuba City >> Grand Canyon 

Denver to Grand Junction

Day 1 

When you depart from Denver on Route 70, the first thing that you’ll notice is the fantastic scenery. 

This is an iconic road in American travelling history, venturing past Pettingell Peak in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, before winding past Mt Lincoln, and then next to the White River National Forest.

Route 70 also takes you through some fantastic rest-stop towns such as Glenwood Springs, Parachute, and De Beque. Oh, and did I mention the Colorado River runs along the entire route? It’s heart eyes all the way.

You’ll arrive at Grand Junction, which is where you’ll spend your first night. There’s loads to do here, including a visit to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and a vineyard or two (Whitewater Hill and Mesa Park being highlights).

Suggested Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Junction

Grand Junction to Tuba City

From Grand Junction, you’ll cross the Utah state border following Route 70 until you reach the Route 191 turnoff just outside Thompson Springs. 

The road here leads past Arches National Park , and soon you’ll arrive in Moab . This is the perfect place to stretch your legs (you’ll definitely need it by this point – especially if you’re the designated driver) and visit a few local hotspots. 

Once you’re ready to go, you’ll head through Spanish Valley along the 191. Have your camera ready so you can catch stunning shots of West Mountain and the famous Twin Peaks. 

Heading down Route 191, take the turnoff right onto Route 160, which leads to the small town, oddly named Tuba City. 

Suggested Stay: Navajo Land Hotel

Tuba City to Grand Canyon National Park

After getting in some quality rest and relaxation, the drive from Tuba City along Highway 89 is fairly chilled out and will lead you to the Route 64 turnoff. 

This is a very special route and is more popularly known as Desert View Drive. It offers some of the best canyon views, especially if you’re looking for a sunrise or sunset spot at the Grand Canyon.

Then snap some buzzworthy photos at the Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook, situated on a route leading directly to a true crown jewel — The Desert View Watchtower. Follow this road to take you right into the Grand Canyon Village.

Suggested Stay: Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel

Denver to Grand Canyon Road Trip Map 

Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary – Map 

Grand Canyon Road Trips: Read Next

• The Best Things to do in the Grand Canyon  
• Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon
• The Ultimate Grand Canyon Itinerary
• Beautiful Hikes in the Grand Canyon
• Cool Things to do in Arizona
• Where to Catch Stunning Views of the Grand Canyon

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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The Perfect 7-Day Grand Circle Road Trip (USA)

The Grand Circle road trip (USA) has always been a dream of mine. Ever wanted to visit the Grand Canyon , and the famous Horseshoe Bend ? Some have the luxury of time to explore, but if you only have 7 days here’s how to maximize time to experience national parks in Southwest Utah and the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, and even enjoy Las Vegas in Nevada.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is one the most popular road trips in the US because of the spectacular views and scenic drive. I am so thankful for the opportunity to do this with my family during spring. We rented an SUV for this trip, which was perfect for 4 of us.

Another cool thing to do would be renting an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy , a peer-to-peer camper rental community. That way, you can try out van life without committing to buying one, and it will already be built up for you. Check out the options near your location or Las Vegas and book in advance for the best prices and options !

• How To Choose The Best Car Rental – Turo, Zipcar, Hertz
• 7 Scenic Road Trip Ideas For Nature Lovers
• Yosemite 2-Day Itinerary: The Best Sights For Weekend Warriors

Best time to do the Grand Circle Road Trip

The best time for a Grand Circle Road Trip is just outside summer – from March to May, or September to November. This is when the weather is mild, which we experienced when we visited in May.

At night, the temperatures were just above freezing, but it felt alright when we were out camping. During the day, it was sunny and we felt warm but not weighted down by the heat while hiking.

For example, you can check the monthly temperature ranges at different parts of the Grand Canyon here . If you’re there closer to winter time, you may even get to see some snow!

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas

Las Vegas can be reached via a flight or drive. If you only have 7 days, I recommend resting from the jet lag, and choose to fly in to Vegas rather than drive. On this first night, have a good dinner and rest up before the hiking and exploration begins. Hit up any of the restaurants in Vegas, such as the Gordon Ramsay Burger place, or Sekushi Japanese Restaurant , etc. If you arrive early enough, consider having a sumptuous buffet, since many of them open till 9pm.

In terms of budgeting, I suggest going for a cheaper hotel at the start, and splurge at the end of the Grand Circle road trip loop. We stayed at Excalibur Hotel , a 3.5-star hotel in the heart of the Strip. Check latest prices on Booking.com or Agoda .

Day 2: Zion National Park

The first hikes in our Grand Circle road trip will start today. Zion National Park is a short 2.5 hour drive from Las Vegas. You could easily do a day trip to Zion National Park if you want to do 1 short hike during the day. If you have time, I suggest making a 1-hour detour to drive through the Valley of Fire State Park , a route that promises breathtaking scenery and towering rock formations.

Lower Emerald Pools trail (2 hours) is perfect for a family, as it is easy enough but also exposes you to the spectacular landscape of Zion every way you turn. Other popular trails are the Angel’s Landing, and hiking the Narrows , which are more time consuming and spending more than 1 day in Zion might be a better idea for those who are up for the challenge.

If you’re looking for hotels near Zion National Park , here are some cool places to consider:

• Best for Luxury Glamping: Zion Glamping Adventures
• Best for Convenient Location : Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites

We opted to stay in Glendale, Utah for 2 nights, as it is conveniently situated between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park . This way, it can be our base before and after we explore Bryce Canyon. It’s also more affordable compared to staying near the National Parks’ entrances.

Check out this tiny home – Apple Hollow Cabins !

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is a slightly smaller park, but there are many lookout points (sunrise point, sunset point, etc.) that are worth stopping by on the way to hiking trails. Hoodoos are the highlight of this park, pillar-like structures that have been brought about by various forms of erosion. Truly a geography lesson.

The most popular and doable trail is the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop trail (2-3 hours), where you descend down into the canyon, allowing you to get up close and personal with the Hoodoos, and view them from a different perspective. The landscape is almost unearthly, but very interesting to explore.

Day 4: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend

The Antelope Canyons are split into the upper and lower section, with the upper being more expensive and crowded because of the light rays and the opportunities to photograph sand falling into the canyon. The lower section has fewer people (still crowded) and is generally cheaper, and the canyon itself descends deeper (more stairs).

In my opinion I think both would be great, and if you are not too picky, it would not make a huge difference as you will have a great time in either.

Do note that you will need to join a tour to enter the Antelope Canyons , you do not have access to them on your own. I booked my tour for $50 USD per pax with Ken’s Tours for 1-1.5 hours. One advantage of having a tour is that the guide might show you good photo spots and help you take pictures.

You can also browse more Antelope Canyon tour options on platforms like GetYourGuide , such as:

• Lower Antelope Canyon tour
• Upper Antelope Canyon tour

Alternatively, consider this variation of the Grand Circle tour from Las Vegas : Antelope Canyon + Horeshoe Bend day trip from Las Vegas

Also consider the time of day you choose for the tour, as you want to have optimal sunlight shining into the canyon. Most sources say that mid-day is the best. If it is too late in the day, the canyon could look dark in pictures.

Overall a very fun place to explore and take pictures in, but the crowd makes it difficult to take good photos and you might feel rushed.

In between our mid-day tour to Antelope Canyons and sunset viewing at Horseshoe Bend , we bought frozen yoghurt in the nearby supermarket to cool off. Then, we headed to the Glen Canyon Dam nearby where The Chains hike starts. We chose to stay near the parking lot, exploring rock formations and taking pictures. It was unexpectedly fun, and you can even see people fishing and going really close to the water.

Last but not least, a beautiful sunset to end the day. Aim to arrive at the observation area about 1 hour before sunset so that you can enjoy golden hour. You can also watch the colours of the sky change if you stay a while after the sun sets.

On hindsight, I should have brought some picnic mats/towels to put on the rocks for a more comfortable sunset experience.

You can stay somewhere between Tuba City and Moenkopi in Arizona , such as Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites (check on booking.com for latest prices). This will be on the way to Grand Canyon.

Do note that in Arizona there is time difference in the Navajo Nation regions, which includes Tuba City. The rest of Arizona follows Pacific Time.

Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park

This is probably where you will find the ‘Grand’ in the Grand Circle road trip. Our family camped 1 night in Grand Canyon National Park ( Mather campground ), giving us plenty of opportunities to enjoy the park. After all, it is one of the wonders of the world, a geographical landform visible from space. We rented camping equipment from Airbnb and collected them in Cameron, AZ on our way to Grand Canyon.

Going hiking or camping soon? Check out some of my tips and gear recommendations:

Cold weather camping gear | Camping starter kit | Affordable hiking backpacks | Weekend camping trip planning + packing list | First-timer tent camping tips | Hiking boots for women | Rooftop tents for car camping

Best lookout points in Grand Canyon National Park

There are many lookout points in the park , and here are the ones I visited and recommend. You can also find a summary of these places, including sunrise and sunset spots color-coded in this map below.

1) Along east entrance, with views of the Colorado River:

• Desert View
• Lipan Point

2) Near the village and Mather campground

• Mather Point/Amphitheatre (sunrise views, closest to campsite and has seating area)
• Rim trail views

3) West of the village along Hermit Road (accessible only by shuttle bus from Mar-Nov)

• Hopi Point (sunset views, toilets available)
• Would have also gone to Mohave Point for sunset if we had more time

Most people also recommend hiking the South Kaibab trail (near the east side of the park). However, we chose another trail called the Bright Angel Trail , and hiked down to the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse. The round trip hike takes 2-4 hours with 1,120 ft (340 m) elevation gain. This trail would be closest to Hermit Road where we will be going for sunset.

Where to go for sunset?

• Hopi Point (red route)
• Yavapai Point (drive, walk or orange route)
• Lipan Point (drive)
• Pima Point (red route)

Day 6: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas

As mentioned earlier, Mather Point is one of the best places to watch the sunrise (shown in the picture above). We also happened to meet 2 other Singaporeans and they were smart enough to bring coffee and breakfast along.

Where to go for sunrise?

• Yavapai Point (Walk, drive or orange route)
• Navajo Point (Drive)
• Mather Point (5 minute walk)

Sunrise tips: arrive at the lookout point about 30-45 min before sunrise to watch the light slowly creep in. The photo shows the sun after it has risen. We woke up at 4:45am and waited till about 6am before leaving. Sunrise time was about 5:30am.

Cook some ramen and drink some coffee before starting the day. Head out to explore the Rim Trail to see more viewpoints of the Grand Canyon before driving to Las Vegas.

We passed through several towns and dropped by Williams to return the camping equipment. There was some decent coffee at Brewed Awakenings Coffee.

To end the day, we pigged out at a buffet place. It was perfect after many days of hiking. You could choose to watch a live show after dinner too, or simply walk around exploring the many hotels/the Strip.

Day 7: Leave from Las Vegas

On our last night in Vegas, we and booked a room in Bellagio Hotel to reward ourselves.

If you can wake up early, spend some time in the hotel pool area to soak in the sun. Spend this last day shopping at the outlet stores too. We shopped at the South outlet stores since it was nearest to McCarran airport and the car return area.

The time of the year to go to these places could play a role in several decisions. For example, camping at freezing temperatures and deciding which trail to hike as some might be closed due to snow. However, many of these places look spectacular with snow sprinkled on them, and not everyone gets to enjoy such view. I would love to visit Capitol Reef National Park and Monument Valley if we had more time.

With that, the perfect Grand Circle road trip has concluded. I hope that this has helped you in planning and getting inspired to hike a little. You can also check out these tips on how to take great photos of yourself hiking . Now let’s get packing !

Grand Circle Road Trip – Itinerary Printable

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What to bring for your hiking trip

To make the most of your adventure, it’s essential to come prepared. Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything you need.

Hiking essentials and comfort items

• Hiking boots or shoes : Comfortable and supportive footwear is a must so you’ll have the best experience. Waterproof boots can be useful for muddy trails.
• Hiking day pack : It should have enough space to store snacks, water, and any extra clothing. Here are some affordable hiking backpacks below $100 to consider.
• Water : Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Water reservoirs with up to 3-litre capacity are useful for longer hikes. In general, bring at least 0.5 litres for every hour of hiking.
• Map and navigation : Having a map adds an extra layer of security. Offline Google Maps also helps.
• Snacks : Pack energy-boosting snacks to keep you fueled throughout the hike. These could be energy bars, nuts, or some sweets.
• Sunscreen and cap : Protect yourself from the sun, especially during the open sections of the trail.
• Layered clothing : For example, bring a fleece sweater and wear a sweat-wicking base layer. Rain jackets can also act as a windbreaker.
• Phone tripod: If you’re hiking alone, having a phone tripod is great for filming shots of yourself.
• Trekking poles: Provide extra stability on uneven terrain and downhill sections.

Shop hiking gear

Gregory Jade 28L Backpack

A reliable hiking day pack for carrying essentials – even comes with a rain cover.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody

Lightweight and warm, perfect for staying cozy in chilly weather.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Keep dry and comfortable with a reliable waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles

Lightweight hiking poles that support you both uphill and downhill.

Columbia Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece

Insulating mid layer fleece that repels water and keeps you warm.

Columbia Newton Ridge Waterproof Hiking Boots

Budget-friendly waterproof hiking boots for casual hikers.

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Last updated: November 30, 2023

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PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

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The driving time from Nashville, Tennessee to Grand Canyon is:

23 hours, 39 minutes.

Average driving speed: 68.8 mph Kilometers per hour: 110.7 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

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Map of driving directions from Nashville, TN to Grand Canyon

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Driving time from Nashville, TN to Grand Canyon

How long is the drive from Nashville, TN to Grand Canyon? The total driving time is 23 hours, 39 minutes .

Your trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee. It ends in Grand Canyon, Arizona.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Nashville, TN to Grand Canyon .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Nashville, TN to Grand Canyon based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Nashville, TN and Grand Canyon .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Nashville, TN to Grand Canyon.

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Detour: Grand Canyon National Park

Home / Route 66 / Arizona / Detour: Grand Canyon National Park

Route 66 Detour: Grand Canyon

One of the wonders of the natural world, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River—277 miles (455 km) long, more than a mile (1.6 km) deep, and anywhere from 5 to 18 mi (8 to 29 km) across—defies description, and if you’re anywhere nearby, you owe it to yourself to stop for a look. The most amazing thing about the Grand Canyon, apart from its sheer size and incredible variety of shapes and colors, is how different it looks when viewed from different places (artist David Hockney has said that the Grand Canyon is the only place on Earth that makes you want to look in all directions—up, down, and side to side—at the same time). Be sure to check it out from as many angles, and at as many different times of day, as you can. A book like this one can do little more than hint at all there is to see and do, but if you have time for nothing else, take a quick hike down into the canyon to get a real sense of its truly awesome scale.

The great majority of the five million people who visit the Grand Canyon each year arrive at the South Rim and gaze down into the Grand Canyon from Mather Point, where the entrance road hits the edge of the gorge. The park visitors center and most of the food and lodging are located 2 mi (3.2 km) west at Grand Canyon Village. Beyond Grand Canyon Village, West Rim Drive winds west, leading past the J. W. Powell Memorial at Hopi Point, from where you get great views of the Colorado River, which otherwise can be surprisingly hard to see. A series of other viewpoints dot the drive before ending up at Hermit’s Rest, 7 mi (11.3 km) from Grand Canyon Village, where there are yet more stupendous views as well as restrooms, drinking fountains, and a gift shop.

The West Rim Drive, which was built for tourists by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1912, is closed to cars throughout summer, but frequent shuttle buses stop at all the viewpoints. A 6-mi (9.6-km) hiking trail runs west from the Powell Memorial to Hermit’s Rest, and a 2-mi (3.2-km) paved nature trail links the Powell Memorial with Grand Canyon Village.

East from Mather Point, East Rim Drive is accessible by car for 25 mi (40 km), stopping first at aptly named Grandview Point, 12 mi (19.3 km) from Grand Canyon Village and a half-mile (0.8 km) north of the East Rim Drive. This is, literally and figuratively, a high point of any Grand Canyon tour, giving a 270-degree panorama over the entire gorge. Continuing east, the road passes a small prehistoric pueblo at Tusayan Ruins before ending with a bang at Desert View Watchtower, an Ancestral Puebloan-style tower set right at the edge of the canyon. Though it looks ancient, the tower was created for tourists in 1932, designed by Mary Colter, also the architect of the Bright Angel Lodge and most of the wonderful old Harvey House hotels that lined Route 66 across the Southwest.

From the watchtower, the road continues along the rim through the east entrance, and then drops down to the crossroads town of Cameron and the Little Colorado River.

Grand Canyon Hikes

To get a real feel for the Grand Canyon, you have to get out of the car, get beyond the often overcrowded viewpoints that line the South Rim, and take a walk down into the depths of the canyon itself. The most popular and best-maintained path, the Bright Angel Trail , descends from the west end of Grand Canyon Village, following a route blazed by prospectors in the 1890s. It’s a 19 mi (31-km) hike down to the Colorado River and back. There are rest stops (with water) along the way; however, the park does not recommend anyone walking from rim to river in one day. A shorter day hike cuts off to Plateau Point , 1,300 ft (396 m) above the river and a 12-mi (19.3-km) round-trip from the South Rim. Camping at nearby Bright Angel Campground , which has space for more than 100 people, requires an advance permit from the park. Permit information is available at www.nps.gov/grca or by calling the main visitors center for details.

Another interesting old trail drops down from Grandview Point to Horseshoe Mesa , where you can still see the remnants of an old copper mine that closed in 1907. This is a 6-mi (9.6-km) round-trip and gives an unforgettable introduction to the Grand Canyon.

No matter where you go, when hiking down into the canyon, remember that it will take you twice as long to hike back up again, that the rim can be covered in snow and ice as late as June, and you must always carry water—especially in summer—at least a quart for every hour you’re on the trail. The good visitors center (928/638-7888) in Grand Canyon Village has information about the park’s many hiking trails, the canyon’s geology, the burro rides that take you down and back up again, and anything else to do with the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Accommodations

It may give a sense of the immensity of the Grand Canyon to know that, while the North Rim is a mere 6-10 mi (9.6 to 16.1 km) from the South Rim as the crow flies, to get there by road requires a drive of at least 215 mi (345 km).

Most of what you’ll need to know to enjoy your Grand Canyon visit is contained in the brochure you’re given at the entrance, where you pay the $35-per-car fee (national parks passes are accepted).

To make advance reservations for accommodations—a good idea at any time of year but essential in the peak summer months phone the park concessionaire, Xanterra (888/297-2757 in advance, 928/638-2631 for same-day cancellations), which handles reservations for the six different lodges in Grand Canyon Village. The most characterful and best-value place to stay is the Bright Angel Lodge , which overlooks the canyon; the cheapest rooms share baths, while others have canyon views and fireplaces. The coffee shop here is open all day, there’s a pretty nifty soda fountain right on the edge of the canyon, and the lobby fireplace shows off the rock strata, in proper chronological order, that form the walls of the Grand Canyon. The other historic lodge is the El Tovar Hotel , opened in 1905 but recently renovated; rooms here start around $200 and top out at more than $500 a night for suites. The El Tovar also has the park’s best restaurant—and a comfy piano bar to help while away the night.

For a basic motel bed, there are four other lodges in Grand Canyon Village, offering more than 750 rooms altogether, that ($100-210). There’s also a nice lodge at the North Rim, open usually mid-May to mid-October.

It’s more of an effort to reach, but the best place to get a feel for the Grand Canyon is splendid Phantom Ranch , a rustic complex of cabins and dormitories way down in the canyon, on the north side of the Colorado River. Space here is usually taken up by people on overnight burro-ride packages (which cost around $700). But, particularly in the off-season, you may be able to get a bed without the standard six months (or more) advance reservation. Ask at the desk in the Bright Angel Lodge, or call 303/297-2757.

Reservations for camping (877/444-6777) at the South Rim are also essential in summer. The largest facility, Mather Campground (no hookups, $18), is near Market Plaza, the park’s general store and commerce area, and is open year-round, with more than 300 sites and coin-operated showers. Sites with RV hookups are available nearby at the Delaware North-run Trailer Village. There’s another National Park Service campground at Desert View, near the east entrance. Backcountry camping (overnight permits required) is available at established sites down in the canyon.

If all the in-park accommodations are full, thousands of rooms are available in Williams, Flagstaff, and right outside the park’s southern boundary at Tusayan, where you can choose from a Best Western, a Holiday Inn Express, and a Quality Inn.

Related Grand Canyon Travel Guides

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Travel Map of Arizona

This Scenic Road Trip Route To The Grand Canyon Is Honestly Just As Gorgeous As The Destination

If you're taking  a trip to the Grand Canyon , planning to drive from Phoenix in your own or a rented vehicle, you're in for a real treat. The road trip we're recommending is not just a means to a destination — it's an epic journey through spectacular landscapes, passing some natural and human-made wonders along the way. The 242-mile trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon begins on I-17, which takes you north through a tawny stretch of desert studded with iconic saguaro cacti , their arms outstretched to the sky. As you head north, you'll start climbing up into barren rocky plains that have a haunting beauty all their own. 

Now might be a great time to stop in Rock Springs just off the highway to dust off and grab some refreshments. For nearly a century, weary travelers have congregated at the  Rock Springs Cafe  to eat, drink, and satisfy their pie cravings. The cafe, nicknamed "The Pie Capitol of Arizona," sells more pie than any other establishment in the state. An interesting stop on the stretch of I-17 between Rock Springs and Sedona is Arcosanti , "an ongoing experiment in architecture, ecology, art, and community that you won't find anywhere else in the world," according to its website. The museum-like location offers daily tours of its fascinating grounds and also has a gift shop where you can purchase a world-famous bronze and ceramic Arcosanti windbell .

Montezuma Castle to Sedona

After I-17 passes through Camp Verde, another must-visit is Montezuma Castle, a National Monument established in 1906 to preserve a multi-story residence that the Native Sinagua People built into the side of a limestone cliff about 900 years ago. The site is not only a visual marvel, but also a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of the Sinagua people, who learned how to flourish in the harsh desert. Shortly after leaving Montezuma Castle, exit I-17 and take AZ-179 north toward Oak Creek. 

You'd reach the Grand Canyon more quickly if you stayed on 1-17, but you won't want to miss AZ-179, which is known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This part of Arizona is simply stunning. Cliffs and rock formations take on fiery colors, which intensify as you head toward Oak Creek Village. Once at the village, stretch your legs and take the 1.5 mile hike on the Bell Rock loop, which leads you around one of the most recognizable red rock formations in Arizona. And yes, it rather resembles a bell. Get back on AZ-179 and head into Sedona, where you'll be met with jaw-droppingly gorgeous red rock scenery and plenty more hiking opportunities , along with shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and some world-class spas and resorts. Sedona is a magical place to stay for a night or two, if your itinerary allows it. 

Sedona to the Grand Canyon

From Sedona, take AZ-89A N through Oak Creek Canyon toward Flagstaff. This road is breathtaking any time of year, but especially when the autumn foliage lights up the inner canyon. A great place to stop for a hike is the West Fork Trail, which is 9.5 miles north of Sedona on 89A. This little gem of a trail enchants hikers as it twists and turns up the canyon, with each vista more spectacular than the last and reflections of the red- and gold-streaked cliffs in the creek's slow-moving waters. 

Continue up Oak Creek Canyon on 89A , merge back onto I-17 N, and head toward Flagstaff, a university town with a laid-back mountain vibe that's another great place to spend a night. From Flagstaff, take US-180 W past Arizona Snow Bowl, northern Arizona's premier downhill ski destination. Now you're in mountain country, with thick pine forests and rolling meadows at eye level and the majestic San Francisco Peaks towering above you. The tallest mountain in the group, Humphreys Peak, rises to an impressive 12,633 feet and is the highest point in Arizona. From here, you're only 79 miles from the south rim of the Grand Canyon. At the intersection of US-180 and Snow Bowl Road, take US-180 W to AZ-64 N, which will lead you the rest of the way to the Grand Canyon, if your eyes can even handle any more beauty. 

Perfect Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

Are you trying to plan an epic road trip to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon?

I visited all of these national parks in 2021 on an epic camper van road trip with my best friend. We had a blast journeying through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona , and now I am sharing our exact itinerary with you!

In this guide, I’ll provide a day-by-day breakdown of this one week road trip that includes Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon, plus Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Valley of Fire State Park! How’s that for an action packed itinerary?

So if you are planning a trip to the American Southwest and are looking for the perfect one week itinerary, this post is for you!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

One Week in Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce: The Ultimate National Parks Road Trip Itinerary

Itinerary overview.

The route for this national parks road trip is basically a big circle , starting in Las Vegas and covering the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce, as well as Page, Arizona. I recommend starting with the Grand Canyon, as it’s the longest leg of the trip ( 4.5 hours ). From there, you will continue on from the Grand Canyon to Page, then Page to Zion.

If you follow this itinerary, the second half of the trip in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park will be much slower-paced than the first half of the trip. During the first couple days, you will be changing locations each day, so it’s a quick start to the trip!

However, this road trip can be reversed, starting with Zion and ending with the Grand Canyon before heading back to Las Vegas!

The drive times for this itinerary are as follows:

• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon: 4.5 hours
• Grand Canyon to Page: 2.25 hours
• Page to Zion: 1.5 hours
• Zion to Bryce (day trip): 1.5 hours
• Zion to Las Vegas: 2.5 hours

Pace of Travel

Before we get into the details, let’s talk about the pace of this itinerary, because it’s definitely not for everyone! Understanding your travel style and what you are looking for in a trip will really help your planning process, and I want to make sure anyone can use this itinerary and adjust as needed.

I would categorize this trip as fast-paced and for adventure travelers.. You will be driving over 1000 miles through 3 states in 7 days . You’ll get to experience the Grand Canyon, Zion, AND Bryce, plus a few other spots!

The first 3 days you will be changing locations every evening after exploring all day . I will say – we were a little apprehensive about this before our trip, but it ended up being totally fine! But we are also in our twenties with no kids, in a van, and knew what we were getting into.

If you are looking for a more relaxing, slow-paced national parks road trip, I would highly recommend either adding more days in or cutting out some stops. For example, you could easily spend a week exploring just Zion and Bryce Canyon. Or you could spend 3 days in the Grand Canyon and still not see and do it all!

This itinerary hits all the highlights of the American Southwest, which was our goal for the trip. We only had one week and wanted to see and do as much as possible. Please use this itinerary as guide and adapt as needed to your travel preferences!

Packing Essentials for Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce

Your packing list for a trip to the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce will be very much dependent on the weather.

For example, summers in Zion National Park often see temperatures in the  100s and lows well below freezing in the winter. Bryce Canyon is typically 10-20 degrees colder than it is at Zion!

Regardless of the time of year you visit, these few items below will be essential for you trip:

1. Good Hiking Boots This might seem obvious, but you definitely need to invest in a good pair of hiking boots for your trip to the American Southwest. I wore these boots every single day, no blisters, no pain. I am prone to tripping and spraining my ankle.. but had no issue in these.

2. Day pack with water bladder I never owned a backpack with a bladder before, but I bought this one from Amazon for the trip! Not having to lug around a water bottle every day was great, and having hands free access to water comes in handy (see what I did there?!) when you are kayaking in Antelope Canyon or climbing the chains on Angel’s Landing! So I highly recommend this backpack – it was the perfect size and only $30!

3. Sunscreen I will scream this from the mountain tops until I am blue in the face! If you are going to be outside, you need to wear sunscreen. Even if it’s cold. Even if its cloudy!! If you hate the feeling of sunscreen, I highly recommend Supergoop! It’s my favorite brand ever (not sponsored) but I will recommend them forever.

Starting Point for Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Itinerary

This national parks road trip starts and ends in the beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada. You will be journeying over 1000 miles in a circle through Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Las Vegas is the perfect place to start and end this itinerary for two reasons:  

• Harry Reid International Airport is a very popular airport with direct flights from all over the country!  
• After spending a week traveling through the desert, Las Vegas is the perfect place to bring yourself back to reality!

Now, I personally tackled this road trip in an Escape Campervan .. However, you can use this itinerary while traveling in a standard rental car and staying in fancy hotels. Or tent camping if that’s your thing. Or a combination of both – the possibilities are endless here!

This itinerary will focus on what we did each day and not so much details on our van trip or where we stayed. If you’re looking for more about #vanlife, check out my post here !

Things to Know Before You Go

You will be visiting 3 different national parks and one national recreation area on this road trip.  The entrance fee to each national park is $30 , so it makes the most sense to buy an America the Beautiful Pass for the trip.

This pass is only $80 per vehicle and gets you into an extensive amount of national parks for a whole year, including the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce . If you forget to purchase it in advance of your trip, you can also grab one at any of the National Park entrance gates . We got ours at the Grand Canyon with no issues.

Aside from the pass, you should also know about time zones before the trip!

You will be going back and forth between Pacific Standard Time ( PST ) and Mountain Standard Time ( MST ) during this trip. Throughout the itinerary, I will note what time zone you start and end in for each leg.

It gets slightly confusing during Daylight Savings time, as the State of Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings time. More on that when we get to that portion of the itinerary!  

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas & Drive to the Grand Canyon

Distance: 280 miles Estimated Travel Time: 4 hrs 30 min Departure Time Zone (Las Vegas): PST Arrival Time Zone (Grand Canyon, Arizona): MST

Time Zone Note: During Daylight Savings Time (typically April – October), the time in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon will be the same, as Arizona does not observe daylight savings. In the winter (November – March), the Grand Canyon is one hour ahead of Las Vegas.

As I mentioned, you’ll be flying into the Las Vegas airport to kick off your adventure. I recommend arriving as early as possible, as you’ll be tackling the longest leg of the trip today. After arriving in Las Vegas, you’ll be making the journey to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, about 4.5 hours away.

Before starting your drive, stop at a local supermarket and grab some snacks and drinks. If you’re going the camping route, you might need a full blown grocery shopping trip – so leave time for that as well!

After stocking up on food, start your drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim . The best route is US-93 South to I-40 East, and then North on US-180. The journey should take around 4.5 hours.. If you’re camping, I highly recommend trying to arrive to your campsite before dark.   Make sure to look up the exact sunset time in the Grand Canyon for the date you are visiting.

If you make it in time for sunset, you can head to Hopi Point (the most popular), Mohave Point , or Pima Point to watch the sun fall behind the Canyon!  

Where to stay in the Grand Canyon

For Camping : If you’re planning to camp, I highly recommend Mather Campground inside the park! There is a bus stop at the front of the campground that will take you to all the main stops throughout the park.

For Hotels: If you’re not camping, there are a few hotel and cabin options within the park itself, including the Yavapai Lodge , the Bright Angel Lodge , and the historic El Tovar.

Your other option is to stay outside the park in the nearby town of Tusayan!

Day 2: Explore Grand Canyon and Drive to Page

Exploring the grand canyon.

Today is the first day of actual adventure on this national parks road trip! The majority of your day will be spent exploring the Grand Canyon South Rim . How long you have here will depend on how early you wake up and how late you want to arrive at your next destination (Page, AZ).

There are tons of things to do in the Grand Canyon in one day, but here’s a quick list to choose from. If you are having trouble deciding what to do, you can also check out my one day Grand Canyon itinerary for help!

• Sunrise at Mather Point
• Helicopter Ride
• Bright Angel Trail
• South Kaibab Trail
• Drive Along the Rim Trail
• Hermit Road Shuttle

Since you only have one day in the Grand Canyon, you may want to spend as much time as possible exploring. However, this road trop itinerary includes a visit to Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona for sunset tonight.

If you want to include this in your itinerary,   you’ll need to coordinate your departure time from Grand Canyon with the sunset time in Page, AZ. Again, this will depend on the time of year, so make sure to look up the sunset time for your specific date!  

Drive From Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend / Page

Distance: 132 miles Estimated Travel Time: 2 hrs 15 min Departure Time Zone (Grand Canyon, Arizona): Arizona Standard Time Arrival Time Zone (Page, Arizona): Arizona Standard Time

Time Zone Note: No matter what time of year you visit, the Grand Canyon and Page will always be on the same time zone.. I will call it Arizona Standard Time… Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the time zones can get confusing.. mostly because of Arizona. So I will try to break it down further below.

Arizona Time Zones Explained

The state of Arizona falls within Mountain Standard Time but  does not observe Daylight Savings. So from approximately April through October every year (Daylight Savings Time), Arizona will be on Pacific Standard Time ( PST ).

This is the same as California and Nevada, because Arizona does not “spring forward” like the rest of the states on Mountain Standard Time. To make it even more confusing, the Navajo Nation (in which part of Arizona falls) DOES observe Daylight Savings Time. So during these months, different parts of Arizona will be on different time zones. .. confused yet?!

Luckily, this national parks road trip does not enter the Navajo Nation. Even though the Antelope Canyon tours are run by the Navajo tribe, Page, AZ does not fall within the geographical boundaries of the Navajo Nation, so the time in Page will always follow the time of nearby cities like Phoenix and Flagstaff.

I highly recommend manually setting your phone to Phoenix, AZ as you near Page . This will ensure your phone is on the right time and does not pick up the cellular signal from nearby Utah which is on a different time zone during Daylight Savings..

So to summarize again, during Daylight Savings Time, the non-Navajo portion of Arizona (which includes the Grand Canyon, Page, etc.) will be the same time as California and Nevada (Pacific Standard Time, PST ). During non-Daylight Savings Time, (November – March), Arizona is on the same time as Utah, on Mountain Standard Time ( MST ).

Driving from Grand Canyon to Page will never have a time change (this is true all year long), but this does affect your journey from Las Vegas to Arizona and Arizona to Utah (later in the trip!).

Ok.. back to the itinerary!

Horseshoe Bend for Sunset

You have just arrived at Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ for sunset! The best part of visiting Horseshoe Bend is there’s no strenuous hike required.. You park in a small parking lot and from there it’s a 10 minute stroll on a paved walkway. Totally doable for kids and pets too! I recommend arriving about 30 minutes prior to sunset.

Where to Stay Near Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ

After visiting Horseshoe Bend, it’s time to make your way to your lodging or campsite for the evening.

For Camping : We stayed at Wahweap Campground on Lake Powell. We visited in October, and the campground was pretty much empty.. In the summer, I’m sure this campground is extremely popular, as it’s right on the lake and has all kinds of water toy rentals. So keep that in mind if you’re planning a trip during the summer!

For Hotels: If you’re not camping, there are a lot of different hotel options in the town of Page, AZ. Staying in Page will put you in close proximity to Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon for tomorrow.

Day 3: Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Drive to Zion

Fair warning.. this is an action packed day! You will be visiting Antelope Canyon by both land and water.. and then driving to Zion National Park after.  Probably the busiest day of this trip! If you’re looking for something more slow-paced, I recommend choosing one of the Page activities – either kayaking or doing the walking tour.

In order to fit both in one day, you will have to sign up for a late afternoon Antelope Canyon walking tour. However, the peak tour times for lighting are between 10am and 1pm. So if your main goal of visiting Page is to photograph Antelope Canyon, I would skip the kayaking portion of this day.

Kayaking to Antelope Canyon

To maximize your time, plan to start your day around 7am and start kayaking by 8am. Grab some breakfast and make your way down to Antelope Point Marina ( 537 Marina Pkwy, Page, AZ 86040 ). If you’re planning this trip in advance (by a few months), you can try calling to see if they take reservations for kayaks.

If you cannot get a reservation here, and you are visiting during peak season, I recommend calling other kayak companies and trying to reserve in advance. It would be awful if you get to Antelope Point Marina and they’re all out. There are tons of companies in Page that rent kayaks, or you can go on a guided tour !

I have a full blog post on kayaking to Antelope Canyon , which will provide you with all the details you need for this activity!

Antelope Canyon Walking Tour

After finishing your kayaking tour, head to the nearby Antelope Canyon walking tour at your designated time slot. Note that this will require advanced reservations! The Lower Canyon walking tour with Ken’s Tours is only 10 minutes away from Antelope Point Marina.

There are actually two parts of Antelope Canyon with two separate tours: Upper and Lower. Upper Antelope Canyon tends to be more popular due to the shape of the cave walls, and the signature light beams that shine down. However, we visited Lower Canyon, which is slightly less popular and can be booked with shorter notice! 

After your walking tour concludes, it’s time to make your way the next stop on this national parks road trip: Zion National Park in Springdale, UT!

Drive to Zion National Park

Distance: 105 miles Estimated Travel Time:  1 hr 45 min Departure Time Zone (Page, Arizona): Arizona Standard Time Arrival Time Zone (Springdale, Utah): Mountain Standard Time

Time Zone Note: During Daylight Savings Time (typically April – October), the time in Springdale, UT (where Zion is located) and Page, AZ will be different, as the state Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings. Utah will be one hour ahead of Page during this time, so you will lose an hour on this drive. In the winter (November – March), Page, AZ and Springdale, UT will be on the same time zone (Mountain Standard Time).    

So, in the summer, if you leave Page, AZ around 4:30pm local Arizona Time, it will be ~7:15pm MST when you arrive in Springdale, UT. Remember to set your phone back to the right time zone if you changed it manually while in Page! Once you arrive in town, grab some dinner and go to bed early.. tomorrow you hike Angels Landing!

Read more about the drive from Antelope Canyon to Zion National Park in my guide here ! It also includes some of the best places to stop along the way if you are looking to add to this itinerary!

Where to Stay at zion national Park

Inside the Park: There are a two different campgrounds (South and Watchman) inside Zion National Park, all of which book up insanely fast and are nearly always full. There is one lodge inside the park, Zion Lodge , which typically books up 6+ months in advance.

Outside the Park:  Staying inside the park definitely has its advantages (you can get right on the shuttle and don’t have to fight for parking). However, if you don’t manage to stay inside the park, it’s no big deal! In fact, most people stay in the town of Springdale, UT , right outside the park’s entrance. There are campgrounds, budget hotels, and upscale lodges here – something for everyone!

Don’t forget to check out my blog post on the 10 things you need to know before visiting Zion National Park to help plan for this trip to Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce!

Day 4: Hiking Angels Landing & the Canyon Overlook Trail

Hiking angels landing.

For hiking Angels Landing, plan to be on the first bus leaving the Zion Visitor Center. You’ll ride the shuttle to Stop #6: the Grotto shuttle stop to begin your hike!

Note : As of April 2022, Zion NPS is requiring permits for the chains section of the Angels Landing hike. This requirement is to make the hike safer and more enjoyable for everyone! Speaking from experience, I think this was definitely needed. The Angels Landing hike is SO much more enjoyable with less people!

The Angels Landing trail is  5 miles round trip  and can take anywhere from  3 to 5 hours to complete . The entirety of the chains section is  a half mile , which can take between 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on your pace and the amount of people on the trail!

Read my full beginner’s guide to hiking Angel’s Landing here !!

Mt. Carmel Highway and Canyon Overlook Trail

If you start Angels Landing first thing in the morning, you’ll probably finish around lunchtime, and your legs will probably feel like jello! I recommend grabbing lunch at one of the many places in Springdale and relax for a few hours.

Once you’ve recharged, take a drive through the Mt. Carmel Highway in Zion and head to the Canyon Overlook Trail . The views along this road are absolutely gorgeous.. take your time to take them in! Right after you pass through the long tunnel, find parking on the road or in the small parking lot to the right and walk to the trailhead.

I promise this hike is doable after hiking Angels Landing. It’s only about a mile roundtrip , and relatively easy, but the views are absolutely gorgeous. It’s a great place to watch the sunset!  

Pick Up the Narrows Gear

After you’ve watched the sunset at Canyon Overlook, on your way back to Springdale, make a stop at Zion Outfitter  right outside the entrance to the park to rent your gear for tomorrow’s hike… the Narrows!! What time of year you are visiting will dictate what gear you rent. At a minimum, I highly recommend the shoes, socks, and the walking stick.

After picking up your gear, have some dinner and get some rest – you have another big day tomorrow!  

Day 5: Hiking the Narrows & a Scenic Drive

Hiking the narrows.

Okay, you’ve got your gear and you’re up early (hopefully!). Like Angels Landing, hiking the Narrows will be SO much more enjoyable if you start early. The earlier you start, the less people there will be, and you get to take in the views all to yourself.

You can read my full Beginner’s Guide to Hiking the Narrows , but here is a short summary of what you can expect!

• Take the Zion shuttle to the last stop –  Temple of Sinawava
• After getting off the shuttle, you will have a one mile hike along the river path before you get in the water. This is called the Riverside Walk!
• After a mile, the path will lead you down stairs and into ankle deep water
• From here, the trail will vary between dirt banks and the river! Be prepared to venture into thigh-deep water, depending on the time of year
• This hike is an out and back hike, which means however far you go in, you will have to hike the same distance out
• There are no bathrooms or water fountains on this trail. Make sure to pack enough food and water for your entire day, and be ready to be creative when you have to pee!

Scenic Drive + Photo Ops

Depending on how far you hike in, you could spend most of your day in the Narrows. Once you’re done, head back to Zion Outfitters to return your gear. After this, grab a coffee from Feel Love Coffee right across the street and relax for a few hours.. You will be pretty pooped!

In the late evening, take a drive through the east side park and stop at some of the pull offs for photo ops. If you have the time and energy, you can also visit Checkerboard Mesa on this side. The drive through Zion is so gorgeous and a perfect way to spend the afternoon after a long day of hiking. Put on some tunes and cruise!

Day 6: Day Trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon

On Day 6 of this national parks road trip, you’ll be venturing out of town to a new national park – Bryce Canyon !! Bryce Canyon National Park is just 75 miles northeast of the Zion area and makes the perfect day trip. It’s not a huge national park like Zion, so you can easily do it in one day. It’s also a very pretty drive, which makes it even easier! So grab a quick breakfast and then start your drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon.

Distance: 75 miles Estimated Travel Time:  1 hr 20 min Departure Time Zone (Zion National Park): Mountain Standard Time Arrival Time Zone (Bryce Canyon NP): Mountain Standard Time

Time Zone Note: Bryce Canyon and Zion are both located in Utah and will always share the same time Zion ( Mountain Standard Time, MST ).    

Bryce Canyon is at a much higher elevation than Zion, so it will probably be much colder! Depending on the time of year, it could be warm in Zion and snowing in Bryce, so make sure you to check the weather for both before your trip and plan ahead!

I am working on my one day guide to Bryce Canyon still, but here is a quick summary of what you should try to tackle while there!  

• Sunrise Point
• Queens Garden Trail
• Navajo Loop Trail
• Inspiration Point

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, try to arrive at Bryce as early as possible.. Pack a lunch so you can eat in the park, as there’s no food options. Once you feel like you’ve seen everything you can, make your way back to Springdale, Utah for your last day in Zion tomorrow!  

Day 7: Zion + Fly Home OR Zion + Valley of Fire + Vegas

Today is *technically* the last day of your Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon road trip! But I am laying out a few different options in case you can spare one more day on your trip and want to see an extra park and city!

Option 1: Zion + fly Home

If you only have 7 days and today is the last day of your trip, you’ll be heading back to Vegas from Zion to catch your flight home. If you have a late flight out, consider knocking off one more hike in Zion in the morning before hitting the road, like the Emerald Pools trail. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight in case you hit traffic on the road or anything unexpected happens!

Distance: 165 miles Travel Time: 2 hr 30 min Departure Time Zone (Springdale, UT): Mountain Standard Time Arrival Time Zone (Las Vegas, NV): Pacific Standard Time

Time Zone Note: This route is not affected by Daylight Savings. You will always gain an hour driving from Zion to Las Vegas. The drive is 2.5 hours, but you will gain an hour going from MST to PST .

Option 2: Valley of Fire + Vegas + Fly Home

If you can squeeze in an extra day to your trip and have never been, I highly recommend spending your last evening in Las Vegas! After a week on the road, it will feel great to have one more night and fly out first thing in the morning, especially if you’re tackling this itinerary in a van!

Another optional add on for the last day of your Grand Canyon, Zion, & Bryce trip is visiting Valley of Fire State Park on your way back to Las Vegas! There are a couple different hikes in Valley of Fire that you can tackle in just a few hours, and it only adds about 45 minutes to your drive from Zion to Las Vegas.  

During our trip, we tackled both a morning hike in Zion and a few hours in Valley of Fire, and we ended up getting to Vegas around 5pm. If you’re wanting to see more of Vegas during the day, I recommend picking one of those two options, so you can be in Vegas by early afternoon.

Either way, if you decide to spend your last night in Vegas, there are a ton of fun things to see and do. Have a fancy dinner, try your luck gambling, see an iconic show.. there is something for everyone in Las Vegas! I’m working on a “One Day in Las Vegas” guide to help you pick!

Final Thoughts 

That concludes my one-week US National Parks road trip itinerary for the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, and Page! As you can see, there is a ton to see and do on this itinerary, and you can easily add on more days and more parks.

If you have less than a week, I recommend cutting out Page and Grand Canyon and focusing on Zion, as you can easily spend 5 days exploring this park alone. If you’re looking to add on to this trip, I recommend checking out the following places!

• Sedona and Flagstaff (Arizona)
• Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
• Arches National Park (Utah)
• Joshua Tree National Park (Cali)

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!

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Atlanta To Grand Canyon Road Trip: Top 27 Tips

Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 1,801 miles of Atlanta to Grand Canyon drive takes around one day 2 hours without stops.

This article includes 27 tips that turn your Atlanta to Grand Canyon drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

9 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Atlanta To Grand Canyon

On the Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top nine hotels on the Atlanta – Grand Canyon route!

• Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection: Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip. Driving from Atlanta to Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection might take around 2 hours and 14 mins . Visitors to this genuine hotel can look forward to a truly memorable stay, thanks to the dedicated reception and housekeeping teams. To complement the experience, the in-house restaurant offers an extensive range of exquisite culinary options. Check the Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection, one of the best hotels in Birmingham, Alabama, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• The Peabody Memphis: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Grand Canyon from Atlanta is The Peabody Memphis. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the hotel is 390 miles away from Atlanta, and it would take 5 hours and 43 mins to drive. The Peabody Memphis, a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond hotel in the heart of “Blues City,” is an iconic landmark for visitors seeking luxury accommodations just steps from Beale Street. Guests can enjoy a range of services at the historic hotel, including fine dining options, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa. If you want to learn more about The Peabody Memphis, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• The Burgundy Hotel: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to The Burgundy Hotel. The Burgundy Hotel is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and it’s 535 miles away from Atlanta. You can arrive there in 7 hours and 50 mins of non-stop driving. The Burgundy Hotel, located in the tranquil West Village area of Little Rock, provides visitors hassle-free access to the city’s most popular attractions. With 625 square feet of event space, a swimming pool, and a pantry shop, this hotel offers an ideal setting for a tranquil stay and plenty of amenities. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Burgundy Hotel for more information.
• Hampton Inn Fort Smith: If you are taking the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon, Fort Smith, Arkansas, is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Hampton Inn Fort Smith is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 678 miles from Atlanta, and it would take 9 hours and 49 mins to drive. Hilton offers the perfect accommodation for those seeking comfort and security during their visit to Fort Smith. Spacious and comfortable rooms boast impeccable cleanliness, while the friendly and accommodating staff provides an ideal stay. If you need more info about the price and availability of Hampton Inn Fort Smith, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City: Our next hotel is 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It will take 12 hours, and 23 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Atlanta. Henry Ford’s four-story brick building, which served as a Model T assembly plant for nearly a century, is undergoing redevelopment to include 135 luxury hotel rooms, a contemporary art museum, and Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge. The restaurant will draw inspiration from local culinary traditions. Check the 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City for reviews, prices, and availability.
• Big Texan Motel, Amarillo: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon is Big Texan Motel, Amarillo. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Amarillo, Texas, within 15 hours and 55 mins drive from Atlanta. This hotel offers rustic aesthetic and tasteful decor and is pet-friendly for those traveling with their furry friends. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com .
• Hotel Parq Central: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Hotel Parq Central. It’s located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is 1,399 miles from Atlanta. You can arrive there within 20 hours and 7 mins of car drive. Hotel Parq Central in Albuquerque, NM, offers an array of amenities for leisure and business travelers. The hotel provides guests with modern comfort and historical sophistication in its well-appointed guestrooms, outdoor dining plaza, spacious garden park, and rooftop lounge with breathtaking views of the mountains, downtown cityscape, and stunning Southwest sunsets. Offering superior service and accommodations, Hotel Parq Central is sure to make your stay an unforgettable experience. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Hotel Parq Central.
• Little America Hotel, Arizona: Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, Little America Hotel, Arizona is another hotel where you can stay on the Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip. Little America Hotel, Arizona, is 1,718 miles from Atlanta and will take 1 hour of non-stop driving one day. The Little America Hotel in Flagstaff provides travelers with a convenient accommodation option for exploring the city’s many attractions. The hotel is situated near Historic Downtown and is a good base for sightseeing and discovering the area’s well-known landmarks. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Little America Hotel, Arizona, for more information.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel: As we approach the end of our list, another hotel we would like to introduce to you is the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel hotel. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel, Grand Canyon, Arizona, is 1,800 miles from Atlanta, and you can arrive there in 1 day 2 hours and of non-stop driving. The Grand Canyon Lodge provides an ideal accommodation choice for visitors exploring the Grand Canyon. Guests can enjoy a warm welcome from the lodge’s staff, an indoor pool, and a convenient location to make the most of their stay in the area. This combination of amenities has made the Grand Canyon Lodge a favorite amongst families. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel, for more information about the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel hotel.

In this part, we explained nine hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Atlanta to the Grand Canyon route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Atlanta to Grand Canyon. We have nine restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

9 Best Restaurants On The Atlanta To Grand Canyon Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip. This section lists nine restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Highlands Bar & Grill: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip with Highlands Bar & Grill. Highlands Bar & Grill is located in Birmingham, Alabama , 148 miles from Atlanta. So it would take 2 hours and 16 mins of driving. The gastronomic experience of Birmingham, located in the center of the city, offers diners an array of culinary delights. The menu is designed to tantalize all taste buds, and a selection of fine wines is available to accompany each dish and enhance the evening’s enjoyment. For more information about Highlands Bar & Grill, visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Highlands Bar & Grill.
• Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar: Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Grand Canyon from Atlanta. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is 392 miles from Atlanta and would take 5 hours and 44 mins of driving. Flight is a full-service restaurant offering an array of high-quality dishes in an upscale dining atmosphere. With knowledgeable and helpful staff, guests can expect a pleasurable culinary experience. If you want to learn more about Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Brave New Restaurant: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Brave New Restaurant. It will take 7 hours and 46 mins of car drive to take 528 miles from Atlanta to Brave New Restaurant, Little Rock, Arkansas. Patrons at this restaurant are invited to enjoy a stunning view of the river as they partake in a unique dining experience. Every dish is a delicious exploration of flavors, sure to please even the most refined palates. You can check Brave New Restaurant on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.
• Bricktown Brewery, Fort Smith: Bricktown Brewery, Fort Smith, deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Patrons of the restaurant praised their meals, citing the Turkey and Veggie Burgers as superior quality. The side of fries was met with positive reviews, noted for being freshly prepared and flavorful. Bricktown Brewery, Fort Smith, is 678 miles from Atlanta, and it would take 9 hours and 53 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Bricktown Brewery, Fort Smith, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Cheever’s Cafe: If you enjoy dining, Cheever’s Cafe would be an excellent choice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It’s 858 miles from Atlanta and would take 12 hours and 23 mins of car driving. Cheever’s Cafe, located just two miles from downtown Oklahoma City, offers contemporary comfort food with unique Southwest influences. The menu selections are prime steaks, fresh seafood, and salads, with daily and nightly specials available. This popular spot has gained a reputation for its warm atmosphere and high-quality ingredients. With rave reviews for its excellent fare, Cheever’s Cafe will surely be a memorable experience for all who visit. If you want to learn more about Cheever’s Cafe, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon is Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo, Amarillo, Texas. It will take 15 hours and 58 mins of driving to reach Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo, from Atlanta. This establishment is equipped to accept cash payments and is fully accessible for individuals with wheelchairs. For more information about Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo, you can check the restaurant’s TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages.
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: Ranked seventh on our list, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, appeals to those who want to turn their Grand Canyon vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1,400 miles away from Atlanta, and it’ll take 20 hours and 9 mins of driving. A popular chain restaurant renowned for its New Orleans-style seafood, steaks, salads, and more, it offers generous portions in a clean and welcoming atmosphere with an extensive menu selection. If you want to learn more about Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff: Cheever’s Cafe is an excellent restaurant that is 1,721 miles away from Atlanta. Cheever’s Cafe is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and you can reach there after one day and 1 hour of car driving. The Little America Hotel, situated in the heart of Flagstaff, is ideal for travelers looking to explore the city’s renowned landmarks and attractions. Just a short distance from Historic Downtown, visitors can conveniently experience all that Flagstaff has to offer. If you want to discover the menu and more information about Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli: Eating is serious business. Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who take this job seriously is the Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli, Grand Canyon, Arizona. It is 1,806 miles from Atlanta and would take around 2 hours of car driving one day. Situated near the renowned Grand Canyon, this eatery offers tourists an array of savory sandwiches. The outstanding customer service provided by the staff has been commended widely, with each team member available to address any queries. You can visit the official TripAdvisor and Google Maps pages of Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli for detailed information.

This section lists our nine restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,801 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Grand Canyon road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Atlanta to Grand Canyon. Keep reading.

9 Places To Visit On The Atlanta To Grand Canyon Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Grand Canyon. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like Birmingham, Alabama. We want to explain the top nine destinations we recommend on the Grand Canyon route.

• Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is 134 miles away from Atlanta, and it would take 2 hours to drive. The Motor Sports Museum is an ode to the beloved world of motorsports, featuring over a thousand exhibits of influential motorcycles. From classic to contemporary collections, the museum provides a unique look into motorcycling history, and motor vehicle enthusiasts will be delighted by its displays. If you want to learn more about the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Graceland: Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Atlanta to Grand Canyon route. It’s 385 miles from Atlanta, and it’ll take about 5 hours and 37 mins of driving. Graceland, the renowned property in Memphis, Tennessee, once the home of Elvis Presley, has become an internationally-recognized tourist destination. The complex boasts an array of attractions that appeal to visitors worldwide, including the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum and the Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum. This museum is regarded as the largest and most comprehensive on Earth. Guests can also enjoy various dining options and shopping experiences within the complex. If you want to learn more about Graceland, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Arkansas State Capitol: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Atlanta to the Grand Canyon in Little Rock, Arkansas. And if you visit Little Rock, Arkansas, we suggest you visit Arkansas State Capitol. You can arrive at Arkansas State Capitol after 7 hours and 45 mins of driving. Situated atop a knoll and reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol Building, the government building offers visitors the opportunity to take guided tours and view downtown to the east and the Arkansas River to the north. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of the Arkansas State Capitol for more information.
• Fort Smith National Historic Site: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on the Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip. Fort Smith National Historic Site is 682 miles from Atlanta, and you can arrive there after the 9 hours and 53 mins of drive. The museum offers a captivating opportunity for historians interested in the United States to delve into centuries of American history. Inside its walls, visitors can explore artifacts such as gallows and cannons, providing an educational and enriching experience. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Fort Smith National Historic Site before going there.
• Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Atlanta to the Grand Canyon. You must take 12 hours and 22 mins of driving to arrive at Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and altruism that emerged after the 1995 bombing. Through interactive exhibitions and audio-visual displays, visitors are provided with an in-depth exploration of this historical event, leaving them deeply moved by the courage and selflessness displayed by those involved. If you want to learn more about Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon is Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Amarillo, Texas. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, is 1,122 miles from Atlanta, and it would take 16 hours and 8 mins to drive. Social media users are invited to experience the one-of-a-kind attraction featuring ten Cadillac vehicles adorned with graffiti artwork. For more information about Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, you can check their TripAdvisor page or official website .
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: You can visit many destinations on your Atlanta to Grand Canyon journey. One of these destinations is Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. You can arrive at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center after 20 hours and 7 mins of driving. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a respected museum and cultural center devoted to celebrating and furthering the understanding of Pueblo culture. The center hosts regular North American Native American dances every weekend, rotating museum exhibits, events featuring Native American artists, hands-on children’s programs, and art festivals – providing an exciting array of cultural and community activities. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you can visit Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s TripAdvisor page or their website .
• Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff: As we near the end of our list of the top 9 best places to visit on the road trip from Atlanta to the Grand Canyon, it would be unfair not to mention Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff. Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, 1,719 miles from Atlanta, and it takes one day and 1 hour to drive from Atlanta to get there. Patrons of the restaurant reported being highly satisfied with the quality of dishes offered and the staff’s welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, those with plant-based diets found an extensive selection of vegetarian options. If you want to learn more about Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Grand Canyon South Rim: Now, we would like to introduce you to another vibrant restaurant on the Grand Canyon trip. Located in Grand Canyon, Arizona, Grand Canyon South Rim is 1,807 miles from Atlanta, and it would take one day and two hours to drive. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has become a renowned tourist attraction and draws visitors from all corners of the world. Its trails offer breathtaking views of one of nature’s most majestic wonders, providing an unparalleled experience for those seeking to see it for themselves. If you want to learn more about Grand Canyon South Rim, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Atlanta to Grand Canyon

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Atlanta to Grand Canyon drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Atlanta To Grand Canyon?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip takes approximately one day and 2 hours to drive. The driving distance between Atlanta and to Grand Canyon is 1,801 miles.
• If you want to make the Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be six days and 7 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Atlanta-Grand Canyon route, you will have to walk for 24 days and 12 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Atlanta To Grand Canyon?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Grand Canyon. You can visit Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Smith, Arkansas; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Flagstaff, Arizona; Grand Canyon, Arizona; on the road. Here we list nine places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Atlanta to Grand Canyon journey, you can check the 9 Best Places To Visit On The Atlanta To Grand Canyon Road Trip.

• Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum: 134 miles / 2 hours to drive from Atlanta | 1,672 miles / 1 day 0 hours and of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Graceland: 385 miles / 5 hours and 37 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,420 miles / 20 hours and 25 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Arkansas State Capitol: 527 miles / 7 hours and 45 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,285 miles / 18 hours and 26 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Fort Smith National Historic Site: 682 miles / 9 hours and 53 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,125 miles / 16 hours and 13 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: 857 miles / 12 hours and 22 mins to drive from Atlanta | 945 miles / 13 hours and 40 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo: 1,122 miles / 16 hours and 8 mins to drive from Atlanta | 680 miles / 9 hours and 49 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: 1,399 miles / 20 hours and 7 mins to drive from Atlanta | 403 miles / 5 hours and 51 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff: 1,719 miles / one day 1 hour to drive from Atlanta | 74.3 miles / 1 hour 20 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Grand Canyon South Rim: 1,807 miles / 1 day 2 hours and to drive from Atlanta | 7.2 miles / 15 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Atlanta To Grand Canyon?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon. We have selected nine hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 9 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Grand Canyon From Atlanta section.

• Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection: 147 miles / 2 hours and 14 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,656 miles / 23 hours and 49 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• The Peabody Memphis: 390 miles / 5 hours and 43 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,411 miles / 20 hours and 17 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• The Burgundy Hotel: 535 miles / 7 hours and 50 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,279 miles / 18 hours and 22 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Hampton Inn Fort Smith: 678 miles / 9 hours and 49 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,130 miles / 16 hours and 25 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City: 858 miles / 12 hours and 23 mins to drive from Atlanta | 944 miles / 13 hours and 37 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Big Texan Motel, Amarillo: 1,108 miles / 15 hours and 55 mins to drive from Atlanta | 693 miles / 10 hours of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Hotel Parq Central: 1,399 miles / 20 hours and 7 mins to drive from Atlanta | 406 miles / 5 hours and 56 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Little America Hotel, Arizona: 1,718 miles / one day 1 hour to drive from Atlanta | 84.5 miles / 1 hour 20 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel: 1,800 miles / 1 day 2 hours and to drive from Atlanta | 2.2 miles / 5 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

Where To Eat Between Atlanta to Grand Canyon?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Atlanta to Grand Canyon drive, you can consider the nine restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 9 Best Restaurants On The Atlanta To Grand Canyon Road Trip .

• Highlands Bar & Grill: 148 miles / 2 hours and 16 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,657 miles / 23 hours and 52 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar: 392 miles / 5 hours and 44 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,411 miles / 20 hours and 16 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Brave New Restaurant: 528 miles / 7 hours and 46 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,283 miles / 18 hours and 29 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Bricktown Brewery, Fort Smith: 678 miles / 9 hours and 53 mins to drive from Atlanta | 1,125 miles / 16 hours and 13 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Cheever’s Cafe: 858 miles / 12 hours and 23 mins to drive from Atlanta | 949 miles / 13 hours and 42 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Coyote Bluff Cafe, Amarillo: 1,111 miles / 15 hours and 58 mins to drive from Atlanta | 691 miles / 10 hours of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: 1,400 miles / 20 hours and 9 mins to drive from Atlanta | 408 miles / 5 hours and 56 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff: 1,721 miles / one day 1 hour to drive from Atlanta | 82.1 miles / 1 hour 19 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.
• Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli: 1,806 miles / 1 day 2 hours and to drive from Atlanta | 6.3 miles / 13 mins of driving to Grand Canyon.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon. We have listed nine hotels, nine restaurants, and nine places to visit on the Atlanta to Grand Canyon drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Atlanta to Grand Canyon road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Atlanta to Grand Canyon and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Grand Canyon Road Trip – Top 10 Things To Do

In this video, you can find 10 things to do around Grand Canyon.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Sacramento To Grand Canyon Road Trip: The Beautiful Route
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• Phoenix To Grand Canyon Road Trip: Top 12 Tips

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Stops on the Way

On your road trip to the Grand Canyon, stop at these attractions and recreation areas. Many historic and activity-filled towns in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Texas and Nevada are within a day’s drive from the Grand Canyon.

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canyon"}}'> 3 things to do in bluff, utah on the way to the grand canyon, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/new-mexico-road-trip-stops/grants-nm/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "4 kicks on route 66 in grants, n.m."}}'> 4 kicks on route 66 in grants, n.m., >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/utah-road-trip-stops/carbon-county-utah/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "4 uncrowded gems in utah’s heartland"}}'> 4 uncrowded gems in utah’s heartland, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/arizona-road-trip-stops/peoria-arizona/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 ways to connect with the outdoors in peoria, arizona"}}'> 5 ways to connect with the outdoors in peoria, arizona, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/colorado-road-trip-stops/hot-springs-road-trip/", 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"https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/arizona-road-trip-stops/holbrook-az/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "petrified park stop in holbrook, ariz."}}'> petrified park stop in holbrook, ariz., >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/arizona-road-trip-stops/pinetop-lakeside/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "recharge in the pines at pinetop-lakeside"}}'> recharge in the pines at pinetop-lakeside, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/utah-road-trip-stops/capitol-reef-country/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "remote beauty in utah’s capitol reef country"}}'> remote beauty in utah’s capitol reef country, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/arizona-road-trip-stops/route-66-attractions/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "roadside attractions along historic route 66"}}'> roadside attractions along historic route 66, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/arizona-road-trip-stops/route-66-angel/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "route 66 angel connected to mother road for 89 years"}}'> route 66 angel connected to mother road for 89 years, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/utah-road-trip-stops/rubys-inn/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ruby’s inn & adventures at bryce canyon national park"}}'> ruby’s inn & adventures at bryce canyon national park, >", "path": "https://www.mygrandcanyonpark.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/new-mexico-road-trip-stops/white-sands-national-park/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "sand and sun at white sands national park"}}'> sand and sun at white sands national park.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

Softball 4/24/2024 12:25:00 PM Adrianna Candelaria

Final WAC road trip takes Lopes to SFA

Gcu enters final 6 conference matchups with 4-game lead, 3 things to know.

• The Lopes have defeated every conference opponent they've encountered this season. 
• Graduate first baseman Ashley Trierweiler leads the nation in hits (76) and ranks in the national top five for batting average (No. 4, .469) this season.
• GCU also holds top-10 rankings in batting average (No. 8, .345), scoring (No. 10, 6.86), doubles (No. 3, 85) and on-base percentage (No. 9, .421). 

SCOUTING STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

• The Ladyjacks have notched series wins against Tarleton and Utah Valley this season. 
• GCU is 3-1 against SFA since the programs' first matchup in 2022, with the Lopes most recently defeating the Ladyjacks 14-3 in five innings last season. 
• SFA is batting .237 with a team ERA of 3.81 this year. 

LAST TIME OUT

• The Lopes won their seventh consecutive series, sweeping Friday night's double header and ultimately dropping Saturday's finale 8-7. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Lopes play No. 22 Arizona in Tucson, Ariz. on Tuesday at 6 p.m. (Phoenix time) and hosts Abilene Christian over the weekend in their final regular-season WAC series. 

Players Mentioned

#50 Ashley Trierweiler

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Road Trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon

A road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and exploring America’s incredible landscapes. And what could be better than combining that with a visit to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders?

A road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is the perfect way to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

The drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff is a beautiful one, as you travel through red rock canyons and past pine-covered mountains. Once you reach Flagstaff, you can continue on to the Grand Canyon Village, where you’ll find visitor centers, restaurants, and hotels.

If you’re up for an adventure, consider hiking down into the canyon itself. Or if you’d prefer something a bit more relaxed, take a scenic helicopter tour or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the rim.

The drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon is about 4 hours long, and there are many beautiful places to stop and take pictures along the way. I just did this trip with my family and it was really quite amazing!

We flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport which is right in downtown Phoenix. Then we hopped into our rental car for our road trip from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon! But, we made sure we did some sight-seeing in the Phoenix area before heading north.

The first place we stopped at was Hole in the Rock located in Papago Park. It is exactly what it sounds like – a hole in a rock. But, the cool thing is you’re able to climb up into the rock and you get a beautiful view of the park below.

The hike up to the hole is a short, easy .3 mile hike. But, this is a popular walking spot, so expect to see lots of people while you’re here. Many people like to sit and hangout in the hole for a while to enjoy the view.

Another great spot to check out in Phoenix is Tempe Beach Park. It’s a beautiful spot with lots of things to do!

You can rent electric scooters to drive around the perimeter of the lake. You can also rent paddle boats, kayaks, and paddle boards to enjoy out on the water! It’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Montezuma Castle National Monument and Well

Montezuma Castle and Well Arizona is a nice stop as you drive north from Phoenix. Both spots are a short drive off I-17.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

The castle is a national monument that was built between approximately AD 1100 and 1425. The well is about 15-20 minutes drive from the castle and is worth visiting.

Montezuma Well

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a picturesque drive that takes you from I-17 to Route 89A in Sedona. So be sure to take the exit for Route 179 toward Sedona on your way from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon.

The route winds its way through the red rocks of Sedona, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery, including hikes, viewpoints, and photo ops.

The drive is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a beautiful Arizona road trip.

Sedona, Arizona

The Bell Rock trailhead parking lot is a worthwhile stopping point as you drive north along route 179. It’s one of the first red rock landmarks you’ll see as you enter Sedona.

Chapel of The Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits elevated on the red rocks that can be seen in Sedona. This building is rated as one of the best attractions in Sedona.

But, if you’re going to visit, make sure you get there as early as possible. Parking very limited, but it’s worth the visit even if you just drive by.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Slide Rock State Park Arizona

As you drive through Sedona, Arizona’s famous red rock country, you’ll see signs for Slide Rock State Park. The park is located in scenic Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona.

Slide Rock State Park

The park features a natural water slide created by Oak Creek flowing over a smooth granite surface. The water is cold and refreshing, and the slide is a lot of fun! There’s also a swimming hole and some hiking trails.

The swimming area in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park

There is a fee to enter and the park does close before sunset. You’ll find the park hours and entrance fee information on the Slide Rock Park website .

Red Rock State Park

Another great park to visit as you drive through Sedona is Red Rock State Park. This beautiful state rock is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery.

There are various trails you can walk on your own to get views of the red rocks of the canyon and beautiful views of Oak Creek. They also offer guided nature walks daily at 10am. If you’re into birds, there are guided bird walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8am.

Oak Creek going through Red Rock State Park. Swimming and wading in the creek is prohibited to help protect the habitat.

Flagstaff, Arizona is a great place to stop and see some of the natural wonders of the area. Just south of Flagstaff is Sunset Crater National Monument which is a volcano that erupted about 1000 years ago.

The lava flow from the eruption created the cone-shaped mountain that is now Sunset Crater. The monument is open year round and offers hiking trails, viewpoints, and a visitor center.

Sunset Crater

Williams Arizona

Williams, Arizona is located on Historic Route 66 and makes a perfect stop when traveling from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. The town is known for its Route 66 memorabilia and as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” There are several things to see and do in Williams, including the following:

The Bearizona Wildlife Park is a family-friendly attraction that features drive-through wildlife habitats where visitors can see bears, wolves, bison and other animals up close.

Entrance to Bearizona

The Grand Canyon Railway offers train rides from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The ride takes about 2.5 hours each way and includes views of the Colorado River and the canyon walls.

The Grand Canyon Railway is a great option if you’re staying overnight in one of the resorts within the Grand Canyon Village.

Grand Canyon Train

The Williams Depot Museum tells the story of Route 66 and features exhibits on local history and culture. The Frontier Museum showcases exhibits on Western history, Native American culture and pioneer life in Arizona.

Buckskinner Park is a great little park that has a reservoir with beautiful views of mountains surrounding the park. If you have some downtime, this cute little park is definitely worth visiting.

Some things you can do at this park are hiking and fishing. The day we visited, there was a man hiking who said he saw an eagle and an osprey. This is a good spot to bird watch and see other wildlife as well!

Buckskinner Park in Williams Arizona. This park is just a short drive from Historic Route 66.

Santa Fe Reservoir is another great fishing spot in Williams, Arizona. Much like Buckskinner Park, it has beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the water. There is also a dam here that you can walk across.

Santa Fe Resevoir in Williams, Arizona

The day we went, I saw more Ospreys than I have ever seen at one time. There were at least 6 ospreys flying over the reservoir and fishing for lunch. It was really quite the experience! And, I got some great pictures too.

Osprey overlooking Santa Fe Reservoir

While I was at the reservoir, I also saw a Great Blue Heron. While I see both Ospreys and Blue Herons quite often in my home state of Connecticut, it was still really exciting to be able to see these birds in a completely different environment!

Great Blue Heron at Santa Fe Reservoir

Dogtown Lake

Dogtown Lake Campground is another great place to go visit if you have some downtime on your way to the Grand Canyon. This beautiful lake is located in the Kaibab National Forest.

Dogtown Lake in Williams, Arizona

This lake is a good spot for camping, fishing, and hiking. There is a hiking trail that takes you to a scenic overlook of the area from the top of nearby Davenport Hill. Whether you’re looking to go camping or just enjoy some tranquil time in nature, this is a great spot to visit.

Enjoying the views of the lake from a wood swing at the Dogtown Lake Campground.

Kaibab Lake

Kaibab Lake Campground is another great spot located in Williams, Arizona. This lake is a great spot for fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Much like the lakes mentioned above, it is a beautiful spot where you have a nice view the mountains in the surrounding area.

Kailey posing at Kaibab Lake

Mountain drive

Bill Williams Mountain is a peak that you can actually drive up to in Williams, Arizona! The Bill Williams Mountain Road Scenic Drive is definitely worth doing if you have time!

Bill Willams Mountain

The drive to the top is best to take in late spring, summer, and in the fall when the leaves are changing. The road is closed in the winter for safety reasons. The road takes you right to the top of the mountain where you get great views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Prescott/Chino Valley, and the Grand Canyon.

If you happen to be in the area when the road is closed, you can always hike up the mountain. It is a short day hike that’s moderately difficult. Along the hike, you’ll get great views of the valley below as well as views of surrounding peaks!

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. It is an amazing sight to see and there are plenty of activities available such as hiking, camping, river rafting, and more.

The South Rim

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most popular spot for visitors, and is home to the Grand Canyon Village. The village offers lodging, food, and shopping options for visitors. There are also several trails that start from the village, including the popular Bright Angel Trail.

Bright Angel Lodge is one of the places to stay within Grand Canyon National Park.

The North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is much less crowded than the South Rim, and it offers visitors a more peaceful and secluded experience. It is also home to the only lodge inside the park, making it a perfect spot for those who want to avoid camping.

The views from the North Rim are just as stunning as those from the South Rim, but with far fewer people around, visitors can really take in all that this natural wonder has to offer.

A road trip from Phoenix to Grand Canyon is a great way to see some of the best scenery in the country. Starting in Phoenix, take I-17 north to Flagstaff. But instead of continuing on the interstate, get off the exit for highway 179 towards Sedona. Then head north on Route 89A towards Flagstaff.

There are many scenic routes to take between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon National Park, including the historic Route 66 in Williams. From Williams, just take Route 64 north to enter the National Park at the South Rim.

The North Rim is only open for a few months from spring through fall. It takes about 4.5 hours to drive from the South Rim to the North Rim. If you’d like to make the trip, you’ll take Highway 64 east to Cameron then drive north on Highway 89A west to Jacob Lake. From Jacob Lake, take Highway 67 south to the North Rim entrance.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic sights in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The canyon stretches for more than 277 miles, and visitors can explore it on foot or by car. The drive from Phoenix to the canyon is a beautiful one, with spectacular views of the desert landscape.

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