Contents
- 1 Is it worth driving to Hoover Dam from Vegas?
- 2 Is Hoover Dam worth seeing?
- 3 How much does it cost to get from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam?
- 4 Can I take an Uber to Hoover Dam?
- 5 How much is it to go to the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas?
- 6 Can you do Grand Canyon in a day from Vegas?
- 7 Is there a train from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
- 8 Can you do a day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
- 9 Is Lake Mead worth seeing?
- 10 What is the closest dam to Las Vegas?
- 11 Can you just drive by Hoover Dam?
- 12 How much is the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas?
Is it worth driving to Hoover Dam from Vegas?
Is Visiting Hoover Dam Worth It? – Visiting Hoover Dam is 100% worth it. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love it. If you think impressive buildings are cool, you’ll love it. It’s well-worth a stop on your way to the Grand Canyon or as a half day trip from Las Vegas. Looking for other things to do in the area near Hoover Dam? Here’s some ideas. More Southwest USA Ideas
- 35 Sober Things to Do in Las Vegas – no drinking or gambling needed!
- Helpful Tips for Visiting Hoover Dam from Las Vegas
- Epic 7 Day Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary
- Top 5 Awesome Things to Do in Valley of Fire State Park – easy day trip from Vegas!
- Where to Stay Between Zion and Bryce Canyon
- How to See Everything in One Day in Bryce Canyon National Park
- 17 Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
- Easy Day Trip Itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park
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Is Hoover Dam worth seeing?
You See A Lot in a Short Time Frame – The Guided Dam Tour, which includes a tour of the power plant and visitor center, is about 2 hours long, That’s pretty short for such a big facility but you really get to see a lot! Within those 2 hours, the Guided Power Plant Tour and Self-Guided Visitor Center Tour take about 30 minutes each.
Is it an easy drive from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam?
Distance Between Las Vegas and Hoover Dam – The straightforward route from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam covers 37 miles (60 km) and takes about 30–45 minutes, On this trip, you’ll be able to see three other attractions: Boulder City, Lake Mead, and the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge,
More info on them later!) There are, however, many more attractions in the area that people decide to visit on the same trip that they visit Hoover Dam. To see all of the attractions that are listed later on in this article, the road trip would be about 110 miles (177 km) over the course of 2.5 to 3 hours,
Of course, being able to fully explore and experience all of these attractions in one day might not be feasible. Rather, treat the list as a guide to what’s available, and you can choose to visit the ones that appeal to you. Lake Mead is the reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam.
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam to Grand Canyon?
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim by Car – The drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim by car is approximately 280 miles and takes about four and half hours. You’ll travel over Route 66 and pass Hoover Dam, Kingman, Arizona, and historic Williams, Arizona. The route is full of sweeping Mojave desert landscapes and rises up into high mountain vistas of the Kaibab National Forest.
How long is needed at Hoover Dam?
A guided tour of the Hoover Dam typically lasts 2 hours, though it can last as little as 30 minutes, depending on which tour you go on.
Is there a shuttle from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam?
Explore the Hoover Dam on a guided tour from Las Vegas, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Marvel at one of the world’s largest dams and an engineering feat from every angle.
What is the best month to visit Hoover Dam?
July – Along with June, July is one of the less ideal times to visit the Hoover Dam. This is because this is prime summer trip time, and you will be facing some crowds. In addition, July is often the hottest month in Nevada. In recent years, the temperature has shot up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit in July for this area.
Can I drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
The closest entry point from Las Vegas is Grand Canyon West Rim, which is 128 miles or approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas. The drive takes you through parts of Arizona and past other noteworthy spots like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Boulder City.
How far is it from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
Distance between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon – Here are the travel times between Las Vegas and the three sides of the Grand Canyon. Below, a map that will help you better understand the distances.
The distance between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon South Rim is 280 miles, which can be covered by car in approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes on US-93 S, I-40 E and AZ-64 N. The distance between Las Vegas and the West Rim is 130 miles, which can be covered by car in just over 2 hours along US-93 S, Pierce Ferry Rd and Diamond Bar Rd. The distance between Las Vegas and the North Rim is 265 miles, which can be covered by car in about 4 hours and 30 minutes along I-15 N, AZ-389 E and US-89A S and AZ-67.
These distances, full of setbacks, are for the shortest routes between Las Vegas and the various areas of the Grand Canyon, and keep in mind that these are the travel times for each route without any intermediate stops. However, if you decide not to make any stops between destinations, you risk missing out when you are on a road trip in the U.S. For example? Going towards the West Rim and South Rim, by taking some short detours, you can reach some fantastic attractions along Route 66 and the Hoover Dam, while on the way to the North Rim we find the Valley of Fire and, a short distance away, the parks of southern Utah.
How much does it cost to get from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam?
The cheapest way to get from Las Vegas Strip to Hoover Dam is to drive which costs $6 – $9 and takes 43 min. What is the fastest way to get from Las Vegas Strip to Hoover Dam? The quickest way to get from Las Vegas Strip to Hoover Dam is to taxi which costs $160 – $200 and takes 43 min.
Can I take an Uber to Hoover Dam?
Getting to the Hoover Dam – You have three options for getting to the Hoover Dam. You can drive or take a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. Alternatively, you can arrive there by helicopter, which is a popular way to get here. Yes, we said helicopter! You can also take a guided tour with a hotel pickup. Here are the best ways as you plan your trip here.
How much is it to go to the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas?
Tickets must be purchased at the Visitors Center and are limited to 20 people per tour. Hoover Dam Powerplant Tours cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and those ages 4 to 16. Military members pay $12 for admission, or free if in uniform. Children under 4 are also admitted for free.
Can you do Grand Canyon in a day from Vegas?
The Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary Las Vegas is a popular point of origin (or final destination) for a Grand Canyon road trip. What exactly makes Sin City such an ideal starting point?
- If you have enough time, its proximity to the Grand Canyon offers easy access to every spot on the Rim.
- It’s also within easy driving distance of a number of other nearby —not to mention the available in Sin City to any type of visitor.
- Flights to Las Vegas are usually reasonably priced compared to Phoenix (another popular point of origin for a Grand Canyon road trip).
Whether you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or you’re ending your southwest journey in Sin City, we’ve created a Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip itinerary to get you rolling. Before we jump into places to visit on the way, you’ll need to decide what region(s) of the Grand Canyon you want to visit.
South Rim | North Rim | West Rim | East Region | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Distance from Las Vegas | 290 miles | 270 miles | 130 miles | 275 miles |
Driving time | 4.5 hours | 5 hours | 2.5 hours | 4.5 hours |
If you have five days or more, and are flexible with your route, you can easily hit all four regions by following our itinerary. If you have less time, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered, too. Explore all four rims of the Grand Canyon—and beyond if you want to keep the fun rolling! Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Total Miles Travelled: 823 miles (from Las Vegas to Phoenix); 784 miles (Las Vegas Loop) Total Driving Time: 14 hours 40 minutes; 13 hours 35 minutes Recommended Trip Duration: 5-7 days To make it easier for road trippers who have less time to explore the southwest, we’ve broken up our itinerary into two segments: From Las Vegas to the South Rim and everything in between, including Grand Canyon West, Route 66, and the Hoover Dam.
- If you only have one day for your Grand Canyon road trip, opt for the West Rim—you can easily make it there and back to Las Vegas in a single day. Save yourself the work of driving and hop on a instead—there are many guided tour options available, including airplane tours, helicopter floor landings, and leisurely Colorado River boat tours through the Grand Canyon.
- If you only have the time to visit one Rim, head to the South Rim—it has the greatest number of viewpoints, guided ranger programs, and hiking trails, as well as many of the most iconic sights and vistas. The best way to experience the South Rim as part of a Grand Canyon road trip is to spend the night—that way, you can break up the drive and check out the many other places to visit on the way to the Grand Canyon. More on that below.
- If you have more time, you can add the East Edge segment to your trip.
ROAD TRIP TIP: While it is possible to drive straight to the South Rim from Las Vegas and back in a single day, we don’t recommend it—you won’t have time to stop at the many other places to visit on the way to the Grand Canyon, and you may feel too rushed to truly enjoy the splendor of the South Rim.
Instead, plan to spend the night somewhere so you can experience everything the region has to offer without feeling stressed or pressured to get back on the road, or hop on a and let someone else do the driving. Explore the sights and attractions that lie beyond the borders of the South Rim, including Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Bryce Canyon, as well as cities like Flagstaff, Sedona, and Phoenix.
Ideal for those journeying westward towards Las Vegas from Phoenix or other eastern points of origin, or for longer road trips. If you have lots of time to work with, you can also add the East Edge component of the Las Vegas-Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary to the West Edge segment of our suggested route, or skip the West Edge altogether by heading straight to the South Rim from Las Vegas and continuing east. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Las Vegas hosts nearly 43 million visitors every year.
- Its reputation for catering to visitors of every inclination—including kids—and its proximity to make it an ideal spot to start your Grand Canyon road trip.
- Depending on your preferences, you can start your Grand Canyon road trip in Las Vegas or end your southwest adventure in Sin City.
- If you have a few days to explore Las Vegas, check out our for our tips for finding the right hotel, what to pack, where to eat, and what to see and do in the city limits and beyond.
To help bring you the best information on visiting Las Vegas, we reached out to your fellow travelers and travel experts for their Sin City tips. Big thanks go out to everyone who shared their experti. Like any other tourist hotspot, Las Vegas has its fair share of tourist scams and pitfalls to avoid.
- Don’t let “Sin City’s” reputation hold you back from booking a Las Vegas adventure! We can help you.
- Las Vegas may not be the first place you think of when you’re planning your next family vacation, but there are tons of family-friendly things to see or do in the city and just beyond the city limits.
Last Updated: April 11, 2023. You only get one first visit to Las Vegas! If you’ve never stepped foot in Sin City, it can be difficult to plan what to pack, where to go, and how to make the most of yo. The Strip may be the heart of Las Vegas, but there’s so much more to Sin City than the casino resorts and bright lights of Las Vegas Boulevard.
- There are tons of places off the Strip to check out.
- Last Updated: April 11, 2023.Las Vegas is primely located for exploring a number of popular nearby Southwest attractions.
- When traveling to Vegas consider adding a few extra days to explore the nat.
- There’s a whole lot more to Las Vegas than the infamous Strip.
If you want a break from the glittering lights, partygoers, and raucous atmosphere, take a short trip a few miles north to downtown Las V. If Las Vegas is known for one thing, it’s doing everything to excess—and that includes spending. Your visit to Sin City doesn’t have to break the bank! Las Vegas can be just as budget-friendly as any,
- The last thing you want to do when you’re in Las Vegas is spend your time hunting down a replacement for something you forgot at home! Finding what you need on the Strip can be difficult and expensive.
- A night (or day) out in Las Vegas is unlike a night out in any other city.
- Partygoers can choose from a plethora of packed nightclubs, but the music doesn’t stop when the sun comes out—Las Vegas is al.
Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. Between spectacular shows, pool parties, and a hopping nightlife, there’s no shortage of fun and exciting ways to occupy your time while you’re in, If you think Las Vegas is all shrimp cocktail and cheap buffets, think again! Vegas is a foodie’s paradise, with a restaurant for every taste, style, and budget, from greasy spoon diners to celebrity-. Image Source: via Wikimedia Commons. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Located just 5 miles from the Strip, Springs Preserve is a 180-acre natural preserve featuring interactive exhibits about how to live sustainably in the desert, the history of Las Vegas, and its historic and current inhabitants. Image Source: via Flickr. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix About 30 minutes southeast of Las Vegas and just a short hop from Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, Boulder City is the last place you can stop for major metropolitan conveniences before you hit the desert. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix
- The Hoover Dam created the nation’s largest reservoir—Lake Mead—covering 248 square miles and containing approximately 29 million acre-feet of water. One acre-foot is equivalent to about 325,000 gallons. As a result of a drought in the Colorado River Basin, Lake Mead has since dropped to its lowest water level since it was first filled in the 1930s.
- It took a total of 21,000 workers to build the Hoover Dam. Each worker was paid an hourly wage ranging from $0.50 to $1.25. There were officially 96 construction-related fatalities, but no workers were buried alive while the Dam was poured.
- The Dam consists of approximately 4.3 million cubic yards of concrete—that’s enough concrete to pave a 16-foot-wide, 8-inch-thick road from San Francisco to New York City.
- The Hoover Dam is not the world’s tallest dam—that title belongs to the 1,001 foot high Jinping-I Dam in Liangshan, Sichuan, China.
- Lake Mead is America’s most diverse recreation area, with 600,000 hectares of mountains, canyons, and wilderness, plus two lakes where you can fish, participate in watersports, and swim.
About 40 miles east of Las Vegas, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while you snap a pic of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and the Bypass Bridge. If you have the time, hop on a Hoover Dam tour and journey deep inside the Dam for a look at the hydroelectric generators, a chance to navigate the interior tunnels, and to learn more about the Dam.
Guided tours run daily and are about one hour in duration. The Hoover Dam isn’t directly en route for road trips to the North Rim or Grand Canyon East, so if you’re heading in that direction, you might be better off making a separate trip or taking a from Las Vegas so you can take your time to truly enjoy the visit.
After your visit to the Hoover Dam, cross the Bypass Bridge into Arizona. ROAD TRIP TIP: Arizona does not observe daylight saving. After you cross the border, double check your timezones so you can adjust your clocks accordingly and stay on schedule. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Continue 100 miles from the Hoover Dam to Grand Canyon West.
If you don’t have time to visit Grand Canyon West and the South Rim, stay on Highway 93 till you reach Kingman, AZ, While you’re there, be sure to check out Eagle Point and Guano Point, as well as attractions like the Skywalk, Hualapai Ranch, and the new zipline. Learn more about what you can do and see at Grand Canyon West: The Grand Canyon’s West Rim has no shortage of breathtaking vistas and experiences to offer.
Learn how this 1.2 million pound steel and glass structure is able to extend straight out from the edge of Eagle Point, 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor. There are many advantages to visiting the West Rim. Here’s why you should make the short trip to the West Rim next time you’re in Las Vegas. Image Source: via Wikimedia Commons. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix After visiting Grand Canyon West, it’s time to get your kicks on Route 66.
Hop on the Mother Road in Kingman, AZ and continue your journey along one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. ROUTE 66 FACT: Route 66 was established in 1926. Also known as the Main Street of America and the Mother Road, Route 66 originally stretched from Chicago through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before culminating in California.
Because it crossed the majority of the country, it was one of the main routes for people migrating west during the 1930s Dust Bowl. Kingman, AZ, is a common stop on the road between the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas or Los Angeles, and it’s where you’ll catch Route 66 if you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon.
With over 60 restaurants to choose from, including the famous Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner (try their famous homemade root beer), it’s a great place to stop for a bite to eat or to spend the night after exploring Grand Canyon West—you can even hunker down in one of the last remaining pre-WWII tourist motor courts.
Kingman, AZ Be sure to check out:
- The Arizona Route 66 Museum: Located across from Mr. D’z Route 66 Dinner, this museum features photos of Dust Bowl survivors and stories of post-WWII America, as well as an exhibit featuring the famous Burma-Shave signs that used to line the route.
- The old town area —it’s a living tribute to the Mother Road.
- The world’s longest Route 66 map, painted onto the side of the El Trovatore Motel. Also check out El Trovatore’s restored 100-foot neon sign.
ROAD TRIP TIP: Take a short 30-mile detour off Route 66 from Kingman to visit Oatman, AZ. This abandoned ghost town was originally founded in 1908, and is now home to just 135 people. Stop in for some quick souvenir shopping before you continue your journey to the South Rim.
- About 87 miles from Kingman along Route 66, Seligman is a great place to stop and stretch your legs on your way to the South Rim.
- There are only 500 inhabitants and few tourists.
- Check out the Route 66 General Store and the Return of the 50s Museum, and stop in at the Roadkill Cafe to try one of their famous buffalo burgers.
ROUTE HACK: If you want to save some time, skip the drive down Route 66 and hop on the I-40 instead. You’ll shave 14 miles off your trip. Image Source: via Wikimedia Commons. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Williams, AZ is your last stop on Route 66 (signposted here as Route 161).
- Bearizona Drive-thru Wildlife Park: See bears, wolves, buffalo, and more, from the comfort and safety of your own car.
- Grand Canyon Brewing Co: If you’re a fan of craft brews, jump on a brewery tour or stop for a bite.
- Kaibab National Forest: Explore the Kaibab National Forest and try some of the many hiking trails that originate in Williams.
- Grand Canyon Railway: Bypass Tusayan and hop on the Grand Canyon Railway for a leisurely ride through the Arizona forest right to the Grand Canyon Village, complete with a (staged) train heist.
Williams is also a convenient place to spend the night—it’s about an hour’s drive to the South Rim, and hotels are more plentiful and affordable than inside the National Park. Image Source: via Flickr. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix A short 1-hour drive from Williams, Tusayan, AZ is your last stop before the Grand Canyon. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Make the most of your Grand Canyon road trip and stay overnight at (or near) the South Rim.
- Two days gives you the perfect amount of time to snap pics at the most iconic viewpoints, explore the, and even check out some hiking trails.
- ROAD TRIP TIP: If you want to stay overnight inside the National Park, book your accommodation as early as possible.
- Hotels on the Rim can be fully booked up to a year in advance.
If you’re not staying overnight in the National Park or only have one day to explore, park your car in the lots near the main entrances and take advantage of the shuttle bus. It’s the best way to get around and easily access every viewpoint and attraction, including:
- Mojave Point
- Hopi Point
- The Grand Canyon Village
- Mather Point
Discover 11 more South Rim viewpoints to visit, find out what to do in the Grand Canyon Village, and more with our South Rim resources: The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is peppered with unique and visionary structures designed by pioneering architect Mary Colter.
- Mary Colter was part of a small handful of female architects working in t.
- Located on the South Rim within the Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon Village contains many of the Grand Canyon’s most iconic buildings and structures.
- Some of the most recognizable Grand Canyon viewpoints can be found at the South Rim.
Discover some of the most popular, from remote Yuma Point to Desert View Watchtower. Las Vegas is one of the closest major cities to the Grand Canyon, so the question for Vegas visitors isn’t “should I visit the Grand Canyon?”, it’s “should I drive myself to the Canyon, or take a guided tour?”.
Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix From the South Rim, you can return to Las Vegas and check out any spots you might have missed on your way to the Grand Canyon, or you can continue east to explore the east rim and beyond on the East Edge segment of the Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip.
Continuing eastward? Here’s where to stop on your journey. Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Page, AZ is the perfect home base for exploring the Grand Canyon East region, including Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend (one of the most photographed natural places in the world), Marble Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.
Spend a day exploring viewpoints like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, then trade your tent, camper, or hotel room and rent a houseboat on Lake Powell for a relaxing break from the road. FACT: Lake Powell is the second largest manmade lake in the United States, with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, more than 90 major canyons, and numerous sandy beaches.
Learn more about the Grand Canyon East region and find out what else you can do and see in our East Rim Guide. From Page, you can head back west to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park, or detour northeast to Monument Valley before continuing on to Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome.
Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Flagstaff, Jerome, and Sedona, AZ are all very close to each other—only about 70 miles separate Flagstaff and Jerome, with Sedona sitting right in the middle.
You can easily explore all three towns in 2 or 3 days. If you’re arriving from the east rim of the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley, your first stop will be Flagstaff. If your Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip originated in Phoenix, you’ll reach Jerome first.
Flagstaff is home to Mount Humphreys, Arizona’s tallest mountain, as well as the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. The resort is open year round, with summertime activities like tubing, bungee trampolining, ropes courses, and more. You can also hop on the scenic chairlift for a ride up the western side of the San Francisco Peaks to catch birds-eye views of Northern Arizona, including the red rocks of Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
There are also numerous hiking trails leading up to the resort and in the surrounding area. The Flagstaff Arboretum is also worth a visit—this 200-acre botanical garden is home to 2,500 plant species, and one of the largest collections of mountain plants and wildflowers in the world.
DETOUR: Fans of the Eagles (the band) might recognize another town near Flagstaff. You too can stand on the corner of Winslow, Arizona—it’s only about an hour’s drive from Flagstaff. After a quick stop in Winslow, continue another 60 miles east to Petrified Forest National Park. From here, you can return to Flagstaff or continue on to Phoenix.
Situated in the middle of Arizona’s red mountains and right between Flagstaff and Jerome, Sedona is an ideal spot to set up camp while you explore the area. There are plenty of upscale hotels, spas, and restaurants to enjoy, as well as dozens of hiking and biking trails, and other activities such as:
- Sedona Trolley: Hop on board this historic trolley for a 55 minute narrated tour of Sedona’s landmarks and scenic overlooks.
- Oak Creek Canyon: About 4 miles outside of Sedona, this 12-mile long river gorge is a lovely place to stop for a picnic lunch.
- Meteor Crater: Created more than 50,000 years ago when a meteor crashed into the earth, this giant crater stretches 1 mile across and is more than 550 feet deep. Bonus for Eagles fans: it’s located just outside Winslow, AZ.
Founded in the late 19th century, Jerome was once a booming mining town with a population of more than 10,000 people. Today, it’s home to less than 500 people, but there’s lots to explore, including numerous ghost and vampire tours, as well as historical and heritage sites.
- OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Adventurous travelers might enjoy an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel—formerly an insane asylum, the Grand Hotel is now considered one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
- If you’re a fan of the band Tool, take a trip to Caduceus Cellars—Maynard James Keenan’s winery—for a tasting.
Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix If you’re heading to Phoenix from Flagstaff, Sedona, or Jerome, stop at Montezuma Castle, just 25 miles outside of Jerome, to see the well-preserved ruins of an early cliff dwelling built around 700 AD by the pre-Columbian Sinagua people.
Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix Whether you start your journey in Phoenix and head westward towards the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, or end your epic Grand Canyon road trip from Las Vegas in Arizona’s state capital, there’s lots to see and do in Phoenix.
Enjoy the sunshine (Arizona’s capital city sees 310 days of sunshine per year) while you check out these activities and attractions:
- Street art on Roosevelt Row: Get that perfect vacation selfie (besides your #CanyonSelfie, of course).
- Camelback Mountain: Hike to the top of Camelback Mountain for some of the best views of the area. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to start early to beat the heat. There are also several less intensive hikes in the area.
- First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, downtown Phoenix turns into a huge street festival, complete with food trucks, live music, street exhibitions, and more.
- Taliesin West: Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home on the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Night Lights tour.
- Tubing: Float down the salt river in Tonto National Forest.
- South Mountain Park and Preserve: Explore over 16,000 acres of land, with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails.
If you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas is a great place to kickstart or wrap up your journey. You can reach each of the four rims of the Grand Canyon by car, and there are numerous places to visit on the way. See them all on the Ultimate Las Vegas-Grand Canyon road trip itinerary: Las Vegas → Springs Preserve → Boulder City → Hoover Dam & Lake Mead → Grand Canyon West → Route 66: Kingman and Seligman, AZ → Williams, AZ → Tusayan → South Rim National Park → Return to Las Vegas or continue east → Grand Canyon East and Page, AZ → Flagstaff, Sedona, and Jerome → Montezuma Castle → Phoenix If you’re planning a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas is a great place to kickstart or wrap up your journey.
Is there a train from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
Trip Summary – There is one daily train from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village. Traveling by train from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village usually takes 13 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 35 minutes.
Distance | 168 mi (270 km) |
Fastest train | 13h 35m |
Lowest price | $180.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Can you do a day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
Full-Day Grand Canyon Trips – Fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Southwestern desert with a full-day Grand Canyon day trip from Las Vegas. These 10 to 14-hour excursions are perfect for the traveler who wants ample time to soak in the sights of some of the world’s most mesmerizing landscapes.
All full-day trips from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon include complimentary hotel pick-up, professional drivers and tour guides, and a light lunch. For the more adventurous souls, get off the beaten path and explore Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona or embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure through the Colorado River.
These world-class, full-day tours set out to explore four exciting destinations from Las Vegas: Grand Canyon West Rim: On this West Rim tour, climb aboard our state-of-the-art motorcoach for an incomparable sightseeing extravaganza. Full-day tours to Grand Canyon West Rim include stunning views of the Mojave Desert, photo opportunities at the historic Hoover Dam, and stops at the most famous West Rim lookouts.
You can also upgrade your experience to a 3-in-1 adventure where you can walk along the world-famous glass Grand Canyon Skywalk, take a helicopter flight to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and cruise on a pontoon boat along the Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park: Board a luxury motorcoach to see the most breathtaking views the Grand Canyon South & North Rims have to offer.
These daylong excursions include stunning sights of the Mojave Desert as you cruise along historic Route 66 before reaching the Grand Canyon! Antelope Canyon: Discover the mystical sandstone walls deep within the famous Antelope Canyon. Aboard this thrilling airplane day tour, you’ll soar over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Glen Canyon before reaching the Colorado River snaking through the canyon.
Hike up to the scenic overlook of the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend. After the breathtaking view, grab some lunch at a local restaurant before wandering into the depths of Antelope Canyon’s rippling stone walls. Colorado River: Want to pair an exhilarating helicopter ride with an exciting day on the water? Papillon has you covered.
We offer multiple daylong adventure tours from Las Vegas to the Colorado River.
What is the best time of day to see the Hoover Dam?
Sitting about 35 miles southeast of Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River and the Black Canyon (which separates Nevada and Arizona). The immense concrete structure – which confines Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States by volume – has helped provide power to Nevada, Arizona and California since 1935.
These days, in addition to keeping the lights on, the Hoover Dam welcomes more than 7 million visitors each year as one of America’s most recognized landmarks. Some of its most noteworthy sights are as follows: Visitor Center: You can learn more about the Hoover Dam with a stop at the Visitor Center, which is open every day from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. and costs $10 to explore. The facility’s Exhibit Gallery features various audio, visual and interactive exhibits, such as a generator model you can walk through, while the theater shows a 10-minute film about the dam. Don’t forget to head to the top-floor observation area to snap some memorable pictures of the massive structure, Lake Mead and the Colorado River, as most visitors recommend doing.
- Winged Figures of the Republic: Across the street from the Visitor Center, these bronze statues were created by sculptor Oskar J.W. Hansen.
- Featuring a 142-foot-tall flagpole that sits between two winged figures, the pieces are surrounded by a terrazzo floor with a celestial map noting the dam’s dedication date: Sept.30, 1935.
Bronze seals of the seven states that are home to the Colorado River Basin are also on display by the statues. Hoover Dam Powerplant: Located 530 feet below Black Canyon’s surface, this power plant is where you’ll find the dam’s 17 generators, plus a tunnel drilled in the 1930s and a platform that sits on top of a 30-foot-wide water pipe.
- Both on-site guided tours include stops inside the power plant, but only the Hoover Dam Tour offers a look at the facility’s inspection tunnels.
- If you’d like to take a power plant tour, you’ll have to pay $15.
- Dam tours cost $30 per person and include access to the visitor center, among other areas of the facility.
Top of the Dam: This open-air section features sidewalks and some of the property’s best lake, river and dam vistas. Each tour inside the property concludes at the Top of the Dam, but the area itself is free to visit. Hoover Dam tours are available with on-site staff members and third-party guides.
- If you’re basing yourself in Las Vegas and don’t want to rent a car to reach the dam, an organized tour can be an efficient way to access this National Historic Landmark; we’ve rounded up the best Hoover Dam tours,
- The exterior of the Hoover Dam is open to the public daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Once you arrive, be prepared to go through a security screening.
To avoid the largest crowds, consider timing your visit between 9 and 10:30 a.m. or between 2:30 and 3:45 p.m. Parking costs $10. To learn more about the dam, visit the Hoover Dam page on the Bureau of Reclamation website,
Can you walk inside the Hoover Dam?
Yes, you can still go down inside the Hoover Dam. The one-hour Guided Dam Tour takes guests through the tunnels and passageways. The other two tour offerings don’t provide access to the dam, just the visitor center and the power plant on a 30-minute tour.
Is Lake Mead worth seeing?
Lake Mead is one of the most popular destinations in the state of Nevada. It is home to the Hoover Dam, wildlife, beautiful scenery, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you are thinking of making a trip to Lake Mead, we have four destinations that you and the whole family will love!
What is the closest dam to Las Vegas?
Hoover Dam is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, on the Nevada-Arizona border.
Does Vegas have free shuttles?
View Live Vehicle Tracker The Downtown Loop is a free shuttle servicing the exciting attractions in downtown Las Vegas including:
Bonneville Transit Center – First Street, South of Bonneville Avenue The Arts District – Art Way and Boulder Avenue Arts District South – Main Street, between California and Colorado avenues Brewery Row – 1500 Block of Main Street between Utah and Wyoming avenues Pawn Plaza – Las Vegas Boulevard, South of Garces Avenue Fremont East Entertainment District – Sixth Street, North of Fremont Street Mob Museum – Stewart Avenue, West of Third Street Fremont Street Experience – Normally Main Street just South of Fremont Street, but temporarily relocated to Main Street just north of Ogden Avenue due to construction Las Vegas North Premium Outlets – South Grand Central Parkway, between Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger Kids Symphony Park – Promenade Place, South of Symphony Park Avenue The Strat hotel-casino – 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd., in the taxi and rideshare pickup area at the rear of the property Circa hotel-casino – First Street, North of Ogden Avenue, but closed Dec.7-11 due to construction CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE City Hall – 495 S. Main St., South of First Street
The Downtown Loop is accessible and operates Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m. During First Friday events a special route runs from the City Hall Garage, at 495 S. Main St,. to the 18b Arts District.
The Mob Museum Bonneville Transit Center The STRAT
How much is Vegas shuttle?
Las Vegas Airport Shuttles – Generally shared, shuttles are often viewed as a cost-effective transportation option for getting from the airport to your hotel in Vegas. The cost for an airport shuttle is generally $15 plus fees per person, one way (or $30 round-trip).
- Because they’re shared, airport shuttles in Vegas typically take longer than more direct forms of airport transportation, as multiple stops need to be made (you’d better hope you’re an early stop).
- Personally, I prefer to get on with my trip and take an Uber/Lyft for about the same price when traveling solo.
If you’re traveling in a group of 2 or more, airport shuttles in Las Vegas just don’t pencil out financially vs Uber/Lyft, which will typically be both less expensive and a more direct form of transportation. A shrinking number of off-Strip hotels, such as M Resort and South Point offer a free airport shuttle as a courtesy to their guests.
Can you just drive by Hoover Dam?
In Conclusion – There are so many ways to traverse the Hoover Dam and its surrounding area. You can try a walk on top tour of the Hoover Dam, drive over it, take a helicopter ride over it, or even try a boat ride on the Colorado River. Though through traffic has been restricted to the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge since 2010, you can still drive over the Hoover Dam,
How much does it cost to get from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam?
The cheapest way to get from Las Vegas Strip to Hoover Dam is to drive which costs $6 – $9 and takes 43 min. What is the fastest way to get from Las Vegas Strip to Hoover Dam? The quickest way to get from Las Vegas Strip to Hoover Dam is to taxi which costs $160 – $200 and takes 43 min.
How much is it to go to the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas?
Tickets must be purchased at the Visitors Center and are limited to 20 people per tour. Hoover Dam Powerplant Tours cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and those ages 4 to 16. Military members pay $12 for admission, or free if in uniform. Children under 4 are also admitted for free.
How much is the Hoover Dam in Las Vegas?
Admission: Hoover Dam tours cost $30 for adults, seniors, juniors and military members. No children under 8 are permitted on the one-hour self-guided tours. Note: the tour is not accessible to visitors on crutches or in wheelchairs.