18 Best Places to Camp on Memorial Day Weekend

• Memorial Day in 2025 will cover the weekend Friday 23 to Monday 26 May, so an important date to mark in your calendar is around 23 November 2024 when many campsite slots open up 6 months in advance

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1. Acadia National Park, Maine

By Memorial Day, Acadia transforms from its quiet spring state into a vibrant coastal paradise. The timing is perfect—temperatures hover in the comfortable 60s, black flies have usually moved on, and the park’s famous wild lupines paint the landscapes in stunning purple hues.

The whale-watching season kicks off this weekend, and the tide pools teem with life after spring’s nutrient-rich waters. Many of the park’s seasonal roads, including the iconic Ocean Drive, have just opened for the season.

Blackwoods Campground offers 306 sites among spruce-fir forests, with modern restrooms, coin-operated showers, and drinking water stations. For families seeking more amenities, Seawall Campground provides a camp store and ranger-led programs perfect for young naturalists. The nearby private Mount Desert Campground offers waterfront sites and canoe rentals.

Kids love exploring the tide pools at Ship Harbor Trail, joining the Junior Ranger program, and participating in the park’s Memorial Day weekend scavenger hunt. The Wild Gardens of Acadia feature hands-on nature activities, while the Ocean Path trail system offers easy, scenic hiking suitable for all ages.

Bar Harbor’s Memorial Day parade features vintage cars and local bands, followed by a touching ceremony at the town pier.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations for Blackwoods open six months in advance through Recreation.gov. For Memorial Day weekend, start checking in late November. NB Seawall Campground switched to the reservation-only system in 2024; they reopen from 22 May and can be booked 2 months in advance.

2. Yosemite National Park, California

Memorial Day weekend in Yosemite offers a spectacular sweet spot in the park’s calendar. The waterfalls reach their thundering peak from spring snowmelt, dogwood trees burst with delicate white blooms, and the famous meadows showcase an explosion of wildflowers.

Most importantly, the high country roads have typically just opened, but the intense summer crowds haven’t yet arrived. The weather usually provides perfect hiking conditions, with warm days and cool nights ideal for camping.

Beyond Tuolumne Meadows, family-friendly options include Upper Pines Campground (240 sites), which is near Happy Isles Nature Center, and North Pines Campground (81 sites), which is situated along the Merced River. Both offer flush toilets, drinking water, and food storage lockers.

Lower Pines features a prime location for viewing Half Dome. Camp 4, though first-come-first-served, offers a front-row seat to watching climbers on El Capitan. Kids can participate in the Memorial Day weekend “Art in Nature” workshops, join guided family-friendly hikes, and attend evening ranger programs at the outdoor amphitheater.

The park’s Memorial Day services include living history demonstrations and traditional bugle ceremonies.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open exactly five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7 am PST. For Memorial Day camping, mark your calendar for January 15th. Sites typically sell out within minutes.

3. Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona

Unlike many locations just ramping up for summer peak season, Memorial Day weekend represents one of the last opportunities to comfortably camp in the Sonoran Desert before summer’s intense heat arrives.

The desert comes alive with late-blooming wildflowers, and endangered desert tortoises emerge from their burrows. Sunrise and sunset hikes offer comfortable temperatures and spectacular photography opportunities, while night skies provide excellent stargazing conditions in the desert’s clear air.

The main campground offers 134 sites, split between well-maintained RV spots and tent camping areas. Each site includes a fire pit, picnic table, and access to clean shower facilities. The Group Camping area provides an excellent option for family reunions, with space for up to 50 people. The park’s newly renovated visitor center features interactive exhibits about desert wildlife and mining history.

Rangers offer special Memorial Day programs, including guided sunset hikes, desert survival skills workshops, and nocturnal wildlife viewing. Kids will enjoy the “Junior Desert Ranger” program and scorpion hunting with UV lights (supervised, of course!).

• Booking your campsite: Bookings open 6 months in advance through Arizona State Parks. Early December booking is recommended for Memorial Day weekend, especially for the limited RV sites with hookups.

4. Lake Tahoe State Park, Nevada

By Memorial Day, Lake Tahoe’s waters have warmed just enough for comfortable afternoon swimming, while the surrounding mountains still sport scenic snow caps. The timing hits a perfect window between the ski season crowds and peak summer tourism. Spring wildflowers carpet the meadows, and wildlife becomes increasingly active, with bears and cubs often visible from safe distances.

Spooner Lake Campground offers 50 sites amid towering Jeffrey pines, while Beach Camp provides 25 coveted lakeside spots. Nevada Beach Campground, operated by the Forest Service, features 54 sites with stellar lake views and easy beach access. Zephyr Cove Resort adds luxury camping options with glamping tents and full amenities.

Family activities include ranger-led nature walks, paddleboard rentals, and beginner-friendly mountain bike trails. The annual Memorial Day “Opening of the Lake” blessing ceremony includes tribal representatives and vintage wooden boats. Evening programs feature local wildlife experts and astronomy sessions.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open six months in advance through recreation.gov. Beach Camp sites typically fill within hours of release.

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

Memorial Day weekend traditionally coincides with two magical events in the Smokies: the synchronous firefly display and the peak of spring wildflower season.

The park’s famous black bears are active with new cubs, and daytime temperatures reach the perfect range for hiking and outdoor activities. The timing also marks the start of the park’s traditional music programs and cultural demonstrations at the Mountain Farm Museum.

Elkmont Campground, the park’s largest, offers over 200 sites with easy access to the firefly viewing areas. Cades Cove Campground provides 159 sites in one of the park’s most wildlife-rich valleys.

In comparison, Deep Creek Campground offers 92 sites perfect for families interested in tubing and fishing. Each campground features recently upgraded restrooms and amphitheaters for ranger programs.

The Memorial Day weekend includes special events like historic cabin tours, traditional craft demonstrations, and guided salamander walks for kids. Nearby cities Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge host elaborate Memorial Day celebrations, including mountain music festivals and veterans’ remembrance ceremonies.

• Booking your campsite: Campground reservations open six months in advance, but the coveted firefly viewing lottery typically opens in late April. Sign up for park alerts to get notified when the lottery opens.

6. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Memorial Day marks Cape Cod’s awakening, as the signature New England summer destination shakes off its spring slumber. Water temperatures have risen just enough for brave swimmers, while the spring bird migration reaches its colorful peak.

The famous Cape Cod whales have returned to their feeding grounds, and the beaches are still peaceful before the summer crowds descend. Most importantly, the notorious Cape Cod mosquitoes haven’t yet reached their summer intensity.

North of Highland Camping Area in Truro offers 237 spacious sites in a pine forest, just a short walk to Head of the Meadow Beach. Nickerson State Park provides over 400 sites around eight areas surrounding freshwater ponds, perfect for fishing and kayaking. Coastal Acres Camping Court in Provincetown offers family-friendly sites with easy access to whale watching tours.

Adventure-seeking families will love the newly opened Cape Cod Rail Trail for cycling and the Salt Pond Visitor Center’s interactive marine life exhibits. Memorial Day weekend features special programs including lighthouse tours, beach ecosystem walks, and junior ranger tide pooling adventures. Local towns host distinctive Memorial Day parades, with Provincetown’s featuring a unique mix of traditional ceremony and artistic flair.

• Booking your campsite: State park campgrounds open for booking on January 2nd for the entire season. Private campgrounds typically begin taking reservations in early December. Sites with electricity are particularly in demand for this early-season weekend.

7. Mount Rushmore/Black Hills, South Dakota

By Memorial Day, the Black Hills have fully awakened from winter, with comfortable daytime temperatures and fields of prairie wildflowers in full bloom. The timing is perfect to spot young wildlife, including bison calves, bighorn lambs, and prairie dog pups.

The tourist crowds are still light, making it ideal for family visits to popular attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.

Custer State Park offers four main family-friendly campgrounds: Sylvan Lake (39 sites) sits at the highest elevation with stunning views, Blue Bell (31 sites & 23 cabins) provides premium access to wildlife viewing, Center Lake (71 sites) features a swimming beach, and Game Lodge (59 sites & 11 cabins) offers convenient location near park headquarters. Each campground has been recently upgraded with modern restrooms and shower facilities.

The Memorial Day weekend features special evening lighting ceremonies at Mount Rushmore, Native American cultural presentations, and wildlife programs. Kids enjoy the buffalo safari jeep tours, rock climbing programs, and junior naturalist activities. The nearby town of Keystone hosts a Memorial Day festival with traditional Western entertainment and craft demonstrations.

• Booking your campsite: Custer State Park campground reservations open one year in advance via gooutdoorssouthdakota.com. Book Memorial Day weekend the previous May, especially for the popular Sylvan Lake sites.

8. Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin

Memorial Day weekend in Door County captures the essence of spring in Wisconsin. The peninsula’s famous cherry trees are typically in full bloom, migrating warblers fill the trees with song, and the waters of Green Bay have warmed enough for afternoon swimming. The timing marks the start of the park’s extensive naturalist program and the opening of many seasonal facilities.

The park features four family-friendly campgrounds totaling 469 sites: Tennison Bay (188 sites) offers the best bay views, Weborg Point (12 sites) provides intimate waterfront camping, Group Camp caters to family reunions, while South Nicolet and North Nicolet offer more secluded options. The newly renovated Nature Center opens for the season this weekend, featuring interactive exhibits and live animal displays.

Families love the 9.6-mile Sunset Bike Trail, the outdoor theater programs at Northern Sky Theater, and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse tours. Memorial Day activities include guided kayak trips, fishing clinics for kids, and special programs about the peninsula’s maritime history. The nearby village of Fish Creek hosts a traditional Memorial Day parade and cherry pie festival.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open 11 months in advance through Wisconsin DNR. Book in late June for the following Memorial Day. Waterfront sites typically fill within hours of release.

9. Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona

Memorial Day weekend arrives shortly after the North Rim’s seasonal opening, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon’s more remote face during its springtime awakening.

At 8,000 feet elevation, the temperature is perfect for hiking, with wildflowers carpeting the mixed conifer forests and aspen groves. The timing allows visitors to see the canyon before summer haze affects visibility, with crisp, clear views extending over 100 miles.

North Rim Campground provides 90 sites among tall pines, with recently upgraded facilities including coin-operated showers and a laundry facility. Kaibab Lodge, located just outside the park, offers rustic cabins and tent sites for those seeking more amenities. DeMotte Campground in Kaibab National Forest provides an excellent backup option with 38 sites, half are kept first-come-first-served.

The Grand Canyon Lodge hosts special Memorial Day weekend programs, including guided nature walks, astronomy sessions, and mule trip orientations. Kids enjoy the Junior Ranger station, wildlife tracking workshops, and the new “Canyon Explorers” program. Park rangers offer specialized “Rim Talks” about the area’s geology and Native American history.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Set your alarm for late November – North Rim sites are particularly coveted for Memorial Day as it’s one of the first opportunities to camp after the winter closure (est 2025 open date 15 May).

10. Olympic National Park, Washington

By Memorial Day, all Olympic National Park’s diverse ecosystems are accessible, showcasing their spring splendor. The coastal fog typically lifts by mid-morning, revealing tide pools teeming with spring activity. The rainforests drip with fresh green growth, and high-country snow has melted enough to access most trails. Whale watching reaches its peak as gray whales migrate along the Pacific coast.

Kalaloch Campground offers 160 sites with dramatic Pacific Ocean views, including several newly renovated loop areas perfect for families. Mora Campground provides 94 sites closer to Rialto Beach and its famous sea stacks, while Sol Duc Campground features 82 sites & 17 RV Campsites near the hot springs and waterfall trails.

Each campground offers ranger-led programs, and the Memorial Day weekend features special events, including tide pool walks, junior ranger programs, and Native American cultural demonstrations. The nearby Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center debuts its summer programming this weekend, with hands-on activities for kids and guided nature walks.

Local coastal communities host unique Memorial Day celebrations combining maritime heritage with military remembrance.

• Booking your campsite: Coastal campground reservations open six months in advance,with reservations required from Memorial Day weekend to late September. Book in late November for Memorial Day weekend, particularly for ocean-view sites at Kalaloch.

11. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Memorial Day weekend hits a sweet spot in Shenandoah’s calendar – the spring wildflower display is still vibrant while the mountain laurel begins its spectacular bloom.

Black bears are active with cubs, white-tailed deer fawns make their first appearances, and the weather is ideal for hiking before summer humidity sets in. The famous Skyline Drive offers perfect driving conditions with clear mountain views.

Mathews Arm (166 sites) and Big Meadows (217 sites) are the park’s largest family-friendly campgrounds, both featuring recently renovated facilities and theaters for ranger programs. Lewis Mountain offers a more intimate experience with 30 sites, while Loft Mountain provides 207 sites with spectacular valley views.

The Byrd Visitor Center debuts its summer programming this weekend, including special Civil War history walks and wilderness survival workshops. Family activities include the “TRACK Trails” program for kids, fishing demonstrations at Big Meadows, and guided waterfall hikes.

The park hosts moving Memorial Day ceremonies at several historic Civil War sites along Skyline Drive.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Begin checking in late November, with Big Meadows sites typically filling first due to its central location.

12. Lake George, New York

Memorial Day marks Lake George’s transformation from a quiet spring retreat to “Queen of American Lakes.” Water temperatures have warmed enough for comfortable swimming, the surrounding Adirondack forests are lush with new growth, and seasonal attractions begin their summer operations. The timing perfectly captures the lake’s serene beauty before the peak summer season begins.

Rogers Rock Campground offers 332 sites, including premium waterfront locations and a supervised swimming beach. Lake George Battleground Campground provides 68 sites steeped in Revolutionary War history, walking distance to Lake George Village.

For families seeking more amenities, Lake George RV Park features 400 sites with pools, playgrounds, and a bike park. Hearthstone Point Campground offers 251 sites with waterfront and wooded options.

Memorial Day weekend features special events, including lake ecology programs, fishing derbies, and historical reenactments at Fort William Henry. Kids love the newly opened Lake George Expedition Park, steamboat cruises, and junior naturalist programs. The Lake George area hosts one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the region, followed by a moving lakeside ceremony and evening fireworks display.

Booking your campsite: New York State campground reservations open nine months in advance with reserveamerica.com. Book in late August for Memorial Day weekend, particularly for waterfront sites. Private campgrounds often start taking reservations in January.

13. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Memorial Day weekend offers a unique opportunity to experience the park during its dramatic spring awakening. Snow is melting from the meadows while peaks remain dramatically capped, creating perfect conditions for wildlife viewing.

This is prime elk calving season when newborn calves take their first steps in the valleys. Wildflowers begin their colorful ascent up the mountainsides, starting with lower-elevation blooms like pasqueflowers and spring beauties.

Moraine Park Campground (244 sites) provides the park’s premier family camping experience, situated in a wide valley with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Glacier Basin Campground (150 sites) offers stunning mountain views and easy access to Bear Lake Road activities. Aspenglen Campground (52 sites) provides a more intimate setting near Fall River. All campgrounds feature newly renovated facilities and evening ranger programs.

Memorial Day weekend activities include special wildlife-watching tours, photography workshops, and Native American cultural demonstrations. The park’s extensive junior ranger program kicks off its summer season this weekend. Nearby Estes Park hosts a Memorial Day festival featuring mountain crafts, live music, and a ceremony honoring mountain rescue veterans.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Book in November for Memorial Day weekend. Moraine Park sites with electrical hookups are particularly competitive.

14. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland/Virginia

Memorial Day weekend hits the sweet spot on Assateague – warm enough for comfortable beach activities but before the intense summer heat and insects arrive. The famous wild ponies are active with new foals, and spring bird migration reaches its peak. Ocean temperatures have begun to moderate, making for pleasant beachcombing and shell collecting.

Oceanside Campground offers 16 drive-in and 62 walk-in sites directly behind the dunes, perfect for families who love beach access. Bayside Campground provides 22 sites ideal for kayakers and bird watchers. Both campgrounds feature cold showers and chemical toilets, maintaining the island’s natural character. Have a backup plan as spring storms occasionally affect camping.

The Maryland district’s renovated visitor center debuts weekend summer programs, including touch tank demonstrations and pony-watching guided tours. Special Memorial Day activities include beach ecology walks, clamming demonstrations, and evening ghost crab safaris. Kids can enjoy the “Pony Patrol” junior ranger program and marsh exploration activities.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open six months in advance via recreation.gov. Book by November for Memorial Day weekend, especially for oceanside sites.

15. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

By Memorial Day, the Ozark mountains showcase their full spring splendor. Spring rains bring peak flows to waterfalls, dogwood and redbud trees burst with blooms, and forest floors are carpeted with wildflowers. Temperatures are perfect for hiking and water activities before summer’s humidity sets in.

Lake Wedington Recreation Area offers 18 sites with excellent access to the lake’s swimming beach and boat ramp. Mount Magazine State Park provides 18 sites with stunning views from Arkansas’s highest point. The recently renovated Shores Lake Campground features 29 sites perfect for families, with easy access to the Shadow Rock Trail system.

Memorial Day weekend activities include guided waterfall hikes, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, and special programs about Civil War history in the Ozarks. The park’s nature center offers hands-on activities for kids, including stream ecology studies and wildlife tracking workshops. Local communities host traditional Memorial Day ceremonies featuring mountain music and craft demonstrations.

• Booking your campsite: Forest Service campgrounds open reservations six months ahead through Recreation.gov. State park sites can be booked up to one year in advance through Arkansas State Parks.

16. Glacier National Park, Montana

Memorial Day weekend marks one of the first opportunities to experience Glacier as it emerges from winter’s grip. While the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road may still be partially snow-covered, the lower elevations burst with spring activity.

Grizzly bears and cubs become active in the valleys, mountain goat kids make their first appearances, and wildflowers begin their stunning display. Waterfalls are at their most spectacular from spring snowmelt.

Apgar Campground, the park’s largest with 194 sites, opens for the season, offering stunning views of Lake McDonald and convenient access to the West Glacier village amenities. Fish Creek Campground provides 178 sites in a more secluded setting with newly renovated facilities. Sprague Creek Campground, with 25 sites, offers an intimate lakeside experience perfect for families with small children.

The Apgar Visitor Center debuts its summer programming this weekend, featuring special presentations about glacier formation and wildlife safety.

Memorial Day activities include guided hikes to Avalanche Lake, family-friendly boat tours on Lake McDonald, and evening ranger programs about the park’s Native American heritage. Kids particularly enjoy the “Junior Glacier Explorer” program and the interactive wildlife tracking workshops.

• Booking your campsite: For Memorial Day camping, Apgar Campground operates first-come, first-served in early season, so arrive by Thursday. Fish Creek reservations open through Recreation.gov six months in advance – book in November.

17. Letchworth State Park, New York

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth reaches peak grandeur on Memorial Day weekend. Spring rains power up the three major waterfalls, creating spectacular photo opportunities. The ancient forest bursts with spring ephemeral wildflowers, and migrating warblers fill the gorge with song. The timing is perfect for hiking and rafting before summer crowds arrive.

The park offers 270 campsites spread across eight areas, with the 82-site Loop A particularly popular for families due to its proximity to the pool and playground. The newly developed Autism Nature Trail provides an inclusive outdoor experience with eight sensory-rich stations. The historic Glen Iris Inn opens its seasonal dining room this weekend, offering spectacular falls views.

Memorial Day activities include guided geology walks, birds of prey demonstrations, and special programs about the area’s Seneca Nation heritage. The park’s newly renovated nature center features interactive exhibits about the gorge’s formation. Kids love the junior naturalist program and the seasonal hot air balloon rides that begin this weekend.

• Booking your campsite: Reservations open nine months in advance through Reserve America. Book in late August for Memorial Day weekend. Sites with electricity book especially quickly.

18. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Memorial Day weekend represents one of the last opportunities to comfortably camp in Big Bend before summer’s intense heat arrives. The desert is still colorful with late-blooming cacti, while the Chisos Mountains offer comfortable temperatures and clear skies. This timing also coincides with peak bird migration through the Rio Grande corridor.

The Chisos Basin Campground, at 5,400 feet elevation, offers 60 sites with spectacular mountain views and access to the best high-country trails (no large RVs). Rio Grande Village Campground provides 100 sites near the river, featuring a newly renovated visitor center and swimming pool. The Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit offers 24 peaceful sites in a shaded grove perfect for bird watching.

Memorial Day weekend features special ranger programs, including guided desert ecology walks, border culture presentations, and night sky viewing sessions (the park is an International Dark Sky site). Kids particularly enjoy the “Desert Explorer” junior ranger program and the hands-on activities at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit.

The nearby town of Marathon hosts a unique Memorial Day celebration blending West Texas and Mexican cultural traditions.

Booking your campsite: Chisos Basin reservations open six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Book in November for Memorial Day weekend. Rio Grande Village sites with hookups are particularly competitive during this cooler season.

More Outdoor Family Adventures

Are you ready to kick off your outdoor family adventures for the season or looking to plan well ahead to not miss out this year? You’ll want to bookmark these handy pages, too!

• These National parks have timed entry rules and permits to be aware of in the peak season
• Our favorite places to vacation on the East Coast this Spring
• Perfect Summer National Parks to Visit in Summer

The post Memorial Day Weekend: America’s Ultimate Camping Kickoff appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Casinos and nightlife may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas, but what makes the city so special is that it’s surrounded by an unrivaled array of wonderful destinations perfect for a day spent outdoors.

Thanks to its location close to the borders of California, Utah, and Arizona, Las Vegas is a perfect starting point for exploring not only some of the best places in Nevada but also those of its neighboring states.

If you’re planning a family trip to Las Vegas and looking for ways to escape the bustle and hustle of Sin City, here are some of the most wonderful and breathtaking day trips to take!

10 Incredible Day Trips From Las Vegas

1. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 16 miles ~ via US95 (20 minutes)

Even though Red Rock Canyon is located less than thirty minutes away from Las Vegas, it still remains a bit of a secret in the Nevada parks system.

Hiking and scenic driving are the ultimate ways to explore Red Rock Canyon. A must-do hike if you don’t mind the heat is the Ice Box Canyon Trail, which will have you walking amidst a mesmerizing red rock canyon while gawking at seasonal waterfalls.

If you’d rather not break a sweat, though, you can also explore the park from the comfort of your car by driving the Red Rock Canyon Drive, a 13-mile scenic loop that offers ample vistas of the canyon system as well as the park’s main highlights!

State Park Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle or Nevada State Parks Annual Pass & America the Beautiful Annual Pass accepted

TOP TIP: due to increasing popularity there may be a timed entry needed for the scenic loop during the peak season (October to May) – check the online reservation system here.

2. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 40 miles ~ via US-95 & NV157 (45 minutes)

Best known to locals as Mount Charleston, Springs Mountains is set less than an hour away from downtown Las Vegas and provides a wonderful opportunity to experience a contrast of entirely opposite landscapes: snow-dusted mountain peaks amid an expensive desert.

The area is home to over 316,000 acres of nature, which pretty much means you’ll have a hard time getting bored here. Hiking is king at Spring Mountains, with over 60 miles of trails available, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging feats that reach heights of over 11,000 feet!

Other activities include camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and backpacking during the warmer months. Come winter, the entire area becomes a mecca for snow fun, with activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding being favorites for visitors!

3. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 46 miles ~ via I-15 (50 minutes)

Taking you into a wonderland of red rock Aztec sandstone, ancient petroglyphs, petrified logs, and scenery that comes in all shades of oranges, reds, and pinks, a visit to Valley of Fire State Park will make you feel as though you’ve been transported right into the heart of Mars.

Hiking is the best way to fully get to know the park. Considering its somewhat gentle terrain, it makes for a perfect spot to get a taste of what hiking in the desert is like. Two great hikes to cover as many highlights as possible include the Fire of Wave and Rainbow Vista trails, both of which provide some of the most mesmerizing views in the entire park.

Scenic driving is another wonderful way to explore Valley of Fire, especially if you want to cover as much ground as possible in a few hours. The Mouse’s Tank Road is a 5.7-mile road that cuts right through the park and provides access to the most photogenic viewpoints in the park, including narrow canyons, colorful rocks, and petroglyphs galore.

State Park Entry Fee: $15 per vehicle or Nevada State Parks Annual Pass & America the Beautiful Annual Pass accepted

Top Tip: If you are wanting to camp overnight in the Valley of Fire, reservations for the following year open the first Wednesday in November

4.​ Grand Canyon West

Distance from Las Vegas: 125 miles ~ via US-93 (2 hours 30 minutes)

Visiting Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas offers a fantastic day trip for those wanting to experience one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Located just about a 2.5-hour drive from the city, Grand Canyon West is home to the famous Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends over the canyon, providing breathtaking views 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

The Hualapai Tribe manages the area, and in addition to the Skywalk, visitors can enjoy panoramic views at Eagle Point and Guano Point. It’s a great way to see the canyon without the longer trek to the national park’s South Rim.

• Unsure whether to take the shorter day trip journey to Grand Canyon West or drive the extra distance to the south entrance of Grand Canyon National Park? We weigh up the pros and cons of a Grand Canyon Day Trip from Vegas.

5. Snow Canyon State Park, Utah

Distance from Las Vegas: 124 miles ~ via I-15 (2 hours)

Located right where the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and Great Basin meet, Snow Canyon State Park is a blend of entirely different ecosystems that, put together, create a fascinating geological terrain. Made up of Navajo sandstone cliffs, expansive lava fields, and petrified sand dunes, it’s the perfect spot perfect for unique outdoor adventures.

During your visit to Greater Zion, popular activities include hiking through the main canyon (trails are pretty flat, making it ideal for kids and first-timers), rock climbing, driving or biking the park’s scenic road, and climbing sand dunes, and wildlife viewing.

Moreover, the park is also connected to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, which homes a vast array of endangered species!

State Park Entrance Fees: $10 per vehicle for day use, an annual Snow Canyon pass is $30, or Utah Annual State Park pass $100

6. Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada

Distance from Las Vegas: 130 miles ~ via NV-160 (2 hours 20 minutes)

Don’t let its name fool you: Death Valley National Park is actually one of the liveliest of places in the entire planet!

Death Valley straddles the borders of California and Nevada, and if you’re willing to start the day early, it makes for a perfect day trip from Las Vegas. Home to serpentine canyons, otherworldly-looking rock formations, twisting sand dunes, and kaleidoscopic mountains splashed in every color of the rainbow, the landscape here is so varied and vibrant that you could easily confuse it for an entirely different planet.

The hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in the United States (and the largest in the lower 48), the list of things to do in Death Valley is pretty much endless.

If you only have a day, a few must-do activities while visiting include standing on Badwater Basin (the lowest point in the United States), gliding down golden sand dunes, hiking on hills of borax, and gawking at colorful mountains by driving the scenic Artist’s Drive, one of the most scenic drives in California.

National Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, or use your annual America the Beautiful pass. A Death Valley Annual pass is $55

Top Tip: Even for a day trip to Death Valley, come prepared; check your weather forecast for extremes, pack plenty of water for everyone and snacks, sunscreen, layered clothing and sturdy footwear. This is a BIG day out from Vegas!

• Tips and top stopping points continuing your journey from Death Valley to Yosemite

7. Mojave National Preserve, California

Distance from Las Vegas: 143 miles ~ via US-95 (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Petrified lava blanketed the ground, twisting sand dunes, ancient volcanoes, and Joshua Trees sprinkled all over. That’s a day at Mojave National Preserve in a nutshell.

Despite its short distance from Las Vegas, this gem of a place still remains pretty off-the-beaten-track, making it an ideal day trip from the Strip if a day spent exploring the desert on your own sounds like your type of adventure.

Even though there are plenty of activities on offer at Mojave, an activity you absolutely can’t miss out on doing is hiking up the Kelso Sand Dunes, which rise up over 650 feet from the ground and are famed for the whistling sound they create when walked on.

Another must-do is seeing the largest Joshua Tree forest in the world, which you’ll find by hiking the Teutonia Peak Trail!

Top Tip: Despite its National Preserve status, there’s no day pass or entrance fee required, making it one of the cheapest day trips from Las Vegas.

8. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Distance from Las Vegas: 187 miles ~ via I-15 (3 hours)

Located right where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet, Joshua Tree is a blend of two entirely different ecosystems that, when put together, create a striking landscape that looks as though it belongs on an entirely different planet.

Joshua Tree is humongous, which means you likely need a few days to be able to fully explore it. If you’re willing to start the day early, though, you can definitely cover a ton of ground in order to experience its main highlights in just a day.

On the menu for a day exploring the park’s desert magic are miles of hikeable trails, horseback riding, rock climbing, and biking. If you have enough time, try staying past sunset in order to experience the park’s amazing night sky (it’s considered one of the best spots in the USA for star gazing!)

National Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. A Joshua Tree Annual Pass is $55 or use your America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Distance from Las Vegas: 260 miles ~ via I-15 (4 hours)

Bryce Canyon is located four hours away from Las Vegas, which may sound like a bit of a stretch for a day trip. Still, if you’re willing to wake up early, a day trip from Vegas is very much doable thanks to the park’s tiny size!

Striking red rock hoodoos are the main thing to see at Bryce Canyon, and there’s no better way to cover as much ground as possible than by hiking the Queen’s Garden to Navajo Loop Trail. This hike will give you the chance to swerve your way through sheer rock tunnels, pine forests contrasted by red rocks, and finally, gawking at the views of the sandstone hoodoos that make Bryce Canyon the incredibly unique place it is!

If you’d rather explore from the comfort of your car, you can also drive the park’s scenic highway (Highway 12) to Rainbow Viewpoint and then make your way back slowly. This road cuts right through the park and offers visitors 13 different viewpoints of its main highlights!

National Park Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. A Bryce Canyon Annual Pass is $40 or use your America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

• Want to continue onward through Arizona? Capture not just Bryce Canyon and Zion but the majestic beauty of southern Utah’s “Mighty 5” including Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands, in this epic one-week Utah national parks itinerary.

Las Vegas (LAS) is one of the closest airports to Zion and Bryce Canyon, making it quite a convenient starting point for a Utah road trip.

You can see our detailed guide for making a complete day of the road trip Las Vegas to Zion NP here, as well as extending your trip with several stops between Bryce Canyon and Zion.

10. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Distance from Las Vegas: 276 miles ~ via I-15 & US-89 (4 hours 30 minutes)

Millions of years ago, harsh floods rushed into cracks of sandstone in the desert and Antelope Canyon was formed.

Even though the entire Southwest is made up of fascinating slot canyons, what makes Antelope Canyon so unique is the fact that its walls are plastered by swirls of desert colors that pop to life when light hits them.

The only way to explore the canyon is by hiking through it. You will be taken from the car parking entrance to the canyon entrance by four-wheel drive. Upper Antelope Canyon is a pretty easy trail that can take around two hours, considering you’ll be making multiple stops to take in the striking scenery!

If you have time, you can also check out the much lesser-visited adjoining Lower Antelope Canyon. This canyon is just as gorgeous, but it’s made up for much thinner passages, which makes hiking through it a bit tougher for those who are after a challenge!

Top Tip: You can only enter with an authorized Navajo guide. Tours can book out weeks in advance, so you need to be organized & traveling with small children check they have enough infant seats that day.

Entrance Fees for Antelope Canyon: This depends on the type of tour you’ve booked but expect to pay $50-$90 per adult, children discounted. The tour should include your $8 Navajo permit fee.

Plotting Out Your Las Vegas Day Trips

Use this handy Google Map to plot out your route, or pop on over here to this complete Nevada itinerary if you’d like to see some more of the Silver State on a continuous road trip from Las Vegas to Reno.

• If you want to extend your trip through the southwest, check out our 7-day Southwest itinerary, or you can keep going beyond Bryce Canyon NP & Antelope Canyon using our Arizona & Utah itinerary.

• Taking your adventures even further, try this epic Las Vegas to Yellowstone itinerary, through Arizona and Utah to Wyoming and Montana.

We hope this list of the ten best day trips from Las Vegas helped you plan your next getaway from the city. Even though Vegas offers plenty to do, there’s nothing quite like exploring the mesmerizing nature that surrounds this gem of a city!

Final Tips on Visiting Las Vegas & the Southwest

• The day trip ideas here cover both State Parks and National Parks. State Park entry fees are $15 per day for non-Nevada residents). If you’ll be in Nevada for an extended period of time, it’s worth considering a Nevada annual permit. For National Park visitors, we’re sure you’ll need no convincing on the value you’ll get from an America the Beautiful annual pass.

• Think you can visit all 15 of Nevada’s State Parks? Pick up a Nevada Passport and take on the Passport Challenge to win yourself an annual pass.

• Watch your time zones! Nevada is on Pacific Standard Time (PST) then switches to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) from mid-March to mid-November. California destinations are in the same time zone, but if you’ll be crossing to Utah or Arizona, you’ll be in Mountain Standard Time. Utah switches to Mountain Daylight Time, but Arizona DOES NOT change!

• Think carefully about the time of year you’re visiting. Summer in the desert can be brutally hot, and not all of these day trips may be possible, especially with kids and where a lot of outdoor activity is involved. Always set out with plenty of water and observe our desert driving tips in Nevada and the Southwest.

• You can check current road conditions in Nevada before you set out at nvroads.com

• Never forget a road trip essential again with our downloadable family road trip checklist.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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From rugged desert landscapes to pristine alpine lakes, Nevada’s scenery has captivated many travelers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers. 

Whether you’re visiting Las Vegas and looking for good day trips or you’re on a longer cross-country road trip through Nevada, there are tons of excellent scenic byways throughout the state. 

In this guide to the best scenic drives in Nevada, we break down what makes each of these routes special and some tips for what to see and do along the way. Buckle up for a wild west trip you won’t soon forget! 

1. Nevada Scenic Drives: Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop

• Distance: 13 miles
• Time needed: 1 hour or more if you stop 

One of the best scenic drives near Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop offers spectacular views of the Mojave Desert that has made it one of the most famous roads in Nevada.

Located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, this drive may be short in distance, but there isn’t an inch of it that doesn’t have a stunning view. It’s a well-maintained one-way road and a popular drive, so be prepared to go slowly and be courteous of other travelers. 

Stop at the Visitor Center at the entrance of the loop to learn a bit more about the region’s fascinating geology. If you want to explore the area on foot instead of just from your vehicle, you can pick up maps of various trails. Calico Tanks Trail is a popular, easy trail through the Calico Hills, or more experienced hikers might want to opt for the challenging Turtlehead Peak Trail. 

Along the drive, you can stop at one of the numerous pull-out areas to appreciate the overlooks, take photographs, or have a picnic meal at one of the designated picnic areas. 

When to go: April-May or September-October are the best months since you can avoid the high temperatures of summer. 

2. Nevada Scenic Drives: Valley of Fire Road 

• Distance: 11 miles 
• Time needed: 30 minutes or more, depending on stops 

Valley of Fire is the oldest state park in Nevada and one of the most popular parks to visit. As you might guess, the park gets its name from the brilliant red sandstone, which can appear firelit, especially when the sun hits the rocks.

For this reason, it’s also one of the most photographed places in the state, so be prepared to pack your camera to capture the stunning Nevada scenery! 

This is a great scenic drive near Las Vegas since it’s less than an hour away from the city. Even though it’s not far away, you’ll feel worlds away from the busy downtown and bright lights of Vegas in the sandstone canyons. 

Although the entire drive is beautiful, there are some notable points of interest, like Atlatl Rock, an iconic rock formation that also has some petroglyphs you can get out to view up close. 

Rainbow Vista is another main attraction of the drive. There’s an overlook where you can park to get out and appreciate the multi-colored sandstone formations. If you want to hike, the Rainbow Vista Trail is a good, family-friendly hike that takes you away from the road for even better views of the landscape. 

When to go: Spring and fall are best, especially if you want to hike since summer temperatures can make exploring difficult. If you do drive in summer, make sure you have good AC! 

3. Nevada Scenic Drives: Great Basin Highway

• Distance: 510 miles for the entire route
• Time Needed: 1 day or more 

Often referred to as U.S. Route 93, this is one of the best scenic drives in Nevada if you’re traveling north or south through the state. The entire drive spans the length of eastern Nevada, connecting the Las Vegas area to Great Basin National Park. 

Although the whole drive is beautiful and full of stunning desert views and mountain landscapes, the region in and around Great Basin National Park itself is considered to have the best Nevada scenery. 

Close to the Utah border, the Great Basin is characterized by its undeveloped landscape, craggy mountain peaks, and expansive desert views. Wheeler Peak is the crowning mountain of the park, standing at 13,063 feet tall. Around the peak, there are lots of great hiking opportunities, including easier, family-friendly trails as well as difficult routes for expert hikers. 

This is also one of the best drives in Nevada for wildlife viewing, including animals like elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. 

There are many places to camp in the park and a few nearby lodges if you’d rather not stay in a tent.  

When to go: May through September are considered the best months to visit Great Basin National Park. The park remains open in winter, but there are limited accommodation options. Route 93 is open year-round and is good to drive for any Nevada road trip. 

4. Nevada Scenic Drives: Extraterrestrial Highway 

• Distance: 98 miles 
• Time Needed: 2 hours without stops

One of the more unique scenic drives in Nevada, the Extraterrestrial Highway, goes close to the famous Area 51 and its top-secret military operations, which have become the fuel for numerous conspiracy theories, many of which feature UFOs and aliens. 

A lot of the local towns along the way have taken their proximity to Area 51 in stride. In the town of Rachel, you’ll find a lot of UFO-themed stores and restaurants, such as the famous Little A’Le’Inn restaurant and motel. Even if you don’t want to spend a night, you can still check out what events and alien-related activities might be hosted during your drive. 

Kids will enjoy visiting the Alien Research Center, which is really more of a gift shop and an iconic landmark of the route. Be sure to get photos in front of the legendary ET road sign, then pick up a fun trinket at the gift shop, which features hats, mugs, games, toys, and tons of other cool gadgets related to aliens. 

Beyond the quirky attractions of the drive, the Extraterrestrial Highway is also one of the best Nevada highways to appreciate the desert scenery. Thanks to the large stretches of road between towns, it’s also known for its beautiful starry night skies. Who knows, you might even spot something that’s not a star…. 

When to go: Any time of year is good for this scenic byway in Nevada. Always double-check your gas tank when you’re in towns since there are often long distances between stops. 

5. Nevada Scenic Drives: Lake Tahoe Loop 

• Distance: 72 miles total
• Time Needed: 2 or more hours 

The entire Lake Tahoe Loop is half in Nevada and half in California. If you’re on a road trip in Nevada, it’s a great drive to include if you’re already planning on heading onwards to northern California.

Although the views from the lake’s road and surrounding mountains are already beautiful, it’s worth setting aside enough time to make a few stops or even spend a night or two. 

On the Nevada side, Sand Harbor is one of the popular places to visit. There are excellent sandy beaches, so you can swim in the turquoise alpine waters (be warned, it is cold!), or rent a boat for a paddle. There are also picnic areas, so it’s a perfect place to stop for lunch before continuing the drive. 

If you’re interested in outdoor activities, Lake Tahoe will not disappoint you. During the summer, in addition to the lake activities like paddleboarding and swimming, you can go hiking or take horseback riding tours in the mountains. In the winter, Lake Tahoe is a popular ski destination with great resorts in Incline Village near the north end of the lake. 

When to go: Any time of year is good in terms of scenery, but certain seasons are better for various outdoor activities. Make sure you have reservations in advance around Lake Tahoe year-round since accommodation fills up fast! 

6. Nevada Scenic Drives: Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway  

• Distance: About 12 miles 
• Time Needed: At least 30 minutes, but longer for stops and hiking 

One of the best scenic byways in northern Nevada, the Lamoille Canyon Drive is listed as one of the National Forest Scenic Byways in the United States. This area of the Ruby Mountains is considered to have some of the most beautiful scenery in Nevada.

Photographers love the region thanks to the combination of craggy snowy mountain peaks, red rock formations (thus the name Ruby Mountains), waterfalls, and alpine lakes. The drive is stunning, but to really appreciate the area, going for a hike (or at least stopping for a picnic) is a good idea. 

Lamoille Canyon itself is the prime attraction of the drive. Some of the top hiking trails include the Lamoille Lake Trail and the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. The Lamoille Lake Trail is a good option for families with kids who might not be up to a longer trek but still want to get out to explore the Ruby Mountains. 

When to go: This drive is typically open between May and October, but exact opening times may vary depending on weather conditions. 

7. Nevada Scenic Drives: America’s Loneliest Road 

• Distance: About 300 miles in Nevada
• Time Needed: 3 hours or more 

The portion of U.S. Route 50 through Nevada has become known as “America’s Loneliest Road” thanks to the vast expanse of rugged desert scenery that characterizes this area. 

Although there isn’t as much variation as other Nevada scenic drives, the rough and wild landscape is still captivating. In the distance, the mountain ranges loom, while beside the car, the wide-open desert has an other-worldly feel. 

Keep in mind that “America’s Loneliest Road” gets its name for a reason: there are often very long stretches of highway without any restaurants or service stops. Take advantage of the little towns along the way to fuel up your car, grab a bite to eat, and maybe pick up a Wild West souvenir for your road trip in Nevada. 

When to go: Any time of year is good for this drive. 

More Tips More Road Tripping in Nevada

Before you set off on your road trip through Nevada, here are a few things to bear in mind:

• The Nevada desert can be unbearably hot in the middle of the desert; the last thing you want to do is break down in the middle of nowhere. We strongly suggest you read our desert driving tips article before you hit the road, especially in the hottest months, June to August.

• Never forget an important road-tripping item again! Download our printable PDF checklist to tick off items as you pack for your next family road trip.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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One of the best side trips you can take from Las Vegas is visiting the Grand Canyon; after all, it is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, a national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage site – simply put, it is truly incredible and an unmissable experience.

But if time is limited and you are not visiting the Grand Canyon as part of a larger road trip through Arizona, you are probably asking yourself, should I visit the West Rim or the South Rim?

What’s the difference, you may ask? They are two entirely different sections of the greatest natural wonder in the United States. Both offer spectacular views of the canyon beneath, but some key differences exist.

• The south rim is located inside the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
• Grand Canyon West is on Hualapai Reservation in Mohave County, Arizona
• The closest entrance to Grand Canyon National Park is approximately 4 hours away from Las Vegas, whereas Grand Canyon West, you are looking a little over 2 hours away by road.

Now that you know the major difference, let’s compare the two in more detail so you can decide which might be the best experience for your family road trip.

• This guide should be read in conjunction with our complete family guide to the Grand Canyon

Driving Distance To Grand Canyon From Las Vegas

The biggest factor to take into account is how much time you have available for your Grand Canyon experience.

A trip to Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas involves around 4 hours of drive time total (there and back), and with a stop of 2-3 hours at the key attractions, you can comfortably complete this journey within a half day. This will leave either your morning or afternoon free for other fun family activities in Las Vegas (we have plenty more of those ideas here!)

Top Tip: If you don’t want to be caught up with the tour bus groups, plan to be there right on opening time at the start of the day or 2 hours before sunset. The tour groups and greatest crowds are experienced in the middle of the day, and food choices out there are limited.

In contrast, Grand Canyon National Park is a 4-hour drive to the South Entrance. And then the queue to get in; frankly, if you’re not in that queue well before 9:00 am, or you’re prepared to time your entry until after 3:00 – 4:00 pm in the afternoon and drive back in the dark, it’s a MUCH taller challenge to fit in South Rim as a one day trip from Las Vegas.

Don’t get us wrong, if you’re an efficient traveler, it can be done in a day, but not comfortably (remember bathroom breaks, fuel stops, etc!), Allow at least 12 hours.

• If you’re worried about driving distance, go with Grand Canyon West

Grand Canyon Tour Or Taking Your Own Car

If you are looking to join a coach or small tour group option to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, you’ll undoubtedly find more options to Grand Canyon West.

Not all tours will make this clear when they advertise “day trip to the Grand Canyon”, so if it really means something to you to ‘tick off’ the national park, be conscious that this is NOT located at Grand Canyon West.

Taking a tour may cost you more per head but has the convenience of not needing to hire a car and drive; you need to way up your cost per person for a group vs. hiring a car and self-driving, plus fuel.

And, of course, tours come with the normal disclaimers; it may have bucket loads more convenience but you’ll spend many parts of your day shuffling along with a larger group to factor in and waiting on other people, having them in your pics, you know the drill!

Entrance Fee Grand Canyon South Rim Vs West Rim

When it comes to cost, there’s a hands-down winner here.

The Grand Canyon National Park incurs a $35 entry fee PER VEHICLE, valid 7 days. You can negate this if you already have an America the Beautiful pass or any other national park concessions such as Military of the 4th Grader Pass.

On the other hand, Grand Canyon West comes with a fairly hefty entry fee PER PERSON. It depends on the number of ‘experiences’ you want to enjoy, but you’ll be looking at starting prices of $49 per person, $66 per person including the famous ‘Sky Walk’.

• So, the Grand Canyon National Park is undoubtedly cheaper for a family, but weigh this up with the extra fuel cost for traveling much farther.

Moving Around Inside West Rim vs South Rim Grand Canyon

Getting around inside Grand Canyon South Rim is easier to some extent (once you’re past the entry queue) because you can drive your car to each of the key attractions (albeit in peak seasons, there are several sections where you’ll need to use shuttles as main roads are closed to vehicular traffic).

In Grand Canyon West, you must park at the visitor center and use the internal shuttle bus between the key attractions, no exceptions. The wait for shuttle buses can be excruciatingly long in the heat but there’s no other way to get around.

Queues and Crowds

Let’s face it, visiting any natural wonder as spectacular as the Grand Canyon, you are realistically going to expect queues no matter which part you choose to visit. Visiting off peak season is the only way to avoid crowds at both, but not avoid them completely; this is not a hidden gem!

The Main Grand Canyon Attractions

This list is not limitless, but here are some of the key points of interest at each:

Grand Canyon South Rim

• Walk the Trail of Time
• Hire a bike or e-Bike to explore on two wheels
• Visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology
• Attend one of the ranger-led information sessions
• Take one of the hiking trails into the canyon (heed warnings about trail difficulty and conditions before you set out with the kids)
• Drive to the scenic viewpoints, including Desert View Watchtower

Grand Canyon West

• The Skywalk Bridge at Eagle Point- a glass walkway over the canyon (not going to lie, as spectacular as it might look, our team consensus is this is remarkably underwhelming)
• Guano Point – an abandoned mine on a small peninsula marks one of the best points for 360-degree views of the Grand Canyon.
• Additional add-on activities include a zipline, hike trails, and helicopter and pontoon tours.
• You can enjoy rafting on the Colorado River with Hualapai River Runners in a separate section of the Hualapai Reservation.

• There’s no winner per se here; it’s up to you what you want from your Grand Canyon experience, you will get some epic photos at both, but a little more freedom in your exploration in the National Park.

Staying Near The Grand Canyon

If you want to turn it into an overnight trip, both Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon West offer accommodation options for families; the former has more extensive facilities within the park.

Grand Canyon South Rim has multiple lodges and campsites to choose from, suiting different budgets, but you must pre-book these many months in advance. There are also several more RV parks and motel-style accommodations just outside of the south entrance in the town of Tusayan, or a little further away in Williams.

Near the West Rim, in contrast, there are two options near the entrance: an RV Park and basic cabins. A nearly 2 hour drive away is the Hualapai Lodge on Route 66.

• Hands down, if you want an overnight trip of longer, you may as well travel as far as the National Park; staying nearby works well for beating the crowds if you rise early or stay until late.

Last Minute Planners

If you don’t like to lock in your itinerary until the last minute when you know what the weather is up to and how much free time you have, West Rim might be your better choice.

We’ve found even in the peak of summer, you could still get tickets via the Grand Canyon West website the night before.

Grand Canyon National Park, like many of the most popular national parks in the US, DOES need some pre-planning. You do not need a timed permit or entry slot (as of 2023!).

Factor in that it’s not just the 4-hour drive out to the Grand Canyon but queues and parking; it’s simply put, more of a mission if you’re traveling with kids (isn’t everything!) Not quite Disney level – but pre-planning, especially in peak school break periods, is a must, particularly if you want to stay in the national park.

• Grand Canyon West is your preferred choice if you like to be spontaneous in your travel plans.

The Verdict – Which is Better Grand Canyon South vs Grand Canyon West

The Family Road Trip team has hotly debated this! We have all tried them both and taken them in as day trips from Las Vegas and separate longer road trips through Arizona and the mountain states. There is no overall winner as both have awesome and appealing factors, and it depends on your travel plans.

But, if we had to be pragmatic, as a day trip from Las Vegas, you can’t go wrong with visiting Grand Canyon West. You certainly will not be left short on wow factor (though your pocket and your patience may be left a little lighter).

If you truly want to experience the Grand Canyon, though, take a little longer and thoroughly experience the park on foot with more signage and insights into history, the South Rim is likely going to be your better choice.

More Grand Canyon FAQ’s

More Tips, Reading, and Inspiration

• For a more comprehensive look at the Grand Canyon National Park, we’ve put together this comprehensive family guide to the Grand Canyon – including the North and South Rim sections.

• Take note if you are traveling between the two states, Arizona does not observe summer time; therefore, in the summer months, Nevada and Arizona are in the same time zone; in winter, Arizona is an hour ahead.

• Sticking around in Vegas? These are our favorite fun activities with kids in Las Vegas.

• If you want to stay closer to Las Vegas for a ay trip, check out these spectacular scenic views in Nevada and Nevada scenic driving routes we recommend

• Another national park that’s possible to visit on a day trip from Las Vegas is Zion – we have a comprehensive road trip guide Vegas to Zion here.

• Where are you starting your journey from? We also have longer road trip itineraries from Denver to Grand Canyon, San Diego to Grand Canyon, Houston to Grand Canyon, and Sedona to Grand Canyon.

• Did you want to fly as close as possible to the Grand Canyon? LAS may be one of the larger nearby international airport, but check our these other airports close to the Grand Canyon.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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The drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone may be long, but it’s also one of the most epic road trips to take if you’re hoping to check out many of the top national parks in the Southwest region of the United States.

A short detour will bring you to the Grand Canyon, and all of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks will practically be en-route as you drive to Yellowstone from Las Vegas. With so much to see and do, you’ll probably spend way more of your day outside your car than in it!

For tips about what to see and do on a Vegas to Yellowstone road trip, read on to learn about the best stops to make and some of the logistics for planning a successful drive.

Distance from Las Vegas to Yellowstone

The road trip from Las Vegas to Yellowstone covers about 740 miles, which follows I-15 for the majority of the route.

However, if you want to make side stops at other National Parks like the Grand Canyon (highly recommended!), count on adding some miles to the total count.

How Long Do I Need Driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone?

A straight-shot drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone would take between 10 and 11 hours to complete. 11 hours behind the wheel is no way to spend an incredible road trip!

Plan on at least three days of driving if you want to only make minimal stops. If you’re hoping to explore other parks and really make the most of the drive, then realistically plan on at least a week, if not more, for driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone.

Best Time of Year to Drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone

Spring, summer, and fall are all good times of year for a Las Vegas to Yellowstone road trip.

Although summer is one of the most popular times of year to drive to Yellowstone, thanks to the weather and the most options for accommodation, it’s also when you’ll need to deal with the most tourist crowds. Keep in mind that other places in the southern portion of your drive in Arizona and Utah will also be very hot during the summer, which can make outdoor activities more difficult to enjoy.

The shoulder months of April-May and September-October are often good bets if you want to miss the snow season in Yellowstone as well as the summer crowds. Temperatures are also usually better for hiking and outdoor activities (maybe with the exception of swimming). 

It’s also possible to drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone in the winter, although much of the accommodation around Yellowstone and other National Parks will be closed during this time of year.

Best Stops on a Las Vegas to Yellowstone Road Trip

There are a lot of great detours to make when driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone. We’ve included some of the no-brainer cities you’ll pass through and longer side trips, so you can pick and choose where you want to go depending on your interests and your time.

• Stopping in Las Vegas first? Jump into our detailed guide to Las Vegas With Kids before starting on this epic road trip journey through 6 states!

Valley of Fire State Park

Less than an hour outside of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is one of the gems of Nevada. This incredible park gets its name from the bright red and orange color of the sandstone formations that characterize this Mohave Desert region.

Although it might feel like your drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone has barely begun, it’s worth planning to stop and spend some time in Valley of Fire.

Other than the amazing natural rock formations, one of the park’s top attractions is the petroglyphs carved into the sandstone canyons, which are estimated to have been made by Ancestral Puebloans about 2,500 years ago.

Make sure you get photos of the Elephant Rock; this iconic rock is hard to miss, not only because of its location near the park entrance but also because of its shape (any guesses as to what it resembles?).

There are many great hiking trails throughout the park, like the Fire Wave, known for the red and white stripes of sandstone, or the White Domes Trail, which has everything from caves to desert vistas.

• Grab our Las Vegas to Grand Canyon itinerary if you want even more interesting stopping points from Nevada to northern Arizona.

Grand Canyon National Park

Although the Grand Canyon is a bit of a detour from the most direct way to Yellowstone from Las Vegas, if you’re already on a road trip in the southwest, it’s well worth the extra time behind the wheel.

The Grand Canyon is often listed among the most amazing natural landmarks in the world, so you should definitely take the opportunity to visit it if possible!

There are two entrances to the Grand Canyon: The North Rim and the South Rim. Although the South Rim is the more popular of the two, it also adds significantly more driving time, while the North Rim entrance is easier to add to a drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone. The North Rim is usually much quieter than the South Rim, so you won’t need to deal with as many other visitors.

A lot of travelers consider the North Rim to be more serene and remote as well. Some of the most popular hikes near the North Rim are the North Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Point which is known for its spectacular overlook.

If you want to spend a night or two at the Grand Canyon to make the most of your time exploring the area, there are several lodges and campgrounds near the North Rim-just make sure you have reservations well in advance!

• Also, remember that the North Rim closes during the winter, usually between December 1^st and May 1^st, but check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information.

Zion National Park

Whether or not you add a stop at the Grand Canyon to your Vegas to Yellowstone road trip, Zion National Park is practically on the way from either direction.

Probably the most popular of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, Zion has an incredible landscape of canyons, mesas, and spectacular sandstone formations.

Even if you don’t stop for long, you should definitely add the six-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. It’s considered one of the most beautiful drives in Utah and crosses right through the park’s center.

• If you are skipping the Grand Canyon, this itinerary will take you straight from Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Hopefully, you can plan for enough time that you’ll be able to get out of your car and explore some of Zion’s wonders on foot. Hiking is one of the best ways to see the park, with some easy hikes being the Canyon Overlook, Riverside Walk, and the Weeping Rock Trail.

If you’re an experienced hiker, grab some extra water and sunscreen to check out the hike to Observation Point.

• Be aware that certain hikes within Zion require you to enter a ballot for timed tickets – and crowds at peak times mean you will need to allow plenty of extra time to catch the shuttle in and out of the park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon stands out from the other National Parks of the southwest for its distinctive hoodoos. These naturally made tower-like rock formations are anywhere between 5 feet to a whopping 150 feet high!

This National Park is home to some of the most-photographed natural landmarks and locations in Utah. Make sure you bring your camera to get photos of Thor’s Hammer (one of the most iconic hoodoos of the park) and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the red canyon walls.

Like many of the National Parks you’ll encounter on the drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, hiking is one of the best ways to see the landscape. If you have a day or two to explore Bryce, you might also consider taking a horseback riding tour.

Spending a night at Bryce is worth it to see the night sky. It’s a certified Dark Sky Park and has one of the best views of the stars in the entire United States!

• Got longer to spend in Utah? We have a detailed itinerary for all the interesting stopping points between Zion to Bryce Canyon if you want more than just the highlights tour.

Capitol Reef National Park

Although Capitol Reef is the least visited of Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, it has a lot of surprises in store, especially if you like visiting spots with a more off-the-beaten path sort of feel.

The park has a lot of incredible scenic drives, which make great additions for a Vegas to Yellowstone road trip like Cathedral Valley or the “Loop the Fold” route.

Even if you don’t have time to do more than drive through the park on Highway 24, you’ll still be rewarded with breath-taking vistas over the red-rock canyons at spots like Panorama Point.

If you want to leave the car, you can hike the easy trail to Sunset Point. The entire hike is less than a mile round-trip, and it’s a spectacular place for (you guessed it) watching the sunset.

Arches National Park

It’s a no-brainer where Arches National Park gets its name. With over 2,000 natural stone arches, the landscape of this park is unlike anywhere else in the world!

Even just driving through the park will allow you to see many of the iconic stone arches and red-rock towers that characterize the landscape. Spending a bit more time will allow you to hike some of the top trails, like the Devil’s Garden, or a more challenging trek to the Delicate Arch, which is probably the most famous arch in the entire park!

Outdoor adventurers might also consider spending a night at one of the campgrounds as they drive to Yellowstone. The park has spectacular night skies, and the sunrise over the red sandstone landscape is breathtaking.

Canyonlands National Park

Rounding off Utah’s Mighty 5 is Canyonlands National Park. The park is enormous, covering over 330,000 acres, with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through canyons and mesas.

The park’s most popular area is called Island in the Sky, where you can find scenic drives, camping, and hiking. Mesa Arch and Grand View Point are two of the highlights of this area, both of which are reachable by fairly easy hikes.

If you have more than a day, you can explore some of the other top areas of Canyonlands, like The Needles, which are known for their unique needle-like sandstone formations. Adrenaline junkies should head to the area of the park known as The Rivers, where the Colorado and Green Rivers meet, which has some epic places for white water rafting and kayaking.

Salt Lake City

Utah’s capital city is a no-brainer stop to make when driving from Las Vegas to Utah. Not only is Salt Lake City the gateway to Utah’s Big 5 National Parks, but it also has a great combination of history, culture, and city life.

Spending at least a night in SLC is definitely recommended. This will give you a chance to recharge for another day behind the wheel; plus, there’s enough to see and do in the city that it’s practically worthy of its own road trip.

Spend the morning visiting the top sites around Temple Square, like the iconic Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the name’s a mouthful, but the architecture is jaw-dropping). Families will enjoy museums like the Natural History Museum of Utah or spend an afternoon at the Hogle Zoo.

• We have a more detailed guide to all the interesting things to do with kids in Salt Lake City over here.

Idaho Falls

Coming closer to your final destination as you drive from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, Idaho Falls is another great city to stop in, at least for an afternoon or possibly a day or two, depending on your time.

Situated on the Snake River, there are lots of opportunities for water sports like fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Right downtown, the city’s River Walk area has beautiful parks with pathways, public events in the summer, and an array of great restaurants and city attractions like the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho.

If you’re okay with adding a bit more driving time to your trip, you can visit the spectacular Mesa Falls, which are about an hour’s drive from the city.

Idaho Falls is also close to two different natural hot springs: Heise Hot Springs and Lava Hot Springs. These are great places to relax after all the hiking and long hours in the car, where you can literally soak in the mountain scenery!

Grand Teton National Park

Road trips to Yellowstone often include a stop at Grand Teton since the two National Parks are so close together. Grand Teton doesn’t get as much traffic as Yellowstone, so it’s easier to find places with a more remote and wild feel.

The towering mountains are dominated by Grant Teton itself, which is the tallest peak reaching 13,700 feet.

Take a (very cold) dip in Jenny Lake and then a shuttle boat across the tranquil alpine waters to reach the trail for Hidden Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, which plummets over 100 feet.

The park also has an abundance of wildlife, and along with the bison, elk, and pronghorn, which make frequent appearances, you might also get to see other animals like bears, moose, or even wolves!

Grand Teton has several campgrounds and lodges inside the park itself, or hang at Jackson Hole, as it is a popular place to stay for a day or two while exploring the area.

• We cover the drive from SLC to Yellowstone in much more detail in this driving itinerary.

Our complete family guide to Yellowstone National Park coming soon!

More Tips for Road Tripping from Las Vegas to Yellowstone

• Planning a successful road trip from Las Vegas to Yellowstone is dependent on making reservations in advance. If visiting Yellowstone in the summer, it’s recommended to make your reservations at least six months, if not a full year, beforehand since the park fills up so fast!

• Plan for a variety of weather, no matter what time of year. You’ll be covering a big distance driving from Las Vegas to Yellowstone, and the climate will change considerably. Even in the summer, pack layers to be prepared for cold nights.

• Sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottles will become your best friends! Double-check to make sure you have all three before starting out on any hikes.

• Keep your distance from wildlife. Even if an animal seems curious enough to approach, never offer them food. When driving, always give animals the right of way-you are visiting their home, after all!

• Never forget an important road-tripping item again! Download our complete road trip checklist ready for your next family adventure

© Family Road Trip

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Nevada’s highways lead to some of the most incredible destinations in the entire world.

Home to ghost towns, expansive deserts, pristine alpine lakes, and remote national parks, Nevada doesn’t slack at all when it comes to fabulous landscapes. Because the state is so vast, it makes for the perfect place to road trip through if what you’re after are roads less traveled, solitary experiences, and a whole lot of diversity when it comes to scenery.

If you’re currently wondering what stops to make on your Nevada road trip, we’ve compiled a list of some places you absolutely cannot miss out on!

Starting in Las Vegas and ending in Reno, you can easily complete this itinerary in a week while enjoying each location and undertaking some seriously beautiful scenic drives!

The Ultimate Nevada Road Trip Itinerary

Red Rock Canyon

Recommended time to spend at Red Rock Canyon: One day

Think red expansive red canyons, sandstone peaks piercing the sky, and ancient petroglyphs scattered all over – that’s Red Rock Canyon in a nutshell.

Located only 17 miles west of Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is one of the easiest destinations to head to in Nevada to explore its desert magic. The ultimate way to see the most of the park is by driving its scenic 13-mile road, which cuts right through the park and provides fantastic viewpoints of the landscape.

Moreover, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and biking are other activities to try your hand on if you’re feeling adventurous!

Lake Mead

Recommended time to spend at Lake Meade: One day

Get away from the desert’s arid landscape and into a day spent enjoying all sorts of water activities by driving to Lake Mead National Recreational Area. Created by Hoover Dam, the largest manmade reservoir in the United States, this lake close to Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in entire Nevada.

During your visit, you can partake in all sorts of water activities, including swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, or just sunbathing at the beach!

• Check camping options at Lake Mead National Recreation Area

If you aren’t camping on this road trip, your nearest town for making an overnight stop is Boulder City with several chain hotel and VRBO property options:

Hoover Dam

Recommended time to spend at Hoover Dam: few hours

Needless to say if you’ve made it this far on your journey around Nevada, stopping in to the Hoover Dam Visitor Centre on the border with Arizona is a must. Truly one of the greatest engineering projects in the country’s history, and at the time of completion in the 1930s one of the largest man-made structures in the world.

Standing at a 726 feet high and 1,244 feet wide, the Hoover Dam has to be seen in real life to truly appreciate the size and power of this structure. Tours cost more but are worth it for this incredible educational experience.

Whilst it’s an easy day trip from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam, we would take it in as part of your trip from Lake Mead and onward to the Valley of Fire. 

Valley of Fire

Recommended time to spend at Valley of Fire: One day

Valley of Fire got its name from its red Aztec sandstone that looks exactly as though it’s on fire when sunlight touches the horizon, making the entire landscape look straight out of Mars!

The park is a wonderful place to test out your desert hiking skills, with lots of easy and short trails available for visitors to get to know the area in a more personal way. The Beehives, Rainbow Vista, and White Domes trails are all wonderful choices for awe-inspiring views!

Tonopah

Recommended time to spend at Tonopah: One to two days

Nevada has a pretty unique mining history, and there’s no better way to travel back in time than by visiting Tonopah.

The main attraction at this historical town is Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where you’ll get to explore abandoned mines which provide a window into the past of this unique region in Nevada. Moreover, you can also go in search of all the ghost towns in the area, which were once thriving communities that were abandoned after the mines closed down.

Something else that’s interesting about Tonopah is its somewhat eerie accommodation options. If you love all things haunted, make sure you stay a night at the Mizpah Hotel, which is said to be haunted! The Clown Motel is another interesting choice – it’s located near the Old Tonopah Cemetery and has clown-themed décor!

Lake Tahoe

Recommended time to spend at Lake Tahoe: Two to three days

White sandy beaches and turquoise waters aren’t exactly the first things that come to mind when you think of Nevada, but Lake Tahoe’s got that and more!

Straddling the Nevada-California border, Lake Tahoe is a prime destination to visit in order to experience the Silver State’s alpine region. If you’re traveling during the warmer months, you’ll love playing around in the lake, with boating, kayaking, swimming, and canoeing being just a few of the activities on offer.

Come winter, snowy activities become the stars of the show, including skiing, ice-skating, and snowboarding!

• See over complete guide to enjoying Lake Tahoe in the winter.

If you’d rather not get wet, hiking is another incredible activity here, with many beautiful trails providing fabulous views of the lake and the mountains surrounding it. It’s undoubtedly one of the best lake vacation spots in the US.

Reno

Recommended time to spend in Reno: One to two days

Finish up your Nevada road trip itinerary in Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World”. More to this northwest gem than just the gambling industry, your proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains opens up plentiful opportunities for indoor and outdoor entertainment.

Bonus Stops To Add To Your Nevada Itinerary

If you have a bit more time left to explore, these two destinations are wonderful additions to your Nevada road trip in order to get to know the state’s more remote destinations. Both stops require significant detours, but they’re definitely worth visiting if time isn’t an issue!

Black Rock Desert

The Black Rock Desert was always a bit of a hidden gem in Nevada until the Burning Man festival put it on the map. Today, it still remains a bit of a solitary place when the festival isn’t taking place, making it a great destination to explore one of Nevada’s most exciting desert locations in complete solitude.

The desert covers a whopping 800,000 acres across Northwestern Nevada. Because this place is so expansive, you could literally dedicate your entire trip to the Silver State to it and never have to do the same thing twice!

Hiking here is a treat if you don’t mind the heat, with hundreds of miles of trails available perfect to explore this vast desert with mesmerizing views all over!

Moreover, rock climbing, hot tubing, and camping under a billion stars are other incredible activities to take part in here, so try dedicating at least two days in your Nevada itinerary to this gem of a place.

Great Basin National Park

Located on the eastern border just next to Utah, Great Basin National Park is one of the most remote and diverse destinations in entire Nevada.

Home to lakes, streams, milestone caverns, groves of ancient bristlecone pine trees (some of which are over 4,000 years old!), hiking at this remote park is a dream, especially if an itinerary filled with entirely different trails and lots of wildlife encounters is what you’re after!

Plot Out Your Nevada Route Here

Are you currently planning a road trip through Nevada? Which of these destinations are you looking forward to visiting the most during your trip?

• If you want to spend a few days in Las Vegas before starting your Nevada road trip, you’ll want to dig into our guide to kid-friendly attractions in Las Vegas.
• Continue your road trip onwards from Lake Tahoe with these incredible northern California scenic routes.

More Tips for Road Tripping Nevada

• You’ll be covering State Parks on this itinerary which incur daily entrance fees (more for non-Nevada residents). If you’ll be in Nevada for an extended period of time, it’s worth considering an annual permit.

• Think you can visit all 15 of Nevada’s State Parks? Pick up a Nevada Passport and take on the Passport Challenge to win yourself an annual pass.

• Nevada is on Pacific Standard Time (PST) then switches to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) from mid March to mid-November. Some parts of the state follow MST/MDT near the Utah border.

• If you want to extend your trip onwards through the southwest, check out our 7-day Southwest itinerary.

• Summer’s in the desert can be brutally hot. Always set out with plenty of water and observe our desert driving tips.

• Never forget a road trip essential again with our downloadable family road trip checklist.

© Family Road Trip 2026

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As the cold winter days begin to warm up and see more daylight, it seems like the world is reawakening with the coming of spring. One of the best ways to experience the season is to visit some of the magnificent US National Parks.  

It’s during this magical time that you’ll see budding flowers, the migrating songbirds and even catch a glimpse of cute newly born animals that call these parks home. During the spring, some parks can experience cool weather phenomena. They can seem dormant most of the year and come to life with bursts of color in the spring. 

If you’re not sure which park to visit, don’t worry. This list has some of the best national parks to visit in the spring.  

Top 10 Best US National Parks to Visit This Spring   

1. Shenandoah National Park

Location: Virginia

Spring is a major event in the famous Shenandoah National Park. The bees are buzzing, the birds are singing, and of course, the flowers are blooming. The park even hosts some fun wildflower events, including guided tours. This way, you can get an in-depth look at this beautiful park and all of its springtime treasures.  

Flowers begin to bloom in early spring and continue until late into the season, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them. The trillium, Shenandoah’s signature flower, is a major reason it’s one of the best national parks to visit in May. Along with these budding flowers come the butterflies. You’ll be sure to see them flying from flower to flower.  

Wildlife viewing is another reason Shenandoah is a delight during the spring season. It’s possible to catch a glimpse of cute, spotted deer and furry black bears. Birders will be in heaven at this east coast national park with the many migrant songbirds that return to the park in springtime. 

Entrance Fee: $30 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days. 

Seasonal Closures: Be aware of any alerts and hazardous conditions in Shenandoah National Park by checking their website updates and subscribing to the text alert system. To be sure you are notified about road conditions, Text SHENALERTS to 888777.  

• Find more incredible Virginia scenic drives to enjoy this spring

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: North Carolina/Tennessee 

As the winter begins to melt away, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes alive. One of the major draws to the Smokies is their blooming wildflowers. No matter where you head in the park, you’re bound to see beautiful colors throughout, making it an easy choice as one of the best US national parks to visit in spring. It’s also a great time to see wildlife enjoying their own spring rituals.  

Consider joining the Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies. This annual event has many guided tours and events throughout the park focusing on the beautiful blooming flowers. This coming year, it takes place on May 1-4, 2024 making it one of the best national parks to visit this April. 

The spring is also a perfect time for hiking, biking, and kayaking in the Smokies. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right! However, check ahead and be aware that the spring weather can change quickly, and it’s known to rain during the spring months. Pack accordingly, and don’t let that stop you from enjoying the park.

A great alternative plan for the rain is to see the park from the dry comfort of your own car. Both the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Foothills Parkway Scenic Drive are great options for this – you can find all our favorite scenic drives through the Smoky Mountains here (and a few more Tennesse scenic driving routes if you want to continue your journey west).

Entrance Fee:  

• There is no entry fee for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 
• However, beginning March 1, 2023, a parking tag is required to park anywhere within the boundaries of the park (parking is considered a stop of more than 15 minutes; scenic driving with only quick photo stops remains free). 
• Parking tags costs are: Daily- $5, Weekly – $15, Annual- $40 
• Parking tags can be purchased onsite or online from the Great Smoky Mountains Association 
• For more information on the Parking Tags, check out the NPS website  

Seasonal Closures: There may be road closures in the Great Smoky Mountains due to weather during the spring. Get the most up-to-date information by following @SmokiesRoadNPS on Twitter.  

• Grab more tips for continuing your national parks journey along the east coast of the States here!

3. Grand Canyon National Park

Location: Arizona  

Springtime in the Grand Canyon National Park is seriously one of the best times to visit this bucket list item. During the spring, the canyon comes alive with the bright blooming colors of flowering plants, cacti, of course, and even lovely flowering desert trees. 

It can be a mix of weather during the spring season. So, it’s possible to catch a late snowstorm or fog blanketing this geographical wonder. But hey, both make for insanely cool photo ops! Spring’s longer days bring more daylight to the Grand Canyon, making the best hikes even better.    

The Grand Canyon is one of America’s favorite national parks for spring break. But don’t let that stop you from taking a fabulous road trip over. Instead, make sure to plan ahead!

• We have a super detailed guide to road-tripping the Grand Canyon to help your family trip run smoothly

Entrance Fee: $35 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days, and is good for both North Rim and South Rim. Passes can be purchased at the entrance to the park with a credit or debit card (no cash) or online at Recreation.gov 

Seasonal Closures: The North Rim will open for the season beginning May 15, 2023. Check the National Parks Service website for up-to-date alerts and road conditions (early indications are that North Rim will not open this year until June due to heavier than usual snow fall) 

Pro Tip: Buying tickets in advance is not required at Grand Canyon National Park. But having your tickets already in hand will help you avoid the long lines at the gate. You can purchase a ticket online at www.yourpassnow.com 

• Got a 4th Grader in Your Family? See if you’re eligible for a free national park entry this year with Every Kid Outdoors

4. Saguaro National Park

Location: Arizona 

Not too hot, not too cold, but just right! That’s the weather you’ll find at one of the best national parks in the deep desert this spring, so why not see Saguaro for yourself? 

Saguaro is one of the best national parks to visit in April because that’s when wildflowers are in full bloom. But If you’re looking to visit later in the season, you’ll be in luck as the cactus flowers of the giant saguaro cacti bloom between mid-May and early June.

Another plus is that peak season happens in winter due to its warmer weather, so you’ll see fewer crowds in the park during the spring. 

Spring is also a great time for wildlife viewing. It’s possible to see Gila Monsters underfoot and keep an eye out for Rattlesnakes too. Bird watching is great fun with Gila-Woodpeckers and Gilded Flickers.  

You can hike, bike, or drive through the park. Some of the best hikes in Saguaro are Loma Verde Loop and the Freeman Homestead Trail. Or give your feet a rest on the scenic drive of the Cactus Forest Loop.  

Entrance Fee: $25 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days. 

• Continue your journey with some of Arizona’s most scenic drives to enjoy in Spring over here

5. Death Valley National Park

Location: California/Nevada  

A visit to Death Valley National Park is a truly unique experience. How often do you visit the hottest place on the planet? Well, okay, it’s not advised to head there during the summer months when temperatures are known to reach over 120°F.

Instead, consider early spring when mild temps in the low 80s make exploring the best hikes in the park ideal.  

Blooming wildflowers also make Death Valley one of the best national parks to visit in March and April. One can hope for a super-bloom when the conditions are just right for colorful flowers to blanket the valley. To learn more about the wildflower bloom and your chances for a super-bloom, check out the NPS website.  

Entrance Fee: $30 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days 

ProTip / Seasonal Closures: For up-to-date alerts and conditions, visit the National Parks Service website.

• Here’s how top combine the best of Yosemite and Death Valley on one eastern California road trip!

6. Redwood National Park

Location: California  

Redwood National Park is hands-down one of the best places to visit in spring. It’s here that you can see some of the tallest trees on the planet. It’s so special that it’s even designated a UNESCO Heritage Site.  

Although the Redwoods are a favorite destination year-round, it’s during the spring season that’s really special. The first key thing is that there are fewer crowds than in the summer. It’s also less wet and rainy than in the winter. Early spring sees temperatures in the 40s and 50s. But by late spring, you’re likely to see temps in the 60s and even 70°F. 

Spring brings the reawakening of nature. It’s the best time to see blooming wildflowers and wildlife viewing of bald eagles, Roosevelt elk, and even sea lions out on the nearby beaches.    

Redwood has one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country. You’ll love driving along the Redwood Coast, where you’ll see both the old-growth trees and the stunning Pacific Coastline. And if you head inland, you can find hidden gems to hike right off the highway.  

Entrance Fee: $30 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days 

• Catch all of our favorite West Coast national parks over here – plus, we have more suggestions for extending your scenic driving routes in northern California

7. Big Bend National Park

Location: Texas 

One of the key things to do in Big Bend National Park is to hike its killer trails over the desert terrain. That’s why it’s one of the best national parks in spring. It’s during the cooler weather of the spring season that conditions are ideal for hiking, not like in the summer when it’s just too darn hot.

You’ll have tons of sunshine and daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s °F. It can even reach 90°F late in the season. 

Spring is also the perfect time to kayak the Rio Grande or soak in the Langford Hot Springs. Bluebonnets bloom throughout texas in the springtime, so you can’t miss them. On the drive to Big Bend and in the park, you’ll see how they color the landscape. 

Far from the light pollution of cities, Big Bend is a fabulous place to stargaze. To get the best views of the night sky, consider camping in the park.  

Big Bend is a favorite destination during Spring Break, so make sure to plan accommodations well in advance as options within and close to the park are limited.  

Entrance Fee: $30 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days. 

• Here’s exactly how to get to Big Bend National Park from Houston or Austin, or extend your Texas adventures further with these incredible scenic driving routes in Texas, even road trip all the way through from Big Bend to the Grand Canyon!

8. Joshua Tree National Park

Location: California 

As a national park in a desert setting, springtime is just about the perfect time to visit Joshua Tree. It’s when you’ll have cooler weather than in the summer, reaching up into the 70s and 80s during the day.  

The other major advantage of visiting Joshua Tree National Park in the spring is that you’ll get a chance to see the beauty of spring in bloom. Flowers from cacti and desert plants are in full force during the spring. You’ll see blankets of yellow and white flowers dotted with bright blues and reds too.

Lucky for us, the wildflowers tend to bloom at lower elevations beginning in February, while upper elevations will see peak flowers blooming closer to June. This way, you’re likely to see colorful flowers at any time of the spring season.  

Spring is also a great time for wildlife viewing in Joshua Tree. Keep an eye out for white-tailed antelope squirrels, lizards, and coyotes.   

Entrance Fee: $30 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days 

• We share here all the interesting stops you can make on your way from San Diego to Joshua Tree

9. Arches National Park

Location: Utah   

Arches National Park is another top-of-the-list best US national park to visit in the spring. And many people agree! This beautiful landscape is great to see any time of the year, really. But the springtime is when the temperatures begin to warm up, averaging between 60-80°F. So it won’t be too hot, like in the summer, or too chilly, like in the winter.  

With perfect temps and lots of sunshine, you’ll be set to explore the park and see the awesome geological formations. Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch are the ones not to miss. But they can become really crowded during the spring. It’s probably best to see these when it’s a bit less populated, like first thing in the morning. After that, head to other places in the park, such as High Park Avenue.  

You will love the trip along Scenic Drive Road. You can keep stopping at various viewpoints to your heart’s content and really take it all in.  

• A large event that happens annually in the Spring to be aware of is the Easter Jeep Safari – around these dates, Moab can be exceptionally busy, and you may find a shortage of affordable accommodation options for families.

Entrance Fee: $30 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days.   

Entry Times: Between April 1 and October 31, 2024, timed entry tickets are required to enter the park from 7 am to 4 pm daily. Buy tickets online at Recreation.gov. To learn more about the process, visit go.nps.gov/ArchesTicket 

• Discover more of the best activities for kids around Moab and Arches NP

10. Zion National Park

Location: Utah  

Let’s be real, Zion National Park is on everyone’s bucket list. The truth is that, YES, it really is that awesome! You should definitely make it happen. So, why not make the trip for spring break?  

During the springtime, you’ll have lots of sun and warm temperatures, perfect for hiking and getting to key spots like Angel’s Landing. If you are a hiking fanatic, The Narrows is super cool to conquer, just come prepared with the right gear to hike in the water, which is colder in the spring.  

Zion has so many different trails for every hiking level. So you can definitely find the best hikes that are right for everyone in your family.  

Entrance Fee: $35 for private vehicles, valid for 7 days. 

Entry Permits: If you’re planning to visit Angel’s Landing be aware that you’ll need to enter the seasonal lottery some months in advance. The Spring lottery opens 1 to 20 January. Only a limited number of hiking slots are made available a day in advance.

Pro Tip: Consider parking in Springdale and taking the free shuttle to Zion. It’s the best way to bypass the crazy traffic getting into the park. The shuttle runs from March to October.  

• Here’s how to see all of the Utah Mighty 5 on one road trip through southern Utah – or even just pick up two of the Spring national park highlights in the southwest with this road trip between Zion and Grand Canyon

Top Tips For Planning A Road Trip In Spring   

• Springtime weather can change suddenly. Stay informed with weather alerts during your road trip. NPS.gov is a great place to check for alerts and road closures in the park.  
• Many of the best US National Parks to visit in spring have mild, sunny weather. But rain and wind are major possibilities. Always carry a light shell jacket to help protect you from either.  
• Many national parks in the US change from winter to summer operating hours during May; this can include the re-opening of ranger huts and activities, as well as a change to needing entry permits in advance so plan your late spring national park road trip carefully with this in mind!  

More US National Park Inspiration

If you’re looking for more national park inspiration, we have you sorted there too! Why not read next:

• The Best US National Parks to Visit in Summer
• Fall National Park Road Trip Ideas
• Epic US National Parks Perfect to Visit in Winter
• Every Alaskan National Park For Your Bucket List
• Lesser-Known National Park to Beat the Crowds
• Pro Tips For Enjoying National Parks with Kids

© Family Road Trip

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Lake Tahoe is a world-famous tourist destination and for good reason. With its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and an array of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder people come from all over the world to visit.

But many people don’t know that Lake Tahoe is just as beautiful in winter as in summer. In fact, some might say it’s even more spectacular when the Sierra Nevada Mountains are covered in snow! If you’re looking for an unforgettable family lake vacation this winter, look no further than Lake Tahoe.

Even if skiing isn’t your thing, Lake Tahoe offers plenty of other winter activities the active outdoor family will love.

Here are 10 of the best winter and snow activities that you can do during the winter in Lake Tahoe:

This page may contain affiliate links to third-party tour operators and booking platforms. Should you make a qualifying booking after using our affiliate link, we make a commission.

1. Go Skiing in Lake Tahoe

Because Lake Tahoe is home to some of the world’s best and most famous ski resorts, it comes as no surprise that skiing should be at the top of your list. Skiing enthusiasts can glimpse some of the area’s greatest vistas of the mountains and snow-covered regions around them as they go down the slopes.

Even if you’re a beginner, there are several ski slopes and lodges where you can try out your skills. Many provide specialized lessons based on your skill level, ensuring that you can develop your skills.

A few of the best family ski resorts around Lake Tahoe are:

• Northstar California Resort (North Lake Tahoe) – can teach children from as young as 3 years old and have class sizes of no more than four, along with the popular Kids Adventure Zone. Northstar offers childcare for parents who want to hit the slopes alone for their 2 to 6-year-olds (Part of the Epic Pass program)

• Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley Ski Resort – North Lake Tahoe) – One of the best all-rounder resorts – and most luxurious – with 6,000 acres of skiable area, they have a highly acclaimed ski school on offer and plenty of winter activities off the slopes too. Acclaimed for having hosted the 1960s Winter Olympics, even if not skiing the slopes, a visit is a must! (Ikon Pass – covers Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows)

• Diamond Peak Ski Resort (North Lake Tahoe) – A great choice for beginners, the ski school here is considerably cheaper than some of the larger resorts starting from 3-year-olds, plus they offer “kids ski free” packages for under 6’s and interchangeable parent passes.

• Heavenly Mountain Resort (South Lake Tahoe) – Lots of intermediate runs make the slopes here great for families that want to ski together. If you still require daycare, Heavenly’s can take your bub from as young as 2 months! For 3 to 4-year-olds they also offer a ski-play program whilst proper ski lessons start from 4 years old, snowboarding from 5 years old. (Also part of Epic Pass program)

• Sierra-at-Tahoe (North Lake Tahoe) – if its fewer crowds and more affordable accommodation you want, this could be your best choice. Enjoy 11 acres of beginners’ terrain with lessons from 4 years+ or cubbies as part of their daycare program from 3+. Daycare starts at 18 months old.

Those who want to try their hand at cross-country skiing will not be disappointed either. Try Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center (who offers youth programs) or Royal Gorge with 27 beginner trails.

2. Slip on Your Ice Skates in Lake Tahoe

You can go ice skating in Lake Tahoe in a few different places. Some good places for family fun are the resorts with ice skating rinks. You can learn to skate or show off your moves at several locations. Some top family-friendly choices include:

• Palisades Tahoe – take the aerial tram up to High Camp and go for a stroll around the Olympic Ice Pavilion. You’ll be able to skate on one of California’s most well-known ice rinks, as well as enjoy one of California’s most beautiful mountain vistas.

• Northstar California Resort also offers a skating rink during the winter months. The ice-skating rink is free, so bring your own skates or take advantage of their reasonably priced rental service.

Ice skating on Lake Tahoe? Not quite, Lake Tahoe does NOT freeze over, but several smaller lakes in the are DO! So if you’re an avid ice skater and are well equipped, pop over to the Truckee Tahoe ice skating Facebook page for some insider tips on the best FREE locations!

3. Take a Snowmobile Tour in Lake Tahoe

Take to the snow on a snowmobile for an experience of a lifetime. Many snowmobile excursions pass through Nevada’s National Forest, allowing you to enjoy some of Lake Tahoe’s finest sights.

From November to April, this is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Mountains. Why not try:

• Zephyr Cove Resort – home to over 45 miles of snowmobile trails, this is one of the most popular locations for snowmobile excursions. You can go on the picturesque lake cruise or do an expedition through the backcountry after renting your snowmobile and putting on your ski gear. Both routes will provide you with a variety of impressive scenery.

• Lake Tahoe Adventures – a Summit Tour is perfect for your beginners to intermediates. They offer “kids ride free” with an adult on Wednesdays!

• Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tours – offering a good variety of group and private sessions, 2 or 4 hour tours around North Lake Tahoe.

4. Go Fat Tire Snow Biking

Fat tire biking is similar to riding an ordinary bike, simply with wider snow tires allowing you to go through almost any amount of snow. It may not appear like much fun, but it can be an excellent out-of-the-box experience that is well worth attempting.

• Tahoe Jack’s Adventures – great for first-timers, they can help you with all the gear and guided fat bike tours.

• South Shore Bikes – family owned and operated they can help you with hourly, half-day, and full-day rentals of all types of bikes at all times of the year!

5. Try out a Snow Tube!

Snow tubing is a fabulously fun activity for all the family. Grab your inner tube (available for rent if you don’t have your own) and ride down the snowy slopes in some of the country’s best snow tubing areas:

• Adventure Mountain – Echo Summit – one of the most extensive in South Lake Tahoe, with 16 machine-groomed sledding runs for sledding and tubing

• Blizzard Mountain – Sierra-at-Tahoe – Situated in North Lake Tahoe, includes 2 rope-tow tubing lanes so you can fit more runs in!

• Tube Tahoe – Tahoe Paradise Golf Course, Meyers – one of the newest but aiming to be the best with the longest resort-quality runs in South Lake Tahoe

• Heavenly – Take the Heavenly Gondola to the Heavenly tubing hill and enjoy four lanes 500 feet long!

6. Visit A Brewery in Lake Tahoe

Many of the local breweries in Lake Tahoe thrive in the winter months, offering not just beer tastings but tasty food and family-friendly amenities. Some favorites to try that welcome all the family:

• Cold Water Brewery & Grill (South)
• South of North Brewing Co (South)
• FiftyFifty Brewing (North)

7. Head to the Spa in Lake Tahoe

Whether you want to relax and work out those aches and strains after a full day of outdoor fun or just want to enjoy a bit of well-earned pampering, Lake Tahoe offers a good variety of spas. Each has its own unique menu of experiences, from simple treatments to full-day experiences. Why not try:

• The Lighthouse Spa and Massage – with two different locations in Lake Tahoe (Tahoe City and Granlibakken Resort) they offer an impressive selection of massages and healing treatments.

• Massage on the Lake Day Spa – offers some of the finest therapeutic massages in the North Lake Tahoe area.

• Stillwater Spa – found within Hyatt Regency Resort in Incline Village, the focus here is on promoting wellness using Lake Tahoe’s detoxifying mountain resources.

8. Ride the Aerial Tram in Lake Tahoe

The Aerial Tram is one of the most popular activities when it comes to visiting Lake Tahoe. If you ask any Lake Tahoe lover what you should do while you’re there, it’s on everyone’s list! This is especially true for those who aren’t familiar with Lake Tahoe or haven’t been there before.

The Aerial Tram trip takes you over 2,000 feet above Lake Tahoe and offers some of the region’s most stunning vistas. It’s only a 10-minute journey to Palisades Tahoe’s High Camp but the mountain views and skyline are certainly worth it.

9. Take a Sleigh Ride at Lake Tahoe

Looking for one of the most unique things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter? A memorable Lake Tahoe experience is taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride around Lake Tahoe. Some companies that specialize in winter sleigh rides include:

• Sleighrides.com – Highly reputable Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, operating from both South lake Tahoe and Incline Village.

• WildSierra.com – for Sierra Adventures, who offer complimentary hotel pick ups for your Sierra Nevada winter wonderland tour.

10. Play in the Snow

A winter vacation need not be complicated when it comes to traveling with kids. Most children experiencing snow for the first time will be delighted with building a snowman, making snow angels, and simply finding their feet in the icy conditions.

Make time in your Lake Tahoe winter itinerary to enjoy these simple pleasures, and why not finish your day off in the hot tub!

Pro Tip – Remember to dress the part when visiting Lake Tahoe in winter with kids. Layers, layers, and more layers! A good thermal layer and a waterproof outer layer with as many in-between layers as you need, plus gloves, scarves, beanies, and appropriate snow boots or footwear.

Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland, and there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy with your family. From skiing and snowboarding in the mountains to sledding and ice skating on the lake, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a family-friendly winter vacation destination, look no further than Lake Tahoe for a destination that has it all.

Getting to Lake Tahoe

You will find access to Lake Tahoe from the nearest major cities and airports including:

• Reno – Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Nevada – North & South lake Tahoe – 45 minutes

• Sacramento Airport, California (SMF) – best for North Lake Tahoe – 2 hours

• San Francisco/Bay Area (SFO, SKC, OAK) – best for South Lake Tahoe – 3.5 hours

If you are picking up a rental car at any of these airports, make sure to familiarize yourself with winter driving. We have this great guide for winter driving advice.

• Starting your journey from Yosemite? Check out all these incredible scenic stopping points on the drive from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe
• Alternatively, setting out from Las Vegas, here’s our favorite road trip itinerary through Nevada

Where To Stay Lake Tahoe in Winter

Check out all the current hotel and rental property options at South Lake Tahoe, or head to the northern shores for something a little more serene.

More Beautiful Destinations In California & Nevada

If visiting Lake Tahoe in winter has you inspired, you won’t want to miss these incredible drives and destinations in California & Nevada:

• Best Day Trips from Las Vegas – yup, you can reach Lake Tahoe on a (long!) day trip from Las Vegas!
• 6 Beauty spots in Nevada for Nature-Lovers – beyond the mountains, you won’t want to miss these incredible hidden gems of Nevada
• Most Beautiful Scenic Drives in California –
• Unmissable Scenic Drives in Northern California
• Beautiful Places in California – of course we feature Lake Tahoe, but there are plenty more beauty spots in the Golden State you won’t want to miss
• Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary – arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the road, you must drive this section of the PCH at least once in your life!

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post 10 Fun Family Things To Do In Lake Tahoe in Winter appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Family Road Trip Guide Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

If you’re visiting Las Vegas, then a side trip to the Grand Canyon is a must!

Why, you ask?

Because it is one of the world’s seven natural wonders! And also because the road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is one of the most adventurous trips with several amazing places along the way to make it worthwhile.

So, if you’re up for the road trip of your lifetime, we are more than ready to guide you about everything for your drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon.

How far is Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? Where to stop along the way? And where to stay for the night? We will tell you everything!

How Far is Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

The distance from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is approximately 252 miles; however, the time it takes to reach there depends on your mode of traveling and which rim you’re visiting.

Car

If you’re planning a Grand Canyon road trip from Las Vegas in a private car, reaching the South Rim will take a little more than 4 hours.

However, the West Rim is the closest to Las Vegas, at only 130 miles. So, for the West Rim, you’ll have to drive for only 2.5 hours before reaching the Grand Canyon West Skywalk – the popular viewing point within the Hualapai Reservation rather than the national park.

We highly recommend going by car because that’s the only way to fully enjoy the trip. You can stop at different places and take as much time as you want to explore them for as long as you like.

Shuttle/Shared Bus

You can also take a shuttle/bus to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, but it will take a few extra hours.

The bus will take you from Las Vegas to Flagstaff, from where you can get a shuttle to reach the park. The bus ride to Flagstaff takes almost 5 hours with two stops; from there, the shuttle ride to Grand Canyon is approximately 1.5 hours long.

Train

You also have the option of taking a train to the Grand Canyon! To experience the historical train ride, you’ll have to take a bus from Las Vegas to Flagstaff and then from Flagstaff to Williams.

You can take a 2.5-hour railroad trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon National Park.

We recommend the train ride because it is one of the most scenic rides ever!

Helicopter

We’ve all traveled in cars and buses more times than we can count; however, traveling in a helicopter is something we have no or less experience with. So, why not take a helicopter from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience!

But at the same time, it’s a bit expensive!

So, if you have the budget, we suggest taking a helicopter from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon. If you visit the West rim, you can get there in 40 minutes; however, for the South and North rim, it takes almost 90 minutes.

The plus point is that you can visit the Grand Canyon and return to Las Vegas on the same day.

Also, if you just want to visit the Grand Canyon and back, we suggest traveling by air. Here are 8 of the closest airports to the Grand Canyon if you’re contemplating this option.

So, what’s it going to be? Car, bus, train, or helicopter?

Day Trip to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or Stay Overnight?

People’s most common question regarding their trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is whether they should take a day trip or stay the night.

This entirely depends on you!

A day trip won’t be enough if you want to explore the whole Grand Canyon National Park. Plus, unless you’re traveling by air, the time it takes to reach Grand Canyon from Las Vegas takes up most of the day, so you won’t have much time to check out the whole park.

However, a day trip is possible if you want to look at the park’s main highlights, like several viewpoints, hike on the rim trail, or catch the sunset. You’ll want to set out super early in the day though, if you want to beat the queues at the popular South Entrance to the national park.

Interesting Stops Between Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

If you are considering traveling to the Grand Canyon South Rim by car, we suggest you go ahead because the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is nothing short of amazing!

There are countless stops on the way that can make your trip memorable. Assuming you’re entering from the South Entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, these are some suggested stops you can make along the way for a complete family road trip Las Vegas to Grand Canyon!

1. Sloan Canyon

This first stop on your Grand Canyon road trip from Las Vegas is the Sloan Canyon, just 30 minutes from Las Vegas.

It’s a national conservation area full of cultural and natural resources, spread across an expanse of almost 50000 acres! It has more than 300 sites to visit, which include extinct volcanoes, lava flows, and 1700 designs on 300 rock panels made by the natives who inhabited this place decades ago.

If you have a keen interest in history, the Sloan Canyon will definitely be an enjoyable stop for you.

2. Lion Habitat Ranch

Just 5 miles from Sloan Canyon is the Lion Habitat Ranch. You’ll have to take a bit of a detour to visit this place, but it’s worth it!

This conservation area has been functioning since 1989 and has almost 40 lions you can feed and take selfies with. Apart from lions, there are also parrots, emus, ostriches, and Ozzie, the giraffe.

You can take a tour around the ranch and see how the animals are taken care of by the staff. So, if you have kids with you or are an animal lover, a stopover at the Lion Habitat Ranch should be on your list of places to visit during your Las Vegas road trip to Grand Canyon.

3. Hoover Dam

The next stop is Hoover Dam. You cannot miss this beautiful place as you have to cross it to get to the Grand Canyon. But we suggest leaving time in your itinerary to stop here for a while.

Take in the mesmerizing view, look at the water levels on each side of the dam, head into the Hoover Dam Visitor Center and take a tour to learn about its history and why it was constructed.

Don’t forget to take amazing pictures before moving on!

4. Lake Mead

Just 15 minutes from Hoover Dam, you will arrive at Lake Mead. The lake lies on the Colorado river and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. If you want to spend some time in this scenic place to unwind a bit, head over to the Lake Mead National Recreational Area, where you can go hiking, boating, or camping.

And, if you’re really up for it, you can take a dip in the lake’s cool water to get refreshed!

5. Santa Claus

If you’re interested in ghost towns and abandoned places, you’ll find plenty on your road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, one of them being Santa Claus.

After almost an hour’s drive from Lake Mead (just north of Kingman), you will pass by Santa Claus, a once-festive town now an abandoned wreck! Apart from the remains of the building that once bustled with merry people and children, there’s not much to see here.

You can just stop by and look at the creepy abandoned place, which still has some vibrant colors peeking from behind the dirt-covered walls, revealing details about its wonderful past.

NB – since our last visit, we’ve been told the whole place is now bulldozed

6. Monolith Garden Trail

If you’re tired of driving and want to stretch your legs a bit, you will find the Monolith Garden Trail just 13 minutes from Santa Claus. You can visit this trail on your way to Kingman, which is hardly 5 minutes away, or you could first reach Kingman, stay the night, and come back fresh in the morning.

This place has 7 miles of loop trails where you can hike, bike, and horse-ride your way amidst volcanic rock formations and Mojave desert vegetation.

7. Kingman

Just a 5-minute drive from the Monolith Garden Trail is the city of Kingman. This is where you can stay for the night and spend a day or two exploring the city’s attractions before continuing your journey toward the Grand Canyon.

Kingman has 3 museums: The Mojave Museum of History and Arts, the Route 66 Museum, and the Kingman Railroad Museum.

If you want to know about wine, visit the many wineries at Kingman, including Cella Winery, Stetson Winery, and Desert Diamond Distillery. Here you can taste various kinds of wines and take a tour of the winery.

8. Alpacas of the Southwest

After spending a couple of days in Kingman, you can continue on Route 66 towards the Grand Canyon. However, just 21 minutes away is the Alpacas of the Southwest.

It is basically a ranch where 37 friendly alpacas live. You can pet them, feed them, and take cute pictures. You can also tour the farm to get an insight into how these animals are taken care of.

As a souvenir, you can get a pair of Alpaca socks to keep you warm for your trip ahead!

9. Keepers of the Wild Nature Park

By this time, you will still have a good 2.5 hours left before you reach the Grand Canyon; therefore, why not visit the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park?

Located 20 minutes to the East of Kingman is a 175-acre canyon that houses over 130 wild animals, including lions, tigers, wolves, bears, leopards, wallabies, and primates. The nature park offers a 1-hour and 15 minutes safari, where the guide takes you through the park so that you can look at the animals in their natural habitat and learn many interesting facts about them.

There’s also a feeding tour where you see the carnivores up close, sinking their teeth into their dinner!

10. Williams

The next stop is Williams. It is a small town but is quite significant because from here you can take a train all the way to the Grand Canyon!

The Grand Canyon Railway Station has a 2.5-hour train ride that takes you to Grand Canyon through the majestic desert landscape. But that’s just one side of the ride! During the ride, the passengers can have a meal in the dining car, visit the gift shop, and enjoy live music.

You can take the train and experience an adventurous ride into the national park, leaving your car behind, or you could stop at William for a bite and get refreshed before you head to the Grand Canyon on your own ride.

It takes a little more than an hour to reach the South rim of the Grand Canyon from Williams. And once you’re there, the first thing you need to do is to find a place to crash!

A Grand Canyon Alternative From Las Vegas

If 4-hours there and back to the Grand Canyon National Park with the kids sounds a little daunting, why not consider a Las Vegas day trip to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon?

Not actually part of the Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon West sits on Hualapai tribal land and is home to the iconic Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass-bottomed bridge that hangs 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

Day trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk involve only a 2-hour drive, or many tours will combine this with a trip to Hoover Dam and through the Mojave Desert for a complete day outing.

• Try this full day tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West
• This group tour includes Hoover Dam and a visit to Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest, along with the Skywalk

To help you decide which option may be best for you, we provide a complete comparison between Grand Canyon West Rim vs South Rim.

Where to Stay Overnight Near the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is a busy tourist spot; therefore, there are plenty of places where you can stay for the night, but do be aware that the lodges within the park can be booked up many months in advance.

Inside the Grand Canyon

If you want to stay in a hotel inside the Grand Canyon at the South Rim, six lodges are located there. On a budget, Yavapai Lodge, located at a distance of 10 minutes from the visitor’s center, is a good family choice. It has a rustic exterior and a contemporary interior for a restful night’s stay.

Then, if budget and booking availability allow, there’s the El Tovar Hotel, which offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.

Outside the Grand Canyon

If you’re staying outside of the Grand Canyon National Park, you can book a good-value room at the Grand Canyon Inn, Grand Canyon Junction.

For a more luxurious stay, choose the Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn Tusayan, which offers many amenities to the guests, including a jacuzzi, gym, that you won’t find at the national park lodges. It is only 10 minutes away from the main entrance, so early risers can still get in before the crowds and capture the sunrise.

The drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park may only be around 4 hours long, but it has numerous stops along the way, which can extend your Grand Canyon road trip by a couple of days.

Looking for more ideas behind the wheel?

• Before you set out on your onward journey, these are the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids
• We also have a detailed guide to road tripping Las Vegas to Zion National Park
• Coming from the north, try this Zion National Park to Grand Canyon road trip
• Find more Las Vegas day trip ideas here
• Start your Grand Canyon road trip from Sedona, Arizona
• Extend your road trip through the mountain states with this epic Las Vegas to Yellowstone National Park road trip

More Tips for Driving Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

• Remember, you may be crossing time zones! Nevada is on Pacific Standard time (PST and PDT in the summer). Arizona remains on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round.

• Driving in the peak of summer? You’ll want to make yourself familiar with our safety tips for desert driving.

• Extend your trip through the southwest of the United States with this epic 7 Day Southwest Road Trip itinerary.

• Never forget an important road tripping item again! Download our road trip essentials checklist to prepare for your next family road trip.

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post How Far Is The Grand Canyon From Las Vegas? appeared first on Family Road Trip.

One of the most epic of all family vacations in the United States is taking a road trip to see the Grand Canyon.

Visiting the Grand Canyon takes you back millions of years when a geological phenomenon occurred, resulting in different types of rocks and rock strata lying side-by-side. The phenomenon is commonly known as the Great Unconformity; however, how it took place and what happened during it remains a mystery!

Every year millions of people make their way to northern Arizona to explore the depths and caverns of the Grand Canyon and solve the mysteries that lie within its caves and crevices.

However, reaching the Grand Canyon National Park requires some driving; no matter how you approach it, there are no big cities adjacent to the Grand Canyon. Will you drive all the way from your home destination or travel by air and complete your journey by road and rental car?

Whether you’re a US resident or traveling to the US from some other country, we have put together some of the best and closest airports to the Grand Canyon for your convenience in planning your Grand Canyon vacation.

Closest Airports to Grand Canyon

There are several airports close to the Grand Canyon in cities that are situated near it, like Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Sedona, and Phoenix. But before you book your flight, you should ask yourself whether you’re visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim or North Rim.

This entirely depends on the time of the year you choose to travel. For instance, you can visit the South and the North Rim if you’re traveling in the summer. However, if your trip is a winter getaway, you will only be able to visit the South Rim due to accessibility.

Here are some of the closest airports to the Grand Canyon, complete with their distance from the Grand Canyon and whether they’re close to the South Rim or the North Rim.

1. Grand Canyon National Park Airport, Arizona

The Grand Canyon National Park Airport is a small airport situated in the town of Tusayan, Arizona.

It is the closest airport to the Grand Canyon, as it is located hardly 8 miles away from the South Rim, and it would take almost 15 minutes to reach the entrance. On the other hand, you will have to take a 4-hour road trip to reach the North Rim.

The state owns the airport, which is usually used for private aircraft tours or charter flights. It does have a schedule for commercial flights, but the frequency is quite low. For instance, there are only a few flights from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, with a sky-high ticket price. However, the duration is only 35 minutes.

If you have a high budget or own a private jet, landing at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport won’t be a big deal. Plus, you’ll find plenty of hotels and restaurants in Tusayan where you can stay during your visit.

We wouldn’t recommend this airport as the best for travelers on a budget or traveling with family as it might get too expensive.

2. St. George Regional Airport, Utah

If you want to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, we would suggest taking a flight to the St. George Regional Airport in Utah as the closest small commercial airport.

The only commercial flights that ever land at this airport are from Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver, and occasionally Los Angeles.

The airport is at 2 hours and 45 minutes drive from the North Rim. However, visiting the Grand Canyon via this airport would only be feasible if you’re flying in from Denver or Los Angeles, as the flights are 1 hour 50 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes long. 

But, if you’re coming from Phoenix or Salt Lake City, we suggest coming by car to save money, as the flight duration is hardly 1 hour and 15 minutes from both cities.

3. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Arizona

If you’re looking for an airport that has frequent flights from other cities, you should choose Flagstaff Pulliam Airport for your trip to the Grand Canyon.

Flagstaff is one of the largest cities near the Grand Canyon; therefore, its regional airport has frequent flights from Denver, Phoenix, and Fort Worth. If you take a flight from Denver, you can reach Flagstaff in around 1 hour and 55 minutes, while it takes just 50 minutes from Phoenix. However, the longest flight is from Fort Worth, which has a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is 90 miles away from the South Rim, and it takes almost 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there by road. If you want to go to the North Rim, it will take almost 3 hours and 40 minutes, as it is 212 miles away.

So, if you want to get to the Grand Canyon without wasting time, the best way is to get a connecting flight from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas to Flagstaff and then take the train or shuttle to Grand Canyon National Park.

4. Prescott Ernest A. Love Field Airport

Prescott is a city in central Arizona, and due to it being quite close to the Grand Canyon, the Prescott Ernest A. Love Field Airport is a great place to take a flight to for your trip.

Although it does not have many frequent commercial flights, you can get a connecting flight from Kingman, Los Angeles, Page, Moab, and Denver.

If you come via Los Angeles, it will take 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Prescott, while from Denver, it takes 1 hour and 50 minutes. The flights from Kingman and Page are relatively short and take hardly 42 and 51 minutes, respectively. The longest flight is from Moab, which is 5 hours and 12 minutes long.

From the Prescott Ernest A. Love Field Airport, you can reach the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in around 2.5 hours. However, if you want to visit the North Rim, it’s an approximately 5-hour drive.

5. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

If you’re traveling to see the Grand Canyon from outside the US or from other US states, the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is by far the best choice. It is the closest major international airport to the South Rim.

It has flights from all around the US and from all over the world. You can get a direct flight to Phoenix from Canada, Mexico, and the UK. But, as Phoenix does not have as many frequent international flights as Las Vegas, you’ll have to get connecting flights from other countries, resulting in increased airfare.

If you’re on a budget, we suggest getting a flight to Las Vegas instead, in case you are traveling from countries with connecting flights.

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is at a distance of 3 hours and 35 minutes, while the North Rim is at 5 hours and 40 minutes. So, if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon via Phoenix, you’ll have to stay at a place closer to the park.

6. Harry Reid International Airport

Whether you’re visiting the Grand Canyon from inside the US or from another country, getting a flight to the Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport – LAS) is the best option.

It is one of the biggest airports near the Grand Canyon and caters direct flights worldwide. So, no matter where you’re coming from, you’ll surely get a flight to Las Vegas. As for people traveling from inside the US, you can get the lowest fares.

Another great thing about the Harry Reid Airport is that it is located at a central location from where both the South Rim and the North Rim are easily accessible at 4 hours and 30 minutes drive. However, even though the traveling distance is almost the same, the North Rim is nearest to the airport.

Click here for our complete driving itinerary Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

7. Salt Lake City International Airport

Salt Lake City International Airport is one option to get to the Grand Canyon; however, we won’t call it the closest major airport to Grand Canyon. It takes almost 8 hours and 10 minutes to get to the South Rim from here. The North Rim, however, is a bit close at a distance of 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Then why have you mentioned this airport if it takes this long, you ask?

Because the road trip from Salt Lake City to Grand Canyon is one of the most scenic and adventurous road trips out there, with the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks on the way!

However, if you’re looking forward to the amazing road trip, you can easily get a flight to the Salt Lake City International Airport from all the states in the US, but the fares might be a bit high compared to flights to Phoenix or Las Vegas.

As for international flights, you can get direct flights from Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, and France, but they won’t be cheap. You might have a New York stopover from some countries before heading to Salt Lake City.

If you’re on a budget and would rather reach the Grand Canyon as early as possible, you can check out the other airports with cheaper flights and a shorter drive.

This is a great choice, though, if you’re undertaking a complete desert road trip from Salt Lake City to Zion and perhaps Bryce National Parks, then continuing on south from Zion to Arizona. Check out our 9-day Arizona-Utah road trip itinerary for more ideas, including Monument Valley and Navajo tribal country.

8. Sedona Airport

We’ll keep the Sedona Airport for last because even though it is one of the closest airports to the Grand Canyon, it does not have any commercial flights flying in or out.

That’s right! You need a private jet or a charter plane to get to this airport. The Sedona Airport is located on top of a mountain, almost 500 feet above the main city, and is listed as one of the most scenic airports in the US.

Once you reach Sedona Airport, it takes almost 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon by road. And if you head toward the North Rim, it will take approximately 4.5 hours.

Going via Sedona would be a good choice if you have a private plane and want to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. For people dependent on commercial flights, we suggest taking a flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and visiting Sedona and the Grand Canyon in one trip.

You can find our complete driving itinerary from Sedona to Grand Canyon here.

Final Thoughts

If you’re going to visit the Grand Canyon, the best way is to get a flight to the nearest city and, from there, take a road trip to the Grand Canyon National Park.

However, many of the closest airports to the Grand Canyon do not cater to frequent domestic or international flights. Some airports only have flights from a handful of cities; therefore, you have to resort to getting connecting flights.

Only a couple of large international airports have proper flights from all over the US and other countries.

This article lists eight airports nearest to Grand Canyon National Park, from where you can take a cab, shuttle, or train to the South or North Rim of the park. We hope this information will come in handy on your epic family trip to the Grand Canyon!

• You’ll find our complete family visitor guide to the Grand Canyon here
• Here we compare which is better for a short trip; Grand Canyon West vs South Rim in the National Park

© Family Road Trip 2026

The post Closest Airport To Grand Canyon: Where to Start Your Grand Canyon Road Trip appeared first on Family Road Trip.