NFT: Driving from Vegas to the Grand Canyon

It’s made of concrete.

there is a single lane going to the area and it's packed. If you have time on the way back then go not on the way out

In comment 14586286 gtt350 said:

Quote:

there is a single lane going to the area and it's packed. If you have time on the way back then go not on the way out

We are flying home from PHX. One way trip.

It’s a cool place if you’re into early 20th century road nostalgia.

For first timers, the Grand Canyon Village is the place to go, but it's about a 5 or 6 hour drive from Vegas. There aren't a lot of roads you can take. You could try the Quartermaster viewpoint, but it's on the Hualapai reservation. I've never been to it and I would try to find out as much as I could before going. The relatively new Skywalk is there though. Take Hwy 93 south from Hoover about 40 miles to Pierce Ferry Rd (Rte 25) east toward Dolan Springs. Continue on Pierce Ferry until you hit Rte 261. Take 261 east to the canyon.

Is pay attention to the time of day with the points you hit. The eastern end (Desert View) gives a great view down the canyon but if it's late in the day you'll be looking into the sun. (Which can effect pictures). Hit it earlier in the day if you are going there.

Also, it's tough to do the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in the same day. You're really limiting how much time you can spend at the canyon but if you've only got the one day then plan most of your time for the Canyon.

Didn't see that you are driving to Phoenix and flying home from there. In that case, go to the Grand Canyon village. After Hoover, go down 93 to Kingman. Then take I-40 to Williams (great little town) and then take 64 up to the village.

After that, go east to Flagstaff and then south on I-17. Then take the very first exit off I-17; 89A south toward Sedona. You will be amazed. Say hi to BB56 in Sedona. Then take 179 south to I-17. Go south about 3 exits to Montezuma's Castle. It's just a few miles off the highway and costs about $5. You will be amazed again.

instead.. less crowded, closer, better park..

In comment 14586470 japanhead said:

Quote:

instead.. less crowded, closer, better park..

That is in the opposite direction of where he needs to go.

i'd recommend the north rim over the south rim, and i'd suggest skipping the hoover dam (old people tourist trap). page AZ and vermillion cliffs /grand staircase escalante are not too far and worth seeing..

meteor crater and just go to painted desert/petrified forest if you're going east of flagstaff at all. if that's too far, sunset crater volcano national monument is right next to flag, and meteor crater is not too far.

Stay at the Grand Hotel in the village. 10 minute drive to the parking lot at the rim. If you have time, on your way back stop in Sedona. It is gorgeous. Do a pink jeep tour up the red rocks-phenomenal. 2 1/2 hour drive back to Phoenix.

I did the reverse trip last October and it was awesome. Landed in Phoenix, drove to Sedona same day and stayed overnight. Next day did pink jeep tour then drove to south rim of GC. GC then drove to Vegas and stayed at Bellagio. Next day hour trip to Hoover Damn, drove across Mojave to LA and departed from LA several days later.

I thought the Grand Canyon Railroad was cool. It runs from Williams, AZ up to the canyon. It travels through different climate zones with the changing elevation. There was a van tour that takes one to several observation points. On the way back they have an old western train robbery.

Grand Canyon Railroad - ( New Window )

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You will enjoy the Snow Cap in Seligman.