Phoenix to Las Vegas Road Trip
Looking for an iconic desert Southwest road trip? The drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas is a neon and nature adventure, great for those who like big city action and outdoor exploration.
This 5-hour trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas covers all the bases, going through Sedona, Flagstaff, Route 66, the Grand Canyon, and the Hoover Dam.
Read on for can’t-miss things to see and do on your Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip.
How Long is the Drive From Phoenix to Las Vegas?
Drive time between Phoenix and Las Vegas varies from 5-11 hours, depending on your route and where you decide to stop.
Grand Canyon Route
This most popular route—US-93 through Kingman Arizona with a stop at the Grand Canyon—is about 400 miles and takes 10–11 hours, ideal for a multi-day road trip. The drive has stunning landscapes and plenty of great places to stop along the way.
You’ll travel near or through Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Prescott, Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and the historic Route 66 towns of Seligman and Kingman, AZ.
From Phoenix, take AZ-17 N to AZ-64 N (this is the Grand Canyon leg) to AZ-64 S to I-40 W to US93-9 to I-11 to Las Vegas.
Mojave Desert Route
The other road-tripper route via I-10 West out of Phoenix is a little longer and takes you through or near the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the Mojave Desert, the Joshua Tree Highway, as well as portions of historic Route 66, Lake Mead, and the Hoover Dam.
Places to stop on this route include: the Colorado River Indian Reservation, Topock, Needles CA, Parker, Joshua Tree Highway, and the Mojave National Preserve.
This 332 mile route offers some interesting stops and short detours. From Phoenix, take I-10 W to AZ-72 W to AZ-95 N to CA-62 W to US-95 N to Las Vegas.
Most Direct Route
In a hurry and don’t want to stop along the way? Use the direct 300-mile route if your goal is speed and convenience.
From Phoenix, take I-10 W to US-60 W, then take US-93 N to I-40 W back to US-93 N, and I-11 to Las Vegas.
When to Travel from Phoenix to Las Vegas
Spring, fall and winter are the best seasons to take a trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas. Crowds are smaller and the dry, desert climate during these month have mild temperatures.
Winter offers great weather—at lower elevations in Phoenix and Sedona, daytime temperatures will be pleasant. At higher elevations in Flagstaff, Payson, Prescott and the Grand Canyon, temperatures can drop below freezing and snow is possible.
Be alert for changes in weather at higher elevations that could impact driving conditions.
Summertime highs on these routes often reach over 100°F. But despite the heat, summer is the most popular time to visit due to school and work vacations. Higher elevation towns like Flagstaff, Payson, Prescott, and the Grand Canyon provide a break from the extreme temperatures.
Where Stop Between Phoenix and Las Vegas (Grand Canyon Route)
Fun Things to Do in Phoenix
Phoenix offers a unique blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, outdoor activities, all in a laid back desert Southwest setting. You can golf, hike, swim, bike, shop, dine, visit museums and so much more.
Popular attractions in Phoenix include:
Stops Between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon
This section is full of unique towns and gorgeous mountain vistas. In the warmer months, the wonderful mountain towns of Payson, Prescott and Flagstaff offer some relief from the higher temperatures at lower elevations.
The gorgeous and thriving town of Sedona attracts visitors from around the world for its natural beauty, spas, red rocks, hiking, and spiritual focus. Its elevation is 4,500 feet so its summer temperatures are cooler than Phoenix, but warmer than Payson (5,000 feet), Prescott (5,400 feet), and Flagstaff (7,000 feet).
Of course, in winter, higher elevations mean cooler temperatures and higher chances of snow.
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Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
The popular South Rim has an array of breathtaking sights, family-friendly activities and exhibits, and plenty of modern services to make your trip comfortable.
A good first stop is the Grand Canyon Visitor Center with information, ranger programs, and educational exhibits about the park’s geology, ecology and history.
The Grand Canyon Historic Village is the center of activity at the South Rim with its preserved buildings, national landmarks, and local businesses.
Near the Visitor Center, the popular overlooks of Mather Point and Yavapai Point have incredible canyon vistas and incredible photography. And hikers love the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails.
In nearby Williams, Arizona (an iconic Route 66 town), the Grand Canyon Railway provides a scenic and historic train trip from Williams into Grand Canyon National Park and back.
Stops Between Grand Canyon and Las Vegas
The stunning desert Southwest drive between the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and Las Vegas features several fun stops, especially where it intersects with historic Route 66.
Route 66 Towns
Drive 1.5 hours from the South Rim to Seligman, Arizona known as the birthplace of Route 66. This small town offers plenty of quirky businesses like:
The Historic Seligman Sundries
The Roadkill Café
Snow Cap Drive-In
Return to the 50s Museum
The Angel & Vilma Delgadillo's Route 66 Gift Shop & Visitor's Center
Kingman, Arizona is another throwback Route 66 town with a Route 66 Museum and historic downtown.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
We highly suggest a short detour to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, operated by the Hualapai Tribe, with its famous glass and steel Skywalk over the Canyon – only for the adventurous with no fear of heights!
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead
As you get closer to Las Vegas, stop at the Hoover Dam, the Depression-era hydroelectric dam that created Lake Mead, which is now a National Recreation Area. Take a guided dam tour (tickets must be purchased in-person) and learn how the dam was engineered and built.
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the U.S. and offers great boating and fishing opportunities. Consider renting a boat or taking a scenic cruise from the Lake Mead Marina in nearby Boulder City, NV.
Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas
Vegas has something for everyone, both on and off the Strip, and inside and outdoors.
Traveling with kids? Check out 10 fun family activities in Las Vegas (off the Strip!).
For the adventurous, consider hiking or a scenic drive in nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area or Valley of Fire State Park with their towering red sandstone rock formations.
For the curious, top museums in Las Vegas include:
Shelby American Heritage Center for classic cars and more
And of course, Vegas’ iconic casinos offer world-class dining and entertainment to suit all ages and tastes.
Where to Stop on the Mojave Desert Route
The western route straddles the Arizona and California borders. Highlights include gorgeous views of the Mojave Desert and vintage Route 66 towns like Topock, AZ and Needles, CA, which played an outsized role in Route 66 history and preservation.
Be sure to take the 10-mile detour to the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge—a beautiful section of the lower Colorado River, with hiking, fishing and bird watching.
Plan Your Phoenix to Las Vegas Road Trip Today!
While the drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas can be done in 4-5 hours, it’s worth it spending a few days to stop and explore along the way.
Visit Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Route 66, Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park, the Mojave Desert and much more, to turn this desert Southwest road trip into an epic adventure!
The best way to road trip is in a new, premium RV or campervan from Blacksford RV in Phoenix or Las Vegas—a convenient and comfortable way to experience the American Southwest!
