A meandering drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas, stopping at attractions including Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam.
Understand
It's only 300 miles from Phoenix to Vegas, and the distance between the two along the shortest line could easily be covered in a day. However, the number of sights and the sheer variety of scenery along and around this route is simply staggering, and a leisurely drive gives an excellent introduction to America's Southwest.
Prepare
Get in
Both Phoenix and Las Vegas are major transport hubs accessible by plane from all over the United States. Cars can easily be rented at either, and you can usually negotiate a free drop-off at the other end.
Drive
Day 1: Phoenix to Flagstaff
''~140 miles''
Explore Phoenix in the morning
I-17 north to the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon exit
West onto SR 179 to Sedona and the Red Rock Hills
Scenic but white-knuckled SR 89a to Flagstaff
Overnight at Flagstaff
Flagstaff has a better range of accommodation and nightlife, but if you want to drive a little more today and a little less tomorrow, consider continuing on to Sunset Crater and Wupatki and overnighting at Cameron or Tuba City instead.
Day 2: Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon via Monument Valley
''~350 miles''
Route 89 north
Detour to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument (open from 9 AM in winter, 8 AM in summer)
East to Route 160, stop at Tuba City
North at Kayenta onto Route 163 and Monument Valley
Backtrack along Route 163, 160, 89 to Cameron
West on AZ-64 to Grand Canyon in time for sunset at Desert View (East Rim)
Overnight at Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan
Day 3: Grand Canyon
''0 miles — park your car and walk!''
Full day for exploring the Canyon (or two days if you're planning to hike it)
Overnight at Tusayan or Williams
Day 4: Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
''277 miles''
I-40 west
Take AZ-66 (a part of the historic Route 66) at Seligman
Stops at Seligman, Huckberry
Return to I-40 at Kingman, turn north almost immediately onto Highway 93
Stop at Chloride
North along Highway 93 to Hoover Dam
Arrive in Las Vegas in time to catch sunset over the Strip
Stay safe
Much of the route is in desert areas where summer heat can be fearsome and gas stations are few and far between. Take plenty of water, and fill up your tank before heading off the Interstates.
Get out