Are you ready for the best road trip from Denver to Las Vegas? Prepare yourself for an incredible 800-mile journey filled with breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of cultures. As we drive from Denver, you’ll get to see famous sights like Arches and Zion National Parks, each with a unique appeal and beauty of its own in our Denver to Las Vegas road trip itinerary.
We will travel through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world in 12 hours, including the calm beauty of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks and the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains. As your tour guide, we’ll enlighten you on fascinating details and hidden attractions at every location we visit.
However, the journey doesn’t end there! Along the way, we’ll visit New Mexico and the magical Mystic Hot Springs, where we can lose ourselves in the rich heritage of the ancient pueblo cultures and colorful markets. So, get ready to explore and make wonderful memories as we together discover the heart of the American West!
How long would the road trip take from Denver to Las Vegas, and how far is it?
Las Vegas is around 750 miles southwest of Denver, making it a long drive. But well, it’s all a part of the journey! Driving from Denver to Las Vegas should take about 11 hours if you travel nonstop. Although that seems like a long distance, I assure you that it is worthy because of the enjoyment you will experience along the journey.
Now, there are some amazing routes you can take if you’re up for a more beautiful trip. The Moab Route is a popular option that adds around 810 miles to the total distance. It takes a little bit longer—roughly 12 hours of nonstop driving. But hey, more miles means more opportunities to see awesome stuff!
Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could try the Albuquerque Route via the Grand Canyon. This one’s a bit of a trek at 1,115 miles, and it’ll take you about 17 hours and 25 minutes of driving time. But trust me, the views along the way are absolutely stunning. So be ready for an amazing road trip from Denver to Las Vegas, whether you’re up for a direct route or something more scenic!
The best road trip route from Denver to Las Vegas
The ideal road trip itinerary from Denver to Las Vegas will depend on your timetable and personal preferences. The fastest way, which covers 750 miles and requires around 11 hours of nonstop driving, is to take Interstate 70 West to Interstate 15 South if you’re searching for a direct route with few variations.
But if you’re looking for a more beautiful and adventurous route, the Moab Route is a great choice. This route adds approximately 810 miles to your total length, but it passes through incredible landscapes and well-known national parks including Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands. If you skip the stops, the drive should take about 12 hours.
The Grand Canyon-to-Albuquerque Route is another scenic choice. With a distance of roughly 1,115 miles, this route requires a driving time of approximately 17 hours and 25 minutes. However, it provides amazing views of the Grand Canyon and other natural beauties, making the journey unique.
The ideal route for a road trip ultimately depends on your taste in scenery, the amount of time you have available, and your willingness to take detours. Decide what your top priorities are and go on the adventure that best fits you!
Best places to stop between Denver and Las Vegas
You can see some incredible places along the route if you divide the trip from Denver to Las Vegas with overnight accommodations. Here are some great options that combine sightseeing and activities that make stops worthwhile:
1. Moab, Utah: Stay a night in Moab to see the magnificent Canyonlands and Arches National Parks sites. Admire the stunning red rock formations and perhaps fit in a thrilling sport like river rafting or mountain biking.
2. Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Known for its calming hot springs, Glenwood Springs is a great place to unwind and revitalize with an overnight stay. Relax in the mineral-rich waters at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool after a tiring day of driving, or enjoy a beautiful stroll to neighboring sites like Hanging
3. Zion National Park, Utah: To properly enjoy Zion National Park’s natural beauty, extend your journey by staying nearby. After seeing the park’s popular attractions and hiking paths in the evening, head to a comfortable lodging close by.
4. Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park: Spend the night close to Bryce Canyon to see its gorgeous hoodoos lit up by the stars and sunset. Take a relaxing walk around the rim of the canyon or go inside the stadium to get a better look at its unique rock formations.
5. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Spend an evening in this lovely city in the Southwest and discover its rich heritage of culture. Before turning in for the evening, take in the city’s lively culinary culture, art galleries, and historic adobe architecture.
You can make your road trip from Denver to Las Vegas a fantastic trip full of discovery and relaxation by distributing your travel with overnight stays in these incredible locations.
Exciting things to see on a road trip from Denver to Las Vegas
Taking a road trip via the Moab and Albuquerque routes from Denver to Las Vegas will provide you with a ton of amazing sights and experiences. Along each trip, keep an eye out for the following highlights:
The Moab Route:
1. Arches National Park: Marvel at over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. Don’t miss the fiery hues of the park’s rock formations during sunrise or sunset.
2. Canyonlands National Park: Explore the vast canyons carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Visit Island in the Sky for panoramic views or venture into the remote Needles District for a wilderness experience.
3. Dead Horse Point State Park: Witness breathtaking vistas overlooking the deep canyons of the Colorado River and the La Sal Mountains. The park offers scenic overlooks and hiking trails for all skill levels.
4. Scenic Byway 12: Drive along one of the most beautiful roads in the country, passing through diverse landscapes including red rock canyons, alpine forests, and expansive plateaus. Stop at overlooks and trailheads along the way for panoramic views and photo opportunities.
The Albuquerque Route via the Grand Canyon:
1. Grand Canyon National Park: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Stand on the rim and gaze into the vastness of the canyon or embark on a hike into the depths below.
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Fill yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Santa Fe with its adobe architecture, art galleries, and vibrant culinary scene. Explore historic sites like the Palace of the Governors and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
3. Sedona, Arizona: Discover the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, known for its towering sandstone formations and vibrant energy vortexes. Take a scenic drive along Oak Creek Canyon or hike to Cathedral Rock for panoramic views.
4. Flagstaff, Arizona: Explore the historic charm of Flagstaff, located along the iconic Route 66. Visit the Lowell Observatory, stroll through downtown’s shops and eateries, or embark on outdoor adventures in the nearby Coconino National Forest.
Whether you choose the Moab Route or the Albuquerque Route via the Grand Canyon, each offers a diverse array of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures to enhance your road trip from Denver to Las Vegas.
Best time to go on a road trip from Denver to Las Vegas
The best time to travel from Denver to Las Vegas depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and outdoor activities. Consider the following while planning the schedule of your trip:
1. Spring (March to May): Spring is the best season for outdoor activities and sightseeing because of the pleasant weather and blossoming wildflowers. However, this may also mean more people visiting popular attractions like national parks.
2. Fall (September to November): The path is lined with amazing scenery as the road is lit up by colorful leaves and lower temps. It’s usually less crowded than in the summer, so it’s a more peaceful time to explore.
3. Summer (June to August): Summer is a popular season for outdoor activities and road trips, but it also brings high temperatures, particularly in the desert regions. When visiting popular locations like national parks, be ready for increased temperatures and crowded attractions.
4. Winter (December to February): Winter can bring cold temperatures and snowfall, especially in the higher elevations along the route. Road conditions might be unpredictable, even though certain places could be less crowded, so make sure to plan ahead and keep an eye out for restrictions or travel warnings.
The ideal time for a road trip ultimately depends on your tastes and the things you want to see and do while traveling. When making travel plans from Denver to Las Vegas, take into consideration factors like the weather, crowds, and seasonal events.
Conclusion
And that’s it, folks! A road trip from Denver to Las Vegas is full of incredible sights, activities, and adventures along the route. There is something for everyone to enjoy whether they take the direct route, the Moab Route, or the Albuquerque Route via the Grand Canyon.
It’s now up to you to plan your own amazing trip! Think about the scenery you like, how much time you have, and whether you’re open to taking detours. There is a road trip itinerary designed specifically for you, regardless of your interests—nature lovers, history buffs, or just someone looking for adventure.
So, are you ready to hit the road and take on the wonderful trip from Denver to Las Vegas?