If you happen to be in Arizona and get attracted to the glamor of Sin City, think about taking a road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas! This Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip guide provides the perfect Arizona experience, with stunning national parks, stunning views of the red rocks, and charming little desert towns all along the route.
The trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas, which is 345 miles away, usually takes 5 hours and 40 minutes. Popular sights including Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu City, Needles, Lake Pleasant, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and the Mojave National Preserve may all be explored along this beautiful road.
To properly appreciate all the views and attractions along this scenic trip, planning is essential. Discover the best routes, a ton of interesting stops and sights, suggested accommodations, and the best times to start out on this amazing tour by reading our Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip guide.
Total Distance And Travel Duration
The road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas offers travelers a variety of routes, each with its own distinct charm and attractions.
Driving the entire 300-mile Direct Route without stops usually takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Taking the Grand Canyon Route will likely cover around 400 miles and require about 6 hours and 30 minutes of nonstop driving; however, this does not include any possible detours or stops for sightseeing.
If you’d rather travel a more scenic route across the Californian section of the Mojave Desert, it takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes to cover 345 miles via the California Route.
Though the fastest route can be finished in a single day, we advise spending at least two or three days to thoroughly enjoy the variety of scenery, activities, and experiences along the way.
Find The Best road trip route from Phoenix to Las Vegas With Us!
The perfect road trip itinerary from Phoenix to Las Vegas eventually boils down to personal tastes and the amount of time available. Here are three alternatives to think about:
Grand Canyon Route (via Sedona)
1. Proceed from Phoenix via Interstate 17 (I-17), passing via Lake Pleasant and the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve.
2. Continue to Montezuma Castle and onto the Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179) towards Sedona. – You may want to take a detour to the Prescott National Forest for beautiful views.
3. Go via Chapel of the Holy Cross and Red Rock State Park before heading back towards Flagstaff on State Route 89A.
4. Make use of Sedona as a base to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, Sunset Crater, and Walnut Canyon, which are all close.
5. Proceed to Williams on I-40 West (historic Route 66), and then continue to Kingman.
6. Drive Route 66 for a few distance before continuing on the interstate and I-11 to Las Vegas.
California Route
1. Take I-10 west from Phoenix, entering California close to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
2. Take a different detour via AZ-95 in Parker to Lake Havasu City.
3. Return to US-95 and continue past Needles to join I-40, with a detour to Mojave National Preserve possible.
4. Continue on I-40 into Nevada, passing Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area before arriving in Las Vegas.
Direct Route
1. Travel from Phoenix to Las Vegas in the shortest amount of time by taking the most direct route via I-10.
2. Those who choose speed above sightseeing will find this route to be easy as it avoids lovely detours and attractions.
Whether you want to see the scenic beauty of Sedona and the Grand Canyon, have a quick and straight trip to Las Vegas, or explore Lake Havasu City and Mojave National Preserve, your route choice should ultimately reflect your desired vacation experience.
Some Common Things That You Must See On A Road Trip From Phoenix to Las Vegas
There are many sights and attractions on your drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas, making it an enjoyable one. Though listing every stop would be difficult, the following are some notable highlights along each route:
Along The Grand Canyon Route
1. Lake Pleasant: A cool hideaway among the desert that provides boating, fishing, and water sports in Arizona.
2. Prescott National Forest: Covering huge areas of various terrain perfect for trekking and camping.
3. Montezuma Castle National Monument: Beautifully preserved hillside houses serve as evidence to the originality of ancient architecture.
4. Chapel of the Holy Cross: A stunning architectural masterpiece with stunning views, nestled away among Sedona’s red rocks.
5. Sedona: renowned for its beautiful red rock formations, peaceful weekends, and thriving arts scene.
6. Flagstaff: A hub of culture and nature close to the Grand Canyon, offering historic charm and outdoor adventures.
7. Walnut Canyon National Monument: Surrounded by a wide range of plants, this area is dedicated to the amazing cliff houses of the Sinagua people.
8. Grand Canyon National Park: A permanent symbol of the beauty of nature, offering unmatched views and trekking experiences.
9. Williams & Kingman: Colorful towns along Route 66, reflecting the nation’s strong admiration for the “Mother Road.”
10. Hoover Dam: An architectural wonder and historical site that is essential to the area’s supply of electricity and water.
11. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area: Nestled in a rough desert setting, this area is known for its special inscriptions.
12. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge: A haven for a variety of animals and plants with unique desert views.
Along The California Route
1. El Dorado Hot Springs: Natural hot springs that offer a haven of peace in the Arizona desert.
2. Quartzsite: Rockhounds and RV lovers visit this lively town, known for its winter swap meets and gem displays.
3. Buckskin Mountain State Park: Nestled along the Colorado River, this Park offers beautiful views of the river and a variety of outdoor activities.
4. Cattail Cove State Park: A lovely park with excellent boating and fishing located on Lake Havasu’s coastline.
5. Havasu Rocks & Lake Havasu Museum of History: Highlighting the region’s rich past and unique rock displays.
6. London Bridge, Lake Havasu City: An amazing piece of English architecture brought to Arizona.
7. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge: The area popular for birding stretches along the Colorado River.
8. Mystic Maze Honey: A local honey producer offering a sample of the unique tastes of the region’s honey.
9. Fort Mohave: A significant historical site with plenty of Native American and military history.
These highlights are only an example of the wide range of attractions that await travelers heading from Phoenix to Las Vegas.
The perfect time to go on a road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas
It’s crucial to plan beforehand for the ideal time for driving from Phoenix to Las Vegas in order to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable trip, especially if you’re choosing the beautiful Grand Canyon Route. Here are some things to consider:
Summer Considerations:
1. Summer travel is uncomfortable in Phoenix due to high heat and humidity, while Las Vegas can reach triple digits.
2. On the other hand, events like the Flagstaff Folk Festival in June are available if you choose to deal with the heat.
Winter Considerations:
1. The winter season temperatures, which typically range from 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, attract tourists who are fleeing areas of cold.
2. Expect crowds and higher lodging costs throughout the holidays, as Las Vegas remains popular despite the cold weather.
3. Take note that while the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is reachable via our recommended route, is open throughout the year, the North Rim closes during the winter months.
Optimal Times for Fall and Spring:
1. Fall and spring provide comfortable temperatures, typically in the 80s, which are perfect for outdoor activities and travel.
2. During certain seasons, hotels in Las Vegas tend to be more reasonably priced.
3. These times of year are also excellent for exploring places like the Grand Canyon and Sedona.
Events to Take Into Account:
Don’t miss the Grand Canyon Music Festival if you’re visiting in September. In May, Helldorado Days, a unique cultural event, takes place in Las Vegas.
Given these considerations, fall and spring seem as the best seasons for your trip, with pleasant weather and ideal conditions for exploring both natural wonders and urban sites along the route.
Accommodations When You Reach Las Vegas
When you reach Las Vegas, there are plenty of places to stay suitable for every taste and price range. Here are a few popular options:
1. Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Along the famous Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas is known for its luxurious hotels and resorts. For luxurious lodging, excellent services, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, think about booking a stay at one of the city’s renowned hotels, such as the Cosmopolitan, Wynn Las Vegas, The Venetian, or Bellagio.
2. Mid-Range Hotels: There are many mid-range hotels and resorts in Las Vegas if you’re searching for cozy lodging at a more reasonable cost. A balance between quality and value can be found at places like the MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, and Mirage.
3. Boutique Hotels: Consider booking a room away from the Strip for a distinctive and boutique experience.
2. Mid-Range Hotels: There are many mid-range hotels and resorts in Las Vegas if you’re looking for cozy lodging at a more reasonable cost. A balance between quality and value can be found at places like the MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, and Mirage.
3. Boutique Hotels : If you’re looking for an unique and boutique experience, try staying in the Arts District or off the Strip in downtown Las Vegas. Boutique hotels with an individual feel may be found at places like The Palms, The LINQ Hotel + Experience, and The Cromwell.
4. Vacation Rentals: Use websites like Airbnb or VRBO to hire a vacation rental if you’d want more space and privacy. A wide range of houses, apartments, and condos can be found all over Las Vegas’ different areas.
5. Cheap Accommodations: Las Vegas offers affordable hotel and motel options for tourists on a tight budget. Excalibur, Luxor, Flamingo, and Circus Circus are a few hotels that provide affordable rooms without compromising luxury or comfort.
6. Casino Hotels: A lot of Las Vegas’ hotels are connected to casinos, making it easier to enjoy dining, entertainment, gaming, and nightlife. Your stay in Las Vegas can be improved by staying in a casino hotel like the Aria, MGM Grand, or Caesars Palace, regardless of your level of experience with gaming or just your desire to have fun.
No matter where you decide to stay, be sure to book your hotel room in advance, particularly if you’re going to be there during a busy travel period or for a major occasion. To save as much money as possible and make the most of your time in Las Vegas, make the most of any specials or packages that the accommodations are offering.
Conclusion
We’ve covered every detail of planning a road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas in our extensive guide. We’ve included an in-depth Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip guide to make sure your trip is hassle-free and enjoyable, from highlighting route options and scenic stops to talking about the best times to go and offering accommodation suggestions. Whether you’re looking for thrill in Las Vegas or adventure in the desert, this our Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip guide gives you the information you need to make the trip memorable. Now that you have the information needed to make amazing memories along the way, go out on your road trip with confidence.