Are you looking for a detailed Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip itinerary? We’ve got you covered.
Imagine driving along a desert highway. You’re hitting the road between two iconic desert cities in the Southwest. Each town and natural area you pass through have its own unique character and charm. You can’t wait to explore everything these destinations have to offer, from the glittering lights of the Vegas Strip to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon National Park.
A Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip is a classic American adventure. This itinerary will take your family through some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the country, from red rock formations to ghost towns and outdoor adventures.
So buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready for an epic journey through the desert!
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A few things to know when planning an Arizona to Las Vegas road trip
🚗 Rent your car
You can rent a car directly from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). I recommend you compare pricing on DiscoverCars. You can also rent a campervan from Escape Campervans in Phoenix and drop in in Las Vegas.
🛏️ Accommodation
If you enjoy camping and van life, I would highly recommend doing so. The USA Southwest is perfect for camping. You’ll find a lot of options for private campgrounds, national parks campgrounds, and lots of dispersed camping (on BLM lands).
There are many apps to help you plan your camping trip. Make sure to download The Dyrt app, so you have access to thousands and thousands of campgrounds, from RV resorts to dispersed campsites. Plus, you’ll be able to read reviews from past campers to see if it’s suitable for your needs and family.
In this Phoenix to Las Vegas itinerary, you will find a mixture of accommodation options. My trip was mostly a Van Life road trip, but you will find options such as glamping, resorts, RV parks, and camping.
🎒 Packing
Packing for a road trip can be a big task, especially if you are coming from out of town by car or flying in. I suggest you pack the essentials and when you arrive, head to REI. They have anything and everything you would need for a camping trip, should you want to camp instead of paying for cabins along the way. They also have an amazing return policy, essentially no questions asked.
Don’t forget to read our camping road trip essential packing list article to be prepared.
Phoenix to Vegas road trip: a 9-day itinerary for the family
✍️ Thank you so much Justin from JustinTravel for this amazing 9-day itinerary for a Arizona to Las Vegas road trip. Justin is a Mexican-American digital nomad, who spends his time networking and making memories while traveling.
The drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip is about 300 miles (X km), but in this itinerary, you’ll make a detour to Utah’s famous Mighty 5 National Parks.
I recommend doing it in at least 9 days (maybe more if you want to stay a few days in Phoenix at the start of your trip and a few days in Las Vegas at the end of your trip).
Day 1: Start your trip; from Phoenix, Arizona to Monument Valley
- Distance: 343 Miles
- Route: I-17 N, US-89 N, US-160 E
- Stops: Rock Springs Café, Wupatki Spirit Totem, Flagstaff City, Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks, Wagon Wheel Rest Area
*The stops you make depend on which highway you choose.
Get an early start and pick up any missing supplies for your trip. I suggest you leave Phoenix no later than 10:00 AM, as Monument Valley is 5 ½ hours from your starting point.
Ideally, you’ll want to leave really early in the morning so you can stop at Montezuma castle national monument, see the red rocks of Sedona and explore Slide Rock State Park in between Sedona and Flagstaff.
More time for this trip?
Add a few days near Sedona
This leaves you with just enough time to enter the valley and catch some last remaining daylight and beautiful sunset.
Once you arrive at Monument Valley, make your way to the entrance one hour before closing time, so you can begin the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop, also known as “Valley Drive”, a scenic road.
You don’t need a 4×4 for this road, but it is very bumpy. Make sure your belongings are secure, especially if you opted in for a Van Life trip vs just a regular road trip (lots of things fall from your home on the road).
It cost $8 per person (free for children 7 years old and under) to enter Monument Valley.
A common question is if one can use their America the Beautiful Pass. However, since this location is actually part of the Navajo Nation, it is not included or managed by the National Parks Service. Permits are first come first serve, so if you are going during high season, it may be best to drive here the night before, camp, and then do the loop in the early morning. It’s easy to get lost around this area, so just keep your map handy!
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center Hours
- High season (1 April – 30 September) 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, 7 days a week
- Low season (1 October – 30 March) 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, 7 days a week
- Thanksgiving Day – 8:00 am – noon
- New Year’s Eve – Closed
- Christmas Day – Closed
Scenic Valley Drive Hours
Valley Drive Hours in winter (1 november – 31 January): 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Other suggested things to do in Monument Valley
- Wildcat Trail – 3.2-mile loop
- Forrest Gump Point
Where to stay for the night at Monument Valley
Popular accommodation options are Goulding’s Lodge Monument Valley at the entrance of the park, The View Hotel, and Monument Valley Tipi Village.
Check Booking.com and VRBO for more options.
Alternatively, make your way to “Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping Area” which is a BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping area. A thing to note about BLM camps; many don’t have restrooms, they are natural areas, be sure to clean your spaces and follow their rules.
Day 2: Valley of the Gods dispersed camping area To Canyonlands
- Distance: 115 Miles
- Route: US-191 N and UT-211 W
- Stops: Twin Rocks Cafe, The Dinosaur Museum
The next stop, Canyonlands, will be about 3 hours from your campsite. This day will be a day of hiking and scenic drives. Be sure to have enough water and snacks for the day. The mesa arch trail can be easily done with the whole family.
If you want to explore more of Utah’s national parks, check out this 10-day itinerary.
Things to do at Canyonlands National Park with kids
- Mesa Arch Trail – 0.5 miles
- White Rim Overlook Trail – 1.8 miles
- Grand Viewpoint Trail – 2.0 miles
- Murphy Point Trail – 3.6 miles
- Upheaval Dome Trail – 2.0 miles
- Aztec Butte Trail – 2.0 miles
- Island in the Sky Visitor Center
- Shafer Canyon Overlook
- Dead Horse Point State Park
Where to stay near Canyonlands National Park
There are many options for where to stay, but many campgrounds fill up throughout the year. It’s better to plan and book ahead. Even some RV parks will be full. We got lucky and managed to find a spot at the Moab Rim RV Park.
Some options include:
- Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat) – in the park – 12 spots – first come first serve
- Horsethief Campground – BLM
- Moab Rim RV Park
Day 3: Canyonlands National Park to Arches National Park
- Distance: 26 miles
- Route: UT-313 E
- Stops: Optional Moab town for lunch
Arches National Park is really close to Canyonlands National Park. If you were able to secure some national parks’ campsites, I would recommend staying inside Arches NP. But, you may want to find lodging in Moab and explore both national parks from Moab.
Arches National Parks requires a timed reservation, meaning you can only enter during a specific time window. You need to make reservations ahead of time.
This is a family favorite. You can take amazing photos of different arches, and even sit under some for some shade.
Be careful in some areas as the trails can get steep when reaching some arches. The double arch trail has a lot of foot traffic and is probably easiest for families.
Things to do in Arches National Park with kids:
- Hike the Upper Delicate Arch Trail
- Hike Devil’s Garden Trail to Landscape Arch – 1.9 miles RT
- Visit Double Arch
- Hike Park Avenue Trail
- Hike Sand Dune Arch
- Visit Balanced Rock/Garden of Eden
Where to stay in Arches National Park
- Devils Garden Campground
- BLM: First come first serve
Day 4: Arches National Park to Capitol Reef National Park
- Distance: 152 Miles
- Route: UT-24 W
- Stops: Duke’s Slickrock Grill, Gifford Homestead
After a 2-hour drive, you will reach the next spot, where I suggest you make reservations for a campground. We were able to get a spot in the Fruita Campground. This park has a great stop for some locally made pie, right within the park at the Gifford Homestead. Take it easy today, and consider treating yourself to a hot spring in the town of Monroe.
Things to do in Capitol Reef National Park with kids
- Eat Pie at Gifford Homestead
- Hickman Bridge Trail 1.6 miles
- Capitol Reef Petroglyph Trail: .3 miles
- Panorama Point hike: 0.3 miles
- Hotspring
Mystic Hot Springs & Red Hill Hot Springs
Relax this evening and take a dip in a natural hot spring! There are two great options.
- Mystic Hot Springs: You must make reservations, there are many hot spring-fed pools to relax in, great for families or large groups
- Red Hill Hot Springs: For budget hunters, this hot spring is free, but small, so be ready to share. There are two levels, the first one is very accessible and fits 4 – 5 people. The second level requires that you climb up a steep rocky area, where a hidden spot can fit two people. This spot has amazing views of the town.
Where to stay in Capitol Reel National Park
You can opt to stay around the area or head to the town of Monroe. I got a spot at Monroe Camping RV Park.
Day 5: Monroe to Bryce Canyon National Park
- Distance: 100 miles
- Route: US 89S
- Stops: Plute State Park, Butch Cassidy Childhood Home, Panguitch Park
After a 2-hour drive, you will reach your next destination. The city of Tropic and Bryce Canyon City along highway 12, have many options for accommodation.
Take this opportunity to rent a cabin for a night or two. Alternatively, the park does have accommodation if you book ahead of time. You will need at least a half day to hike Bryce canyon and take in the sights.
You can find a beautiful, easy hike by a river if you look for “Mossy Cave”, on Google Maps. There are also ATV rentals and other excursions found around the area.
Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park with kids
- Sunset Point to Sunrise Point trail – 1.1 miles
- Bristlecone Loop Trail – 1.0 mile
- Mossy Cave Trail – 0.8 miles
- Eat at Bryce Canyon Pines
Where to stay in Bryce Canyon
- Camp: North and Sunset Campground first come first served
- Cabin: Bryce Valley Lodging
Find more lodging options near Bryce Canyon here.
Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park
- Distance: 72 miles
- Route: US-89 S
- Stops: Hatch Station Cafe and Motel, Mt. Carmel Highway Scenic Drive
Zion National Park is one of the most frequented parks, so be sure to arrive early.
I had to circle around different parking lots for about 45 minutes before being able to find an appropriate parking spot.
One of the most recommended spots in Zion (if you have older kids that enjoy hiking) is Angels Landing, but this hike requires a reservation. It really should only be attempted with older children as it can be a daunting trail.
If you have time for only one major hike, I would suggest taking a look at the Narrow Trail. It’s a beautiful trail within the gorge of Zion Canyon.
You’ll get wet and can expect water to be chest high. I have seen families attempt this hike. Bring a flotation device for the kids, and only go as far as you are all comfortable going.
There are shuttles throughout the park to reach different destinations.
Things to do in Zion National Park with kids
- Hike the narrows
- For small children: Pa’rus Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, and Riverside Walk Trail
Where to stay near Zion National Park
Springdale is where many people choose to stay. As this is a popular national park, be sure to book accommodation months in advance. There are options for staying within the park as well, check the Zion National Park website for more information. You can find hotels on Booking.com or glamping accommodations on VRBO.
Find more lodging options near Bryce Canyon here.
Day 7: Explore Zion National Park
Things don’t always go as planned so it’s wise to plan an extra day in case there are car issues, or simply you want to spend more time in one area.
I choose to spend an extra day in Zion so that I could hike the narrows one day, and explore trails the other day.
Day 8: Drive to Las Vegas
- Distance: 160 miles
- Route: I-15 S
- Stops: Fort Zion, St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, Black Bear Diner St. George
After 7 days of hiking, anyone will be exhausted. Make your way toward Vegas, the sin city, and relax for the day.
Things to do in Vegas with kids:
- Watch a Vegas show, such as the Cirque du Soleil or the Tournament of Kings At Excalibur
- Enjoy shows, the pools, and other attractions at your Vegas hotel
Where to stay in Las Vegas
Circus Circus is a cheap place to stay near the Vegas strip. It’s really family-friendly and kids will love the waterpark. Take a break and relax for the day. There are many arcades and attractions for all to enjoy, while mom and dad take a day for themselves to gamble or relax.
Day 9: Las Vegas
If you made it this far, congratulations! You must have an adventurous family.
One of the Las Vegas attractions that are becoming more popular is the Emerald Cove Kayaking tour. Grab a kayak, and make your way down the Colorado river. You’ll paddle towards a beautiful cove that shines green when the sun hits it.
This tour can be strenuous, so only join if your family is able to handle being in the sun for a few hours and rowing the kayaks.
»» Learn more about this Emerald Cove Kayaking tour ««
As for the second half of the day, head to Meow Wolf.
Meow Wolf is an interactive experience based inside a grocery store, Omega Mart. Enjoy minigames and hidden passages in every corner. It can take more than one visit to fully explore this world.
»» Find more things to do for kids in Las Vegas here.
A few extra days?
Visit the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, historic Route 66, and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
F.A.Q Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip
How far from Las Vegas to Phoenix?
There is 300 km between Las Vegas and Phoenix if you use the fastest and most direct route.
Final Thoughts: Phoenix to Las Vegas Road Trip
Your family will have made many memories by the end of this trip. From beautiful arches, river hikes, and Las Vegas experiences.
But be ready for a jam-packed trip of a lifetime.
