The Best Road Trip you Can Take from Las Vegas: Exploring the National Parks of the American Southwest

Las Vegas is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States; with non-stop entertainment, world-class restaurants and luxury spas it’s no surprise that Las Vegas draws over 40 million visitors each year.The glitz of Sin City can be a rush but truth be told that’s not what brings me to Las Vegas, rather it’s the proximity of Las Vegas to some of the most spectacular national parks in the United States that keeps me coming back. While you can certainly base yourself in Las Vegas and take some spectacular day trips you can also head out on one of the best road trips in the USA. Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon offer up the most amazing scenery that the American Southwest has to offer, and if you’ve got a week and four wheels this is the absolute best road trip you can take from Las Vegas.

 This post was produced in collaboration with Grand American Adventures but as always all opinions remain my own.The Casual Travelist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

Head east out of Las Vegas on US 15 and it’s about 3 hours until you reach St. George, Utah; the gateway to Zion National Park. Plan on spending at least two days in Zion National Park (and more if you can, aside from Zion National Park there are some great state parks in Southern Utah) in order to have enough time to see the highlights of Zion National Park. The variety of red rock scenery has made Zion one of my favorite national parks, and while you can spend weeks exploring there are two hikes that will show off the best of what Zion has to offer. Angel’s Landing is a 2.5 mile hike, parts of which are steep and narrow, but hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. The Narrows in Zion National Park is one of the most unique hikes you can do as the hike is IN the Virgin River allowing for unparalleled views of the sandstone slot canyons. Be sure to stop by Zion Adventure Company to get properly outfitted and to find out the latest canyon conditions.

An 1.5 hour drive east from Zion takes you to Bryce National Park to continue your red rock adventures. Bryce is best known for its hoodoos; otherworldly geologic spires in shades of orange pink and cream. Popular hikes include the Navajo and Queen’s Loop which will let you trek among these beautiful rock formations or you could stick to the Rim Trail for panoramic views of the hoodoos.

After an overnight near Bryce fuel up with a cappuccino from Bryce Canyon Coffee head south to the Navajo Nation (the largest Native American reservation in the United States) along the Utah/Arizona border. It’s here you’ll find the spectacular Monument Valley, whose iconic sandstone cliffs have been seen in countless movies and television shows including Stagecoach and Forrest Gump. In addition to marveling at the gorgeous Old West scenery learning about Navajo culture over a traditional Native American meal is sure to be an experience you’ll never forget.

Continuing south through the Navajo Nation to arrive at the east entrance of the Grand Canyon. At a staggering 277 miles long, 1 mile deep and up to 13 miles wide it’s no surprise that the Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Whether you enjoy the views from the rim, hike down to the canyon floor or splurge out on a helicopter ride the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most incredible spectacles.

A quick four hour drive west (part of which will take you on the iconic Route 66) brings you back to the glitz of Las Vegas. If you want to take this trip yourself and let someone else do all the planning check out my friends at Grand American Adventures . Adventure by day and cozy boutique hotels at night, it really doesn’t get much better than that!