How far is it from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
For those who are looking forward to a road trip, nothing beats the feeling of planning out one for a journey from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. While it may be a little less than a four-hours drive, the drive can be a lot of fun and rewarding. Therefore, it’s important to know exactly how far the two places are.
The exact distance between Grand Canyon and Las Vegas is about 277 miles or 446 kilometers. This can be broken down into three different stretch of roads, including the 93-mile drive on the 89A which takes you from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff where you can take the I-40 east towards the I-15 southeast. The second stretch is a 105-mile drive from Flagstaff to Kingman followed by the final stretch of approximately 70 miles on the I-93 to get to Las Vegas.
For most people, there is no point taking the regular route, as there are much shorter routes available taking you to Las Vegas via Golden Isles Parkway and then taking 93 once again. The total route is about 343 miles, and with the right vehicle, can be completed in two and a half hours.
But even though the distance is only about 277 miles, it’s important to remember that due to the terrain, the journey can take much longer. This is due to the steep hills and twisting roads, which can take a toll on the car as well as the driver.
The trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is also a major adventure. But before you embark on this road trip, it is important to ensure that you are well-equipped and have all the necessary documents for both states. A Grand Canyon entry fee of $35 is also required for all vehicles entering the Grand Canyon.
The National Parks Service of Arizona has shared some great tips to be prepared while navigating the Grand Canyon in their website. They suggest to carry plenty of food and water which will come in handy in case of an emergency. They also recommend with way-finding including maps and a GPS device as the views along the route can be phenomenal and it’s easy to take a wrong turn without even realizing it.
For those who love soccer and fishing, the Lake mead Recreation area which is just a couple of hours away from the Grand Canyon is the best place to be. It has two marinas, several soccer and fishing venues, and a golf course, which makes it the perfect place to indulge in these activities.
The Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world and its status as an astonishing tourist destination cannot be denied. It is truly a must-visit destination and with a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you are sure to witness some extraordinary views.
Wildlife
Animals, like any other living beings, require certain about of habitat with appropriate food items and surrounding to survive. The Grand Canyon, being a vast area of land distinct from any cities or large towns around, is home to many wild species of animals, animals, birds and insects.
Among the major animal species found here include rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals. Coyotes, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and elk are some of the more common species of mammals, while small birds such as mourning doves, broad tailed and black backed woodpeckers, Steller’s jays and red headed woodpeckers are some of the more common species of birds. Coyotes, Gila monsters, rattlesnakes, lizards, frogs and toads can be found here as well.
Apart from these, people who love to keep a look are likely to find more than 20 other species of birds, mammals and reptiles, while doing a canyon tour. Also, with the right timing and luck, it is quite possible to witness desert bighorn sheep roaming around the South Rims.
Dog owners should note that keeping their four-legged friends with them while visiting or travelling through the Grand Canyon is not allowed. As the national park authorities prohibit the presence of pet animals within the boundaries of the Canyon.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not an issue when it comes to the Grand Canyon as there are a lot of options to choose from. There are both expensive and budget-friendly hotels and lodges around the Park. Starting from the most luxurious ones to the affordable ones, visitors to the canyon can easily find something suitable for their needs.
The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim is one of the most amazing and luxurious hotel near the Grand Canyon. Located close to the rim of the canyon, the lodge offers spectacular views of the canyon and is only three miles from the canyon entrance. It offers a variety of rooms to choose from, such as standard, deluxe, and historic.
Another great option is Maswik Lodge, which is one of the few lodges located inside the canyon. The lodge offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price. It also has a restaurant, bar and small pool. A visit to the park is never complete without a stay at the Maswik Lodge.
For people traveling on a tight budget, there are plenty of motels, RV parks and camping options available near the Grand Canyon.
Food and Dining
The Grand Canyon is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes located in and around the Park. They serve all types of cuisines, ranging from traditional American to international.
One of the most popular is the El Tovar Hotel located at the South Rim. It is a beautiful hotel which serves traditional American cuisine, with an emphasis on steak and seafood. They also offer a variety of light snacks and desserts. It is one of the best places to enjoy a meal with a view of the beautiful canyon walls.
The Canyon Star restaurant is another popular eatery located inside the Grand Canyon Village. It offers its own unique take on American and international cuisine. The restaurant includes a self-serve style eatery, bar, and a family-style dining option.
There are also several cafes and restaurants located outside the Grand Canyon, such as the Las Vegas Cafe and Flagstaff’s Lumberjack Cafe. These are great places to enjoy a variety of local snacks and meals.
Activities
With the number of restaurants and cafes in and around the Grand Canyon, travelers also have an array of activities they can do at the park.
One of the most popular is hiking, as Arizona is dotted with trails of different levels and grades. Visitors also have the option of going on a horseback trail. This is particularly good if your group does not feel like travelling on foot. However, it is recommended that you get a guide if you plan on going this route as the trails in the Grand Canyon can be hazardous in places.
The Grand Canyon also offers thrilling rafting tours. This is one of the most exciting ways to experience the canyon as it gives travelers a chance to view the canyon from a completely different perspective. A guided tour is the best option as it ensures that the participants are safe and that you get to wade through the roughest of rapids.
In addition to these activities, visitors can also explore the Grand Canyon by plane. Helicopter tours offer views of the canyon that you will not get by any other method. They are also a great option for people who don’t have the whole day to take part in all the activities.
And lastly, for those who want to stay close to home, there are plenty of opportunities to explore two national parks located near the Grand Canyon – the Petrified Forest National Park and the Wupatki National Monument. The former is home to fossilized trees and the latter is home to ruins of a 700-year-old settlement.
