10 Awesome Stops from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon North Rim by Car

Vegas, baby! Is there anything more exciting than spending time in Sin City? Well, what about spending time in Sin City and then heading out into the desert for an amazing road trip to the Grand Canyon North Rim?

There’s one big decision you’ve got to make before hittin’ the open road, though.

Are you headed directly to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, or is a South Rim visit part of your plans, too?

Map of Stops between from Las Vegas NV to Grand Canyon North Rim

Either way, Shaka Guide has you covered! Here are some of our favorite roadside attractions and must-see stops to give you the most memorable road trip–no matter which way the wind takes you!

Stops If You're Heading to North Rim

The quickest path from downtown Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is Interstate 15 North. This is about a four-and-a-half hour drive, and about half of it is through the desert and not much else. However, here are five great activities to break up the monotony.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

7000 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89115

Photo by Caitlyn Wilson on Unsplash

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is just past the city limits but chock full of excitement. Come see an actual NASCAR race, take a tour of the track, or visit the NASCAR museum and gift shop. Or, if you’re seeking a bit more excitement, the Speedway offers racing experiences that put you behind the wheel of some of the fastest cars in the country!

Valley of Fire State Park

29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040

Photo by Eva Darron on Unsplash

Located about 50 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip, Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, Nevada is 40,000 miles of red sandstone paradise! Enjoy scenic drives through beautiful landscapes, stargazing, and hiking trails for all skill levels.

Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner

Hillside Ave Mesquite, NV (36.81026, -114.06305)

peggy sue diner facade Peggy Sues Diner

The quaint town of Mesquite, Nevada is about an hour north of Valley of Fire State Park. There are several shops, pit stops and restaurants to keep you busy, but Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner is definitely the most unique. It’s been around since 1952, and the American fare menu hasn’t changed much since. You can also listen to 50s tunes on the jukebox and wander through a gift shop full of movie memorabilia!

Zion National Park

Springdale, Utah

Photo by Danika Perkinson on Unsplash

For anyone headed to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Zion National Park is an almost essential stop! A short drive from St. George, Utah, Zion is home to fantastic hikes, scenic drives, and unique wildlife. Zion’s iconic rock formations were once home to paleo-indian tribes whose petroglyphs can still be seen to this day!

If you go, be sure to take Shaka Guide’s Zion National Park Tour with you. We’ve customized a tour for you that highlights everything the park has to offer and tells you the stories of the people and places that built Zion.

Pipe Springs National Monument

406 Pipe Springs Road Fredonia, AZ 86022

Photo by Roger Lipera on Unsplash

Head south on route 389, cross the Utah/Arizona border and you’ll be at the Pipe Springs National Monument in about 40 minutes. This is one of the starting points of Shaka Guide’s Grand Canyon North Rim tour, and it’s a cool piece of Arizona history.

The Pipe Spring has been the desert’s water source for centuries of people– Ancestral Puebloans, the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, missionaries, traders, explorers and ethnographers, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the National Park Service.

Stops If You're Heading to South Rim

If you’re trading the bright lights of Sin City for the grand majesty of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, you’ll want to head south on Highway 93, and then hop onto the historic Route 66 East around Kingman, Arizona. The drive is about 280 miles, but don’t worry there’s loads to do along the way. Here are some fantastic stops to break up the nearly four-hour trip.

Santa Claus, Arizona

GPS coordinates: 35°20′12″N 114°12′59″W

Todd Huffman from Phoenix, AZ, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Santa Claus, Arizona was a short-lived Christmas-themed town located in Mohave County, Arizona. Established in the 1930s, it aimed to capture the spirit of the holiday year-round. The town featured a Santa-themed amusement park, gift shops, and a post office where children could send letters to Santa.

Visitors could enjoy holiday-themed attractions such as a petting zoo and a miniature train ride. However, due to financial difficulties and a decline in tourism, the town closed in the late 1990s. Today, Santa Claus, Arizona is essentially a Christmas-themed ghost town full of aging relics. It’s a terrific place to get some Instagram-worthy photos!

Kingman, Arizona

GPS Coordinates: 35.189442, -114.053009

city in the dessert

Kingman, Arizona is nestled in the heart of the Mojave Desert. It’s a vibrant city with a charming downtown adorned with vintage architecture, unique shops, and local eateries, providing a delightful experience for visitors.

The area's diverse attractions include the nostalgic Route 66 and the fascinating Mohave Museum of History and Arts. With its warm climate, friendly community, and a perfect blend of history and nature, Kingman is a destination that captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Peach Springs, Arizona

Grand Canyon Caverns—Lauri Väin from Tallinn, Estonia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Peach Springs, Arizona, is a small community located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation and offers a unique range of experiences for visitors. One of the main attractions is the Grand Canyon West, which is home to the famous Skywalk. This glass-bottomed bridge offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and is a must-visit for thrill-seekers.

Additionally, visitors can take helicopter tours, enjoy whitewater rafting adventures on the Colorado River, or explore the stunning landscapes on hiking and camping trips. The Hualapai Cultural Center provides an opportunity to learn about the rich Native American heritage of the area.

Keepers of the Wild Nature Park

13441 E Hwy 66 Valentine, AZ 86437

Zzyzx, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience this incredible sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of exotic animals! The park serves as a safe haven for a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, primates, and more. Visitors can embark on guided tours that provide a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about their individual stories.

The park's knowledgeable staff educates visitors about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these animals. Keepers of the Wild also offers opportunities for volunteering and supporting their efforts in caring for the rescued animals.

Williams, Arizona

GPS Coordinates: 35.2495° N, 112.1910° W

Pine Country Restaurant, Williams, AZ (photo by Jess Conaway

Williams, Arizona is chock-full of historic Route 66 nostalgia! Hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway and enjoy a scenic train ride to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon experience the nostalgia of train travel and take in the breathtaking views along the way.

Discover the town's history at the Williams Depot, explore local shops, dine in charming restaurants, and enjoy live entertainment and events that often take place in the downtown area.

If you’re looking for a personal recommendation, Shaka Guide writers love breakfast at the Pine Country Restaurant (107 N. Grand Canyon Blvd)! Come for the famous cinnamon roll, and stay for the friendly, western hospitality!

FAQs about Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim

How far is Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is approximately 275 miles from the Grand Canyon South Rim, which is about a 4.5 to 5-hour drive. The North Rim is roughly 270 miles away, with a similar driving time.

What part of the Grand Canyon is best to visit from Las Vegas?

The Grand Canyon's South Rim is the best part to visit from Las Vegas. It's closer and offers iconic viewpoints, visitor centers, and more amenities for a memorable experience.

Are there any entrance fees for the Grand Canyon?

The entrance fees for the Grand Canyon vary. the fees were approximately $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, fees may change, and there are different rates for individuals, motorcycles, and more. It's advisable to check the most up-to-date entrance fees on the official Grand Canyon National Park website or contact the park authorities for the latest information.

What are the road and weather conditions like during different seasons?

Generally, the roads are well-maintained, but in winter, there may be icy patches, especially as you gain elevation near the Grand Canyon. It's essential to check weather updates and, if traveling in winter, be prepared for possible snow and ice, including carrying tire chains.

Can I visit both the South Rim and the North Rim in one day?

Trying to visit both the South Rim and the North Rim in one day can be quite ambitious due to the distance between them. Consider planning separate days for each rim to truly appreciate their unique beauty.

The Bottom Line

No matter which route you choose, the journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon North Rim is full of fantastic finds and hidden gems just waiting to be explored! You’re sure to make some unforgettable memories along the way.

Once you reach the Grand Canyon you can select our South Rim or North Rim tour! And, don’t forget our Las Vegas Day Trips Bundle featuring the iconic Hoover Dam and nearby Red Rock Canyon.

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

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