Planning a Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey? These handy itineraries will assist you plan your journey with ease!
A Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey is without doubt one of the most unbelievable adventures to have in western USA. From the legendary seashores and nationwide parks of Southern California, to the rugged crimson rocks of Arizona, you possibly can drive by some unbelievable sights on a Grand Canyon highway journey.
There are just a few methods to drive from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. Our highway journey information options the 2 greatest routes to take.
One heads immediately from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon’s South Rim, and the opposite follows a northern route by Las Vegas, southern Utah, and in direction of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
Each drives are full of cool sights to entertain nature fans, rock climbers, wildlife lovers, metropolis dwellers and extra.
Our Grand Canyon highway journey ideas will assist you plan essentially the most handy journey by western USA. When you arrive on the Grand Canyon on the finish of the highway journey, we’ll point out a number of the greatest issues to do on this well-known nationwide park.
How lengthy is a Los Angeles To Grand Canyon drive?
Driving immediately from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park is about 8 hours if you happen to drive nonstop. So you possibly can full the drive in a day! But it surely’s far more enjoyable to take the scenic route and cease at one of the best nationwide parks, cities, and nature preserves alongside the way in which.
The precise driving time in your highway journey will rely upon what number of stops you’re taking and your closing vacation spot within the Grand Canyon.
We’re going to offer two totally different highway journey itineraries from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon. Every highway journey could possibly be finished in a straight shot, or they are often prolonged into just a few days if you wish to make stops.
It’s round 500 miles from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, and there may be a lot to do when you arrive on the well-known pure surprise. So take your time and attempt to spend at the least just a few days or perhaps a week or extra for this journey.
The easiest way to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the most important vary of automobiles for one of the best worth in the marketplace.
What’s one of the simplest ways to get from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park?
The Grand Canyon is an enormous space, and there are two totally different routes from Los Angeles.
The primary is from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon South Rim. That is about 491 miles and seven hours and 20 minutes of driving (with out stops). It’s essentially the most direct route and takes you straight from California into Arizona.
This route takes you east out of LA and previous Palm Springs, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, and Lake Havasu Metropolis. Then you definately’ll arrive on the South Rim Grand Canyon Village.
There’s one other route that’s extra handy for these visiting the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This route takes you northeast out of LA in direction of the Mojave Nationwide Protect. You’ll then move by Las Vegas in Nevada, and head into southern Utah the place you might cease to discover Zion and Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. Then you definately’ll depart Utah and enter northern Arizona earlier than reaching the North Rim Customer Heart.
The northern route takes round 8 hours and quarter-hour of driving to the North Rim Customer Heart, protecting roughly 533 miles (with out stops).
Ought to I go to the North Rim or South Rim of the Grand Canyon?
First time guests to the Grand Canyon typically select the South Rim as a result of it has plenty of amenities and wonderful views. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is much less touristy and extra wild. Each are breathtaking!
If in case you have the time, you are able to do each of our highway journeys from Los Angeles! Begin with the southern route whenever you drive from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. Discover the South, then drive to the North and expertise each areas.
To drive between the North and South of the Grand Canyon takes round 4 hours since it’s important to go across the canyon. So solely take into account this selection when you’ve got loads of time.
After testing the North, you possibly can return to Los Angeles through the northern route in reverse. You may want round 2 weeks at the least for each highway journey itineraries and some days exploring each ends of the Grand Canyon.
However when you’ve got time, that is essentially the most unbelievable journey from Los Angeles!
Have extra time in Arizona? Take a look at these High Issues To Do In Arizona!
What number of days is sufficient for the Grand Canyon?
Although many individuals go to the Grand Canyon as a day journey, the extra time you’ve got there, the higher. If you happen to’re solely visiting the South Rim, attempt to have 2 days at least. 3 days or extra is right!
If you happen to’re going to go to each the South and North of the Grand Canyon, attempt to spend at the least 2 days in every place. And bear in mind it takes 4 hours to drive between the 2.
You possibly can tackle multiday treks and tenting adventures within the Grand Canyon when you’ve got time. However the time you spend right here is as much as you. Even if you happen to solely have a day on the Grand Canyon, it’s higher than by no means seeing this pure surprise!
If you happen to solely have time to go to one facet of the Grand Canyon, you might additionally take into account a helicopter tour! This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Grand Canyon Nationwide Park and you may see the entire canyon from the sky with out having to drive from place to position.
What time of yr is greatest for a Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey?
One of the best time for a Grand Canyon highway journey is both spring (March, April, Could) or autumn (September, October, November).
These months fall below “shoulder season”, that means they’re between peak vacationer season and off season. Not solely are temperatures essentially the most nice throughout these months, however costs are usually decrease and crowds are much less intense.
A Grand Canyon highway journey is doable in summer time, however the climate could be very popular which isn’t supreme for mountaineering. A winter highway journey is doable as nicely, and chances are you’ll even see some snow in sure excessive elevations! However desert temperatures could be excessive, so chances are you’ll encounter some chilly climate and highway closures.
Spring and autumn are undoubtedly one of the best months for a Grand Canyon highway journey due to the perfect climate circumstances.
Whether or not you wish to go horseback driving by the desert, tackle an iconic hike by a canyon, tour an exquisite metropolis, or swim in pristine lakes, spring or autumn will present essentially the most comfy temperatures for all actions.
Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Street Journey Itinerary – South Rim
So listed here are the 2 greatest highway journey itineraries for touring from Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. These highway journeys additionally work in reverse if you happen to’re going from the Grand Canyon to Los Angeles.
The primary route is right for visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The second is right for visiting the North Rim. Each could be modified nevertheless you wish to fit your schedule!
We’ve damaged up the itinerary so that you solely should drive just a few hours at a time. Be at liberty to skip any locations or spend longer at any given place, relying on how lengthy you need your highway journey to be.
Los Angeles
Earlier than you start your Grand Canyon route, attempt to spend just a few days exploring Los Angeles! This unbelievable metropolis is dwelling to fabulous seashores, distinctive neighborhoods, epic nightlife, and countless leisure.
These desirous about artwork and tradition can tour the Getty Heart, the Broad, or the Los Angeles County Museum of Artwork. If you happen to’re extra desirous about movie and leisure, go to the wonderful Common Studios Hollywood or tour the enduring Warner Bros Studios.
The Hollywood Stroll of Fame, the Hollywood Signal, and the Griffith Observatory are different highlights of Los Angeles, significantly for many who need a photo-op.
Anybody in search of outside actions in Los Angeles can discover its many seashores, resembling Venice Seaside, Malibu or the surf mecca of Huntington Seaside. Or you possibly can go for a hike in Runyon Canyon.
Los Angeles is filled with wonders. When you’ve had your fill of the town, it’s time to embark in your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey!
Palm Springs
- Distance from Los Angeles: 107 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
From Los Angeles, begin heading east in direction of the Grand Canyon. Palm Springs is correct on the way in which, and this energetic desert oasis is a superb place to spend just a few hours or perhaps a few days.
The resort metropolis of Palm Springs is widely known for its scorching springs, trendy lodges, golf programs, and vibrant arts scene. With year-round heat climate, scenic landscapes, and outside actions like mountaineering within the close by San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs has a lot to supply!
A must-do is driving the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for one of the best views over the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert. Or take a look at the Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs Artwork Museum, Moorten Botanical Backyard, or Residing Desert Zoo and Gardens for extra insights into the native artwork, tradition, and wildlife.
From there, it’s undoubtedly value stopping within the close by pure surprise of Joshua Tree Nationwide Park in your option to the Grand Canyon.
Learn concerning the greatest issues to do in Palm Springs for extra concepts!
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park
- Distance from Palm Springs: 37 miles
- Driving time: 50 minutes
One in every of California’s most well-known nationwide parks is Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. It’s a really distant park with little to no amenities, so be sure to come ready with water, meals, and further gasoline or provides.
However what it lacks in fashionable facilities, it makes up for in breathtaking pure magnificence.
Joshua Tree Nationwide Park combines the fascinating landscapes of each the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. You could find twisted, iconic Joshua timber and rugged rock formations all through the world.
From epic mountaineering trails to huge starry skies, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park is an outside lover’s paradise. That is a tremendous place for tenting if you wish to spend an evening right here earlier than persevering with in your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey!
Lake Havasu Metropolis
- Distance from Joshua Tree Nationwide Park: 149 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
After Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, proceed in your Grand Canyon highway journey and cross the border into Arizona. You’ll move proper by Lake Havasu Metropolis in your option to the Grand Canyon, so this can be a handy place to cease, refuel, stretch your legs, and discover.
The centerpiece of the town is Lake Havasu itself, a big reservoir on the Colorado River that gives a surprising backdrop for a variety of water-based actions.
Boating, fishing, jet snowboarding, and swimming are immensely well-liked, attracting guests from across the area. The town’s heat local weather and sunny skies make it a super spot for outside adventures year-round.
One of many metropolis’s most well-known sights is the historic London Bridge, which was bought from the Metropolis of London in 1968 and reconstructed in Arizona. This exceptional feat of engineering has turn out to be a logo of the town and a serious vacationer draw.
Grand Canyon Village
- Distance from Lake Havasu Metropolis: 232 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
You’ve completed your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey! Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is a superb place to start your exploration of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Village is the first gateway for guests exploring this iconic pure surprise. As the principle hub for the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, the village presents a spread of lodging, eating choices, and customer providers, making it a super base for vacationers.
Key sights throughout the village embody the historic El Tovar Lodge, the Hopi Home, and the Grand Canyon Railway Depot. Guests can take pleasure in breathtaking views of the canyon from numerous lookout factors, embark on guided excursions, or hike alongside scenic trails that cater to totally different expertise ranges.
Cruise over the Grand Canyon on a scenic airplane tour or admire the views of the Colorado River from a leisurely experience on the Grand Canyon Railway. Embark on tenting adventures or take day hikes to numerous sections of the Grand Canyon.
Mountaineering trails just like the Shiny Angel Path and South Kaibab Path present breathtaking views and difficult hikes. For a much less strenuous choice, the Rim Path presents panoramic vistas with out steep elevation adjustments.
You can too proceed your Grand Canyon highway journey by the world by taking up a scenic drive, such because the Desert View Drive. This 25-mile route alongside the South Rim presents quite a few viewpoints, resembling Moran Level and Lipan Level, the place guests can marvel on the canyon’s expansive magnificence.
Los Angeles to Grand Canyon Street Journey Itinerary – North Rim
Right here is one other Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey itinerary that could be a bit longer however contains some wonderful sights. It’s additionally supreme for heading to the northern facet of the Grand Canyon.
Los Angeles
This Grand Canyon drive additionally begins in Los Angeles, in fact.
If in case you have time, take into account taking a day journey from Los Angeles earlier than beginning your Grand Canyon highway journey. You possibly can sip wine in Santa Barbara, see well-known sights in San Diego, or soak within the solar in Santa Monica.
Or spend extra time delving into the leisure wonders of Hollywood!
Everytime you’re able to embark in your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey, right here is one other well-liked route you possibly can take.
It’s additionally necessary to notice that any driving distances in and round LA in your highway journey might take longer resulting from visitors.
Mojave Nationwide Protect
- Distance from Los Angeles: 176 miles
- Driving time: 3 hours
Head northeast out of the town in direction of the barren landscapes of the Mojave Desert. You’ll move in between Angeles Nationwide Forest and San Bernardino Nationwide Forest if you happen to really feel the necessity to cease for any hikes.
However when you exit the mountains and forests of Southern California, it’s all sand dunes and cacti as you drive into the Mojave Desert.
Mojave Nationwide Protect is a beautiful place to cease and discover throughout your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon drive. There are such a lot of cool pure wonders and actions to attempt right here.
Go sandboarding down the large golden slopes of the sand dunes. The Kelso Dunes are a number of the largest and greatest for sandboarding in Mojave Nationwide Protect.
You can too go off-roading, tenting, mountaineering, and wildlife recognizing. There are additionally some epic mountaineering trails together with the Teutonia Peak Path, Lava Tube Path, and the Rings Loop Path the place you possibly can view distinctive rock formations, historical lava beds, and dense Joshua tree forests.
For an additional unbelievable highway journey, take a look at this Wonderful Las Vegas To Zion Nationwide Park Drive!
Las Vegas
- Distance from Mojave Nationwide Protect: 67 miles
- Driving time: 1 hour
Subsequent in your Grand Canyon drive is the well-known Sin Metropolis, extra formally referred to as Las Vegas, Nevada.
Las Vegas is most identified for its casinos and leisure, as discovered within the coronary heart of the town, the Las Vegas Strip. If you happen to’re in search of Sin Metropolis highlights resembling the Bellagio Fountains, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the gondola rides at The Venetian, the Las Vegas Strip is the place to be.
Different enjoyable issues to do in Las Vegas embody indulging in advantageous eating, strolling down the action-packed Fremont Road, or admiring panoramic views of the town from the Excessive Curler Ferris Wheel.
There’s additionally an abundance of retailers, museums, spas, and day journeys to contemplate whereas visiting Las Vegas. Most individuals want to spend 3 days in Las Vegas as there may be a lot to do, however whenever you’re able to hit the highway you possibly can proceed in your Grand Canyon highway journey.
Valley of Hearth State Park
- Distance from Las Vegas 45 miles
- Driving time: 45 minutes
Simply exterior Las Vegas on the way in which to the Grand Canyon lies Valley of Hearth State Park, an beautiful space in southeastern Nevada identified for its vibrant crimson sandstone formations and historical petroglyphs.
Begin your exploration of the park on the Valley of Hearth Customer Heart to study concerning the park’s geology, ecology, and historical past. The middle presents informative displays and is a superb place to get maps and path info.
If you happen to’re in search of the best rock formations within the park, take a look at Arch Rock and Elephant Rock. Or go on a hike such because the Hearth Wave, a path resulting in an exquisite wave-like rock formation, or the White Domes Path, which options slot canyons and historic movie websites.
For seeing historical petroglyphs, take a look at Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank. Or simply drive by the park and admire the views from the automobile! Valley of Hearth Freeway and Mouse’s Tank Street are two of essentially the most scenic drives in Valley of Hearth State Park.
Zion Nationwide Park
- Distance from Valley of Hearth State Park: 120 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours
From Valley of Hearth State Park, your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey continues. It could appear counterproductive to maintain heading north, however that is the principle highway and the quickest option to attain the Grand Canyon on this route.
You’ll briefly cross by northern Arizona earlier than getting into southern Utah. The highway curves again south into Arizona and brings you proper to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, however it’s undoubtedly value exploring one of many nationwide parks in Utah whilst you’re right here.
Zion Nationwide Park is correct on the way in which. This majestic nationwide park showcases a few of Utah’s greatest surroundings, together with dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and rugged valleys. There’s wonderful mountaineering, horseback driving, mountain biking, and stargazing in Zion Nationwide Park.
If in case you have time, take a look at Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park which is only one hour away from Zion. However Bryce Canyon is barely out of the way in which from the Grand Canyon highway journey, so it’s solely a great choice when you’ve got spare time.
Grand Canyon North Rim
- Distance from Zion Nationwide Park: 121 miles
- Driving time: 2 hours and half-hour
From Zion Nationwide Park, it’s just below 3 hours to drive south into Arizona and attain the northern part of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park.
So that you’ve accomplished this Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey and might now spend just a few days exploring the North of the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon North Rim presents a extra secluded and tranquil expertise in comparison with the South Rim, with beautiful vistas, scenic trails, and numerous wildlife.
A number of the greatest hikes embody the simple Shiny Angel Level Path and the difficult North Kaibab Path. This a part of Grand Canyon Nationwide Park has plenty of unbelievable viewpoints as nicely that don’t require a lot effort to achieve.
Drive or hike to Cape Royal for one of the crucial expansive views of the Grand Canyon, together with a transparent sight of the Colorado River.
Level Imperial presents wonderful views of the jap Grand Canyon and is the very best level on the North Rim at over 8,000 ft. Roosevelt Level and the Torro Weap Overlook additionally provide mindblowing views of the canyon partitions, valleys, and Colorado River under.
Different locations in your Los Angeles to Grand Canyon highway journey
These highway journey routes we’ve laid out provide essentially the most direct drive from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon.
However there are a lot of extra locations that might match right into a Grand Canyon highway journey if you happen to had tons extra time! Possibly you’ve got just a few weeks and also you’re hoping to see as a lot as doable within the space.
Listed here are some options for methods to increase your highway journey and discover extra of California, Nevada, Arizona, or Utah.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is simply half-hour southeast of Las Vegas and is a well-liked day journey from the town. A well-known engineering marvel situated on the border between Nevada and Arizona, Hoover Dam stands as one of many best achievements of the twentieth century.
Constructed through the Nice Despair between 1931 and 1936, this colossal concrete arch-gravity dam spans the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. You possibly can simply cease by Hoover Dam in your option to the Grand Canyon!
Learn subsequent: The Final Las Vegas to Los Angeles Street Journey Itinerary
Demise Valley Nationwide Park
Positioned on the border of California and Nevada, Demise Valley is without doubt one of the coolest nationwide parks within the space. It’s a bit additional north so isn’t precisely on the way in which to the Grand Canyon from Los Angeles.
However you can also make a small detour right here and spend a day or two exploring the most popular, driest, and lowest nationwide park in the US. Demise Valley is dwelling to mindblowing pure wonders just like the salt flats of Badwater Basin and the towering sand dunes of Mesquite Flat.
In search of extra highway journey concepts? Take a look at The Final Northern California Street Journey Itinerary.
Sedona
After testing the Grand Canyon, discover one other gem of Arizona by heading about 2 hours south to Sedona. This charming little city surrounded by crimson rocks and plush valleys has a lot to see and do!
Cathedral Rock, Satan’s Bridge, and Bell Rock are only a handful of the wealthy crimson rocks which have epic mountaineering trails close to Sedona. Locals and vacationers alike love the fascinating pure surroundings that thrives in and round Sedona.
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