Ready for an epic Arizona to Nevada road trip packed with jaw-dropping desert scenery, towering red rock formations, quirky roadside attractions, and some seriously unforgettable adventures?
A Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip is one of the best ways to experience the American Southwest, taking you from cactus-covered deserts and massive canyons to historic highways, incredible hiking trails, and dazzling city lights.
Along the way, you’ll discover natural wonders millions of years in the making, drive stretches of one of America’s most famous highways, explore colorful small towns, and find some amazing photo spots you won’t want to miss.
Whether you have a few days or a full week to explore, this Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip itinerary covers the best stops, must-see attractions, and fun things to do along the way!
1. Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona’s sunny capital, is located in the Sonoran Desert in central Arizona, making it the perfect starting point for your road trip to Las Vegas.
Known for its towering saguaro cacti, red desert mountains, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Phoenix is packed with outdoor adventures, cool attractions, and incredible desert scenery.
Start by hiking the 2.4-mile Echo Canyon Trail up Camelback Mountain, which rises 2,704 feet above sea level, or explore the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden, home to thousands of desert plants.
You can also visit the Musical Instrument Museum, featuring thousands of instruments on display, or explore the ancient Hohokam archaeological site at Pueblo Grande Museum, now called S’edav Va’aki Museum.
Alternatively, head to Dobbins Lookout in South Mountain Park to catch a stunning sunset.
2. Sedona, AZ
Leaving Phoenix behind, drive nearly 2 hours to Sedona, where massive red sandstone formations, winding canyon roads, and some of Arizona’s most famous hiking trails make this one of the most exciting stops on your road trip.
Surrounded by Coconino National Forest, Sedona is famous for its striking red rocks, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, which glow bright orange and red when the sun starts to set.
For an unforgettable adventure, hike the Devil’s Bridge Trail to see Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch, or tackle the 1.5-mile Cathedral Rock Trail for incredible views.
You can also cruise along the 7.5-mile Red Rock Scenic Byway, explore the shops and art galleries in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, or visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built directly into the red rocks in 1956.
3. Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ
From Sedona, continue about 2 hours and 15 minutes to the Grand Canyon South Rim, where you’ll find one of the world’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders, stretching 278 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
Located inside Grand Canyon National Park, the South Rim is open year-round and offers incredible views of the Colorado River, which has helped carve through layers of ancient rock over millions of years.
Start at Mather Point for sweeping canyon views, then follow the 2.5-mile paved Rim Trail from Mather Point to Yavapai Point and Grand Canyon Village, stopping at the Yavapai Geology Museum along the way.
For a bigger adventure, hike 1.8 miles round-trip down the Bright Angel Trail to the Second Tunnel, or drive the 23-mile Desert View Drive to see the 70-foot Desert View Watchtower, built in 1932.
4. Williams, AZ
After exploring the Grand Canyon, drive about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Williams, a small Arizona town along historic Route 66, where old-fashioned diners, colorful neon signs, and vintage gas stations bring the golden age of American road trips to life.
Williams sits at an elevation of 6,770 feet and is famous for the Grand Canyon Railway, which has carried passengers on a 65-mile journey to the South Rim since 1901.
Stroll along Route 66 to check out classic spots like Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe, grab a milkshake, and browse fun souvenir shops packed with retro memorabilia.
For something different, visit Bearizona Wildlife Park, where you can drive through large enclosures to spot black bears, wolves, bison, and other North American animals.
5. Seligman, AZ
From Williams, continue about 45 minutes along historic Route 66 to Seligman, a tiny Arizona town famous for its colorful roadside attractions, quirky shops, and strong ties to America’s most legendary highway.
Known as the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66,” Seligman played a major role in saving the old highway after local barber Angel Delgadillo helped launch the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona in 1987.
Stop by Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, a wacky burger joint opened in 1953, where you’ll find funny signs, vintage cars, and plenty of surprises waiting around every corner.
Before hitting the road again, explore Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s Original Route 66 Gift Shop, snap photos of the colorful murals and retro storefronts along Chino Street, and check out the town that helped inspire Radiator Springs in Pixar’s Cars.
6. Valley of Fire State Park, NV
Next, head toward Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, about 3.5 hours away, where massive red sandstone formations cover more than 40,000 acres of the Mojave Desert.
Located about 50 minutes from Las Vegas, Nevada’s oldest state park opened in 1934 and is famous for its fiery red rocks, ancient petroglyphs, and sandstone formations dating back roughly 150 million years.
Drive the 5.5-mile Mouse’s Tank Road, also called White Domes Road, to see colorful rock formations, then hike the 1.5-mile Fire Wave Trail to a stunning sandstone formation covered in swirling red and white stripes.
Don’t miss Atlatl Rock, where you can climb a metal staircase to see petroglyphs carved by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago, or Elephant Rock, a natural sandstone arch shaped like an elephant.
7. Las Vegas, NV
Drive about 50 minutes to Las Vegas, Nevada, where dazzling casinos, massive hotels, world-famous shows, and incredible attractions make for an unforgettable finale to your road trip.
Located in the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas is best known for the 4.2-mile Las Vegas Strip, lined with famous resorts like the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Venetian, and the 550-foot-tall High Roller observation wheel.
Watch the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio dance to music, ride a gondola through The Venetian’s indoor canals, or head to the 1,149-foot STRAT Tower for breathtaking views of the city.
For one last adventure, explore the Fremont Street Experience beneath its massive LED canopy, visit the Neon Museum to see vintage Vegas signs, or snap a photo at the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
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