An Incredible 10-Day Las Vegas to Arizona Road Trip: National Parks & Entertainment

This is a fantastic 10-day Las Vegas to Arizona road trip itinerary! In April 2024, I planned a road trip from Las Vegas through several breathtaking national and state parks.

If you’re looking for an adventure that balances Las Vegas fun and outdoor activity, a week-long road trip from Las Vegas to Arizona is perfect!

I found out way too late that Las Vegas is the perfect starting point for the best outdoor activities, national parks, and state parks. It’s the perfect gateway to some of the most stunning landscapes in Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.

>> Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Las Vegas or 7-Day Las Vegas to Utah Road Trip.

Is a Las Vegas road trip safe for solo travellers?

Yes! I did this Las Vegas road trip solo and later with a friend. Preparation is key, especially if you’re renting a car—but more on that later.

The parks in this itinerary, both state and national, are popular destinations with well-established safety measures. These areas attract many visitors, which adds a sense of security. Stick to the safety guidelines, and you’ll be just fine.

When booking accommodations, choose reputable hotels in convenient locations along the 10-day route. Don’t worry—I’ll share some solid recommendations to make it easier for you.

The routes from Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks are well-travelled, so you won’t be completely alone. But if you’re hiking solo as a woman, always take proper safety precautions and trust your instincts.

Why start a road trip in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is also the closest major airport for anyone planning to visit national parks, like Zion, Bryce and Death Valley. Especially if you’re travelling from outside the USA. From Las Vegas, it’s just a 2.5-hour drive to Zion and a 4,5-hour drive to Antelope Canyon (without traffic).

Beyond its convenient location, Las Vegas offers a great nightlife that perfectly contrasts the outdoor adventures you’ll experience during the day. You can start or end your trip by walking the iconic Strip, catching a show, or testing your luck at a casino.

Doesn’t that sound like the perfect trip? Adventure, nature, and excitement all rolled into one.

Can you visit Zion or Bryce on a day trip from Las Vegas?

Yes, but to make a day trip to Zion National Park or Bryce from Las Vegas worth it, start early. The 2.5-hour drive via I-15 North offers stunning desert views and leads directly to Zion’s entrance.

Is the drive from Las Vegas to Zion pretty?

Honestly, it’s not that special! However, you can see some beautiful sights during sunset. But it’s not a scenic drive. I feel most of Nevada is not as beautiful as Utah, Arizona, or California.

The beautiful parts start when entering Utah, where the elevation begins! I enjoyed the drive from Zion to Kanab. Highway 9 from Zion to Mount Carmel to Kanab is pretty scenic!

The drive is stunning! But you have to be careful, as the road has many sharp turns, and it’s crowded on the side of the road because of all the people parking and stopping to take photos.

Road Trip Safety Tips

A road trip is so much fun and is something you can do solo! You’ll decide on your itinerary, get to play the music you want to listen to and stop whenever and wherever you want!

• Get a proper rental from a reputable rental company. Do not skip out on proper insurance; getting road assistance might be safe, especially if driving long distances. Check out Discovery Cars or Hertz (I’ve used them many times in the US)!
• Always make sure you have enough gas in the tank! The US is big, and sometimes, you drive long distances without a gas station. You do not want to get stranded along the side of the road with an empty tank! Fill up your tank if you get less than a quarter of a tank.
• Don’t drive out without food and drinks! Go to the supermarket before your drive! Bring plenty of water and snacks like popcorn, beef jerky, granola bars, fruit, chips, and more. You better have enough to eat and drink. You can stow everything in your car.

Is the drive to Arizona scary?

The drive to Arizona from Las Vegas is a piece of cake! It’s easy and relatively boring most of the way, except for the route between Zion and Bryce!

The roads are relatively quiet outside of the tourist areas.

10-day Las Vegas to Arizona Road Trip

Day 1: Arriving in Las Vegas

After landing in Las Vegas, pick up your rental car directly from the airport. Spend the day unwinding and experiencing the crazy atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip.

Staying at a hotel nearby provides convenient access to the best shows, dining, and entertainment.

You could catch an early show like Rouge in the Strat, the new iconic Sphere and have dinner at one of the many restaurants, but make it an early night! You’ll have a long day ahead of you tomorrow!

I recommend staying near the Strip so you’ll have easy access! How about The Cosmopolitan or the famous Venetian?

Day 2: Zion National Park

Start your day early with a 2.5-hour drive to Zion National Park. Arriving early increases your chances of finding a spot in Zion’s designated parking lot. If it’s full, you can park along the road in Springdale for $15 per day. A free shuttle from Springdale runs regularly, stopping at key points along the way to the Visitor Center.

Purchase a pass for $30 per car, giving you access to Zion’s incredible trails like Scouts Lookout, Angels Landing, and Emerald Pools. Angels Landing and The Narrows are the park’s most famous hikes.

For The Narrows, check the park’s website for gear requirements and safety updates. Hiking Angels Landing requires a permit, which you can apply for through a lottery system online. You’ll find out the day before if you’ve won a permit.

If you don’t get the permit, don’t worry! You can still hike to Scouts Lookout, which is what we did, a challenging three-hour trek that rewards you with stunning canyon views without the steep, narrow climb.

We’re staying en route near Bryce, our next stop tomorrow. These Stargazing Domes are on the higher end but worth the experience!

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Today, we’re off to Bryce Canyon National Park! If you’re in the Zion area, visiting Bryce is a must! You can easily spend the entire day in Bryce, driving up to every viewpoint.

Driving through Bryce will keep you happy for the entire day as there are so many great views!

After a long day of hiking in Bryce, you can sleep in Kanab to minimize the driving time from Bryce if you’re tired. However, you can also drive immediately to Page, which will save you time in the morning.

Take Highway 9 for a scenic and unforgettable route through the park’s beautiful landscapes.

Day 4: Antelope Canyon in Arizona

The Antelope Slot Canyon in Arizona is a must-see natural wonder! You’ll get to tackle two amazing sights in one day!

You must book a guided tour to visit Antelope Canyon, there are no options to do this without a guide! The stunning red canyons are simply amazing! Afterwards, refuel with a delightful lunch in Page before heading to Horseshoe Bend, just a short drive away.

One thing to keep in mind if you’re staying in Kanab the evening before! When driving from Kanab to Page, you’ll enter a different time zone! That means it’s an hour earlier in Page. Confirm with the tour agency to be sure.

But we made this terrible mistake and ended up an hour too early.

Horseshoe Bend is iconic for the horseshoe-shaped river view! If you’re visiting Antilope Canyon, visiting Horseshoe Bend is a must. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Page.

The iconic Welcome to Utah and Welcome to Arizona signs are also on the same highway, very close together. It’s a great spot to take a photo.

After all the awesome hiking activities in the last few days, today is to relax and rest a bit! We’re staying in Page to unwind for the rest of the day.

Day 5: Grand Canyon South Rim

Driving from Page, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon South Rim is an adventure you won’t forget. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive through some of the most stunning desert landscapes, passing red rock formations and the beauty of the Navajo Nation.

Mather Point is an easy first stop with unreal panoramic views, and if you want a little more adventure, the Bright Angel Trail takes you right into the canyon for a great hike.

Not a hiker? No worries. Grand Canyon Village is packed with history, cute spots to grab a coffee, and the best sunset views at Hopi or Yaki Point.

Drive along Desert View Drive at sunset. It is a scenic road with stunning viewpoints ending at the Desert View Watchtower. Stop at Moran Point and Lipan Point along the way.

Day 6: Grand Canyon South Rim

Day two at the Grand Canyon South Rim starts with a breathtaking sunrise at Yaki Point, a quieter spot with unreal morning colours.

For a little adventure, hike the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point—a short but rewarding trek with stunning canyon views. Spend the afternoon exploring Hermit Road, hopping on the free shuttle to lesser-known viewpoints like Powell and Pima Point.

Relax at a quiet Rim Trail overlook, soaking in the scenery before heading back.

Day 7: Las Vegas and 7 Magic Mountains

Get ready for the drive back to Las Vegas, which, depending on traffic, will be a 4 to 5-hour drive. Take it easy and leave in the morning after breakfast.

On your way back to Las Vegas, you can make a stop at 7 Magic Mountains, which are coloured stacked boulders in the middle of the desert. Kinda cool to see and very instagrammable!

Check-in at your hotel and take a relaxed night off catching a show, have dinner and relax!

Day 8: The Strip Las Vegas

We can’t visit Las Vegas without truly experiencing it! Today, we’ll ditch the rental car and explore the Strip on foot.

Start by visiting iconic hotels like The Venetian and Bellagio. Snap photos at the mesmerizing fountain show, and for an unforgettable experience, consider an epic helicopter ride over Las Vegas.

Walking the entire Strip takes time, so pace yourself and soak in the energy. And, of course, what’s Vegas without a little gamble? Try your luck at a roulette or blackjack table—who knows, you might just win big!

Love it or hate it, this is the essence of Las Vegas. I kind of love the chaos. It’s like an adult theme park, with flashing lights and high energy pulling you in, daring you to spend your paycheck.

It’s wild, it’s over the top, it’s a bit repulsive, and honestly, that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Day 9: Valley Of Fire

Valley of Fire State Park is probably my favourite place in Las Vegas! The hiking trails are fantastic, and most of the viewpoints are great.

I fell in love! Valley of Fire can get hot during the day, so be prepared when visiting. There’s also less signage on some of the trails, so don’t wander off. You should have cell service, but still pay attention!

The scenic drive is just epic! Early in the morning, when the sun rises, or just around sunset, you’ll get the best views and opportunities to take photos! Valley of Fire is open from sunrise to sunset, with an entrance fee of $15 per car.

A system at both entrances allows you to pay the entrance fee, even if the booths aren’t open yet. I loved walking around the trails! Just be careful and stick to the trails! And don’t leave your car without water.

Get back to Las Vegas and go for lunch in the Arts District! This is my favourite neighbourhood! I love Esther’s Kitchen, which is a great spot for lunch!

Enjoy the evening on the Strip in Las Vegas, or return to the Arts District! For drinks, I highly recommend Velveteen Rabbit and Garagiste Wine Bar downtown.

Day 10: Last Day in Las Vegas

Start your day early and drive to the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign! The earlier, the better because it can get crowded, and the small parking lot fills up fast!

On your final day, seize the opportunity to visit any missed attractions before departure. Consider grabbing a bite at In-N-Out Burger, my personal local favourite😄

Things to do in Las Vegas

If you’re in Las Vegas, you gotta head out to see the Strip! You can’t miss this iconic Vegas view even if you don’t like casinos!

Just walking around will do it for most! Check out the Bellagio, the Venetian, Cesar’s Palace and the Cosmopolitan. The newly opened Fountainblue is supposed to be on another level and a great place for drinks!

You can’t leave Las Vegas without catching a show! There’s so much to see! I highly recommend seeing Rouge in the Strat!

Rouge is everything a true Vegas show should be: a little raunchy, lots of humour, some nudity, and mind-blowing acts like acrobats, aerial dancing, pole dancing, and more.

I adored this 10-day road trip from Las Vegas to Utah! While I’m eager to explore even more next time, this adventure was amazing! Utah and Arizona are such beautiful and versatile states to visit!

Looking to find a great rental? Don’t forget to check out Discovery Cars!

Let’s hit the road and make unforgettable memories! As always, I’m here for questions! The fastest way is to leave a comment on my most recent post on Instagram!