Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim (Red Feather Lodge)
We are starting and ending this itinerary at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas Nevada as a point of reference for all. Travel times vary due to traffic and weather conditions.
The driving distance from Las Vegas Nevada to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is approximately 280 miles (450 kilometers) and the trip will take about 4-1/2 to 6 hours, depending on the route you take and the traffic conditions. Here is the suggested itinerary for the drive:
From the airport in Las Vegas take Interstate 215 southeast which becomes Interstate 11, continue heading southeast and Interstate 11 becomes US-93. Along this route you will get a glimpse of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and amazing deep canyon views with the Colorado River hidden below. You also might see Desert Big Horn Sheep in this area. Continue for approximately 70 miles towards Kingman, AZ.
Important Note: The glass skywalk bridge is NOT located within Grand Canyon National Park. It is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.
Once you reach Kingman you can continue straight to take a restroom break or stretch your legs at the Kingman Powerhouse Visitor Center (120 W. Andy Devine Avenue) or take the exit for I-40 East towards Flagstaff. There are many hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops in Kingman if you get a late start out of Las Vegas. For more information visit https://www.explorekingman.com/
There are two routes to take from Kingman to Seligman, Arizona
Take Andy Devine Avenue and continue northeast along the Historic Route 66 Scenic Byway (the Mother Road), which passes through several charming small towns in the area (87 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes). Or continue on Interstate 40 East towards Seligman (72 miles, 1 hour).
Seligman is known for its historic Route 66 charm with unique souvenir shops, Café & Diners such as the Roadkill Café, Lilo’s Westside Café or the Snow Cap Drive-In. This is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or an ice cream break.
Once you are done exploring Seligman, get back on I-40 and travel east towards Williams, AZ (43 miles, 45 minutes).
Williams is located in the heart of the Kaibab National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet with Ponderosa Pine Trees and small lakes for fishing. Williams is known for its wild west route 66 vibe. The Pine County Restaurant is a local favorite, especially their pies. And if you want to learn more about Williams right across the street is their Visitor Center. For more info on Williams visit https://experiencewilliams.com/
A fun stop in Williams is Bearizona. A drive-thru Wildlife Park, located on the far east end of Williams. You will see a variety of animals, such as bears, wolves, bison, and big horn sheep, all from the comfort of your car. The park also has a walk-thru area where you can see smaller animals up close. Plan on 2 hours at Bearizona to enjoy the wildlife park. For more info visit https://bearizona.com/
Ready to head to Grand Canyon …
Take AZ Highway 64 north off I-40 in Williams (I-40 & Exit 165). Continue for about 55 miles (55 minutes) where you will enter the Town of Tusayan (pronounced Too-Say-An). The Red Feather Lodge is located on your left! Tusayan is located one mile from the South Entrance Gate to Grand Canyon National Park.
There is a lot to see and explore at the Grand Canyon South Rim with over 30 miles of rim views. You can drive your own vehicle into the National Park and park at the various viewpoints or take a helicopter or airplane tour and get a bird’s eye view. Don’t feel like driving or flying, then take a ground tour in a Jeep or Hummer and let the local experts take you to some of the most spectacular viewpoints. See the Grand Canyon-Rivers of Time movie at the IMAX Theater, just a short walking distance from the Red Feather Lodge. Rent an electric bike in Tusayan and ride through the National Forest on the greenway trails to the rim of Grand Canyon. You can also rent bikes inside the National Park at Mather Point. Stop at Yavapai Geology Museum inside the Park and learn more about this World Wonder. And of course, don’t forget to walk the rim or take a hike into the depths of the Canyon to experience the spectacular views. In the evenings take in the amazing dark sky views of the Milky Way and brilliant stars and enjoy dinner at Plaza Bonita (Mexican & American Cuisine) located on the Red Feather Lodge property. Or grab a quick meal at Foodie Club located within a short walking distance of the Hotel. We have everything from fast food to a great steak available in Tusayan or the National Park. We recommend you spend two nights to fully explore and enjoy the Grand Canyon.
Heading back to Las Vegas how about a stop at Hoover Dam. Red Feather Lodge to Hoover Dam is 241 miles, 388 kilometers (approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes).
From the Red Feather Lodge travel back south on AZ Highway 64 towards Williams (55 miles, 55 minutes). At the intersection of AZ 64 and I-40, take I-40 east towards Kingman (Los Angeles) for approximately 166 miles (2 hours and 30 minutes). Once you get to Kingman, take the Beale Street/US 93 exit on the west end of Kingman and travel west on US Highway 93 towards Las Vegas for approximately 75 miles (1 hour and 10 minutes).
In addition to seeing the Dam you can learn about its history and construction. Hoover Dam impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the US by volume when full. For information on Hoover Dam, including tours, fees and parking go to www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam.
From Hoover Dam back to the Las Vegas airport area is approximately 35 miles (40 minutes).
Go SW on NV 172 for about 3 miles. Take the ramp onto Boulder City Parkway towards US 93 N. In 3 miles take US 95 (which becomes I-11) towards Las Vegas. Exit 23 will take you on I-215 W and in ten miles you are back at the airport area.