While it’s not the complete Grand Canyon experience, considering it’s only two hours and change each way from Sin City (compared with nearly 10 hours return to Grand Canyon South Rim), this is certainly a day trip worth considering. On the way back, don’t miss the Premium Outlet Mall, if you feel like mixing some retail into your Vegas experience.īack in the city, the opportunities for distraction are plentiful, from the Fremont Street Experience and the Mob Museum downtown to the excesses of the Strip, where a smorgasbord of good food and fun await. On day two, head west out of town on Blue Diamond Road, stopping first at Spring Mountain Ranch, the one-time home of Howard Hughes, followed by a drive along the 13-mile (21-kilometer) Red Rock Canyon scenic loop, where hiking possibilities await. Alternatively, you can choose to break this up into two days, which will leave you more time at each destination. After oohing and aahing as you step out over the void on the SkyWalk, head back to Vegas, with a final stop along the way in the Ethel M Chocolate Factory. After a tour of the dam, continue on to Grand Canyon West, with a possible stop in Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest along the way.
On day one, drive to the Hoover Dam, aiming to arrive around 9am. Most visitors will want to spend at least two days and two nights here.