15 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas | 2025 Guide to Epic Getaways

Begin with the Victoria Loop from Vegas, a world-class option that begins your escape with a crisp, scenic start. This is a recommended part of the 15 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas 2025 Guide to Epic Getaways and learn how to plan, renting a car, and set a confident pace for your adventures across the Southwest.

From vegas, the victoria loop takes you across red rock canyons, historic towns, and iconic parks with balanced driving times. In the guide, you’ll find a different set of day-by-day paths, with clear windows for driving, setting stops, and a choice of backroads to avoid crowds, with beautiful overlooks along the way. For example, one plan loops to Zion and Bryce in two days, then climbs to Lake Powell and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim before returning to vegas, while another option heads west to Joshua Tree and the Pacific coast–each path includes renting tips and the best seasons to travel. To double your options, pair the Victoria Loop with a coastal extension from the guide and create a two-part itinerary that matches your energy level.

In addition, the guide gives practical notes on renting a car, selecting a path that matches your energy, and balancing adventures with downtime. It also highlights the Bellagio Conservatory as a refined setting for a luxe break, so you can recharge before the next stretch of road.

Whether you prefer a smooth loop or a rugged cross-country ride, this guide helps you tailor your part of the trip with world-class details to fit your budget and schedule. Start with the victoria loop, renting and mapping your adventures across the Southwest, knowing you have a solid plan ready to go.

15 Best Road Trips From Las Vegas 2025: Guide to Epic Getaways

Start with a Zion–Bryce Canyon loop, the quintessential first taste of western scenery. From Las Vegas, driving about 160 miles to Zion National Park takes 2.5–3 hours. Spend the morning on Riverside Walk, then a moderate hike, and catch a magical sunset over Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos. The total distance for this two‑park warm‑up is around 420 miles, with Springdale’s restaurants offering quick bites for fueling before you head back. By the end you realized how beauty can stack up in a tight schedule without rush. If you knew the Southwest could surprise, this loop confirms it.

Death Valley to Joshua Tree creates dramatic contrast and a compact itinerary. Leave Vegas and reach Death Valley in about 120–150 miles (roughly 2–3 hours). Explore Badwater Basin at low elevation, then push east to Joshua Tree for a night under star‑streaked skies. The combination is ideal for spending a long day on the road and finding quiet trailheads, with restaurants and cafes in Pahrump and Twentynine Palms offering fuel and options. This route delivers enough variety to keep the post engaging while still feeling doable in 2–3 days.

Tioga Road detour into Yosemite crowns the west with alpine scenery. Drive from Las Vegas toward the Sierra and, if Tioga is open, slice through tioga to reach Tuolumne Meadows for a high‑country trailhead atmosphere. Expect granite spires, alpine meadows, and a conservation vibe that contrasts with desert plains. This leg adds a real wow moment to the overview of your trip, and you can loop back along CA‑395 to keep a manageable total mileage. For others who crave more hiking, add a second day at Tuolumne Meadows.

Moab’s Arches and Canyonlands offer arches galore and a desert sunset show. The drive from Vegas spans roughly 350–420 miles depending on the route, so an early start pays off and helps you beat busier corridors. Focus on the Window viewpoints and Delicate Arch, then set a steady pace to explore the canyons. A window of sunrise light through a sandstone arch makes for a classic photo, and Moab’s dining scene supports a practical spending plan with groceries for the road. This leg feels like a western chapter, where beauty meets bold rock formations and wide horizons. Each leg leads to a new palette of color you won’t forget.

Flagstaff‑to‑Sedona creates a gentle rhythm with art, forest, and red rock. A shorter option from Las Vegas, this trip lands you in desert town charm within about 4 hours and lets you explore Oak Creek Canyon and red rock country. Sedona’s restaurants and cafes pair with arts and outdoor scenes, while a Grand Canyon stop along the way broadens the overview. Either you crave a relaxed pace or a busy day, this leg adapts. If you want more pace, add a second day to visit Slide Rock and a west‑driving night in Williams for a show and a fueling stop.

Capitol Reef and scenic backroads link other iconic stops for a comprehensive overview. From Vegas, a practical path heads toward Torrey and the Waterpocket Fold, with Scenic Byway 12 delivering plains, twists, and red cliffs. Trailheads like Hickman Bridge and Goosenecks give easy wins, while longer routes tempt hikers. In towns, you’ll find farmstands, coffee shops, and family‑style diners to suit spending budgets without sacrificing flavor. You’ll know why this route remains popular for a relaxed pace and bold scenery.

This post compiles fifteen routes, each chosen for driving ease, standout scenery, and solid access to meals and fuel. Before you leave Vegas, a short stroll through the Bellagio Conservatory can set a calm, colorful tone. Whether you chase hoodoos in Bryce, coast through tioga, or chase canyon horizons, you’ll find a rhythm that matches your schedule. If you’d prefer a two‑week plan, mix a couple of short stretches with one long sprint to keep a balance of rest and exploration.

Your LV Road-Trip Planner: 15 Routes and a Yosemite Focus

Start with Route 1: Las Vegas Strip to Death Valley National Park, then push into Yosemite via Tioga Pass for a dramatic shift from stark desert to alpine meadow. Plan 2 days for Death Valley amid spring or fall months, and reserve lodging in Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells; you’ll gain plenty of time to photograph the lowest and highest contrasts, from Badwater Basin to Telescope Peak. Eating options line the route in Beatty and Pahrump, with lovely overlook stops along the way to the foothills of the Sierra; you wont miss the chance to review the source (источник) data from the park service.

Route 2 centers on Zion National Park: head north from the Strip, then move through Cedar City toward Mammoth Lakes and finish in Yosemite via CA-120 East. The canyon rims offer jaw-dropping views and a dependable shoulder-season window (April–June or September–October). In Zion you’ll find plenty of trails that fit all pacing–from short walks to sunset viewpoints–then you can relish a quick meal in nearby towns before continuing to the central spine of California to Yosemite’s granite giants, where the roads wind through central valleys to a culminating day in the Valley.

Route 3 combines Joshua Tree National Park with Sequoia & Kings Canyon before Yosemite: begin near Las Vegas, loop through Joshua Tree’s stark desert landscapes, then swing into the forested heart of Sequoia and Kings Canyon to see giant sequoias and the Kings Canyon floor. You could book a night in Borrego Springs or Tulare, then push toward Fresno and enter Yosemite via CA-120; the sequence gives you hot springs or conservatory-caliber garden stops in between, and you’ll enjoy a cooler ascent into the high country.

Route 4 follows the Great Basin corridor: depart LV toward Great Basin National Park, continue to Mono Lake, then enter Yosemite through Tioga Pass. This route highlights high desert washes and stark basalt shelves, followed by volcanic tuffs and surreal shorelines around Mono Lake. Plenty of pullouts let you stretch your legs, and the elevation gain culminates in Tuolumne meadows with nights that end under a star-filled sky.

Route 5 leans into Mammoth Lakes: LV to Mammoth via US-395, then onward to Yosemite through the eastern Sierra spine. Mammoth delivers alpine scenery, hot springs, and bike paths, plus a few friendly restaurants downtown for a rest day. From there you head into Yosemite’s high country; months with reliable Tioga Pass access are typically July through September, but shoulder-season windows can yield quiet trails, gentle waters, and memorable night skies.

Route 6 features Bodie and the eastern Sierra: depart LV, visit the preserved gold-mining town of Bodie, then progress to Tioga Pass for a direct gateway into Yosemite Valley. The route blends historic storytelling with high-elevation vistas; you’ll find nearby eateries in Lee Vining and June Lake, plus a lovely footprint of wildcat viewpoints along the way. The last leg into Yosemite rewards you with foothill meadows and the giant granite walls that define the park.

Route 7 takes a Tahoe-to-Yosemite flavor: LV to Lake Tahoe, then south along the eastern Sierra to enter Yosemite via Tioga Pass or the south entrance depending on conditions. Tahoe’s central waterfront offers cross-country trails, winter sports in season, and a few fine-dining options along the shore; in the afternoon you swap lake reflections for granite reflections in Yosemite, ending with a stroll through meadows that glow beneath highest light.

Route 8 emphasizes Fresno and the central California corridor: LV to the central valley city of Fresno, then ascend to Yosemite via CA-41 and CA-120 for a Yosemite Valley finale. Fresno’s downtown has robust farm-to-table options and several restaurants with local produce; this route balances city energy, agricultural heritage, and big-National-Park scenery, with a day in Yosemite’s lower trails and a night in nearby lodging.

Route 9 presents Mono Lake and Tioga’s gateway approach: start from LV, loop to Mono Lake’s otherworldly waters, then drive into Yosemite through the eastern edge of the park. The route showcases lunar landscapes, a chance to photograph migrating birds, and a sequence of photo-worthy pullouts at pines and granite. You could slow down at Mammoth’s conservatory-like gardens or a gallery in Lee Vining, then finish with the last light on Yosemite’s granite walls.

Route 10 prioritizes Sequoias and Kings Canyon before the park: LV → Tulare Basin → Sequoia National Park, follow the Generals Highway to Kings Canyon, then cross into Yosemite via 180 or 120 depending on conditions. Expect giant sequoias along the way and a central California vibe with plenty of dining options in Three Rivers and the foothills. This path suits travelers who want a layered day-by-day rhythm and a cool, elevated finale in Yosemite.

Route 11 orients toward a classic eastern Sierra arc: LV to Bishop or Mammoth, then a climb into Yosemite via Tioga and a last look at the waters of the High Sierra. In Bishop you’ll find a handful of cafés and a tiny downtown with character; you’ll savor the contrast between desert heat and alpine air as you approach the park’s central valleys that lead to iconic viewpoints and popular hiking routes.

Route 12 pairs Death Valley’s heat with a cooler Yosemite finish: begin with a night in a desert town, then cross toward Yosemite’s foothills for a multi-day ascent into granite canyons. You’ll notice a lively mix of restaurants and local shops in the valley towns, with opportunities to miss nothing on the drive through stark landscapes that blend sunrise color with the snowline’s edge.

Route 13 goes through the central California wine-and-farm belt before Yosemite: LV to the central coast-adjacent towns, then up to Yosemite via 140 and 120 corridors. This route offers a relaxed pace, plenty of scenic pullovers, and a chance to dine in charming towns that feel like a different era–a gentler lead into the park’s dramatic vertical walls and evergreen trails.

Route 14 explores the southern Sierra via a long arc from LV to a high-country pass: you’ll cross sagebrush plains, hop between ghost towns, and enter Yosemite around the Tioga corridor from the south. Expect hearty meals in smaller towns, a detour to see a wildcat overlook, and a final day spent among the park’s most photogenic meadows and waterfalls.

Route 15 wraps with a flexible loop around Yosemite’s gateways: LV to a chosen gateway–East, South, or Tioga depending on weather–then a sequence of shorter day trips into the park’s rim towns. This route is ideal for a relaxed tempo, with several stay-over options in nearby towns, plenty of park-side picnics, and evenings that end with a clear, starry sky over the granite. If plans shift, relocated stops or last-minute adjustments still deliver an enjoyable itinerary, and you can treat the trip as a living article that adapts to conditions and your pace.

Route Breakdown: Distances, Driving Times, and Overnight Stops

Recommendation: Start with Zion as the anchor, then Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon South Rim for a 4–6 day loop; vegas visitors will thank the steady pace, book reservations early, and keep daily drives under five hours. If you want a quieter option, look for a quinta-style villa near Springdale. While you plan, map out about 2–3 points of interest per area and leave buffer for detours; this approach keeps you able to enjoy detours without losing your rhythm.

1. Valley of Fire State Park (near vegas)

   Distance from vegas: ~50 miles | Driving time: ~1 hour

   Overnight: stay in vegas for the first night or book a site in Arch Rock Campground (Valley of Fire) or nearby Overton for a rustic option. Reservations are recommended on weekends and holidays.

   Notes: short hikes, red rock scenery, and a quick stroll to swimming lakes if weather allows. While you drive, look for cholla and dramatic rocks along the route–great photo opportunities for a desert theme before you head deeper into canyon country.

2. Zion National Park, Springdale

   Distance from vegas: ~160 miles | Driving time: ~2.5–3 hours

   Overnight: Watchman Campground (reservations required) or Springdale hotels. For a relaxed pace, plan 2 nights to explore The Narrows or easy rim walks.

   Notes: arrive early to secure a parking spot; consider a short detour to the Canyon Overlook Trail. If you’re driving a Mustang or other convertible, a morning drive through the canyon rim feels especially expansive. Diner options in Springdale offer classic breakfasts to fuel the day.

3. Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon City

   Distance from vegas: ~270 miles | Driving time: ~4.5–5 hours

   Overnight: Bryce Canyon Lodge or Ruby’s Inn; North Campground inside the park (reservations strongly advised).

   Notes: sunrise and sunset viewpoints are iconic; winter limits may apply, so check constraints before you leave. If you want a short break, swing by a local diner in Bryce Canyon City and sample regional fare before continuing the loop.

4. Page / Lake Powell, Wahweap area

   Distance from vegas: ~275 miles | Driving time: ~4.5–5 hours

   Overnight: Wahweap Campground or Page-area hotels (reservations recommended).

   Notes: Antelope Canyon tours fill fast–book slots early. If swimming is on your plan, Lone Rock Beach offers a relaxed spot; otherwise, a morning boat trip reveals spectacular canyon walls. This stretch rewards slow pace and scenic photo stops.

5. Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim, Tusayan

   Distance from vegas: ~280 miles | Driving time: ~4.5–5 hours

   Overnight: Tusayan hotels or Mather Campground (reservations advised); Desert View Campground is an option for quieter nights.

   Notes: time your visit for sunrise at Mather Point and a late-afternoon stroll along the Rim Trail. If you enjoy a long drive, you can combine this leg with a short stop at a classic vegas diner on the return path.

6. Death Valley National Park – Furnace Creek / Stovepipe Wells

   Distance from vegas: ~140 miles | Driving time: ~2.5–3 hours

   Overnight: Furnace Creek Resort or Furnace Creek Campground; Stovepipe Wells has campground options too.

   Notes: winter mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, so layer up and plan a swim in a pool if you book a resort. In winter, some routes can be closed after storms, so check constraints on the day you depart. The stark landscape, cholla around the basin, and vivid rocks create a memorable desert theme for your photos.

7. Hoover Dam / Lake Mead area, Boulder City

   Distance from vegas: ~30–40 miles | Driving time: ~0.5–1 hour

   Overnight: Boulder City lodging or a Vegas return stay.

   Notes: a quick detour for dam tours and a stroll along the waterfront makes a perfect wind-down day. If time allows, a short swim at Lake Mead beaches is a refreshing break before you head back to the strip for a final evening of fountains and lights in vegas.

Extra tips: arrive with a plan about fuel and water, especially on stretches with long distances between towns. Leave early to beat heat and crowds, and carry a light jacket for canyon elevations. Reservations sell out quickly for popular campgrounds and lodges, so lock those in at least 6–8 weeks ahead. If you’re traveling with kids or first-timers, plan shorter legs and more stops to visit points of interest; this keeps the journey enjoyable while you experience major sights, from the valley walls to canyon rims, and back to the neon glow of vegas.

Seasonal Windows: Best Months for Each Route and Weather Considerations

Start your Las Vegas road-tripping plan in early spring (March–April) or fall (September–October). With a 5-day loop, you’ll be cruising between Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley without long hours on the road, and you’ll arrive ready to explore more stops along the way.

Shoulder seasons for Zion and Bryce Canyon mean milder days, clearer skies, and easy highway drives. For this segment, aim for March–May or September–October. Daytime highs hover in the 60s–70s F; nights fall to the 30s–40s, so bring a warm layer. If you booked inns in this window, you can skip the crowds and still have ample time to explore rock towers without rushing.

The Grand Canyon segment follows the same spring and fall windows, with rim conditions varying by altitude. South Rim stays accessible most years; North Rim can close after snows, so plan to cross into the state line early. Expect daytime highs in the 50s–70s and chilly nights; pack layers, and be ready if the passes crossed between sun and snow.

Death Valley requires cautious timing: choose November–March to avoid the extreme heat. Daytime highs in the 70s–80s F and cool nights in the 40s–50s make hiking manageable. Expect dust and wind in spring; carry plenty of water, and plan your drives to avoid the hottest mid-day hours. If you have an adventurous spirit, this route rewards you with vast salt flats and starry nights. These routes cross three states.

In the Monument Valley corridor, maintain flexibility: March–May and September–October deliver moderate temps, with dramatic desert landscapes and rock towers rising above the flats. Nearby small villages offer simple inns and links to local tours; you can coordinate a 5-day or longer loop by adjusting nightly stays and keeping a double-booked plan in mind. For summer heat, consider overnight stays in towns in nearby states so you can reset each morning.

Keep a buffer of hours for detours, and always check forecasts from official links; ensure your vehicle is in good condition and you would arrive at each stop rested. If weather shifts, skip extra detours and focus on core sights. A well-planned 5-day route includes the best months for each state, with cautious pacing and a few rest days. You looked for a simple plan that relocated nocturnal stays from a lake-side village to a central town if weather requires, and you’d be done with the loop in time to catch the last sunset back in Las Vegas. Book arrangements early to avoid last-minute changes and to have a comfortable margin for a nearly perfect road-tripping window.

Must-See Stops: Iconic Sights, Detours, and Photo Moments

Hit Zion at sunrise, then detour to the Valley of Fire for dramatic silhouettes and photo moments.

1. Zion National Park, Utah – Begin with Canyon Overlook and Watchman Trail for iconic silhouettes. Angel’s Landing offers a dramatic finale for capable hikers; if you prefer a lighter option, stick to Riverside Walk for reflections and easier photo moments. Prices: $35 per vehicle. Best times: dawn and golden hour. Maps show the main paths and shuttle stops; double your photo options by pairing the Watchman Trail with Canyon Overlook in a single loop. Through the park, the red rock catches changing light, creating magical textures for your feed. There are kid-friendly options along the Riverside Walk, and a quick detour to Zion’s east side adds a fresh perspective there, too.

2. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – Hoodoos rise in giant conical spires that glow at sunrise from Sunrise and Sunset Points. Creating a two-stop sequence–first opposite the rim, then down into the hoodoos–yields bold shots. Prices: $35 per vehicle; parking can be tight on busy mornings, so plan to arrive early. Maps guide a rim-to-hoodoo loop that keeps you out of the crowds. The pinks and oranges shift with the sun, offering moments that feel almost magical; consider a short hike into the Fairyland or Navajo loops for more textures, another angle, and fewer crowds. If you want to save time, start at Sunrise Point and finish near Rainbow Point.

3. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Utah/Arizona – Giant buttes rise along the flat horizon, creating instantly recognizable silhouettes. A guided tour or a scenic drive along the 17‑mile loop reveals squire-like spires and dramatic profiles that photograph beautifully at both morning and late-afternoon light. Prices vary by tour type, but entry to the park is typically affordable and can be combined with nearby pageantry at other stops. For stellar photos, line up a shot toward the west mesas as the sun dips; if you’re chasing a quintessential shot, bring a wide lens to capture the scale and the vast sky there there.

4. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona – Book a guided slot canyon tour to catch the famous light beams in Antelope Canyon; this through-light moment is a staple for travelers who love color and texture. Then hike to Horseshoe Bend for a dramatic overlook over the Colorado River–best in late afternoon when the sun hits the bend just right. Maps help you find meet-up points and parking; prices for canyon tours vary, so compare options in advance. This duo delivers bold color palettes and clean lines that translate well to social feeds, another reason to pack your tripod and a circular polarizer.

5. Malibu Beaches & Santa Monica, California – A coastal detour brings long sandy shores, jet-set vibes, and golden-hour reflections on water. Malibu’s Surfrider Beach and El Matador offer iconic rock arches, while Santa Monica Pier delivers quintessential sunset silhouettes. If you’re chasing a London-like cool fog effect, mornings along the coast can deliver a soft haze that adds mood to beach portraits; grab a wide-angle shot from the pier and a telephoto pull from the bluffs. Prices vary by activity, but parking is often manageable with a little planning, and you can save time by combining a beach day with a quick stroll along Third Street Promenade.

6. Mono Lake & Eastern Sierra, California – The otherworldly tufa towers at Mono Lake create surreal reflections, especially at dawn. Aelsaha, a traveler you might meet on the road, notes that arriving early gives you soft light and fewer crowds, making it easier to capture quiet, magical moments. The route through this area also offers options to loop toward Bodie for a ghost-town contrast, or to continue west to Yosemite’s high country. Mono Lake is a great place to create a standalone photo moment or to anchor a multi-stop day there there.

7. Death Valley National Park, California – Scenics include salt flats, dune fields, and dramatic rock formations that pop under the desert sun. Best times are early morning and late day when the heat eases and the colors bloom. Parking and entrance fees are straightforward, and the park map helps you plan an efficient loop that hits Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Artist’s Palette. For a sense of scale, shoot low to the ground with a wide angle to emphasize the vastness you’ll love to share in your vacations.

Budget and Gear: Fuel Costs, Lodging, Park Fees, and Packing List

Top off in Las Vegas before you roll toward kingman and the parks, then base two nights in a nearby town to keep driving time steady. A mid-size SUV with about 28 mpg lets you cover two major routes in a day while still leaving energy for afternoon explorations. Book suites or rooms with kitchenette options to cut dining costs, and choose places with flexible cancellation for a relaxed plan if weather shifts.

lodging options to balance cost and comfort: near Kingman you’ll find clean motels and simple suites at $70–$120 per night; Springdale or Virgin and Kanab areas offer more options around $180–$320 for rooms with easy park access and some with suites and kitchenettes; Tusayan near the Grand Canyon runs $170–$350; Page provides $140–$260 choices for quick jaunts to Antelope exhibits and nearby lakes. Reserve 4–6 weeks ahead for peak months, and look for free cancellation if plans shift. Plan a split stay: two nights near one park and a second location closer to the other to shorten daily drives and extend sightseeing time.

packing and gear list keeps you comfortable through long days outside. Bring layers for dramatic shifts: cool mornings, warm afternoons, and comfortable evenings. A compact daypack handles water, snacks, and a camera while you pause at exhibits or lookouts. Weeping rock stops and scenic overlooks reward steady plans you can see and feel, not just read about. Gather the essentials, then enjoy the ride as a team for a longer, smoother stretch through the plains and canyon corridors.