Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: 4 fun roadside stops
When you plan a family road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, it will be as much about the journey as the destination. From historical sites to animal encounters, you'll love what lies ahead.
By Jeremiah Crossing | October 15, 2021 (Updated March 5, 2026)
At just over a four-hour drive to reach the North Rim or the South Rim, a road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park may seem fine to you, but to your kids it may feel like an eternity that (repeatedly) begs the question that so many parents dread: "Are we there yet?" To help break up the trip — and keep your kids entertained — here are four fun places to stretch your legs and make memories along the way.
In this article: Best roadside stops from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
Hoover Dam
As you’re heading out from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you’ll pass right by the Hoover Dam (around 30 miles, or 48 kilometers, from Vegas) on the Colorado River, where you can get a stunning view of Lake Mead. Tickets for a guided tour of the dam are around $40 and are only sold on-site. Wait times during peak periods can be long, and the tour is not accessible for visitors with mobility scooters or strollers. However, guided power plant tours and self-guided tours of the visitor center are accessible for all. Note: All three tours are included in the price of the guided dam tour but passes for the power plant and the visitor center can be purchased separately. Also, it gets very hot here, so make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and water. If you'd rather skip the tour and just see the dam, it is best viewed from the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Cars are allowed to cross over the dam, but they’re not allowed to stop. Also, the road does not go through to Arizona, so you will have to turn around to return to Nevada to continue your road trip.
Route 66
While you can take Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road,” all the way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, it also loosely follows and intersects with I-40 in several locations in Arizona, so families have multiple opportunities to exit the interstate and enjoy some of the sights along the way. In Kingman, Arizona, you'll find gift shops galore where you can pick up a Route 66 passport filled with ideas to help you explore the iconic stretch of highway. And if your crew needs a pick-me-up, the road is dotted with diners, like Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner, where you can order burgers, onion rings, and homemade root beer. For a historical look at Route 66, check out the Route 66 Museum and Theater, where you can see reenactments and other performances. If your kids really need to burn off some energy, don't miss the Hualapai Mountain Park, where you can hike, play disc golf, and run around the playground. It's also a great place for a picnic if you have the time.
Alpacas of the Southwest
Just 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) east of Kingman, you will see signs for Alpacas of the Southwest. Right off I-40, it's a true desert ranch that is home to about 37 alpacas in a variety of colors. For $20 per car, your family can watch, feed, and pet the alpacas. And the small store offers a variety of products made from alpaca wool, including sweaters, blankets, and socks. The ranch is only open for visitors Friday through Monday, and is one of the many reasons why making the road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is a must for families.
Keepers of the Wild nature park
Keepers of the Wild nature park is in the town of Valentine, Arizona, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Kingman off Route 66. Families can stroll through the nature park or opt to take a guided tour on a big safari bus to view more than 130 animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, primates, and bears, as well as birds and wallabies. The sanctuary is open Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesday) and costs $25 for adults ($20 for seniors and military personnel) and $15 for kids ages 4 and older.
Take a tour of Resorts World Las Vegas
Before and after your Las Vegas to Grand Canyon road trip, make the most of your Nevada stay at Resorts World Las Vegas. It has everything you could want in one place, from shopping and spa time to restaurants and nightlife, so when you’re done with your Grand Canyon excursion, you can park your car and relax for the remainder of your visit.
Jeremiah Crossing is always searching for his next travel adventure.
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