Happening an LA to Grand Canyon highway journey might be one of the crucial well-known bucket checklist objects ever. It’s the stuff of desires… or films. These must-see stops are definitely worth the detours to make this epic journey even extra spectacular.
Have you ever ever wished to do the entire Worry and Loathing in Las Vegas drive? Or fancy your self a few fugitives on the run like Thelma and Louise (minus the driving off the sting of the canyon)? The LA to Grand Canyon highway journey is really like one thing from the flicks. It’s on a number of folks’s bucket lists, and for good motive too.
LA, Las Vegas and Arizona are all unimaginable cities. They’re simply so loopy and iconic that everybody has one thing to say about their time there. And naturally, the Grand Canyon is a well-known marvel of the world positioned between Vegas and Arizona. However what I liked most wasn’t the the tip factors, it was the journey between LA and the Grand Canyon.
Should you’re driving on the l-40 E, the gap between LA and the Grand Canyon is 480 miles. This takes roughly 7.5-8 hours, when there’s little site visitors. However there’s a complete lot to see when you’re prepared to cease and take detours.
On the LA to Grand Canyon highway journey, you’ll be able to see retro diners, TONS of Route 66 picture spots, pure magnificence, cowboy cities and a complete lot extra.
LA to Grand Canyon Street Journey in 15 Stops
See nationwide parks, craters, and naturally – the notorious route 66 on my LA and the Grand Canyon highway journey itinerary.
1. Santa Monica Pier, California
The Santa Monica Pier is like stepping right into a postcard with its traditional Ferris wheel and infinite ocean views. You’ll in all probability have seen it because the backdrop for a lot of movies and TV sequence. I couldn’t resist attempting among the carnival video games and grabbing an ice cream earlier than beginning the LA and the Grand Canyon highway journey.
The vibe right here is simply buzzing – road performers, the sound of the waves, and that recent sea air. It’s the right spot to kick off an epic journey! There’s additionally loads of supermarkets and occasional outlets to refill earlier than you begin driving.
We popped into one of many eating places on the pier and had a scrumptious chowder, served in a sourdough loaf. So good!
2. Palm Springs, California
About three hours’ drive from Santa Monica Pier you’ll arive at Palm Springs. This place is a retro dream. You’ll be able to really feel like a film star from the golden age of Hollywood lounging by a classy poolside.
The structure here’s a feast for the eyes – all smooth traces and popping colors. It’s a bizarre mixture of pure rest blended with a contact of glamour. You are able to do a number of totally different actions too. Whether or not you’re right here for the spas, the golf, or simply to take in the solar, Palm Springs is a bit slice of paradise.
Listed here are the greatest issues to do in Palm Springs whilst you’re there.
3. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California
Subsequent up, Joshua Tree Nationwide Park. It’s like touchdown on a special planet! These quirky Joshua timber seem like one thing out of a Dr. Seuss e book. They’re truly a kind of Yucca, named by Mormons within the 1850s who thought they regarded like Joshua’s arms pointing to the promised land.
The rock formations are completely gorgeous – good for a little bit of a climb or simply to gawk at. Should you’re beginning your journey at evening, you’ll additionally see unimaginable starry skies too. The park is open 24 hours, 7 days per week, so you’ll be able to head there any time.
4. Amboy Crater, California
As you enterprise additional – about an hourish or so from Joshua Tree Nationwide Park – make a cease at Amboy Crater within the Mojave Desert. Now, this was a shock and doubtless one in all my favorite stops on the LA and the Grand Canyon highway journey!
It’s not each day you get to see a real-life volcanic crater.
Trekking as much as the rim, you’ll be able to really feel like a correct adventurer. The views from the highest are unimaginable and completely value it. The panorama is so rugged and uncooked, it’s like being on the set of a sci-fi film. Should you’re up for a little bit of a hike and a few gorgeous surroundings, Amboy Crater is your spot.
5. Route 66, California to Arizona
Cruising down Route 66, that is once you’ll really feel such as you’ve jumped right into a traditional American highway film. This iconic stretch is a treasure trove of quirky roadside points of interest and neon-lit diners.
Ensure you take an image at one. I couldn’t assist however cease for a snap at each classic gasoline station and kitschy memento store. It’s a journey by way of time, full of nostalgia and a way of journey. Route 66, you’re a real legend!
You may also take a photograph stood on the Route 66 signal painted on the highway too. It’s fairly a touristy factor to do, however there weren’t any crowds after I was there. I really feel prefer it’s obligatory on any highway journey from LA to Vegas or LA to the Grand Canyon.
6. Kingman, Arizona
Okay you’re now formally in Arizona and out of California. Kingman is a gem on Route 66. It’s like stepping again in time with its classic allure.
I liked wandering across the historic streets, popping into quirky outlets, and studying a bit concerning the space’s wealthy historical past. It’s the place the place Clark Gable obtained married whereas filming Gone with the Wind in 1939 and varied movies and TV exhibits came about (episodes from Jail Break, The Sopranos and The Massive Bang Principle, and a few scenes from Worry and Loathing in Las Vegas).
The native museums are a treasure trove of Route 66 memorabilia too. And the traditional American diners? Don’t even get me began – the milkshakes are to die for!
7. Williams, Arizona
Proceed alongside Route 66 to Williams. Often called the ‘Gateway to the Grand Canyon’, it’s a quaint little city with an enormous character. The primary road is sort of a scene from an outdated Western film, full with saloons and cowboy hats.
And the Grand Canyon Railway? It’s like stepping right into a time machine. It’s undoubtedly value going to go to en route, and makes a pleasant change from being within the automotive on a regular basis.
8. Flagstaff, Arizona
Subsequent, head to Flagstaff, about 40 minutes’ drive from Williams. This picturesque mountain city is a good base for exploring the encompassing pure wonders. It’s surrounded by forests and mountains, making it an ideal spot for outside fanatics.
You’ll love the laid-back environment and the pleasant locals right here, which could be very totally different from LA vibes. The historic downtown is stuffed with cute outlets and cafes – superb for a leisurely stroll to stretch these legs. And at evening, you’ll be able to see so many begins it’s such as you’re in a fairytale – or tenting.
9. Sedona, Arizona
A detour to Sedona is properly definitely worth the time. The gorgeous purple rock formations and vibrant arts scene are really fascinating.
Most individuals really feel an actual sense of peace and marvel exploring this magical place. There’s a number of galleries and artwork studios to wander spherical, and the city simply feels type of religious and stress-free. It’s such a special environment to California and all of the busier locations you’ll have seen on the LA to Grand Canyon highway journey.
10. Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona
In your approach again from Sedona, drive by way of the scenic Oak Creek Canyon. The winding highway with its lush surroundings and towering cliffs is sort of a inexperienced oasis within the desert.
You could possibly cease for a picnic by the creek and simply soak within the tranquility. It’s a incredible spot for a little bit of climbing or simply to sit back and revel in nature. This canyon is a hidden gem that’s to not be missed in your LA to Grand Canyon highway journey, even if you’re in your option to see one other canyon.
11. Meteor Crater, Arizona
Make your option to Meteor Crater. It’s exhausting to imagine that this huge crater was brought on by a meteor! Standing on the sting, trying down into the huge bowl, you’ll realise how small you truly are within the grand scheme of issues.
The interactive displays are tremendous fascinating – you’ll study quite a bit about meteors and house. This distinctive and awe-inspiring cease is certainly value a go to.
12. Painted Desert, Arizona
The layers of colors within the hills and cliffs are merely gorgeous – like a pure portray. You simply should cease and take all of it in.
The altering mild all through the day makes the panorama look totally different each time you look at it. It’s a very mesmerising sight.
13. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
Close by is the Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, the place you’ll be able to discover the fascinating landscapes full of historic, fossilised timber. The colors and patterns within the petrified wooden are so intricate and exquisite.
Wander across the trails, like a palaeontologist on a discovery mission. It’s a singular and engaging place.
14. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Horseshoe Bend is a kind of locations that you just see in pictures and assume, ‘No approach it seems like that in actual life’. Nevertheless it does! The view of the Colorado River curving across the rock is spectacular.
Standing on the sting, trying down on the emerald-green water, I felt like I used to be on high of the world. It’s a little bit of a stroll to get there, however belief me, it’s value each step.
15. Grand Canyon
The final cease of the LA to Grand Canyon highway journey is a surreal expertise. You’ve seen pictures of it, nevertheless it’s not till you’re there that you just realise how large it’s.
It’s additionally actually quiet, which makes the stroll across the rim actually peaceable. I didn’t choose to do the skywalk, however it’s nice if you wish to add on to the expertise.
I did nevertheless go on a helicopter journey, which was fairly enjoyable and terrifying on the identical time. In case you have anybody in your group that’s afraid of heights you would possibly need to give this one a miss. Equally when you’ve obtained some thrill-seekers then do it!!
The perfect locations to see between Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon
The checklist above exhibits simply what number of charming, retro cities, and unimaginable pure magnificence there’s to see when driving from LA to the Grand Canyon. Should you had been to fly, and even go instantly there with out stopping, you would possibly miss out on some really wonderful views.
I additionally really feel just like the west coast of the US is all about highway journeys too. It’s about stopping at diners and bars, speaking to locals, sleeping underneath stars and seeing nobody for miles. It’s simply you and the open highway.
Should you’re doing this journey solo, then ensure you try my high suggestions for a solo highway journey. Or when you’ve driving together with your accomplice, why not have some enjoyable highway journey video games for {couples} in thoughts for the lengthier drives in between stops?
Quicklist of stops on my LA to Grand Canyon highway journey
- Santa Monica Pier, California
- Palm Springs, California
- Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, California
- Amboy Crater, California
- Route 66, California to Arizona
- Kingman, Arizona
- Williams, Arizona
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Sedona, Arizona
- Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona
- Meteor Crater, Arizona
- Painted Desert, Arizona
- Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
- Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Grand Canyon
How lengthy is it from LA to the Grand Canyon?
The drive from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon is a little bit of a trek, nevertheless it’s properly value it. You’re about 8 hours on the highway, overlaying roughly 480 miles. After all, this will depend on the route you’re taking and the way typically you cease alongside the best way. Should you fancy a leisurely drive with loads of sightseeing, you would possibly need to unfold the journey over a few days.
How a lot does it price to drive from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon?
The price of driving from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon can range, relying on just a few elements like your automotive’s gasoline effectivity and the present value of petrol. On common, you would possibly spend round £100 to £150 on gasoline for a spherical journey. Don’t overlook to consider any extra prices like meals, lodging when you’re planning an in a single day keep, and any cheeky little detours you would possibly take alongside the best way.
Is it higher to take the prepare or drive to the Grand Canyon?
The traditional prepare vs automotive debate! Taking the prepare, particularly the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona, is a captivating and relaxed option to journey. It’s a incredible expertise, particularly when you’re a fan of scenic views and a little bit of old-world allure. Nonetheless, driving offers you extra flexibility to discover and make impromptu stops. Should you’re eager on sightseeing and revel in taking the scenic route at your personal tempo, driving is perhaps your greatest guess.
What number of days is sufficient to see Grand Canyon?
To actually soak within the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, I’d suggest no less than two to 3 days. This offers you ample time to discover totally different viewpoints, take just a few hikes, and perhaps even get pleasure from a dawn or sundown over the canyon. Should you’re up for extra journey, like a helicopter tour or a rafting journey down the Colorado River, you would possibly need to prolong your keep a bit longer. However even when you’ve solely obtained a day to spare, it’s nonetheless completely definitely worth the go to!
