denver to las vegas road trip stops

13 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive

The Denver to Las Vegas drive is one of the most exciting road trips you can take in the USA, giving you the chance to explore the best that the Southwestern states have to offer. 

From Colorado across to Nevada, there’s so much to be seen. We aren’t just talking about a brief pit stop at the Grand Canyon, either – this road trip has so much more potential.

We recognize that this route can be done in two ways, one taking what we call the North Route that goes through northwest Colorado and the northern section of Utah. This route largely avoids the southwest.

The second being the South Route , which heads to the southwest of Colorado and then straddles the Arizona/Utah border, hitting the best of both in that area. This route offers a classic Southwest USA experience.

This article outlines the South Route. Which in our opinion, offers way more bang for your buck when it comes to exploring between Las Vegas and Denver.

On the south route, you’ll visit the epic Canyon of the Ancients before seeing the equally ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde. Take in the rocky, otherworldly sights of Arizona, stopping for a selfie above Horseshoe Bend before exploring two of Utah’s national parks and then ending in Nevada.

There’s a lot to take in, so here’s our guide to planning a successful Denver to Las Vegas drive!

Don’t leave home without : 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do!

Ultimate Trip Planner: Denver to Las Vegas Drive

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The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a drive of epic proportions. While the quickest route between these two cities would take a fast driver 12 hours to complete without stopping, we suggest taking it slow and enjoying everything there is to see on the way.

And there’s a lot to see, so factor in plenty of time to experience the national parks, as well as any unexpected hidden gems you might stumble across.

Our Denver to Las Vegas drive itinerary will take at least a week to enjoy properly, but you could easily add in more days, especially if you want to spend more time hiking in the parks!

Denver to Las Vegas Road Trip Map

Our route is 870 miles long. While it’s fairly comprehensive, there’s so much to see in such a vast area that you can easily add in detours and customize it to create your own itinerary. 

Looking for more road trip information? How to Plan A Road Trip in 10 Easy Steps .

What about accommodation, food, and fuel?

Once you’re out of Denver, this is a fairly remote and, at times, seemingly empty and barren part of the country (there’s a lot of desert in this region!). It’s also very well-trafficked; if you stick to the main highways, you won’t need any special vehicles or equipment to enjoy the road trip. 

We’d recommend stocking up on water and fuel (and possibly some food) at the start of the trip and as you pass through larger towns. Keep your gas tank full, and you shouldn’t have a problem, even on the longest stretches of road.

There’s plenty of accommodation en route, too, from roadside motels to glorious camping spots in the national parks. You should try to book the best places in advance, or you could turn up late and have no place to stay.

This is a popular road trip for RV lovers, so you could rent a camper and be totally self-contained on the drive too.

Let us help you get a great deal on accommodation: 11 Easy Tips on How to Find Cheap Accommodation

The best time to road trip from Denver to Las Vegas 

This is a vast and varied part of the USA, and the climate can vary quite significantly on the Denver to Las Vegas drive. Colorado is cooler and more temperate (it’s popular for snow sports in winter, of course!), while Las Vegas is notoriously dry, dusty, and hot.

The summer months are peak season, but it gets super hot and busy on the road. We’d suggest that you aim to make the drive in either spring or fall. Drive between either March to May or between September and November; you’ll miss the crowds and it won’t be too hot.

Did you know your basic insurance does not cover most mishaps that can happen while on a road trip? Check out: How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy.

13 Best Stops For your Denver to Las Vegas Drive itinerary

1. denver, colorado.

Start your journey in Denver, Colorado. The state capital is a fascinating mixture of modern and 19th-century architecture, and a metropolis surrounded by mountains and nature.

Explore Downtown Denver, taking in the magnificent State Capitol Building, the Botanic Gardens, and famous landmarks like the Mint and the Union train station.

There are excellent museums, and best of all, you can try and catch a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater on the outskirts of the city. The outdoor arena is literally carved from the Colorado rock it sits on.

Don’t just drive from point A to B, here are a few amazing things to do in Denver on your road trip :

• Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder
• Foothills Explorer Tour From Denver
• Denver History and Highlights Small-Group Tour
• Small-Group Food Tour in Denver
• Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver

2. Durango, Colorado

The first stretch of road is a long but beautiful one. You’ll leave Denver and head south to the border with New Mexico, where you can overnight in the small city of Durango.

You could even break up the journey (it’s over 300 miles) by camping out or stopping off in the Rio Grande National Forest, or any of Colorado’s many other national forests that are en route. 

Durango itself is a fantastic destination, offering easy access to the hiking and biking trails of the San Juan National Forest.

If you only have time for one activity when you’re in the city, make it a ride on the Silverton and Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. This old mountain train winds its way through canyons and alongside steep cliffs, offering dramatic views over the Colorado scenery. 

Turn your Denver to Las Vegas road trip into an epic adventure on one or two tours that we love in Durango :

• Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango
• 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango
• Bike Rental – Single Speed Cruiser

3. Mesa Verde National Park

From Durango, it’s a short hop down the road to Mesa Verde National Park , where you can find one of the most fascinating archeological sites in the country. 

Mesa Verde was home to the Pueblo Civilization, who left their mark on the region until they disappeared in the 1300s. The most impressive ruins you can see are those of the Cliff Palace.

The Pueblo Indians constructed elaborate houses directly below the cliffs, often carving them straight from the rock. 

We love exploring places by ourselves but we also love exploring them with a local guide who can show us more and tell us about this area beyond the posted information in the National park.

That is why we love these two tours offered in Mesa Verde National Park :

• Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour
• Full-Day Mesa Verde National Park Tour with Guide

4. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Next up are the Canyons of the Ancients National Monuments, just across the highway from Mesa Verde National Park. 

The national monument also protects important archeological sites left behind by the Pueblo Indians. You can learn more about the civilization’s history by visiting the Anasazi Visitors Center before heading to explore the archeological sites and ruins themselves. 

This is a half day stop to truly appreciate all that is on offer. We’d recommend that you save it for your departure day, spend the morning here and then move on.

5. Four Corners

Head southwest, and you’ll soon reach one of the region’s most popular stops, the Four Corners. There’s not really much here to see except for a monument, but it’s popular because this is the intersection of four states.

This is where Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona all meet. You can set foot in all four states before hitting the road again.

Besides posing for the photo of your feet in multiple states, be sure to spend some time shopping the local Navajo artisan shops around the perimeter of the monument.

6. Monument Valley

The highway passes very briefly through New Mexico before turning into Arizona. You’re heading to the Arizona-Utah border, where you can find Monument Valley. 

This is one of the best stops on the road trip from Denver to Las Vegas; you’ll recognize many of the views from western movies and, these days, from Instagram. 

The road winds through this monumental valley, where huge rocks or buttes rise abruptly and dramatically from the ground below. Discover the Good, the Bad, the Ugly about visiting Monument Valley where we give the run down on our visit to this iconic American landmark.

There’s a ton of cool things to do in Monument Valley, too:

• Cultural Tour of Lower Monument Valley Tribal Park
• Monument Valley Extended Backcountry Tour
• Sunrise Tour of Monument Valley (Our photos were amazing from this tour!)
• Sunset Tour of Monument Valley (This is magical!)
• Private Monument Valley Horseback Riding Tour

7. Page, Arizona

From Monument Valley, continue across Arizona to the small city of Page , from where you can explore some of the best sights on the road trip. 

This is Grand Canyon territory; your first stop will be Horseshoe Bend , where you’ll see the dramatic sight of the Colorado River far below as it winds around a huge bend in the rock. 

Next, head to Antelope Canyon , a slot canyon on Navajo territory where you’ll find otherworldly features and beautifully shaped rocks. Then, call into the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument before heading towards Kanab, Utah. 

Have we convinced you to get out of the car yet on your Denver to Las Vegas road trip? There’s plenty of amazing things to do in the Page area, a few of the top things to do are:

• Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour
• Private White Pocket Vermilion’s Vortex Tour from Page
• Helicopter Flight Over Horseshoe Bend

8. Kanab, Utah

Kanab, Utah is the gateway to some of the most outstanding places you can uncover in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This 1.8 million acres of protected land offers some of the most famous landscapes in the USA.

You could spend a month in Kanab and still have only scratched the surface of exploring the wonders on offer. You’ll need to plan ahead and use your time wisely.

Some of our top recommendations include booking tours, as you’ll need a real 4×4 with high clearance to access most places, to visit any combination of Peek A Boo Canyon, Wire Pass, Buckskin Gulch, the White Wave and White Pocket.

Kanab is also home to the infamous Wave Lottery. Where people from all over the world gather daily for their chance at being drawn for one of 10 permits to see the famous wave formation within the National Monument.

When you’re not out adventuring, be sure to take a walk around the town too. Kanab is known as the ‘Hollywood of the West’ being the main center of wild west film production in the southwest.

Walking around town you’ll find their version of the Hollywood walk of fame that features many of the famed cowboys from the famous western movies.

If you have extra time on your side, you can also take a full day trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Kanab, too. We did this and it took the full day to drive there, enjoy the highlights of the North Rim and drive back.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park

Leaving Kanab, we’d recommend driving slightly out of your way to call into Bryce Canyon National Park, where you’ll find another of the state’s most impressive geological formations. 

The national park is at high elevation, so it’s a good place to escape the heat, too! There are some beautiful hiking trails that offer the chance to get up close and personal with the unique formations that make the park, the hoodoos.

If you have time for only one hike, we’d recommend the Navajo Loop Trail and the very least take the scenic drive stopping off at as many pullouts as you can. The Bryce Amphitheater is a sight to behold.

There’s plenty of great things to do in Bryce Canyon National park from just taking the scenic drive to hiking one of the many great hiking trails but like we’ve stated before why not take a tour and see more.

Here are a few of our favorite tours offered in Bryce Canyon National park :

• Scenic Tour of Bryce Canyon
• Horseback Riding Experience through Red Canyon with a Guide
• Ruby’s Hour Guided ATV Ride

10. Zion National Park

Once you’ve had your fill with Bryce National Park, head south again to the beautiful climes of Zion National Park. 

The most impressive feature of the national park is the Zion Canyon, a 15-mile long canyon that reaches depths of hundreds of meters. Hiking within this canyon offers some of the best hikes in the USA, so leave at least two days to complete Angels Landing and The Narrows.

If you are visiting the park from April to November, you won’t be able to enter the park without using the mandatory shuttle system. So plan accordingly and reserve seats on the shuttle for the days you will visit. If you’re hiking, try for 7 am tickets on both days.

Zion is filled with many great adventures, we spent a week there exploring this top National Park. With it being an extremely popular park, access is limited, so if you are short on time it may be best to book a tour instead of not getting bus tickets and not doing what you wanted to do in Zion National park.

11. St George, Utah

If you have a day to kill on your Denver to Las Vegas drive, than St George, Utah is the perfect stopover town between Zion National Park and Las Vegas.

This town was one of the first mormon settlements in the west, so it packs a lot of history and its own charm. We found it to be a fantastic base for exploring the state parks in the area.

From St George you can access 4 beautiful Utah State Parks including Snow Canyon, Sand Hollow, Quail Run and Gunlock. If you only have time for one, Snow Canyon is fantastic. It offers sand dunes, slot canyons and beautiful vistas.

Be sure to leave some time to explore the historical center of St George, too, before you depart and make the drive up to Pioneer Park to view the Dixie painting from above.

12. Valley of Fire State Park

The Valley of Fire State Park is your last stop before heading into Las Vegas. The state park is located in Nevada, just outside the city, and is known for its dramatic, red sandstone rock formations.

The park has featured in countless movies over the years and today is somewhat of an adventure playground, with plenty of excellent hiking opportunities. There are also many historic sites, including ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks centuries ago. 

Looking for more adventures like this around Las Vegas? Check out our Adventure guide to some of the best adventures around the Vegas area

13. Las Vegas, Nevada

After 870 miles of cross country driving, you’ll have made it to Las Vegas, a city that really needs no introduction at all. 

After your long road trip, it’s time to relax and unwind in a fancy hotel on the strip, or one of the city’s most famous resorts . Catch a show, take a helicopter  fly into the Grand Canyon or risk the rest of your road trip money in the casinos. You’ve earned it, after all!

There are truly endless things to do in and around the Las Vegas area .

Las Vegas to Denver Drive – Reverse Route

Of course, it is also possible to take this trip and do the complete reverse on the route. This would have you doing a Las Vegas to Denver drive itinerary, but the stops would be the same.

No matter how you choose to do this drive, you won’t be disappointed. There’s enough things to do along this route to fill a multi-week itinerary many times over. So choose the things that excite you the most and have a fantastic trip!

More on Southwest USA Travel:

• Ultimate USA Travel Guide
• Best Hikes in the USA: 15 Stunning Trails You Cannot Miss
• Ultimate US National Parks Bucket List (All 62 Parks By State)
• The Route 66 Ghost Town of Oatman, Arizona
• 15 Things To Do in Laughlin, Nevada Besides Gambling

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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11 Best Stops on the Denver to Las Vegas Drive

Last Updated on January 23, 2024

by Ella Kilroy

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a Denver to Las Vegas drive is one of the best routes to take through the southwestern region of the USA and there is truly no better way to explore the American Southwest than by car.

Beautiful mountain ranges, natural landmarks, cute towns, incredible National Parks and exciting cities are all well connected via an extensive network of highways, so if you give yourself a couple of days in a well-stocked car, you’ll find endless possibilities of things to do.

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Planning a Denver to Las Vegas Road Trip

When planning a road trip from Denver to Las Vegas, it is important to have an itinerary in mind and an idea of how far you plan on driving each day and where you’ll make stops.

The drive itself is beautiful and there are so many incredible things to see along the way, but there are definitely stretches where there aren’t any gas stations or towns to stop at to refuel, use the restroom or get food.

Plan ahead and make sure to take advantage of the resources in bigger towns so that you’re well-prepared for the barren stretches.

If you want to make sure you get a good deal on a car hire, then it’s worth browsing Rentalcars.com. This platform aggregates prices across many car hire companies to ensure you get a good deal irrespective of where you rent your car!

Alternatively, you can hire a campervan or RV through Outdoorsy to save on accommodation costs and be able to enjoy the great outdoors.

How Far is Denver to Las Vegas ?

The distance from Denver to Las Vegas is about 750 miles (1270 kilometres) if driving along the I-70 West and the I-15 South.

If you were to drive straight there without making any stops, you could arrive in under 12 hours and do it all in one long day, but I wouldn’t recommend that, as you would miss all the incredible things the southwest has to offer!

In order to fully take advantage of your road trip and stop in some interesting places, it would be best to stretch out this road trip over a few days.

Best Denver to Las Vegas Drive Stops

Of course, this list is simply a jumping-off point, and you can pick and choose which stops most appeal to you and fit in with your travel timeline, but for some ideas of great stops in between these two iconic cities, read on!

Denver , Colorado

While Denver is the starting point for your road trip, it is worth staying and exploring for a day or so before you hit the road. Denver has so much to offer visitors and has grown into such a dynamic, interesting, and fun city over the years.

Stay downtown and explore Larimer Square (Denver’s oldest and most historic block), 16 th Street Mall, and Union Station to get a good grasp on the energy and layout of the city.

As far as activities go, Denver is home to many incredible museums, galleries, independent boutiques, fun dining concepts, and cool bars and nightlife.

I’d recommend checking out the Dairy Block and Milk Market near Union Station. This carefully crafted city block (and diverse food-hall situated within it) showcases the innovative spirit of Denver. After you’ve explored the city, make sure to get a good night’s sleep at any of the many hotels downtown so that you can be up early and ready to hit the road!

Georgetown , Colorado

From Denver, you’ll get on the I-70 West and begin your scenic drive into the mountains. The drive along I-70 is beautiful and watching the terrain change as you go higher and higher will be amazing in and of itself, but before you get too well situated on the road, make a stop in Georgetown, Colorado.

This small, historic mining town is so charming and old-fashioned, that you’ll truly feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you walk up and down the main road. Pop into a cute café for a cup of coffee and a pastry before heading to the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

It is definitely worth taking the time to go for a ride on the railroad — the old-fashioned boutique train takes passengers on a loop through beautiful mountain terrain and provides stunning views, all the while transporting you back to a time in which railroads were the primary means of transportation.

Looking for other road trips to Las Vegas? Check out our Salt Lake City to Las Vegas & Phoenix to Las Vegas articles!

Vail , Colorado

After stopping in Georgetown and getting well acquainted with the beautiful mountains of Colorado, continue down the I-70 West for another hour until you reach Vail, one of the most famous ski destinations in the world.

If you’re a skier or snowboarder, I’d absolutely recommend staying in Vail for a full day or two so that you can experience the incredible mountain, but if winter sports aren’t your thing, you can still have a great time walking around the village at the base of the mountain.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and other activities. Vail is definitely a must-see if you want to get a taste of an authentic Colorado ski town.

Looking to spend the night in Vail? Check out this beautiful Bavarian chalet.

Glenwood Springs , Colorado

Just about another hour down the I-70 West past the White River National Forest, you’ll reach Glenwood Springs. A visit to this town is well worth it, as it is home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool.

A dip in the sprawling hot springs is a perfect and relaxing way to spend a few hours after all the driving and exploring you’ve done so far. If you’re the type of person that prefers to be active then take the hiking trail to Hanging Lake!

If you decide to stay in Glenwood Springs for more than just a few hours, consider checking out Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park .

This amusement park situated at the base of a mountain provides a fun and unique way to take in stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, downtown Glenwood Springs is a fun place to wander around, with local breweries, some great restaurants, and shopping.

Fruita , Colorado

Our next stop is another hour and a half west of Glenwood Springs. The small town of Fruita, Colorado is definitely lesser known but worth a quick pit stop after you pass Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument.

You’ll notice while driving into this town that the mountainous landscape you’ve been driving through thus far begins to change into more of a desert, indicating that you’re getting closer to Utah.

Fruita, named because of its humble origins as a fruit-producing region for the state, has evolved into a full-blown town with many unique activities to offer visitors.

You can elect to take a quick hike, mountain bike, or just explore the town on foot, but no visit to Fruita is complete without stopping at one of the various fruit stands around the entrance of the town that sells fresh, local fruit by the basket.

If it’s summertime, make sure you pick out some peaches — you’ll be amazed at how sweet and juicy the Fruita fruit is!

Looking for other road trips from Denver? Check out our Denver to Albuquerque , Denver to Phoenix , Denver to Telluride & Denver to Aspen articles!

Cisco , Utah

After stopping in Fruita, continue down the 1-70 West for another 45 minutes. You’ll cross over into Utah and come across Cisco, a small town that was formerly a livestock and cattle depot but is now an eerie, abandoned ghost town.

Cisco is worth a detour, as it illustrates how the modernization of transportation impacted the economy of small towns in the American West.

The abandoned houses and buildings situated in the barren desert landscape of Utah is equal parts interesting and spooky, which makes it a popular spot for photographers and artists. Grab a camera and explore the ghost town for a few hours to get a glimpse into what life might have been like in the early 1900s.

Arches National Park , Utah

Next on the list of must-see stops on a Denver to Las Vegas drive is Arches National Park in Moab, Utah . This stop is about an hour’s drive from Cisco and veers a little off the path to Nevada, but it is absolutely worth taking the extra time to see.

Arches , named so because it is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, is an absolutely incredible National Park with such a unique landscape, you’ll feel as though you’re on a different planet. Wander around the park, either on foot or in the car, for a while in order to take in the absolutely breathtaking rock formations.

It’s also possible to organise day tours from Moab such as this 4×4 tour or this 4×4 tour.

Looking to spend the night near Arches? Check out this stunning house in Moab!

Mystic Hot Springs of Monroe , Utah

After driving from Denver to Moab , get back on the I-70 West and make sure to fill up your tank, get some food, and use the restroom before embarking on the next part of the journey… for the next few hours, there will be long stretches of absolutely nothing.

After three hours on the road, you’ll come across one of the first towns you will have seen in a while — Monroe, Utah, home of the Mystic Hot Springs.

The Mystic Hot Springs include eight soaking pools of various heat, plus larger pools for proper swimming, all situated in a beautiful, rocky landscape that provides spectacular views.

A soak in the natural mineral hot springs is a perfect way to de-stress and unwind after the longest stretch of uninterrupted driving you will do on this long road trip.

Fremont Indian Museum and State Park , Utah

Just a half-hour from the Mystic Hot Springs is our next stop, the Fremont Indian State Park and Museum. This state park is the site of the ruins of one of the largest known Fremont Indian villages and is home to many incredible and interesting Native American artefacts.

Spend a few hours trying to decipher the rock art carved into the cliffs, checking out the preserved remains on display in the museum, and wandering the sprawling hiking trails of the park.

Zion National Park, Utah

After visiting the Fremont Indian Museum and State Park, you’ll get off the I-70 West and begin driving down the I-15 South- this is the highway that’ll take you straight to Vegas!

But before you arrive in Sin City, make one final stop at Zion National Park – another absolutely incredible National Park that truly showcases the unique beauty of the American Southwest.

For the daredevil, consider going on the Angels Landing hike — this five-mile hike is one of the most popular in Utah, known for its absolutely beautiful views as you hike across a steep and narrow cliff ledge.

But be warned — this hike is not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights! Even if you decide not to do the hike, you’ll still find wandering around Zion to be a fantastic experience.

If you don’t have time to make it to Zion during your drive to Las Vegas, you can also take a day trip to Zion here while you’re in Las Vegas . This tour available includes transport, lunch and admission to Zion & Bryce Canyon National Parks.

Las Vegas, Nevada

From Zion, the I-15 South is a straight shot to Las Vegas, but there is not much in between these two stops, so again, make sure to fill up with gas and be ready for another long stretch of driving with little access to services.

You’ll cross into Nevada after about an hour, and in another hour and a half, you’ll have made it to Vegas!

For your Las Vegas itinerary , there are endless options of things to do and places to explore. Make sure you allocate a few days to spend here, wandering the strip, seeing shows, shopping, taking some day trips and perhaps even trying your hand at gambling!

Where to Stay on the Drive from Denver to Las Vegas

If you want a couple of good places to rest your head, then we recommend stopping over in Vail, Colorado and Moab, Utah.

These are great stopover points any time of year as Vail is a beautiful mountain town and Moab is the prime jumping-off point to explore the incredible Arches National Park.

Private rentals can be a great choice if you’re looking to stay in your own apartment or home such as this stunning house in Moab or this Bavarian chalet in Vail.

However, there are also plenty of traditional hotel and hostel options!

Montaneros in Vail — This hotel is a great choice if you want to be close to the action of Vail but also want space and your own self-catering facilities. There are a range of apartments available here that can suit any size of party.

Lodge at Lionshead — If you’re after a chic lodge at the base of Vail Mountain, then this is a great choice for you. There is a large choice of apartment-style rooms available for all types of travellers and numerous other amenities to make your stay in Vail cool and comfortable.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vail hotels

Adventure Inn Moab — This classic boutique motel is an excellent place to stay in Moab, especially if you’re travelling on a tighter budget. They have a handful of clean and comfortable rooms available, free parking on site, and self-service laundry facilities.

Comfort Suites Moab — A good option if your budget is higher and you’re looking for a few more amenities in your accommodation. This hotel has great rooms available, a heated pool on site, and free parking for hotel guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Moab hotels

Horseshoe Las Vegas — A good mid-range option, this hotel/casino is located right on the Vegas strip. They have many rooms to choose from, many restaurants on-site, a heated swimming pool and breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Bellagio — One of the most iconic Las Vegas hotels, this is a great high-end option. There are countless luxe rooms available, a Cirque du Soleil show on-site, and one of the best casinos in Sin City.

Sin City Hostel — A great choice for budget and solo travellers, this hostel is well-located, clean and comfortable. They have numerous dorm beds available and the staff organise social events most nights.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Vegas hotels!

Holiday Inn Express Downtown Denver — A good option if you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable hotel that is well-located in downtown Denver. There are numerous rooms available and there is a free breakfast included in the rate.

Westin Denver Downton — Another great hotel option in downtown Denver, well-located for exploring all that the city has to offer. They have numerous clean and comfortable rooms available along with other amenities to ensure you have a lovely stay.

Ember Hostel — If you’re travelling on a budget or solo, then this hostel is a great choice. They offer both dorm beds and private rooms, have great common areas, and have clean facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Denver hotels

As you can see, a scenic drive between Denver and Las Vegas is one of the best and most interesting ways you could explore the Southwest US. With so many unique and interesting stops in between these two major cities, you’ll find that time on the road flies by.

Are you planning a drive to Las Vegas from Denver ? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

2 to 3 Days in Moab Itinerary: Explore Arches & Canyonlands

Aspen vs Vail vs Breckenridge: Which Colorado Town to Visit?

10 Best Stops on Denver to Salt Lake City Road Trip

About Ella Kilroy

Ella is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an American living in Dublin, Ireland, and when she isn’t writing, you can find her jetting off to countless destinations across Europe and beyond. Ella fell in love with travelling while studying abroad in Galway, which is what prompted her to come back to Ireland and start writing about her experiences.

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10 Denver To Las Vegas Road Trip Stops That Take Your Breath Away

A road trip from Denver to Vegas is full of some of the most beautiful stops in America, from wildflower-filled ski towns to colorful national parks.

The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a 750-mile journey from the high mountains to the scorching Southwest desert. While a vibrant destination like Las Vegas may tempt drivers to push through the 12-hour drive as quickly as possible, doing so would mean missing out on some of the best summer destinations in the United States.

Those with the time can turn this simple drive into a true US road trip, passing through mountain towns, national parks, and lush forests. While every part of this unique drive down I-70 and I-15 is beautiful in its own way, below are ten of the best of the best stops to make along the way.

Road trips are all about making the most of the journey, but no journey is complete without a comfortable place to stay. Each stop has included both a recommended hike to stretch cramped road trip legs and a high-rated hotel or resort should travelers decide to use any of these locations as an overnight stop.

Related: 10 Best Hotels In Las Vegas To Ignite Your Sin City Adventure

Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne

The lodge at breckenridge, the arrabelle at vail square, glenwood hot springs resort, grand junction palomino inn, hoodoo moab, cliffrose springdale, inn on the cliff, hyatt place las vegas at silverton village, dillon, colorado.

A popular winter destination, Dillon’s lakeside location makes it a perfect stop for a summer Colorado road trip. Visitors can rent a kayak, pontoon boat, or even a sailboat at the Dillon Marina and enjoy the fresh air on the lake. For those looking for a more relaxing pit stop, there are numerous public beaches along the lake, perfect for lounging in the sun and enjoying the lake and mountain views.

Those beautiful mountains also provide numerous hiking trails, biking trails, horseback riding paths, and fishing holes. In the town itself, Dillon continues to prove it is worth the stop with both disc golf and traditional golf courses and the Dillon Amphitheater.

Old Dillon Reservoir Trail Hike:

• Distance: 1.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: ~1 hour
• Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne
• Things to Do in Dillon, Colorado: Lake Dillon Marina, Biking, Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Golf, Disc Golf, Dillon Amphitheater, Fishing

Hampton by Hilton

177 Meraly Way, Silverthorne, CO 80498

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Colorado is full of unique ski towns that are often overlooked during the summer but are absolutely worth including on a summer road trip through the state. Copper Mountain is one such winter town that is full of natural beauty in the summer months. The melting snow gives way to scenic hiking and biking trails, and the water feeds numerous varieties of wildflowers that bloom well into the summer with the high elevation.

The town also has unique activities like the largest outdoor freestanding rock climbing wall in North America and the highest golf course in America that offer a quick afternoon out of the car before continuing their journey to the Vegas Strip.

Chickaree Way Hike:

• Distance: 2 miles
• Time: ~0.5 hours
• Where to Stay: The Lodge at Breckenridge
• Things to Do in Copper Mountain, Colorado: Mountain Road Walks, Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, Golfing, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, Road Cycling

Vail, Colorado

The road to Sin City from Denver is full of unique ski resorts and world-class slopes, but for those driving through Colorado in the summer, these towns are still worth stopping in for their beautiful views and luxury amenities. Like other stops, Vail, Colorado, is primarily a ski resort town that is perfect for outdoor adventurers passing through in summer .

After potentially hours in the car, Vail is a great place to explore the outdoors in mild weather along hiking trails, whitewater rafting down the river, riding down a mountain coaster, or simply strolling through the picturesque downtown.

Pitkin Lake Trail Hike (Eagles Nest Wilderness):

• Distance: 9.6 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Time: 6–7 hours
• Where to Stay: The Arrabelle At Vail Square, A Rockresort
• Things to Do in Vail, Colorado: Hiking, Biking, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Whitewater Rafting, Gondola Rides, Ziplining, Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Golfing

RockResorts International

675 Lionshead Place, Vail, CO 81657

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Any time of year is the perfect time to lounge in the natural hot springs of Glenwood Springs, some of the best in the state of Colorado. After sitting in a cramped car, Glenwood Springs is a great stop for road trip travelers looking to unwind. With three separate hot spring resorts, Glenwood Springs is also a great overnight option for those looking to break up the road trip to Las Vegas.

As with the entirety of Colorado, outdoor adventures abound in Glenwood Springs, with rafting, kayaking, golfing, paragliding, and mountain biking all available within the small town.

Hanging Lake Trail Hike:

• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2–4 hours
• Where to Stay: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
• Things to Do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Hanging Lake, Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, Glenwood Canyon, White River National Forest, Golf, Guided Tours, Paragliding

415 East 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

A permit is required for the Hanging Lake Trail Hike. Visit the Glenwood Springs, CO website for permit information and for additional details on the wide variety of recreational activities available in the city.

Related: Hot Springs Hopping: A Guide To Colorado's 10 Most Relaxing And Invigorating Spots

Grand Junction, Colorado

Another great stop for those hoping to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado, Grand Junction is the last major stop before the road trip to Las Vegas veers into Utah. As the landscape transitions from the high mountains to the Southwestern desert, Grand Junction provides a variety of hiking and biking trails to enjoy the scenery.

Depending on the time of year, visitors to Grand Junction can also enjoy special summer events like the Colorado Lavender Festival and the Palisade Peach Festival.

Devil’s Kitchen Hike (Colorado National Monument):

• Where to Stay: Grand Junction Palomino Inn
• Things to Do in Grand Junction, Colorado: Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa National Forest, Grand Junction to Moab Trail, Colorado Lavender Festival, Palisade Peach Festival, Dinosaur Journey Museum, Fruita Paleontological Area, Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Fishing

2400 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Arches National Park, Utah

One of the most iconic national parks in the United States, it's impossible to drive anywhere near Arches National Park without spending a day (or three) enjoying the views. Home to the famous Delicate Arch, Arches National Park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy natural Arches and land bridges.

With miles of hiking trails that meet every ability level, even the most casual visitor can enjoy the one-of-a-kind natural formations.

Delicate Arch Hike:

• Distance: 3.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
• Time: 2–3 hours
• Where to Stay: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Things to Do in Arches National Park: Delicate Arch, Hiking, Biking, Arches National Park Visitor Center

111 North 100 West, Moab, UT 84532

Related: 5 In 5: Visit Utah's 'Mighty 5' National Parks In Five Days

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Southern Utah offers a variety of protected spaces perfect for those hoping to explore the outdoors on their way to Sin City. Hidden between two world-famous National parks, Dixie National Forest is a hidden gem that offers many of the same pastimes as its neighbors, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

As a national forest instead of a national park, admission is free, making it an affordable detour on a Denver-Vegas road trip.

Red Canyon Hike:

• Distance: 4.1 miles
• Time: ~2 hours
• Where to Stay: Abbey Inn
• Things to Do in Dixie National Forest: Red Canyon, Petroglyphs, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Viewing

940 West 200 North, Cedar City, UT 84720

Zion National Park, Utah

Home to one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States , Zion National Park is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. The second of Utah's "Mighty 5" National parks on the route from Denver to Las Vegas, Zion is a beautiful place for road trip travelers to stretch their legs and explore the landscape of the Southwest.

Deep slot canyons and unusual rock formations are plentiful in the park, with hiking trails ranging from simple half-mile loops to full-day backcountry excursions. While Zion National Park could easily be a week-long vacation itself, even a day in the park is a must for anyone on a road trip through the Southwest United States.

The Narrows Bottom-Up Hike (no permit required):

• Distance: 8.9 miles
• Time: 6–8 hours
• Where to Stay: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Things to Do in Zion National Park: The Narrows*, Angels Landing*, Zion Human History Museum, Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Virgin River, Hiking, Biking, Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive

281 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale, UT 84767

*Both the Angel's Landing hike and some portions of the Narrows Slot Canyon hike require permits. Go to the park website to make a reservation and get a permit in advance.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Angels Landing In 2023

Saint George, Utah

While it is easy to focus the time in Southern Utah on the one-of-a-kind national parks, the towns themselves have plenty to offer travelers as well. Those taking a road trip through Utah can enjoy the big city feel of Saint George, with several museums and a botanical garden, or get back into the desert scenery at Pioneer Park or Snow Canyon State Park.

Saint George is an especially fitting road trip stop thanks to its wide variety of food options and types of activities that will appeal to every type of traveler.

Snow Canyon Trail:

• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
• TIme: ~1.5 hours
• Where to Stay: Inn on the Cliff
• Things to Do in Saint George, Utah: Red Hills Botanical Garden, Snow Canyon State Park, Pioneer Park, Brigham Young Winter Home, St. George Tabernacle, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

511 South Airport Road, Saint George, UT 84770

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

With waves of red sandstone and unusual rock formations, the Valley of Fire State Park is perfect for either a final road trip stop or a day trip from Vegas after completing the journey. Regardless of when visitors stop by, the Valley of Fire is sure to be worth the detour.

Numerous hiking trails lead to unique formations like the Beehives, Fire Wave, and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. After spending the day in the red rock landscape, road trip travelers can either camp at the park itself or settle into one of many luxury hotels in nearby Las Vegas .

Fire Wave Hike:

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Las Vegas at Silverton Village
• Things to Do at Valley of Fire State Park: White Dome Trail, Fire Wave Trail, Elephant Rock, Lost City Museum

8380 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89139

An Epic Denver to Las Vegas Road Trip

From the outdoorsy city of Denver to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, this road trip will take you past majestic mountains to vast deserts, with opportunities to explore some of Utah's Mighty 5, historic cities, ancient pueblo culture and vibrant New Mexico markets.

You can do this 810-mile road trip in 12 hours. The sights on the way are Vail, Glenwood Springs, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Cedar City, Dixie National Forest, Zion National Park, Moapa Valley, and Mystic Hot Springs.

If you love nature, cultural attractions, and plenty of outdoor adventures, then this drive from Denver to Las Vegas is for you. Read on below to learn more about our recommended routes, where to stay, the best time to travel, and the best things to see and do on the way.

Where is Las Vegas and how far is a road trip from Denver?

The road trip from Denver to Las Vegas will take you through America's vast Western landscapes. You'll have two fantastic routes to choose from: the Zion National Park Route or the Grand Canyon Route.

On the Zion National Park Route, you'll get to admire mountain vistas, desert landscapes, and majestic national parks.

This route will take you through charming Colorado towns like Idaho Springs and Vail, the natural arches and red rock formations of Moab, and the towering cliffs of Zion National Park, before reaching fabulous Las Vegas.

Covering a distance of 810 miles, you can enjoy it easily over 4 to 5 days. This way, you'll get to soak up all the national parks, cultural destinations, and sights along the way.

The Grand Canyon Route is also dotted with awe-inspiring landmarks and natural wonders. This path winds through the artistic hubs of Taos and Santa Fe, then through the historic streets of Albuquerque, and to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park.

Along the way, you can visit the Petrified Forest National Park and the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam. Spanning 1,115 miles and best enjoyed over 6 to 7 days, this route is perfect if you want a blend of American history and spectacular landscapes.

How long is the road trip from Denver to Las Vegas, and how many days will it take?

What is the best road trip route from denver to las vegas.

The best road trip route from Denver to Las Vegas will depend on what you'd like to see and how much time you have. That being said, this is how our two routes stack up against each other, looking at some factors that might influence your decision.

Driving from Denver to Las Vegas via Zion National Park

The Zion National Park Route from Denver to Las Vegas, takes you through the heart of the American West's most stunning landscapes.

You'll mostly drive on well-maintained interstate highways and major state routes, making your drive as smooth as can be. Despite the potential for challenging conditions through mountain passes or during bad weather, the route remains accessible.

As you drive, you'll see ever-changing and breathtaking scenery. You'll see the majestic mountains of Colorado, the desert landscapes of Utah, and national parks like Arches, Canyonlands, and Zion.

If you're seeking adventure and natural beauty, the Zion National Park Route is unmatched, offering an abundance of outdoor recreational activities and sightseeing opportunities.

While the route has plenty of facilities in urban areas and towns along the interstate, it's wise to plan ahead when entering more remote regions or national parks. Make sure to have sufficient supplies and arrange your accommodations in advance.

Traffic remains smooth across most of the journey, with occasional increases during peak travel seasons or holiday weekends, particularly near major tourist destinations and national parks.

Driving from Denver to Las Vegas via Grand Canyon

Setting off on the Grand Canyon Route, you'll drive through the heart of the American Southwest, a region rich in natural wonders, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes.

These well-maintained roads guide you through ever-changing scenery, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the colorful desert plains of New Mexico, before reaching the Grand Canyon.

From the moment you leave Denver, the route follows along major highways and interstates, making your drive easy and secure. On the way, you'll have plenty of facilities in major cities and smaller towns, ensuring that you have access to gas, food, and lodging.

From the outdoor adventures awaiting in national parks to the rich history of Santa Fe and Taos, there's something for everyone.

Traffic flow on this route is generally smooth, especially in rural and desert areas, but be prepared for potential congestion in and around major cities and tourist destinations like the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Driving Route from Denver to Las Vegas

Below are more driving details about each route between Denver and Las Vegas. It is always a good idea to consult GPS for step-by-step route directions.

Driving the Zion National Park Route

Begin your journey from Denver by traveling west along Interstate 70 (I-70). You'll soon pass through the scenic Idaho Springs and Vail.

Continue on the interstate, enjoying the picturesque views of Glenwood Springs and the vineyards near Palisade. After you cross into Utah, veer south towards Moab, the gateway to Arches National Park, one of the most stunning natural landmarks in the country.

Then check out the landscapes of Canyonlands National Park. These parks offer a glimpse into Utah's rugged beauty and geological wonders. After your visit, get back on the interstate.

Merge onto I-15 and proceed south towards Cedar City. Your next destination is Zion National Park, known for its steep red cliffs and landscapes.

After exploring Zion, continue on I-15 South through St George, and into Nevada near Mesquite. From here, follow the road through the Moapa Valley, an area known for its stark desert landscapes and the Valley of Fire State Park nearby before arriving in Las Vegas.

Driving the Grand Canyon Route

Starting from Denver, head south along I-25, passing through Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Continue towards the artistic town of Taos, New Mexico. From Taos, drive south to Santa Fe and enjoy its rich cultural heritage, food scene, and historic Adobe architecture.

From here, proceed along I-25 to Albuquerque. Heading west from Albuquerque on I-40, you'll pass through Gallup, with its rich Native American history, and enter the diverse landscapes of Arizona.

You'll then drive through Petrified Forest National Park, before stopping in Holbrook and Winslow, before reaching Flagstaff.

A detour north of Flagstaff leads you to the Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Marvel at its vast, awe-inspiring vistas before heading back to I-40.

Continue west through Seligman, a historic Route 66 town, and Kingman, where the spirit of the "Mother Road" is still alive. Approach the Nevada border by passing through the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam. Finally, you'll end your drive in Las Vegas.

Where to stop overnight on a road trip between Denver and Las Vegas

There's so much to see and do along the way on a road trip from Denver to Las Vegas that you'll want to break your drive up. Below are our top destinations for an exciting overnight stop.

At the doorstep of Zion National Park in St George

As you journey along the Zion National Park Route, a must-stop destination is the picturesque city of St George, located just about 2 hours from Las Vegas. Surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and boasting a mild climate, the city serves as a gateway to Zion National Park, making it a perfect place for hiking and enjoying nature.

In St George, there's no shortage of attractions to fill your itinerary. In addition to Zion National Park, one of our favorite places to spend some time in the great outdoors while in St George is Snow Canyon State Park, where you can hike among stunning canyons and see lava flows.

For your stay in St George, the Inn on the Cliff is an exceptional choice . The Inn on the Cliff has plenty of views of the stunning cliffside and beautiful desert landscape, providing a serene and picturesque setting that's hard to match.

If you love golf, you'll appreciate the Golf Course at the Ledges nearby. Zion National Park is a mere 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from the hotel, offering iconic hikes and breathtaking vistas.

Before you set off on your day, make sure to enjoy the delicious breakfast served here. Or you can make a relaxing day out of it and enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub to unwind and soak in the stunning panoramic views.

Majestic sights and outdoor adventures in Flagstaff

Flagstaff, Arizona, is the perfect stopover on the Grand Canyon Route, located 3 hours and 40 minutes from Las Vegas. This historic mountain city is nestled in the ponderosa pines and serves as a recreational hub, offering access to some of Northern Arizona's most significant attractions.

This beautiful city is among the best gateways to the majestic Grand Canyon National Park. If you have more time, you can stay an extra day or two and explore the national park at your own pace.

While here, you can also visit the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park to learn about the area's early timber industry. On top of that, the Lowell Observatory is a must-visit to learn about the scientific achievements of the area.

For your stay in Flagstaff, the highly-rated Little America Hotel Flagstaff promises an unparalleled experience. This sophisticated retreat blends comfort with elegance.

The on-site Silver Pine Restaurant and Bar caters to all tastes with its excellent menu, which is available throughout the day. After your long drive, you'll love relaxing in the outdoor pool or the hot tub.

The Little America Hotel is close to all of Flagstaff's major attractions. Plus, you're only a short drive away from the city's top-rated restaurants.

Our favorite place to stay in Las Vegas

When you reach Las Vegas, we recommend staying at the luxurious Venetian Resort , a masterpiece of Italian elegance in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

The resort's expansive outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by a spacious sun terrace complete with loungers and parasols, is perfect for relaxing after your drive. The Venetian also features Michelin-starred restaurants offering an array of world-class cuisines.

You'll also love amenities such as a fully-equipped gym, a rejuvenating sauna, and a spa center offering an extensive menu of massages and beauty treatments.

Just steps away, don't miss the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat and the Mob Museum. These are just a few of the amazing highlights nearby that make the Venetian such an amazing place to stay.

Best time to travel from Denver to Las Vegas on a road trip

Although Las Vegas is a year-round destination, each season varies in weather and events. Read on below to learn more about what each season brings to your driving experience.

Traveling to Las Vegas from Denver in summer

During the summer, temperatures often soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in desert areas such as Moab, Zion, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon. You may experience summer thunderstorms as well.

Make sure to enjoy your outdoor adventures in the early mornings or late evenings. Despite the scorching temperatures, summer is the peak season for tourists, leading to crowded trails in national parks and in Las Vegas.

This means increased traffic and crowded attractions, making early bookings and patience essential. If you are traveling via the Albuquerque Route, the Santa Fe Indian Market in August might mean busy traffic, but its lively atmosphere is worth the extra time spent.

Traveling to Las Vegas from Denver in winter

In winter, you'll experience snowy conditions in mountainous areas and milder, more pleasant weather in the desert regions. Mountain passes might be challenging because of snow and ice, so always check the weather beforehand.

Las Vegas enjoys mild winter temperatures, perfect for city exploration without the extreme heat. Don't miss events like the city's famous New Year's celebrations.

Expect colder weather with potential snow in higher elevations, notably around Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon's North Rim, which closes after the first heavy snowfall. Grand Canyon's South Rim remains open during this season.

Traveling to Las Vegas from Denver in shoulder seasons

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are ideal. Spring offers milder weather, perfect for exploring the desert before the summer heat sets in, though mountainous regions might still have some snow.

The Moab Jeep Safari in March or April attracts off-road enthusiasts to Moab. Fall brings cooler temperatures, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities with fewer crowds.

The Grand Canyon is especially beautiful during these times, with comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors. If you're traveling during the fall, don't miss events like the Taos Fall Arts Festival in September.

In Las Vegas, don't miss the Las Vegas Helldorado Days in May. Or, if you're traveling in fall, don't miss the Life is Beautiful Festival in September.

The best things to see and do on a road trip from Denver to Las Vegas

Below are some incredible highlights between Denver and Las Vegas. This way, you can plan your ultimate drive through the American Southwest.

On the Zion National Park Route

Genesee Park, Golden: Genesee Park offers stunning views, hiking trails, and the opportunity to see buffalo and elk herds in their natural habitat.

Phoenix Gold Mine, Idaho Springs: A historic gold mine that offers guided tours where you can learn about the mining history and pan for gold.

Hotel de Paris Museum, Georgetown: This museum preserves the history of a luxurious 19th-century hotel and takes you through Colorado's gold rush era.

Frisco Historic Park & Museum: A collection of historic buildings and artifacts that tell the story of Frisco's and Colorado's mining and pioneer heritage.

Vail: Vail is a mountain resort community with year-round outdoor activities, from hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway: A breathtaking drive that offers panoramic views of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, with several points of interest along the way.

Hot Springs Pool, Glenwood Springs: One of the largest hot springs pools in the world, offering a relaxing experience with therapeutic mineral waters.

Dinosaur Journey Museum: Features interactive exhibits and real fossils that tell the story of the region's prehistoric past.

Arches National Park: Famous for its natural sandstone arches and unique geological formations, offering numerous hiking trails and viewpoints.

Canyonlands National Park: Offers a dramatic desert landscape carved by the Colorado River, ideal for hiking, biking, and camping.

Moab Rock Shop: A fascinating stop for geology enthusiasts, featuring a wide variety of minerals, fossils, and gemstones.

Mystic Hot Springs, Monroe: A fun town known for its natural hot springs and rustic, hippie vibe.

Dixie National Forest: Encompassing over two million acres, it's the largest national forest in Utah, offering outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Zion National Park: A majestic park known for its massive sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and beautiful vistas, offering some of the most scenic hikes in the United States.

Little Jamaica Natural Swimming Hole: A hidden oasis offering a refreshing stop with its small waterfall and clear, warm waters.

On the Grand Canyon Route

The EDGE Ziplines and Adventures: Offers thrilling zipline experiences and outdoor adventures in a beautiful mountain setting near Denver.

Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Pikes Peak region through exhibits on Native American life, the gold rush, and early Colorado Springs.

Garden of the Gods: A public park known for its stunning red rock formations, offering hiking, rock climbing, and breathtaking views.

El Pueblo History Museum: Highlights the region's diverse cultures and history, from the Native American and Spanish colonial eras through Colorado's statehood.

Taos Pueblo: An ancient living Native American community offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Taos people.

The Classical Gas Museum, Embudo: A quirky museum with vintage gas station memorabilia and historical items.

Santa Fe Plaza: The historic heart of Santa Fe, surrounded by adobe landmarks, it's a hub for cultural events, shopping, and dining.

Loretto Chapel: Famous for its miraculous staircase, this chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a must-visit historical site in Santa Fe.

Albuquerque Museum: Features art, history, and cultural exhibits that provide insights into the rich heritage of the Southwest.

Route 66 Neon Drive-Thru sign: An iconic symbol of the historic Route 66, offering a great photo opportunity and a taste of Americana.

Petrified Forest National Park: Known for its vast deposits of petrified wood, this park also offers stunning painted desert landscapes.

Dinos of Holbrook: A unique outdoor display featuring large dinosaur statues, celebrating the area's paleontological significance.

Arizona Snowbowl: A year-round mountain resort offering skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking and scenic chairlift rides in summer.

Grand Canyon National Park: One of the world's natural wonders, offering unparalleled views, hiking trails, and opportunities for rafting on the Colorado River.

Hoover Dam: An engineering marvel situated on the Colorado River, providing hydroelectric power and water storage while offering tours and spectacular views.

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USA TODAY 10Best

Road trip loop: A unique Denver / Las Vegas itinerary

February 5, 2021 // By Aimee Heckel

By Aimee Heckel Travel Expert February 5, 2021

The road trip from Denver to Las Vegas is a classic road trip for Coloradans – a rite of passage, even. But a straight shot to Vegas isn’t the only way to do it. Find joy in the journey, when you turn the popular Mile High-to-Sin City drive into an adventurous loop.

On the way to Vegas, make a few fun stops at Breckenridge, Grand Junction and Cedar City. Then, after leaving the neon lights of Las Vegas, loop south so you can hit Lake Havasu, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Telluride, Crested Butte and the Buena Vista hot springs, before returning back to Denver.

This road trip will cover just under 2,000 miles, give or take, based on optional attractions along the way. It’s broken into 13 different days, although you will likely want to take more than two full weeks to do it right. An extra day in Cortez will allow more time in Mesa Verde. An extra day in Lake Havasu will mean more time on the water. Stretch it out based on your own interests and schedule.

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Drive time tops out above 33 hours on the road, but it won’t feel like it, because we’ve broken up the trip so you can drive a short distance every morning and have the full afternoon and evening to explore your destination. Of course, since this is a loop, you can hop on at any point on the map, but we’re starting and stopping in Denver.

Day 1: Denver to Breckenridge

2 hours, 80 miles on I-70

Start the trip with a drive up the mountain to visit a ski resort. Breckenridge, Colorado, is a favorite contender, although you can’t fail with any of the beautiful ski towns along the way: Keystone, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Vail, Beaver Creek.

Breck stands out for its high altitude (9,600 feet); it’s the highest-altitude ski town in the United States. In winter, this means a lot of snow (on average, more than 350 inches a year) and longer ski seasons. You can ski here over spring break.

Beyond skiing, Breckenridge is known for being more laid-back than other ski towns, for its colorful, historic downtown and for hosting many fun festivals.

Make sure you visit the Breckenridge Distillery , the world’s highest distillery. Stay in the middle of the action at Grand Lodge on Peak 7 .

Note: Although it’s only about 80 miles to Breckenridge, the drive time can vary between an hour and a half to more than two, depending on traffic and weather. The best time to drive on Interstate 70 is Monday through Thursday before or after rush hour.

Day 2: Breckenridge to Grand Junction

3 hours, 180 miles via I-70

The drive from Breck to Grand Junction, Colorado is gorgeous, spanning unique rock formations, former mines, canyons and mountain views. Grand Junction is an outdoor-lover’s heaven, in the heart of Colorado’s wine country – and apple orchards in the fall.

Do a cruiser bike wine tour of the more than 20 wineries in Grand Valley; go canyoneering in the Colorado National Monument; and go off-roading in Bangs Canyon. Nearly 75 percent of the land in this area is public, which means 1.8 million acres of endless exploration.

Grab food at the Devil’s Kitchen , a rooftop restaurant and bar with views as delicious as the charcuterie board. The best place to stay in town is the modern Hotel Maverick , located on the campus of the Colorado Mesa University. Request a garden patio room on the first floor, with your own large, private patio looking out onto the lawn.

Day 3: Grand Junction to Richfield

3 hours and 30 minutes, 225 miles on I-70

Follow the red rocks to Richfield, Utah, the largest city in this area. It’s a great hub to visit the Fishlake National Forest, a short drive away via the state highway 119. Fish Lake (the namesake of the forest) is the largest natural mountain lake in Utah, and it’s home to elk, deer, moose and more. It’s also a top place to go fishing, hiking, off-roading and bird-watching.

Stay at the Fish Lake Resorts , featuring a historic lodge built out of native spruce logs. Rent a fully equipped cabin and snuggle up next to the wood-burning stove after a day of fishing and exploring. The Fish Lake Lodge Restaurant is conveniently located on site.

Day 4: Richfield to to Cedar City

2 hours, 115 miles on I-70 and I-15

If you don’t mind a longer drive (just over four hours) and want to spend more time wandering the Strip, you could drive straight from Richfield to Vegas. It’s a simple and mostly direct drive down Interstate 15.

But if you time your trip right and stop in Cedar City, Utah, you might be able to catch the world-famous Utah Shakespeare Festival, taking place from June to October. You can even find charming, Shakespeare-inspired B&Bs, like the Bard’s Inn and Amid Summer’s Inn B&B.

Cedar City offers tons of outdoor excitement year-round, too. It’s considered the “gateway to Utah’s national parks” and makes an ideal home base to visit Zion National Park (one hour away), Bryce Canyon National Park (an hour and a half away), the Brian Head ski resort (40 minutes away) and the Cedar Breaks National Monument (45 minutes).

If you don’t want to make a day trip and are sick of driving, the Dixie National Forest, Utah’s biggest national forest, is just 15 minutes past town.

Day 5: Cedar City to Las Vegas

2 hours and 30 minutes, 171 miles on I-15

The last stretch to Vegas will fly by (although it’s less scenic than the Utah stretch), and before you know it, the open fields transform into flashing lights and a neon glow. While “Sin City” has a reputation for debauchery and gluttony, many people don’t realize Vegas also does health and wellness just as big.

Stay at the MGM Resorts in a Stay Well room, with features like air purification, vitamin C-infused showers, white room lighting, a dawn simulator alarm clock and in-room aromatherapy.

For a healthy Vegas vacay, do yoga at the LINQ on the world’s tallest observation wheel and then visit a spa. The Strip alone has 45 different spas, including some of the highest rated in the world. Try a warm salt stone ritual at the Four Seasons Spa to refresh after five days of driving, before you begin the loop back to Denver.

Skip the casinos and booze and see real costumes and props from the movies at the Marvel’s Avengers Station. Then enjoy a fresh dinner (as in, the herbs are literally growing on your table) at Harvest by Roy Ellamar at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.

Day 6: Las Vegas to Lake Havasu

2 hours and 30 minutes, 153 miles on US 95

You’re leaving Las Vegas, but the fun has just begun. Instead of taking the same route home, loop south to Lake Havasu, “Arizona’s playground.” With 300 days of sun a year and 400 miles of coastline, this lake is hoppin’, with water sports and beaches with mountain views.

There’s so much to do here – hiking, biking, golfing, off-roading, fishing – so stay an extra few days and party if your schedule allows.

A popular way to immerse yourself in all of Havasu’s outdoor glory is to pop up a tent near the water and camp. You’ll find many campgrounds, but one right on the white sand shores is the Lake Havasu State Park. Dining is casual here, but there are more than 140 options in the city, including the ever-popular Juicy’s . Don’t miss the famed country sausage gravy with breakfast.

Before you leave, check off a bucket-list item and see the London Bridge. Yes, the bridge from the song was relocated to Havasu City.

Day 7: Lake Havasu to Flagstaff

3 hours and 30 minutes, 200 miles on I-40

On your way from Havasu to Flagstaff, Arizona, make a lunch stop in the tiny town of Seligman, Arizona, which claims to be a “birthplace” of historic Route 66. Grab a bite to eat at the 1950's-style Delgadillo’s Snow Cap diner.

Take a day to explore Flagstaff, home to the state’s tallest mountain. Flagstaff is called the City of Seven Wonders for its impressive location in the heart of (you guessed it) seven natural wonders: Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument, the San Francisco Peaks and the Coconino National Forest.

Get off the highway and into the forest, the most fitting way to experience Flagstaff; it has the largest contiguous forest of Ponderosa pines in the world. Keep with that forest feel and book a stay at the Little America Hotel , built in 1952 in a 500-acre private forest.

Day 8: Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon National Park

1 hour and 30 minutes, 75 miles via US 180 and Arizona Highway 64

The drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon is short, so you have plenty of time to explore the jaw-dropping, 10-mile wide canyon. Hike it, raft through it or even rent a mule to ride it. Refuel at the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room, which serves fresh and regionally inspired food, like a bison burger, a “Cowboy Ribeye” with red wine demi glaze, or “Canyon Duck” (smoked and grilled, topped with prickly pear cactus drizzle).

Head to the South Rim to stay the night at the stunning, European-inspired El Tovar Hotel. Rooms come equipped with views of the canyon.

Day 9: Grand Canyon to Cortez

4 hours, 250 miles on US 160

It’s time to venture back to Colorado, but not without stopping at the Four Corners Monument first. This is the only place in the country where you can be in six places at one time: four different states and two tribal parks (it is owned by both the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Ute).

When you get to Mesa County, station at the Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch in a private cabin in Cortez, Colorado. If you have time to extend your stay, request a tour by the on-site "rockologist" of the nearby Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Then, visit the better-known Mesa Verde National Park – both contain artifacts and history of the region’s ancient Native Americans.

Great food is limited in this area, but the best place to eat in Cortez is the Loungin’ Lizard, with hip, comfort food options like smoked pork nachos, Frito pie, country fried chicken and French onion soup.

Day 10: Cortez to Telluride

1 hour and 30 minutes, 76 miles on Colorado Highway 145

Cortez to Telluride, Colorado, is a short but scenic mountain drive through the San Juan National Forest, and you’ll be glad to have the extra time to relax in one of Colorado’s most stunning towns. Telluride is a former mining community turned into a relaxed ski town. You can learn all about it at the Telluride Historical Museum, housed in a turn-of-the-century former miner’s hospital.

The Telluride Ski Resort is the claim to fame in the winter, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is a highlight in the summer. In fact, the town is an artsy paradise, with a popular film festival, as well as opera house and semiprofessional theater.

If you can splurge, Lumiere is a luxurious ski lodge that’s hard to beat, with top-notch service, spacious bathrooms, hydrotherapy pools and a European breakfast.

Allred’s is the place to dine in Telluride. This amazing restaurant, perched atop the mountain in a stone dining room, can only be accessed via the gondola.

Day 11: Telluride to Crested Butte

3 hours, 160 miles on US 50

It’s worth the winding, mountain roads from Telluride through Montrose and the Uncompahgre National Forest to get to Crested Butte, Colorado. This mountain town is beloved for its skiing in the winter, mountain biking in warmer weather and golden aspen leaves in the fall.

What you may not know about Crested Butte is it is also the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” for its brilliant wildflowers that you'll see while hiking these hills. Kebler Pass is a favorite location and photographer’s dream.

For an unmatched experience, stay at the Columbine resort, built on the mountain higher than any other condo complex in Crested Butte with views that seem to go on for eternity. Locals love to dine at relaxed Secret Stash Pizza for the town’s tastiest pizza and wings.

Day 12: Crested Butte to Buena Vista

2 hours, 115 miles on US 50

The best way to wrap up a long, multi-state road trip is with a long soak in natural mineral waters. That’s why the last stop on this loop is Buena Vista, Colorado. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is the region’s best option (technically located in Nathrop, just minutes outside of Buena Vista). This hot springs dates way back to 1860, originally used by Native Americans. The hotel was built in 1879.

You can still stay at the hot springs today. The resort spans 70 acres and offers modern, creekside suites; cozy log cabins; cliffside rooms with panoramic views; hillside rooms near the pool; and the lodge. There’s not much around Nathrop, but luckily there’s a steakhouse on site.

Tip : It’s worth it to book VIP access to the spa and club.

Day 13: Buena Vista to Denver

2 hours and 30 minutes, 125 miles on US 285

Wrap up the trip with some more mountain driving that will eventually pass Morrison and bring you to Denver. Colorado’s capital is packed with lodging options, but one that rises to the top is the artsy and eclectic Maven Hotel . Even if you’ve spent time in Denver before, this part of the city provides a fresh take; the Maven’s located in the Dairy Block, a “micro-district” in downtown.

The coolest thing about the Maven (okay, other than the hanging chairs you can swing in while you wait for an elevator and the oversized wooden hand pointing at the entrance) is the fact that the Maven’s lobby opens up to The Alley, a block-long gathering place packed with local shops, cocktail crafters, chefs and artisans.

Dine at the Denver Milk Market, the nearby food hall. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be in town for drag queen bingo brunch.

About Aimee Heckel

Aimee Heckel is a Colorado native, road trip expert and author of "Colorado Day Trips By Theme."

Read more about Aimee Heckel here.

Connect with Aimee via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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From Denver to Las Vegas: Unveiling the Ultimate Trip Guide of 5 natural beauties

travelcaves.com

Updated on: 4 August 2023

Table of Contents

Are you ready for an epic road trip adventure from Denver to Las Vegas? This journey through majestic mountains and desert landscapes to the liveliest entertainment capital of the world is an experience you won’t forget. In this comprehensive guide, we share everything you need to know for an unforgettable road trip from Denver to Las Vegas. From the best route and stops to top hotels, restaurants, and must-visit destinations, we’ve got you covered!

The 750-Mile Journey: How Far and How Long?

The road trip from Denver to Las Vegas spans 750 miles and typically takes around 11 hours of pure driving time without accounting for breaks or stops. However, it’s essential to consider factors like traffic, weather, and any detours you might take to explore along the way. To truly enjoy this scenic route, we recommend taking at least 2 days each way to savor the breathtaking national parks and landmarks.

The Best Road Trip Route: A Scenic Adventure

When embarking on this journey, follow the I-70 route headed west towards the Rocky Mountains. As you pass through Vail Resort, White River National Forest, and Glenwood Springs, prepare to be captivated by the stunning vistas. Continue on I-70 through red rock areas like Colorado National Monument, McInnis Canyons, and Arches National Park in Utah before reaching Fishlake National Forest.

As a nature enthusiast, embarking on a road trip provides you with numerous chances to discover some of the most iconic national parks, such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. In addition, the bucket-list-worthy Grand Canyon National Park is also worth exploring. Grand Canyon National Park is also worth exploring.

Explore the natural beauty of the USA with a gentle pause from Denver to Las Vegas.

Breaking up the journey with overnight stops can make the road trip more enjoyable than all Denver to las vegas flights journey and allow you to explore some amazing places. Here are five top recommendations for overnight stays:

• Moab, Utah : A midway point where you can explore Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Moab offers the scenic Red Cliffs Lodge and the luxurious Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton.
• Vail, Colorado : Just 2 hours from Denver, Vail is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with its spectacular views and various activities. Sonnenalp offers a romantic and rustic stay.
• Glenwood Springs : Known for its hot springs, this resort town offers relaxing experiences. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is a popular choice for visitors.
• Richfield, Utah : Quality Inn Richfield I-70 is an ideal option for comfort and family-friendly accommodations.
• Cedar City, Utah : Abbey Inn Cedar City welcomes guests to a pleasant stay.

Delight Your Taste Buds: Top Restaurants Along the Way

As you journey from Denver to Las Vegas, don’t miss the opportunity to savor some delectable cuisine. Here are five outstanding restaurants worth trying:

• The Pullman, Glenwood Springs : Enjoy a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free foods at this delightful restaurant.
• Maison la Belle Vie Winery : Experience high-quality wines after touring the vineyard at this restaurant 234 miles from Denver.
• Sagebrush Grill, Richfield : Relish a diverse menu of vegan and gluten-free dishes at this restaurant 469 miles from Denver.
• Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale : Savor Mexican-American cuisine and local dishes at this restaurant located 635 miles from Denver.
• Viva Chicken – St. George : For healthy Latin dishes, this restaurant 629 miles from Denver offers vegan and gluten-free options.

Unforgettable Destinations: Must-Visit Places

While Las Vegas awaits, make sure to explore these five recommended destinations on your journey:

• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens : Stop by this romantic and rustic garden just 95.9 miles from Denver for a serene experience.
• Hanging Lake : Witness the breathtaking beauty of Hanging Lake, 156 miles from Denver, and take a refreshing break by its outdoor pool.

3. Colorado National Monument : Situated after 4 hours and 25 minutes of driving from Denver, this destination offers modern accommodations.

4. Arches National Park : At 351 miles from Denver, this park delights visitors with unique arch formations and scenic beauty.

5. Valley of Fire State Park : After 10 hours and 42 minutes of driving, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of this state park.

Other Ways to Reach Las Vegas from Denver

Denver to Las Vegas Flights : A seamless iconic Journey

The adventure from Denver to Las Vegas is a continuing connection among iconic destinations. Denver International Airport is the place to begin, with its bustling atmosphere and contemporary amenities. As the plane soars via the skies, passengers are handled to breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the great expanse underneath. After a quick and snug flight of 2 hours and 30 minutes, the pleasure builds as the glimmering lighting fixtures of Las Vegas come into view. Whether traveling for commercial enterprise or satisfaction, this flight gives an unforgettable revel, bridging the gap between the majestic outdoors and the outstanding charm of the Las Vegas Strip.

Denver to Las Vegas Train: Unearth the American Landscape

The teach adventure from Denver to Las Vegas is a mesmerizing journey showcasing the American landscape’s diversity. Departing from Denver’s Union Station, the teach snakes its way through the rugged splendor of the Rockies, providing passengers with beautiful panoramas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. As the teacher ventures south, the scenery transforms into arid wilderness plains, with occasional glimpses of iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon. The comfortable and scenic journey evokes a feeling of surprise and appreciation for the vastness of nature. Finally, arriving in Las Vegas, the train journey culminates within the electric energy of the city’s neon-lit streets, promising an exciting and unforgettable enjoyment for tourists.

Conclusion: An Adventure to Remember

Prepare for an extraordinary road trip from Denver to Las Vegas. The scenic beauty of the Rockies and Utah’s national parks will leave you awestruck. Along the way, savor delectable cuisine and explore charming destinations. Take your time to create cherished memories on this epic journey. Whether you choose to make this a fast-paced adventure or a leisurely exploration, These trips are sure to be unforgettable. You will cherish this experience forever. Bon voyage!

2 thoughts on “From Denver to Las Vegas: Unveiling the Ultimate Trip Guide of 5 natural beauties”

The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it wont disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I genuinely believed you would have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you could fix if you werent too busy searching for attention.

thanks for your suggestion.

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Las Vegas To Denver Road Trip: Top 15 Tips

Traveling from Las Vegas to Denver is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 748 miles of a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver takes around 11 hours of driving without stops.

This article includes 15 top tips that turn your Las Vegas to Denver drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

5 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Las Vegas To Denver

On the way from Las Vegas to Denver, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top five hotels on the Las Vegas – Denver route!

• Abbey Inn Cedar City: Abbey Inn Cedar City is one of the best hotels where you can stay on a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. Driving from Las Vegas to Abbey Inn Cedar City might take around 2 hours and 32 mins . This hotel offers complimentary lodging for children and is pet-friendly. Check the Abbey Inn Cedar City, one of the best hotels in Cedar City, Utah, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Quality Inn Richfield I-70: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Denver from Las Vegas is Quality Inn Richfield I-70. Located in Richfield, Utah, the hotel is 282 miles away from Las Vegas, and it would take 4 hours to drive. In this hotel, comfort is our top priority. Children can stay free of charge. If you want to learn more about the Quality Inn Richfield I-70, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• Balanced Rock Inn: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Balanced Rock Inn. Balanced Rock Inn is located in Fruita, Colorado, and it’s 495 miles away from Las Vegas. You can arrive there with 7 hours of non-stop driving. The hotel is close to local businesses and restaurants. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Balanced Rock Inn for more information.
• Glenwood Hot Springs Resort: If you are taking the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is must have a place you should visit. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is one of the best hotels in town. It is Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, 592 miles from Las Vegas, and it would take 8 hours and 28 mins to drive. This centrally located hotel features an outdoor pool that can be enjoyed in all seasons. If you need more info about the price and availability of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• Sonnenalp, Vail: Our next hotel is Sonnenalp, Vail, Vail, Colorado. It will take 9 hours, and 22 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Las Vegas. This hotel provides excellent service in a romantic and rustic setting. Check the Sonnenalp and Vail on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Sonnenalp, Vail, for reviews, prices, and availability.

In this part, we explained five different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take the same Las Vegas to Denver route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Las Vegas to Denver. We have five restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

5 Best Restaurants On The Las Vegas To Denver Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Las Vegas to Denver road trip. In this section, we list the five different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• Viva Chicken – St. George: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver with Viva Chicken – St. George. Viva Chicken – St. George is located in St. George, Utah, and is 120 miles from Las Vegas. It would take 1 hour and 49 mins of driving. This restaurant is proud to offer a variety of healthy Latin dishes and vegan and gluten-free options to accommodate any dietary restrictions. For more information about Viva Chicken – St. George, you can visit the  TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Viva Chicken – St. George.
• Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Denver from Las Vegas is Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale. Located in Springdale, Utah, Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale is 158 miles from Las Vegas and would take 2 hours and 35 mins of driving. You can find breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at this restaurant, which specializes in Mexican-American cuisine. In addition, you can taste local delicacies here. If you want to learn more about Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Sagebrush Grill, Richfield: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Sagebrush Grill, Richfield. It will take 4 hours of car drive to take 281 miles from Las Vegas to Sagebrush Grill, Richfield, Richfield, Utah. In addition, this restaurant offers vegetarian and gluten-free meals. For more information, you can check Sagebrush Grill, Richfield, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Maison la Belle Vie Winery: Maison la Belle Vie Winery deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Palisade, Colorado. After your bike tour in this vineyard, you can have a meal and taste high-quality wines. Maison la Belle Vie Winery is 516 miles away from Las Vegas, and it would take 7 hours and 26 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Maison la Belle Vie Winery, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• The Pullman, Glenwood Springs: If you enjoy dining, The Pullman, Glenwood Springs, would be an excellent choice in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It’s 592 miles from Las Vegas and would take 8 hours and 29 mins of car driving. This restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes and outdoor seating. If you want to learn more about The Pullman, Glenwood Springs, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our five restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 748 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Denver road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Las Vegas to Denver. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Las Vegas To Denver Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Denver. However, on your road trip, there are also some unique destinations, like Cedar City, Utah. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Denver route.

• Valley of Fire State Park: Valley of Fire State Park will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Las Vegas to Denver road trip. Located in Overton, Nevada, Valley of Fire State Park is 45.6 miles away from Las Vegas, and it would take 48 mins to drive. In Nevada’s oldest and largest park, there are camping opportunities. If you want to learn more about the Valley of Fire State Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Arches National Park: Arches National Park, Moab, Utah, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop on the Las Vegas to Denver route. It’s 453 miles from Las Vegas, and it’ll take about 6 hours and 33 mins of driving. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid waiting in line. It would help if you did not continue on your way without seeing a few geology of arches. If you want to learn more about Arches National Park, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Colorado National Monument: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver is Colorado. And if you’ll visit Colorado, we suggest you visit Colorado National Monument. You can arrive at Colorado National Monument after 7 hours and 40 mins of driving. You should spend 2-3 hours at this wildlife park to enjoy its impressive landscape. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of the Colorado National Monument for more information.
• Hanging Lake: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on the Las Vegas to Denver road trip. Hanging Lake is 601 miles from Las Vegas, and you can arrive there after the 8 hours and 37 mins of drive. The park offers group walks that last about 2 hours for visitors to enjoy the scenery. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Hanging Lake before going there.
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: Located in Vail, Colorado, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. You must take 9 hours and 23 mins of driving to arrive at Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. The labels of the plants in this botanical garden provide the scientific name, the family to which the plant belongs, and a brief description of the plant. If you want to learn more about Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Las Vegas to Denver

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Las Vegas to Denver drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Las Vegas To Denver?

• The Las Vegas to Denver road trip takes approximately 11 hours to drive with ideal traffic and weather conditions. Therefore, the driving distance between Las Vegas to Denver is 748 miles.
• If you want to make the Las Vegas to Denver road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be three days and 4 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Las Vegas-Denver route, you will have to walk for 11 days and 7 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Las Vegas To Denver?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Denver. You can visit Cedar City, Utah; Richfield, Utah; Fruita, Colorado; Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Vail, Colorado; St. George, Utah; Springdale, Utah; Palisade, Colorado; Overton, Nevada; Moab, Utah on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Las Vegas to Denver journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Las Vegas To Denver .

• Valley of Fire State Park: 45.6 miles / 48 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 717 miles / 10 hours and 43 mins of driving to Denver.
• Arches National Park: 453 miles / 6 hours and 33 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 350 miles / 5 hours and 21 mins of driving to Denver.
• Colorado National Monument: 510 miles / 7 hours and 40 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 262 miles / 4 hours and 22 mins of driving to Denver.
• Hanging Lake: 601 miles / 8 hours and 37 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 156 miles / 2 hours and 36 mins of driving to Denver.
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: 652 miles / 9 hours and 23 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 97.1 miles / 1 hour and 42 mins of driving to Denver.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Las Vegas To Denver?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. We have selected five hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 5 Best Hotels On The Way To Denver From Las Vegas section.

• Abbey Inn Cedar City: 171 miles / 2 hours and 32 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 578 miles / 8 hours and 32 mins of driving to Denver.
• Quality Inn Richfield I-70: 282 miles / 4 hours to drive from Las Vegas | 466 miles / 7 hours of driving to Denver.
• Balanced Rock Inn: 495 miles / 7 hours to drive from Las Vegas | 254 miles / 3 hours and 59 mins of driving to Denver.
• Glenwood Hot Springs Resort: 592 miles / 8 hours and 28 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 157 miles / 2 hours and 37 mins of driving to Denver.
• Sonnenalp, Vail: 652 miles / 9 hours and 22 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 96.6 miles / 1 hour and 40 mins of driving to Denver.

Where To Eat Between Las Vegas to Denver?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Las Vegas to Denver drive, you can consider the five restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 5 Best Restaurants On The Way From Las Vegas To Denver .

• Viva Chicken – St. George: 120 miles / 1 hour and 49 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 629 miles / 9 hours and 16 mins of driving to Denver.
• Oscar’s Cafe, Springdale: 158 miles / 2 hours and 35 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 634 miles / 9 hours and 29 mins of driving to Denver.
• Sagebrush Grill, Richfield: 281 miles / 4 hours to drive from Las Vegas | 468 miles / 7 hours of driving to Denver.
• Maison la Belle Vie Winery: 516 miles / 7 hours and 26 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 234 miles / 3 hours and 44 mins of driving to Denver.
• The Pullman, Glenwood Springs: 592 miles / 8 hours and 29 mins to drive from Las Vegas | 157 miles / 2 hours and 38 mins of driving to Denver.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver. We have listed five hotels, five restaurants, and five places to visit on the Las Vegas to Denver drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Las Vegas to Denver as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Las Vegas to Denver and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Denver Road Trip Vacation Travel Guide

We suggest you to watch Denver vacation guide to get the most out of your Denver road trip.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Minneapolis To Denver Road Trip: Magnificent Views
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Denver to Las Vegas Road Trip: Skiing, ghost towns and stone arches

Whether you wish to explore the scenic landscapes, natural landmarks, small towns, or as many attractions as possible, a Denver to Las Vegas road trip is a great fit

A Denver to Las Vegas road trip is a must-do for most Coloradans. This Mile High to Sin City drive offers one of the best routes in the southwest United States. You can see it all on the way from Denver to Las Vegas, from the stunning Rocky Mountains to natural monuments, Old West towns, incredible national parks and vibrant cities. Fill your car up with gas when you have a chance and you’ll have unlimited options for things to do along the road trip route.

1. Denver 2. Vail, CO 3. Glenwood Springs, CO 4. Cisco, UT 5. Arches National Park 6. Las Vegas

Info at a glance

• 14-day trip
• Type of Trip: Nature
• 6 stops along the way
• 811 miles of driving
• Catch an entertaining performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver.
• Ski, hike or snowboard at Vail Ski Resort, the largest in Colorado.
• Relax in the hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.
• Travel back in time by exploring the ghost town of Cisco.
• Relish the unique landscape of Arches National Park.

Getting to the Start

This road trip starts and ends in Denver. If you are coming from another part of the country, you can take a flight to Denver International Airport and pick up a rental car directly from the airport. With SIXT, it is easy to rent an SUV  meant for your comfort. For travelers arriving by car, Denver boasts a well-connected road network, guaranteeing a hassle-free travel experience. You can drive into the city via I-15 from the south or north and I-70 from the west or east. Also, Amtrak provides train service to Denver from over 315 other locations around the country.

CAR RENTAL IN DENVER

When to Visit

The Denver to Las Vegas route features abundant winter snow, which provides some of the most fantastic skiing and snowboarding adventures in the US. However, summer offers magnificent landscapes and various outdoor activities. To enjoy the outdoors along the route, consider scheduling your trip during the summer, between May and October. Remember to pack for various weather conditions during the road trip. Include blankets and warm clothing for chilly nights and T-shirts and shorts for the warm summer afternoons.

Driving tips

The speed limits are the same on roads throughout Colorado. The speed limit on interstate highways is 65 miles per hour and other highways are 55 mph. However, the limits will change as you drive through Utah and Nevada. Therefore, be on the look for the designated speed limits during your road trip. There are no toll roads on this road trip route. To make your trip memorable, opt for luxury cars from SIXT exotic rental cars .

What to Know About the Route

To get started, you will drive along I-70 West before proceeding to I-15 South. The route will take 749 miles across the magnificent Southwestern scenery of Colorado, Utah, and Nevada before arriving in Vegas. The road trip would take around 12 hours under optimal weather and traffic conditions. However, if you opt for a direct trip, you will miss out on a lot of interesting things along the way. Our route starts in Denver. Head southwest on I-75 to Vail, a top destination for skiing and other outdoor activities. When you’re done in Vail, take I-75 to Glenwood Springs and relax in the hot springs before proceeding further southwest along the same Interstate toward Cisco. From this deserted town, take a detour to Arches National Park via UT-128. Then return to I-75 via Highway 198 and head southwest to the I-15 junction. Finally, proceed south along I-15 to Las Vegas. To conveniently explore all the highlights on this route, consider getting an SUV or a vehicle with all-wheel drive. To enjoy your trip with your dream car for a long time, check out  weekly rental cars from SIXT.

Denver, Colorado

Denver, also known as the Mile High City, features a unique blend of urban thrills and outdoor adventures . Colorado’s capital city, located in the south Platte River Valley, is famous for its diverse cultural and culinary scene, vibrant neighborhoods, music scene and much more.

Points of interest

Regardless of the season in which you visit, there is always something to see or do in Denver. Sports enthusiasts will love catching a Denver Broncos football or Rockies baseball game, among others. If possible, you should not miss a visit to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, ideal for enjoying a concert amid stunning scenery. You can also go hiking nearby.

Where to Eat, Drink and Sleep

You can savor the various dining options made from locally sourced food or explore the culinary talent downtown. Denver also features some of the best craft beer in the country. Experience the Denver Beer Trail to try out the city’s craft beer wonderland. Take a tour to check out the various breweries, only a few moments from the city center, and let someone else do the driving.

Sixt Insider Tip

Check out unique world-class art at Denver Art Museum. This architectural masterpiece exhibits artworks from all over the world, and you can also enjoy hands-on art and creative activities.

From Denver to Vail (97 miles)

Next, head west via I-70 for 1.5 hours to Vail. As you drive, you will ultimately pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel, the highest elevation auto tunnel in North America, running beneath the Continental Divide. Along the way, you will pass through small and historic towns and enjoy scenic views. However, this route can be busy during peak times, so expect delays.

Vail, Colorado

Vail is famous for its luxury facilities and Colorado’s largest ski resort. This picturesque town boasts lovely weather and is the ideal spot for skiing. The municipality of Vail was established to complement the Vail Ski Resort. The town is situated on both sides of I-70 and offers various outdoor activities outside of skiing, including biking, hiking and fishing.

If you are a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast, then the Vail Ski Resort is the place for you. Spending a day or two at this stop will offer you an incredible experience. However, if winter sports don’t excite you, Vail offers much more beyond skiing. You can enjoy ziplining at the Game Creek Aerial Adventure, take a stroll in nature at the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, or enjoy visual arts performance at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

Vail hosts a wide variety of restaurants serving authentic world-class cuisine and rustic outlets serving local specials. You can dig into modern American cuisine at Sweet Basil, relish Italian delicacies at La Nonna Ristorante, or treat your tastebuds with hearty Japanese fare at Matsuhisa.

To avoid long lines and save some cash, consider visiting Vail Ski Resort during the off-peak season. If your schedule is flexible, this is a great way to have a more relaxing ski vacation.

From Vail to Glenwood Springs (61 miles)

After an exciting adventure in Vail, proceed on I-70 to Glenwood Springs. You will pass some smaller Colorado towns along the way, like Eagle. This one-hour drive also features various attractions and scenic landscapes worth exploring. 

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

This popular Colorado resort town is conveniently accessible off I-70 and provides a broad range of experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. The little yet charming town seems to have only a few eateries to keep you occupied at first sight. However, there’s much more, from attractions to thrilling outdoor attractions.

Glenwood Springs is home to the largest hot springs pool in the world, ideal for unwinding during a road trip. For thrill-seekers, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is recommended. And don’t miss the cave tours at this adventure park. Afterward, check out the shops in downtown Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs features a variety of breweries, including Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. Sample Glenwood Springs cuisine at 19th Street Diner or grab a quick snack. If you plan to stay overnight in the town, consider the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge.

Glenwood Springs is heaven for nature enthusiasts, featuring the Hanging Lake hiking route. This trail is classified as a National Natural Landmark due to its natural splendor and remarkable geology, making it a must-see.

From Glenwood Springs to Cisco (140 miles)

Next, head southwest, still following I-70, to the next stop, Cisco, Utah. There are several small towns along the way, with Palisade being the most notable. If you wish, you can have a brief stopover there for a meal before proceeding. This route is scenic and features spectacular landscapes you can marvel at along the way.

Cisco, Utah

After crossing from Colorado into Utah, you will encounter the former boomtown of Cisco. This town was originally a livestock depot and oil and gas boomtown but is now a deserted ghost town. Cisco is worth a visit because it demonstrates how transportation development influenced the economies of rural towns in the western United States.

The deserted dwellings of Cisco sitting amid arid desert terrain are intriguing and eerie, making it a favorite destination for artists and photographers. Bring your camera and spend a few hours exploring the abandoned town to experience the feeling of what it was like to live here in the early 1900s.

Due to its proximity to I-70, Cisco is easier to access than most ghost towns. You might even recognize it, as it has appeared in some movies, notably Vanishing Point, in which it portrays a typical Western town.

From Cisco to Arches National Park (59 miles)

After spending some time in Cisco, take a detour to Arches National Park. From Cisco, proceed on UT-128, a scenic route along the Colorado River, featuring spectacular red sandstone cliffs views. Make a stop at Castle Creek Winery and buy some bottles to enjoy after your drive.

Arches National Park

Although this stop is a detour off the most direct Denver to Las Vegas path, it is worth the extra time. Moreover, if you have yet to experience the beauty of the park, this Denver to Las Vegas road trip offers you the perfect opportunity for a visit. Named for its over 2,000 stone arches, Arches is a stunning national park featuring unique scenery.

You’ve more than likely seen pictures of the park online. However, experiencing the picturesque landscapes in person is much more fulfilling. Also, the park offers more besides the arches. You can enjoy hiking, horseback riding or biking along the scenic trails at the park. Furthermore, you can enjoy the thrill of canyoneering or the peace of stargazing at Arches National Park.

Seek out Balanced Rock, the most recognizable feature in the park. This magnificent geological structure, which stands at 128 feet tall, is a fantastic spot for a hike with views of The Windows Section and the La Sal Mountains. Consider visiting around sunset when the Balance Rock glows with gorgeous red-orange colors.

From Arches National Park to Las Vegas (454 miles)

Next, get back to the I-70, and ensure your gas tank is full before embarking on the remaining bit of the road trip that will take you 6.5 hours. Proceed southwest to the I-15 South junction, which will get you to Las Vegas. The remainder of the route features various cities, including Cedar, Boulder and St. George, Utah.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is Nevada’s largest city and economic hub. The city offers more than casinos and a world of entertainment. Movies and pictures try their best to showcase the flash and glamor of Las Vegas; however, they fall short of capturing the electrifying vibe of the city.

Discover the splendor of Sin City, including the famed Las Vegas Strip and its extravagant casinos. Also, the city boasts stunning scenery , fascinating history, restaurants from star chefs and vibrant nightlife.

Las Vegas features a vibrant food scene, from world-class cuisines to fast-food restaurants. You can check out Fresco, serving authentic Italian food, Senor Frog’s Las Vegas for delicious Mexican fare, or Oyster Bar for fresh seafood. If you seek to spend several days in Las Vegas, then The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is ideal.

Consider signing up for a casino players’ club during your visit to Las Vegas. It offers you various perks even if you don’t intend to gamble. This membership is a wonderful way to earn discounts and freebies on concerts, eateries, attractions and much more.

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40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Denver

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How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Denver?

The direct drive from Las Vegas to Denver is 753 mi (1,211 km) , and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 39 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Moab , Zion National Park , Bryce Canyon National Park , Rocky Mountain National Park , Boulder , Aspen , Steamboat Springs , Breckenridge , Glenwood Springs , and Vail , as well as top places to visit like Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center and Canyonlands National Park, or the ever-popular Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Top cities between Las Vegas and Denver

Zion national park.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Glenwood Springs

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

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Steamboat Springs

Breckenridge, rocky mountain national park, best stops along las vegas to denver drive, kodachrome basin state park.

Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center

Canyonlands national park, dead horse point state park, arches national park, delicate arch, colorado national monument, kebler pass, glenwood caverns adventure park.

Hanging Lake

Maroon bells, beaver creek resort, strawberry park natural hot springs, steamboat ski resort.

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Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Fish Creek Falls

Hot springs stables, leadville railroad, nova guides, breckenridge ski resort.

Winter Park Resort

Mount blue sky, argo gold mill and tunnel.

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Trail Ridge Rd

Bear lake trailhead, peak to peak hwy, chautauqua park.

Pearl Street Mall

Top searches in Denver

Other popular road trips from las vegas, explore nearby places.

• Wheat Ridge
• Commerce City
• Federal Heights
• Westminster
• Greenwood Village
• Highlands Ranch
• Indian Hills
• Castle Pines

All related maps of Denver

• Map of Denver
• Map of Edgewater
• Map of Glendale
• Map of Wheat Ridge
• Map of Lakewood
• Map of Englewood
• Map of Commerce City
• Map of Arvada
• Map of Sheridan
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Denver throughout the year

• Denver in January
• Denver in February
• Denver in March
• Denver in April
• Denver in May
• Denver in June
• Denver in July
• Denver in August
• Denver in September
• Denver in October
• Denver in November
• Denver in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Denver?

Get inspired for your trip to Denver with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Denver Itinerary
• 2-Day Denver Itinerary
• 3-Day Denver Itinerary
• 4-Day Denver Itinerary
• 5-Day Denver Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from las vegas to denver.

Yes! You can drive from Las Vegas to Denver.

How far is Denver from Las Vegas by car?

The drive from Las Vegas to Denver is 753 miles (1,211 km).

How long does it take to drive from Las Vegas to Denver?

Driving from Las Vegas to Denver should take you 10 hrs 39 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Las Vegas to Denver?

Gas from Las Vegas to Denver would cost around $66 to $154 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Las Vegas to Denver?

You could check out Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center and Canyonlands National Park, or the always popular Kodachrome Basin State Park!

What are the best cities to visit between Las Vegas and Denver?

People love visiting Moab, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park, among others.

What's the weather like in Las Vegas?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Las Vegas in January
• Weather in Las Vegas in February
• Weather in Las Vegas in March
• Weather in Las Vegas in April
• Weather in Las Vegas in May
• Weather in Las Vegas in June
• Weather in Las Vegas in July
• Weather in Las Vegas in August
• Weather in Las Vegas in September
• Weather in Las Vegas in October
• Weather in Las Vegas in November
• Weather in Las Vegas in December

What are some other road trips from Las Vegas?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Las Vegas.

• Las Vegas to Los Angeles drive
• Las Vegas to San Francisco drive
• Las Vegas to San Diego drive
• Las Vegas to Sedona drive
• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park drive
• Las Vegas to the Death Valley National Park drive
• Las Vegas to Zion National Park drive
• Las Vegas to Phoenix drive
• Las Vegas to Chicago drive
• Las Vegas to Greater Palm Springs drive
• Las Vegas to Page drive
• Las Vegas to Seattle drive
• Las Vegas to New Orleans drive
• Las Vegas to Tucson drive
• Las Vegas to Vancouver drive
• Las Vegas to Yosemite National Park drive
• Las Vegas to Mexico City drive
• Las Vegas to San Antonio drive
• Las Vegas to Denver drive
• Las Vegas to Monterey drive
• Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park drive
• Las Vegas to Williams drive
• Las Vegas to Nashville drive
• Las Vegas to Santa Fe drive
• Las Vegas to Laughlin drive
• Las Vegas to Moab drive
• Las Vegas to Santa Barbara drive
• Las Vegas to Salt Lake City drive
• Las Vegas to Anaheim drive
• Las Vegas to Colorado Springs drive

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Las Vegas to Denver: Epic Road Trip!

Hit the road from Las Vegas to Denver and explore iconic landscapes! Experience Vegas' neon lights, the Grand Canyon, and ski resorts in an epic road trip adventure.

Las Vegas, Nevada...Sin city is a vibrant bucket list city to visit, with the greatest casinos in the world, live entertainment and the wildest parties, 24-7!

It's also close to some  incredible natural landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and even Death Valley national park!

Whereas the rocky mountains of Colorado, are a jumping of point for the greatest ski resorts in america, such as aspen and home to historic mining towns such as Durango, Silverton and of course the picturesque Grand Junction, Colorado.

Of course the road trip in-between these two great cities is an epic experience, through the states of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and of course Colorado! With highlights such as hoover dam and Moab en route!

Las Vegas to Colorado Road Trip will take you through some epic scenery.

Cheapest Flights:

The question is always asked Denver to Las Vegas or Las Vegas to Denver! The answer generally depends on where you are coming from! Of course geographically if you are in a state closer to Las Vegas you will start there and vice versa. However, flight prices are also a major factor to take into consideration.

Flying Domestically?

Having gotten multiple domestic flights to Las vegas in the past it seems there prices are 20% cheaper then flying to alot of other states! I've also spoke to many friends who experienced the same. But why?

Some people theorise that the casinos subsidise the airlines, to Las Vegas to encourage more tourism and thus more gambling! There are no facts publicly backing the argument but the price difference cannot be ignored. Thus flying to vegas is a cost effective option compared with Denver.

Related Read:   11 Best Places for Snowtubing in Colorado

Flying Internationally?

If your flying internationally from say Europe, you may find the opposite is true. You may find that flights to Las vegas are more expensive due to the immense popularity of the route! In that case you may prefer to fly into Denver, Colorado or another nearby state and take the trip from there.

Heading out west is a right of passage for many, so take a read of itinerary below to really get some inspiration, which should help with you planning your next road trip!

How Long is the Drive from Las Vegas to Denver?

There are 604.99  miles  from  Denver  to  Las Vegas  in southwest direction and 749  miles  (1,205.40 kilometers) by car, following the I-70 W route. If you were driving directly there it would only take you  11-14 hours.

For this journey we have spread the trip over a 12 day Las Vegas to Denver Itinerary...but it easily could have been much longer, with so many amazing sights en route.

Related Read:   Best Time To Visit Denver

Las Vegas to Denver Road Trip Map:

(From my last road trip I have created this Map of the Las Vegas to Colorado Road trip and popular attractions en route. To use it, simply share to your facebook (click the link top right), email it or just turn your phone sideways and use it on your phone! )

(For Webmasters, why not embed this map into website to inspire your readers)

Las Vegas to Denver Road Trip Itinerary:

Budget las vegas itinerary:.

Las Vegas is the type of place where you can spend alot, so as we still had a big road trip to go on, we decided to be smarter and more savvy! Check out our 2 day Itinerary below which includes a host of true las Vegas activities with many for free.

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas

After getting off your flight, head down into Las Vegas strip to take in the Bright lights and big city!

When should I rent my car?

You have two options here, either rent a car from the airport now or wait until you set off to Denver, Colorado. This all depends on your budget, convenience and how many days you wish to spend in Vegas.

We chose to rent now, as we figured we would probably spend quite alot on taxis and transport anyway over the first 2 days.

The Las Vegas Strip - Free

Afterwards head down to the famous Las Vegas Strip! You will see the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" along Las Vegas Boulevard South before coming to the strip.

This is an astonishing place to take in "Vegas", landmarks include  Bellagio Fountains and the popular landmarks from around  the world: The Sphinx, the pyramid, the Eiffel Tower at Paris and of course  The Venetian's Grand Canal.

Las-Vegas-Lights Road Trip.

How to explore the Las Vegas strip?

The Las Vegas strip runs from  Mandalay Bay in the south to Stratosphere casino in the north.  Where you'll find the Stratosphere tower, towering at 1149 feet tall making it the  tallest observation tower in the USA . Great place to capture a classic Las Vegas photo.

Exploring the Las Vegas Strip by car?

If you have your rental car, simply take a cruise down the strip and soak up the sights along the way.

Can I explore the Las Vegas Strip on foot?

If you didn't rent a car yet you can take a stroll down the Las Vegas Strip yourself. The whole thing is around 4 miles so be wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a walk!

You could also take a guided tour of the strip and benefit from the local knowledge.

Las-Vegas-Road Trip

Exploring the Las Vegas Strip via Bus?

Deuce Bus offers bus rides from the  Fremont Street Experience  in downtown Las Vegas to the south of the strip. These services run 24/7.

Related Read:   20 Best Romantic Getaways In Colorado

Exploring the Las Vegas Strip by Monorail?

You can also take the Monorail from the  MGM Grand  and  Sahara Avenue .

Helicopter Tours over the Strip?

If you really want a bucket list experience then take a Helicopter ride over the strip. This is the most incredible way of seeing the whole of Las Vegas! There are even tours over the strip and to the Grand canyon!

Bellagio Casino and Fountains - Free

Check out the Bellagio Casino & Fountains, on the main strip. Here you can immerse yourself into some exciting table games from the slots, to sports betting. This place attracts many high rollers and even the World Poker Tour. A great place to people watch or get involved.

Location:  3600 Las Vegas Boulevard South

View all Photos

Caesars Palace Casino & The Forum Shops

A staple of the Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace has been an iconic Casino in Las Vegas since the 1960s. It has even been in popular movies such as "The Hangover" and "Iron Man". The decor is based on Ancient Rome and is truly immersive with large columns and roman frescoes amore.

caesars-palace-Casino

The Mob Museum

Sin city has always had a dark side, big money, high rollers and excess will always attract organised crime. The Mob Museum, has a variety of interactive exhibits dedicated to Mob life in vegas.

The Venetian Casino and Grand Canal

No need to travel to Italy, take in the highlights of Venice right from Vegas. Here you can take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal and see live entertainment, such as stilt walkers, singers and living statues.

Venetian Casino and Grand Canal road tripVenetian Casino and Grand Canal road trip

Fremont Street

Just 5 minutes walk from the Mob Museum is Fremont Street. Attractions include a:

• Iconic Casinos
• Viva Vision light show with 12.5 million LED lamps and a 550,000-watt sound system.
• Food Vendors
• Souvenir Shops
• Slotzilla Zip Line 10 stories above the pedestrian walkway!

Insider Tip:

Here you will find lots of buskers and crazy entertainment, including many half naked strippers!

Evening Show: Cirque du Soleil

For the evening show we heading to Cirque du Soleil. Which translates to circus of the sun, is a bucket list experience of dare devil acrobatics and true artistry! This is a great family activity, tickets can be expensive but I think it's worth it if you have a good seat.

Day 2: Las Vegas

Mandalay bay casino, aquarium and beach.

Mandalay Bay is a Casino, Aquarium and Beach!

Mandalay Bay Beach

The Mandalay Bay Beach is man made and has over 2,700 tons of sand and a 1.6 million gallon wave pool to create an oceanside atmosphere in the middle of the Nevada desert.

They have rentable cabanas where you can relax and get a tan, you can also head to the Moorea Beach Club.

Shark Reef: Aquarium

Shark Reef aquarium  houses over 2,000 animals which include: stingrays, sea turtles, crocodiles and of course, sharks!

How much are tickets?

Admission is $25 for adults and $19 for children ages 4 to 12 (children ages 3 and younger can enter for free). (Discounts are available for senior citizens and Nevada residents).

Coughdrop12 | WikiCommons

New York & the Big Apple Rollercoaster

No need to head to the big apple, it's all right here in Las Vegas. A mock up of Manhattan includes all the New York highlights such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge .

High Roller Observation Wheel

As the  tallest observation wheel in the world  , high roller stands 550 feet tall and offers breath taking views over las vegas.

High Roller Worlds Tallest Ferris Wheel Las Vegas

Paris & Eiffel Tower Experience

Having heading to the Venetian canals yesterday, now it's time to say Bonjour! This is a miniature mock up of the major Paris attractions which include: the Eiffel Tower (Half size replica), Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre decor.

Head up to the observation deck with 360 degree views of "Paris"

How much does it cost?

Tickets cost $16 or $22 (depending on if you visit during the day or at night).

Day 3: Hoover Dam & Lake Mead via Route 66

Before heading out of Las Vegas, head to the local store and grab some road trip snacks and drinks as there is not much once you leave the big city.

Hoover dam  is located just 45 minutes drive from central Las vegas. On the border between Nevada and Arizona. Head along   I-515 S and I-11 S.  This huge concrete dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River.

The dam's generators provide power for public and private utilities in all over Nevada, Arizona, and California. It is also a major tourist attraction with over one million people visiting annually.

Hoover Dam Road Trip

At its base, Hoover Dam is as thick (660 ft.) as two footballs fields measured end-to-end!

How much is admission to Hoover Dam?

It is  FREE  to walk or drive across  Hoover Dam  and the Colorado River Bridge. However, if you wish to park up, or take a tour there is a charge. Parking is $10 or $30 per person for a 1 hour tour of hoover dam which includes entry to the visitor center.

Lake Mead  is less then 20 mins drive from Hoover Dam, you can also take a  hike  which takes around 2 hours (6 miles) via the  historic railroad hiking trail .

Lake Mead is a man made lake and the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity.

Thing to do at Lake Mead:

Lake Mead is best experienced by Boat, due to it's vast size. However, you can also check out the campgrounds, lodges and hiking trails.

Where to stay?

Afterwards we took the 3 hr drive via route 66 to  Williams, Arizona . (US-93 S and I-40 E).

Day 4: Grand Canyon, Arizona

From Williams you can take a drive up to Grand Canyon. You can head to the ever popular south rim which is open all year round and can get really busy. Or Alternatively head to less crowded north rim for a more authentic experience.

Opening Months – May 15th – October 15th.

(North Rim roads are closed to vehicles between December 1st and May 15th, and no visitor services are available. )  NPS

Tuxyso | WikiCommons

Highlights of the North Rim:

• Popular Hiking Trails – North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail & Bright Angel Trails.
• Camping at the North Rim Campground. Permits required.

Day 5: Grand Canyon - More exploring!

Either spend a few nights in the North Rim or check out the South Rim.

Highlights of South Rim/Hiking:

• Bright Angel trail
• Tusayan Ruins
• Moran Point lookout
• Desert View lookout .

Balloon Rides, Photo by: Jennifer C, Helena, MT)

If you really fancy exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, I suggest doing it in a more unique way check out:

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Grand Canyon? 5 Golden reasons to try it!

Day 6: Monument Valley, Utah

Head to the Monument Valley, via the  Painted Desert, which offers many breath taking  overlooks, which you definitely have to pull over for!

Tribal Park Loop:

Monument Valleys 17 mile loop is one  most incredible driving roads in america!

Characterised by it's sandstone towers & buttes of the Navajo Tribal Park. This is a popular filming location for many of the great western movies. This is a dirt and gravel road that starts and ends at the Monument Valley Visitor Center.

Monument Valley

Vital Note 1:  If it rains the road can become very difficult and impassable, even with a 4x4.

Vital Note 2:  This is the  only part of Monument Valley  you can visit without taking a tour

Most of the views can be experienced on the drive through Monument Valley and stopping of at various points along the way. I suggest spending 2-4 hours here to really experience the views and take some good photographs.

A 4x4  with high clearance will give you an advantage if you wish to explore other routes but is it possible with standard vehicles.

John Ford Point

This is a must see, view point along the route.

Forrest Gump Point:

Located on  US-163 , this is the place where you see those epic pictures of Monument Valley captured and is featured in the Forrest Gump Movie. It is located just 20 minutes from the visitor centre.

Insider Tip 1:

Use these GPS coordinates in your Sat Nav for the exact location as it can be difficult to find: 37.101393, -109.990973.

Insider Tip 2:

Everybody wants that epic photograph with no one else around. Unfortunately, it's pretty difficult  with lots of tourists taking photos and sun glare.

You best option, is to head their in the Morning, midday and early afternoon. Don't head their in the late afternoon/early evening as you will be facing the dun and get glare! With the tourists there just be patient!

monument-valley-road trip.

Do I need a guide?

To go of the valley drive and explore the area more you will NEED a tour.

The trailhead is just a short  walk  on Indian Route 42. The Wildcat Trail is the only self-guided trail in  Monument Valley  Navajo Tribal Park.

However, this route offers some world-class scenery as it takes hikers, through the world renowned Mitten Buttes and Merrick Buttes. For other hiking routes you will need a guide.

How much does it cost to enter Monument Valley?

Fees and Permits: The entrance  fee  for  Monument Valley  Navajo Tribal Park  is  $10 per person or $20 per vehicle. Children 9 and younger  are  free.

Head to the Mexican Hat rock formation, just of the main road. Take the easy to drive up the flat dirt road. This is strange looking rock formation will astound you! Nearby you can stay in a few inns or even a yurt!

• Hat Rock Inn
• Mexican Hat Lodge LLC
• San Juan Inn

My favourite place to stay in Monument Valley:

The view hotel.

The View Hotel  offers a selection accommodations on for varying budgets. The best but also most pricey is the rooms with large windows overlooking Monument Valley. The Premium Cabins are amazing, waking up with spectacular views of Monument Valley is a breath taking experience.

Day 7: Valley of Gods & Monument Valley Tour

Just 30 minutes from Mexican Hat, you can take a drive up Valley of the Gods Road. ( UT-261 S and US-163 S. )

There less tourists here so it's a great place to take a drive!

Tour of Monument Valley:

There are a variety of tours which allow you to truly explore monument valley.

• The Valley Drive on a Tour  - Driving tour, for those who don't feel comfortable driving the dirt road by themselves.
• Lower Monument Valley -  This takes you around the totem pole and other rock formation highlights. $80 per person average and last 3 hours.
• Mystery Valley -  The most popular tour which takes you to the petroglyphs and Anasazi sites. ($90 per person and last 3 to 4 hours.)
• Teardrop Arch

monument-valley-1756466_640 (1)

Teardrop Arch Tour:

We took the Tear drop arch tour, although not as popular as the others, it's a true off the beaten track experience. Prices average $80 and it lasts 2-3 hours.

Day 8: Moab, Utah

Take the 2h, 30 min (133 mile) drive to Moab Utah from Monument Valley, via US-191 N. On your first day here take the easy hike up to Bowtie Arch (suitable for families) before heading to the Mill Canyon Dinosaur trial to see some ancient dinosaur bones!

Highlights:

• Canyonlands National Park
• Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail
• Bowtie Arch

Day 9: Moab - Arches National Park

Arches National Park was named, one of our most  unique camping destinations in the USA . It was also included in our:  Western National Parks Road Trip: U.S.A

• Hike the Devil's Garden Trail.
• Hike to Delicate Arch.
• Drive the scenic road.
• See the Fiery Furnace.

Camping-Arches-National-Park-Utah

If you have more time head to  Dead Horse Point State Park,  this was featured in the movie, Mission Impossible 2! Tom Cruise can be seen free climbing the famous butte, during the opening credits.

Day 10: Grand Junction, Colorado

Take the 1hr , 40 minute drive (109 miles) via I-70E over the state line to Grand Junction, Colorado.

Morning/Afternoon:

Spend the day exploring, Colorado National Monument.  Take a hike, climb or even a horseback ride!

Hiking the National Monument offering some spectacular views which rival almost any  western national park  but without the huge crowds!

The Monument canyon trail winds past some immense rock formations such the "Kissing Couple" and Independence tower. The views are breathtaking as the route takes you between 4,700 and 7,000 feet above sea level.

Alternatively take a ride on some wild mustangs on one of the popular tours!  Afterwards head to the   Dinosaur Journey Museum.

During the evening head to Grand Junction’s quaint downtown, to talk about your days adventures over a few local beers and tasty foods. Cafe Sol, is a nice spot for lunch with fresh salads and sandwiches. If you love a beer, check out Rockslide Brewery.

Day 12: Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood hot springs is the largest mineral pool in the world, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one of the hottest in Colorado. A must visit for any road trip!

glenwood-hot-springs

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

The hot springs resort is the perfect place to stay after long road trip! Head to the onsite spa for a massage, or some body treatments before heading to the hot springs pool!

Day 12: Denver, Colorado

Take the drive down to Denver, Colorado from the hot springs. This takes around 2 hours (96 miles) via US-40 E and I-70 E.

Larimer Square

Larimer Square was the original gold rush pioneers camp in 1858. This historic neighboured is the perfect place to start your Denver experience. Check out the bar, Restaurants, shops and nightlife on this great square.

Larimer Square Road Trip. Las Vegas to Colorado. Source: theduchessofdenver.com

16th Street Mall

The 16th Street Mall is to Denver, is like Denvers Rodeo Drive. Expect a variety of stores, entertainment venues and restaurants.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum, has over 70,000 works by world famous artists such as Vincent Van Gogh.  In addition to a range of Pre Columbian artifacts!

Union Station - For Foodies!

Listed in our recent article:  Epic Food Hall Road Trip USA: 21 Best Food Halls!

Union station   is "Denvers living room" and includes unique eclectic array of Denvers  top local restaurants, bars and shops! All located inside the 100 year old landmark.

Molly Brown House Museum

Located in the Capitol district, Molly Brown House Museum send you back to in time to Victorian life!

The Museum was once the home of Margaret "Molly" Brown (Kathy Bates character) in the movie Titanic!

Denver Bontanical Garden

The Denver Botanic Gardens hosts 24 acres of beautiful gardens, with over 50 types! The Gardens here range from Japanese Garden (with Bonsai Trees) as standard to a South African Garden.  For More Gardening inspiration check out:  21 Epic Flower/Garden Festivals: U.S.A

Washington Park

The equivalent of New Yorks central park, Washington park is a place for locals and visitors alike! The park offers over 165 acres of jogging paths, gardens and two gigantic lakes! This is a great place to hangout and relax at the weekend.

Washington Park Denver

• Jogging Paths
• Eight Tennis Courts
• Boat Rentals
• Recreation Centre - Pool, fitness classes.

Denver Museum of Science & Nature:

Last but not least head down the Denver Museum of Science and Nature. This is an exciting museum which features everything from Dinosaur Fossils to Egyptian mummies and even a wildlife exhibit!

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Learn essential Dutch phrases for a smooth trip to the Netherlands. Perfect for travelers looking to connect with locals and enrich their experience.

Win a $500 Flight!

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Enter our Dream Journey Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 travel voucher, redeemable with any major US airline. Whether it's sandy beaches, bustling cities, or tranquil mountains, your dream destination is just an email away!*

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Denver to Las Vegas Road Trip

The coolest things to see and do between Denver and Las Vegas

• Featured Trip Guides

Created by Roadtrippers - July 21st 2016

Denver, Colorado, United States

987 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO, US

Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

616 W Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO, US

The Little Diner

51000 Two Rivers Plaza Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO, US

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

3073 F Rd, Grand Junction, CO, US

Museums of Western Colorado: Cross Orchards Historic Site

1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO, US

Colorado National Monument

Rt 128, Cisco, UT, US

Cisco, Utah

Goblin Valley Rd., Green River, UT, US

Goblin Valley State Park

475 E Hotsprings, Monroe, UT, US

Mystic Hot Springs

3820 West Clear Creek Canyon Rd, Sevier, UT, US

Fremont Indian State Park and Museum

126 North Main Street, Cedar City, UT, US

Sonny Boy’s BBQ

Leeds, UT, US

Silver Reef Ghost Town

2180 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT, US

Dinosaur Discovery Site

15 W Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite, NV, US

Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery

Valley of Fire Road, Overton, NV, US

Valley of Fire State Park

770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV, US

Neon Museum

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

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Denver to Las Vegas Strip via Sedona

Denver to las vegas strip road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Denver to Las Vegas Strip. If you're planning a road trip to Las Vegas Strip, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Denver drive for about 1.5 hours

11:40 am   Vail eat at Minturn Saloon stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:40 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

2:58 pm   Grand Junction (Colorado) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:58 pm drive for about 2.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Arches National Park drive for about 2.5 hours

12:31 pm   Monument Valley stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:31 pm drive for about 3.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 6 hours find more stops

11:00 am  leave from Enchantment Resort drive for about 3 hours

1:50 pm   Kingman stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:50 pm drive for about 2 hours

4:44 pm  arrive at Las Vegas Strip

day 3 driving ≈ 4.5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Vail   (55 answers)     restaurants around Vail:         Minturn Saloon     questions about Vail:         Outlet for ski clothing?         Summer Restaurants in Vail Grand Junction (Colorado)   (18 answers) Arches National Park   (49 mentions) Monument Valley   (2 mentions) Sedona   (95 answers)     Chapel of the Holy Cross   (4 mentions)     Slide Rock State Park   (4 mentions)     Oak Creek Canyon   (3 mentions)     Bell Rock Trail   (3 mentions)     Devils Bridge   (3 mentions)     restaurants around Sedona:         Elote Cafe     hotels around Sedona:         Enchantment Resort     questions about Sedona:         Best things to do in Sedona besides hiking?         Nature Lover in Sedona         Vortex Hike/ Sound healing         Best hikes and natural swimming holes         Going on a roadtrip to Sedona, AZ. Is taking I-10 better route? Kingman   (21 answers)

What are some things to do in Las Vegas Strip?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Las Vegas Strip. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Las Vegas Strip.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Las Vegas Strip to Denver drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Denver to Las Vegas Strip . Or get a full Denver to Las Vegas Strip flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Denver well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Denver!

More info on this route:

road conditions

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

Road trip from Los Angeles to Denver

From the sunny shores of the Pacific Ocean to the majestic Rockies of Colorado, a road trip from Los Angeles to Denver is the ultimate Western States adventure. From iconic Mighty 5 of Utah and the Grand Canyon to the historic heart of New Mexico and world-class ski resorts, this road trip has it all!

The 1,135-mile road trip from Los Angeles to Denver will take 18 hours. You can visit Las Vegas, Moab, Vail, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Colorado Springs as well as Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Few road trips can compete with this amazing adventure. Read on below for more info on our recommended routes, top highlights, places to stay, and the best seasons to take on this journey.

How far is Denver from Los Angeles, and how long will the road trip take?

There are two amazing routes that will take you from Los Angeles to Denver. Our first option, the Mighty 5 Route spans roughly 1,135 miles and takes approximately 18 hours of straight driving.

On the other hand, the Grand Canyon Route, while slightly longer, is another breathtaking option. It covers a distance of 1,320 miles and demands around 21 hours on the road.

While either route can be driven in a couple of days, given the stunning landscapes and attractions on the way, we'd recommend allocating 5-6 days to get the most out of this remarkable drive.

Best road trip route from Los Angeles to Denver

While both the Mighty 5 Route and the Grand Canyon Route are full of adventure and life-changing sights, they take you through some distinct destinations and landscapes. Which one you choose on the drive from Los Angeles to Denver to take will depend on what you want to see the most.

The Mighty 5 Route serves as a gateway to the majestic beauty of Utah's Mighty 5; a collection of awe-inspiring national parks that are among some of the best in the world for nature lovers, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers.

This route takes you to Zion National Park, with its forests, red rock cliffs, and canyons, as well as the unique landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park.

You will dive deep into the geological marvels of Capitol Reef National Park and see the awe-inspiring arches, buttes, and canyons in Arches and Canyonland National Parks.

Adding a dash of urban zest to this primarily nature-centric route, the road also takes you through Las Vegas, very deservingly known as the "World's Entertainment Capital.”

You'll soon cross the southern Rocky Mountains, through the stunning alpine meadows, tranquil lakes, scenic mountain drives, and quaint towns like Vail and Breckenridge before reaching Denver.

If your wanderlust leans more towards a blend of iconic natural wonders and cityscapes, the Grand Canyon Route is the way to go. This route will take you to the breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a bucket-list destination for many and understandably so!

Gaze into its vastness, explore its natural formations, and lose yourself in its captivating viewpoints. As you drive, you'll also get to visit Flagstaff, experience the historic charm of Albuquerque's Old Town, the artistic pulse of Santa Fe, admire Taos and explore Colorado Springs.

This route also takes you through destinations rich in Native American history and culture, with stops like Acoma Pueblo, the historic Santa Fe Plaza, and Taos Pueblo. Along the way, you'll get to learn about the first cultures to call this incredible land home on the Grand Canyon Route.

How to drive from Los Angeles to Denver

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Los Angeles and Denver. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Mighty 5 Route

Starting in LA, head west on CA-60 and turn north on Interstate 15 (I-15). Drive into the mighty desert, through Barstow, and into the Mojave National Preserve, keeping the sight of Mount Baldy on your left.

After admiring the beautiful desert surroundings, continue on route into Nevada and visit the iconic city of Las Vegas. During your visit, you can make a short detour to visit the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, as well as Valley of Fire State Park.

From here, head northeast to enter Utah and follow the directions for Springdale, your home base for Zion National Park. After exploring this stunning national park, continue en route to the Dixie National Forest and Bryce Canyon before stopping in Panguitch.

Capitol Reef National Park is a much-recommended detour from here, and this way, you will get to see every single one of the Utah's Mighty 5.

After your visit, make your way north to I-70 and continue east on to Moab. This beautiful area is home to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Continue on back to the route and venture further into Colorado. Continue on through Grand Junction to Vail and then make a stop in Breckenridge. From here, drive through the mighty Rockies and into the city of Denver, your destination.

The Grand Canyon Route

As you head out of Los Angeles, follow I-15 north and get on I-40. From here, drive west into Arizona. Continue on route to the iconic Grand Canyon National Park. You'll marvel at the world-famous landscape and its magnificent views.

From here, get back on route and drive to Flagstaff, which is a great base to expand your visit to Grand Canyon. Once you have had your fill of incredible sights, make your way into New Mexico and head to Albuquerque.

Then, make your way to Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, and home to museums and some of the best cuisines in the USA. After exploring this vibrant city, get back on route and head north to Taos. Here, you can experience Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest towns in North America.

Then, drive north into Colorado and soon you can make a detour to Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Afterwards, continue on to Colorado Springs. From here, you're only a short drive away from your destination of Denver.

Best places to stop between Los Angeles and Denver

This region of the USA is home to endless natural wonders and adventurous highlights. To get the most out of this incredible part of the world, we recommend staying in one of the beautiful and strategic destinations below.

A gateway to stunning national parks in Moab

At approximately two-thirds of the way through the magnificent Mighty 5 Route, Moab is a stop full of natural beauty and rustic charm. After about 12 hours of driving, this town is an ideal base to recharge and explore the beauty of the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Moab is an "adventure epicenter" in Utah. This town is a haven for mountain bikers, off-roaders, and artists who converge here to capture or challenge the unique landscapes.

The town's proximity to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks offers you the chance to explore both. Whether you're gazing at the towering Delicate Arch or traversing the mesas and buttes of the Island in the Sky, Moab's surrounding landscapes promise an experience like no other.

For your overnight stay, Field Station Moab comes highly recommended . This atmospheric hip hotel is just a stone's throw from Arches National Park. After a long drive, it might be a good idea to check out the fabulous outdoor swimming pool before heading to any national park, though!

Come evening, the hotel's bar and restaurant provide a relaxed setting for a delicious meal. The breakfast menu caters to diverse dietary needs, ensuring you'll have a hearty start to your day (which you will need if you are planning on setting off on any of the hikes in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks).

Before leaving Moab, don't miss out on the Moab Museum, located just a short drive away from the Field Station. If you're looking for a serene escape close to your accommodation, Swanny City Park is less than a mile away for a leisurely stroll in the cool evenings.

A historic stay in Albuquerque

Nestled about two-thirds of the way along the Grand Canyon Route, after approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes of driving, Albuquerque is the perfect stopover, where the ancient and the modern meld seamlessly. Throughout the town are architectural gems, wonderful museums, and a rich food scene.

A highlight for many is the Petroglyph National Monument, where you can marvel at designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans. Equally amazing is the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, offering insights into the Pueblo people's history, culture, and art.

In addition to its culture, the city enjoys sun-soaked days throughout the year, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and recreation lovers.

For your stay in Albuquerque, we recommend staying at the luxurious Hotel Chaco . Located a heartbeat away from downtown Albuquerque, this hotel stands out with its airy, art-infused interiors and friendly staff.

For a treat after achieving so many miles on the road, you can sample some local wines at the hotel's sophisticated in-house bar. To make your incredible stay even better, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool to beat the heat and a state-of-the-art fitness center to keep your routine in check.

Venturing out from Hotel Chaco, you'll find that the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is merely 200 yards away, inviting you into a world of wonders from the age of the dinosaurs to the present. Likewise the Albuquerque Museum is just a short stroll away,

READ MORE - Click here for more great hotel options

Where to stay when you reach Denver

As you pull into Denver, the “Mile-High City's” beauty comes into view. Nestled atop a mountain range, Denver is not only famous for its elevation but also for its museums, parks, and historic landmarks.

As you set out to explore, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a must, with their lush landscapes and beautifully manicured gardens. Not too far away, the Denver Art Museum is worth a long visit.

And as the evening light casts a golden hue over Denver's skyline, you might find wanting to explore the city's famous brewery scene. With over 150 breweries, Denver has rightfully earned its place on the map for beer enthusiasts.

Just a stone's throw away from the bustling heart of the city is The Ramble Hotel . This classy establishment promises a luxurious retreat right in the epicenter of Denver. The beautifully designed rooms are full of comfort and elegance, making every guest's stay memorable.

As the night sets in, the hotel's bar comes alive. Here, you can savor exquisite cocktails crafted with perfection. And for those looking to unwind, the hotel's terrace offers a great spot to relax, perfect way to end your day filled with adventure.

Things to see on a road trip from Los Angeles to Denver

The routes between Los Angeles and Denver are full of fun, adventure, and limitless beauty. Below are our top highlights on the way so you can make the most out of this wonderful adventure.

Mighty 5 Route

• California Route 66 Museum -A popular tip-of-the-hat to the historic US Route 66, this museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia from the iconic highway's heyday.
• Mojave National Preserve -Spanning 1.6 million acres, this vast desert landscape is adorned with sand dunes, canyons, and unique Joshua tree forests.
• Las Vegas Strip -World-renowned for its dazzling neon lights and entertainment, the Las Vegas Strip is home to iconic hotels, casinos, and performance venues. It's a bustling epicenter of entertainment where every night feels like New Year's Eve.
• Valley of Fire State Park -As Nevada's oldest state park, the Valley of Fire boasts vivid red sandstone formations, breathtaking vistas, and ancient petroglyphs.
• Red Cliffs National Conservation Area -Known for its red-hued cliffs, this conservation area safeguards diverse ecosystems and offers great hiking opportunities.
• Zion National Park -Characterized by its dramatic canyons, towering cliffs, and unique rock formations, Zion offers visitors a mesmerizing landscape and trails that lead you to awe-inspiring viewpoints and serene spots.
• Bryce Canyon National Park -Famous for its otherworldly hoodoos, Bryce Canyon showcases a maze of limestone spires and amphitheaters with famous scenic overlooks and trails.
• Capitol Reef National Park -This park boasts the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline extending almost 100 miles and presenting layers of golden sandstone, canyons, and striking rock formations.
• Canyonlands National Park -Divided by the Colorado River, this vast landscape offers deep canyons, towering mesas, and incredible panoramas. It's a wild heart of red rock country, offering solitude and endless exploration.
• Arches National Park -Celebrated for its thousands of natural stone arches, this park also features balanced rocks, vast mesas, and towering pinnacles. The park's trails lead visitors to iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch.
• Museum of the West -This museum provides a deep dive into the history and culture of the American West. Exhibits touch on pioneer life, Native American heritage, and the area's geologic past.
• Hot Springs Pool, Glenwood Springs -As the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, it offers visitors therapeutic relaxation with its warm, mineral-rich waters.
• Hanging Lake -A stunning geological wonder, Hanging Lake's turquoise waters are set against a backdrop of verdant cliffs and waterfalls. This fragile ecosystem is accessible via a challenging but fun trail.
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens -Nestled in the heart of Vail, these gardens are the highest botanical gardens in North America. They showcase alpine plants and offer educational experiences in a breathtaking mountain setting.
• Mount Evans Scenic Byway -Winding its way to the peak of Mount Evans, this byway is the highest paved road in North America. The drive offers unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Grand Canyon Route

• Mormon Rocks Viewpoint -These unique sandstone formations, resulting from the San Andreas Fault, offer visitors a window into the region's geologic history. The viewpoint provides incredible panoramic vistas.
• Mitchell Caverns, Mojave National Preserve -A hidden gem within the preserve, these limestone caverns reveal intricate formations and offer guided tours.
• Arizona Route 66 Museum -Chronicling the history of the legendary Route 66 in Arizona, this museum takes visitors on a journey through time. Exhibits include vintage cars, historical photographs, and stories from the "Mother Road."
• Grand Canyon National Park -A natural wonder of the world, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking vistas, steep canyons, and the powerful Colorado River, with hiking, rafting, and mule trips.
• Lowell Observatory -Established in 1894, this observatory is where Pluto was discovered. Today, it remains a hub for astronomical research and offers public programs and stargazing opportunities.
• Coconino National Forest -This diverse forest offers landscapes ranging from red rock canyons to alpine tundras. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails, rivers, and stunning vistas.
• Meteor Crater Natural Landmark -A testament to the force of nature, this well-preserved meteorite impact site offers an insight into our planet's history. The visitor center provides interactive exhibits and guided tours.
• Petrified Forest National Park -Renowned for its ancient, fossilized trees turned to stone, this park also offers painted desert landscapes and archaeological sites.
• Albuquerque Old Town -A historic heart of Albuquerque, the Old Town boasts adobe landmarks, quaint shops, and cultural heritage. Cobblestone streets and plazas echo tales of Spanish, Native American, and Mexican influences.
• Santa Fe Plaza -As the historic center of Santa Fe, the plaza bustles with art, culture, and history. It features galleries, museums, and traditional adobe landmarks.
• Taos Pueblo -A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient pueblo represents a thousand-year-old Native American community. Its iconic multi-storied adobe buildings and preserved culture are truly unique in North America.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park -Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, this park offers a unique desert landscape set against a backdrop of mountains. Activities range from sandboarding to stargazing.
• Greenhorn Mountain Trail -Winding through the Wet Mountains, this trail offers hikers panoramic views, alpine meadows, and dense forests. The summit of Greenhorn Mountain offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding landscape.
• El Pueblo History Museum -Located in Pueblo, this museum delves into the region's history, from ancient indigenous communities to present-day narratives. Interactive exhibits and artifacts trace the cultural tapestry of the area.
• Garden of the Gods - Stunning natural landmark, showcasing towering red rock formations that rise dramatically against the backdrop of Pikes Peak.

Best time to go on a road trip from Los Angeles to Denver

Denver is the perfect destination no matter the season. Whether you're embarking on The Mighty 5 Route or the Grand Canyon Route, your experience will largely be shaped by the time of year you choose to travel.

Winter can be snowy and cold, especially in the mountains of Colorado. Temperatures will often go below freezing for much of the drive as you enter Utah.

If you're taking The Mighty 5 Route, although the five national parks remain open year-round, certain trails may be inaccessible during the icy winter months.

Nevertheless, if you're willing to brave the colder weather, Colorado becomes a winter wonderland during these months. You can see the Vail Snow Days in December and plenty of holiday celebrations. It's also the perfect season if you love snow sports like skiing or snowboarding.

Yet, watch out for road closures. The stretch between Glenwood Springs and Denver can be particularly challenging during winter, given its high altitudes and the potential for heavy snowfall and storms that can influence driving conditions.

Spring is a lovely time of year to make the drive, with wildflowers and pleasant temperatures that barely fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also line up your travels so you can visit the Clark County Fair and Rodeo in April.

Summer is a beautiful time to visit Denver and travel between California and Colorado. Temperatures are hot, often above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most of your drive. Events like Denver Chalk Art Festival and FAN EXPO Denver are perfect reasons to travel during the summer.

Fall is many travelers' favorite season to make the drive because of the fall foliage in Colorado and pleasant temperatures, often between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the way. The Grand Canyon Music Festival takes place in September.

You'll also be able to see the exciting Thanksgiving Day parades in cities like Denver and Los Vegas. Plus, the Fiestas de Santa Fe is definitely worth checking out if you are traveling in September.

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Albuquerque to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary

Your Albuquerque to Las Vegas road trip will take you through some of the most stunning sections of the American Southwest!

You’ll visit multiple National Parks Service sites, including several national monuments and a national park. You’ll have the option to add on a section national park if you’d like to extend your trip.

You’ll also find rolling desert landscapes, quaint towns along historic Route 66, and easy hikes for the entire family.

Below, I’ve shared my family’s favorite stops between Albuquerque and Las Vegas, including places to stay, our go-to campgrounds, where to eat, and other tips to help your road trip go smoothly.

I’ve also included several places where you can add on a side trip for even more fun in this part of the United States.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road!

This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links below, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.

What to Expect when Visiting New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada

1) watch your weather..

Since you’re in the desert for the entirety of this road trip, you’ll want to ensure that you are ready for weather.

In the summers, temperatures can easily soar over 90 degrees (and often much higher). Yes, it’s a dry heat, but you can still get dehydrated very quickly. Pack more water than you think you’ll need—and then add a bit more.

While the winters aren’t particularly harsh, and you won’t see substantial snow, you will face cool days and cold nights while in the desert.

If you’re camping at any point in the year, plan ways to stay warm in the evenings and night as the temperatures drop by 15-20 degrees once the sun goes down.

2) Dress for success.

Stay covered on the trails as you won’t have any natural cover. This means you’ll need a long sleeved sun shirt, hat, and plenty of sunscreen.

You’ll want to do so even in the winter months as you can still get burned, both by the sun and wind, when it’s chilly outside.

Layers are key in the desert. You’ll want to be able to regulate your body temperature in response to the constantly changing temperatures.

For more information on my favorite hiking clothes, check out these articles:

Best Kids Hiking Gear + Checklist

Best Hiking Clothes for Women: Building a Capsule Wardrobe

3) Go remote.

Much of this road trip itinerary follows I-40, which is a major interstate through the Southwest.

Even though you’ll have plenty of company on the road, there are several stretches where you won’t have easy access to any gas, snacks, or water.

Unlike on the Denver to Grand Canyon road trip itinerary , you won’t find road signs telling you the number of miles to the next set of facilities.

Stay ahead of your gas tank, and stop whenever you’re near one of the often infrequent exits.

When you get off of I-40, you’ll be following the original Route 66 for much of the way to Las Vegas. While there are small towns on this stretch, they, too, are miles apart, and not all have gas stations.

Albuquerque, NM, to Las Vegas, NV, Road Trip Itinerary

For the purposes of this itinerary, we’re moving west from Albuquerque, but you could just as easily do this road trip in reverse from Las Vegas to Albuquerque.

Regardless of which direction you’re planning to do this trip, you’ll want to tack on at least a day on either end to explore Albuquerque and Las Vegas, which I haven’t focused on here.

Another thing to note is that I’ve organized the following places as individual stops rather than as a day-by-day itinerary.

Going about the road trip itinerary this way means that you have more flexibility in making it your own. Plus, many of these sites are fairly close together, so you can choose how quickly you’d like to move through them.

That being said, you could easily do this road trip in 3-5 days without any of the suggested side trips.

Or, you could linger at each stop, fully exploring them, and completing the side trips for a road trip that lasted 1-2 weeks (or more, depending on how long you want at each place!).

There’s really no wrong way to go about this road trip.

I’ve included drive times between each stop to help you better organize your own version, as well as suggested areas to hike, eat, and/or camp.

Stop 1: Grants, New Mexico

As you set out from Albuquerque, the landscape outside of your car will be filled with rolling red deserts, sagebrush, and craggy cliffs.

However, as you approach Grants, New Mexico, that landscape begins to resemble the surface of the moon.

Huge chunks of a matte black substance push their way past the grass on either side of the road, and you might be left wondering if an asphalt truck blew up on this section of the highway.

But the answer is one that’s far more exciting than a malfunctioning piece of road machinery.

You’re seeing the results of volcanic activity that reshaped this part of western New Mexico between 700,000 and just 3,900 years ago.

You can explore more of this incredible natural wonder at the 2 main sites near Grants, New Mexico.

El Malpais National Monument

This NPS sites allows you to hike through and learn about the lava flows.

You’ll see how the unique geological formations here provided shelter to generations of Native Americans, particularly the Zuni and Acoma tribes, as well as Spanish explorers, the Navajo nation, and pioneers.

There are a variety of surface trails that allow you to access the different lava flow areas. More adventurous visitors can take a self-guided tour into one of the many lava tubes, but you’ll want to bring the appropriate safety gear.

The national monument is open year round, although some of the caves are off limits to the public during the winter to protect resident bats.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

A privately owned site, the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano is another great way to explore this fascinating landscape.

It’s not as large as the nearby NPS site, but it’s still worth a visit.

Included in the admission cost is a museum filled with Native American artifacts and 2 self-guided hikes. The Ice Cave stays chilly year round with naturally occurring sheets of ice on the walls.

It does close in the winter from November 1-March 1.

Stop 2: Petrified Forest National Park

The next major stop on I-40 West is going to be the exit for the Painted Desert Visitors Center at Petrified Forest National Park.

At the visitors center, you can grab a map of the park, pick up a souvenir, watch the park’s history movie, or have a picnic.

There’s also a gas station here. It’s really expensive, but convenient. There’s no other gas at this exit or anywhere in the park for another 25-30 miles.

Once you’re in the park, you’ll be able to see the southern end of the Painted Desert, which has red, orange, grey, blue, purple, and yellow layers in the worn away rock.

On the end of the park closest to Holbrook, you’ll be able to see fields of petrified trees from the forest that once stood here more than 250 million years ago.

More posts to help you with your time at Petrified Forest National Forest:

1 Day Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary

5 Best Hikes in Petrified Forest National Park

Stop 3: Holbrook, AZ

Although I-40 parallels—and in some places, directly overlays—historic Route 66, Holbrook, Arizona is the first place on this road trip where you can drive or walk along the actual Route 66.

Holbrook isn’t the most exciting place along this stretch of Route 66 (I think Winslow, below, is a much better stop), but it does have a few items to see beyond the handful of large gas stations next to I-40.

The Wigwam Motel in downtown Holbrook was the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars , and it is only 1 of 3 remaining concrete teepee-style motels from the once popular chain.

While we haven’t stayed at the one in Holbrook, we did stay at the sister site, the historic Wigwam Village in Cave City, Kentucky .

Holbrook also has a couple of shops that sell petrified wood and other minerals. It’s illegal to take wood from the national park, so this is a good alternative if you’d like a souvenir.

We used Holbrook as a base for this entire area during our last visit to Arizona. The Holbrook KOA is an excellent choice for families with plenty of amenities and easy on-off from I-40.

>> Full review here: Holbrook, AZ, KOA: Best Camping near Petrified Forest National Park . <<

Stop 4: Winslow, AZ

Less than 30 minutes west of Holbrook is the quaint town of Winslow, AZ.

Also located on Route 66, Winslow has several reasons why you’d want to visit: a fascinating history, a cute downtown area, and a tie-in to classic rock.

Downtown Winslow, Arizona

For fans of ‘70s rock, you won’t want to miss Standin’ on a Corner Park in the heart of downtown Winslow, Arizona.

This little town was immortalized in the second verse of The Eagles’ 1972 hit, “Take It Easy.” Winslow is noted in the song and was inspired by a road trip that the members took as they were trying to finish their debut album.

Fifty years later, people still visit by the bus load to take their picture with the iconic flatbed Ford and the massive Route 66 sign at the park.

Discover what else you can do in this adorable town in my complete guide to Winslow, Arizona, on historic Route 66 .

Homolovi Ruins State Park

About 5 miles to the north of Winslow is another great place to visit: Homolovi Ruins State Park.

Here, you can learn about 2 archeological sites that focus on different native people who called this area home from roughly 1000-1400 CE.

Of the 2, we found that the Homolovi II hike had more to see for our kids, but both are worth a visit if you’re into history.

You can also take a short hike to the Mormon pioneer graveyard behind the visitors center, which is the only remaining part of the small village that existed here in the late 1880s.

Keep an eye out for the park’s many wild burros, which are often found on the rugged hills along the main road.

Stop 5: Meteor Crater

If you’ve ever wanted to feel small, Meteor Crater is an excellent place to do so.

Created by a meteor about 50,000 years ago, this massive site is so much more than just a big hole in the ground.

Of course, the crater itself is a highlight—and you must make time for the 45-minute tour of the crater rim (included in the cost of admission).

You can also see and touch a piece of the meteor, walk through multiple interactive museum areas, experience a 4D ride about space and the crater, and shop for space-themed souvenirs.

Kids should complete the scavenger hunt booklets to receive a free science ranger patch.

There are also picnic tables inside of the property, making this a great stop mid-day between Winslow and Flagstaff.

You’ll find easy RV parking in the back lot.

Stop 6: Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff is worth at least a day on your trip—if not longer.

Here, you can hike in Walnut Canyon National Monument, the Kachina Wetlands Preserve, or Picture Canyon.

For those interested in history, the Pioneer Museum and the Museum of Northern Arizona are great choices.

You can learn more about the spooky side of the city with a ghost tour of downtown Flagstaff .

From Flagstaff, you can add on two possible side trips, one north of the city, and one south.

Side trip 1: Sedona, AZ

A short 45 minute drive south of Flagstaff is this quirky city with a New Age vibe. Here, you can find everything from healing crystal shops to hot springs to incredible hiking.

You could easily spend an entire vacation exploring Sedona’s many shopping centers and museums, and hiking the dozens of excellent trails around the city.

Side trip 2: Grand Canyon National Park

You can easily drive to the Grand Canyon in your rental car, or you can join up with a guided tour of the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff .

Either way, expect a full day of sightseeing: you’ll want to be on the road no later than 8 AM to maximize your time in the Grand Canyon.

It’s about an hour and a half from downtown Flagstaff to the South Rim at the Grand Canyon, but the journey is half the fun. There are some beautiful overlooks in the desert along this stretch of Highways 180 and 64.

If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon with kids , don’t forget to note my family’s favorite kid-friendly activities here.

Stop 7: Seligman, AZ

From Flagstaff, you’ll head west on I-40 again.

While you could continue on the way from Flagstaff to Kingman fully on I-40, I highly recommend that you hop onto Route 66 at Seligman.

Not only is Seligman kitschy in the best way possible, the stretch of Route 66 from Seligman through Peach Springs and down to Kingman, Arizona, is breathtaking.

I don’t know about you, but a road trip isn’t a road trip without some backroad driving!

Seligman is small, but it is a great place to stop for lunch and dessert.

Roadkill Cafe and OK Saloon

The oddly named Roadkill Cafe and OK Saloon is Route 66 quirkiness at its peak.

Despite what the menu items might lead you to believe, you can’t actually get an armadillo burger here.

What you will find are fresh cooked diner meals—burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and the like—served up in restaurant where the food and the decor are equal draws.

After you’ve tucked in, browse the gift shop/museum in the back.

And don’t forget to get a few pictures outside at the faux Wild West town on the other side of the parking lot!

Delgadillo’s Snow Cap

About a block east from the Roadkill Cafe is the vintage Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, which offers dozens of milkshake flavors. (They also have burgers, fries, and other drive-in style food, but we have always gone straight for the desserts here!)

A Route 66 staple since the early 1950s, the employees still sling ice cream with a side of sarcasm. Don’t take too long to order, or the window attendant will poke fun of you!

The inside and outside of Delgadillo’s is covered in vintage signs, photos, postcards, and more. Linger a bit as you enjoy your shake.

As you continue west from Seligman towards Kingman, look for the Burma Shave signs that pepper the road side.

These are funny 4-part poems that always end in a Berma Shave shoutout. In addition to advertising this popular hair cream, the signs were also placed along Route 66 to keep drivers alert.

Stop 8: Kingman, AZ

Kingman is the largest town between Flagstaff and Las Vegas on this itinerary, so it’s a great place to stop for gas, groceries, or rest.

If you’re into the history of the Mother Road, you need to plan several hours here.

First, get a picture with the historic Route 66 sign! This is located on the eastern end of the downtown area on Route 66 (also known as Andy Devine Avenue in this section).

If you’d like another photo op, there’s another Route 66 sign in the parking lot to the Arizona Route 66 Museum, also on Andy Devine Avenue near Locomotive Park.

Both the museum and Locomotive Park are worth stops, too, especially if you’d like to learn more about the various forms of transportation that created Kingman and other Route 66 towns.

Once you’re ready to leave Kingman, you’ll want to head northwest on Highway 93, which will ultimately take you directly into Las Vegas through Henderson, Nevada.

But before we can make it to Las Vegas, we’ve still got some more exploring to do.

Along this highway, you’ll find several overlooks, and I encourage you to stop whenever one strikes your fancy.

This road trip is one where the topography changes constantly, and you’ll notice that this stretch of Highway 93 looks quite different than what you just left along Route 66.

The Crane’s Nest Wash Overpass is well marked with an easy, paved access point. It will be on your left about 5 miles south of the Hoover Dam.

Another great place to stop is the trailhead for the Spooky Canyon hike . This is an easy, flat trail that takes you into a slot canyon.

Stop 9: Hoover Dam

To maximize your experience of this area, I recommend downloading the GuideAlong tour for Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon .

We’ve used these tours on many of our road trips, and I love that I can get a fully narrated tour for less than the cost of lunch for my family.

Plus, it doesn’t need wifi once it’s downloaded, and you can start and stop as many times as you need!

You’ll want to stop in the Hoover Dam Visitors Center and get tickets for the guided tour.

The Hoover Dam is an engineering marvel, and it’s worth a few hours of your time even if you’re not particularly interested in engineering history.

The scale of this project can only be appreciated by walking through the structure itself.

You can get another perspective of the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River with a guided rafting tour below the Hoover Dam . Great for all ages, this leisurely water-based tour lets you see the ways that the dam changed the river’s flow and ecosystem forever.

Final Stop: Las Vegas!

Your road trip is over, but the fun doesn’t have to end here.

Las Vegas is well worth a day or two of your time at the end of your trip: see the Bellagio fountains, go shopping along the Strip, and take in a show at the Sphere.

I hope that your family enjoyed this road trip as much as we have.

Happy travels!

Interested in other Southwestern adventures?

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10 Denver To Las Vegas Road Trip Stops That Take Your Breath Away

A road trip from Denver to Vegas is full of some of the most beautiful stops in America, from wildflower-filled ski towns to colorful national parks.

The drive from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, is a 750-mile journey from the high mountains to the scorching Southwest desert. While a vibrant destination like Las Vegas may tempt drivers to push through the 12-hour drive as quickly as possible, doing so would mean missing out on some of the best summer destinations in the United States.

Those with the time can turn this simple drive into a true US road trip, passing through mountain towns, national parks, and lush forests. While every part of this unique drive down I-70 and I-15 is beautiful in its own way, below are ten of the best of the best stops to make along the way.

Road trips are all about making the most of the journey, but no journey is complete without a comfortable place to stay. Each stop has included both a recommended hike to stretch cramped road trip legs and a high-rated hotel or resort should travelers decide to use any of these locations as an overnight stop.

Related: 10 Best Hotels In Las Vegas To Ignite Your Sin City Adventure

Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne

The lodge at breckenridge, the arrabelle at vail square, glenwood hot springs resort, grand junction palomino inn, hoodoo moab, cliffrose springdale, inn on the cliff, hyatt place las vegas at silverton village, dillon, colorado.

A popular winter destination, Dillon’s lakeside location makes it a perfect stop for a summer Colorado road trip. Visitors can rent a kayak, pontoon boat, or even a sailboat at the Dillon Marina and enjoy the fresh air on the lake. For those looking for a more relaxing pit stop, there are numerous public beaches along the lake, perfect for lounging in the sun and enjoying the lake and mountain views.

Those beautiful mountains also provide numerous hiking trails, biking trails, horseback riding paths, and fishing holes. In the town itself, Dillon continues to prove it is worth the stop with both disc golf and traditional golf courses and the Dillon Amphitheater.

Old Dillon Reservoir Trail Hike:

• Distance: 1.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: ~1 hour
• Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne
• Things to Do in Dillon, Colorado: Lake Dillon Marina, Biking, Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Golf, Disc Golf, Dillon Amphitheater, Fishing

Hampton by Hilton

177 Meraly Way, Silverthorne, CO 80498

Copper Mountain, Colorado

Colorado is full of unique ski towns that are often overlooked during the summer but are absolutely worth including on a summer road trip through the state. Copper Mountain is one such winter town that is full of natural beauty in the summer months. The melting snow gives way to scenic hiking and biking trails, and the water feeds numerous varieties of wildflowers that bloom well into the summer with the high elevation.

The town also has unique activities like the largest outdoor freestanding rock climbing wall in North America and the highest golf course in America that offer a quick afternoon out of the car before continuing their journey to the Vegas Strip.

Chickaree Way Hike:

• Distance: 2 miles
• Time: ~0.5 hours
• Where to Stay: The Lodge at Breckenridge
• Things to Do in Copper Mountain, Colorado: Mountain Road Walks, Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, Golfing, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway, Road Cycling

Vail, Colorado

The road to Sin City from Denver is full of unique ski resorts and world-class slopes, but for those driving through Colorado in the summer, these towns are still worth stopping in for their beautiful views and luxury amenities. Like other stops, Vail, Colorado, is primarily a ski resort town that is perfect for outdoor adventurers passing through in summer .

After potentially hours in the car, Vail is a great place to explore the outdoors in mild weather along hiking trails, whitewater rafting down the river, riding down a mountain coaster, or simply strolling through the picturesque downtown.

Pitkin Lake Trail Hike (Eagles Nest Wilderness):

• Distance: 9.6 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Time: 6–7 hours
• Where to Stay: The Arrabelle At Vail Square, A Rockresort
• Things to Do in Vail, Colorado: Hiking, Biking, Eagles Nest Wilderness, Whitewater Rafting, Gondola Rides, Ziplining, Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Golfing

RockResorts International

675 Lionshead Place, Vail, CO 81657

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Any time of year is the perfect time to lounge in the natural hot springs of Glenwood Springs, some of the best in the state of Colorado. After sitting in a cramped car, Glenwood Springs is a great stop for road trip travelers looking to unwind. With three separate hot spring resorts, Glenwood Springs is also a great overnight option for those looking to break up the road trip to Las Vegas.

As with the entirety of Colorado, outdoor adventures abound in Glenwood Springs, with rafting, kayaking, golfing, paragliding, and mountain biking all available within the small town.

Hanging Lake Trail Hike:

• Distance: 3.1 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2–4 hours
• Where to Stay: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
• Things to Do in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Hanging Lake, Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, Glenwood Canyon, White River National Forest, Golf, Guided Tours, Paragliding

415 East 6th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

A permit is required for the Hanging Lake Trail Hike. Visit the Glenwood Springs, CO website for permit information and for additional details on the wide variety of recreational activities available in the city.

Related: Hot Springs Hopping: A Guide To Colorado's 10 Most Relaxing And Invigorating Spots

Grand Junction, Colorado

Another great stop for those hoping to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado, Grand Junction is the last major stop before the road trip to Las Vegas veers into Utah. As the landscape transitions from the high mountains to the Southwestern desert, Grand Junction provides a variety of hiking and biking trails to enjoy the scenery.

Depending on the time of year, visitors to Grand Junction can also enjoy special summer events like the Colorado Lavender Festival and the Palisade Peach Festival.

Devil’s Kitchen Hike (Colorado National Monument):

• Where to Stay: Grand Junction Palomino Inn
• Things to Do in Grand Junction, Colorado: Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa National Forest, Grand Junction to Moab Trail, Colorado Lavender Festival, Palisade Peach Festival, Dinosaur Journey Museum, Fruita Paleontological Area, Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Fishing

2400 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Arches National Park, Utah

One of the most iconic national parks in the United States, it's impossible to drive anywhere near Arches National Park without spending a day (or three) enjoying the views. Home to the famous Delicate Arch, Arches National Park is one of the best places in the world to enjoy natural Arches and land bridges.

With miles of hiking trails that meet every ability level, even the most casual visitor can enjoy the one-of-a-kind natural formations.

Delicate Arch Hike:

• Distance: 3.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
• Time: 2–3 hours
• Where to Stay: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Things to Do in Arches National Park: Delicate Arch, Hiking, Biking, Arches National Park Visitor Center

111 North 100 West, Moab, UT 84532

Related: 5 In 5: Visit Utah's 'Mighty 5' National Parks In Five Days

Dixie National Forest, Utah

Southern Utah offers a variety of protected spaces perfect for those hoping to explore the outdoors on their way to Sin City. Hidden between two world-famous National parks, Dixie National Forest is a hidden gem that offers many of the same pastimes as its neighbors, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

As a national forest instead of a national park, admission is free, making it an affordable detour on a Denver-Vegas road trip.

Red Canyon Hike:

• Distance: 4.1 miles
• Time: ~2 hours
• Where to Stay: Abbey Inn
• Things to Do in Dixie National Forest: Red Canyon, Petroglyphs, Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Viewing

940 West 200 North, Cedar City, UT 84720

Zion National Park, Utah

Home to one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States , Zion National Park is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. The second of Utah's "Mighty 5" National parks on the route from Denver to Las Vegas, Zion is a beautiful place for road trip travelers to stretch their legs and explore the landscape of the Southwest.

Deep slot canyons and unusual rock formations are plentiful in the park, with hiking trails ranging from simple half-mile loops to full-day backcountry excursions. While Zion National Park could easily be a week-long vacation itself, even a day in the park is a must for anyone on a road trip through the Southwest United States.

The Narrows Bottom-Up Hike (no permit required):

• Distance: 8.9 miles
• Time: 6–8 hours
• Where to Stay: Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Things to Do in Zion National Park: The Narrows*, Angels Landing*, Zion Human History Museum, Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Virgin River, Hiking, Biking, Kolob Canyon Scenic Drive

281 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale, UT 84767

*Both the Angel's Landing hike and some portions of the Narrows Slot Canyon hike require permits. Go to the park website to make a reservation and get a permit in advance.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Angels Landing In 2023

Saint George, Utah

While it is easy to focus the time in Southern Utah on the one-of-a-kind national parks, the towns themselves have plenty to offer travelers as well. Those taking a road trip through Utah can enjoy the big city feel of Saint George, with several museums and a botanical garden, or get back into the desert scenery at Pioneer Park or Snow Canyon State Park.

Saint George is an especially fitting road trip stop thanks to its wide variety of food options and types of activities that will appeal to every type of traveler.

Snow Canyon Trail:

• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
• TIme: ~1.5 hours
• Where to Stay: Inn on the Cliff
• Things to Do in Saint George, Utah: Red Hills Botanical Garden, Snow Canyon State Park, Pioneer Park, Brigham Young Winter Home, St. George Tabernacle, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Rosenbruch World Wildlife Museum, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

511 South Airport Road, Saint George, UT 84770

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

With waves of red sandstone and unusual rock formations, the Valley of Fire State Park is perfect for either a final road trip stop or a day trip from Vegas after completing the journey. Regardless of when visitors stop by, the Valley of Fire is sure to be worth the detour.

Numerous hiking trails lead to unique formations like the Beehives, Fire Wave, and 2,000-year-old petroglyphs. After spending the day in the red rock landscape, road trip travelers can either camp at the park itself or settle into one of many luxury hotels in nearby Las Vegas .

Fire Wave Hike:

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Las Vegas at Silverton Village
• Things to Do at Valley of Fire State Park: White Dome Trail, Fire Wave Trail, Elephant Rock, Lost City Museum

8380 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89139

These 5 road trips from Las Vegas will take you far beyond casinos and glitz

Apr 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Not far from the glitz of the Strip, the open road offers desert adventures © JacobH / Getty Images

In a city filled with the atypical, it’s easy to fall into the typical tourist routine in Las Vegas .

The generationally accepted Sin City mantra is to gamble, catch a show, gamble some more, have a few drinks, enjoy a little entertainment…and repeat as many times as humanly possible until you have to stagger back to the airport and catch your flight home. Vegas’ two tourist zones, the Strip or Downtown/ Fremont Street , are within a 15-minute drive of one another; if you stay in one, perhaps you’ll make an excursion to the other. And that’s the extent of a “day trip” for most.

Yet far too many visit Las Vegas without exploring the top-notch historical, geographical and cultural attractions nearby, many of which are within a three-hour drive. By renting a car, you can coast through the likes of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire of State Park within 45 minutes (though we recommend taking more time, to explore the orange rock formations in both by hiking).

It’s pretty easy to navigate Las Vegas and surrounding areas via generally well-kept and well-paved roadways, with Interstate 15 (running north-south), Clark County Rte 215 (a beltway encircling the city) and a US Rte 95 (a northwest-southeast diagonal) the key roads to know.

It’s true that Las Vegas is surrounded by desert, and this arid region doesn’t abound with notable road-trip stops. But quality makes up for quantity, and you’ll find a world of wonder awaits within reach of Sin City: think the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, quirky hotels, national parks…and so much more.

Here are three true day trips – plus two additional multi-day options – that will help expand your Las Vegas horizons.

1. Grand Canyon West

Best road trip to do via bus Las Vegas–Grand Canyon West Skywalk; 125 miles (201km); allow one (long) day

The Western Rim of the Grand Canyon (known as Grand Canyon West ) is within a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride of Las Vegas. Tour operators like Grand Canyon Destinations , Gray Line and GC Tours pack it all in one day, making early morning pick-ups, allowing three-or-so hours of free time and stopping for optional meals. The “must” at Grand Canyon West is a tip-toe along the cantilevered, glass-bottomed  Skywalk .

Planning tip: Grand Canyon West is operated by the Hualapai Nation (whereas Grand Canyon National Park is under the purview of the National Park Service). From Las Vegas, a trip to the national park will take substantially more time, and should be a multi-day affair. 

2. Boulder City

Best road trip for history lovers Las Vegas–Boulder City; 26 miles (42km); allow one day  

While this city is only a 30-minute drive southwest of Las Vegas, it feels a world apart. Whereas the Strip is all about creative destruction and ever-bigger resorts, Boulder City has more than 500 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, most of which were constructed in the 1930s and ’40s. The city came into being in the ’30s, when workers from across the USA converged to build nearby Hoover Dam ; you can learn all about the key figures at the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum . En route to the majestic dam – just 15 minutes northeast of Boulder City – stop at Hemenway Park , which offers panoramic vistas of the often bright-blue Lake Mead . 

Detour: Henderson is Nevada ’s second-largest city, and its Water St artery regularly hosts car shows, parades and farmers markets.

3. Laughlin

Best road trip for a river reprieve Las Vegas–Laughlin; 97 miles (156km); allow one day  

On the southern tip of Nevada on the Colorado River, you’ll find this cozy, casino-filled town. Along north-south main drag Casino Dr, you’ll see a handful of gambling names that you’ll also find in Las Vegas, including Golden Nugget , Harrah’s and Tropicana . So why Laughlin ? Its appeal boils down to cheaper table games, less swank and river adventures aplenty.

Water excursions come in all forms here, including guided kayaking journeys with Desert River Outfitters , Jet Ski rentals with Watercraft Adventures or hikes along the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail , which runs adjacent to the river.

Best road trip for seeing another side of the Silver State Las Vegas–Reno; 438 miles (705km); allow 4–5 days  

With its vast green landscapes, a slower pace and small-town vibes, northern Nevada is a different world from Las Vegas. Its anchor is Reno – aka the “Biggest Little City in the World,” a nickname proudly proclaimed by an arched sign in the city’s Commercial Row core. Reno is a nearly 7-hour drive from Vegas following US Rte 95.

En route, stop at the Goldfield Hotel , the 1902 hallmark of an eerily quiet town and regarded as one of the most haunted structures in the US. Keep that haunted streak going with a visit to the Clown Motel in Tonopah , which also has a free clown museum in its lobby. Tonopah is also stargazing heaven, hosting  a biweekly “Star Party”  after dark every April through October. Telescopes and binoculars are provided to get up close and personal with the constellations.

Once you arrive in Reno, hit the Reno Brewery District , which has more than 15 craft spots. Nevada’s first meadery, the Black Rabbit Mead Company uses locally sourced honey in its brews.

5. Zion National Park

Best road trip for outdoors enthusiasts Las Vegas–Springdale, Utah; 159 miles (256km); allow 4–5 days  

Within a two-hour drive of Sin City, a world of emerald pools, soaring pine-lined trails and the Angels Landing bucket-list hike await. And for all the wonder you’ll find within Zion National Park , getting there from Las Vegas is half the fun. Along the way – generally a straight-north shot on I-15 – stop at Valley of Fire State Park to see mounds of sandstone with red patterns reminiscent of a cinnamon bun, as well as 2000-year-old petroglyphs etched in caves. Continue north to the city of St George, just over the Utah border. Red mountains loom in the distance over its historic downtown and art district; pop in the St George Art Museum for rotating exhibits that showcase the Western USA ’s rocky and rugged beauty.

As you approach Zion, Springdale, the quaint town at the park’s southern gate, has southwest-inspired souvenir shops, hotel-chain outposts and the five-star LaFave Luxury Resort , which has villas that sleep up to 10. If want to camp in the park, Watchman Campground is open year-round, with reservations accepted up to six months ahead of booking. 

Detour: Tucked off Interstate 15, Mesquite is a golfer’s paradise, with nine public courses – including the Jack Nicklaus–designed Coyote Springs Golf Club – within a 10-minute radius of town.

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