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