14 Amazing Stops on a Phoenix to Las Vegas Drive
Wondering where to stop on the way from Phoenix to Las Vegas? Here are all the best places to pull over, and what to do when you’re there.
Taking a road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas is the perfect way to see the desert southwest. The journey takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
Follow this guide, buckle up, and let’s get started on planning your epic journey!
Road trip in a nutshell
Phoenix > Prescott > Payson > Tonto Natural Bridge Park > Sedona > Montezuma > Slide Rock State Park > Sunset Crater Volcano > Grand Canyon > Las Vegas
Map of the route
How to plan a Phoenix to Las Vegas drive
You can take a few different routes when planning your road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas. The most direct route would be to drive straight down I-15, passing through the stunning Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree National Park on the way.
However, if you’re looking for something more scenic, consider taking the less travelled path and exploring some of the lesser-known desert highways.
What is the distance from Phoenix to Las Vegas?
Along with the US-93 N route, the total distance from Phoenix to Las Vegas is roughly 300 miles. The direct drive time takes about 5 hours.
1. Phoenix
Before you hit the road and drive from Phoenix to Vegas, you definitely have to spend some time in Phoenix. The capital city of Arizona, it’s a sprawling metropolitan with plenty to see and do.
Of course, outdoorsy activities are expected. Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park and Preserve, and the Desert Botanical Garden top the list. To see more than the typical desert cacti and native plants, the Japanese Friendship Garden makes for a pretty stroll.
Other entertainment includes high-end spa resorts and golf courses, as well as the posh shops at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
For a taste of history and culture, visit Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, and Musical Instrument Museum. Families will enjoy OdySea Aquarium, Phoenix Zoo, and Papago Park for the animals and open spaces.
2. Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale, AZ, is a great place to stop on a Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip.
There are plenty of things to do in Old Town Scottsdale, from shopping and dining to art galleries and museums.
If you’re looking for something active to do, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area. Or, if you’d prefer to relax, you can enjoy a scenic drive or take a dip in one of the many pools or spas in Scottsdale.
3. Prescott
Prescott, Arizona, is an ideal place to make a stop on your way from Phoenix to Las Vegas.
You can explore the historic downtown area, or enjoy the hikes and horseback rides in the nearby national forests.
4. Payson
Payson, Arizona, is an ideal place to take a break from your long Phoenix to Las Vegas drive.
This small town offers plenty of outdoor activities like fishing and horseback riding, plus you can explore the nearby Tonto Natural Bridge, State Park. Payson also has plenty of places to eat and shop, so it’s a great spot for refuelling during your journey.
5. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park boasts a natural limestone bridge and several trails for hikers of all levels. Many visitors choose to picnic at the state park to admire the beauty of nature surrounding them.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is an excellent place to take a break from the road and explore before continuing on your journey.
6. Sedona Verde Valley
Verde Valley is a great spot to explore on your way from Phoenix to Las Vegas. This area of Arizona offers plenty of activities for all types of travellers – I’d go back for the hot air balloon ride.
There are also several wineries in the region where you can sample some of Arizona’s best wines. Verde Valley is home to a few rivers and stunning red rock formations. If you’re looking for an adventure-filled break from your drive, Verde Valley should definitely be on your list.
7. Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle National Monument is a great spot for anyone interested in learning about Native American cultures. Located approximately two and a half hours from Phoenix, this national monument offers visitors the chance to explore an ancient cliff dwelling that was occupied by the Sinagua people between 600 and 1425 A.D.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the castle, and there are several trails in the area for more adventurous visitors.
8. Slide Rock State Park
If you’re looking for a unique experience, Slide Rock State Park is the perfect spot. Located in Sedona, Arizona, the park is known for its natural red rock formations and its cold, clear Oak Creek.
This state park features a natural water slide that wraps around an old apple orchard. Visitors can take a dip in the cool waters of Oak Creek or simply relax on the beach and watch as others enjoy the thrilling ride down the slide.
Plus, you can also explore the numerous trails in the area and take in the impressive views of the red rock formations. The park is open all year round, making it a great place to stop regardless of when you’re taking your road trip.
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9. Flagstaff
Flagstaff is located right off the I-40. There are plenty of things to do here, including exploring the downtown area and its many shops and restaurants.
Additionally, you can take in the stunning views along Historic Route 66 or visit some of Flagstaff’s nearby attractions, such as the Lowell Observatory or Meteor Crater. Plenty of lodging options are available if you’re looking for a place to stay in Flagstaff. Whether you make a full stop in Flagstaff or take a break from your drive, this city has something for everyone.
10. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is the perfect stop for anyone interested in learning about the area’s rich volcanic history.
Located just outside Flagstaff, this national monument offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s volcanic past and provides beautiful views of its unique geography. Visitors can take a self-guided tour along one of Sunset Crater’s trails or join a ranger-led hike.
Plus, there are plenty of picnic spots and interpretive displays located around the park that can help you learn more about the area. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is an exciting way to take a break from your Phoenix to Vegas, drive while exploring some fascinating geological formations.
11. Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is a must-see on any Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip. Located just outside of Las Vegas, this iconic structure offers amazing views and the opportunity to learn more about its history.
The Hoover Dam is a manmade wonder that was completed in 1935. It holds back the Colorado River and gives Phoenix and Las Vegas power. Visitors can take a tour of the dam, walk across the iconic Hoover Dam bypass bridge, or admire the views from the top. Plus, you can take a tour to explore the inside of the dam or even take a helicopter ride over the lake.
12. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Located in NV 89005, Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers water activities like boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area too.
Plenty of campsites are located throughout the recreation area if you’re looking for a place to camp or have a picnic to save some money too.
13. The Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the United States and is just a few hours from Phoenix.
Visitors can hike or take a mule ride down into the canyon, go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, or even take a helicopter or hot-air balloon tour for incredible views. There are also a number of lookout points along the rim of the canyon, each offering different perspectives of this amazing natural wonder.
14. Las Vegas
And you’ve made it! You’re in Vegas.
You have to spend a few nights in Vegas, now that you’ve come all this way. Check out my Vegas tips for first timers for some tried and tested advice.
Have fun, look after yourself, and your friends. Vegas is a crazy place. I’ve been twice and had a great time – I’d definitely go again!
I stayed at the Vegas Stratosphere which was super cheap, and very fun. There’s so much to do in Vegas, it probably just depends how long your budget lasts to be honest!
And make sure you check out some of these amazing places to stop for a cheap breakfast in Vegas while you’re there.
How about continuing your road trip from Vegas to LA – all the best spots to stop are in that link. Or even Vegas to Yosemite by car right here. If you just fancy going straight, here’s how to get from Vegas to the Grand Canyon by car.
And new to the blog: how to spend your birthday in Vegas.
What a waste of time reading this was. All the out of the way places that are not on the road one should use to get to Vegas. I guess that since there is nothing but desert to look at between Phoenix and Kingman along 93/I-40 you’d instead take people out of their way and add miles to their trip to Vegas in order to get people to visit these pointless places. I live in Phoenix. FYI, if you’re a traveler going to Las Vegas from Phoenix there is nothing imho worth seeing except the Hoover dam.
@Garm,
In full disclosure at the beginning
How to plan a Phoenix to Las Vegas drive?
You can take a few different routes when planning your road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas. The most direct route would be to drive straight down I-15, passing through the stunning Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree National Park on the way. However, if you’re looking for something more scenic, consider taking the less travelled path and exploring some of the lesser-known desert highways.