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Take a Family Road Trip to the Grand Canyon

It’s closer to Henderson than you might think

By Heather Carroll-Landon, PhD, Publisher of Macaroni Kid SW Las Vegas, North Las Vegas & Henderson-Boulder City June 3, 2021

The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. Getting there from Las Vegas is easy, and worth the time it takes. Not only do you get to spend time with the family, but you are also able to experience something so grand and watch as your kids’ eyes light up when they see it. Many only get to experience the wonders of the Grand Canyon once in their lifetime. We are lucky to be close enough, making it a short drive to the Grand Canyon. 

Here are some tips for when you plan a family trip to the Grand Canyon:

West Rim 

Though we traveled to the South Rim on our recent visit to the Grand Canyon, there is a region of this breathtaking wonder that is so much closer to us here in Vegas. The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is approximately two hours from Vegas. Visiting the West Rim is perfect for those families who want to see the canyon but only have time for a day trip. This Grand Canyon region is where you can brave walking the Skywalk. If you dare to step out on the bridge (remember it is a suspended glass walkway), you will have a breathtaking view of the canyon. If you want to preserve your memories from the Skywalk, you will have to purchase a photo because cameras are not allowed. There are various tours from Vegas to the West Rim, or you can pack the kids in the car and go for a fun drive. (We plan to do this next spring and will share our journey and photos.) 

South Rim 

Those looking for a road trip will enjoy visiting the South Rim. The South Rim is the main entrance and most popular one among those who visit the Grand Canyon. Located in the Grand Canyon National Park, this entrance is approximately 280 miles from Las Vegas. When we visited the Grand Canyon, we stayed in a hotel in Flagstaff, but there are places to sleep in the park and in towns that are closer to the entrance. 

Are you taking the road trip to the South Rim? Some things you will see include the Hoover Dam, Peach Springs (stop to visit the Grand Canyon Caves), Bearizona, and explore Flagstaff. We stopped at Bearizona back in March, and many of the bears were still hibernating. We suggest visiting during the summer months when the bears are more likely to be awake and active. 

We love taking road trips and cannot wait to share all of our experiences with you. To see where we travel to next, subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter by clicking here

Please know, this information is based on our visit to the Grand Canyon. Before making plans, please verify which areas are open or closed due to COVID-19.