Epic Family Road Trip: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and Sedona

A Family Adventure: Exploring Nevada and Arizona

When it comes to family vacations, we don’t mess around. We wake up early, pack every moment with memories, and collapse into bed at the end of the day. For us, it’s about squeezing every drop out of the experience—whether it’s watching the sunrise, hiking to hidden spots, or laughing over dinner. Life at home is so busy with work, school, soccer, and marching band that it’s hard to carve out quality time together. These trips are our chance to reconnect, slow down, and create memories we’ll cherish forever.

Day 1: From the Runway to the Rim

Our trip kicked off with a 4:00 AM wake-up call for an early flight out of Atlanta. Pro tip: If you want teenagers to sleep well at night, start their day early. After landing in Las Vegas, we hit the ground running and headed straight for our first destination—the iconic Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam

This engineering marvel straddles the border between Nevada and Arizona. It’s an incredible sight, and let me tell you, my boys made all the dam puns. (Their favorite: “This place is dam cool!”). Take note of the Dam hat in the photo below. Fun fact: The Hoover Dam was completed in 1936 and provides water and electricity to millions of people across the Southwest.

Route 66

From the dam, we hit the historic Route 66 for a scenic drive through Kingman, AZ. Along the way, we made a must-stop at Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner. This nostalgic spot is famous for its homemade root beer and diner-style menu, including a bacon mac-and-cheese hot dog that might change your life. The diner’s retro vibe, complete with a menu shaped like a vinyl record, made it a hit with the kids.

Route 66 Fun Fact: This legendary highway, also known as the “Main Street of America,” was established in 1926 and once stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica.

With full bellies and plenty of roadside photos, we continued to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Arriving in the evening, we checked into Yavapai Lodge, where the rustic charm set the perfect tone for our canyon adventure. While my firefighter husband and I enjoyed a quiet happy hour at the Yavapai Tavern, the boys were happily glued to their electronic devices, catching up on all the important things they’d missed during the day’s travels.

Grand Canyon Fun Fact: Did you know the Grand Canyon is over 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide? It’s been carved by the Colorado River for millions of years, revealing layers of Earth’s history.

Day 2: Hiking, Sunsets, and Stargazing

We started the day with breakfast at Yavapai Café. The breakfast burrito and chocolate chocolate chip muffins were hits with my boys, while my husband and I kicked off the morning with just coffee. After breakfast, we parked at the Visitor Center and got our first breathtaking glimpse of the Grand Canyon at Mather Point.

We had hoped to drive Hermit Road, but discovered it’s only open to private vehicles between December 1st and February 28th. The rest of the year, visitors rely on the free and incredibly convenient shuttle bus system. After a brief debate about learning the shuttle routes or sticking to the trails, we chose to hike the Canyon Rim Trail instead. It turned out to be a rewarding decision, as the peaceful hike allowed us to take in the stunning views at our own pace and enjoy a more immersive experience with the Grand Canyon’s beauty.

Canyon Rim Trail Highlights

Our leisurely hike along the Rim Trail was peaceful and stunning, offering unforgettable views of the canyon. We were lucky enough to spot three Desert Bighorn Sheep. Fun fact: These are the largest native animals in the park, with rams weighing up to 250 pounds. The quiet beauty of the trail gave us plenty of moments to soak it all in.

For lunch, we stopped at the Maswik Food Court, which had something for everyone. From grab-and-go items like salads and wraps to hot meals like burgers, pizza, and chili cheese fries (a family favorite), the options were perfect for refueling after a morning of hiking. The portions were generous and easy to share.

Sunset at Yaki Point

That evening, I had two priorities: watching the sunset and stargazing. We decided on Yaki Point for the sunset. After figuring out the shuttle bus system (newsflash: it’s super easy!), we arrived about an hour early. This gave us time to explore the area, including Cape Royal, Wotans Throne, and Vishnu Temple, before settling into a scenic, secluded spot.

The boys, ever prepared, had packed their devices and backup batteries, so they alternated between scrolling through their favorite apps and snapping photos of the stunning views. Their mix of digital downtime and occasional excitement over the scenery struck a balance that kept everyone happy while we waited for the sunset. And what a sunset it was! The colors—oranges, purples, and pinks—were absolutely magical. It was a special moment to share with my family, made even better by the quiet reverence of everyone around us.

Stargazing at Mather Point

After dinner at Harvey House Café, where I thoroughly enjoyed my pot roast (unfortunately, the kids found their spaghetti bland), we headed to Mather Point for stargazing. Equipped with red-light headlamps, we were ready to experience a Class 1 night sky—a first for my suburban-raised kids. They were in awe, spotting countless stars and even a few shooting stars.

Stargazing Tips:

• Stargazing is best 1.5 hours after sunset or before sunrise.
• Plan your visit around the moon phase; less moonlight means more stars.
• Use red lights to navigate and avoid disrupting others. We used this one.
• Wait 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark—you’ll see thousands more stars.
• Dress warmly, even in summer! It gets cold once the sun goes down. Layers are your friend at the Grand Canyon.

We ended the day discussing light pollution and its impact on our ability to see the stars. The Grand Canyon is part of the International Dark Sky Association, preserving its natural lightscape for future generations. Seeing the Sagittarius Star Cloud with the naked eye was an unforgettable experience. It sparked a sense of wonder in all of us, reminding us of the vastness of the universe and the importance of protecting these natural treasures. It was a perfect way to wrap up Day 2, leaving us both inspired and connected as a family.

Day 3: Hermit Road Adventures and Sunset Sips

We kicked off Day 3 with breakfast at Canyon Village and Market. The boys devoured their breakfast tostadas, I enjoyed a hearty breakfast bagel, and my husband stuck to his favorite—black coffee. Before heading out, we grabbed pre-packed sandwiches and snacks to fuel our adventures.

Our day’s focus was exploring Hermit Road, and we relied on the shuttle bus system to alternate between hiking and riding. This system is incredibly convenient and free (have I mentioned how much I love that?). Along the way, we were treated to stunning views of the Colorado River and even spotted California Condors soaring overhead. These majestic birds have wingspans of up to 10 feet and are a conservation success story.

We enjoyed our packed lunches perched on a cliff, soaking in the beauty and quiet of the canyon. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie—except with teenagers who might have been sneaking glances at their phones and devices.

Our adventure ended at Hermit’s Rest, a historic structure built in 1914 as a rest stop for weary travelers. Designed by architect Mary Colter, Hermit’s Rest features a gorgeous stone fireplace and a large porch. We refilled our water bottles (it’s a must here since water stations are few and far between), visited the bathrooms (again, few and far between on this route), and grabbed a snack from the stand before snapping a family photo under the iconic Hermit’s Rest arch and bell.

Fun Fact about Hermit’s Rest: The structure was named after Louis Boucher, a Canadian prospector and hermit who lived in the canyon in the late 1800s and was known for his hospitality to visitors.

That evening, we treated ourselves to gin and tonics while watching the sunset from Yavapai Point. This spot is home to the Geology Museum, which features a park map to scale—a fascinating way to visualize the vastness of the Grand Canyon.

We ended the day with dinner at Yavapai Tavern, complete with more prickly pear margaritas (they’re that good!). Day 3 was a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and incredible views, leaving us all grateful for the time spent together in such an awe-inspiring place.

Day 4: Scenic Drives, Sedona Adventures, and Taco Tuesday

We started Day 4 bright and early, packing up and hitting the road for a journey along the scenic Highway 89A from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to Sedona. With a reservation for an early afternoon ATV ride in Sedona, we didn’t want to waste a moment. Want to book a similar adventure? Check out this Sedona Jeep Tour or this 4-Hour RZR ATV Rental in Sedona.

As we drove toward Flagstaff, the desert landscape transformed into breathtaking views of the San Francisco Peaks, including Humphrey’s Peak, the highest point in Arizona. These peaks erupt from the desert like nature’s skyscrapers and are absolutely stunning.

Oak Creek Canyon

Continuing toward Highway 89A, we stopped to explore Oak Creek Canyon, a lush and serene oasis that felt worlds apart from the arid terrain we’d been traversing. The combination of green forests and striking red rocks was mesmerizing. If you make this drive, don’t miss the pull-off spots and vistas—they offer some of the most incredible views of the canyon.

We also made a stop at Slide Rock State Park, which quickly became a highlight of the trip. The layered rock formations, paired with flowing water, were simply “wow!” If you’re planning to visit, bring water shoes—the rocks can be slippery. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way when I dropped my phone into the water. Pro tip: Secure your electronics in waterproof cases! Visiting in September meant fewer crowds, making the park feel like a peaceful retreat.

By the time we reached Sedona, we were ready for a delicious lunch. We stopped at Sedona Pizza Company, where we refueled with fresh pizza before heading to Sedona CanAm to pick up our ride for the day. We rented a CanAm Maverick Max X3, which was perfect for our family. The staff provided face masks, goggles, cold water, GPS maps, and even recommended routes based on our goals—they were fantastic.

Taking the CanAm out to Devil’s Bridge was an adventure to remember. My boys loved the hike to the bridge, and the views were absolutely spectacular. Along the trail, I couldn’t help but marvel at the plants—prickly pear cactus, banana yucca, century agave, and even a giant desert centipede (yikes!) crossed our path. But the true highlight of my day was spotting a road runner that “beep-beeped” its way across our path, just like something straight out of a cartoon. It completely made my day.

If you want to book an off road Sedona tour, check out this Sedona Jeep Tour or this 4-Hour RZR ATV Rental in Sedona.

After a full day of exploring, we were ready for dinner. We opted for Tortas de Fuego, a vibrant spot that delivered both great food and a fun atmosphere. My youngest was floored by a quesadilla nearly three times the size of his head, and we couldn’t believe our luck—it was Taco Tuesday! From carne asada to adventurous options like beef tongue and tripe, their menu had something for everyone. Paired with margaritas, it was the perfect end to a busy day.

Day 5: Sedona to Vegas—Shopping, Burgers, and Bellagio Fountains

Morning Shopping to cap off our Sedona Adventure
We started our day exploring Uptown Sedona, hunting for souvenirs and unique gifts. I found a beautiful blown glass road runner ornament at Cactus Carlos—a perfect keepsake from our trip. Sedona Divine Olive Oils and Vinegars was another highlight, with its vast collection of unique infusions, rubs, and hot sauces made in Arizona.

The kids loved browsing at Red Mountain Chocolate Factory, where they stocked up on fudge and chocolate-covered marshmallows. Other family-favorite stops included Happy Trails, Western Trading Post, Sedona Outdoors, and Cheers. Is it really a trip to a downtown area without hitting the candy store? I think not! We ended our Sedona adventure with lunch at Open Range Grille and Tavern. The view there was stunning. Once we’d eaten our lunch and drank in the gorgeous vista, we hit the road for Vegas, baby!

We headed towards Vegas on a familiar favorite: Highway 89A. Yes, we did it all over again, and once again, it did not disappoint. This time, we stopped at vistas on the opposite side of the road and soaked in the views from a whole new perspective. It was a lovely way to bid farewell to the scenic beauty of Sedona before hitting the road for Las Vegas.

We made it to Vegas late in the afternoon and decided to cross something off the boys’ “must do” list: In-N-Out Burger. The closest one was just 1.2 miles from our hotel, so we opted to walk, taking in the sights of Vegas along the way.

The irony of spotting everyday favorites like Chick-fil-A among the grand casinos and iconic buildings was not lost on us. However, no one warned us that navigating Vegas by foot feels a bit like a maze. We were constantly corralled through buildings, restaurants, and broken escalators, making what should have been a straightforward 1.2-mile walk into a 30-minute adventure. Nevertheless, we found In-N-Out Burger, and the boys gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up.

Despite the convoluted walk, it gave us a chance to marvel at the famous Vegas city lights and the mesmerizing Sphere. On the way back, we stopped to watch the Fountains of the Bellagio dance to “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Although the area was under construction, limiting the full experience, it was still a dazzling sight and a great way to wrap up our first evening in Vegas.

Day 6: Our Final Day in Vegas

Our last day in Vegas started with a quintessential tourist stop—a photo at the iconic Las Vegas Sign. After snapping our shot, we headed to New York-New York for some classic Vegas fun. My oldest and I rode the Big Apple Coaster, and let’s just say there were lots of screams involved! Meanwhile, both of my boys had an absolute blast at the arcade. Since our last family vacation had been to New York City, it was a fun throwback to experience a mini version of the Big Apple.

For lunch, we struck gold at Fulton Fish Frye with their $29.95 family meal deal. It included three fish fillets, three chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, hush puppies, fries, and coleslaw—an unbeatable deal for a family lunch in Vegas!

As we left New York-New York, we stumbled upon the Stranger Things: The Official Store. My youngest, who recently binged all four seasons of the show, was in fan heaven. The store was like stepping into Hawkins itself. You could pose with life-sized Demogorgons, sit on the Byers’ couch with the iconic alphabet lights above, and even explore Vecna’s lair. The 80s nostalgia was incredible, and the merch was next-level. Hawkins High letterman jackets, anyone?

The heat that day was brutal—a dry 100 degrees at the end of September, which felt very hot, even for this South Georgia girl. Slushy drinks were a must to cool down.

Dinner was at Haute Doggery at The Linq Promenade, where the unique hot dog options made for a fun meal. My husband went big with the Buffalo Foot Long, while I couldn’t resist the chili cheese fries—a guilty pleasure, for sure.

We wrapped up the day (and our trip) with the Mat Franco Magic Show. It was the perfect blend of humor, awe-inspiring magic, and family-friendly entertainment. Both of my boys were completely captivated and dying to be picked to participate. While that didn’t happen this time, we all loved the show. Mat Franco’s charisma and incredible illusions made it a truly magical way to end our Vegas adventure—and our unforgettable family trip. Get your tickets here. You won’t be disappointed.