[JH6]

My brother and I are going to be in Vegas for about a week for my 30th birthday. Neither one of us has seen the Grand Canyon, and we were going to rent a sports car and drive to see it.

Can anyone let me know where are some good places to stop along the way, and what are some good sights to see?

We both love desert landscapes and mountains, but also want to take a direct trip also.

Does anyone have an address for the park? Would we be going to see the "South Rim" if traveling from Vegas?

We are going to get up at like 5am and spend all day out there.

Thanks.

[SoCalCpl2]

From Las Vegas you can see either the north or south rim.. Both would be about a 4 to 4 1/2 hour drive just to reach the park. A little over halfway to either side is on small roads that are curvy or dowright twisty....

So if you get up at 5am and then get out of there at 5:30am you will not be to the canyon until 10 or 10:30 am.... counting gas and potty breaks...

[JH6]

What rim is going to be better to see? Is there more attractions in one rim or the other?

Also we wanted to do the Hoover Dam, but we might have to plan that for another day.

[SoCalCpl2]

I think personally the south rim is better.. Not sure what you mean by attractions....

And the Hoover damn is a good trip but yes plan it on a spearate day.....

[observer53]

The South Rim has more facilities. The North Rim is about 1000 feet higher in elevation, with more dense forests around it, etc. As far as what to see between here and there, to spend enough time at the Canyon to really enjoy it, and go back the same day, you wouldn't have time. Hoover Dam needs to be for another day.

[Buzz123]

You don't say when you'll be here, but if it's summer you'd probably enjoy the North Rim better as it will be hot and extremely crowded at the South Rim which gets several million tourists per yer compared to maybe a quarter million at North Rim. As the north rim is 1000 feet higher elevation it is more woodsey and lots cooler. If it is in October or later then the North Rim will probably be closed for the winter. I personally think the North Rim is nicer and there are plenty of facilities in the park. However, there aren't a lot of places to stop along the way to either one from Las Vegas, so fill up before you leave here. You'll be able to get to Williams, AZ where you'd probably want to fill up again (South Rim), or either St. George or Hurricane, UT (North Rim). A day trip is really pushing it but can be done. You'll find yourself not wanting to leave the Canyon, so if you can do an overnighter you'd enjoy it more. Especially if you like to hike. It's probably too late to get a reservation at the North Rim, but if necessary you could get a motel in Williams, AZ, or Flagstaff, AZ. If you decide to spend a t night, go ahead and try to get a cabin or lodge room at either site. Sometimes you get lucky.

MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map

MapQuest Maps - Driving Directions - Map

Going to the North Rim you pass through Colorado City, UT. Think "Big Love" or "Sister Wives".

[PinkString]

I've been to the South Rim and North Rim. South was super duper crowded..and really hot. It was really tough finding a place to park. North was super easy finding a place to park, and for me, the scenery just could not be beat. Plus it was much cooler. But still quite warm.
If you like a more "desert" like panorama, go to the South.
If you like lots of tree's and green, go to the North.
Or go to both. But on different days.

[JH6]

Thanks so much, everyone has been very helpful. We are making a day trip of it, we are traveling towards the end of August. I am leaning towards the South Rim. Should be a great experience.

[jfitt]

I would look at Bryce Canyon. Prettier than the Grand Canyon and you get to pass through Red Canyon. Look them up.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by jfitt

I would look at Bryce Canyon. Prettier than the Grand Canyon and you get to pass through Red Canyon. Look them up.

It's a much longer drive. But I agree that Bryce is far more beautiful. The Grand Canyon is awe inspiring from it's sheer size. But at the end of the day, I think it's a "been there, done that" sort of thing. I could look at Bryce Canyon all day long...