Located in Northern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best family road trips. Departing from Las Vegas and driving in a circle, families can stop in iconic Southwestern sites like Hoover Dam, Route 66 and the Grand Canyon. In addition to the Grand Canyon, travelers will find lots of outdoor activities, from hiking to rafting and more. Here is the top things to do on a Grand Canyon Loop Road Trip.
18 Top Places to Explore on a Grand Canyon Loop Road Trip
Start in Las Vegas
See Hoover Dam
Walk Out on the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West
Drive Down Route 66 at Seligman
Visit Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park in Williams
See the Grand Canyon IMAX film in Tusayan
Visit Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
Stop by Wapatki National Monument in Flagstaff
Drive Through Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
See the Walnut Canyon National Monument
Swim at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona
Walk over the Navajo Bridge in Page
See Glen Canyon Dam
Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Powell at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Hike to Horseshoe Bend
Raft the Colorado from Lees Ferry
Take a Guided Tour in the Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park
See the North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Best US Road Trips for Families
Las Vegas for Families
You can easily fly into Las Vegas for your Grand Canyon Loop Road trip. With its international airport, ample rental cars and provisions, it is the best departure point for a national park getaway.
Known as a gambling destination, families can find things to do in Las Vegas. Even a walk down the Strip is entertaining.
After living in Las Vegas, I found it to be one of the best hubs in the Southwest US. I still use it as a stopover on my road trips.
Top Things to Do in Las Vegas with Teens
Hoover Dam
Departing Las Vegas on US 93, families can tour the Hoover Dam. A 726-foot concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, it was built between 1931 and 1936. It offers a visitor center, guided tours and self-guided tours.
To reach the Hoover Dam, you will need to exit Interstate 11 and take exit 2 in Boulder City
Located at 81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, in Nevada. The Hoover Dam is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A parking garage is located on the Nevada side of the dam near the Visitor Center, $10 per vehicle. Vehicles are subject to a security check. Self-guided tours start at $15 per person, 4 and older, available online. Other tours must be purchased on site.
Grand Canyon West
The canyon features four major areas—north, south, west and east. However, not all areas are open year-round, such as the North Rim, which receives significant snow from fall to spring.
The western part of the canyon is not within Grand Canyon National Park. Inside the Hualapai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon West offers more adventure-based activities.
Visitors will find the Skywalk, a horseshoe bridge jutting off the rim of the canyon, 4,000 feet off the canyon floor. There are helicopter tours and rafting on the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon West is popular with those staying in Las Vegas who want to see the Grand Canyon. It is located at 5001 E. Diamond Bar Rd., Meadview.
Route 66 at Seligman
Along the longest remaining stretch of the Mother Road, Birthplace of Historic Route 66, Seligman is a town with a 1950s-nostalgia vibe.
In 1926, this road was considered a super highway that originated in Chicago, Illinois, and traveled across the U.S. to Long Beach, California. In most areas, the original Route 66 was gobbled up by more modern roads, though you can find it alive and well in Northern Arizona.
The Angel and Vilma Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop is an excellent stop, and originally a barber shop. Another stop is Delgadillo’s Snow-Cap Drive-In. Seligman was an inspiration for the animated movie, Cars.
To reach Selligman, grab Route 66 in Kingman and drive east. Or use exit 121 or 123 along Interstate 40, west of Williams.
Williams Arizona
With its convenient location on Interstate 40, roadtrippers often stop in Williams. There, families will find hotels, restaurants and activities.
Grand Canyon Railway
This scenic railroad chugs out of its station daily, and service started in 1901. Passengers depart the Williams Depot bound for the log cabin depot at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Located at 280 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams.
Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park
Drive through 160 acres on a three-mile route in your own vehicle to see North American animals, such as black and grizzly bears, mule deer, Rocky Mountain goats, American badgers, and Alaskan tundra wolves. You can also see American bison, bobcats, beavers, prairie dogs, and pronghorn deer.
Located at 1500 Route 66. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tusayan Arizona
Located just outside the Grand Canyon’s South Entrance, Tusayan is the largest Grand Canyon gateway. Travelers will find a town packed with activities, dining and hotels, for family travelers to RVers to high-adventure types.
Grand Canyon IMAX & Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Visitors can see the Grand Canyon’s inner depths on a 6-story screen in a 37-minute film. The Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center is located in the building, with maps and vehicle passes for the parks.
Located at 450 State Route 64, the IMAX film starts every half-hour with summer hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Top Things to Do Around the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park
Families can see the highlights of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in a day, or explore the region over a long weekend. Driving in a loop, this area offers epic landscapes from the canyon’s many viewpoints.
The bottom of the Grand Canyon features some of the oldest rock in the area, carved by the Colorado River. The South Rim is home to the top spots like Mather Point and the historic Grand Canyon Village.
After entering the park, visitors will be directed to park and utilize the free South Rim shuttle. The visitor center offers maps, information and an introductory film, a great first stop.
Top Things to Do at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Top Things to Do in the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
- Walk along the Rim Trail for views of the Grand Canyon.
- See a sunset or sunrise at Mather Point or Yaki Point.
- Tour the Historic Grand Canyon Village, including the El Tovar Hotel, along with Bright Angel Lodge.
- Shop for crafts at the Hopi House.
- Walk through Kolb Studio.
- Look over the Grand Canyon edge at the Lookout Studio.
The historic Grand Canyon Village offers lodging and dining in lodges like the fancifully painted Bright Angel Lodge and El Tovar. The Grand Canyon Railroad arrives daily from Williams, stopping at the log-cabin train station.
Located west of Grand Canyon Village, Hermits Rest is accessible via the in-park shuttle. It offers historic structure, hiking and viewpoints.
For travelers who want to exit the park via the East Entrance, head to Desert View. There is a tower to climb, hiking and concessions.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $35, if you are visiting several national parks, consider an annual pass.
Guide to NPS Annual Passes
Flagstaff, Arizona
Located in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff is an excellent base for travelers interested in the outdoors. Southeast of Grand Canyon National Park, travelers will find hiking, skiing and even an observatory. Flagstaff is the first official Dark Sky City.
I recommend heading out of Grand Canyon National Park via its east entrance, then heading south on US 89. There are several national monuments in and around Flagstaff.
Wapatki National Monument
Visitors can see the ancient pueblos of the Wupatki, including the 104-room Wupatki Pueblo. Built with multi-level structures 900 years ago, short hiking trails lead to partially preserved pueblos.
Located at 25137 N. Wupatki Lane, Flagstaff. A 7-day vehicle pass is $25 for neighboring Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monuments. Each is open sunrise to sunset.
Top Things to Do in Flagstaff
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
The area around Flagstaff is volcanic, including Mt. Humphreys. See a cinder cone along with lava fields at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. A drive along the Sunset Crater Loop Road is a must.
Located at 6082 Sunset Crater Rd., Flagstaff.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
At Walnut Canyon National Monument, visitors climb among the cliff dwellings from AD 600 to 1400. Visitors use the Island Trail to see 25 cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people.
Located on Interstate 40 at Exit 204, east of Flagstaff. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A seven-day vehicle pass is $25.
Lowell Observatory
In 1930, the Lowell Observatory discovered Pluto. Now, visitors can stargaze from the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.
Located at 1400 W. Mars Hill Rd.
Sedona Arizona
South of Flagstaff, Sedona is a wellness, spiritual and outdoors hub. It offers two state parks. It can easily be visited as a day trip from Flagstaff.
Slide Rock State Park
Located 7 miles north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park protects a popular swimming area. The red sandstone has eroded into a natural water slide.
Located at 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $30 per vehicle.
Red Rock State Park
The Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre parcel protecting Oak Creek and rock formations. Visitors will find hiking and a visitor center.
Located at 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd., Sedona. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Page Arizona
Located on the Utah-Arizona border, Page, Arizona, is another outdoor hub. With the Navajo Bridge, Glen Canyon Dam and Antelope Canyon, Navajo Tribal Park is the area, this is a popular stopover.
Navajo Bridge
The Grand Canyon is a great divide, and there are only a few bridges over it. Navajo Bridge spans Highway 89A between Bitter Springs and Jacob Lake in Arizona. In 1929, the original Navajo Bridge opened to much fanfare, replacing the need for Lees Ferry.
A new bridge opened in 1995, and the historic bridge transitioned to pedestrian use. During my visit, travelers stopped at Navajo Bridge and took in the view. There is a visitor center. too.
Located along Highway 89A on the west side of the Navajo Bridge. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Glen Canyon Dam
Glen Canyon Dam is the second-highest concrete-arch dam in the country. The first being Hoover. Opening in 1963, it created Lake Powell, and visitors can visit the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Carl Hayden Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the winter.
Hikers can take .2‑mile walk to a railed perch nearly 1,000 ft above the Colorado River for the Glen Canyon Dam overlook. To get a view of the dam and Lake Powell, take US‑89 from Page, turn onto Scenic View Road (signed “Dam Overlook”) and follow 0.6 mi to the parking lot.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Above the Glen Canyon dam, Lake Powell offers water-based activities from fishing to scenic boat cruises. Visitors can rent a houseboat, bring their own boat or rent a personal watercraft, like a kayak.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is home to Horseshoe Bend and Lee’s Ferry, a departure point for raft trips.
During my visit to Lake Powell, I took a scenic boat cruise to Antelope Canyon. It was an ideal way to explore the lake without owning a boat.
To get to the Antelope Canyon area, it’s 3 miles east of Page on AZ Highway 98, turn north on BIA Hwy N22B to Antelope Point Marina and/or Antelope Point public launch ramp. To enter, a $30 vehicle pass covers seven days for the Glen Canyon NRA.
Horseshoe Bend
In the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, travelers can see Horseshoe Bend, the tight turn in the Colorado River. To get to the overlook, hike 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip over a hardened path, with a partial barrier fence at the overlook.
The parking lot and trailhead are located off US Highway 89, between mile markers 545 and 544, approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. Parking is $10 per vehicle. Horseshoe Bend is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry is the only place that travelers can drive to the Colorado River in over 700 miles of canyon country. Before the bridges were built, this 19th-century river crossing was vital to the area.
This is a frequent departure point for kayaking and rafting trips with a boat ramp. There is also a campground and hiking.
Located 42 miles from Page, in Marble Canyon. Lees Ferry is open 24 hours per day, year-round. Entrance and campground fees are paid at the automated booth, a $30 vehicle pass for 7 days for the Glen Canyon NRA.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park
Another spot to discover is the swirling red sandstone slot canyons at the Upper Antelope Canyon, called Tse’bighanilini. This unique Northern Arizona landscape is only accessible via guided tour as hikers walk through an A-shaped canyon crafted by water, with canyon walls rising 660 feet above the streambed.
Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park offers more information and a list of official concessionaires. Open daily during the summer from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 per person, and tours are extra.
Vermillion Cliffs National Monument
Road trippers will drive throughVermillion Cliffs National Monument as they head west on US 89-A. It is a 280,000-acre monument without developed roads.
It is the home of The Wave, a permit-only hike in the Coyote Buttes North. Get details on the Recreation site.
Paria Canyon is a multi-day wilderness hike within the monument.
North Rim of the Grand Canyon
The North Rim is a seasonal area and is usually open from May until November. Unfortunately, this area experienced a wildfire in 2025 and offers reduced services.
For the Summer 2026 season, visitors can camp in Cottonwood Campground when the season opens May 15. The North Rim Campground is expected to open later.
Many of the trails are open. However, hikers should be prepared for a backcountry experience without services like potable water and restrooms with flushing water. There is no lodging, food service or gas within the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Consult the NPS for the most up-to-date information.
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