While Las Vegas may be known for its flashy neon lights and lavish casinos, Sin City is an incredible gateway for outdoor enthusiasts! Within a few hours of leaving the Strip, you’ll find a world of rugged mountains, jaw-dropping canyons, and towering sandstone spires.

On this unforgettable road trip from Las Vegas, explore Arizona’s most coveted national park, followed by two of the spectacular Utah Mighty Five! Descend to the depths of the Grand Canyon, gaze up at the crimson-red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and finally hike along the majestic sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park.

To help get you started, we’ve put together the ultimate Arizona and Utah national parks road trip, starting from Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas depot!

Travel Time from Las Vegas to Arizona and Utah

This round-trip journey begins and ends at Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas hub. It passes through three of the Southwest’s most notable national parks, covering approximately 814 miles and requiring about 13 hours and 40 minutes of driving time. 

To fully experience each park’s vibrant sandstone cliffs and extraordinary landscapes, plan for at least six days to complete this unforgettable camper van road trip!

Best Time of Year for a Las Vegas National Parks Road Trip

The ethereal parks of the Southwest are beautiful any time of year, although there are pros and cons to visiting during each season. Choosing the best time of year for an Arizona and Utah national parks road trip often comes down to the activities you have in mind and how far in advance you can plan your trip.

Spring

April through June is often considered the best time of year to visit all national parks on this itinerary. Temperatures throughout Arizona and Utah will be perfect for long days spent outside, and this will be prime time for spotting wildlife! 

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon typically opens in mid-May, so this is also a great season to explore less frequented areas of the park.

Summer

Summer is a popular time to visit Utah and Arizona’s national parks. Bryce Canyon’s high elevation allows for comfortable temperatures, and all trails should be open throughout the season. However, in the Grand Canyon, there is a higher chance of flooding, so pay attention to any flash flood warnings. 

Because of summer’s popularity, trails, overlooks, and campgrounds will all be at their most crowded. Try to get an early start in the morning, book your campgrounds far in advance, and practice patience!

Fall

The fall is another great time of year to visit the Southwest’s national parks, especially if you’re looking for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. However, the weather can get pretty chilly at night, so a fall road trip will require an extra bedding kit for your camper van, as well as plenty of layers for morning hikes!

Winter

While breathtaking, a winter trip through the southwest may not be ideal. Several popular sites, including Havasu Falls and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, will be closed for the season. Additionally, winter storms along this route can lead to unexpected road closures and inaccessible trails throughout the parks. If you’d rather avoid weather-related inconveniences, consider heading to California’s Death Valley National Park. 

Preparation for a Las Vegas Camper Van Road Trip

A national park road trip from Las Vegas requires some planning and preparation to guarantee an amazing experience. Be sure to reserve your campsites in advance, obtain any necessary permits, and gather all your essential gear ahead of time!

Campsites

Due to their extreme popularity, national park campgrounds in the Southwest are notoriously difficult to reserve. If sleeping inside the parks is a priority, book your sites well in advance- often up to six months before your trip. 

If you can’t find available spots, don’t worry! There are plenty of dispersed or free campsites near each park.

Water and Food

While all of the parks on this itinerary offer various eatery options, we recommend stocking up on groceries and road trip snacks before leaving Vegas. Rather than searching for a nearby restaurant, you can enjoy more time on the trails or at your campsites!

It’s also important to remember that many campgrounds won’t provide potable water. Staying hydrated is essential, so make sure you have plenty of water in your camper van before settling in for the night.

Permits and Reservations

While you’re excitedly planning your itinerary, make sure to obtain any hiking permits that you may need—like for Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. Likewise, if you have your heart set on any specific tours, reserve them ahead of time.

Navigation

In addition to using your Smartphone as a GPS, grab a paper map of the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion. Having a physical map will help a lot when you’re trying to navigate remote trailheads and campgrounds inside each park.

Gear and Supplies

Use Escape Camper Vans’ convenient array of extra add-ons to make sure you have all the gear you’ll need for your trip. Since you’ll be visiting three national parks, an America the Beautiful Pass will be a big help in reducing park entrance fees. You should also add a kitchen kit for cooking at your camper van, along with snow chains if you’re traveling during the colder months.

Which Camper Van is Best for a Las Vegas National Parks Road Trip?

Escape Camper Vans offers a suite of five different camper van models to choose from, all of which are available from our Las Vegas depot. For larger groups, the Del Mar, Mavericks, and Mesa all sleep up to five people with a rooftop sleeper and feature kitchenettes. Alternatively, our Santa Cruz and Jeep Campers sleep up to two people, and also feature small kitchen fit outs.

Las Vegas to Arizona and Utah National Parks Itinerary Stops

Days 1-2: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Kick off your exciting national parks road trip at Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas hub. After loading up all your necessary gear and stocking up on plenty of road trip snacks, it’s time to hit the road!

Your journey begins with the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s most popular national park. Along the way, make a detour to the famous Hoover Dam or veer onto the iconic Route 66 as you pass through Williams, Arizona!

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon, spend the next two days exploring endless geological wonders and awe-inspiring vistas. While the South Rim is the most frequented area of the park, having a bit more time here will allow you to venture off-the-beaten-path and discover the beauty of the North and West Rims as well. 

Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park

Hike Bright Angel Trail: While the Grand Canyon is brimming with phenomenal hikes, this 12-mile path is considered to be the park’s most popular trail. The relatively well-paved route descends to the canyon floor, providing unrivaled views of the park’s stunning scenery the entire way.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk: Located in Grand Canyon West, take in the view from a brand new perspective as you step out onto an entire glass bridge over the canyon. The horseshoe-shaped structure extends 70 feet out over the rim of the Grand Canyon, providing epic views from 4,000 feet above ground!

Walk the Rim Trail: The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is connected by a 13-mile path, leading to some of the park’s most impressive landmarks and overlooks. Admire the sights as you hike along this well-paved trail, stopping at several panoramic viewpoints along the way.

Explore the North Rim: The Grand Canyon’s North Rim is often overlooked, and a great area to explore if you’re seeking fewer crowds and less developed sites. Some of the North Rim’s most spectacular viewpoints include Cape Royal, Bright Angel Point, and Roosevelt Point.

Havasu Falls: This mystifying waterfall nestled deep in the Grand Canyon is one of the park’s most breathtaking sites. However, its secluded location makes getting here a bit of a challenge, and you’ll need to acquire a permit well in advance. 

Places to Eat near Grand Canyon National Park

Yavapai Tavern: Located in the South Rim, this laid-back locale is the perfect spot to fuel up for a hearty meal after a long day of exploring! In addition to classic pub food, the convenient establishment also features a wide selection of regional beers and tasty cocktails.

Grand Canyon Lodge—North Rim: If you venture up to the North Rim, be sure to reserve a table at this incredibly scenic restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the canyon, and the menu features a range of delicious comfort foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Harvey House Cafe: Enjoy a filling meal at this casual diner inside the park. Because of its convenient location, it gets quite crowded for dinner, so making reservations is highly encouraged.

Campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park

Mather Campground: This year-round campground in the South Rim features over 300 campsites, 15 of which are first come, first served. For the rest of the sites, you’ll need to make reservations up to 6 months in advance. While the campground doesn’t offer hookups, its amenities include hot showers, campfire rings, and picnic tables.

North Rim Campground: This tranquil site is open mid-May until October, and advanced reservations are mandatory. Facilities include coin-operated showers, a dump station, and potable water.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

After an early breakfast at your campsite, pack up your van and trek up to Bryce Canyon- one of Utah’s famous Mighty Five National Parks. The drive from the Grand Canyon spans about 145 miles, crossing through some of the area’s most breathtaking scenery.

As soon as you arrive in Bryce, you’ll be met with a spellbinding landscape of crimson red hoodoos and towering spires. Get acquainted with the park’s magnificent scenery by driving along the Bryce Amphitheater, followed by a hike to some of the park’s most jaw-dropping landmarks.

Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Walk the Rim Trail: This relatively easy trail follows the perimeter of the Bryce Amphitheater, guiding hikers to some of the park’s most awe-inspiring views. The trail spans 11 miles, and leads to several magnificent overlooks, including Inspiration Point, Fairyland Point, Sunset Point, and Sunrise Point.

Hike the Queens Garden Trail: Considered to be the most popular hike in Bryce Canyon, this 1.8-mile trail begins at Sunrise Point and descends into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. Trek among a vast field of towering rock formations before arriving at the end of the trail, where you’ll find the breathtaking Queen Victoria hoodoo. 

The Navajo Loop Trail: Often combined with the Queens Garden Trail, this jaw-dropping 1.3-mile hike leads to Thor’s Hammer, one of Bryce Canyon’s most notable hoodoos. The popular trail also weaves through Wall Street, the park’s only slot canyon!

Go Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is one of the most popular ways to explore the depths of Bryce Canyon. As you ride through the park’s dramatic desert scenery, a knowledgeable guide will share more about the area’s fascinating past.

Places to Eat near Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon Pines: Enjoy classic Southwestern cuisine in an invitingly rustic ambiance at this very popular locale. In addition to a varied breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, the restaurant is also renowned for its homemade soup and pies, so be sure to try both before leaving!

Valhalla Pizzeria: Conveniently situated inside the park, this laid-back eatery serves an array of baked artisanal pizzas and a selection of pastries and coffee. In addition to a spacious interior, you can enjoy your pizza with a view from their scenic patio.

Cowboy Ranch House: Located in the Bryce Canyon Resort, this lively restaurant boasts a variety of filling Mexican dishes and mouth-watering steaks. The Western-style eatery sources its ingredients from local farmers and ranchers and also features a wide selection of regional beers.

Campgrounds near Bryce Canyon National Park

North Campground: Conveniently situated across from the Visitor Center, this year-round campground features flush toilets, potable water, and a seasonal laundry facility. Reservations are mandatory during peak season, but from October until May, it is first come, first served.

Sunset Campground: This scenic site within the park is open from April through October, and reservations are only required during the summer months. The campground features fire grates, picnic tables, and a seasonal camp store. 

Days 4-5: Zion National Park, Utah

Today, trade in the imposing spires of Bryce Canyon for the rugged mountains and jaw-dropping canyons of Zion National Park—the most frequented of all the Utah Mighty Five. The one-and-a-half-hour journey from Bryce Canyon to Zion is breathtaking, so we recommend leaving extra time to take in the incredible sights along the way.

Once you arrive in Zion, marvel at awe-inspiring landscapes, embark on an unforgettable hike through the Virgin River, and maybe even spot the elusive bighorn sheep perched along the vibrant red cliffs of Kolob Canyon!

Things to do in Zion National Park

Canyon Overlook: This very popular, 1-mile round trip hike offers phenomenal views with minimal effort. The trail weaves above the Great Arch and leads to a spectacular vantage point of the Towers of the Virgin.

Hike the Narrows: This immensely popular trail follows the narrowest area of Zion, a breathtaking gorge with imposing walls that stand over one thousand feet tall. Hikers need to trek through the Virgin River for most of the way, so checking ahead for flash flood warnings is essential.

Take a Scenic Drive: One of the best ways to see more of Zion’s incredible landscapes in a short amount of time is to drive along the scenic Highway 9 from I-15 to Mt. Carmel Junction. Highway 9 is the main road which meanders through Zion, leading to several noteworthy landmarks, viewpoints, and trailheads.

Hike Angel’s Landing: This incredibly strenuous hike is one of Zion’s most popular trails, and requires obtaining permits in advance. The challenging trek isn’t for the faint of heart, as it ascends up 1,500 vertical feet before summiting at an elevation of 5,790 feet.

Explore Kolob Canyons: This less-frequented area of the park is ideal if you’re looking for a bit more tranquility and solitude with just as many outstanding views. Among the region’s many highlights, you’ll find one of the world’s largest freestanding arches as well as the spectacular Taylor Creek Trail.

Places to Eat near Zion National Park

Red Rock Grill: Located inside the park, this cozy restaurant features expansive windows that offer a breathtaking view of the canyon floor. In addition to phenomenal views, the eatery also offers a varied menu of hearty lunch and dinner items, as well as a filling breakfast buffet.

MeMe’s Cafe: This charming eatery in Springdale is known for its friendly ambiance, artsy decor, and delicious cuisine. Their expansive menu features a little bit of everything, from savory crepes to mouthwatering barbecue sandwiches.

Whiptail Grills: This lively Mexican eatery serves authentic cuisine and specialty cocktails in a converted gas station! Enjoy your meal al fresco at the establishment’s unique outdoor space, which offers fantastic views of Zion in the distance.

Campgrounds in Zion National Park

Watchman Campground: Zion National Park’s most popular campground is open all year, and reservations can be made up to six months before your stay. In addition to being located next to the Visitor Center, the spacious campsite features a dump station, potable water, and picnic tables.

Lava Point Campground: Situated just off Kolob Terrace Road, this scenic campsite typically operates from May through September, depending on the weather. Site amenities are quite minimal, and include flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.

Day 6: Drive from Zion National Park to Las Vegas, Nevada

Sadly, your week immersed in the outdoors comes to an end today. After loading up your camper van once more, make the scenic 2.5-hour drive back to Escape Camper Vans’ Las Vegas locale. 

If you have time, quickly detour through the Valley of Fire State Park, located just 45 miles outside of Vegas. Known for its otherworldly red sandstone formations, this magnificent park is a perfect pitstop on any Las Vegas road trip! Remember to have your camper van back by your pre-scheduled drop-off time.

Why Rent a Camper Van for a Las Vegas Road Trip?

Traveling through the rugged terrain of the southwest requires a vehicle you can rely on. Between maximum agility, freedom, and convenience, these are just a few of the reasons why we recommend renting a camper van from Las Vegas for your national parks road trip:

Mobility: Rather than a bulky RV, our camper vans are able to traverse along the Southwest’s jagged canyons and narrow roads with ease. The compact size of our camper vans will also allow you to fit into smaller campsites and tighter parking spaces.

No Sewer or Electric Hookups: While an RV would require certain hookups, this isn’t an issue for our self-contained camper vans. Finding available campgrounds in national parks is already hard enough, so the flexibility to camp in a spot typically meant for tents is huge. Plus, you even have the option to sleep under the stars in a remote, dispersed campsite!

Ease of Use: Since you’ll be spending so much time on the road, it’s essential that you feel at ease behind the wheel. A traditional RV can be very difficult to drive if you’re not used to maneuvering such a large vehicle. However, because our camper vans are similar in size to a family SUV, the learning curve is incredibly minimal. 

Reserve with Escape Camper Vans for your Arizona and Utah National Parks Road Trip from Las Vegas

Ready to hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon, admire the towering hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and wade through the alluring Virgin River in Zion National Park? Leave the flashy neon lights of Sin City behind as you embark on the ultimate road trip from Las Vegas. Click the button below to reserve your Escape Camper Van, and then get ready for an unforgettable Arizona and Utah national parks adventure!