Four-Day Road Trip: Denver-Grand Canyon-Las Vegas
This article describes my 4-day trip to Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. It also gives tips to you as a future traveller to these places.
Day 1 — Denver to Chinle
The journey began in Denver, Colorado. Destination for the day was the Thunderbird Lodge Hotel, situated in Chinle, Arizona, about an eight-hour drive from Denver without accounting for stops.
Our first stop, approximately two hours into the trip, was Fairplay, Colorado. Fairplay is the real-life inspiration for the popular animated show South Park, and it showcases this duality of character quite effectively. One section of the town features classic wild western-style houses, while another displays brightly colored homes reminiscent of those in the cartoon. Went to the South Park Brewery for lunch. An interesting nugget of information from the bartender: the name ‘South Park’ originates from the region, not the show, and referencing the cartoon in the restaurant could land them in hot water, legally. That’s why they had no references from the show.
Back on the road, we covered substantial ground before making our next stop at Chick Fil A in Farmington, New Mexico. Many people were there; Americans are crazy for fried chicken.
The rest of the journey to Chinle was made under a beautiful evening dessert scenery. We finally reached the Thunderbird Lodge Hotel at 11 pm. It was a long drive, but the combination of diverse landscapes, engaging stops, and pleasant people made the day an excellent start to our road trip.
Day 2 — Grand Canyon National Park
Woke up to a view of a calming garden at our motel For breakfast, we visited a nearby spot, breakfast chain Dennis, for a delicious/extra calorific meal.
On the road once again, four-hour drive to Grand Canyon National Park, reaching the Grand Canyon Visitor Center around 1 pm. Interestingly, we discovered an entrance fee of $35 for the day, or $70 for an annual pass. This fee granted us access to park our vehicle and utilize the convenient bus transportation system that shuttled visitors to various points within the canyon — there is a bus every 15 minutes at the points of the Canyon. Bike rentals were available as well, at a cost of $40 per person for a two-hour duration. The summer heat, which could reach up to 46 degrees Celsius, so if you go, go prepared. There are a lot of signs that say do not overestimate your abilities because the hikes down the Canyon can get challenging really fast. The heat is too much, you need extra water, salty snacks, and sunscreen 100%, if you want to make your life easier.
Keep in mind, you take double the time to climb up than going down so it is wise to stop when you reach at 1/3rd of your energy capacity. Every year, approximately 150 people are rescued by helicopter. This is not to say that it is not a doable challenge, but if you plan to hike far, come prepared.
Things to take with you on dessert hike trips
Hat (brimmed hat preferably)
Water/ Water bottle
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Snack bars — salty snacks for keeping electrolyte balance
First aid kit
For more tips read the Grand Canyon national park article.
Upon parking, we proceeded to Yavapai Tavern for lunch. The pizza we tried not recommended due to its small size, suggest the burger instead. You dont have many options anyway, it is one of the few restaurants you will find around there.
Next, we boarded a bus from the main station, and there we saw for the first time Grand Canyon. That was the highlight of the day because the magnitude of it gets you by surprise. You can see pictures of it, but experiencing it is something totally different. You get the feeling of insignificance. It is a sightseeing with 2 billion years of history.
We took the red line bus to Hermit’s Rest, where we explored the area. Walked around and took some pictures.
Concluding the day, we took on the Rim’s Trail, a 3-kilometer path that closely follows the edge of the canyon. Spent time in the canyon before departing around 7 pm for next motel, the Aztec Motel in Seligman. Along the way, made a stop at a KFC and a gas station nearby. Arrived at the hotel by 9 pm along the iconic Route 66.
Some other worthwhile places to admire Grand Canyon’s view are the following:
Grand Canyon West Skywalk: The Skywalk is 70 feet long and extends out over the rim of the Grand Canyon, providing unobstructed views straight down to the canyon floor 4,000 feet below. The glass floor of the Skywalk offers a unique perspective and makes it feel like you’re walking on air.
Horseshoe Bend: This iconic viewpoint overlooks the river from a height of about 1,000 feet, offering a breathtaking panorama that has become a poster image for the American Southwest. The curve of the river creates a horseshoe-like shape, hence the name. To reach the viewing area, visitors must hike a 1.5-mile round-trip trail from the parking area. It’s a relatively easy hike, but it can be hot in the summer, so it’s recommended to bring water and sun protection. The view is well worth the effort, but do take care near the edge as there are no railings. Remember, this is a very popular site and can get crowded, especially during the peak tourist season. It’s often photographed at sunrise or sunset when the light brings out the vibrant colors of the rocks.
Day 3 — Route 66 and exploring Las Vegas
Day started with a simple motel breakfast, setting out on the road by 9 am. The drive along Route 66 from Seligman to Las Vegas was an exceptionally smooth ride. Great road to drive for three reasons, straight, very few cars, and a nice dessert scenery.
Arrived in Las Vegas around 11:30 am, checked into our hotel, the Fairfield Inn, before going for lunch. Our chosen restaurant was the Mint Indian restaurant, located a mile away. Although the heat reached 115 degrees Fahrenheit or 46 degrees Celsius, we walked there (1 mile) — DO NOT DO THIS, you might get a headache, and it is not a pleasant experience. Regarding the restaurant, the flavor variety of the authentic all-you-can-eat buffet made it well worth the journey. Definitely recommend it, especially if you are seeking South Indian cuisine.
Following our meal, made our way to the renowned casinos along the Las Vegas Strip, such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Paris, The Venetian, etc. Immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, we tried our luck at roulette. On our way back we got bubble tea from Happy Lemon before returning to our hotel.
After a restful break from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, we embarked on our evening adventures. Downtown Vegas, particularly Fremont Street, offers a distinct and lively hippie vibe, featuring an array of parties and vibrant lights. This area is certainly worth exploring for anyone visiting Las Vegas. Our next destinations included the iconic Las Vegas Sign and the Luxor Hotel with its pyramids. Returning to the Bellagio, we saw the water fountain display before going for dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. The next stop was Caesars Palace, with the aim of reaching the roof for a breathtaking view. Although we managed to ascend to the 47th floor, a locked door prevented us from accessing the rooftop. Nonetheless, we continued to explore the casino, which had various games such as roulette, blackjack, and slot machines.
Vegas tips
If you plan to gamble in Las Vegas, it’s advisable to bring cash to avoid the casino’s ATM’s $10 withdrawal fee. Additionally, for international visitors, carrying your passport or state ID is recommended, as some instances may require them for entry. Although there is no strict dress code in casinos, it is advisable to use common sense when choosing attire.
Given the warm weather in Vegas, it is essential to have water, sunscreen, and a hat when walking during the day. To avoid purchasing bottled water, request a cup from a restaurant, preferably a fast food chain, and get it at no cost. If you like paying, casinos typically charge for water.
Concluding our day, we returned to our hotel, and rested, to be prepared for the final day of our road trip, driving back home on Day 4.
Day 4 — Journey Back to Denver
Day 4 marked the final leg of our epic road trip as we embarked on an 11-and-a-half-hour drive covering a distance of 750 miles, returning to Denver from Las Vegas. Leaving Las Vegas behind, we traversed through the captivating landscapes of Utah.
Fun Fact: Utah is home to five national parks known as the Mighty 5. These parks include Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. Each park offers its own unique natural wonders, from towering sandstone cliffs to stunning arch formations.
During our journey, we made a bubble tea/ gas stop at Grand Junction, Colorado. As the day advanced, we steadily progressed and eventually arrived back in Denver by 10:15 pm.
Conclusion
I hope the tips that accompany this article prove helpful to your plans in crafting your own trip in the future.
Safe travels and happy exploring!