Driving - LA to Grand Canyon
 

Hi,
We plan to visit Las Vegas and Grand Canyon in Oct.
and thinking about driving from Los Angeles straight to GC and stop in LV on the return.
Which is the best route for scenic drive and how long would it take to get to GC.
Thanks

> Which is the best route for scenic drive

I-10 west from Riverside, then north on I-17 at Phoenix, then Hiway 179 into Sedona to Flagstaff, then US 180 to the Canyon. You'll pass by Joshua Tree NP, several prehistoric native ruins, and Oak Creek Canyon.

> how long would it take to get to GC
This drive would take about three days minimum, if making the stops I noted above.

A quicker way would be I-15 northeast from Ontario, then I-15 east from Barstow to Williams, then Hiway 89 north to the Canyon. You could do this in one long day of driving, but there would be a LOT less stuff to see.

For exact mileage and times for a route, use Mapquest or some other online mapping resource.

It would actually be I40 east from Barstow to Williams. Not sure why you said west from Riverside since zabai said they'd be staying in LA. Anyway take 1-10 east to I-15 north to I-40 east into Williams. This is about a 7 hour drive if you don't get into traffic getting out of LA or traffic heading up I-15 going to Las Vegas. If you go during the week it shouldn't be too bad.

As far as the scenic drive you don't need 3 days going through Phoenix. Sedona is definitely worth a stop though. Depending on what part of LA you're in, it's about a 5 hour drive to Phoenix on I-10. Then from Phoenix to Sedona it's another 1.5 to 2 hours on I-17. I would spend the night in Sedona if possible then head the next morning to the Grand Canyon which is about a 2 hour drive. If you wanted to drive this straight through it's about 9 hours but much more scenic. However, I don't see much reason to take this scenic route unless you will have time to stop in Sedona.

The I-15 to I-40 route is not scenic in the least.

If you are looking for scenic and not the fastest the best route is I-10 east to just over the Arizona border. Take the 89 north through Prescott, Jerome and Sedona, then up through Flagstaff and Cameron and west to the Grand Canyon. That route takes 10 hours vs. 7 hours for the ugly I-15 to I-40.

If it were me I would spend the night in Jerome at the Grand Hotel. It has spectacular views over the desert. I personally find Sedona to be tacky. The phony new age spiritualism, tacky t-shirt shops and pink jeeps are too much for me. Jerome is smaller but has much more character. The Grand Hotel is supposedly haunted but I didn't see any ghosts there.

http://www.jeromegrandhotel.net/

You're correct, I should have said I-10 EAST from Riverside towards Arizona (first suggestion), and I-*40* east from Barstow (second suggestion).

For the former, with a half day visit to Joshua Tree, it will take a full day to get to Phoenix. With stops at prehistoric sites, Jerome, and Oak Creek Canyon; it will take two days more to get to the Canyon.

If you don't want to make significant stops along the way, then just take I-15 to I-40 route.

Paul & RB -Well it sounded like the OP wanted to get to the Grand Canyon pretty quickly so that's why I mentioned the I-15, I-40 route. You are absolutely right, it's worse than not being scenic. Probably one of the most boring drives around but it's faster. I did mention a stop in Sedona. I know some of Sedona can be tacky but if you stay in places other than downtown, you just can't compare that beauty to anything else. Jerome is a fun town, though.

RBCal-The 89 north in Arizona is definitely more scenic than going through Phoenix, just seemed like it would take even longer.

Hopefully zabai will get back to us about his schedule.

Really apprciate all the suggestions !
I'll study these routes with my nephew , cause he'll be the one driving. I'll be the one to enjoy.

THANKS again!!

I-15/40 may be very boring, but to those who come from other regions of the US or the world, it's actually very scenic. Especially if you haven't seen a desert or the high desert of western US. It's actually quite amazing.

[Note that I'm <b>not</b> saying seeing the same beautiful scenery for 5 hours is not boring, because it is.]

rkkwan-You're right. I never think of that way. Granted it's not the most scenic desert but if you are from another part of the US or another country, it's not what you are used to seeing at home. Great point.