driving to Grand Canyon from Vegas?
 

Is it reasonable to drive to the GC from Vegas for a few days? Can we go by Hoover Dam on the way? I want to stay in a really nice place and hike in the canyon for a day or two. Any suggestions would be great!

Sure it's reasonable. It's around a 6+ hour drive from LV to the South Rim, and accommodation anywhere near the Grand Canyon in peak visitor season is notoriously hard to find. Start planning early. <BR><BR>Cars and small RVs are allowed over the top of the dam (on your route) but apparently there are construction and/or security delays at present.

I did this trip and loved it! We drove from Vegas to GC - it's just a few hours and we tent camped in the park. THe cool thing about driving to the campground was on the way my friend said, "Hey, I think it's here!". I said, "No, we still have a way to the campground." She said, "I mean the Grand Canyon - I think it's here". I thought "the GC isn't just going to appear out of nowhere. But I pulled over to the side of the road, and we walked around a few trees . . . . and it was everywhere! Just breathtaking! Anyhow, be sure to take plenty of water, fruit, cheese, etc if you are going to hike into the Canyon - it can be grueling, but is well worth it (also take some toilet paper - you'll be glad you did). Be sure to visit Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. THe water at Lake Mead was clear and very warm. Have a great time!!

I did this trip and loved it! We drove from Vegas to GC - it's just a few hours and we tent camped in the park. THe cool thing about driving to the campground was on the way my friend said, "Hey, I think it's here!". I said, "No, we still have a way to the campground." She said, "I mean the Grand Canyon - I think it's here". I thought "the GC isn't just going to appear out of nowhere." But I pulled over to the side of the road, and we walked around a few trees . . . . and it was everywhere! Just breathtaking! Anyhow, be sure to take plenty of water, fruit, cheese, etc if you are going to hike into the Canyon - it can be grueling, but is well worth it (also take some toilet paper - you'll be glad you did). Be sure to visit Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. THe water at Lake Mead was clear and very warm. Have a great time!!

I concur with the others, it is very reasonable and a great drive. I'm from the northeast and had never been out west before, not to mention I love long drives. I took the trip solo with some great tunes and big jug of water; leaving before dawn allows you to see the sun come up over the dessert, hit the hoover damn before all the tourists, and get in a full afternoon at the canyon. If you've never seen it, its awesome!