Las Vegas to Sedona road trip

Your Las Vegas to Sedona road trip begins with one of the Southwest’s most impressive engineering landmarks. The drive to Hoover Dam is short but dramatic, skirting Lake Mead’s deep blue waters before revealing the massive concrete arch of the dam itself. Park in the main lot and walk across the top for sweeping views into Black Canyon – early morning is cooler and quieter.

If you’ve got time to linger, it’s worth renting a kayak or joining a tour to paddle the Black Canyon National Water Trail on the Colorado River to see the crystalline waters of Emerald Cove (for peak colour plan for late afternoon in summer or midday in winter) and soak in the Arizona Hot Springs – tucked up inside a slot canyon.

Just minutes away, Boulder City offers a relaxed contrast. Designed as a government town during the dam’s construction, it has leafy streets, independent cafés, and a pace that feels worlds away from the Las Vegas Strip.

Overnight at Boulder Beach Campground (Lake Mead NRA) and stop-in for breakfast at Southwest Diner before continuing east.

Heading southeast, you’ll join historic Route 66 as it winds toward Kingman. This stretch captures the spirit of the open road, with long horizons, classic signage, and a sense of timeless travel. In Kingman, the Arizona Route 66 Museum, set inside the city’s original power plant, offers a quick, engaging snapshot of the highway’s history – and plenty of photo ops if you’re a neon sign fan.

For lunch, Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner is a local institution, serving milkshakes and burgers beneath neon signs. Afterward, take a wander down Andy Devine Avenue and Beale Street for more neon nostalgia.

Pull into Kingman KOA Journey when you’re ready to unwind for the night and take advantage of the pool and hot tub (seasonal).

Seligman is pure Route 66 nostalgia – after being bypassed in 1978, it became the birthplace of Historic Route 66 in 1987, essentially cementing it in road trip lore. Colorful storefronts, vintage cars, and quirky gift shops line the main street – expect to hear a lot of Elvis.

If you dare, head to the Roadkill Cafe for lunch where bison and elk don’t just adorn the walls, but the menu too.

Nearby Peach Springs marks the gateway to the Hualapai Indian Reservation and sits alongside a stretch of remote Grand Canyon desert landscapes. Even if you don’t venture further, the drive itself feels wonderfully remote. Stay longer and you could join a one-day motorised white water rafting adventure led by an expert Hualapai guide.

Overnight at Grand Canyon Caverns RV Park – just 15 minutes’ drive from Peach Springs – with wide pull-through sites, and big-sky desert views perfect for stargazing.

Williams blends railroad history with small-town charm and sits at a higher elevation, bringing cooler evenings and pine-scented air. The historic downtown is lively but compact, with breweries, cafés, and old-school motels lining Route 66. If you’re into craft beer, Beaver Street Brewery is a standout, housed in a funky old building with a patio and wood-fired pizzas on the menu.

Just south of town, Kaibab National Forest unfurls over a sweep of ponderosa pine and aspen, bringing cooler air and a mountain-lake landscape that’s a refreshing contrast to the desert below. It’s big country – the forest wraps around both the San Francisco Peaks and the rim of the Grand Canyon – so you can choose your pace.

For a short walk with big payoff views, the Bill Williams Mountain Trail offer shaded paths through tall trees, wildflower meadows in season, and panoramic ridgeline scenery. Mountain biking is equally rewarding here, with trails ranging from smooth, scenic singletrack to more technical Forest Service routes if you’re geared up for it.

If you’re after a true forest experience – morning coffee with loons calling or a sunset paddle  – stake your spot on the water, set amongst the trees at Kaibab Lake Sites. Heads up: sites can fill up early on weekends and holidays.

After a night in the pines near Williams, the road naturally funnels south through Flagstaff – a lively mountain town set at 7,000 feet and surrounded by ponderosa forest. It’s an ideal morning stop for fuel, supplies, or coffee before the drive into canyon country. Downtown Flagstaff has a relaxed, outdoorsy feel, and even a short wander along Route 66 here gives a sense of its railroad and mountain-town roots.

The drive south from Flagstaff into Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A is one of Arizona’s most scenic paved routes. The road twists and turns through sandstone walls and forested slopes, following Oak Creek as it descends toward Sedona.

Stop at Oak Creek Vista for panoramic views, or pull into one of the designated picnic areas for a short walk along the water. The temperature often drops here, making it a refreshing pause on warmer days.

About halfway down Oak Creek Canyon lies Slide Rock State Park, a standout stop worth building into your day. This historic apple orchard turned state park sits right in the heart of the canyon and is famous for its natural 80-foot sandstone water slide carved by Oak Creek — a playful way to cool off in warm months if you’re up for it. Keep in mind that Slide Rock is very popular in peak summer and weekends, so arriving early or planning your visit in shoulder seasons (like fall) can make for a more peaceful experience.

Cave Springs Campground (seasonal) is a smart choice for an overnight stop with shaded sites and creekside surroundings. Campsites are first-come, first-served so aim for a weekday during peak season if you can.

Arriving in Sedona feels like stepping into a natural amphitheater of color and light. Towering red-rock buttes surround the town, shifting shades from deep crimson to glowing orange as the sun moves across the sky.

Spend your days exploring scenic viewpoints, short hikes, and art galleries, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere. Sunset at Airport Mesa is a classic for a reason – with views of Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Chimney Rock, and Coffee Pot Rock – while quieter moments can be found along the calmer stretches of Oak Creek.

Parking up at Rancho Sedona RV Park will put you within walking distance to town and creekside trails.

1. Watch elevation changes

Temperatures can vary significantly between desert stretches and higher elevations near Williams and Flagstaff. Pack layers and check forecasts before driving.

2. Fuel up strategically

Gas stations become less frequent between towns. Fill up in Kingman and Williams to avoid unnecessary detours.

3. Respect wildlife and speed limits

Elk and deer are common near forested areas, especially around dusk and dawn. Drive cautiously.

4. Stick to sealed roads

Many tempting dirt tracks lead toward viewpoints and trailheads, but campervans must remain on paved roads. Use signed pull-outs instead.

5. Start early, finish easy

Early morning drives are cooler and quieter, leaving afternoons free for exploring towns and viewpoints without rushing.

Make your Las Vegas to Sedona road trip effortless with affordable campervan hire from our Las Vegas depot. With unlimited miles included, you’re free to linger in your favorite Route 66 towns, take scenic detours, and enjoy every mile of the Southwest without watching the odometer.

From desert highways to red-rock canyons, this is a journey best experienced at your own pace – and a campervan gives you the freedom to do exactly that.

Got more time on your side? Check out more road trips starting from Las Vegas:

• Las Vegas to Zion National Park Road Trip
• Las Vegas to Denver Road Trip
• Las Vegas to Salt Lake City – Road Trip Itinerary
• Las Vegas to Reno Road Trip
• Las Vegas to Rocky Mountains National Park Road Trip
• Las Vegas to San Diego Road Trip

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