Grand Canyon day trip or spend the night

izzzzythedog

personnaly i wouldnt drive to the G/C for the simple reason is its an all dayer , i was told between 4 ( taxi driver ) and 6 hours ( receptionist ) and of course that puts you to the rim only , its simply a dead day id you do this and vegas has so much to get around it seems a waste

flying there it was an hours drive in a coach from the strip to the choppers own airport then half an hour later your in the middle of the place

Greenlight77

We did a similar road trip last summer but only spent 3 nights at Las Vegas but did an overnight at the Grand Canyon. Not really into millions of slot machines - most of the casinos are pretty similar inside, so for me 3 nights in Vegas was plenty enough time to see the casinos, shop and take in a show. It is a long drive to the Canyon but the Hoover Dam is worth stopping off on route and being there for the sunset and sunrise was unforgettable. Was also worth driving/walking along the rim (bus only on the western route) to get different perspectives. We stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge right on the rim. OK but pricy and food nothing special but think that applies to all the accomodation there.

Really depends if you're more into nature or neon!

loobs40

We flew from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon on a small fixed wing plane in December, and it wasn't particularly turbulent. We booked the trip the day before from one of the ticket booths on the Strip. We were, however, a bit disappointed with the Grand Canyon when we got there, we much preferred the Blue Mountains near Sydney which we had visited a few weeks earlier. Having said that you get great views of the canyon from the plane and we took lots of photos and video from the plane

Because of that, I am very glad that we didn't undertake the eight hour car/coach return journey.As for sunrise and sunset, it was cloudy when we went !

Alan_Bowen

If you are taking the plane, start early in the day. As others have commented LV and the surrounding area suffers from very high winds caused by the rise in temperatures as the day goes on. December should be relatively calm because the temperatures will be lower but even the big jets get thrown around so the 19 seaters will certainly be 'exciting' It is a long and at times boring drive but then I wouldn't want to spend 5 days in Vegas, three is about my limit for my sanity and my bank account!

[Deleted User]

Stayed in the Maswick south lodge, we were about 5 minutes dawdle from the rim,good area to walk either way and the free bus if you want it

Walter_Sobchak

Many thanks for the replies, we have decidied to stay one night at the south rim, and have booked a room at the Bright Angel Lodge.

photome

Walter_Sobchak wrote: »

Many thanks for the replies, we have decidied to stay one night at the south rim, and have booked a room at the Bright Angel Lodge.

I think you will love it

irstaroo22

Yeah staying the night is a good call, we woke up mega early and saw the sun rise over the canyon, which i would recommend, looked soooo beautiful.

[Deleted User]

Enjoy the temperature and the view there before you return to Las Vegas

Zazie

Just spotted this thread and am so glad you decided to do that. We stayed for an overnight at Bright Angel Lodge last April (there was snow even then, so dress warmly for December!!) and it was great.
There is a free shuttle bus that drives round the rim, so you can walk along for a while and then catch the bus a bit further round to get a different angle on things.
The bar at Bright Angel was great for a drink and (large!) snack in the early evening, with a couple of excellent folk singers.
I haven't seen those Blue Mountains in Australia but don't know how anyone could fail to be impressed with the Grand Canyon.