A Phoenix to Salt Lake City road trip will take you through spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and the one and only Sin City.
You could make the trip in a solid day of driving—but where’s the fun in that? The drive between Phoenix and Salt Lake City has plenty to offer in the way of natural attractions and must-do activities, and it’s an ideal jaunt if you’re looking for a short getaway.
People don’t talk about Phoenix as a destination very often, but it’s a pretty cool city and it’s not hard to have a good time. If you aren’t anxious to get on the road (or if you already live here), take the morning to enjoy
: The Desert Botanical Garden is nestled in between the red rocks of the Papago Buttes and offers visitors a trip through the surprisingly diverse and vibrant natural flora of the Sonoran Desert. Be ready for towering cacti, stunning wildflowers, and more succulents than you can shake a fist at.
($$): Hit up Pointe in Tyme for breakfast. It’s a beautiful restaurant with a massive fireplace, hardwood interior, and lots of natural daylight. Their elevated breakfast menu offers both unique dishes and American standards.
In terms of natural beauty, it’s difficult to beat one of the seven natural wonders of the world. As you head towards the Grand Canyon, get off Highway 17 at Stoneman Lake Road and drive through Coconino National Forest to reach Mormon Lake. The detour only adds a few minutes to your drive and Mormon Lake offers great views of the forest, fields, and nearby mountains. It’s also a good spot to go for a swim if you want to cool off before heading deeper into the desert.
: Once you’re at the Canyon, get out and marvel. Take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway that runs along a scenic route near the canyon’s southern rim.
($$$$): There are lots of delicious options for food in Grand Canyon Village—and some of them offer stunning views of the canyon from the dining tables. El Tovar Dining Room, located in the historic El Tovar Hotel, is the place to be if you’re looking for fine dining in a beautiful setting.
: If you don’t feel like paying for the bedroom view, Yavapai Lodge is a more affordable option that blends natural beauty with convenience. Cost per night: from $135
It might not look like it on the map, but driving through Vegas only adds an hour to your total driving time. And it’s definitely worth the extra hour to break up the desert monotony with Sin City itself.
: Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay offers a walk-through experience through a massive aquarium full of sharks, coral, and tropical fish of all shapes and sizes.
: If you’re all about landmarks (or massive feats of civil engineering) the Hoover Dam is sure to please. There are even tours that will pick you up and bring you back to the strip, so you can get comfortable in your hotel beforehand and not worry about driving for the rest of the day.
: The High Roller at The Linq is a massive 550-foot-tall ferris wheel that gives you a bird’s eye perspective of Las Vegas. Ride during the day to see the desert landscape or at night to take in the enormity of neon lights underneath.
Pro Tip: Upgrade your ticket for the High Roller to include access to an open bar during the 30-minute ride.
($$$): This spot offers exceptional (and elegant!) sushi and sashimi with signature cocktails. Ask if a floating pagoda table is available for an incredible experience.
For meat dishes: If meat is what you’re after, head to
Choose one of the city’s famous names like Bellagio or Planet Hollywood for the full experience. Most hotels offer a range of room categories, so you’ll find budget-friendly options alongside budget-busting ones.
The final day of your journey runs through some huge mountains and straddles the line between desert and a handful of national parks. It’s a long haul, but with plenty to look at during the ride.
: Kanarra Falls is just around 2.5 hours into your drive, just outside of Kanarraville. The falls are located in the iconic twisting red stone tunnels of Zion National Park— definitely something to see.
: For a break during the latter part of your drive, stop at Yuba State Park. It features a stunning desert oasis surrounded by mountains and is a great place to take a swim to cool off before hopping back in the car.
What to do in Salt Lake City
Nature stops: Mission accomplished, you’re in Salt Lake City,
! While you’re here, explore the crystal blue Great Salt Lake by boat and then head to Salt Lake’s massive Red Butte Garden to admire the local plant life.
: And you don’t need to be Mormon to visit the Church of Latter-Day Saints’ headquarters at Temple Square. The huge, intricately designed temple stands out as the main distinguishing feature of the city.
($$): Hit Table X for an upscale, modern dining experience featuring New American dishes.
Why you need roadside assistance
You’ll drive nearly 1,000 miles during this single road trip—meaning you’ll have many chances to pop a tire (or worse). A breakdown can quickly turn a good time into a huge hassle, possibly even adding days to your trip.
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