Spring Break Road Trips
Las Vegas: The Perfect Starting Point for 8 Epic Road Trips
If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you know it’s a city like no other. Cheap flights, big lights, endless entertainment — and yes, endless ways to spend money. Between hotels, food, shows, and maybe a little gambling, it doesn’t take long before your “budget getaway” turns into a splurge. But here’s the thing — Vegas is so much more than the Strip. What makes Las Vegas truly special is what lies just beyond it: some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire United States. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can reach five national parks, explore countless state parks, wander through ghost towns, and even dip your toes into California’s deserts or Arizona’s red rocks.
So instead of spending your entire trip on Las Vegas Boulevard, consider this:
Spend a couple of days enjoying the glitz and glamour of Vegas — catch a show, eat some amazing food, maybe try your luck. Then…Hit the road for a few days and experience the real magic of the Southwest.
Here are 8 unforgettable road trip loops starting and ending in Las Vegas — each one perfect for a 7-day spring break or weeklong getaway.
The Zion-Bryce Scenic Loop
Vegas → Bryce Canyon → Zion Loop → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~7.5 hours | 450 miles
Perfect for: Families with kids, first-time national park visitors, travelers seeking big scenery with minimal hiking
This loop is ideal for families who want to experience the Southwest’s iconic landscapes without long drives or strenuous hikes. Kids will love walking among Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, exploring easy trails in Zion, and spotting wildlife along the way. Short drive segments, accessible viewpoints, and fun photo stops make this a stress-free, unforgettable family road trip.
Must see stops: Valley of Fire State Park, Bryce Sunrise & Sunset Points, Mossy Cave Trail, Navajo Loop, Zion Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook Trail, Checkerboard Mesa
Grand Canyon & Sedona Adventure
Vegas → Grand Canyon → Sedona → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~11 hours | 550 miles
Perfect for: Families who love dramatic landscapes, easy hikes, scenic drives, and cultural experiences
This loop is perfect for families seeking awe-inspiring views and a mix of adventure and relaxation. Kids will enjoy walking along the Grand Canyon rim, spotting wildlife, and splashing at Slide Rock in Sedona. With manageable drive times and scenic stops along the way, this loop combines natural wonders, easy hikes, and fun experiences for the whole family.
Must see stops: Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints, Desert View Watchtower, Sedona Red Rock Scenic Byway, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Slide Rock State Park
Desert Dreams Loop
Vegas → Joshua Tree → Palm Springs → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~8 hours | 420 miles
Perfect for: Families who enjoy desert landscapes, quirky attractions, and outdoor adventures
This loop is perfect for families looking to explore the California desert with a mix of natural beauty and fun stops. Kids will love scrambling over Joshua Tree boulders, spotting unique cacti, riding the Palm Springs tram for sweeping mountain views, and exploring Pioneertown’s Old West charm. With short drive segments and hands-on experiences, this is an easy, memorable desert adventure for the whole family.
Must see stops: Joshua Tree National Park (Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden), Pioneertown, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Village, Moorten Botanical Garden
The Vegas to Canyons Loop
Vegas → Grand Canyon → Antelope Canyon → Horseshoe Bend → Zion → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~12 hours | 650 miles
Perfect for: Families who love iconic Southwestern landmarks, scenic photo stops, and short, kid-friendly walks
This loop is ideal for families wanting to experience some of the Southwest’s most famous natural wonders in one trip. Kids will be amazed by the towering canyon walls at the Grand Canyon, the winding slot canyons at Antelope, and the dramatic curve of the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend. Short walks, easy access points, and plenty of photo opportunities make this a memorable adventure for families without long, exhausting hikes.
Must see stops: Grand Canyon South Rim viewpoints, Antelope Canyon (guided tour), Horseshoe Bend overlook, Zion National Park (Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pools, Canyon Overlook Trail)
The Mighty 5 Loop
Vegas → Zion → Bryce → Capitol Reef → Arches → Canyonlands → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~17 hours | 850 miles
Perfect for: Families who love stunning red-rock landscapes, short hikes, and iconic national parks
This loop is perfect for families looking to explore Utah’s incredible national parks without overwhelming little ones with long hikes. Kids will be amazed by the hoodoos in Bryce, the arches in Arches, and the sweeping canyon vistas in Canyonlands. With short drive segments between parks, accessible viewpoints, and plenty of stops for photo ops and easy walks, this loop offers an unforgettable family adventure through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
Must see stops: Zion (Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pools), Bryce Canyon (Sunrise/Sunset Points, Mossy Cave Trail), Capitol Reef (Goosenecks Overlook, Hickman Bridge), Arches (Delicate Arch Viewpoint, Balanced Rock), Canyonlands (Mesa Arch, Grand View Point)
The Wild West Desert Loop
Vegas → Saguaro National Park → Tombstone → Lake Havasu → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~12 hours | 650 miles
Perfect for: Families who enjoy desert landscapes, history, and fun outdoor stops
This loop is ideal for families seeking a mix of natural wonders, Wild West history, and desert fun. Kids will love spotting giant saguaro cacti, exploring Tombstone’s historic streets, and splashing along Lake Havasu’s beaches. With manageable drives and plenty of engaging stops, this road trip balances adventure and relaxation for the whole family.
Must see stops: Saguaro National Park (easy scenic drives, short trails, visitor center), Tombstone (OK Corral, Bird Cage Theatre, Allen Street), Lake Havasu (London Bridge, boat tours, kid-friendly beaches)
The Mojave to Malibu Loop
Vegas → Joshua Tree → Los Angeles → Death Valley → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~11 hours | 600 miles
Perfect for: Families who enjoy desert landscapes, quirky attractions, and a mix of city and natural adventures
This loop is perfect for families looking for a diverse adventure with a mix of deserts, mountains, and city fun. Kids will enjoy climbing over Joshua Tree’s boulders, riding the Palm Springs tram, exploring LA’s iconic sights, and wandering the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley. With short driving segments, engaging stops, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on exploration, this loop offers a memorable and balanced family road trip.
Must see stops: Joshua Tree National Park (Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden), Palm Springs (Aerial Tramway, Moorten Botanical Garden), Los Angeles (Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, La Brea Tar Pits), Death Valley National Park (Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Dante’s View)
The Stargazing Loop
Vegas → Mammoth Lakes → Lake Tahoe → Reno → Tonopah → Vegas Loop
Travel Time: ~15 hours | 750 miles
Perfect for: Families who enjoy mountains, lakes, and outdoor adventures with opportunities for winter sports or summer recreation
This loop is perfect for families seeking a mix of alpine adventure and scenic road trip fun. Kids will love exploring Mammoth’s lakes and natural wonders, enjoying boat rides and gondolas in Tahoe, discovering Reno’s attractions, and learning about history in Tonopah. With manageable drive segments, plenty of outdoor activities, and hands-on experiences, this loop offers a memorable family-friendly getaway through mountains, lakes, and Nevada’s unique landscapes.
Must see stops: Mammoth Lakes (Lake Mary, Hot Creek Geological Site, family-friendly hikes), Lake Tahoe (beaches, Emerald Bay, gondola rides at Heavenly), Reno (Riverwalk District, family-friendly museums, local parks), Tonopah (Central Nevada Museum, historic mining sites)
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas might be famous for bright lights and late nights, but its greatest secret lies just beyond the city limits. From the red cliffs of Zion to the alien landscapes of Death Valley, the beauty that surrounds Vegas is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
So next time you find that cheap flight to Las Vegas — take it. But instead of spending the whole trip under casino lights, rent a car and hit the open road. You’ll come home with far more than just souvenirs… you’ll come home with stories you’ll never forget.
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