LA to Las Vegas Road Trip: 5-Day Adventure Through Joshua Tree, Route 66 & the Grand Canyon
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Moderate—able to handle several hours of walking, short hikes over rocks, and multi-hour van days.
Overview
A five-day road trip that moves from Santa Monica’s shoreline through Joshua Tree’s weird gardens, down historic Route 66, and into the vast South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Expect long drives, desert hikes, camping and neon-lit finales in Las Vegas.
LA to Las Vegas Road Trip: 5-Day Adventure Through Joshua Tree, Route 66 & the Grand Canyon
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The van hums to life at dusk in Santa Monica, headlights sweeping across palm shadows and the Pacific’s last silver. Inside, a handful of travelers unzip sleeping bags, trade introductions and fold maps while the leader pins tomorrow’s route on the board: inland, across scrub and sand, through the stranger corners of the American Southwest. By morning the ocean is a memory and the landscape has begun to sharpen — Joshua trees jut like rough sculptures and the road pulls you toward a canyon that will swallow horizons.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate before you hike
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person for canyon and desert days and refill whenever possible; dehydration sets in fast in dry air.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and UV sunglasses will save your day on exposed trails and while waiting at viewpoints.
Pack a warm sleeping bag
Desert nights and canyon rims cool quickly even after hot days—bring a sleeping bag rated to at least 20°F (-7°C) for comfort.
Travel light in one medium bag
Luggage is stored in trailers or under the van—limit to one medium suitcase (20kg) plus a daypack to avoid delays and tight packing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Mule deer (South Rim)
History
Route 66 shaped the West’s car culture and stops like Seligman preserve its mid-century roadside history; the Grand Canyon area has been inhabited and stewarded by Native nations for millennia.
Conservation
Travel supports the Grand Canyon Conservancy; visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile desert soils and native plant communities.
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Adventure Hotspots in Los Angeles
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
3-season sleeping bag
Required for camping nights; choose one that packs small and is rated for cool desert evenings.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Good traction and ankle support for rocky trails in Joshua Tree and on rim paths at the Grand Canyon.
Sun hat + high-SPF sunscreen
Direct desert sun and reflective surfaces make strong UV protection essential.
summer specific
Daypack with 2–3L hydration system
Keeps water, snacks and layers within easy reach on trail and at viewpoints.