9-Days Las Vegas to Los Angeles Itinerary: The Perfect Southwest Road Trip

The moment you leave the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip, the landscape opens into sweeping desert horizons, signaling the start of a very different kind of adventure. A road trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles is more than a drive between two world-famous cities it’s a passage through striking red rock canyons, ancient geological formations, artistic desert towns, and eventually the sunlit curves of the Pacific Coast. What truly sets this route apart is how much diversity it offers within a manageable distance. From stark desert beauty to coastal charm, every mile brings a shift in scenery and atmosphere. The real challenge lies in planning it right: selecting meaningful stops, managing drive times, and knowing when to pause and explore. With an AI-powered travel planner, this iconic journey becomes seamless and personal, blending must-see highlights with lesser-known gems while keeping real-world timing and travel flow perfectly balanced.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly paced 9-day road trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
• Includes Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Joshua Tree, and Malibu
• Day-by-day driving times, sightseeing, and overnight planning
• Seasonal tips, safety advice, and local insights
• AI-powered planning with TripPilot for stress-free customization
  
  

Table of Contents

9-Day Las Vegas to Los Angeles Itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas – Start with Energy and Ease.
• Day 2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park – Desert to Canyon (160 miles)
• Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park – Hoodoo Wonderland (85 miles)
• Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Page, Arizona – Slot Canyons & River Bends (150 miles)
• Day 5: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim – A Natural Masterpiece (130 miles)
• Day 6: Grand Canyon to Sedona – Red Rock Serenity (115 miles)
• Day 7: Sedona to Joshua Tree National Park – High Desert Crossing (300 miles)
• Day 8: Joshua Tree to Palm Springs – Oasis Escape (50 miles)
• Day 9: Palm Springs to Malibu to Los Angeles – Desert to Ocean Finale (150 miles)
  
  

9-Day Las Vegas to Los Angeles Itinerary 

Experience the ultimate American road trip with a 9-days Las Vegas to Los Angeles itinerary that blends desert adventure, iconic cities, and coastal beauty. Begin in Las Vegas with world-class entertainment, then journey through the red rock landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Mojave Desert. Drive along Route 66, explore charming desert towns, and soak in the sun at Southern California beaches. As you reach Los Angeles, dive into Hollywood glamour, cultural neighborhoods, and scenic coastal drives. This thoughtfully paced itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences—perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and classic West Coast vibes.

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas – Start with Energy and Ease

Arrive in Las Vegas and take the day to settle into the rhythm of your Las Vegas city break journey. After checking into your hotel, head out for a relaxed walk along the Strip to shake off jet lag and absorb the city’s unmistakable energy. Iconic sights like the Bellagio Fountains, Caesars Palace, and the Venetian’s canal-lined walkways offer an easy introduction without feeling rushed. As evening approaches, choose an experience that matches your pace, perhaps a live show, rooftop dining with city views, or a quiet dinner tucked away from the busiest crowds.

This first night is about balance rather than excess, allowing you to enjoy Las Vegas while conserving energy. Stay well hydrated, take breaks as needed, and aim for a good night’s rest. With an early drive ahead, starting your trip feeling refreshed will set the tone for a smooth and enjoyable road adventure.

Custom travel planner helps you select hotels based on parking ease, budget, and proximity to highways, ensuring a smooth road trip start.

Day 2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park – Desert to Canyon (160 miles)

Leave Las Vegas early to beat both traffic and rising desert heat, setting the tone for a smooth and scenic drive. As you head towardand spend a day in  Zion National Park, the landscape transforms quickly, with towering sandstone cliffs emerging from the open desert and hinting at the natural drama ahead. 

Upon arrival, spend the afternoon exploring Zion Canyon Scenic Drive using the park’s shuttle system, which makes access easy while preserving the environment. Gentle walks like the Riverside Walk provide immersive canyon views without demanding too much energy, while seasoned hikers can take on the thrilling ascent to Angels Landing with a valid permit. Zion rewards those who slow down and observe. As the day winds down, the canyon walls glow in the soft evening light, creating a peaceful, unforgettable end to a remarkable day.

TripPilot optimizes shuttle timing, parking restrictions, and hiking recommendations based on your comfort level and season.

Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park – Hoodoo Wonderland (85 miles)

The drive to Bryce Canyon gradually climbs in elevation, bringing cooler air, winding roads, and stretches of fragrant pine forest. This shift in landscape sets the stage for Bryce’s otherworldly scenery, where thousands of hoodoos, tall slender rock spires sculpted by erosion, form one of the most surreal sights in the American Southwest. Begin with the Rim Trail to take in sweeping panoramic views of the amphitheater, where layers of red, orange, and white rock glow in changing light. For a closer experience, descend into the canyon via the Navajo Loop Trail, weaving among the hoodoos at eye level. Sunset Point is especially memorable during golden hour, when the formations seem to ignite with color. Despite the daytime sun, temperatures drop quickly after dark, even in summer, so warm layers are essential for a comfortable evening.

Personalised travel itinerary adjusts packing suggestions and lodging recommendations based on elevation and weather conditions.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Page, Arizona – Slot Canyons & River Bends (150 miles)

Continue your journey toward Page, a small desert town framed by some of the Southwest’s most iconic natural landmarks. One of the highlights here is Antelope Canyon, where smooth, wave-like sandstone walls create a photographer’s dream. Tours must be booked in advance and are led by Navajo guides who enrich the experience with cultural history and explanations of the canyon’s unique geological formations. 

Later in the day, head to Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River makes a sweeping curve around towering sandstone cliffs far below. The viewpoint is easily accessible and delivers a dramatic payoff. Sunset is the most popular time to visit, as warm light deepens the canyon’s colors, while midday offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds and clearer sightlines.

AI travel Planner tracks tour availability and suggests the best time slots for lighting and crowd control.

Day 5: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim – A Natural Masterpiece (130 miles)

ravel south to the Grand Canyon, home to one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The South Rim is ideal for first-time visitors, with numerous viewpoints linked by convenient shuttle routes and well-maintained walking paths. Begin at Mather Point for your first wide-angle view, then continue to the Yavapai Observation Station, where exhibits help explain the canyon’s vast geological history. 

Even a brief walk below the rim can dramatically shift your perspective, revealing the true depth and scale of the canyon walls rising around you. It’s tempting to pack the day with ambitious hikes, but restraint is wise—altitude, sun exposure, and heat can catch newcomers off guard. Taking time to pause, observe, and move at a steady pace allows you to fully appreciate the grandeur without exhaustion.

TripPilot recommends safe hiking limits and scenic routes based on weather, fitness, and time constraints.

Day 6: Grand Canyon to Sedona – Red Rock Serenity (115 miles)

The drive to Sedona marks a striking visual shift, moving from expansive canyon vistas to intimate landscapes shaped by towering red rock formations. As you arrive, the scenery feels almost otherworldly, setting the tone for a place known for its spiritual energy, scenic trails, and vibrant creative community. Spend the day exploring iconic landmarks like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, or enjoy a leisurely drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, where every turn reveals a new perspective. 

As evening approaches, wander through downtown Sedona, where art galleries, cozy cafés, and locally owned artisan shops invite you to linger. The atmosphere is unhurried and welcoming, making it easy to slow your pace. Sedona is the perfect midpoint to pause, reflect, and reset before continuing your journey.

We balance activity and downtime, helping you avoid burnout while maximizing scenic value.

Day 7: Sedona to Joshua Tree National Park – High Desert Crossing (300 miles)

This longer stretch of road signals a clear transition into California’s Mojave Desert, where wide-open spaces and rugged terrain dominate the landscape. To keep the journey comfortable, plan breaks for meals and rest in towns like Flagstaff or Kingman before continuing west. As you approach Joshua Tree National Park, the scenery becomes increasingly surreal, defined by massive granite boulders and the park’s signature twisted Joshua trees. Short, accessible trails such as Hidden Valley and the walk to Skull Rock offer an excellent introduction to the park’s unique geology without requiring a full day of hiking. Arriving in the late afternoon is ideal, as softer light enhances the desert colors and temperatures begin to cool. After sunset, lingering in the park rewards travelers with some of the darkest, most star-filled night skies in Southern California.

Free vacation trip planner adds fuel stops and rest breaks across remote desert highways, reducing travel stress.

Day 8: Joshua Tree to Palm Springs – Oasis Escape (50 miles)

A short drive brings you to Palm Springs, where desert heat meets retro glamour. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for alpine views or relax poolside.

Explore mid-century modern architecture, browse local boutiques, or enjoy a spa afternoon. This day acts as a recovery pause before heading to the coast.

TripPilot suggests flexible pacing here, allowing travelers to extend rest time if needed.

Day 9: Palm Springs to Malibu to Los Angeles – Desert to Ocean Finale (150 miles)

Drive west toward the Pacific and watch the scenery transform once again, as dry desert landscapes give way to rolling hills and dramatic coastal cliffs. As you approach the ocean, stop in Malibu to enjoy some of Southern California’s most scenic beaches. El Matador Beach is known for its rugged rock formations and intimate coves, while Zuma Beach offers wide stretches of sand and sweeping ocean views, both ideal for a final moment of nature before the city. 

From here, continue into Los Angeles and settle into a neighborhood that suits your travel style. Santa Monica delivers relaxed beach energy, Hollywood offers iconic landmarks, and Downtown LA is a hub for diverse food and cultural experiences. As the journey comes to an end, you’ll realize you’ve traveled through deserts, canyons, forests, and coastlines, one of the most varied and rewarding road trips in the United States.

TripPilot customizes your Los Angeles plan based on departure flights, car drop-off points, and personal interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 9-day Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip enough?
Yes. Nine days allow for national parks, scenic towns, and rest days without rushing or excessive driving.

What is the best time of year for this road trip?|
Spring and fall offer the best balance of temperatures, accessibility, and crowd levels across desert and coastal regions.

Do I need to book national parks in advance?|
Many parks require timed entry or permits during peak seasons, especially Zion and Antelope Canyon. Advance planning is strongly recommended.

Is this itinerary suitable for first-time road trippers?
Absolutely. The route uses well-maintained highways, frequent towns, and manageable daily drives.

Conclusion

A 9-day Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip perfectly captures the essence of the American Southwest, blending dramatic landscapes, artistic desert towns, and some of the most scenic drives in the country. From glowing red rock canyons and high desert plateaus to star-filled skies and sunlit coastlines, each day delivers a new sense of place. What makes this journey truly special is the balance between structure and spontaneity having a clear plan while leaving room for detours, slow mornings, and unexpected discoveries. Traveling at your own pace allows the landscapes to unfold naturally, turning each mile into part of the experience rather than just a route between destinations. With thoughtful planning and flexibility along the way, this road trip becomes more than a checklist of sights. It transforms into a personal travel story—one filled with quiet moments, unforgettable views, and memories that linger long after you’ve reached the Pacific.