GC trip from vegas

Question

Planning to visit Vegas from Canada during Xmas break. Arriving in Vegas on 23dec..leaving 31st. So have about 7/8 days. Want to visit Grand canyon and/or Zion.. would like to stay I. Vegas for about 4 nights..

What's the best way to do this? Stay in Vegas till 27th and drive to GC and stay there for a night or 2? I'll be traveling with grownup kids. Would like to do some smaller hikes in GC..

Should I even drive to Zion or is it too much driving?

Any suggestions on itinerary and places to stay in Williams or GC would be welcome

Answer

For a Christmas break trip from Vegas with about 7–8 days, including grown-up kids, you can balance time in Las Vegas with a Grand Canyon visit without overloading on driving. Here’s a suggested approach:

Las Vegas stay:

Spend the first 4 nights (23–27 Dec) in Las Vegas. This allows you to enjoy the city, shows, dining, and attractions without rushing.
Take a day trip or half-day trips nearby if desired, such as Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, or Valley of Fire. These are shorter drives and offer outdoor exploration without long road time.

Grand Canyon visit:

After 4 nights in Vegas, drive to Grand Canyon South Rim via Kingman and Williams (approximately 4.5–5 hours). Consider staying in Williams for one night if Grand Canyon accommodations are full or expensive, then proceed to the South Rim early the next morning.
If you stay at the Grand Canyon itself, aim for 1–2 nights to have time for shorter hikes and scenic viewpoints. Suggested shorter hikes for a day include the Rim Trail sections, Bright Angel Trail (up to the 1.5–3 mile rest house for a shorter out-and-back), or South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point.
Evening views at Hopi or Yavapai Point are spectacular, and you can catch sunrise if you stay overnight near the rim.

Driving to Zion:

Zion National Park is about 2.5–3 hours from Las Vegas, which is feasible for a day trip, but round trip in a single day may be tiring. Alternatively, you could stay overnight near Springdale for a half-day or full-day hike in Zion.
Since your focus is on the Grand Canyon and shorter hiking options, Zion may be optional if you want a more relaxed pace. Consider saving Zion for another trip if you want to minimize driving.

Sample itinerary:

23–27 Dec: Las Vegas – explore city, shows, nearby natural areas (Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam).
27 Dec: Drive to Williams (overnight) or directly to GC South Rim.
28 Dec: Explore Grand Canyon South Rim, do shorter hikes and scenic viewpoints, stay near the rim or in Williams.
29 Dec: Optional additional Grand Canyon sightseeing or return to Vegas.
30–31 Dec: Back in Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve celebrations, then departure.

Tips:

Book Grand Canyon lodging as early as possible, as December is still holiday season.
Check weather forecasts; winter can bring snow and icy trails, especially on rim hikes.
Shorter hikes are best for the South Rim in winter, and daylight is limited, so start early.
Williams is a good base for Grand Canyon if accommodations at the rim are unavailable or costly; it’s a charming Route 66 town with dining and lodging.

Overall, staying 4 nights in Vegas, then 1–2 nights near or at the Grand Canyon is the most relaxed approach. Zion can be included if you want an extra day of hiking, but for a winter trip with limited daylight, it’s optional.