Basic info re a first time visit

Question

Hi, Retired school counselor here trying to navigate a trip this August and need advice. Coming from Vermont. Here's the deal: a high school reunion is gathering in Vegas last week of August. I am thinking while out there I would love to have a quick visit to the Grand Canyon as we're relatively close. I also, On my bucket list, is the Sequoia trees/park. From what I can tell from google maps GC is about 4 hours drive from Vegas and Sequoias similar, but the other direction. My first thought is to use Vegas and the RT flight spot. The reunion is Mon Aug 25-28th, Should I fly into Vegas before the reunion, like Sunday and drive out to the Canyon for one night, drive back to Vegas for the reunion, then drive to Sequoias Friday -Sunday and fly back out of Vegas? Would be a full week. If anyone has a better idea of how to do this trip I would so appreciate it.

Answer

Your idea of combining a Vegas reunion with visits to the Grand Canyon and Sequoia National Park is doable, but it will be a fairly full week with a lot of driving. Here’s a breakdown and some suggestions to help plan efficiently:

Timing and Logistics:

Flying into Las Vegas before your reunion, as you suggested, is practical. Arriving Sunday would give you time to drive to the Grand Canyon for a one-night stay.
The drive from Las Vegas to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is about 4–4.5 hours each way. You could leave Vegas in the morning, spend the afternoon and sunset at the Canyon, stay overnight nearby (Tusayan or inside the park if possible), and drive back to Vegas the next morning to arrive in time for your reunion.
Sequoia National Park is roughly 6–7 hours from Las Vegas. If you go Friday–Sunday after the reunion, expect another long drive. Flying out of Las Vegas Sunday evening is doable, but you’d want to allow enough buffer for return travel from Sequoia, especially if leaving early in the morning to maximize sightseeing.

Suggested Plan:

Sunday Aug 24: Arrive in Las Vegas. Pick up rental car and drive to Grand Canyon South Rim. Explore scenic overlooks like Mather Point, Desert View Drive, and if time allows, a short hike on the Rim Trail. Stay overnight.
Monday Aug 25: Morning sunrise at the Canyon (optional), then drive back to Las Vegas for your reunion check-in. Return the rental car if not needed during the reunion, or keep it if you plan local excursions.
Mon–Thu Aug 25–28: Enjoy reunion activities in Las Vegas.
Friday Aug 29: Drive from Vegas to Sequoia National Park. Depending on your route, overnight in or near the park (Three Rivers area is convenient).
Saturday Aug 30: Full day exploring Sequoia—visit General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, and short trails suitable for a relaxed pace. Overnight near the park.
Sunday Aug 31: Return drive to Las Vegas for your flight home.

Tips & Considerations:

Booking accommodations in advance is essential, particularly near the Grand Canyon and Sequoia, as summer is peak season.
Consider keeping your luggage in the car for the Grand Canyon night if you have a short overnight stay, as hotel options near the park can fill quickly.
Bring snacks and water for the long drives; cell service may be limited in some areas.
Driving times are estimates—allow extra time for scenic stops and park entrances.
If you want to reduce driving stress, consider flying into Vegas, visiting the Grand Canyon via a guided tour or shuttle, and then driving to Sequoia afterward. This reduces your need to do multiple long solo drives.

In summary, your plan is feasible for a full, active week. The key is to plan accommodations carefully and allow some flexibility for traffic and sightseeing. One-night stays at the Grand Canyon and two nights at Sequoia will give you a reasonable chance to see highlights without feeling too rushed.

Basic info re a first time visit

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