8 Day Road Trip from Nevada to Colorado

“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” I hope we all get a chance to see the world, but in all honesty, I hope everyone experiences this specific road trip from Vegas to Colorado, as it was one for the books. I am very grateful that my beloved best friend, who is also very passionate about traveling, had invited me on this last-second adventure. This road trip had fun activities and beautiful sites that took our breath away. I shared our itinerary, tips, and further details about the trip! Below is our 8 day road trip from Nevada to Colorado.

Day 1: Fly to the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada

The first step is to rent a car from the McCarran International Airport. After, you can feel free to settle in, unpack, relax, and spend the day in Vegas! Vegas is known for its beautiful hotels, incredible nightlife, and casinos, which have fun slot machines and poker tables.

My favorite hotel in Vegas is the Wynn Hotel, as there is so much detail in every corner! The last time I was in Vegas, not only did I gamble and win $5, but my father and I stayed at this hotel. I loved it so much that I had to take my friends to experience the marble floors and intricate detail. The second time I arrived in Vegas with my friend for this specific road trip, we stayed at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino! The rooms were cozy and the beds were super comfortable. Sightings of flamingos and the color pink were visible throughout the hotel. They even had real-life flamingos for display located at the entrance of the hotel! I promise that every hotel you witness will be a fun, unique experience, so try and check out as many as possible.

Be sure to experience the infamous fountain display and beautiful botanic gardens at the Bellagio Hotel. The fountain runs every 15 minutes with more than 4,500 lights on display. Each season is different at the botanical garden. The themes selected are the Chinese New Year, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. I visited the Chinese New Year in 2017 and the Winter display in 2020. Each theme is colorful and decorated with flowers. The flowers have a pleasant, sweet smell to them.

Day 2: Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas + Grand Canyon ((south rim)) in Arizona

On day two, I highly recommend driving to go and witness the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas. This destination is 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. This place was on my bucket list and I am so grateful that I could accomplish this item. This unique area consists of seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders. They stand about 25 feet high. It is astounding that the towers can balance, as it looks like the boulders are defying gravity.
Post visiting the Seven Magic Mountains, spend the rest of the day exploring more hotels. Then head to your next destination: ARIZONA!

Specifically, you will drive four hours to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The entire way, we listened to podcasts and blasted music. The drive can be fun, especially if you are with people who you love to travel with!

If you are interested, you can stop at the hoover dam on the way and stand in two states at once. The Hoover dam is on the border of Nevada and Arizona. It was built to provide a reliable supply of water for farming in the area.

Day 3: Grand Canyon South Rim + Drive to Horseshoe Bend

We stayed near the Grand Canyon South Rim the night before hiking down the canyon to one of the most beautiful points, also known as Ooh ahh point. The hike is about 20 minutes long and is not difficult at all. After visiting this point, we also stopped at the El Tovar hotel, a 10-minute drive from Ooh ahh point. It is a historic hotel that opened in 1905.

After visiting the spooky, historic hotel, I recommend driving two hours and twenty-five minutes to witness the infamous Horseshoe Bend. The horseshoe bend is the east rim of the Grand Canyon. Horseshoe Bend formed 200 million years ago.

In our eight-day itinerary, we did not get to see Antelope Canyon; however, if you decide to extend your trip, this experience is worth adding to the adventure. The Antelope Canyon is 20 minutes away from Horseshoe Bend. I have an entire blog post about the Antelope Canyon, so feel free to check it out by clicking on the link here.

After visiting Antelope Canyon drive two hours and 44 minutes to get to Zion National Park.

Day 4: Zion National Park

The high cliffs of Zion formed four million years ago through a process where rock layers were broken, pushed up and on their side, eroded, and cracked.

Spend the day at Zion and try to get there early. We didn’t get there early enough. The main area ended up being closed off due to COVID restrictions. We did two hikes, including Observation Point and the Canyon Overlook.

According to research, popular hikes that we did not get to that I would like to see one day include Angel’s Landing, The Narrows, and Weeping Rock.
After Zion, drive two hours and fourteen minutes to Bryce Canyon.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is stunning and unforgettable. I have never seen anything so incredible.

How were the hoodoos formed? Water erosion is responsible for the hoodoos. The rock types are limestone, siltstone, dolomite, and mudstone.

After Bryce Canyon, drive two hours to the Mystic Hot Springs. The Mystic Hot Springs was empty and absolutely beautiful.

Day 6: Mystic Hot Springs and Arches National Park

The Mystic Hot Springs were mystical and oh so hot at 102 degrees. This spot is peaceful. On that same day, you drive three hours to Arches National Park.

Wow!! What an excellent park that is well maintained. There are tons of different, easy hikes and beautiful landscapes that are clearly marked. I highly recommend walking to the Sand Dune Arch. Other famous hikes to experience include the Double Arch Trail, Landscape Arch, and the Elephant Butte.

After Arches National Park, drive an hour and 53 minutes to Grand Junction, Colorado.

Day 7: Colorado

We went to Grand Junction, Colorado, because my friend, Ari, has a close friend who now resides there. We did some fun activities, including wine tasting and candle making there with them. If you have more time, I recommend seeing more of Colorado!

Day 8: Fly home from Grand Junction, Colorado

We listed an eight-day road trip from Nevada to Colorado. Have you been to any of these places? Please comment below your experience!!! I hope that you have a wonderful day and safe future travels!!!

XOXOXO, Ashley!!

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~~Bucket List #31:~~ ~~See a spectacular fountain.~~ ((I saw the Most Spectacular Fountain at the Bellagio Hotel in Nevada, Las Vegas in January 2016.))

5 Things to Do at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas

Background:

The Las Vegas Strip has upscale casino hotels. Each hotel has attractions, gambling floors, restaurants, and performances. The strip is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the United States. The Bellagio was inspired by the villages of Europe owned by MGM Resorts International. The elegant construction of the hotel cost $1.6 billion and opened in 1998.

My Experience:

In January 2016, I visited Las Vegas for an ASPI Promotional Products Trade Show for work and enjoyed my stay at the Wynn Hotel. I gambled and experienced the most spectacular fountain of my life in front of the Bellagio Hotel. The Bellagio was my favorite because they have a fountain display and an incredible Cirque du Soleil show called O, and the most beautiful garden. The garden was decorated for the Chinese New Year when I went.

#1: Watch the choreographed Fountains of Bellagio.

The spectacular fountain display is set to light and music and is visible from multiple points on the strip. I highly recommend watching it while in Las Vegas, as this was one of the most memorable moments because the display was strikingly beautiful and eye-catching.

- The show takes place every 15 minutes from 8 pm to midnight and every 30 minutes in the early afternoon
- The fountain displays more than 4,500 lights
- The fountain cost $50 million to build

#2: Buy Tickets to the Cirque du Soleil’s show called O.

The O was an unbelievable production because the show incorporated acrobatics into synchronized swimming and diving surrounded by air, fire, and water. I highly recommend this quirky show, as the performance had moments of comedy, audience engagement, and live music. If you like weird shows that leave you wondering, “what did I just watch?” then the O is for you!!!

- The show is 105 minutes long and plays at 7 pm and 9:30 pm on Wednesday through Sunday.
- Did you know the divers swim in a 1.5-million-gallon pool? The pool temperature is 88°F.
- The sign states no cell phones at the entrance.
- Book in advance from $114 here!

#3: Visit the spectacular botanical gardens.

The Bellagio hotel has a built-in botanical garden that changes for each season. The five seasonal themes include the Chinese New Year, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. I visited the Chinese New Year and displayed the zodiac sign of 2017, the rooster. All displays are colorful and decorated with flowers that have a pleasant and sweet smell that I will never forget.

- Location. The Conservatory is located next to the hotel’s lobby and is open to the public.
- Avoid Crowds. Visit the beautiful garden at 6:30am to avoid people.
- Price. The magical Conservatory and Botanical Garden is FREE and 100% worth your time!

#4: Go to the Prime Steakhouse Restaurant at the Bellagio.

Do not forget to go to the Prime Steakhouse Restaurant because they have the best steak in Las Vegas. I ordered a steak and a margarita, and it did not disappoint!

- Hours: Monday to Sunday from 5 PM- 10 PM
- Attire: Business Casual (NO Shorts or Athletic Wear)
- Reserve a Tabel: 702.693.8865

#5: View the Gallery of Fine Art.

The Bellagio hosts a special exhibition displaying artwork from various museums throughout the world. I recommend viewing the undeniably beautiful artistic talent within the Gallery’s walls.

- Tours: Available from 2 pm and last 45 minutes
- Hours: 10 am to 8 pm daily
- Displays. The art has become a rotating exhibition space since 2000