Three days, big views, and no rental car. This Los Angeles to Las Vegas tour stacks Grand Canyon West Rim with the Skywalk option and then uses your Vegas base at Excalibur to make the rest of the trip feel easy. I also like that the included Vegas time covers the classic must-dos: the Welcome Sign board plus the M&M’s Las Vegas and Coca-Cola Store (with 3D movies).

One thing to plan for: it’s a fast, packed schedule, and the headline upgrades cost extra—Skywalk, helicopter rides, FlyOver, and any evening shows you add on.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

• Grand Canyon West Rim + optional Skywalk: step onto the glass bridge when you want.
• Hoover Dam stop with Lake Mead views: a short, high-impact photo break.
• Included Vegas icons on Day 3: Welcome Signboard plus M&M’s and Coca-Cola Store.
• Colorful Seven Magic Mountains: a quick stop with big color in the desert.
• Two nights at Excalibur (or similar): a simple, central place to reset.
• Lots of upgrades, all optional: you can tailor the day to your budget.

Los Angeles to Las Vegas: fast road trip, then real Vegas time

The trip starts with a morning drive out of Los Angeles, aiming to get you to Las Vegas with enough energy left to enjoy the city. Pickup times run early, with multiple Los Angeles-area locations starting around 7:00 AM, plus later options at Irvine, Fountain Valley, and other Orange County/San Gabriel Valley points. In other words: you’re not rolling out at noon. You’re starting the day early and letting the drive do its job.

Once you land in Vegas, your hotel base is Excalibur Hotel & Casino (or a comparable property). You’ll have time to check in, freshen up, and then choose how you want to spend the evening. If you’re the type who likes bright lights right away, you can join a Las Vegas Night Tour (about 3 hours). That add-on includes stops around famous spots like the Mirage volcano and the Bellagio fountains area, with more “Vegas at night” viewing along the way.

If you’d rather keep costs down, you can skip the night tour and just do your own thing in the hotel area. Either way, the first day is more about getting oriented and setting you up for the big canyon day ahead.

Practical tip

If you’re even slightly picky about sleep, plan for an early start on Day 1. This tour is built for movement, not lingering mornings.

Grand Canyon West Rim and Skywalk: the day you’ll remember

Day 2 is the big one: Grand Canyon West Rim. You’ll head out from Las Vegas and spend focused time at the West Rim area. The headline option here is the Skywalk—a glass bridge that lets you look straight down. The ticket for Skywalk is extra ($25), so you can decide on the spot whether you want the thrill or just the canyon views.

There’s also an optional helicopter experience tied to Grand Canyon West Rim—plus a river cruise option. The listed helicopter/river cruise price depends on the date (before 04/01/2025 it’s $299; from 04/01/2025 it’s $319). Helicopter pricing like this usually means a shorter, higher-cost taste of the canyon from above, so you’re trading time on the ground for a more dramatic perspective.

If you’re wondering which option fits you:

• Choose Skywalk if you want a manageable upgrade and you’re excited by the glass-walk feeling.
• Choose helicopter if you want the “wow” factor and don’t mind paying more to add air time.

After the canyon time, you’ll return toward Las Vegas with a major photo stop planned: Hoover Dam. You’re not spending hours there, but the stop is long enough to step out, take pictures, and get a sense of scale—especially with the dam overlooking Lake Mead.

Helicopter/plane weight note (important)

If you’re considering helicopter or any flight-based options, there’s a weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) per person. People over that limit may face extra fees or denied boarding by the operator. If denied for safety reasons, prepaid fees are refunded.

Hoover Dam: short stop, big scale

Hoover Dam is one of those places where even a brief stop feels worthwhile. You get about 30 minutes here, which is basically a “photos + quick look” window. The value isn’t in lingering. It’s in getting that iconic viewpoint on the way between the canyon and the Vegas strip.

What makes this stop practical on a day like Day 2 is that it breaks the drive into two memorable chunks: canyon time first, then dam time on the return. And because it’s included with the day’s plan, you don’t have to figure out timing or transportation once you’re on the bus.

If you care about photos, treat those 30 minutes like a sprint. Have your camera ready before you park, because you’ll be moving in and out quickly.

Las Vegas icons on Day 3: Welcome Signboard, M&M’s, Coca-Cola (yes, really)

Day 3 keeps things light compared with the canyon day, but it still stays structured. The morning focus includes the Las Vegas Welcome Signboard plus visits to M&M’s Las Vegas and the Coca-Cola Store Las Vegas. All of that is included.

There’s also a fun practical detail: you can watch 3D movies in the sweet air. That’s the kind of included add-on that doesn’t require extra planning, and it’s an easy win if you want something different from simply walking the Strip.

You’ll have about 60 minutes for these included stops. That time box can feel short if you love shopping, but it’s enough to do the “I was there” photos and knock out the indoor experiences. If you want more time for browsing, you’ll probably want to plan it with your free time later (like your hotel time if you skip an optional add-on).

Optional add-on: FlyOver Las Vegas

After the stores and signboard time, there’s an optional FlyOver Las Vegas activity (25 minutes). Adult price is $32, with $28 for children under 12. There’s a height requirement: children must be taller than 40 inches, and they must be accompanied by an adult or guardian (14+).

FlyOver is a good fit if you want one more “big experience” without committing to another long drive day. It also helps balance out the day after the very scenic Canyon/Hoover contrast of Day 2.

Seven Magic Mountains and Barstow outlets: where the trip eases up

Once the Vegas icons are done, you’ll head toward Seven Magic Mountains, a quick stop built around seeing those stacked, colorful boulders. You’ll have about 30 minutes here—enough to walk around, get pictures from a few angles, and enjoy the odd, iconic contrast of art-meets-desert.

Then comes the practical finale: Outlets at Barstow. You get about 120 minutes of free time for shopping before you head back toward Los Angeles. This is one of those “use it or lose it” blocks: if you like outlet shopping, you’ll have enough time to actually browse. If you don’t, it still works as a stretch break between the desert stops and the return drive.

Your return timing depends on your pickup point in the Los Angeles/airport/Las Vegas area. There’s a free pickup window at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) around 1:30 PM, and there’s also a listed departure time from The STRAT Hotel at 3:00 PM (with an address on Las Vegas Blvd South).

Small strategy that helps

If you hate rushing at the end of a trip, keep your shopping list in one spot before you arrive at the outlets. That’s how you avoid spending your limited time comparing things one-by-one.

Excalibur stay details: room setup and what it means

Your hotel stay is two nights, with rooms based on what’s available on the day you arrive. Rooms are set up as either two Full/Double beds or one King/Queen bed, depending on availability. The maximum occupancy per room is four people.

That means this tour can work for small groups and families sharing one room, but if you want separate rooms for comfort, you’ll need to book accordingly. If you’re a party of more than four people, you’ll also want separate bookings.

Why this matters for value

When a tour includes hotel nights, your biggest variable becomes room configuration and occupancy. Knowing the max occupancy per room helps you estimate whether the package price is “fair” for your group size or if you’ll end up paying extra for additional rooms.

What’s included vs. what costs extra (and how to budget smart)

This tour includes the big structural pieces: roundtrip transportation, two nights of hotel, a professional tour guide, and key admissions. Included admissions cover:

• Grand Canyon entry fees
• Las Vegas Welcome Signboard entry/experience
• M&M’s Las Vegas and Coca-Cola Store Las Vegas

Lunch is included on Day 2. That’s important because canyon days often swallow your food budget fast when you’re out all day.

Everything else is optional, which is great for flexibility—but it does mean your final cost depends on your choices.

Common add-ons to decide early

• West Rim Skywalk: $25 (extra)
• Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter and river cruise: $299 before 04/01/2025, $319 from 04/01/2025
• Las Vegas Night Tour: $50
• Las Vegas Night Tour with helicopter: $159, with a listed age limit (children must be over 3)
• FlyOver Las Vegas: $32 adult, $28 child under 12 (height rules apply)
• Optional shows (listed as ages 18+): Fantasy show $85; Thunder from Down $90
• David Copperfield -C: adult $50; child under 12 is $39

Budget reality check

The base price is shown as $548 per group (the quote shows capacity as up to 1, so double-check what your checkout screen includes for your party size). With hotel + transportation + most canyon/strip admissions included, the trip can be good value if you treat the pricey experiences as true upgrades—not assumptions.

If you plan to add both Skywalk and helicopter plus FlyOver and a show, you’ll likely spend well beyond the base figure. If you pick just one “big wow” upgrade (either Skywalk or helicopter), the package usually feels more balanced.

Booster seats and kids

If you’re traveling with children under 8, there’s an optional booster seat rental: $10 per child per day, requested when booking.

Timing and pacing: why early starts are part of the deal

This tour is designed around covering multiple major stops in a short window. That means:

• Day 1 begins early out of Los Angeles
• Day 2 is a long travel day with canyon time, Hoover Dam, and the return to Vegas
• Day 3 is structured around included Vegas stops, then Seven Magic Mountains, then outlet time before heading back

You’ll want to go in with the mindset of a “high sights per day” plan. If your dream vacation is slow mornings and long, empty trails, this might feel intense. But if you’re trying to tick off the biggest names—canyon, dam, Strip icons, and a desert art stop—this tour is built for that.

Who should book this 3-day Las Vegas + West Rim trip?

This fits best if you:

• Want to visit Grand Canyon West Rim without dealing with the details of driving and tickets
• Like having the core sights handled for you, with flexibility for upgrades
• Are okay with early starts in exchange for covering more in less time
• Prefer a hotel base that’s easy to access for Vegas walking or quick dinners

It’s also a good match for families who want included Vegas activities and a structured plan, especially because Day 3 includes indoor stops (M&M’s and Coca-Cola Store) that work well if the weather shifts.

Should you book this tour?

If you want a straightforward, guided “Las Vegas + canyon highlights” package with hotel included, this one is worth considering. It’s especially strong if you plan to do at least one canyon upgrade (Skywalk or helicopter) and you’re interested in the included Vegas icons on Day 3.

I’d skip it if you hate a busy schedule or if you know you’ll want lots of free time at each stop. This tour trades unhurried wandering for efficient access to the main sights.

FAQ

Is the hotel included for how many nights?

Yes. Hotel accommodation is included for 2 nights.

What hotel do we stay at?

The stay is at Excalibur Hotel & Casino, or a similar hotel.

Is the Grand Canyon West Rim included?

Yes. Grand Canyon entry fees are included, and the West Rim day includes time at the Grand Canyon West Rim area.

Can I walk on the Skywalk?

You can. West Rim Skywalk is optional and costs $25.

Is helicopter time available?

Yes. A Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter and river cruise option is available as an add-on, with prices listed as $299 before 04/01/2025 and $319 from 04/01/2025. A weight limit of 300 lbs (136 kg) applies.

What’s included on Day 3 in Las Vegas?

The Las Vegas Welcome Signboard and visits to M&M’s Las Vegas and the Coca-Cola Store Las Vegas are included, with 3D movies also mentioned.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included on the second day.

Are there optional Vegas night tours and shows?

Yes. A Las Vegas Night Tour is available for $50, and there’s also a night tour with helicopter for $159. Evening shows listed include Fantasy show ($85), Thunder from Down ($90), and David Copperfield -C (adult $50; child under 12: $39). Some are listed as 18+.

What about FlyOver Las Vegas?

FlyOver Las Vegas is optional. Adult price is $32, and children under 12 are $28. Children must be taller than 40 inches and accompanied by an adult or guardian (14+).

What are the room limits and bed setups?

Rooms are set up based on availability as either two Full/Double beds or one King/Queen bed. Maximum occupancy per room is four people.

Are pickup and drop-off times flexible?

Pickup is included from multiple listed locations with set departure times, and there are also listed pickup/drop-off points in the Las Vegas area such as Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) around 1:30 PM and The STRAT at 3:00 PM. Your exact schedule depends on the selected pickup option.

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