Make a pit stop in Boulder City, Nevada, and fuel up with caffeine and calories for a busy day. The Coffee Cup Café is a charming family-owned diner for breakfast and lunch that specializes in omelettes, sandwiches and scratch-made chili.
The quirky dining room is decorated with dollar bills, snow skis, license plates and, in a fun tradition, coffee cups that customers bring from home. If you want to begin the day with something stronger than a hot cup of java, the café is also known for its homemade Bloody Mary cocktails. You can even buy the mix to go.

Before you reach the Grand Canyon, make a detour to visit another iconic landmark. The Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s, creating Lake Mead and setting the stage for the modern version of Las Vegas we know today.
The Hoover Dam is an imposing sight that's best enjoyed with an official tour. Travel through the dam's tunnels and take an elevator ride to the top of the towering concrete structure, while also catching views of the same Colorado River that runs through the Grand Canyon. Buy tickets at the official visitors center, which also offers a great vantage point for snapping photos of the dam.

As far as road trips go, the journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is a relatively uneventful drive once you're past the Hoover Dam and Boulder City. That's one of the reasons the Joshua Tree Forest is such a welcome sight. It isn't large, but the park has a more dense and photogenic collection of Joshua Trees than the more famous ones in California.
Pull over and follow a marked trail for a free self-guided tour of the forest. It's considered bad form to stray from the path and cut through the trees, so take your time and enjoy the views. Many of the trees are up to 200 years old.

You've arrived at Grand Canyon West, Nevada! After parking, you'll explore the West Rim's attractions on foot or by shuttle bus (included in the price of admission).
Soak in the views of the Grand Canyon at Eagle Point, where the rocks form an image of an eagle's wings outstretched. Take part in walking tours, view exhibits and visit a gift shop that celebrates the culture and history of the Hualapai Native Americans who oversee and maintain the West Rim.
You'll also want to visit Hualapai Ranch, which is like a small Wild West town with cowboy-style entertainment and Guano Point. It requires a short hike, but visitors are rewarded with incredible 360-degree views and a unique look at the remains of an old tram system that was once part of a failed attempt at mining in the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon West is most famous for the Skywalk, a circular glass-bottom bridge that extends 70 feet over the canyon and loops back around. It's not for the faint of heart, as you can see straight through the floor you stand on to the canyon floor 4,000 feet below. Just know admission requires an additional entrance fee, and you're not allowed to take your own photos. However, you can pay for ones taken by a professional.
Burgers and other bites are available at the adjacent Skyview Restaurant. The menu is small, but the dining room has large windows overlooking the canyon. It's the best option for grabbing a quick bite on the West Rim.

Thrillseekers will also want to ride the Grand Canyon West Zipline, which includes two runs over smaller side canyons. The first extends a little more than 1,000 feet. The second is roughly twice as long. Both have four side-by-side ziplines, allowing friends and family members to travel at the same time. The speed reaches up to 40 miles per hour and while scary at first, the ride brings a certain sense of calm and serenity to the majestic Grand Canyon experience.
Visit the Grand Canyon West website to further plan a visit and buy tickets for general admission, the Skywalk and the Zipline in advance.

As you head back toward Las Vegas, you'll pass through Henderson, Nevada. Visit the city's historic Water Street District, which is thriving after a major rejuvenation in recent years. There are new breweries, bars, and restaurants in the neighborhood to complement the locals-focused casinos and a large plaza for outdoor events.
You've built up a large appetite after a day at the Grand Canyon, so have dinner at Juan's Flaming Fajitas. The Vegas-born concept serves margaritas and a variety of Mexican cuisine. The signature fajitas are served table side in custom cast-iron pans that allow air to circulate easily to heat and simmer the meats and vegetables inside. The best seats are on the patio overlooking Water Street.