You can do the Grand Canyon in a day from Las Vegas, but it means an early start and a lot of driving. The western area of the Grand Canyon offers some nice scenery, but nothing like what you’ll see at the South Rim. Both the North Rim and the South Rim are about the same distance from Vegas, but the North Rim is closed in the winter.
From Las Vegas take I-93/US93 and cross the Hoover Dam to enter Arizona. At Kingman take I-40 to Williams, then AZ64/US180 to Grand Canyon Village. This is about a five/six hour drive. With an early start this will give you about three/four hours at the rim before sunset. Thats not a lot of time but it will give you an idea of the awesome splendor of the canyon.
Scheduling vacation can be a stressful experience with everyone’s schedules. The South Rim park can be crowded (the North Rim less so), but as long as you are prepared for that (including lots of water and sunscreen) then go for it. People are generally helpful and nice and the park is beautiful year round.
A good hiking option is to use the free shuttle that runs along Hermit Road. It stops at all the major viewpoints, and you can make a combination shuttle ride/hike along the road and trail that follows the rim for 8 miles. Private vehicles aren’t allowed on that portion of the road. The drive out to Desert View Tower and beyond offers up some great views as well.
Don’t miss Sedona and the drive from Flagstaff down 89A to Sedona. The drive from Flaff to Sedona is spectacular and if you have never seen Sedona plan at least one night there. I am a tour guide for the Sedona area and most of the travelers I meet certainly agree that they wouldn’t have missed the Sedona area.
When in Flagstaff you can visit Walnut Tree Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki even the Meteor Crater. All within minutes of Flagstaff. And of course the Granddaddy of them all the Grand Canyon.