State Route 64 and U.S. 180, north of Williams, Ariz.
It takes a lot to impress Las Vegans, who have grown nonchalant about pirate battles, 200-foot dancing waters and other man-made wonders. So it's a good thing nature put the Grand Canyon nearby -- it can still elicit an honest gasp of astonishment. Sedona, further south of the canyon, makes an artsy second choice and an equally marked contrast to Las Vegas.
Our Pick: GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM
U.S. Alternate 89 and state Route 67, south of Fredonia, Ariz.
We'll just be a little more specific, noting the North Rim is a different drive and a different park, usually a less-crowded one. But it also takes more dedication: Because it's 1,000 feet higher in elevation, that means temperatures are cooler and the lodge is only open from mid-May through late October.
