Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, left, recently gave U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson a tour of the newest section of the Cigar City's Riverwalk, which is funded partly by a federal government grant Nelson helped the city get.en. Bill Nelson shares a moment with Florida resident Annette Zeisler, a 91-year-old World War II Navy nurse who recently traveled back to Washington, D.C., where she had been stationed. She visited the memorial to all those who served, including her brother and the man she married after the war.
Budget a week or more for a driving trip around the Grand Canyon, though it can be done more quickly. Many visitors plan a week touring the canyon itself, but this route takes you through small towns, Native American lands and past Western scenery, so there are plenty of side trips along the way to add to your itinerary.
The driving distance from Las Vegas, Nevada, is 275 miles--about a five-hour drive. The South Rim is the most popular side of the Grand Canyon. It is open year round. The driving distance to the South Rim from Las Vegas, Nevada, is 285 miles--or five hours driving time. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long. Even though the canyon is not very wide, it would take about five hours to drive from rim to rim. Summer temperatures in the canyon can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.