Wake Up in Vegas and Wrap Up Your Trip in Phoenix

Rise and shine! Kick off your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Sadelle's Café. It's a delightful homage to New York's all-day dining scene.
Here you can savour mouthwatering dishes like crispy toasts, fluffy pancakes, and warm bagels, all with an outstanding view of the bustling casino garden.

Make sure to check out and leave the Cosmopolitan by 7:45 a.m. to maximize your time on the road. As you drive through Henderson and enter Boulder City, take a detour to Hemenway Park. At first glance, the small community park, located on the edge of a quiet residential area, is rather standard with picnic areas, a playground and basketball courts. However, it's famous for attracting bighorn sheep from the nearby foothills. The animals roam the grounds to graze on grass. You're even more likely to see them in the morning. Snap as many photos as you like, but don't disturb or confront the mountain sheep. Be respectful. As long as you don't bother them, they won't bother you. The sweeping hillside views of Lake Mead are a nice bonus.

You can get an even better view of Lake Mead from the parking lot of the Boulder Dam Lodge Hotel & Casino. Park in the east lot and look for the sign marking the entrance for the Historic Railroad Trail, a paved beginner-level hike that follows that path once used by trains to supply the workers who built the Hoover Dam.
Your time is limited, so give yourself a half hour to walk the trail and see at least one of the railroad tunnels carved into the mountainside before returning to the Hoover Dam Lodge. You may want to use the restrooms in the lobby and buy a few snacks from the gift shop before continuing on with your trip.

See the Hoover Dam, the 726-foot-tall concrete marvel that closed off the Colorado River to create Lake Mead.
A few different tours are available, but today you'll take a simple self-guided Visitors Center tour, which is next to the dam itself and allows you to view exhibits at your own pace. The true highlight is the upstairs deck, which has sweeping views of the Hoover Dam and is absolutely the best place to snap photos.
Reserve tickets online. A convenient parking garage is next door and requires a fee.

Here's some bad news. You'll lose an hour crossing into Arizona if traveling between early November and mid-March. So make sure to be aware of your time limitations and plan carefulluy.
Have an early dinner at Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman's historic district. The restaurant has a throwback feel with images of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe on the walls along with other kitschy decorations. Feel free to pick out a song on the jukebox. The menu has something for everyone, from burgers and sandwiches to pizzas and pasta. Pretend it's the fifties all over again with a classic milkshake or caramel root beer. If the weather allows it, grab a seat at an outdoor picnic table.
No reservations, but you can call 928-718-0066 with any questions about a wait.

It's a long drive between Kingman and Phoenix. After passing through the historic cowboy town of Wickenburg, this rest stop is a good option for taking a break. It has plenty of parking, clean bathrooms and outdoor areas to stretch your legs. Posted signs have details about wildlife in the area.

You've arrived in Phoenix.