Pack your hiking boots, sunscreen and selfie stick. You’re going to need all of them for what promises to be your Best. Week. Ever.
If you have seven full days to explore the star attractions of the area of the American Southwest known as the Grand Circle, you already know how lucky you are. What you may not know is which order to visit them in, how many days to spend at each place, and what you can do there. Well, grab your tablet, phone or – gasp! – pen and paper, sit back and relax and get ready to start planning the ultimate 7-day vacation to the Grand Canyon and beyond!
Before we dive into it, there are a few things to keep “front and center” in your mind:
- Since Las Vegas, NV is a popular “jumping off” point for a good majority of travelers to this area, this itinerary will be based on the assumption that you’re staging your trip from there as well.
- Buses, trains and other mass transit options are scarce to non-existent in this part of the country, therefore, this will be a self-drive itinerary. Click here if driving is not an option.
- Speaking of driving, drive times are on the long side. That’s how we roll in this part of the country, and you should be ready to do so as well. You’ll also notice that we give rather wide variations on drive time estimates. The first number is an estimate for “direct drive,” which rarely happens. You always have to factor in bathroom breaks, meal stops, and the inevitable “oh, wow, look at that!” moment.
- Grand Canyon South Rim lodging will be the most time-sensitive element of your trip plans. Hotel availability in this National Park should be the “lynchpin” around which your plans revolve, and evolve. Though this itinerary will go off the assumption that it will be the first stop on your tour, be prepared to hit these attractions in reverse order should Grand Canyon hotels be fully booked for the first part of your trip. Don’t worry, you’ll still have a great time!
- This itinerary includes several National Parks which charge anywhere from $20-$30 per vehicle to enter. Save money and time by purchasing the “America The Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.” For just $80, this handy little card grants you access to all National Parks, Monuments and other Federal Fee Areas for 1 year’s time. Exclusions: Native American Tribal Parks such as Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, the Little Colorado River Overlook, Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks. Pre-order online (allow 6-8 weeks for processing) or simply purchase it in-person at the first National Park you visit.
- Book everything in advance, and we do mean everything, especially if your visit will take place during the peak visitation times, which is typically between March and November. Hotels, tours, dinners at higher-end restaurants, all should be prearranged. You can’t just “wing it” and hope for the best. Trust us, we live here.
Here’s how we’re breaking down your week:
- Day 1 – Las Vegas to Grand Canyon
- Day 2 – Grand Canyon to Monument Valley
- Day 3 & 4 – Page/Lake Powell
- Day 5 – Bryce Canyon
- Day 6 & 7 – Zion National Park
So let’s do this!
Day 1
Morning: Drive from Las Vegas, NV to Grand Canyon South Rim: 
driving time – 4.5-6.5 hours.*
Head Southeast on US93. With an early enough start, you might stop at Hoover Dam, tour the visitor’s center and watch a short film presentation on the construction of this enormous yet elegant structure that made the West what it is today. If making good time is your first priority, proceed directly over the Pat Tillman-Mike O’Callaghan Memorial Bridge and enjoy the view of Hoover Dam from a lofty perch of 900’ above the bedrock!
Continue South to Kingman, AZ and head East on I-40. If you’re getting hungry at this point, Kingman has a good number of restaurants to choose from. Mr. D’s Route 66 Diner is a favorite in this area for its retro decor and hearty Mexican and American fare. You might also use this opportunity to stop into a grocery store, purchase a small cooler and stock up on supplies for a rimside picnic at the Grand Canyon. More on that later.
In Williams, AZ, head North on AZ64. Train, history or Route 66 buffs may also enjoy a stop in this Grand Canyon gateway community that is home base of the Grand Canyon Railway.
3 miles South of the entrance gate of Grand Canyon South Rim is the small town of Tusayan, AZ, also known as Grand Canyon Village South. Here you can stop and see the world-famous IMAX film presentation, “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” or do a little shopping before you head into the park.
Upon arrival at Grand Canyon South Rim, stop at the Canyon View Information Plaza located near Mather Point. Browse the informational displays to learn more about how the canyon was formed, talk with a helpful park ranger on how to make the most of your time at the South Rim, or hop on the free Village Loop Shuttle and tour the Grand Canyon Village Historic District. Don’t forget to grab that cooler and sandwich fixins you bought earlier. Park restaurants tend to get crazy at mid-day, so better to enjoy a relaxing “al fresco” lunch than to waste valuable sightseeing time waiting for a table at a restaurant.
Early afternoon: check into your Grand Canyon hotel and do a little decompressing from the day’s drive and activities. Not ready to downshift? Take in more Grand Canyon views on the free Hermit’s Rest/West Rim (Red) shuttle (or self-drive the route if you’re visiting between December 1st and February 28th), walk the easy paved Canyon Rim Trail, or get a taste of the inner canyon with a short hike on the Bright Angel Trail. If you take us up on the latter, remember to double your time down as your estimated time to hike back out. 30 minutes down = 60 minutes out. Water and sun protection must also be carried.
Sunset: be somewhere – anywhere – on the canyon rim! Try to get to your chosen spot 30 minutes prior to sunset, and remain for another 30 minutes afterward to experience the full range of light changes, and the best photo ops. Popular viewpoints for Grand Canyon sunset viewing include, but are not limited to:
- Hopi Point (accessible only by the Hermit’s Rest/Red Line shuttle bus March 1st-November 30th)
- Yavapai Point
- Mather Point
- Yaki Point (accessible only by the Kaibab/Orange shuttle bus)
- Moran Point
- Lipan Point
For dinner, choose from one of six restaurants within Grand Canyon Village, the deli at Grand Canyon Market Plaza, or the diverse array of options in Tusayan/Grand Canyon Village South.
In the course of your trip plans, you may have heard that dinner at El Tovar Hotel is a culinary don’t-miss, and you’d have heard right! Reservations are required for lunch and dinner can be made 30+ days out for guests of El Tovar and other Xanterra properties. Guests at non-Xanterra properties may book within 30 days of their stay. Click here for contact information. If the prospect of lunch or dinner here doesn’t appeal or work out, breakfast at El Tovar is just as memorable and seated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Day 2
Sunrise: If you missed sunset the night before, or even if you didn’t, greet your day in “grand” style by witnessing sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Like the sunset, there’s no such thing as a “bad” place to be for sunrise, but there’s no denying that the best views are on the Desert View/East Rim Drive, which you’ll be conveniently passing through on your way to your next destination: Monument Valley!
Morning: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Monument Valley, UT: Drive time: 3-5 hours
Note that the Navajo Indian Reservation observes Daylight Saving Time whereas the remainder of Arizona does not. You will “lose” an hour traveling from Grand Canyon South Rim to Monument Valley.
Head due East on AZ64 toward Cameron, AZ. Time permitting, stop at:
- Grandview Point (the author’s personal favorite for sunrise!)
- Navajo Point
- Zuni Point
- Moran Point
- Lipan Point
- Desert View Watchtower
Upon exiting the park, you’ll be on Navajo Indian Tribal Lands. A stop at the Little Colorado River Overlook will give you a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the Colorado River ecosystem, and its spiritual significance to the native peoples of this area.
Visit the Historic Cameron Trading Post at the junction of AZ64 and US89 for a bathroom break/leg stretch, or breakfast. The Navajo Taco with an egg on top must be seen (and eaten) to be believed! Don’t be surprised, or concerned, if you end up with leftovers. Remember that cooler you bought? Grab a to-go box and enjoy your leftovers as a snack later on.
Head north on US89 for a short distance, then turn off on US160 East toward Tuba City and Kayenta. Time permitting, you might stop at the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks just West of Tuba City. One of the largest sites of its kind in the world, you can see clearly where a three-toed dinosaur left its indelible mark in the sandstone millions of years ago.
In the mood for some hiking? Make a detour off US160 to AZ564 and visit Navajo National Monument. A 2.5-mile round-trip hike up the Sandal Trail (no, that doesn’t mean you should wear sandals on it!) rewards you with a bird’s eye view of the Betatakin/Talastima cliff dwelling complex, one of the most sophisticated and well-preserved examples of Ancestral Puebloan architecture in the Southwest.
Continue East-Northeast to Kayenta, AZ, then proceed due North on US163 toward Monument Valley. Time permitting, and/or if you’re craving a Whopper®, stop at the Kayenta Burger King and learn more about the Navajo Code Talkers, a group of 29 soldiers who used their native language to help the U.S. transmit coded messages that were virtually indecipherable to Japanese and German radio operators during World War II. Featuring authentic artifacts and first-hand accounts, the Navajo Code Talkers’ Exhibit is regarded as one of the best and most comprehensive exhibits on the subject matter in Northern Arizona – and it’s free, how cool is that? Other local restaurants include but are not limited to:
- Amigo Cafe
- Reuben Heflin (in the Hampton Inn)
- Blue Coffee Pot
- Pizza Edge
Early afternoon: arrive in Monument Valley. **Note that effective 2022, entrance tickets for self-driving the 17-mile scenic loop drive must be purchased in advance*** Stop at the Tribal Park Visitor’s Center and take in the iconic views of Merrick Butte and the Mittens. One look at this dramatic panorama and you’ll know why movie producers fell in love with this area! The displays here will inform you about how these formations were made, and acquaint you with the traditional “Blessing Way” lifestyle observed by many residents of this area. If you’ve followed our advice at the beginning of this article, you’ll have purchased a Tribal Park Entrance Ticket (link provided above) OR made advance reservations for a guided tour of Monument Valley. If not, the staff at the Visitors Center can advise you about available options and make bookings for you.
Monument Valley Guided Tours:
- Monument Valley Safari, LLC ph. 435-220-0539
- Three Sister Navajo Guided Tours ph. 602-327-2472
- Blackwater Tours ph. 928-429-1479
- Monumental Tours ph. 435-444-9529
- Tinhorn Tours ph. 928-383-0783
- MV Dineh Bekeyah Tours ph. 928-409-0088
- MV Twin Warriors Tours ph. 928-429-8628
- Sandstone Tours ph. 435-200-5450
- Monument Valley Rain God Mesa Tours ph. 928-606-9422
Check into your Monument Valley hotel, relax or enjoy dinner at your hotel’s on-site restaurant, or one of the local spots in Mexican Hat, UT or Kayenta, AZ.
Day 3
Morning: rise early, eat a good breakfast, and enjoy a guided tour of Monument Valley. The valley interior can only be accessed by a 17-mile dirt road. Though private vehicles are allowed to drive on this road by advance purchase of an entrance ticket, the practice is discouraged, especially for those driving rental cars. Car rental contracts expressly forbid off-road driving and any damage sustained by disobeying this rule will be your responsibility. A guided tour is not only safer, but will be more informative and memorable since they are conducted by local Navajo guides.
Depending on your traveling party, personal preference, physical fitness, interests and budget, you can choose from:
- Guided jeep or 4×4 tours
- Horseback rides
- Guided hikes
Tour durations vary from 2 hours to all day. Horseback tours are typically conducted on gentle trail horses walking nose-to-tail; age and weight requirements may apply. Hiking tours may require previous desert hiking experience and may not be suitable for younger children. Click here for more information on guided Monument Valley Tours.
Late morning/early afternoon: Drive from Monument Valley, UT to Page, AZ – Drive time: 2-3 hours.
Note: Page, Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. You will “gain” an hour as you pass from the Navajo Reservation to Page, AZ. Even though Antelope Canyon is situated on Navajo Indian Tribal Land, most Antelope Canyon tour operators go by Mountain Standard Time for the convenience of Page visitors.
From Monument Valley, UT, head South on US163, West on US160, then Northwest on US98. Unfortunately – or fortunately, depending on your point of view – this stretch of road doesn’t offer much in the way of points of interest to stop at, until you hit Antelope Canyon Navajo Tribal Park just outside of Page, AZ. This world-famous slot canyon is on the “must-do” list for 99.99999% of travelers to Northern Arizona. Consequently, it’s become very popular. Advance reservations for tours is a must!
From the Tribal Park Entrance gate on US98, you can tour Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon, or both. Lower is the more physical of the two, requiring some stair climbing and mild boulder scrambling. Upper is mostly a cakewalk, 100 yards of flat, easy trail, punctuated by some areas of deep sugar sand depending on weather conditions at the time of your visit. ***Effective July 2021, all passengers are required to walk a 1/4-mile long network of metal walkways from the exit of the canyon back to the tour vehicle parking area. Video***
Though mid-day is considered “prime time” to tour these canyons, there is no such thing as a bad time to visit. Touring Antelope Canyon during the later afternoon or earlier in the morning has several advantages. The shapes and colors of the canyon walls are still beautiful, morphing into richer, deeper hues as the sun sinks lower in the sky. The biggest plus is not paying “prime time” ticket prices.
Allow 90-minutes to 2 hours to experience each side of Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon Tour Reservations
If all that walking has made you hungry, take a late lunch or early dinner at the Sandbar, a lakeside restaurant in the Antelope Point Marina complex, or pick up some hand-made sandwiches for another “al fresco” picnic lunch from the Deli at Big Lake Trading Post.
Late afternoon: After touring Antelope Canyon, head West on US98 to US89 and turn left. Between mile markers 544 and 545 you’ll see signage for the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, another natural wonder that has helped put this corner of Northern Arizona “on the map.”
A .6 mile walk on a dirt trail will take you to a stunning view of a hairpin turn of the Colorado River, or an “entrenched meander” in geologist-speak. Be sure to allow 60-90 minutes to enjoy the view, maybe even take in the sunset (or a few bites of your sandwiches from Big Lake), but be sure to keep children and pets under control at all times. There are no guardrails here and it’s a long drop to the river! Also, remember to pack out your trash. “Leave no trace” is your M.O. for this trip.
Though manageable for most people in good physical condition, the uphill incline at the beginning of the Horseshoe Bend Overlook trail may be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. Tips for those unable to walk to Horseshoe Bend. This area is also completely exposed to the elements, so water, hats and sunscreen should be carried with you.
Evening: Check in at your hotel in Page, AZ, get a good night’s rest, or a good dinner at one of many quality Page, AZ restaurants.
Day 4
Sunrise (optional): Does your day back home usually start with a brisk walk or jog to get the motor running? Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you have to take a vacation from your fitness regimen. Here, you can get some exercise and do a little sightseeing on the Page Rim View Trail. Popular with local walkers, runners and cyclists, this unpaved trail makes a 10-mile circuit around Manson Mesa, Page’s original townsite. Most adults and children who are at least moderately fit report enjoying this walk that offers beautiful views of Lake Powell (but no lake access). Springtime visitors are treated to a visual bonus of desert wildflowers in bloom. Once on the trail, you aren’t committed to doing the full 10 miles! There are several paths back to “civilization” you can take if you wish. Keep in mind it is completely exposed to the elements, so bring water, wear sunscreen, and of course, appropriate walking or running shoes.
Your day is going to be busy, and a good breakfast will keep your energy up. Select Page, AZ hotel room rates include continental or cooked-to-order breakfast. Guests at vacation homes or repurposed apartments can do their own cooking. Groceries can be purchased at Super Wal-Mart or Safeway. Hot & Sweet Coffee & Donuts, the Ranch House Grille, and Canyon Crepes are among Page’s most popular breakfast stand-bys.
Option 1 – 6.30 AM: Check in for the Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip. This scenic raft trip travels 15 miles down a flat stretch of the Colorado River, through Glen Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Suitable for children 4 and up, rafts launch from the base of the mighty Glen Canyon Dam. At Petroglyph Beach, you can take a cool dip in the river, and ponder the meanings of carvings in the canyon walls left by Ancestral Puebloan people thousands of years ago. This is also the perfect time to enjoy a snack or bag lunch from one of the local grocery stores or restaurants. After disembarking from the your river raft, a motorcoach will pick you up at Historic Lees Ferry, and bring you back to Page at approximately 11:30 AM.
After lunch, or a quick bite, drive to the Glen Canyon Dam & Steel Arch Bridge to peer 700′ down to the base of the dam. Then head over to the Hanging Garden Trail for an easy and scenic hike to a stalwart colony of plants and flowers, eking out a life off the precious drops of water provided by a nearby underground seep.
Option 2 – 7:00 AM: Check in for the Antelope Canyon Waterside Kayak or Paddleboard Tour at Antelope Point Marina. This 4.5-hour excursion will take you to where Antelope Canyon joins with Lake Powell. Paddle and hike with a knowledgeable local guide as you explore beautiful sandstone canyon walls on sapphire blue water.
**This tour is open to both kayakers and paddleboarders. It covers approximately 2.5 miles (5 miles round trip) to the waterline, from there you hike through the NPS section of Antelope Canyon (approximately 2 miles round trip). Due to the distance and physical requirements, this tour is not for beginner paddleboarders. Kayak experience is helpful but not necessary.***
Afterwards, everything from light appetizers and custom coffee beverages to gourmet entrees with a world-class wine list can be had at Antelope Point Marina, in the town of Page, AZ, or one of five on-site dining outlets at Lake Powell Marina. Wherever you decide to go, the food is bound to be delicious, and the view might be pretty tasty as well!
Relax and reflect on your day’s discoveries back at your hotel, shop for mementos of your visit, or check out your options for dinner. Those with energy to burn later might take the short drive off the mesa to the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, also known as the “White House” overlook, or put on your dancing shoes and cut a rug to some great local bands at Gone West Family Restaurant (formerly Ken’s Old West), the Dam Bar, or State 48 Tavern before hitting the hay.
Day 5
Early morning: Drive from Page, AZ to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT – Drive time: 2.5-4.5 hours
Note: Utah does observe Daylight Saving Time, whereas Arizona does not. You will “lose” an hour traveling from Arizona to Utah during DST.
Grab a breakfast burrito or bagel and cream cheese from your hotel’s continental breakfast spread and hit the road for Bryce Canyon. A straight-through drive is unlikely to happen as there are several points of interest to stop at along the way, including, but not limited to:
- The “New Wave:” just past the Glen Canyon Dam and opposite the Lake Powell Resort turn-off on US89 is an unmarked road to a small cluster of rock formations that bear an uncanny resemblance to “The Wave.” Unlike the “Old” Wave, the “New Wave” doesn’t require a permit, or charge admission. Because the road is not regularly maintained, it does wash out occasionally. If signage states “no admittance,” you’ll have to skip it.
- The Big Water Visitor Center: 15 miles Northwest of Page, AZ and just over the Utah border on US89, this unassuming facility offers up some impressive surprises, such as dinosaur bones excavated locally, a topographical relief map of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and paleontology and geology displays kids and adults will love.
- The Paria Rimrocks-Toadstools Trail: Between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT on US89 between mile markers 18 and 19 is a 1.5 mile round-trip trail leading to an unearthly rock garden where bizarre hoodoos, balanced rocks and other geological oddities grow. A moderate walk, don’t stop at what appears to be the end of the trail; the main hoodoo area is located up a short rock scramble.
- Kanab, Utah: a charming small town with a star-crossed path of a different sort, Kanab was once a popular site for Western movies and television shows. These days, tourism gets top billing on the economic marquee. A good stop for shopping or dining, the Rocking V Cafe and Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant are popular among locals and visitors.
Option 1 – 1:30 PM UTAH TIME (12:30 PM Arizona Time): Check in at the Bryce Canyon Lodge for your horseback ride to the very bottom of Bryce Canyon! From Sunrise Point, well-trained trail horses will descend into the canyon as local cowboys orient you to the compelling history and fascinating geology of Bryce Canyon. Go ahead and bring your cameras, because you will be able to take pictures and experience the Canyon at your fingertips on this ride that is safe for people of all riding experience levels, even none at all! Bryce Canyon Horseback Riding Reservations
Option 2 – 1:30 PM UTAH TIME (12:30 PM Arizona Time): Take the free National Park Service tour to Rainbow Point. From Rainbow Point and its “neighbor” Yovimpa Point, you can see a good portion of Bryce Canyon to the North as well as some impressive cliff formations and hoodoo structures in the distance. You can board the buses at any one of six shuttle stops:
- Ruby’s Inn
- Ruby’s Campground
- Shuttle Parking and Boarding Area (across the street from Ruby’s Inn)
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- North Campground
- Sunset Campground
The tour consists of approximately eight stops at scenic viewpoints in the southern section of the park. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring lunch, snacks, water, etc. Reservations are required and can be made in advance by calling 435-834-5290 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM local time.
Option 3 – 2:30 PM UTAH TIME (1:30 PM Arizona Time): Check in at the Bryce Canyon Car Care Center (Sinclair Station) for a guided ATV ride. In just one hour, you’ll experience the lesser known areas of Bryce Canyon in a manner that’s fun, exciting and best of all, very safe. This guided ride on well-maintained ATV’s will get your blood pumping, while providing you with views of a primeval alpine landscape, and Bryce Canyon itself. Bryce Canyon ATV Tour information
Enjoy dinner at Bryce Canyon Lodge or one of the dining establishments at Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon City, or nearby Tropic, Utah before retiring for the night and getting a good rest before the next day’s adventures!
IMPORTANT: PLEASE TAKE THE ROUTE FROM PAGE TO BRYCE CANYON MARKED IN BLUE! THE ROUTE MARKED IN GRAY IS AN UNPAVED, INCONSISTENTLY MAINTAINED ROAD THAT IS PRONE TO WASH-OUTS, ROCK FALLS AND OTHER WEATHER RELATED DAMAGE. TAKING A RENTAL CAR ON THIS ROUTE WILL VOID YOUR RENTAL INSURANCE AND YOU COULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE SUSTAINED.
Day 6
After breakfast, explore Bryce Canyon a bit more before going on to Zion National Park.
Option 1 – Ride the free hop-on/hop-off park shuttle to some of the viewpoints you might have missed on your first day here. The voluntary shuttle can be picked up at the shuttle station north of the park, or at Ruby’s Inn and the Grand Hotel. It then stops at:
- Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
- Sunset Campground (Southbound/does not enter campground)
- Bryce Point
- Inspiration Point
- Sunset Campground (Northbound/on main road/does not enter campground)
- Sunset Point
- Bryce Canyon Lodge
- Sunrise Point (General Store & High Plateau Inst. are nearby)
- Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
Option 2 – Take one of several easy but spectacular hikes along the canyon rim, such as:
- Mossy Cave (.8 mi / 1.3 km round trip) – a streamside walk up to a mossy overhang and small waterfall
- Sunset Point to Sunrise Point Trail (1 mi / 1.6 km round trip) – see the amphitheater and its hoodoos via a paved and fairly level trail
- Bristlecone Loop (1.0 mi / 1.6 km round trip) – a hike through a spruce-fir forests to bristlecone pine-adorned cliffs and canyon vistas
- Queens Garden (1.8 mi / 2.9 km round trip) – the least difficult trail into the canyon, featuring ‘Queen Victoria’ (use your imagination) at the end of a short spur trail
Option 3 – Take one of several moderate scenic hikes into the canyon:
- Navajo Trail (1.3 mi / 2.2 km round trip) – this trail begins at Sunset Point and goes through a slot canyon where tall Douglas Firs reach skyward in a quest for sunlight and water, ending down in Bryce Amphitheater
- Tower Bridge (3 mi / 4.8 km round trip) – ancient Bristlecone Pines and the China Wall whet your appetite for the 1/4-mile shaded spur trail leading to the Tower Bridge formation
- Hat Shop (4 mi / 6.4 km round trip) – observe a cluster of balanced-rock hoodoos after the descent to the Under-the-Rim Trail; not for visitors with bad knees
Note: what goes down must come up! Remember to double your hiking down time in order to calculate your hiking out time (1 hour down = 2 hours out) if you venture onto inner canyon trails. Adequate footwear, sun protection and water must be brought on any of the listed hikes.
Grab lunch to go (remember, you have that cooler!), then drive to Springdale, Utah: 2-3.5 hours
Afternoon: check into your Springdale, UT, hotel, take the free Springdale shuttle, then transfer to the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Shuttle (mandatory for those not staying at in-park lodging) to the Zion Human History Museum. Here, you can get an excellent “pre-trip briefing” on the scenery and sanctuary that have made Zion National Park so famous. A free 20-minute video provides an overview of activities and park facilities, plus rangers are on hand to answer any questions you might have.
Get back on the shuttle and head up to Zion Lodge. Even those that are not staying at the historic hotel are welcome to stroll the grounds, dine at the on-site restaurants, or rent bikes for one hour or a full day from Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the authorized in-park concessioner. But as they say, the best things in life are free, and one of the best things about Zions is that the most fun can be had without spending a penny, in the form of hikes ranging in difficulty from “easy-peasy” to “are-you-kidding-me?” One of our favorites is the Upper Emerald Pools trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike requiring some uphilll walking, leads to a picturesque waterfall and pond. Swimming is not allowed, but generations of families have enjoyed this iconic Zion Canyon trail for many years. The Riverside Walk, also known as the “Gateway to the Narrows,” is an easy, scenic walk from the Temple of Sinawava to the shores of the Virgin River. Wear Tevas, Chacos or other footwear that hold up to water, but are still good for hiking. You’ll definitely want to get your feet wet! Easy Zion National Park Hikes
Head back to Springdale, UT for dinner. Restaurants are plentiful here, so choosing might be hard, but enjoying your meal won’t be. Get some sleep, and be down for some serious adventure in the morning!
Day 7
Option 1 – Hike the Narrows. This is the hike to take in Zion National Park for the ultimate bragging rights. Traversing a cool riverbed through a narrow slot canyon, a hike in the Narrows can be virtually whatever you want to make of it: a quick hour’s jaunt to get your feet wet (pardon the pun), or a 10-mile round-trip all day slog. Doing the hike from the “bottom up” (from the Temple of Sinawava as far as Big Spring) does not require a permit and is therefore the easier way to go; the “top down” approach (from Chamberlain Ranch to TOS) does require a permit, and more in the way of advanced planning. Don’t want to do any planning at all? Hire a licensed guide to hike the Narrows and let them do all that for you! Caution: The Narrows are subject to flash flood dangers, especially during the monsoon season of late July – early September. It may be closed to hikers during this or any other timeframe, or in weather conditions determined to be dangerous.
Option 2 – Hike to Angel’s Landing. This is the grand-daddy of all Zion National Park hikes, which effective 04/01/22, will require a permit obtained 3 months in advance through an online lottery held on Recreation.gov. It’s not for the faint of heart, out-of-shape, or terrified of heights. Don’t believe us? A few people have fallen off the trail. We’ll just leave that there. Named for a terminus that evoked images of an angel landing on the head of a pin, Angel’s Landing is not a super-long hike (5 miles round-trip), but it’s a strenuous one on a steep uphill grade. Chains are placed on either side of the trail to aid those who might need extra leverage on the section between the Hogsback to the Landing. For those who initially think they might be able to handle it, but change their minds midway, Walter’s Wiggles makes for a good turn-around point. The trail begins and ends at the Grotto in Zion Canyon. Do your research, watch YouTube videos, and do more research before you commit to this hike. As with all hikes in the Southwest U.S., water and snacks should be brought, and appropriate broken-in footwear worn.
Option 3 – Take a spa day. Prefer an activity for your last day of touring that’s a little more kickback and relax-y and a little less huffy and puffy? Book a massage, rejuvenating facial, aromatherapy, or any number of therapeutic indulgences at one of several day spas in Springdale, UT. Your hotel may even have a spa right on the property!
Option 4 – Go horseback riding. Rides of one and three hours in length show you natural wonders of Zion National Park both out in the open, and behind the scenes such as the Three Patriarchs, the Beehives, and beautiful cactus gardens. The 1 hour ride (open to children 7 and up) follows the Virgin River to the Court of the Patriarchs and back to the loading corral. For those more adventurous (and at least 10 years old) the three-hour trip will take you around the Sandbench Trail, gradually ascending 500,’ culminating with a breath-taking view of the Southern portion of Zion National Park. Advance reservations strongly recommended. Book a Zion National Park Horseback Ride.
Go back to your hotel, and if it has a hot tub, enjoy a nice long soak, order in for dinner, then rest up for the 2.5 hour drive back to Las Vegas.
Like the sound of this, or did we leave anything out? Feel free to leave us a comment below. And remember, your experiences – the good, the bad and the ugly – will always be of help to future travelers in the area. Travel-related sites like TripAdvisor, Frommer’s, Fodors, even Facebook and Instagram love trip reports. Don’t forget to post one when you get back home!
413 Responses
We just followed your plan and had an amazing vacation! COVID forced us to make some changes in our original reservations , but we were able to follow the general plan and make some adjustments. We made many of the stops on the way from place to place and loved them! Thank you so much for putting this together🤗🤗
Hi Lauri,
Wow, thank you so much for those lovely compliments! Glad you were able to make adjustments due to COVID-19 but that they did not negatively impact your visit. Hope you get a chance to return to the American Southwest when this dang bug has run its course and hit the attractions you might have missed.
Take care and have a wonderful summer,
Alley 🙂
Alley – Thank you so much for all of this information ! All of this information inspired me to plan a trip several months ago. Unfortunately because of covid-19 I have had to push it back twice, and now as Lauri is pointing out I will have to make some changes. I replied to her previously since she had just been there, but can you give any information regarding the covid-19 shutdowns ? Will I be able to access Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon areas now that tours are not available ? I was also thinking of adding Escalante after Bryce, and before Zion. Anything you can tell me about that would be appreciated. Sorry for writing this reply again, I made some mistakes in my previous reply and wanted to correct them and couldn’t edit that reply.
Hi Vincent!
I’m so sorry that COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into your vacation plans.
In answers to your questions regarding access to Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, the 17-mile loop drive through Monument Valley Tribal Park is closed. Attempting to access it yourself could result in a fine, or even arrest and imprisonment. One potential saving grace, however, is the Goulding’s Lodge has managed to stay open, with special provisions in place, one of which is the ability to run tours on modified routes. Goulding’s Lodge is located about 2.5 hours’ drive (one way) from Page, AZ.
Honestly, though, I wouldn’t even recommend doing that. The Navajo Tribe, if they had their ‘druthers, would have all outsiders/non-reservation residents avoid the area altogether. The best way to see Monument Valley under these circumstances would be to fly over it. Fixed wing airplanes and some helicopters can be chartered out of the Page Municipal Airport. The typical Monument Valley Air Tour lasts ~90 minutes, and enables you to see other sights virtually inaccessible to vehicular or foot traffic.
The Antelope Canyons are completely off-limits at this time. Here again, attempting to access them yourself constitutes trespassing, and all that that implies. We recommend you consider alternatives such as Red Canyon/aka Peek-A-Boo Canyon in Kanab, UT, or Wire Pass/Buckskin Gulch near Paria, UT. With twists and turns on par with the Antelope Canyons, Peek-A-Boo Canyon offers a short but memorable walk featuring classic slot canyon scenery (including the occasional light beams in the summertime), as well as some unique features such as ancient “moqui” steps, and “Shaman’s Needle,” a pencil-thin stone column located in a small sub-drainage near the canyon’s entrance. While a guided tour is not required to get to Peek-A-Boo, we strongly recommend that you take one anyway. While the walk through the canyon itself is usually not difficult, the drive to get there can be. 4WD vehicles with adequate clearance are a definite must, with tire pressure lowered to accommodate deep sand. Even then, people still get stuck. If you’re driving a rental car, forget it! You will void your insurance the minute your tires part with the pavement, which means you’d be on the hook for a very expensive rescue, should you need one, and have to foot the bill for any damage you’d sustain. Reputable tour companies that can get you to Peek-A-Boo Canyon are:
– Dreamland Safari Tours, (435) 412-1790, http://www.dreamlandtours.net
– TC Tours, (435) 668-5262, http://www.slotcanyontourskanab.com
– Kanab Tour Company, (435) 644-5525, http://www.kanabtourcompany.com
– Forever Adventure Tours, 435-644-5700, http://www.foreveradventuretours.com
– Grand Circle Tours, (928) 691-0166, http://www.vermilioncliffs.net
If you prefer something more rugged, Wire Pass Canyon is a photogenic two-part slot canyon that is short enough for intermediate-level hikers to enjoy, yet offers the option to delve further into Buckskin Gulch for those wanting more of a challenge. The walk to the entrance of the initial slot is via a typically dry streambed, which may feature deep sand. An 8-10’ drop a short distance into the slot canyon is one reason why Wire Pass Canyon may not be appropriate for those traveling with young children, the elderly, or individuals afraid of heights. As the canyon walls become higher and closer together, they suddenly open up as the second slot connects with the Buckskin Gulch. If you’ve had enough at this point, you can simply turn around and head back to your vehicle. If you’d like to explore further, you can easily make a half-day hike out of the immediate area around the confluence with the Buckskin. Look for some bighorn sheep petroglyphs dating back hundreds, maybe thousands of years! Access to Wire Pass Canyon and the Buckskin Gulch is off US89 between Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT, on the House Rock Valley Road. Hikers are required to pay a self-permitting fee at the kiosk by the trailhead. Fair warning: the House Rock Valley Road is unpaved! While it is accessible to 2WD vehicles much of the time, if recent weather has brought any moisture whatsoever, the HRVR can turn into a muddy, impassable mess. Parties in rental cars should think twice about attempting this road since off-road driving is strictly prohibited by most rental car companies. A guided tour will get your family to Wire Pass Canyon and back in one piece, and turn you onto features you might have missed trying to find your own way. Page, AZ, and Kanab, UT based companies offering guided tours to Wire Pass Canyon and the Buckskin Gulch include:
– Detours American West, 480-633-9013, http://www.detoursamericanwest.com
– Paria Outpost & Outfitters, 928-691-1047, http://www.paria.com
– Grand Staircase Discovery Tours, 928-614-4099, http://www.grandstaircasediscoverytours.com
If you wish to add Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to your itinerary, you’ll drive by the outer edges of it between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, and/or Zion National Park to Page, AZ. However, the best scenery is located between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef on Scenic Byway 12. If Capitol Reef is not on your trip plans, that may be somewhat out of the way for you. Should that not be feasible to add this time around, you’ll have a perfectly enjoyable time just “scratching the surface.” Between Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ, there’s a neat hike you can take to the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos area. The trailhead is easy to find, near mile marker 19 on US89.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Hi, great help to me in my planning- thinking of reversing things- do you think this might work? Arrive in Phoenix, drive to Sedona- stay there three days to relax and do some hikes, then drive to Page to see Antelope Canyon, stay one night and also see Horseshoe bend and boat tours? then drive to the grand canyon south rim for two days then drive back to phoenix and fly out. Not sure which hotel to get in Grand Canyon near south rim- none of us have ever seen a single national park so this would be a first trip but dont want to drive all day everyday, also need some down time?
Hi Sarah,
This plan sounds perfectly fine to me! It’s great that you’re factoring in some downtime instead of rushing from place to place. It’s a matter largely of personal taste, but most travelers we talk to say they’d prefer to place their “chill time” at the end of their vacation instead of the beginning. If you agree, you might rearrange your itineary so that you hit Sedona last. That way, you’d get the longer drives of the trip out of the way first, and only have about a 2.5 hour drive to get back to Phoenix to fly home.
On the subject of long drives, they’re a fact of life in the American Southwest! The trip from Phoenix to Page, or Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim, will both be ~4.5 hours, but that’s wheels turning, no stops. That rarely happens since both drives are very scenic and you will be stopping to take pictures often. Don’t be surprised if you take 20-30% longer than what Google maps says you will!
As to where you stay at the Grand Canyon, don’t fret too much about which place has the best reviews or the nicest rooms. Every Grand Canyon hotel has received both good and bad reviews. The main thing is to get something booked ASAP. If possible, stay inside the park. If all 6 hotels in Grand Canyon Village are full, then Tusayan, a small community 7 miles outside the park gates, is your next best option. Grand Canyon hotels
Whatever you decide, be sure to book all hotels and Antelope Canyon tours well in advance of your trip!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Great plan!
Thank you, Jim!
Hi there! Thank you for the great information on this website! We have a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teenagers-17 & 14). We really want to get a sample of Sedona, but I know based on all the other comments and research that it will not be enough time there. I am thinking of this touring plan based on your suggestions, but substituting Monument Valley for Sedona. Is this touring plan realistic or is it unwise to do miss Monument Valley? We are flying into Las Vegas late at night 6/3 and would stay at a hotel in Vegas that night and then we were thinking of doing the following itinerary:
Day 1 (6/4): Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, stay in Williams, AZ
Day 2 (6/5): Grand Canyon, Sedona, stay in Sedona
Day 3 (6/6): Sedona, drive to Page (Antelope/Horseshoe Bend), AZ, stay in Page
Day 4 (6/7): Page/Glen Canyon, stay in Page
Day 5 (6/8): Bryce Canyon (stay in Bryce/Tropic)
Day 6-7 (6/9-10): Bryce/ Zion National Park (stay in Springdale, UT)
Day 8 (6/11): Drive back to Las Vegas spend day there- see Mount Charleston/Red Rock Canyon; airport by 9 pm
We have a friend that lives on Mt. Charleston, so that is why we thought of visiting there and then we would be closer to the airport for departure. I appreciate your suggestions and input! Thanks so much!!
-Kelly
Hey Kelly,
You are correct in that Sedona is an area that calls for a longer stay. Definitely plan a return trip when you can fly into Phoenix and go to Sedona and chill for awhile!
Your itinerary looks pretty fun, nevertheless, I’d recommend making a couple of minor modifications for optimal convenience. First off, substituting Monument Valley for Sedona would be OK, as to whether you actually do it would be contingent on lodging availability at Monument Valley. There aren’t many hotels in that area to begin with, and I wouldn’t be surprised if everything is sold out. If you find that to be the case, there’s still a way you might work it in. More on that in a minute…
On 06/04, where you propose to stay in Williams, AZ, I’d recommend looking for a hotel at the Grand Canyon. That will situate you perfectly to see sunset and/or sunrise at the Grand Canyon, which shouldn’t be missed! Williams, AZ, is 1 hour away from Grand Canyon South Rim, and while that isn’t too terribly far, you’d probably end up driving there at night, which we don’t recommend due to the roads being very dimly lit, and the possible presence of deer, elk, and other wildlife. Any and all driving on this trip should be done during daylight hours for your safety. If you do switch hotels to something closer to the South Rim, that would only tack on an extra hour onto the drive to Sedona the next morning.
On 06/05, where you propose to visit Horseshoe Bend that afternoon, change that to first thing the next morning. Horseshoe Bend is very hot and crowded during the mid-day hours, especially at the time of year you’re visiting; a sunrise visit will allow you to take advantage of cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
If you find Monument Valley hotels sold out, you could do one of two things since you’re staying 2 days in Page, AZ:
1. visit Monument Valley as a day trip
2. take a fixed-wing airplane flight over it or
3. Visit Monument Valley, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Navajo National Monument with Dixie Ellis‘ Lower Antelope Canyon Tours
If you take us up on option #1, remember that Navajo Reservation time is one hour ahead of Page, AZ, time. Ditto for Bryce Canyon and Zion.
Hope that helps! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Wow! Thanks so much the the great advice on our trip!! I will definitely look into those options!
Kelly
Hi – Wow! What a great website. We are visiting in early April (my husband and 2 teenagers) and currently have the following planned and accommodations secured (2 nights Vegas, 2 nights Zion, 2 nights Grand Canyon, 3 nights Scottsdale). Open to adjusting itinerary but we are trying to have some relaxation at the front and back end and maximize our time in between visiting parks, trails, etc.
Friday – Arrive in Vegas
Saturday – Enjoy Vegas
Sunday – Leave for Zion
Monday – Zion
Tuesday – Leave for Grand Canyon (South Rim) – Stop in Page?
Wednesday – Grand Canyon
Thursday – Grand Canyon and drive to Scottsdale
Friday – Enjoy Scottsdale
Saturday – Enjoy Scottsdale
Sunday – Depart Phoenix
Open to any input, suggestions, feedback.
Thanks you!!
Jen
Hi Jen,
Your itinerary looks very well-paced, and it’s awesome that you’ve already got your accommodations secured.
Still, I’d recommend making one minor change: drop a night at Grand Canyon and give it to Page, AZ. Page, AZ, has many fun opportunities for families like yourselves: Antelope Canyon tours, Horseshoe Bend Overlook, the Horseshoe Bend Half-Day Float Trip, tours of the Glen Canyon Dam, just to name a few!
It takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Zion National Park to Page, AZ. In April, Utah will be one hour ahead of Arizona, so you’ll “gain” an hour traveling between the two states. In early April, the Horseshoe Bend Float Trip departs at 11:00 AM with 10:00 AM check-in. You could get an early start out of Zion (sunrise occurs at 7:00 AM local time), maybe stop at the Kanab Creek Bakery for breakfast, and still arrive in Page in plenty of time to check in for the float trip. The float trip would wrap up at ~3:30 PM. Afterward, you might go down to the Carl Hayden Visitors Center near the dam, or take a short hike, such as the Hanging Gardens Trail or the “New” Wave, then overnight in Page.
The next morning, hit Horseshoe Bend right at sunrise, then tour one of the Antelope Canyons (by advance reservation), then start making your way for Grand Canyon South Rim. Even though the drive from Page, AZ, to the South Rim is given as 2.5 hours on Google maps, expect it to take longer, along the lines of 3.5-4 hours. That’s because the drive is very scenic and you will be stopping to take photos more often than you realize. The Cameron Trading Post is a great place to stop for lunch; if not, then it’s a logical leg stretch/bathroom break location, and has an extensive souvenir shop.
Upon entering the park at Desert View Point, there are over half a dozen named overlooks of the Grand Canyon, each with differing features and perspectives of the canyon. Upon arrival at Grand Canyon Village, time and inclination permitting, you might hop on the free shuttle and hit the overlooks on the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive, or save this for the following morning before driving back to Scottsdale. Another activity you might enjoy before heading down to the Valley is the IMAX film presentation “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” in Tusayan, just outside the park gates.
Now, this is just a matter of opinion, but if you want some quality “chill” time at the back end of your trip, I’d choose Sedona over Scottsdale in a New York minute. I’ve been to Phoenix/Scottsdale more times than I can count, and IMO, it’s just another big city, and all that that implies. Sedona, on the other hand is a stunning area, that’s very conducive to relaxation! It’s also only a 2-hour drive to Phoenix, so you don’t have too far to go at the end of your vacation. I realize it may be too late to change your hotel accommodations, but if you’re open to looking into it, I think you’ll see what I mean about Sedona. If not, then be sure to plan a return trip to Arizona when you can spend some time there.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hello Alley,
Thank you for your web site which I found very well done and giving a lot of information. Specially about booking in advance!
We visited 35 years ago Grand Canyon North Rim (with hike down but not to the river!) Bryce Canyon and Zion. We were camping (not much money !) but it was easy to find accommodation. We even went on a rafting trip from Moab to Lake Powell.
Now we are retired and have 2 months (April, May, June?) to spend in the West and South.
On our list is: Death Valley (with some walks to see flowers, I like flowering in Spring), Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon and lake Powell, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Petrified forest, Sedona? And other places around: what do you recommend? We would be most happy to see again Bryce and Zion.
Is it a good idea to go to Phoenix?
We like to walk in national parks.
As you can see we will not be in an hurry and like to stay a few nights at each place.
I hope to be able to stay if possible in the parks and perhaps modify the itinerary depending on the accommodation we can find. It would be nice to stay in the Grand Canon on the rim if I find something! But most important is to “follow” the flowering and not too hot weather, so we can hike.
We haven’t decide yet where we land. From Switzerland the best places (direct flight) are Los Angeles, San Francisco (and Las Vegas). We could take a car in one place and give it back in another. Even take an internal flight.
Thank you so much for your recommandations.
All the best, Christiane
Hi Christiane,
That’s great that you’re able to return to the Southwest after 35 years! You’ll find that a lot of things have changed, both for good and for bad. Las Vegas especially is unrecognizable from what it used to be back in the ’80’s and 90’s.
If you’re wanting to follow wildflower blooms, April is unfortunately too late to see them in areas such as Death Valley. Locals are not expecting a “super bloom” like we had in 2019, but nevertheless, late February-early March tends to be when wildflower activity peaks in the lower deserts. In Phoenix and other areas of Southern Arizona, they’ve already had some blooms pop up. If that area gets more rain, wildflower season could be extended somewhat, but that can never be counted on. In higher altitude areas like Flagstaff, AZ, and Grand Canyon North Rim, the period just after the summer monsoons (late June through early August) can also yield some wildflower blooms with the infusion of water. You might also see some globemallow and other flowers around the Page, AZ, area in April or May. For updates on what’s blooming where, I’d recommend bookmarking DesertUSA.com’s Wildflower Update page
If your trip plans are already set for April through June, I’d recommend hitting Death Valley first since that’s bound to be the “hot spot” of your itinerary. Next hit Sedona, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon South Rim, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, and Page, AZ since those areas warm up fairly early. If you’ve never been to Moab, UT, you might consider adding it to your “wish list” as well. Zion and Bryce can be placed later in your itinerary since those areas remain fairly cool until around June. You might also think about visiting some areas of Colorado such as Durango, Ouray, and Grand Junction, or even going as far North as Wyoming/Montana to visit Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Glacier NP’s. With the time you have to work with, all kinds of possibilities are open to you!
As for where to fly into, I’d suggest flying into Las Vegas and maybe out of Salt Lake City or Denver if costs are relatively reasonable for doing so.
Feel free to write in again if you need to run more ideas by us.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
This is such a great resource. I have loved reading through what you have done. We have two families with 4 adults – 5 kids 11,11,9,8, 6.
We will be taking small RVs Sat. April 3 – 10. We are looking at this as our schedule. Not sure on great RV parks or how to book so would love some advice on that too.
Friday – arrive pick up RVs – stop at Hoover Damn on way to South Rim.
Sat. -Grand Canyon
Sun. Page, AZ 11:00 Antelope Canyon tour/ 2:00 Boat tour – fit in Horseshoe Bend
Mon./Tues – We wanted to try to fit in Monument/ Bryce /Buckskin Gultch / pariah Canyon/ Hickman Bridge or Captial Reef – not sure here whats doable and worth fitting in.
Wed/Thurs. – Moab ( we heard there is some sand dune buggies around here??) We will hike Angels and maybe do a bit of the Narrows
Fri – stop in Valley of the Fire on the way back to Vegas.
Any thoughts/ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Melinda
Hi Melinda, and thanks for your compliments!
First of all, if you’re traveling by RV, you’ll want to stay in developed RV parks wherever possible. Even in April, nighttime temperatures can get down around freezing, especially in higher altitude areas such as Grand Canyon South Rim. The only RV park with hook-ups inside the park at Grand Canyon is Trailer Village. If that area is booked up, Grand Canyon Camper Village in Tusayan (7 miles from the park) is your next best option.
For Page, AZ, the Page/Lake Powell Campground is located most conveniently to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Toward the middle of your trip is where things get a little murky. Where you indicate you “wanted to try to fit in Monument/ Bryce /Buckskin Gultch / pariah Canyon/ Hickman Bridge or Captial Reef,” I can assure you that’s not happening. If you were to look at a map, you’d quickly realize that these attractions are located too far away from one another to squeeze into one day. You can spend the better part of a day exploring the Paria Canyon/Buckskin Gulch area and travel back to Page, AZ, the same day.
If you did have your heart set on visiting Moab, UT — which is a beautiful area, and April is a great time to go — then you could visit Monument Valley as a “drive-by” on your way there from Page, AZ. Plan on spending at least 3 days there to explore Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, and to take part in a UTV tour if you wish. For guidance on the full range of available activities in the Moab, UT, area, visit the Moab Adventure Center. Here again, you should plan on staying in an RV park with electrical hook-ups because Moab is already starting to get pretty warm in April. You may appreciate having access to reliable air conditioning during the day. Moab RV Parks
Where you indicate you wanted to hike Angel’s Landing and/or The Narrows, these are located in Zion National Park, not Moab, UT. If you hit Zion after Moab, this is where it would make the most sense to place Capitol Reef. Again, it would be just a “drive-by” en route from Moab to Zion, but Zion deserves at least 2 days of your time to explore and enjoy fully. For developed RV parks, look to the towns of Springdale, UT, or Hurricane, UT.
On the drive back to Las Vegas from Zion, keep in mind that there is a construction project taking place on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that could potentially tack another 30-60 minutes onto your drive time.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Oh my word. I meant Zion, not Moab. I just love Moab, so I must of interchanged the two. 😊 After Page we are trying to figure out the best route to Zion while hitting some of those places I mentioned. We would definitely do the last two nights in Zion. I’m just confused on how long we shoujd stay in Page And what we should hit between there and Zion We like a little off the crowds. We are hoping in April it won’t be as crowded. Your knowledge is incredibly invaluable Abd I truly appreciate it.
Thank you.
Melinda
Hey again, Melinda!
Thanks for the clarification, this definitely makes more sense.
As for how long you stay in Page, AZ, seeing as though you are traveling with family, I’d give it 2 days so you can take the kids on the Horseshoe Bend Smooth Water Raft Trip, as well as visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Seeing as though you’re not hitting Moab on the trip, this will pretty much be the only rafting opportunity you have, and even though it doesn’t go through any rapids, it’s still a fun trip.
Regarding the route you take to Zion, it’s pretty straightforward, take US89 from Page, AZ, to the Mt. Carmel Junction, then UT-9 from there to Springdale, UT, to park your RV, then get on the shuttles to explore the park. Along the way, you might stop at the Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos Trail at mile marker 19, between Page and Kanab, UT. Fun little hike to some interesting rock formations! The Big Water Visitors Center might also be a hit with the kids as it’s very dinosaur-centric.
Now for the kinda-sorta-bad news: April will be busy. That’s Spring Break for a lot of U.S. schools, so be prepared to share the road and attractions with other families like yourselves. Fortunately it won’t be as cray-cray (or as hot) as the summer months, but advance reservations for RV parks, guided tours, etc. are still a must.
Have a great day, and a wonderful vacation!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Thank you immensely for sharing your knowledge with us! My friends and I are planning on visiting Vegas in early May, and want to see how much of the national parks we can reasonably fit into our itinerary with the limited time we have. Would you be able to comment on the practicality of our schedule and various stays at the different sites?
Day 1: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim [overnight at Tusayan]
Day 2: Grand Canyon to Page [overnight in Page]
Day 3: Page (Horseshoe Bend/Antelope Canyon) to Zion [overnight in Springdale]
Day 4: Zion (Gateway to Narrows from Temple of Sinawawa) [overnight in Springdale]
Day 5: Zion (Upper Emerald Pools trail) to Las Vegas [evening flight out]
Thank you so much in advance, you are incredible! All the Best!
Hi Lillian!
Your itinerary looks pretty fun and well-planned. Even if you didn’t change a thing, you’re bound to have a wonderful time!
If you can possibly free up another day, however, I’d recommend trying to fit Bryce Canyon into your plans. It’s a stunning park, and not too far out of your way; ~a 3 hour drive from Page, AZ, then ~2 hours to Zion. If you can’t allot another day to fit it in, you could drop a day at Zion in order to accommodate it, which I know is less than desirable. The biggest obstacle to including it in your itinerary at this point will be lodging. The sole in-park property is bound to be sold out, but you might be able to find a hotel room in the gateway communities of Bryce Canyon City, Panguitch, or Kanab, UT.
Another way to see Bryce Canyon (again, it’s amazingly beautiful!), without physically going there, would be to fly over it. Fixed wing airplanes operated by Westwind Air Service depart out of the Page Municipal Airport daily, and flights over Bryce Canyon run approximately 90 minutes long.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Thank you so much for you site, it is so informative. And for all the time you put into it.
My family is planning a trip to the grand canyon this year in September or October. I will be traveling with my husband and two grown children in their twenties.
I have been to the grand canyon as a child, but my husband and children have never been. I just wanted your thought on best time to travel there, September or October, and where is it best to fly into, Las Vegas or Phoenix?
We plan to spend seven days, what would you recommend as a must see, if we never make it back? I know the Grand Canyon for sure, and we would like to go white water rafting a day and maybe some easier trails.
I would love to have your suggestions on lodging along the way and any activities you would recommend, and any itinerary you think would work for us.
Thanks so so much.
Hi Jerri, and thank you for visiting us!
September and October are both great for traveling in the American Southwest, so pick whatever time works for you and be prepared to enjoy it.
If you want to do Grand Canyon white water rafting, you should plan on flying into Las Vegas. The only single-day white water raft trip offered in the Grand Canyon is out of the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, AZ, ~3 hours drive from Las Vegas. It’s a long day, anywhere from 10-12 hours, and starts early in the morning, so you would probably want to spend the night before and possibly the night after the trip in Peach Springs, AZ. Lodging-wise, there isn’t much to work with in the immediate vicinity. When I took the trip, we stayed in Williams, AZ, which is about 90 minutes away.
As for the rest of your vacation plans, it would be a bit rushed since the white water trip will essentially eat up 2 days of your week. If you were to use Williams, AZ, as your lodging base for the white water trip, you could hit Grand Canyon South Rim (1 hour North) en route to Page, AZ (~3.5 hours from GCSR), spend 1 night there to tour Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Afterwards, hit Bryce Canyon for 1 night, Zion for 2, then fly home from Las Vegas.
In light of how “labor-intensive” the 1-day white water trip is, you might consider leaving it out this time around, but you can still experience rafting on the Colorado River. The Glen Canyon Half-Day Float Trip, out of Page, AZ, is a wonderful family-friendly activity. As the name suggests, it does not go through any rapids, but it’s by no means boring! What it may lack in thrills, it more than adequately compensates for in beautiful scenery and compelling history. If you take us up on that suggestion, you should spend 2 nights in Page, AZ, but that will free up another night which you might spend in Monument Valley, or Zion.
Hope that helps. Feel free to write in again if you need to bounce more ideas off us!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley~
I’ve spent several hours scouring both sites and the links embedded and I am so excited (and a bit overwhelmed) to put a trip together for my husband and myself. We are planning to fly into Las Vegas on Friday, April 3 and fly home Saturday, April 11th, giving us 8 days to enjoy an amazing road trip. When we arrive at 8:00 am, April 3, we plan to get on the road right away and drive to Page but not certain if we should go to Zion/Bryce at the beginning of our trip or save it as a ‘possibility’ for the end? We fell in love with the Red Rock several years ago, and are hoping to explore the beauty of AZ on foot, water (if feasible early April) and by Air. I really like your suggestions in your post, “grand-canyon-beyond-ultimate-7-day-itinerary-northern-arizona-southern-utah.” but, Sedona was not part of that itinerary. Exploring Sedona is the motivation in planning this trip. However, once I began exploring road trips, the more excited (and confused) I became. I want to see it all, and would have the tendency to over-schedule our trip. When I discovered your posts, I felt like I struck gold; especially when I saw that you respond so quickly! I’ve learned through your posts, that much of what we do will be planned around our bookings for hotels and highly popular tours/experiences (Antelope Canyon etc) so, once I get your input, I will work on my bookings.
I have a partial plan…
My 1st inclination is to do the following:
Day 1: Arrive, get the car and make the drive to Glen Canyon – (we won’t need to stop at the Hoover Dam- visited on a previous trip)
See – Lower Antelope, Horseshoe Bend and then make our way to Monument Valley with an overnight at View Hotel (availability as I write this)
Day 2: Up early to see the sunrise, get something to eat and then head to GC: Explore here (Spider Rock?, some Route 66 stops on our way to Winslow AZ.
spend night in Holbrook or Winslow (some of this itinerary was found on houstonianmag.com)
This is where we become undecided and need advice. We do want to experience Flight over the Grand Canyon, if possible a flight over Sedona (if worth it)
In order to accommodate the $$ of some of the adventure, we are good to stay in places that are less expensive…
Do we go to Tombstone and head south toward the Saguaro, then back north to Sedona for a couple of days then off to Bryce/Zion and return to Las Vegas?
We leave mid-morning from Las Vegas on April 11th.
I hope I’ve included enough information for you to work with and hopefully it makes sense.
Thank you in advance for any ideas/suggestions you may have for an incredible trip!M
Hi Mary Helen and thanks for your compliments! Glad our sites have helped you so far.
I know it’s hard to pick which destination to leave in and which one to leave out! That said, I’d tend to recommend leaving Tombstone off the table. I thought it was kind of neat and don’t regret visiting, but other visitors have found Tombstone overrated. Plus it’s awfully far out of your way compared to the other attractions on your wish list. I’d save it for another trip when you can maybe fly into Phoenix and concentrate on the sights in Southern Arizona/New Mexico.
Also, where you indicate you’d travel from Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon via Canyon de Chelly, ending up in Winslow, I’d scrap that, too. It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive to Canyon de Chelly (where Spider Rock is located), then another 4 hours to drive to Grand Canyon South Rim. After that, you’d be looking at another 2.5 hours to drive to Winslow, AZ.
That’s approximately 8 hours of driving required to pull all that off at a time of year when daylength is still relatively short: sunrise takes place at around 6:00 AM, sunset occurs shortly before 7:00 PM.
What I’d recommend you do instead is this:
Day 1, 04/03: Fly to Las Vegas, collect rental car, drive to Sedona (~4.5 hour drive), optional stop in Seligman, AZ, for Route 66 kitsch fix, stop at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In for lunch with a side of laughs, overnight in Sedona
Day 2, 04/04: Explore Sedona: take airplane or helicopter tour first thing in AM (best time to fly), visit Chapel of the Holy Cross, hike Cathedral Rock, wine tasting, shopping at Tlaquepaque — no shortage of fun to be had in Sedona! 2nd night in Sedona
Day 3, 04/05: Drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim (~3 hours), sightseeing in Grand Canyon Village, Hermit’s West/West Rim Drive using free shuttles, overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim
Day 4, 04/06: Early AM Grand Canyon air tour, then drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Monument Valley (~3.5 hours), optional stops at Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks, Navajo Code Talker Museum, overnight in Monument Valley
Day 5, 04/07: Morning backcountry tour of Monument Valley, drive to Page, AZ (~2.5 hours), tour Antelope Canyon in afternoon, overnight in Page, AZ
Day 6, 04/08: Visit Horseshoe Bend first thing in AM, then drive to Bryce Canyon (~3.5 hours), optional stops at Big Water Visitors Center, Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos hike, overnight in Bryce Canyon area
Day 7, 04/09: Drive to Springdale, UT (~2 hours), optional stops: Checkerboard Mesa, Canyon Overlook Trail, overnight in Springdale
Day 8, 04/10: More exploration in Zion and surrounding area: use free shuttles to explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, 2nd night in Springdale
Day 9, 04/11: Drive back to Las Vegas (~3.5-4 hours), optional detour through Valley of Fire State Park, fly home
You’ll notice that Canyon de Chelly has been left out of this itinerary. Not that it isn’t worthwhile, but Sedona and Zion really deserve at least 2 days each to do them justice. If you have your heart set on seeing Canyon de Chelly, it would be possible, with an early start, to drive from Monument Valley to Canyon de Chelly, then drive to Page, AZ for the night. If you find that there is no lodging available in Monument Valley by rearranging your itinerary as suggested, you could also visit it as a day tour out of Page, AZ. Again, an early AM start would be required, but at 2 hours each way, with an eye on the clock, it would be doable. Another option, since you’re open to air touring, would be to fly over it. Fixed wing airplanes depart out of the Page, AZ, municipal airport daily; overflights run ~90 minutes and include a flyover of Lake Powell and Rainbow Bridge, or, you could do a half-day air/ground combination tour. For more information, visit Westwind Air Service.
Hope that helps! Feel free to write in again if you wish to bounce more ideas off us.
Good luck, safe travels, and Happy New Year!
Alley 🙂
Thank you Alley for your suggestions! I will check into Paria Rimrocks and Valley of Fire State Park. Your service is invaluable! ~Susan
You are welcome Susan – have a great time!