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
Hi Alley,
You have so many great ideas. I might be able to cobble an itinerary together based on all your responses, but thought if you have a moment I’d see if you have anything to add. I am planning on taking my kids to Kanab to spend a few days at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary the first week in August. They are thirteen year old twins, one boy and one girl. We are from south Florida. We will fly in and out of Vegas, I think. I’d love to show them some nearby sites, including the Grand Canyon and an ATV tour sounds super fun. Moab looks amazing, but might be too far to add given that we only have seven or eight nights, Saturday to Sunday. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
Hi Dolly,
How wonderful that you’ll be doing volunteer work at Best Friends during your visit to Kanab! Las Vegas would probably be the best place to fly into and out of, but you might also look at Phoenix. Sometimes you can get deals on airfares there during the summer months since that’s considered “off-season” in the Phoenix area.
If you’re planning on basing yourself in Kanab, UT, for your vacation, then I agree that Moab, UT, would be a too far out of the way to visit as a day trip. It’s a 5-hour drive each way, plus Moab is one of those areas that require a minimum stay of 3-4 days to do it justice. It’s definitely a fun place to visit, so you should definitely plan a trip there in the future.
As for other sites to visit while in the area, Grand Canyon North Rim would definitely be a good choice, it’s ~2 hours each way from Kanab, UT. Bryce Canyon is another great spot, it’s ~90 minutes from Kanab, and ATV tours are available in this area. Another possibility is Zion, which you can visit as a day trip, or perhaps as a detour on your way back to Las Vegas. Definitely save a day for Page, AZ, so you can visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. You might also take advantage of the opportunity to do the Glen Canyon Float Trip with an early start out of Kanab. On the way there or back, time permitting, you might stop at mile marker 19 to do the very scenic and relatively easy Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Hoodoos hike.
A couple of things to always keep in mind: 1. Utah IS on Daylight Savings Time, but Arizona IS NOT. You’ll “gain” an hour traveling from Utah to Arizona, but “lose” it on the trip back. 2. Driving at night is strongly discouraged in this part of the U.S. due to lack of artificial lighting on local roads, and the fact that deer, elk, free range cattle, and even wild horses are always around, and tend to gravitate to the roads after sunset. You should try to be “back to base” well before nightfall.
Hope that helps! If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us again.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi,
Im looking to travel in early august from salt lake city down to southern utah national parks and include Antelope and horseshoe,page,Zion Bryce, moab in 8 nights, we dont mind driving. Thanks! Anthony
Hi Anthony,
With 8 nights to work with, you should be able to enjoy Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce, Zion, Moab, and maybe a few surprises in between. However, one place that’s conspicuously absent from your itinerary is the Grand Canyon. Have you already been there before? I’m going to assume “yes” in this case. If not, hit me up again and we’ll see how we can work it in!
Here’s what I suggest you do:
Day 1: Drive from SLC to Bryce Canyon, ~5 hour drive, overnight in Bryce.
Day 2: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion, 90 minute drive, overnight in Springdale, UT, or Kanab, UT.
Day 3: 2nd day in Zion, overnight in Springdale or Kanab.
Day 4: Drive from Springdale or Kanab to Page, AZ, drive time ~2-2.5 hours, tour Antelope Canyon in the afternoon, overnight in Page, AZ.
Day 5: Visit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, drive to Moab, UT, via Monument Valley, ~5 hour drive. Overnight in Moab.
Day 6: Explore Arches NP, 2nd night in Moab **for suggestions on tours and activities for this area, visit Moab Adventure Center
Day 7: Explore Canyonlands NP, 3rd night in Moab
Day 8: Drive back to Salt Lake City, ~4 hour drive. Time/inclination permitting, you might make a short detour to Goblin Valley State Park.
Be sure you make advance reservations for all lodging and guided tours in advance of your trip. Be prepared to flip-flop this itinerary if lodging availability is more conducive to hitting Moab first, then Bryce last.
Hope that helps. Good luck and safe travels.
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Thanks so much for the amazing itinerary and the tips! I am trying to adopt lot of your plans into our family trip in early June which is about 1 month away. We can’t wait, but still in planning phase. We will fly into Billings MT in the late evening on June 6th, and depart from Las Vegas at 11:00 PM on June 18th. I already booked the flights, and reserved 5 nights inside Yellowstone from 06/07 to 6/11. We plan to stay in Grand Teton, Jackson, Salt Lake City for a couple of nights. Then we are interested in going to Zion, Bryce, Upper Antelope, Page floating, Horseshoe bend, Monument Valley, Canyon South Rim, Hoover Dam, ideally see a show in Vegas before heading to the airport. I have been trying to work out our plan for a few days, and still doing pick and choose places within our limited timeframe. Do you think this plan is feasible? Could you please give me some suggestions where and how long we should stay in each area? what is a must see with the timeframe? We would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Hi Rita and thank you for your visit today!
So if I’m interpreting your plan correctly, you intend on staying a couple of nights at SLC in between the Yellowstone and Southern Utah/Northern Arizona segments of your trip, namely the 12th and 13th? If that’s the case, that only gives you 3 full days to work with until you have to fly out of Las Vegas on 6/18. Therefore, no, your plan won’t be feasible. You’ll need to drop a couple of items off your “wish list” unless you’re OK with driving long distances every single day.
June 14th: The distance from Salt Lake City to the Northernmost Utah park on your itinerary, Bryce Canyon, is ~4.5 hours. Zion would be a further 2 hours from there. If you get an early start out of Salt Lake, you could visit Bryce as a “drive by” on your way to Zion, pop in there for a few hours, then overnight in Kanab, UT.
June 15th: The next day, you could head down to Page, AZ, which is ~2 hours from Kanab, do an early Antelope Canyon tour, then the afternoon departure of the Glen Canyon float trip, which requires you check in at noon for a 1 PM departure. One thing working in your favor here is that Utah IS on Daylight Savings Time, whereas Arizona is not, so you “gain” an hour traveling from Utah to Arizona. The trip would conclude at around 5:30 PM, then you should overnight in Page, AZ.
June 16th: The next morning, get up early, hit Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise, then head to Grand Canyon South Rim. The drive is given “on paper” as 2.5 hours, but in reality, it ends up being more along the lines of 3.5-4 hours because it’s a very scenic drive, and you will be stopping to take pictures frequently. Overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim, then the next morning, head for Las Vegas.
June 17th: The drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas typically takes ~5 hours, and Hoover Dam is an easy stop you can make on your way into town. See show that night, fly out of Las Vegas the following morning.
If you’re OK with sacrificing your wish to see a show in Las Vegas on the 17th, that would free up a night you could stay over in Bryce Canyon, which is preferable to seeing it en route to Zion. Another consideration: one night in Zion really isn’t enough to do that park justice. Most visitors agree that 3-4 nights is the minimum time you should allot.
As you can see, Monument Valley has been stricken from this itinerary, but another option would be, again, sacrifice the night in Las Vegas, and hit Monument Valley between Page, AZ, and Grand Canyon South Rim. However, I don’t think you’ll be able to find lodging there at this point in time. So, a 3rd possibility would be to, again, scratch the Vegas plans, add a second night in Page, AZ, and visit Monument Valley as either a day trip — it’s a 2-hour drive EACH WAY — or, before making the drive to the Grand Canyon, take a scenic flight over the area in a fixed wing airplane. Flights over Monument Valley last approximately 90 minutes
Hope that helps, I know it’s a difficult choice of what to leave in and what to leave out.
Another thing: if you do take us up on the suggestion to visit Monument Valley as a day trip from Page, keep an eye on the time. Remember that Monument Valley DOES observe Daylight Savings Time and Page, AZ, does not. So you’ll “lose” an hour traveling from Page to MV, but regain it as you travel back. Be sure to time your return drive so that you are not doing any of it at night. It’s VERY dark on area roads, and deer, elk, free range cattle, and sometimes wild horses are notorious for causing accidents in areas where it’s sparsely populated and cell phone service is virtually non-existent.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Thank you so much for sending me these great ideas to make our trip plan work better. I am trying to make our final plan by using your suggestions. Thanks again for taking lot of your time to make the plan for us, we really appreciate it! 🙂
Allie, I just want to thank you for your invaluable hints and suggestions. We just returned from our 8 day trip to your Grand Circle and followed most of your itinerary, except in reverse; Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Antelope (lower), Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and return to Las Vegas. We spent two nights everywhere except for in Page, one night there, and just a stop at the Hoover Dam. That gave us a full day and a half in each place for exploring, it was a perfect amount of time. It also gave us three days with no driving, which was appreciated. This was also such a good time of year to visit, the weather was great and the crowds were certainly manageable. A huge thanks from us in Maine. You are the BEST. (My daughter said that she feels like we should have found you while we were in Page and bought you a gift, your advice was so helpful.) 😉
Wendy,
OMG, thank you SO much for posting a follow-up! I’m overjoyed to hear that you had fun, and that you were able to enjoy 3 days of “drive-free” time as well 🙂
As for giving me a gift, that is so thoughtful, but unnecessary, plus, the thing is I no longer live in Page, so you would have done a lot of running around in vain. But I appreciate the sentiment. Hope you get a chance to return to the area someday.
Take care and have a wonderful summer,
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley!
I’ve learned so much already reading your comments, by far the most helpful source I’ve found! Thank you for keeping this public.
I’m heading next week to a FULL 4-day road trip, and still have many doubts so hopefully, you can give us some last minute tips. This is the so far planned itinerary:
Day 1: Early morning Las Vegas to Zion. Spend the day until mid afternoon. Leave to Bryce for sunset/lodging.
Day 2: Sunrise at Bryce, explore Bryce until noon. Leave to Horseshoe bend. If still time, boat tour in Lake Powell. Lodge in Page.
Day 3: Free morning, thinking about Cathedral or Secret Canyon, or do you suggest another tour? Booked Upper Antelope at 12:30 pm.
Leave to Grand Canyon for sunset at Hopi point. Lodge in Grand Canyon.
Day 4: Grand Canyon sunrise. Leave to Sedona, nothing booked there so far. Heading to Flagstaff for the night.
Day 5: Depart from Flagstaff in the morning
I’m thinking it’s going to be too much to do in a little time…We are 3 in the party and 2 of us have already visited the Grand Canyon. Still, we wanted to fit at least a stop along the way there. Yet, we could skip the Grand Canyon night, and stay a second night in Page (day 3) heading for a full day in Sedona (day 4). If you have time I would love to hear your opinion!
Also, what we should not miss (hikes/viewpoints) in Zion, Bryce, Sedona and/or along this route?
Thank you very very much!!!
Hey Julia, thank you so much for your compliments!
IMO your itinerary warrants a little “tweaking” for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment.
On Day 1, for example, where you’re planning to travel from Las Vegas to Bryce via Zion, I’d suggest overnighting in Zion instead. The drive from Las Vegas to Zion, under normal circumstances, takes ~3 hours, but right now there is some construction taking place on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that is going to add another 30-60 minutes onto your drive. In light of that, plus the fact that Zion has so much to see and do, I’d recommend at least an overnight there. Springdale, UT, on the Western border of the park, or Kanab, UT, just East of the park have the most lodging choices.
On Day 2, do the drive to Bryce, which is about 1.5 hours from Kanab, or ~2 hours from Springdale, then overnight in Bryce, or nearby.
On Day 3, drive to Page, AZ, which is ~3 hours from Bryce, do a slot canyon tour. If you’ve already got Upper booked, I’d recommend sticking with that, and then if you wanted to do another activity, a Lake Powell boat tour would be good. With your limited time, you’ll need to stick with one of the shorter ones, such as the 90-minute Antelope Canyon waterside boat tour, or perhaps the Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise. Then overnight in Page, AZ.
On Day 4, hit Horseshoe Bend, and start heading toward Sedona. Since you’ve already been to the Grand Canyon, instead of going all the way into Grand Canyon Village, I’d recommend doing a quick “pop-in” to the Desert View Watchtower by turning West off US89 onto AZ64 from Cameron. After giving the Grand Canyon a quick wave, head down to Sedona, and instead of driving back to Flagstaff, AZ, that night, simply overnight in Sedona. Then, if you’re going back to Las Vegas on day 5, the drive will be ~4.5 hours. You could stop by Hoover Dam on the way if you wanted.
Something very important to keep in mind is that nighttime driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the U.S. This is due to lack of ambient lighting on local roads, and the tendency of deer, elk, free range cattle, and sometimes wild horses, to gravitate toward them at night, which ratchets up your accident risk. Any driving needs to be done during daylight hours. Also, Utah DOES observe Daylight Savings Time, whereas Arizona DOES not. Therefore, you’ll “lose” an hour driving from Las Vegas to Utah, then “regain” it as you travel from Utah to Arizona. Sunrise in Page, AZ, occurs at ~5:30 AM and sunset takes place around 7:30 PM at the time of year you’re traveling.
As for hikes, viewpoints, etc., in the various stops on your tour, choices are ample in a wide range of “degrees of difficulty,” timeframe, and highlights. Zion in particular has had a lot of rain and snowfall this year, which has resulted in some of the more popular hikes being off-limits until trails are repaired. I’d advise visiting the National Park Service pages for Zion and Bryce, and then the Sedona Visitors Bureau’s website.
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Hi! I am working on planning a 6 night (Sun-Sat) Trip! We do not have flights yet. We have arrangements for the hotel on Wednesday evening 7/3 in the Grand Canyon. I haven’t booked anything else as I am struggling with the details! Must sees: Zion & Grand Canyon. Nice to see: Horsehoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Hoover Dam. Would love to do a water activity at some point because it will be first week of July. Also 4th of July is that Thursday- any suggestions on where we should spend the 4th??
This is what I was thinking– not sure if it is feasible! Thank you so much in advance!
Sun: Arrive in LV drive halfway to Zion-is there anywhere interesting to stop and stay overnight? If not we could drive all the way there and do a smaller hike or walk through the park ? Monday Hike Angels landing , dinner in Springdale, stay overnight. Tuesday- drive to Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon? Weds am- drive to GC. stay overnight, GC sunrise Thursday am. This leaves us with Hoover Dam on Friday and Friday evening in Vegas, Leave Saturday.
Hi Leah, and thank you for visiting.
On that first day, I’d recommend just driving all the way to Zion. It’s only ~3-4 hours from Las Vegas, give or take a few, which is a hop-skip-and-a-jump in these parts LOL. There is some construction taking place along a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge that you’ll have to pass through, which could add another 30-60 minutes to your drive. Plan on staying in Springdale, UT, on the Western border of the park, or at a hotel in Kanab, UT, about half an hour West of the park.
The trip from Kanab, UT, to Page, AZ, for Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon is about 1.5 hours, but you might get an early start so you can take advantage of the opportunity to do the relatively easy Paria Rimrocks/Toadstool Trail hike on the way. Be sure to make advance reservations for Antelope Canyon Tours. If you’re wanting to do a water-based activity, consider booking your Antelope Canyon walking tour plus a 90-minute boat tour as a “bundle.” It’s a lot easier than trying to book both tours separately, trust me! Then plan on hitting Horseshoe Bend just after sunrise on your way out of town to the Grand Canyon.
Regarding 4th of July, they don’t do any kind of fireworks at the Grand Canyon, at least not of the man made variety. For that, you might want to go to Flagstaff, AZ, Williams, AZ, or even Las Vegas, NV. One caveat to that, though, is that if the summer is abnormally dry, fireworks displays may be cancelled for safety reasons. After all, it is the desert!
Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Alley,
I e-mailed you yesterday and already have change of plans. Would like to include Sedona. My daughter has never been to LV. Wanted to spend a day there. Do you think I really need 2 days in Sedona? Can I see in one day?
7/20 – fly from FLL to LV, overnight in LV – 2 nights
7/21 – spend day I LV
7/22 – LV to Sedona, overnight in Sedona 1 night
7/23 – Drive Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim, overnight in GC
7/24 – GC to Page, tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page,AZ
7/25 – Page to Bryce Canyon, overnight in Bryce
7/26 Bryce to Zion, overnight in Zion (Springdale)
7/27 – Zion to LV, fly to FLL
Hey Jeff, thank you for visiting today.
So, do you need 2 days in Sedona? No. You need 3 or 4 at least, but 2 days is definitely better than 1. People report spending a week there yet feeling as though they’d only scratched the surface. Personally, I’d drop a night in Las Vegas so you can spend 2 nights in Sedona. If you prefer to spend the time in Vegas, then I’d suggest dropping the night in Sedona and planning a return trip for when you can give it the time it deserves.
If you drop Sedona off the list, you could make room for Monument Valley, as you expressed interest in in a previous inquiry, like this:
07/22 – Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim, with stop at Hoover Dam en route. Drive time: ~5 hours, overnight at Grand Canyon
07/23 – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Monument Valley, stopping at Grand Canyon viewpoints on East Rim/Desert View Drive, Little Colorado River Overlook, Chief Yellowhorse’s Souvenir Stands, the Cameron Trading Post, Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks, Navajo National Monument, or the Navajo Code Talkers’ Exhibit… just to name a few. Overnight in Monument Valley, Kayenta, AZ, or Tuba City, AZ.**
07/24 – Drive from Monument Valley to Page, AZ. Drive time: 2-2.5 hours. Tour Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend.
07/25 – Drive from Page, AZ, to Bryce Canyon, UT, drive time: 2.5-3 hours. Overnight in Bryce or nearby.
07/26 – Drive from Bryce to Zion, drive time: 2-2.5 hours, overnight in Springdale.
07/27 – Drive from Springdale, UT, back to Las Vegas, NV. Drive time: ~4-4.5 hours, factoring in construction on I-15 through Virgin River Gorge that could extend drive time up to 1 hour.
**On 07/23, if you’re unable to find lodging in Monument Valley, drive to Page, AZ, spend 2 nights, and visit Monument Valley as a day trip. Drive is ~2 hours each way, but since lodging is scarce to begin with in Monument Valley, it’s very likely to be sold out already. Another option if you really want to see Monument Valley is to do a flight over it out of Page Municipal Airport.
Good luck, I know it’s hard deciding what to leave in and what to cut out.
Best wishes for safe travels,
Alley 🙂
Alley,
I like your suggestion to spend 2 days in Sedona and will drop day from LV. I already made reservation at El Tovar Hotel in GC on 7/22. Rooms are sold out on 7/23. Do you recommend going to both Sedona and Momument Valley or should we go elsewhere? My daughter definitely wants to do Antelope Canyon. Tentative sched is as follows (feel free to suggest alternative sched. Thx a million and your help is really appreciated.
07/19 Fly FLL to LV Hotel in LV
07/20 – Drive LV to Sedona Hotel in Sedona 2 nights
07/21 Sedona
07/22 AM drive to Grand canyon (GC) Hotel El Tovar
07/23 – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Monument Valley, stopping at Grand Canyon viewpoints on East Rim/Desert View Drive, Little Colorado River Overlook, Chief Yellowhorse’s Souvenir Stands, the Cameron Trading Post, Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks, Navajo National Monument, or the Navajo Code Talkers’ Exhibit… just to name a few. Overnight in Monument Valley, Kayenta, AZ, or Tuba City, AZ.**
07/24 – Drive from Monument Valley to Page, AZ. Drive time: 2-2.5 hours. Tour Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend.
07/25 – Drive from Page, AZ, to Bryce Canyon, UT, drive time: 2.5-3 hours. Overnight in Bryce or nearby.
07/26 – Drive from Bryce to Zion, drive time: 2-2.5 hours, overnight in Springdale.
07/27 – Drive from Springdale, UT, back to Las Vegas, NV
Hi again, Jeff!
If you can swing both Sedona and Monument Valley, I think you’ll find both places worthwhile. If you had to prioritize one place over another, Sedona would definitely win out. You could spend a week there and only feel as though you’d scratched the surface. However, since your Grand Canyon hotel night is already booked, and it’s highly unlikely you could move your reservation (especially at El Tovar), here’s what I’d recommend if you can’t find lodging at Monument Valley (which is entirely possible at this point), or you decide to eliminate it: simply go straight to Page, AZ, and extending your time there to 2 days. You won’t find any shortage of things to do in that area to occupy your time. The Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip is a popular choice for families (kids must be at least 4 to take part); at the time of year you’re visiting, you’ll want to take the morning departure, which departs at 7:00 AM (6:00 AM check-in) and returns at 11:30 AM. Other popular activities include, but aren’t limited to, Rainbow Bridge Boat Tours (6-7 hours, 2-3 mile round trip hike required to see the bridge), tours to Alstrom Point or White Pocket, or, you can work Monument Valley in with a 90-minute scenic overflight by fixed wing airplane.
There are all kinds of ways to have a fun and memorable 2-day visit to Page, AZ.
Have fun!
Alley 🙂
Alley, you are so helpful and your website is so informative. I have decided to bypass monument valley and spend 2 days in page, AZ. However, I am a bit concerned about when to visit Antelope canyon. I will be driving from grand canyon to Page on 7/23. i read that if temp gets above 105, they will close tours to antelope canyon by 1100 AM. I have reserved a tour at 700AM on 7/24. Do you recommend I keep this and then go to horseshoe bend after antelope canyon on 7/24? If so, what do you suggest my daughter and I do on 7/23 in the afternoon when we arrive in page? Also, possibly we will do the Glen Canyon half day trip or rainbow bridge tour on 7/25. we will also leave that day for Bryce Canyon. Is this schedule a good plan or do you recommend changing (doing Antelope canyon and/or horseshoe bend on 7/23 in late afternoon? Please advise
Hi Jeff!
You have probably made a good call to drop Monument Valley at the time of year you’re visiting. It’s SUPER hot and very exposed, so visiting that area at the peak heat of summer would not be my idea of fun, but, there might still be a way you can work it in… more on that in a minute.
You are correct that Antelope Canyon tours may be cancelled in the event of excessive heat, which is a frequent occurrence in late July, along with flash floods. Touring Antelope Canyon at 7:00 AM will still be beautiful, and cooler. However, instead of trying to hit Horseshoe Bend after Antelope Canyon, I’d actually recommend hitting it beforehand, preferably, just after sunrise. Horseshoe Bend is another one of those places that doesn’t offer a lot of shade, and by 8:30 AM, it’s already starting to heat up pretty quick. Not to mention, it’s starting to get really crowded. In addition to cooler temperatures, a sunrise visit also offers the benefit of fewer people to contend with. Sunrise in late July occurs at about 5:30 AM. If the prospect of that early a morning doesn’t appeal, you might see if you can find parking at Horseshoe Bend on your way into town from the Grand Canyon. You’ll pass right by it anyway. For more information and tips for visiting Horseshoe Bend, please visit our companion site, http://www.HorseshoeBend.com
On 7/25, instead of driving to Bryce Canyon after your Glen Canyon Float Trip or Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour, I’d recommend staying that night in Page, AZ, then getting an early start to Bryce the next morning. The reason for that is because although neither tour is strenuous,* you’ll still be surprised at how tired you are afterwards. Around here, we refer to it as being “sun drunk:” prolonged exposure to the sun tends to zap the energy out of you in pretty short order, and you’ll probably find yourself in no mood to face a 2.5 hour drive in that state of mind. Please don’t interpret these statements as advice against either the Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour or the Glen Canyon Float Trip, though. Either tour would be a very worthwhile addition to your vacation! Just be sure you drink plenty of fluids, and choose the earliest departure available for maximum comfort. *Depending on the water level of Lake Powell, a walk of up to 3 miles round-trip might be required to see the Bridge.
Oh, regarding how you might still get to see Monument Valley without actually driving there: you might consider flying over it. Fixed wing airplanes depart from the Page Municipal Airport daily, usually first thing in the morning for better light and less wind. A 90-minute overflight of Monument Valley also includes a flyover of Rainbow Bridge!
Hope that helps – good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Alley,
I have finalized my trip as follows but have questions on what to do at each location besides what I have identified below:
07/19 Fly FLL to LV Hotel in LV
07/20 – Drive LV to Sedona
on the way ;
–Hoover dam
–Mr D’d Route 66 diner
— get cooler – snacks, etc for picnic ?
In Sedona
–Chapel of Holy Cross
— Tlaqueuepaque
07/21 Sedona
–hike to Bell Rock
–Pink Jeep Broken Arrow?
–Oak Creek?
07/22 AM drive to Grand canyon (GC) Hotel El Tovar
–lunch at Cameron trading post?
–explore GC national District
–Hermits rest Overlook
See sunset at ???
07/23 – Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page AZ – stay 2 night in Page, AZ
–***need to fill in things to do this day / places to see on the way?***
07/24 –
–530 AM see sunrise at Horseshoe Bend. 630 AM – Tour Lower Antelope Canyon (I made reservation),
***need to fill in things to do rest of day***
07/25 – Drive from Page, AZ, to Bryce Canyon, UT, drive time: 2.5-3 hours. Overnight in Bryce
— Navajo/Queens Garden
–Inspiration point
–Sunset Point
–Fairyland Point
–ATV Tour
***may not do all of these, and some may do next day – suggestions?***
07/26 – Drive from Bryce to Zion, drive time: 2-2.5 hours, overnight in Springdale.
—How much time to spend in Bryce / when to leave to drive to Zion?
07/27 – Drive from Springdale, UT, back to Las Vegas, NV
–700 am – hike Angels landing
–what time should I leave zion to drive back to LV? My flight is not until 1000 PM?
–any other suggestions on what to do in Zion NP?
Overall question – is there anything else I should make advance reservation for?
We decided not to do flight over monument park.
My daughter (21 yrs old) and I like jet skiing and water activities. can incorporate this in one or more venues above?
Any suggestions/ changes are greatly appreciated. You are quite helpful and can’t thank you enough.
Hey Jeff,
Your itinerary looks pretty well-planned as it is. Strange as it may sound, I suggest resisting the temptation to plan every. single. minute. of your day. Having a little downtime here and there is no sin, and is bound to be welcome when you least expect it, especially if you’re dealing with jet leg, or acclimating to a higher altitude.
On your first travel day, for example, you indicate that after a 5-hour drive from Las Vegas to Sedona, you want to try to hit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque. Since these are located on opposite ends of town, you may only be in the mood to visit one or the other before calling it a night, which is OK.
You might actually want to plan a visit to Chapel of the Holy Cross on your second day, as it’s located fairly close to the Bell Rock Trail.
The Pink Jeep tour office would then be a further 10-minute drive or so up the road. The Broken Arrow tour lasts ~2 hours, so time and inclination permitting, you could do a short hike in Oak Creek Canyon.
RE: good viewpoints for sunset at the Grand Canyon, anywhere on the rim is good, but Hopi Point and Yavapai Point are generally regarded as having the best view. My personal favorite spot is Grandview Point, ~5 miles East of Grand Canyon Village. It’s more secluded than the other points mentioned, and has good views of the Colorado River. Forward to the 1:07 mark on this video to see what it looks like.
On 7/22, where you indicate you might “have lunch at the Cameron Trading Post” en route from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, move this activity to 07/23. The most logical route from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ takes you through there anyway. As for what to see/do on the way, there will be plenty to fill your time here! Between Grand Canyon Village and Desert View (the Eastern boundary of the park), there are over half a dozen named Grand Canyon viewpoints you can stop at. The Tusayan Ruins and Museum is another worthwhile, often overlooked point of interest. Upon exiting the park and entering Navajo Indian tribal lands, there’s even more to see, including the Little Colorado River Overlook, Chief Yellowhorse’s souvenir stands, Chinle formation views, and the Cut overlook, just to name a few. Taken at a nice leisurely pace, this 150-mile drive can easily be extended to 3.5-4 hours.
On 07/24, where you’re looking for other activities to fill your 2nd day in Page, here is where you can and should take the opportunity to do some water-based activities on Lake Powell. Options include boat tours or boat rentals, kayak tours/rentals, or personal watercraft rentals. The main lakeside concessionaires are Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas and Antelope Point Marina.
As for when to leave Bryce to head to Zion, the drive takes ~2 hours, and the main objective is to make sure you’re not doing any of your driving at night. If I failed to mention it previously (apologies if I am repeating anything), nighttime driving is not a good idea in this part of the U.S. since most of the roads are very dimly lit. This is a deliberate move to preserve the natural quality of the night sky, but can ratchet up the chances of having a collision with a deer, elk, free range cow, or even a wild horse. Not the sort of thing you want to have happen in areas where the cell phone reception is spotty and help will be a long time coming, with a hefty price tag.
I recommend allowing ~5 hours to make the drive back to Las Vegas from Zion. The main reason why is because construction is taking place on a stretch of I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge, which will tack another 30-60 minutes onto your trip. Depending on whether your flight is international or domestic, and depending on the policies of your airline, check-in will be required 1-2 hours prior to departure. However, since Las Vegas is on Pacific Time and Zion is on Mountain Time, you will “gain” an hour traveling from Utah to Nevada.
In Bryce, I’d recommend making reservations for the ATV tour if you’re truly interested in that. It’s a fairly popular activity.
Have a great trip! If you think of it, feel free to post a report on it afterwards. We’d love to know how it went and if our suggestions helped (or not LOL).
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley – I am looking to plan a vacation to UT this summer and I am just in the beginning phases of planning. I plan to fly into Las Vegas and from there I have an open slate. I will be bringing my 19yo and my 15yo (who can do only mild hiking – he has Cerebral Palsy). I don’t mind driving and can spend 5-8 days. Could you help me build an itinerary? We don’t mind driving, we just want to see as much as possible but have fun too!!
Thanks!
Holly
Hi Holly,
Using Las Vegas as your “staging city,” how your itinerary gets built will revolve, and evolve, around 2 key elements: lodging availability (or lack thereof) at the Grand Canyon, and availability of Upper Antelope Canyon tours (that branch of the canyon is easiest to tour with only a 100 yard walk required). Start by checking those two things first, and the rest of your tour elements should fall into place rather easily.
With 1 week to work with, a typical itinerary goes something like this:
Day 1: Travel day to Las Vegas
Day 2: Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim with optional stopover at Hoover Dam (~5-5.5 hour drive), overnight at South Rim
Day 3: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ (~3.5-4 hour drive factoring in multiple stops), tour Antelope Canyon, overnight in Page, AZ
Day 4: Sunrise visit to Horseshoe Bend if ADA trail is completed, if not, perhaps a scenic flight over it, drive on the Bryce Canyon (~3 hours), overnight in Bryce
Day 5: Drive from Bryce to Zion (~2.5 hour drive), overnight in Springdale, UT
Day 6: 2nd day in Zion, overnight in Springdale
Day 7: Drive back to Las Vegas (~3-4 hour drive, actual drive time may vary due to construction taking place on this route), either overnight in Vegas or fly home
All of the parks featured on this route have many hiking options, a good number of which are very easy, so your whole family should have no shortage of things to fill your days. If you have an ADA placard, bring that with you. It might grant you access to areas that are normally closed to private vehicles. Be sure to clarify these guidelines upon entry into each park, or visit the individual accessibility guides online for each park.
If you find that Grand Canyon lodging availability is more open towards the back end of your trip, you can always flip-flop your itinerary, and do a Las Vegas > Zion > Bryce > Page > Grand Canyon > Vegas loop.
Hope that helps – good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley! I read your articles, really those are amazing! You give more information in all .
Our big family will be in GC on May, from 6th to 13th. We have also 4 kids below age 5.
We will flight to and from Las Vegas airport.
We will reach at Las Vegas at night on 5th May.
I was wondering if you can help me with the itinerary. I have read your previous response. Our biggest goals are GC, Antelope canyon.
Would you suggest us an unforgettable itinerary?
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Anthony!
With that many children under the age of 5, your itinerary will be highly influenced by what they can and cannot do, mostly the latter.
You want to avoid spending too much time behind the wheel and factor some “downtime” into your itinerary.
Grand Canyon lodging should be the “lynchpin” around which the rest of your itinerary revolves and evolves, so check availability there first. Staying inside the park is always most desirable; if nothing is available there, then Tusayan, 7 miles outside the park is your next best option.
It will take approximately 4.5 hours to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim. From Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ, for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Google maps gives the drive time as ~2.5 hours, but that rarely materializes as the drive is very scenic, and you’ll find yourself stopping to take pictures quite often. 3.5-4 hours ends up being a more realistic figure.
With your timeframe, I’d recommend:
May 6th: Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, with an optional stop at Hoover Dam, perhaps another at Seligman, AZ, a Route 66 mainstay. Approximate drive time is 5 hours, no stops. Overnight at the Grand Canyon
May 7th: Spend 2nd day at Grand Canyon, exploring around the Grand Canyon Village area, maybe taking the Hermit’s Rest/West Rim Drive shuttles, check out the IMAX movie in Tusayan, overnight at Grand Canyon again.
May 8th: Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ, stop at viewpoints along the East Rim/Desert View Drive, possible brunch/lunch stop at the Cameron Trading Post. Hit Horseshoe Bend on the way into town, parking permitting. Overnight in Page, AZ.
May 9th: 2nd day in Page, AZ, take Antelope Canyon tour. Because of the ages of the children, for their safety, you’ll be limited to touring Upper Antelope Canyon. There are 4 tour companies that tour Upper Antelope Canyon, but only 3 allow younger children. Advance reservations are required. If inclined, you might also take a brief boat tour on Lake Powell, but I’d recommend something no longer than 1.5-2 hours. Or some of the party might opt to stay behind with the kids if you don’t think they can handle it. Spend 2nd night in Page, AZ.
May 10th: Drive from Page, AZ to Bryce Canyon (~3 hour drive), stop in Kanab, UT, for meal/leg stretch/bathroom break, explore the rim drive overlooks, overnight in Bryce Canyon or nearby.
May 11th: Drive from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park (~2 hour drive), overnight in Springdale, UT. Explore around in Zion, there are lots of easy, but scenic hikes you can take as a family in that area.
May 12th: Spend 2nd day in Zion area. Adults and/or older kids may hike for a short ways up the Narrows, but wouldn’t recommend this activity for younger kids. Overnight again in Zion, or drive back to Las Vegas (normally ~3 hours from Springdale, but please allow extra time due to ongoing roadwork on I-15 in the Virgin River Gorge).
May 13th: Fly home
Again, availability of lodging at the Grand Canyon will be the thing to book first. If you have to flip-flop your itinerary, i.e., hit Zion first, then Bryce, Page, GC, etc., then be prepared to do that. Be sure that you make reservations for Antelope Canyon tours in advance of your arrival as well.
Good luck and safe travels!
Alley 🙂
Hi Alley,
Thank you so much for your valuable information.
Appreciated for your suggestion on how to make our trip more efficient.
Thanks again for all your help.
You’re welcome, have a wonderful time! 🙂
What a helpful and detailed site! Thank you! Hopefully you can help me with my questions. Our family of 6 is driving an RV from LA (I know, I know!). We’d like to do at least the Grand Canyon and Zion, then head west to Four Corners, Mesa Verde and more. (Is 1 day per canyon, not including driving, enough?)
I’m don’t know much about the GC but I see you highly recommend the South Rim. Would it be better for us to drive from LA to Flagstaff and approach the GC from the south? Or follow Google maps and go from LA, through Las Vegas and to Zion first?
Also, we have an extra day not currently scheduled, and I am overwhelmed by the canyon possibilities. Bryce? Glen? Antelope is not an option at this point. Or is there something else you highly recommend doing as a family (I did look into the Float trip, horseback rides and other things)?
Thank you!
Hi Courtney, and thank you for your compliments!
There’s no problem with opting to go the RV route for your Grand Circle vacation, as long as you know what you’re getting into. Many people opt for RV’s for the novelty, others do it because they’re under the impression that they’ll save a lot of money vs. traditional hotels. The latter assumption sometimes ends up being a “wash,” as any money you save on hotels will be eaten up in gas. However, the ability to prepare your own meals is a definite money-saver.
I don’t recall seeing when you were scheduled to travel, but I’m assuming it’s later this spring or summertime? If so, you’ll want to stay in developed RV parks with electrical hook-ups, because you’ll need that air conditioning, or heat depending on the weather. Grand Canyon South Rim has one RV park with hook-ups in-park, Trailer Village. If they are full, then Grand Canyon Camper Village in Tusayan (7 miles South of the park) is your next best option. For first-time visitors, Grand Canyon South Rim is recommended over the North Rim because it has more in the way of visitor services, plus the North Rim is only open from May 15th-October 15th.
As to what order you visit the various parks in, that will most likely depend on when you can get reservations. Let Grand Canyon be the “lynchpin” around which the rest of your trip planning revolves, and evolves. If availability (or lack thereof) determines that you can do LA-Zion-Bryce-4 Corners/Mesa Verde-GC, then by all means, go that route. If RV park availability indicates that Grand Canyon should be first stop on the tour, you could do LA-GC-4 Corners/Mesa Verde-Bryce-Zion. BTW, 1 day in each place is enough for some, but not for others. Zion, in particular, deserves at least 2-3 days to do it justice.
As for other attractions to add, there are all kinds of possibilities. Page, AZ, for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Glen Canyon Half Day Float Trip would be my first recommendation. When you say “Antelope is not an option,” I assume you mean that Antelope Canyon tours are sold out? If so, consider touring one of several alternate slot canyons, many of which are in the same drainage system as Antelope, and are just as beautiful.
On the way to Mesa Verde, you might consider stopping in Moab, UT, or Monument Valley. Moab, UT is another place that needs at least 3 days. Monument Valley can do with just 1. Between Bryce and Mesa Verde, Capitol Reef is a place you pretty much have to pass through anyway, and is beautiful. 1-2 days is sufficient to spend there. If your time is limited, you might consider leaving Mesa Verde off the table. Not that it isn’t incredible (it is!), but do you want to spend your whole vacation driving?
Whatever you do, be sure to pick up an America The Beautiful Federal Lands Access Pass. For $80, this card gets you into all the National Parks, Monuments, and Federal Fee Areas for 1 year’s time. The only places it won’t work are Native American Tribal Parks (Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley), and State Parks (the Goosenecks of the San Juan is a neat one between Monument Valley and Moab), but it will pay for itself on the trip you’re planning to take.
Hope that helps, I know it’s a hard choice! Good luck and safe travels,
Alley 🙂