SOUTHWEST, USA 12 Days

This itinerary visits Las Vegas, Bryce, Grand Canyon & Zion National Parks, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley & Sedona, AZ.

This expedition spans the most iconic landscapes in North America—from the high-octane energy of Las Vegas to the silent, towering monoliths of Monument Valley. You will stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, navigate the glowing slot canyons of Antelope, and find serenity among the spiritual vortexes of Sedona.

Across three states and thousands of years of geological history, this itinerary is a front-row seat to the raw beauty and rugged spirit of the American West. The Southwest has deserts, cacti, red rocks, mountains, and city resorts.

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ℹ️Essential Tips:

  • 🚗 This route has long drives, but the miles deliver an unforgettable family experience.

  • ⚠️ Never hike alone. If an injury occurs, your partner is your lifeline.

    —Carry enough water and food in case you get lost. Wear good hiking shoes and light layers for changing weather.

  • If you're traveling with children to the National Parks, learn more about the Junior Ranger Program.

  • Entry fees for National Parks.

    • Learn about getting an [annual pass]

    • US citizens 62 or older can get the Senior Lifetime Pass for $80. It offers free entry to America’s National Parks. [Learn more]

  • Travel Guides: Fodor’s Utah and Lonely Planet Arizona and Fodor’s Las Vegas.

DAY 1   

  • Arrive at the Las Vegas airport and transfer to your hotel.

  • If time permits, catch a show or explore the famous Vegas Strip!

    • The Las Vegas Strip is 3.9 miles long and has a monorail with 7 stops.

    • Casino hotels allow guests under 21 only when they are with a parent or guardian.

  • Safety concerns: Avoid walking any farther north than The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower‍ ‍(Stratosphere - it’s a big tower at the end of the strip). Going further north on foot can be risky. Naked City, near the Stratosphere, has many low-income residents, so theft and assaults are more likely.
    👍 For Downtown/Fremont Street, a 10-minute Uber or Lyft is safer and quicker.

  • Overnight: Las Vegas. [Where to stay]

ℹ️ Trail & Hiking guide

DAY 2

  • Depart for Zion National Park.

    • Great park with hiking trails and cliffs over 2,000 feet above the canyon.

  • The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the #1 activity in the park.

    • The Zion Drive is a 6-mile park road that passes places like the Narrows entrance. During peak season, private cars are not allowed. You must ride the Zion Shuttle.

    • 📌 The shuttle begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the Temple of Sinawava stop, where the 1.8-mile Riverside Walk (along the Virgin River) starts.

      • At the end of the Riverside Walk, you reach the Narrows, where the canyon narrows, and you must wade the river to continue. About 30% of visitors hike the Narrows to Wall Street, where canyon walls rise 1,500 feet, and the river narrows to just 22 feet.

    • You do not need a permit to hike the Narrows, high water may prevent hiking in the Narrows, so always check the 
      park's current conditions before you start your day. The Narrows often closes in spring (April–May) because of high meltwater.

    • 💡 Best way to hike the Narrows: Zion Outfitters: Sells gear for safe, comfortable Narrows hikes. Many attempt it unprepared; the trail is mostly a rocky, slippery riverbed. ℹ️ Learn more.

  • Along the Scenic Drive are several easy walks with great views—pause to enjoy them, especially the iconic sight of the Great White Throne!

  • Other Hiking trails include: Emerald Pools Trail (easy), Angels Landing Trail(difficult), and the pet-friendly Pa’rus Trail (easy).

    • Angels Landing-many call this trail the scariest hike in the USA. [video]
      ⚠️ Alert: A permit is required to hike the final "chains" section. You must apply for the seasonal or day-before lottery.

    • Getting to: Angels Landing trail per the West Rim Trail.

      • -Shuttle Stop: get off at #6, The Grotto.
        -Distance (roundtrip): 5.4 mi / 8.7 km
        -Elevation Change: 1,488 ft / 453 m
        -Estimated Hiking Time: 5 hours
        -Description: Steep drop-offs. Not suitable for young kids. The trail ends with a narrow, steep ridge to the top.

    • Pa’rus Trail - this is the only trail in Zion Park where pets and bikes are allowed. You can get to it from the Visitor Center or Museum (Shuttle Stop #2). The Pa'rus Trail is perfect for sunsets, stargazing, and night photography. [Distance: 3.2 miles RT]

  • FAQ’s about Zion hiking trails.

  • Overnight:  Zion Park. [Where to stay]

    • Zion National Park has limited accommodations.

      1. Springdale - is the best place to stay for Zion visits because lodging inside the park is limited.

      2. Springdale - only one mile from Zion's main entrance, so it's easy to reach. That saves time and effort, especially for early visits to catch the best light or avoid crowds. [Where to stay in Springdale]

      3. Shuttle Service: The town offers a free shuttle that links to Zion's shuttle system, letting you travel between Springdale and the park without driving or parking. This is useful when Zion’s parking lots are full.

  • Distance:  Las Vegas ---> Zion Park, 3 hrs.

 

Option…add a Extra Day at Zion National Park.

Enjoy more trails and a horseback ride (season dates: March - October)

 

Bryce Canyon <Map 1> <Map 2>

DAY 3

  • Enjoy a final hike in Zion.

  • Continue to Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its crimson colored hoodoos. ⭐These hoodoos at Bryce are the largest collection in the world.

  • Arrive at Bryce Canyon by afternoon to see multiple viewpoints.

    • Bryce Canyon sits around 8,000–9,000 feet (2,400–2,800 m), so the weather can change a lot during the day.

  • Overnight: Bryce Canyon Park. (2 nights) [where to stay]

  • Distance: Zion Park ---> Bryce Canyon, 2 hrs.

ℹ️ Learn about horseback riding

DAY 4

  • Bryce Canyon activities - include memorable hikes and horseback riding.

    • Some visitors add an extra day.

    • No pets or bicycles on park trails

  • Bryce Canyon Visitor Guide- tips for planning your trip.

    • These tall rocks (hoodoos) consist of red, orange, and white colors formed by nature.

  • Best scenery spots: Bryce Amphitheater, Inspiration Point.

  • Hiking trails not to miss:

    • Navajo Loop (1.3 mi. RT), Queen Garden(3 mi RT) and Fairyland Loop (8 mi. RT)

    • These trails have hikes through bright red and orange rocks. You can walk along the rim or below it to see rock formations, ancient bristlecone pines, and wide canyon views.

  • Park rangers often recommend starting with the main attractions. Try to do at least one of the scenic hikes:

    • Sunrise Point to catch the morning glow on the hoodoos.

    • Inspiration Point - provides sweeping views of the Bryce Amphitheater.

    • Bryce Point - drive to Bryce Point for one of the park’s most iconic views.

  • Bryce Canyon's night sky is unique; it offers exceptional stargazing.

    • On a clear, moonless night, you can see about 7,500 stars. In a small town, you usually see about 2,000. The park runs about
      100 astronomy programs a year, led by rangers and volunteers. ℹ️ Learn more

  • FAQ’s

  • Overnight: Bryce Canyon Park.

ℹ️ Read more on Antelope Canyon

DAY 5   

  • Leave Bryce Canyon for Monument Valley.   

  • En route, stop at Antelope Canyon, an awe-inspiring slot canyon.

    • Tour offices are located in Page, Arizona.

    • Pick the "Upper Antelope" tour; it’s the one with the canyon’s famous light beams.

      • The light beams are seasonal (late March through early October) and peak between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

    • Tours are open to all. Flat canyon—no climbing. Tours last 60–90 minutes.
      Please book in advance.

    • Lower Antelope Canyon or Antelope Canyon X are fantastic alternatives if Upper sells out, though they require climbing steep metal ladders.

  • Overnight: Monument Valley; we recommend The View Hotel. (2 nights)

  • Distance:

    Bryce Canyon ---> Antelope Canyon, 3 hrs.

    Antelope Canyon -- 3 hrs. --> Monument Valley. (total drive: 6 hrs. / 281 mi.)

LOOP DRIVE ROUTE

DAY 6

  • Witness an incredible sunrise at Monument Valley. It’s worth an early wake-up!

  • If you missed the sunrise, don’t miss the sunset — it’s stunning too.

  • The Valley is on Navajo land, known for colorful rock formations. Films like Forrest Gump and
    Back to the Future III was shot there.

    Best trail: the self-guided Wildcat Hike.

  • If you do not like hiking, you can drive yourself around the beautiful landscape. [driving map]

    • The road is unpaved and dusty, but drivable.

  • Star Gazing: This dark sky is world-class—step onto your balcony at 2:00 AM to see the Milky Way.

  • Overnight: The View Hotel.

FAQ’S

DAY 7

  • Next stop is the Grand Canyon South Rim.

    • The canyon is a top example of dry-land erosion, carved by the Colorado River.

  • Stop at various photo spots on the Grand Canyon Road Drive.

  • Watch the canyon change color at sunset. The Grand Canyon glows from orange to pink to purple as the sun sets.

  • The Grand Canyon shuttle service—what you need to know.

  • Grand Canyon Tours for Seniors. ℹ️ Learn more

  • [Where to eat]

    • ⚠️ Reservations are required at the historic El Tovar Dining Room. Reservations can be made up to 30-days in advance.

  • Overnight: Grand Canyon South Rim Lodge. Reservations are recommended. Book 6-8 months in advance.Distance

    Monument Valley ---> Grand Canyon South Rim. 3.5 hrs.

DAY  8  

  • Start with a sunrise hike on the famous self-guided South Kaibab Trail.

    • Park hikes can be hard. Come ready.

    • It’s a 6-hour/5.4-mile RT to Skeleton Point. Difficulty: moderate

      • ⚠️ Do not go past Skeleton Point on a day hike.

      • June, July, and August are the worst months to hike into the canyon due to hot temperatures. ( 90°F / 32°C or more.)

      • ⚠️ Stay hydrated. The National Park advises drinking 2 liters of water every 90 minutes while hiking.

      • Be educated about ⚠️ heat-related symptoms.

      • Bananas, granola bars, trail mix, and peanuts are handy snacks.

  • South Kaibab Trail begins near Yaki Point on Yaki Point Rd. ℹ️ Learn more

    • The Kaibab Trail is closed to private vehicles; access is via the free Kaibab Rim Route (Orange) shuttle. Departs from the Visitor Center.

  • Would you rather Bike than hike?

  • If hiking or biking, return by mid-afternoon to drive to Sedona.

  • Overnight: Sedona (3 nights)

  • Distance: Grand Canyon ---> Sedona, 2.5 hrs.

Add a Extra Day.

Take a mule ride DOWN the canyon.

Mule rides ARE arranged through Grand Canyon Lodges (303-297-2757) [click here]

 

DAYS 9 and 10  

  • Enjoy two days in upbeat Sedona to capture the red rock beauty.   

  • Sedona [Map] An Arizona desert town near Flagstaff, surrounded by red rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests.

    • It’s noted for its mild climate and vibrant arts community.

  • Uptown Sedona is filled with New Age shops, eateries, spas, and art galleries.

  • One of the town’s highlights is the Pink Jeep Tour- an “off-road” adventure through the colorful canyons.

  • Chapel of the Holy Cross - this stunning church protrudes from the red cliffs.

  • We recommend visiting Red Rock State Park. The park offers amazing views and trails of Sedona's famous red formations.

  • Two (2) great hikes:

  • Visit Slide Rock State Park. A natural rock water slide in Oak Creek Canyon, just 15 minutes from Sedona..

    • Today, it is known as one of "America's Top 10 Swimming Holes".

  • ATV is a great way to capture amazing views. We suggest Red Rock ATV rentals.

  • Please note: Sedona is getting crowded, so traffic and parking, especially by trails, can be difficult. Plan ahead, allow extra time.

  • Overnight: Sedona

 

➡️ CHECK OUT A SHOW

DAY 11

DAY 12   

  • Elect Extra Day(s) in" Las Vegas" or depart for your flight home.

 
 

With trains arriving every 4-8 minutes at our seven stations, you can ride knowing you are using the fastest, cleanest, and most efficient transportation available.

 
 
 

"Located two (2) hours from Las Vegas, Death Valley offers a quick escape.

 
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Average cost:

(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)

$$$ USD for two (2) people

Budget: $4000

Moderate: $5000

Luxury: $6300+

 

Search for your hotel

 
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🌤️ Climate Guide

  • Historical Weather Data.

  • Best time to visit Las Vegas: March, April, and October for pleasant, mild weather.

    • The hot season/summer is June through September.

    • Las Vegas temperatures of 100 degrees in summer are common.

  • Sedona temperatures hover in the 90's in summer.

    • The coolest months are January and February.

    • August is the wettest month.

    • June is the driest month.

  • Bryce Canyon - due to its high elevation (7664 ft.), the weather at Bryce can be highly variable all year round. [Read more about what to expect]

  • Grand Canyon - average temperatures at the Grand Canyon can differ by 15–20°F (about 11°C) between the rim and the inner canyon. The South Rim has milder weather. It does receive some snowfall in the winter, and temperatures reach the freezing point.

  • Sunrise/Sunset times.

 
 
 
 

Southwest Gallery

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Source: all trails.  wikipedia.org, mello mike.
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