a week trip from las vegas to zion, bryce, arches, novajo mo
a week trip from las vegas to zion, bryce, arches, novajo monument, page, Grand canyon siuth, west rin and vegas back
Planning a one-week road trip from Las Vegas through the Southwest’s iconic national parks and landmarks is ambitious but very doable with careful planning. The key is to balance driving time with sightseeing to make the most of each stop.
Here’s a detailed suggested itinerary for your trip covering Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Monument Valley, Page, Grand Canyon South Rim, West Rim, and back to Las Vegas:
Day 1: Las Vegas → Zion National Park
- Depart early from Las Vegas.
- Drive approx. 2.5–3 hours to Springdale, the gateway town for Zion.
- Hike short trails like Riverside Walk or Emerald Pools to stretch your legs.
- Overnight in Springdale or inside the park if lodging is available.
Day 2: Zion → Bryce Canyon
- Take early morning shuttle or short hike in Zion (Angel’s Landing if adventurous, or Canyon Overlook for an easy viewpoint).
- Drive approx. 1.5–2 hours to Bryce Canyon.
- Explore viewpoints like Sunrise Point, Bryce Point, and Sunset Point.
- Consider a short walk down the Navajo Loop Trail for classic hoodoo views.
- Overnight in Bryce Canyon City or nearby.
Day 3: Bryce Canyon → Arches National Park (Moab)
- Prepare for a long drive (~5–6 hours) through scenic areas of southern Utah.
- Arrive in Moab in the afternoon, check into lodging.
- If time allows, visit Dead Horse Point State Park or catch sunset at a nearby viewpoint.
Day 4: Arches National Park
- Full day exploring Arches: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Double Arch, and Windows Section.
- Optional short hikes for scenic views without strenuous effort.
- Evening in Moab for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Moab → Monument Valley → Page, AZ
- Drive approx. 2–3 hours to Monument Valley.
- Consider a guided Navajo tour to see iconic rock formations up close.
- Continue ~2.5 hours to Page, AZ.
- Check into hotel in Page and optionally view Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
Day 6: Page → Grand Canyon South Rim
- Morning visit to Antelope Canyon (book in advance).
- Drive approx. 2.5–3 hours to Grand Canyon South Rim.
- Explore viewpoints along Desert View Drive and Rim Trail.
- Overnight at South Rim or nearby Tusayan.
Day 7: Grand Canyon → West Rim → Las Vegas
- Optional early morning viewpoint at South Rim.
- Drive toward Grand Canyon West Rim (Skywalk, Hualapai Ranch) – adds ~2 hours of driving each way from Las Vegas side if you want to visit; otherwise, proceed straight back to Las Vegas (~4–4.5 hours).
- Return to Las Vegas in evening for flight or overnight stay.
Tips & Considerations:
- Book all lodging well in advance, especially inside national parks.
- Consider starting early each day to maximize sightseeing and avoid crowds.
- Fuel up often, as some stretches have long distances between towns.
- Check weather conditions, especially if traveling in winter, as roads in Bryce, Arches, and Grand Canyon can be icy or snowy.
- Pack snacks, water, and layers — temperatures vary widely across the desert and mountain regions.
- If time feels tight, consider skipping the West Rim and focus on South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which offers more extensive views and shorter drive from Page.
With this plan, you’ll hit all the major highlights without overly exhausting drives each day, balancing sightseeing, hiking, and scenic drives for an unforgettable Southwest adventure.
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