Itinerary Feedback Please - First trip to USA March 25.

Question

Hello all, my husband and I ( both in our 50's) are planning a visit to the US next March for a special anniversary, it will be my first trip to the US so while I am doing lots of research I would appreciate any feedback on our itinerary.

We fly in and out of Las Vegas, we spend the first couple of nights in Vegas to recover from jetlag but it is not the focus of our trip, once we leave Vegas our plan is the following:

Road trip day 1 - Drive to Springdale via Valley of Fire, we then have a 4 night stay in Springdale to explore Zion. Weather permitting we may include a day trip to Bryce Canyon.

Day 5 Drive to Flagstaff with stops at horseshoe bend and Cameron Trading post. We understand March is not a good time for Lake Powell activities so skipping Page. We then have one full day in Flagstaff (2 nights). We will hope to look at visiting the meteor crater/Wupatki weather permitting and maybe the observatory in the evening.

Days 7 -9 3 nights in Sedona, we will be there Tues - Fri so hopefully avoiding the worst of the crowds. Bit more of downtime here to relax, enjoy the food and scenery.

Day 10 and 11 we have booked a cabin at Bright Angel Lodge and will spend 2 days exploring GCNP.

Day 12, we return to Vegas via Hoover Dam and have one further night in Vegas before flying home.

Questions are these, are we making any huge errors itinerary wise, does this broad plan make sense?

Given the loop we are taking, is there any must sees we might not have thought of that we should include. This is potentially our one and only visit to this part of the world so want to make the most of it. Our primary interests are short to medium hikes, wonderful scenery, great food, any notable historical landmarks.

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

Answer

Your planned itinerary is well thought out and manageable for a first visit to the American Southwest. You have a good balance of scenic drives, hiking, and downtime, and your route is efficient given your interests and timing. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to help you refine your trip.

Las Vegas to Springdale / Zion:

Driving through Valley of Fire on the way to Springdale is a great choice; plan for at least 1–2 hours to walk around some short trails like Fire Wave and Elephant Rock. Arriving in Springdale for 4 nights gives you flexibility to explore Zion NP thoroughly.

In Zion, consider short hikes such as Emerald Pools Trail (easy to moderate, waterfall and scenery), Canyon Overlook Trail (short but with iconic views), and part of the Riverside Walk leading to The Narrows (you can go as far as comfortable).
If weather permits, Bryce Canyon day trip is feasible (about 1.5–2 hours each way). Must-sees: Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and a short hike like Navajo Loop to see hoodoos up close.

Springdale to Flagstaff:

Stops at Horseshoe Bend and Cameron Trading Post are perfect. In March, Lake Powell activities are limited due to weather, so skipping water activities is reasonable.

In Flagstaff, you have options like Meteor Crater and Wupatki National Monument – both are relatively short visits but historically and geologically interesting.
If you have an evening free, consider the Lowell Observatory – great for stargazing and a unique experience in Flagstaff.

Flagstaff to Sedona:

Three nights in Sedona allows you to enjoy some relaxation along with moderate sightseeing.

Short to moderate hikes to consider: Bell Rock Pathway, Cathedral Rock Trail (steeper but rewarding for views), West Fork Oak Creek Canyon Trail (easy to moderate, beautiful scenery).
Scenic drives: Red Rock Loop Road, Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive.
Food: Sedona has many acclaimed restaurants; consider Elote Cafe or Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill for memorable dining experiences.

Sedona to Grand Canyon (Bright Angel Lodge):

Two full days at GCNP South Rim is sufficient for first-timers. Easy hikes: Rim Trail sections, Bright Angel Trail (short sections), Yavapai Point and Museum for iconic views and geology.
Consider sunset or sunrise at Mather Point or Hopi Point for classic views.

Grand Canyon to Las Vegas via Hoover Dam:

Stopping at Hoover Dam is ideal; allow at least 1–1.5 hours to explore the visitor center and take photos. Return to Vegas for your last night.

Additional must-see or noteworthy suggestions along your route:

Valley of Fire Petroglyphs: Short walk to see ancient rock art.
Desert View Drive in Grand Canyon: Several viewpoints along the way with minimal walking.
Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon: If weather is mild, it’s a fun photo stop.
Zion Scenic Drive Shuttle: Use the shuttle to access trailheads efficiently if the park is busy.

Overall assessment:

Your itinerary is realistic and balanced. You’re not overloading driving or hiking days, and you’ve allowed for some flexibility in case of weather or crowd adjustments. Since this is your one-time visit, the mix of national parks, scenic drives, and moderate hikes will provide a comprehensive experience of the region.

Itinerary Feedback Please - First trip to USA March 25.

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