Itinerary suggestions

Question

Hoping to get feedback on a draft itinerary. Three nights in Springdale for Zion; 1 night in Bryce; 2 nights in Moab / Arches; 2 nights Page; 6nights Sedona. Arches adds a good bit of driving but if we can we would love to fit it in! Trying to have two nights surrounding longer drives. Flying in and out of Vegas most likely bc of great rates but happy to hear other suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Answer

Your draft itinerary covers some of the most iconic parks and landscapes in the Southwest and is ambitious but doable if paced carefully. Here’s a detailed look at logistics and suggestions.

Flying in and out of Las Vegas makes sense because of flight options and car rental availability. Driving times and distances between destinations will dictate how much time you actually have for hiking and sightseeing.

Here’s a breakdown of your proposed itinerary with tips:

Springdale / Zion (3 nights) – Excellent choice. Allows for a full two days of hiking (Angels Landing, Observation Point, The Narrows) plus a more relaxed day for scenic drives and shorter hikes. Staying in Springdale is convenient for park shuttle access.
Bryce Canyon (1 night) – One night is doable but tight. You’ll likely arrive mid-afternoon and can catch sunset at Sunset Point or Bryce Point. Early morning for sunrise is highly recommended. Consider staying near the park entrance to maximize time.
Moab / Arches (2 nights) – Adds significant driving from Bryce (approx. 4-5 hours). Two nights is just enough for Arches highlights like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and The Windows Section. Canyonlands (Island in the Sky) can be done on a half-day. Ensure you plan to start early to avoid crowds.
Page / Lake Powell (2 nights) – Good base for Antelope Canyon tours (Upper or Lower), Horseshoe Bend, and a day on Lake Powell if desired. Driving from Moab to Page is around 5 hours, so plan for a break or scenic stops along US-191 and US-89.
Sedona (6 nights) – Ample time for hiking (Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge), jeep tours, and exploring art galleries. This longer stay balances out the earlier packed schedule and allows for a more relaxed pace.

Additional recommendations:

Consider alternating long drive days with shorter ones, e.g., Bryce to Moab is a long stretch; Moab to Page is another long stretch, so plan early starts.
Flying into Las Vegas and renting a car is logical. Returning via Phoenix could work if you prefer a loop rather than backtracking.
Book popular tours and park shuttle tickets in advance, especially for Antelope Canyon and Angels Landing permits if required.
Check park opening times and sunset/sunrise to maximize your photography opportunities.

Overall, the itinerary is feasible for a first-time Southwest road trip. The longer stays in Sedona and Zion are well-balanced against the two nights for longer drives. With careful planning of start times and reservations, you should be able to enjoy all the key highlights without feeling overly rushed.

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