"canyons" itinerary comments and end of trip advice

Question

Hi,

My wife and I hope to take a road trip from Las Vegas to Denver taking in some of the canyons and state parks along the way between 15th April and 3rd May. Our "current" itinerary is as follows:

15th April: Arrive Las Vegas from UK around 20:00 and spend 2 nights

17th April: Pick up hire car at airport and drive to Grand Canyon South Rim via historic Route 66

Spend 3 nights at Yavapai Lodge (already reserved)

20th April; drive to Page via Horseshoe Bend and visit Antelope Canyon. Overnight at Country Inn & Suites (already reserved)

21st April: drive to Zion National Park and stay 3 nights at Bumbleberry Inn (already reserved)

24th April: drive to Bryce Canyon staying 2 nights at Best western Plus Ruby Inn (already reserved)

26th April: drive to Moab staying 4 nights in Best western Canyonlands (already reserved). Visit Canyonlands and Arches

30th April: drive to Denver/Vail/Breckenridge??

3rd May: flight to UK departs 20:00

I would very much appreciate comments/suggestions on the above itinerary as all accommodation can be changed. Whilst we want to see as much as we can we don't want to rush things nor spend prolonged periods of time driving. I hope that I've spread out the driving to allow this to happen but do understand that there are a couple of lengthy (for UK/Irish visitors) drives in excess of 5 hours.

We are very undecided about what to do for our last 3 nights/days between 30th April and our flight home at night on 3rd May. Initially I had thought of driving straight to Denver and dropping the car back and then spending 3 nights and 3 days in the city. But having skied in Breckinridge many years ago with my Dad, I had thought that perhaps 3 nights in a nice hotel either there or in Vail would be a relaxing way to round off what will be a busy holiday. The accommodation is very well priced at that time and having read some other forum posts I now understand this is because its the off season (mud season) which does concern me a bit. We dont need or indeed want things to be busy but would want shops and good restaurants to be open and for the resort to look pretty. The term mud season doesn't conjurer up that picture! Walks (not hikes) are what we like as well as good food, scenery and a bit of luxury such as a spa or well equipped hotel pool/relaxation area.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Steven

Answer

Steven, your itinerary from Las Vegas through the national parks and canyons is well-paced and thoughtfully planned. You have spread out the longer drives over multiple days, which is ideal for avoiding fatigue and allows for sightseeing without rushing.

Comments on your current itinerary:

Las Vegas (2 nights) – This is sufficient for a short exploration of the Strip and possibly a show. Evening arrival is manageable and gives you the next day for sightseeing or relaxing.
Grand Canyon South Rim (3 nights) – Excellent choice; Yavapai Lodge is well located for easy access to viewpoints. Three nights allow for sunrise/sunset viewing without feeling rushed.
Page, AZ (1 night) – Fits well for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Be aware that Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour, so booking in advance is essential.
Zion National Park (3 nights) – Plenty of time to explore the main hikes and scenic drives at a relaxed pace. Bumbleberry Inn provides convenient access to Springdale and shuttle services.
Bryce Canyon (2 nights) – Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn is a practical choice. Two nights is enough for the rim views and a few short walks.
Moab (4 nights) – Ideal for exploring Arches and Canyonlands without rushing. Allows flexibility for short hikes and scenic drives.

Regarding the drive from Moab to Denver/Vail/Breckenridge (30th April), this will be a long drive (approximately 5-6 hours to Vail or Breckenridge and closer to 6-7 hours to Denver), so you may want to start early and consider a relaxed route with stops in Glenwood Springs for lunch or a brief break.

For the last three nights, both options have merits:

Denver – Staying in the city gives you cultural attractions, dining, and a chance to relax before your international flight. JW Marriott, Four Seasons, or Kimpton Hotel Monaco are centrally located with good amenities.
Breckenridge or Vail – Both offer a peaceful mountain retreat. Even in mud season, the towns have charm with fewer tourists. Resorts often maintain hotel facilities such as pools, spas, and restaurants. You can enjoy scenic walks, good dining, and a more relaxed environment after a busy canyon tour.

Additional considerations for mountain towns in late April/early May:

“Mud season” is real, particularly in mountain hiking paths, but main streets, town centers, and hotel areas are generally clean and pleasant.
Resorts like Vail or Breckenridge have open restaurants and some shops, though a smaller selection than peak ski season.
Check weather forecasts; some high-elevation roads or trails may still have snow patches, but paved roads to town centers are generally accessible.
If you prefer spa, pool, or hotel amenities for relaxation, confirm in advance that these are operational during off-season.

Suggested approach for your final days:

Drive from Moab to Breckenridge or Vail on 30th April; settle in and enjoy a casual evening.
Spend the 1st and 2nd May exploring town, enjoying scenic walks, spa, dining, or optional short scenic drives nearby.
Return to Denver on 3rd May (about 2 hours from Breckenridge or Vail), allowing plenty of time to drop off the car and reach the airport for your evening flight.

Summary:

Your itinerary balances sightseeing with travel time effectively. Ending with a mountain resort stay offers a relaxing counterpoint to the active canyon portion, while Denver gives urban convenience and culture. Both are viable; your preference for quiet, scenic, and leisurely activities would favor Breckenridge or Vail.

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