short trip

Question

Hello to everyone, this summer I was thinking to visit some places in the south west that I

skipped during our previous trips in that area, specifically: monument valley, antelope canyon and Bryce canyon. We will be 5 people and of cours we will be hiring a car

To do this I sorted out an itinerary like this:

day 1: Rome - Phoenix

day 2: Phoenix - Monument Valley (doing the tour with a Navajo guide at the sunset)

sleeping in Bluff

day 3: Bluff - Page (antelope x? and horseshoes band)

sleeping in Page

day 4: Page - Bryce canyon (tour of the canyon)

sleeping in an accomodation in Bryce

day 5: Bryce canyon - Las Vegas (LV already visited, just one night)

day 6: LV - Seattle (with an internal flight)

I would appreciate any suggestions from you.

thanks a lot

Answer

Your proposed itinerary for a 5-6 day Southwest trip is doable, but it will be a fast-paced schedule with a fair amount of driving each day. Here are some detailed suggestions and considerations to help you optimize your trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix

Depending on your arrival time, consider staying near the airport or in central Phoenix to rest and adjust to the time change.
If you arrive early enough, a short evening stroll in downtown Phoenix or a light hike at Camelback Mountain could be refreshing.

Day 2: Phoenix → Monument Valley

Driving time: ~6-7 hours. Start early to make the most of the day.
Consider taking breaks at scenic spots along US-160 and US-163, such as Kayenta or Mexican Hat.
Booking a guided Navajo tour in Monument Valley for sunset is excellent; the light is spectacular for photography.
Overnight in Bluff is a convenient choice, though options are limited, so book accommodations in advance.

Day 3: Bluff → Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)

Driving time: ~2.5 hours.
Lower Antelope Canyon requires guided tours, so pre-booking is essential. Upper Antelope Canyon can also be booked in advance; it’s slightly easier to hike.
Horseshoe Bend is a short walk from the parking area. Morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid harsh sunlight and crowds.
Overnight in Page gives you time to explore Lake Powell or take a short boat tour if desired.

Day 4: Page → Bryce Canyon

Driving time: ~2.5-3 hours.
Consider stopping briefly at scenic viewpoints along US-89 and US-12 for photography.
At Bryce Canyon, the main viewpoints (Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, Inspiration Point) are accessible with short walks.
If your group enjoys hiking, the Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trail is manageable for a half-day hike.
Book accommodations near Bryce Canyon City or Tropic to save driving time to the park entrance.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon → Las Vegas

Driving time: ~4-4.5 hours.
Stop at scenic points along I-15, such as Valley of Fire State Park, if you have time.
One night in Las Vegas works for a quick rest before your flight. Since you’ve visited before, focus on a nice dinner or short stroll rather than sightseeing.

Day 6: Las Vegas → Seattle

Internal flight from Las Vegas to Seattle. Ensure your flight timing allows you to comfortably return your rental car and go through airport security.

Additional Tips:

Book accommodations and guided tours well in advance, especially Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley Navajo tours.
Expect long drives on Days 2 and 5; plan for snacks, water, and short rest stops.
If time allows, an early morning visit to Horseshoe Bend before Antelope Canyon may help avoid peak crowds.
Consider a flexible start to Bryce Canyon to allow for sunrise views if your group enjoys photography.

Overall, your itinerary covers all the key highlights efficiently. It’s ambitious but manageable with early starts and pre-booked tours and lodging. This plan ensures you experience Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Bryce Canyon without spending excessive time on the road each day.

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