Itinerary 7 Days USA park

Question

Hi,

We arrive in Las Vegas on the evening of March 3 and then leave on the morning of March 9. We just decided that we will take a little road trip with our teenagers. I would like to have your opinion on my itinerary.

D1 Arrival in the evening Night in Las Vegas

D2 Departure in the morning towards Zion via Valley of fire

Lunch in Zion Short hikes in Zion

Departure to Bryce Canyon

Night nearby

D3 Morning hike and PM ATV

Night in Page

J4 antelope canyon and horsehoe bend towards Grand Canyon

Night Grand Canyon

D5 morning hike to the Grand Canyon Direction Las Vegas via route 66

Night Las Vegas

J6 Las Vegas

Night Las Vegas

D7 departure in the morning

Answer

Your 7-day road trip itinerary looks fantastic, with a mix of nature, hiking, and sightseeing! Here’s a breakdown of your plan with some thoughts on timing and activities. It sounds like a fun trip, but just be mindful of the driving distances and ensure there’s enough time for everyone to enjoy the experiences without feeling rushed.

D1: Arrival in Las Vegas (Night in Las Vegas)
- Arriving in the evening in Las Vegas gives you some time to relax and perhaps check out a few iconic spots on the Strip if you’re up for it. However, with the road trip ahead, it’s probably best to get a good night's rest.
D2: Las Vegas to Zion via Valley of Fire (Lunch in Zion, Short Hikes, and Depart to Bryce Canyon)
- Starting the day early with a drive through the Valley of Fire State Park is a great way to kick off the adventure. The park is just about an hour outside of Las Vegas and is known for its striking red rock formations.
- The drive from Valley of Fire to Zion will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. You should have time for lunch in Zion and then enjoy a couple of short hikes like the Riverside Walk or the Lower Emerald Pools. These hikes are great for families and not too strenuous.
- After Zion, driving to Bryce Canyon will take around 2 hours. You’ll likely arrive in the evening, so you’ll have time to settle into your accommodation.
D3: Morning Hike in Bryce Canyon and Afternoon ATV Tour, Night in Page
- Start the morning early with a visit to Bryce Canyon. You can take the scenic drive along the rim, stopping at key viewpoints like Sunrise Point, Bryce Point, and Inspiration Point.
- After lunch, head to Page for an ATV tour. This is a great way to explore the desert landscape around the area. The drive from Bryce Canyon to Page is about 2.5 hours, so plan accordingly to enjoy the ATV experience in the afternoon.
- Spend the night in Page and get a good rest for the next day’s adventures.
D4: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Drive to Grand Canyon
- In the morning, visit Antelope Canyon, which requires a guided tour. It's a must-see and is truly one of the most beautiful slot canyons in the world. Depending on the tour time, you may want to reserve a slot in advance to make sure you get in.
- Afterward, head to Horseshoe Bend (about 10-15 minutes from Antelope Canyon). It’s a short but stunning hike to the viewpoint overlooking the Colorado River.
- From Page, drive to the Grand Canyon, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Plan for an early arrival in the evening so you can enjoy the sunset over the Canyon, one of the best experiences in the area.
D5: Grand Canyon Morning Hike and Drive Back to Las Vegas via Route 66
- In the morning, you can either take a short hike along the South Rim (like the Rim Trail or the Bright Angel Trail) or explore viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point.
- Afterward, head back to Las Vegas via Route 66. The drive takes about 4-5 hours, but it’s a scenic route that offers a unique experience. You can stop in small towns like Seligman, which are famous for their Route 66 memorabilia.
- Arrive back in Las Vegas for the night, where you can relax after the long drive.
D6: Las Vegas (Night in Las Vegas)
- On this day, you can explore more of what Las Vegas has to offer. Visit the iconic Las Vegas Strip, check out some of the famous hotels, or even take in a show or attraction. You could also relax at one of the resorts if you prefer a low-key day.
- This is your only full day in Las Vegas, so make the most of it with activities that everyone enjoys.
D7: Departure in the Morning
- Depending on your flight time, you may have a little time to grab breakfast or do a last-minute bit of sightseeing before heading to the airport for your departure.

Overall, this itinerary looks well-balanced with a mix of hiking, sightseeing, and adventure, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Driving Distances: Keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of driving, especially on Days 2, 3, and 5. While the routes are scenic, it’s important to take breaks and stay hydrated during longer drives.
Timing: You may want to double-check tour availability for Antelope Canyon and make sure you book your slot well in advance, as these tours can get booked quickly. Also, plan for sufficient time at each stop to fully enjoy the experience.
Flexibility: Keep your plans flexible, especially with teenagers in tow. Some days may be longer than expected, so having a bit of extra time for relaxation or unexpected stops is always a good idea.

It looks like a fantastic adventure that will provide both adventure and relaxation for the whole family. Have a great trip!