Family trip to Grand Canyon

Question

Hi All,

I want to plan a 6 day trip that can cover Grand Canyon, Page, Las Vegas etc. I am not very familiar about the other worth visiting places around that area. If we fly from East of the country, I am looking for which city is best to land and how should I plan, what places to cover, where to stay overnight etc. We are a family of four that includes 2 kids and love nature. Please kindly shed some light on this.

Thanks!

Answer

A 6-day family trip to the Grand Canyon, Page, and Las Vegas is very doable and makes for an unforgettable vacation filled with dramatic landscapes, kid-friendly stops, and manageable driving distances. Since you are flying from the East Coast, Las Vegas (LAS) or Phoenix (PHX) are the best airports to consider. Las Vegas is closest to Page and the Grand Canyon South Rim, while Phoenix works well especially if you prefer a quieter start and want to include Sedona.

Below is a detailed itinerary that balances nature, scenery, and reasonable driving times for a family of four. It also suggests lodging options, daily highlights, and alternate ideas depending on your interests.

Recommended airport to fly into: Las Vegas (LAS) — best for a loop: Las Vegas → Page → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas.

Overview of the 6-day plan: You'll see Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Page (Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon + Lake Powell), and the Grand Canyon South Rim. Drives are scenic and safe for families. Nights are split between 1 night Las Vegas, 2 nights Page, and 2 nights South Rim.

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas
- Fly into LAS and pick up your rental car.
- Walk along the Strip, see the Bellagio fountains, or explore a family-friendly hotel (Excalibur, Mirage, NYNY, etc.).
- Overnight: Las Vegas.
Day 2: Las Vegas → Page, AZ (4.5 hours)
- Stop at Hoover Dam for a quick walk across the bridge.
- Optional: Stop at Viewpoints around Marble Canyon or Big Water Visitor Center.
- Arrive in Page in the afternoon; visit Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
- Overnight: Page (family options include hotels near Lake Powell, suites, or vacation rentals).
Day 3: Explore Page (Antelope Canyon + Lake Powell)
- Guided tour of Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower). Upper is easier with kids; Lower is more adventurous but still family-friendly.
- Spend the afternoon at Lake Powell: short boat trip, kayaking, or relaxing at the beach at Wahweap.
- Optional: Visit Glen Canyon Dam overlook for sunset.
- Overnight: Page.
Day 4: Page → Grand Canyon South Rim (2.5 hours)
- Drive the beautiful Desert View Route into the Grand Canyon.
- Stop at viewpoints: Desert View Watchtower, Navajo Point, Lipan Point, Moran Point.
- Check into your lodge inside the park if possible (Bright Angel, Maswik, Yavapai) or stay in Tusayan just outside the entrance.
- Walk along the Rim Trail in the evening.
- Overnight: Grand Canyon South Rim.
Day 5: Full Day at the Grand Canyon South Rim
- Ride the free shuttle bus to the West Rim viewpoints: Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Powell Point.
- Family-friendly hikes: Bright Angel Trail (go down 0.5–1 mile and return), Mather Point to Yavapai Geology Museum, or sections of the Rim Trail.
- Optional ranger program for kids at the Visitor Center.
- Overnight: Grand Canyon South Rim.
Day 6: Grand Canyon → Las Vegas (4.5 hours)
- Drive back to Las Vegas for your flight home.
- If your flight is late: stop at Seligman for Route 66 nostalgia or visit the Boulder City area for lunch.

Optional additions if you want more variety:

Add Sedona — If you fly into Phoenix instead, swap a night in Page for a night in Sedona (red rocks, easy kid-friendly hikes, Jeep tours).
Add Zion National Park — From Las Vegas, you could add 1 extra day to visit Zion; great trails and easy viewpoints.
Add Monument Valley — Located 2 hours from Page, very rewarding if your kids enjoy dramatic landscapes.

This 6-day loop keeps driving reasonable, gives your family a balance of nature and comfort, and highlights the most spectacular scenery in the region.

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