Itinerary help, about 2 weeks

Question

Hello all!

Can you help me plan a roughly 2 week itinerary including Hoover Dam, The Utah Mighty 5, Canyonlands, Grand Staircase, Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon and two or three nights in Sedona. Right now I'm thinking of flying into Las Vegas and spending the night and flying out of Phoenix. But I'm open to all recommendations and suggestions. We are looking for mostly views and overlooks. We might do short hikes a mile or two if worth the view, nothing too strenuous. The trip will be next May. I already have a reservation at El Tovar for one night, and one night inside Zion Lodge in the park. Thinking about making another one inside Bryce. I've been reading a little bit in the forums, so we know no night driving.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Answer

It sounds like you’ve already got a great start with your plans! A two-week road trip through some of the most stunning landscapes in the western United States will be an incredible experience. Below is a suggested itinerary based on your interests (views, overlooks, and short hikes) and your destinations:

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas
Fly into Las Vegas and spend the night. Depending on your arrival time, you could visit the Las Vegas Strip or check out some nearby attractions like Red Rock Canyon for a quick view of the desert landscape. However, it’s best to relax and get rested for the road ahead.
Day 2: Hoover Dam
Drive from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam (about 45 minutes). You can take a guided tour or just walk around the dam and its surroundings for fantastic views. Afterward, head to your next destination—Grand Canyon South Rim. It’s a longer drive (about 4.5 hours), so consider taking breaks along the way.
Day 3-4: Grand Canyon South Rim
Spend two days at the Grand Canyon. You already have a reservation at El Tovar, which is a great choice. Take in the incredible views from viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View. If you’re up for a short hike, try the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge for stunning canyon views (it’s about 3 miles round trip). You might also want to do the Rim Trail for easy walks with fantastic overlooks.
Day 5: Grand Canyon to Page (Antelope Canyon)
Drive from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona (around 2.5-3 hours). Here, you can visit the famous Antelope Canyon. Book a guided tour to explore the slot canyons—it's an unforgettable experience. Afterward, you can check out the nearby Horseshoe Bend for another dramatic view of the Colorado River.
Day 6-7: Zion National Park
From Page, drive to Zion National Park (about 2 hours). You already have a reservation at Zion Lodge, so you’ll have a great base for exploring. Take the shuttle to the main viewpoints (such as The Grotto and Weeping Rock), and consider easy hikes like the Lower Emerald Pool Trail or Riverside Walk. The views in Zion are absolutely breathtaking, so enjoy the scenic vistas.
Day 8-9: Bryce Canyon National Park
After Zion, head to Bryce Canyon (about 1.5-2 hours). Bryce is famous for its otherworldly hoodoos and offers plenty of viewpoints like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. For a short hike, consider the Navajo Loop Trail (1.3 miles) to see the iconic rock formations up close. If you have time, try a sunset view as the light creates incredible colors in the canyon.
Day 10: Capitol Reef National Park (Grand Staircase-Escalante)
Drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef (about 2.5 hours). Capitol Reef is a quieter park but offers amazing views of the rugged landscape. Explore the Scenic Drive and stop at the various overlooks along the way. If you’re up for it, the Hickman Bridge Trail (about 2 miles) is a moderate but rewarding hike. You can also explore the nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument for more natural beauty.
Day 11-12: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
After Capitol Reef, head to Moab (around 2 hours). Moab is the perfect base to visit both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. In Arches, the Windows Section and Delicate Arch are must-see views. For a short hike, try the easy Park Avenue or Landscape Arch trails. In Canyonlands, explore the Island in the Sky district for dramatic overlooks such as Grand View Point and the Green River Overlook.
Day 13: Sedona
Drive from Moab to Sedona (around 4-4.5 hours). Sedona offers stunning red rock formations and vibrant landscapes. Spend the day exploring the scenic drives and easy hikes like the Bell Rock Pathway or Cathedral Rock Trail (just a short hike for incredible views). If you want to relax, visit some of Sedona’s vortex sites or take a jeep tour to see the landscape from a different perspective.
Day 14: Phoenix
After a couple of nights in Sedona, head to Phoenix (around 2 hours). You can spend the day in Phoenix, exploring the Desert Botanical Garden or taking in the views from Camelback Mountain (if you’re up for a short hike). Then, enjoy your final evening before flying out of Phoenix.

Additional Tips:

Consider booking accommodations well in advance, especially for the national parks (Zion Lodge, Bryce Canyon, etc.), as they can get booked up early.
Make sure you stay hydrated and take frequent breaks, as the May weather can get warm, especially in places like Zion and Grand Canyon.
Check the weather forecasts and road conditions regularly, especially in May, as some roads in higher elevations (like parts of the Grand Canyon) may still be affected by snow.

Enjoy your two-week adventure! You’ll be visiting some of the most iconic and beautiful spots in the American Southwest, so make sure to take plenty of time to soak in the views and relax in each location. Safe travels!

Itinerary help, about 2 weeks

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