Epic Road Trip! Glacier Park to Vegas

Question

Hi, we have just over three weeks in September to complete this road trip we have put together. We wanted a 50/50 split of alpine and dessert so visiting Glacier Park, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Bryce, Zion, Page, Grand Canyon South Rim, Monument Valley, Moab and Las Vegas. Driving between each place, longest driving distance is just over 7 hours. Is this doable? Has anyone done this? We are young, fit and healthy so enjoy a good hike and adventure!

Answer

Your road trip plan is ambitious but definitely doable, especially since you and your travel companions are young, fit, and enjoy hiking and adventure. With just over three weeks, you can comfortably split your time between alpine and desert environments, but careful planning of driving times, overnight stops, and activities will make the experience much smoother.

Here’s an outline of how you could structure your trip:

Glacier National Park: Spend 3–4 days exploring highlights such as Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake, and Highline Trail for moderate to challenging hikes. Glacier is large and scenic, so allow time to soak in the views.
Yellowstone: Allocate 3–4 days. Focus on geysers (Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic), wildlife in Lamar Valley, and Yellowstone Lake. Consider the long drives within the park—it’s huge, so plan for early mornings and staggered sightseeing.
Grand Teton: 2 days. Hike around Jenny Lake, consider a scenic drive along Teton Park Road, and photograph the iconic peaks at sunrise or sunset.
Bryce and Zion: 3–4 days total. Bryce can be seen in a day or two; consider hikes like Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden. Zion deserves 1–2 days; Angels Landing or Observation Point are epic hikes for fit travelers.
Page (Lake Powell & Antelope Canyon): 1–2 days. Include slot canyon tours (guided for safety) and perhaps a short kayak or boat trip on Lake Powell.
Grand Canyon South Rim: 1–2 days. Consider easy rim walks or part of the Bright Angel Trail for a taste of canyon hiking.
Monument Valley: 1 day. Scenic drives and photography; guided Navajo tours are optional but informative.
Moab (Arches & Canyonlands): 2–3 days. Arches is excellent for moderate hikes, Delicate Arch, and landscape photography. Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky is great for viewpoints and shorter hikes.
Las Vegas: 1–2 days. Rest, enjoy the city, and recover from your epic journey.

Driving Considerations:

Longest drives are just over 7 hours, which is manageable for fit travelers. Aim to break up long drives with stops for sightseeing or meals.
Plan your overnight stops strategically near park entrances or towns to maximize your time at each location.
Check for seasonal closures, especially in Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton; September is generally good weather, but early snow is possible at higher elevations.

Tips for an enjoyable trip:

Book accommodations early, especially in popular national parks—many fill months in advance.
Start hikes early in the day to avoid crowds and to make the most of daylight.
Keep a flexible itinerary to allow extra time in parks where you discover additional sights or trails you want to explore.
Carry snacks, water, and layers, as alpine mornings can be chilly and desert afternoons hot.

In summary, your plan is very doable, and with careful planning, you can experience a wonderful mix of alpine landscapes, desert adventures, hiking, and photography opportunities. Just allow a little flexibility for travel times and spontaneous stops—it will make the trip feel epic rather than rushed.

Epic Road Trip! Glacier Park to Vegas

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