Roadtrip question

Question

Hi,

So I do not know if this is doable, but this is the plan.

Start at sunrise in Grand Canyon South Rim ( we are spending the night at Maswik) and after breakfast we drive to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon for a short arranged tour around lunch. After that the plan is to drive to Zion National park, stay for a few hours and then drive to Las Vegas after dark.

I am aware that it is a stretch, however we already have a resort booked in Las Vegas and we are able to check in late.

Are we mad, should we arrange for an overnigt stay in Zion instead?

Answer

Your proposed road trip is definitely ambitious, and while it's physically doable, it will be a very long and tiring day. Let’s break it down to give you a clearer picture.

Starting at sunrise in the Grand Canyon South Rim and spending the morning there is reasonable, especially since you are staying at Maswik Lodge. After breakfast, driving to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon is doable, but keep in mind that:

The drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim to Page, AZ (Horseshoe Bend/Antelope Canyon) is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Arranging a tour at Antelope Canyon around lunch will likely take 1–2 hours, including waiting time, depending on whether you book a guided Upper or Lower Canyon tour.
Horseshoe Bend is relatively quick, maybe 30–45 minutes for a visit, but factor in parking and a short hike from the parking lot to the overlook.

From Page, AZ, to Zion National Park is approximately 2.5 hours of driving. Spending a few hours at Zion could give you a taste of the park, but:

Most scenic hikes in Zion take 2–4 hours or more, so a “few hours” may only allow for a short walk or shuttle ride to key viewpoints.
By the time you finish at Zion and drive to Las Vegas, you’re looking at roughly 2.5–3 hours more. If you start Zion in the late afternoon, you could be arriving in Las Vegas close to or after 10–11 PM.

In summary, your day will involve:

~2–3 hours exploring the Grand Canyon early morning
~5–6 hours driving and touring Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon
~2–3 hours at Zion National Park
~2.5–3 hours driving to Las Vegas

This totals around 12–14 hours of travel plus sightseeing, not counting meals and short breaks. It’s technically possible but extremely exhausting, especially with tight timing.

Here are some options to consider:

Stick with your plan: Only if your group is comfortable with a very long, full day of driving and minimal time at Zion. Be prepared for a late arrival in Las Vegas.
Overnight in Zion: This is the more relaxed option. You could spend the afternoon/evening exploring Zion, enjoy a short hike, stay overnight, and then drive to Las Vegas the next morning. This allows a safer and more enjoyable experience without rushing.
Skip one location: For example, visit Grand Canyon, then Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend, and skip Zion to avoid driving after dark. You can then explore Zion another time.

Given the distances and sightseeing ambitions, an overnight stay in or near Zion would make your trip much less stressful and more enjoyable, especially for fully appreciating the scenery.

In short, you are not “mad,” but your current plan is very intense. Adding an overnight in Zion is highly recommended for a safer and more comfortable experience.

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