SOUTHWEST, USA 12 Days

This itinerary visits Las Vegas, Bryce, Grand Canyon & Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley & Sedona,AZ.

The Southwest is a very diverse region known for its deserts, cacti, red rock landscapes, rugged mountains and urban resorts. The Southwest comprises the states of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and the western part of Colorado. 

Tips:

• This trip requires an significant amount of driving, but it's also an incredibly memorable family adventure.

• When you go hiking, it's important to have a hiking partner with you at all times. If someone gets hurt, the other can go for help. Pack enough water and food in case you get lost while hiking. Wear the proper gear – good footwear and lightweight, layered clothes for varying weather.

  • Be educated on heat-related symptoms.

• If you're traveling with children to the National Parks, learn more about the Junior Ranger Program.

• Entry fees for National Parks.

  • <Learn about getting a annual pass>

  • US citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older are eligible for the Senior Lifetime Pass. Cost: one time $80.

    What does the Senior Pass provide? The senior pass provides free access to America’s National Parks. <Learn more>

• Travel Guides: Fodor’s Utah and Lonely Planet Arizona and Fodor’s Las Vegas.

DAY 1   

• Arrive at Las Vegas airport. Transfer to your hotel.

• If time permits, catch a show or explore the famous Vegas Strip!

  • It worth noting the Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles long. There is a very good monorail with 7 stops along the strip.

  • The casino hotels will only allow guests under 21 yrs old with a parent or guardian.

• Safety concerns: It is recommended not to venture by foot further north than the Stratosphere (it’s a big tower at the end of the strip) Anything further north can be an issue and dangerous if you’re on foot. Naked City, the area behind the Stratosphere, has many people who live far below the poverty line, meaning there is a chance of theft or assault.

• Overnight: Las Vegas. <Where to stay>

DAY 2

• Depart to Zion National Park.

  • The park is a incredible place with spectacular hiking trails and cliffs towering more than 2,000 feet above the canyon floor.

• The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the #1 activity in the park.

  • The Zion Scenic Drive is a breathtaking route that winds through the Park, showcasing some of its most famous landmarks, including the entrance to the Narrows. The 6-mile road itself is only accessible by shuttle during peak season to reduce traffic, protect the environment, and keep the experience enjoyable.

  • The shuttle begins at the visitor center and ends at the Temple of Sinawava stop, which is the starting point for the Riverside Walk. The paved Riverside Walk stretches 1.8 miles round trip along the Virgin River. At the end of the Walk, you’ll arrive at the start of the Narrows, where the canyon walls close in dramatically, and the only path forward is to wade through the river itself.

    • This Narrows route is very popular, with about 60% of visitors hiking to the iconic Wall Street section. Here, the canyon walls tower 1,500 feet above, and the river channel narrows to only 22 feet wide.

  • You do not need a permit to hike the Narrows, however high water may prevent hiking in the Narrows, so always check the park's current conditions before you start your day.

  • Zion Outfitters provides specialized gear that allows hikers to safely and comfortably explore the Narrows. Each year many hikers enter the Narrows unprepared for the terrain. Hiking the Narrows requires walking in the rocky, uneven, and slippery river bottom for a majority of the day. <Learn more>

• There are several spots along the Drive with beautiful viewpoints where you can take short, easy walks to soak in the scenery. Take a moment to enjoy these views, especially the iconic sight of the Great White Throne!

• Hiking trails include: Emerald Pools Trail (easy) and Angels Landing Trail (difficult) and the pet friendly Pa’rus trail (easy).

  • Angels Landing trail has been labeled by many has the scariest hike in the USA. <video>

  • Getting to: Angels Landing trail per West Rim Trail.

    • -Shuttle Stop: get off at #6, The Grotto.
      -Distance (roundtrip): 5.4 mi / 8.7 km
      -Elevation Change: 1,488 ft / 453 m
      -Estimated Hiking Time: 5 hours
      -Description: Long drop-offs. Not for young children. Last section of trail is a steep, narrow ridge to the summit.

  • Pa’rus Trail - this is the only trail in Zion Park that allows both pets and bicycles. You can access this trail from the Visitor Center or the Museum (Shuttle Stop #2). The Pa'rus trail makes a good location for watching the sunset, stargazing, and astrophotography. <Length: 3.2 miles RT>

• FAQ’s about Zion hiking trails.

• Overnight:  Zion Park. <Where to stay>

  • Zion National Park has limited accommodations.

    1. Springdale, Utah, is an ideal base for exploring Zion Park, especially given the park’s limited accommodation options. Here’s why Springdale is such a great choice:

    2. Proximity to the Park Entrance: Springdale is just one (1) mile from Zion's main entrance, making it incredibly convenient for park access. This saves you time and effort, especially if you're heading out early to catch the best light for photography or avoid crowds. <Where to stay in Springdale>

    3. Shuttle Service: The town offers a free shuttle that connects to Zion's shuttle system, so you can travel between Springdale and the park without needing to drive or park in the often-crowded lots. This is particularly useful during peak season when parking inside Zion fills up quickly.

• Distance:  Las Vegas ---> Zion Park, 3 hrs.

DAY 3

• Begin with a morning walk or hike in Zion Park.

  • Later exiting the park, do stop for some great photo shots of Checkerboard Mesa.

• Next stop is Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its crimson colored hoodoos. These hoodoos at Bryce are the largest collection in the world.

• Arrive at Bryce Canyon Park by afternoon, allowing time to explore a few viewpoints.

  • Bryce Canyon elevation sits at about 8000 - 9000 feet (2400 - 2800 meters) which causes the weather to be quite variable on any given day.

• Overnight: Bryce Canyon Park. (2 nights) <where to stay>

  • Just outside the park: Best Western Ruby’s Inn is suggested.

• Distance: Zion Park ---> Bryce Canyon, 2 hrs.

DAY 4

• Bryce Canyon activities - includes memorable hikes and horseback riding.

  • Some visitors add an extra day.

• These tall rocks (hoodoos) consist of red, orange and white colors formed by nature.

• Best scenery spots: Bryce Amphitheater, Inspiration Point.

• Hiking trails not to miss:

  • Navajo Loop (1.3 mi. RT), Queen Garden (3 mi RT) and Fairyland Loop (8 mi. RT)

  • These trails, offer unique hikes through striking hoodoos—with vibrant reds and oranges. Hikers can explore both below and above the rim, with views of intricate rock formations, ancient bristlecone pines, and expansive canyon vistas.

  • Bryce Canyon Visitor Guide- helpful tips on planning your trip.

• Park Rangers frequently suggest starting with the main attractions, such as:

  • Sunrise Point to catch the morning glow on the hoodoos.

  • Inspiration Point - a short distance from Sunrise Point. Inspiration Point provides sweeping views of the Bryce Amphitheater.

  • Bryce Point - drive to Bryce Point for one of the park’s most iconic views.

  • Make a effort to do at least one of the stunning hikes.

• No pets or bicycles on park trails.

• Bryce Canyon night sky is unique, it offers exceptional stargazing.

  • Up to 7,500 stars on a moonless night can be seen, whereas in a small town you normally see 2000 stars. The park offers about 100 astronomy programs per year, presented by astronomy rangers & volunteers. <Learn more>

• FAQ’s

• Overnight: Bryce Canyon Park.

DAY 5   

• Depart Bryce Canyon to Monument Valley.   

• En-route stop at Antelope Canyon, a awe-inspiring slot canyon.

  • Tour offices are located in Page, Arizona.

  • Make sure you select the “Upper Antelope” tour. That’s the one with the canyon’s famous light beams.

  • All ages are able to tour. The entire canyon is at ground level and visitors do not need to worry about any climbing. Tours last 60-90 minutes. Reserve in advance.

• Overnight: Monument Valley, we recommend The View Hotel. (2 nights)

• Distance:

  Bryce Canyon ---> Antelope Canyon, 3 hrs.

  Antelope Canyon -- 3 hrs. --> Monument Valley. (total drive: 6 hrs. / 281 mi.)

DAY 6

• Witness an incredible sunrise at Monument Valley. It’s worth an early wake-up!

• For those who missed sunrise, make sure you view sunset! Spectacular in its own way.

• Part of the Navajo Nation, the unique area consists of beautiful formations, shapes and vivid color. —The valley has been the site of many Hollywood films, including blockbuster hits like Forrest Gump and Back to the Future III.

  Best trail: the self-guided Wildcat Hike.

  • The route offers world-class scenery guiding hikers through the world-famous Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte.

  • Start at Wildcat Trail trailhead sign near the Visitor Center parking area.

    Distance: 4-miles round-trip. Hiking time: 2.5 hrs. Trail type: Sand, dirt, and rock trail.

• If hiking is not your thing, you can self-drive around the beautiful terrain. <driving map>

• Overnight: The View Hotel.

DAY 7

• Next stop is the Grand Canyon South Rim. 

  • The canyon considered one of the finest examples of arid-land erosion in the world. Carved by the Colorado River.

• Stop at all the photo spots on the Grand Canyon Road Drive.

• Make sure you witness the changing sunset colors of the canyon. This is when the Grand Canyon comes alive with vivid color and great shadows. The Canyon can change from orange to pink to purple as the descending sun casts color and shade across the landscape.

• The Grand Canyon shuttle service—what you need to know.

• Grand Canyon Tours for Seniors <Learn more>

• <Where to eat>

  • Reservations are required at the historic El Tovar Dining Room. Reservations can be made up to 30-days in advance.

• Overnight: Grand Canyon Lodge. Reservations-recommended. Book 6-8 months in advance.Distance: 

  Monument Valley ---> Grand Canyon South Rim. 3.5 hrs.

DAY 11

• Depart Sedona to Las Vegas. Arrive by mid-afternoon and relax exploring Las Vegas.

• Notable resorts to visit include The Venetian, Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Bellagio.

• Overnight: Las Vegas

• Distance: 

  Sedona ---> Las Vegas,  4.5 hrs. / 280 miles.

DAY 12   

• Elect a Extra Day in" Las Vegas" or depart for your flight home.

Climate Guide

Source: all trails.  wikipedia.org, mello mike.

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