Grand Canyon Road Trip: 5 Itineraries from Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the best starting points for a Grand Canyon road trip. Not only is it easy to reach by air, but it’s also within driving distance of some of the most spectacular destinations in the American Southwest, including the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, and Sedona.

With so many places to visit, the biggest challenge is deciding where to go and how much time to spend at each destination. Do you want a quick trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, a week exploring Arizona, or a longer road trip through the national parks of Arizona and Utah?

In this guide, we share five Grand Canyon road trip itineraries, ranging from 5 to 10 days. Each includes Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, with options to add national parks, slot canyons, scenic drives, and other highlights of the Southwest. We’ll help you choose the best itinerary for your trip, then walk you through each route with maps, driving times, and tips for planning your visit.

Grand Canyon Road Trip: At a Glance

ITINERARY LENGTH | 5, 7, or 10 days, with five different road trip options

STARTING POINT | Las Vegas for four itineraries; Phoenix for the fifth, which ends in Las Vegas

MAIN DESTINATION | Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS | Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley, Sedona, and Monument Valley, depending on the route

BEST TIME | April, May, September, and October for generally pleasant weather, although these trips can be done year-round with seasonal adjustments

TRANSPORTATION | Rental car required for these self-drive itineraries

OUR TOP PICK | The 10-day Las Vegas loop through the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park

Which Grand Canyon Road Trip Should You Choose?

All five itineraries include Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, but they differ in length, destinations, and driving routes. Some start and end in Las Vegas, making flights and rental cars easier to arrange. Others travel one-way between Las Vegas and Phoenix, allowing you to visit more places without retracing your route.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best trip for your interests and available time.

A note about timing: Each itinerary includes your arrival and departure days. If you arrive in Las Vegas late in the day or have an early flight home, you may need to adjust the schedule to make the most of your time.

Things to Know Before Your Grand Canyon Road Trip

Which part of the Grand Canyon will you visit? All five itineraries focus on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, where you’ll find the famous viewpoints, spectacular hiking trails, and Grand Canyon Village. This is different from Grand Canyon West, home to the Skywalk. The West Rim is closer to Las Vegas, but we think the South Rim offers a far better experience.

Flights and rental cars: Las Vegas has a major international airport and is a convenient starting point for exploring the Southwest. You’ll need a rental car for these itineraries. If you start and end in Las Vegas, you can return your car to the same location. For the point-to-point itineraries, you can fly into Las Vegas and out of Phoenix or Flagstaff, or vice versa. One-way rentals may include an additional drop-off fee, so compare options before booking flights.

What to reserve in advance: We recommend booking all accommodations well in advance, particularly during spring, summer, and fall. If your itinerary includes Antelope Canyon, you’ll need to reserve a guided tour. Some popular hikes, including Angels Landing in Zion, also require permits.

Weather and road conditions: The best months for these itineraries are generally April, May, September, and October. Summers can be extremely hot, particularly in Death Valley and the Grand Canyon’s inner canyon, while winter can bring snow and icy roads to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. Always check current park conditions before your trip, particularly if you plan to drive unpaved roads in Grand Staircase-Escalante.

Watch the time zones: Arizona does not observe daylight saving time (except on the Navajo Nation), but Nevada, Utah and California do. From March through early November, Page and the Grand Canyon are one hour behind Zion and Bryce Canyon, but they are on the same time as Las Vegas. During winter, Page and the Grand Canyon are one hour ahead of Las Vegas. Antelope Canyon tours generally operate on Arizona time, so double-check the time zone listed on your reservation, particularly if you’re arriving from Utah.

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5 Day Grand Canyon Road Trip: Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon

ROUTE | Las Vegas → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas (or end in Flagstaff or Phoenix)

BEST FOR | Travelers with limited time who want to experience Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon without a packed schedule.

This is the shortest itinerary of the bunch. Essentially, you spend a short amount of time in both Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. This itinerary can be done out-and-back, starting and ending in Las Vegas, so booking your flights is simple and you will not have to deal with an additional drop fee for your rental car.

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas

After arriving in Las Vegas, pick up your rental car at the airport and get settled into your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day, taking your pick of the best things to do in Las Vegas. Explore the hotels on the Vegas Strip, see a show, go shopping, hang out at the hotel pool, or go out to dinner.

Our favorite thing to do in Las Vegas is to go out for drinks and dinner. Our favorite place for drinks is the Cosmopolitan (we love the Chandelier Bar and Clique and would love to try the Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails). We recently had a fantastic dinner at Scarpetta, an Italian restaurant that is also located in the Cosmopolitan. Make a reservation for a table with a view of the Vegas Strip and you can watch the Bellagio fountain show while you have dinner.

Chandelier Bar in the Cosmopolitan

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Marriott Grand Chateau several times and loved it. This is our top pick for families. Located just one block off the strip, it is a quick walk to the nearby casinos of the Cosmopolitan, Paris, Bellagio, and New York New York. They offer 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas so there is plenty of space (and privacy) for your family to spread out.

The name “Grand Chateau” sounds luxurious, but their prices are very competitive with the hotels right on the Strip.

In the past, Tim and I have also stayed at Mandalay Bay, the Wynn, and the Venetian, and had great experiences at all of them. If you want to stay in a hotel with an epic view of The Strip, check out the Cosmopolitan. We’ve stayed here on our past few visits to Las Vegas and love its central location and views of The Strip (from some rooms you can watch the Bellagio fountain show).

At the Grand Canyon

If you skipped both the Hoover Dam and the Skywalk, you will arrive at the Grand Canyon midday. This gives you the entire afternoon on the South Rim.

Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon visiting the South Rim viewpoints. You can walk the South Rim Trail, take the shuttle, or go by bike to see the views. Watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon and then have dinner.

Mather Point

Yaki Point

Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon

There are six hotels located in the Grand Canyon Village (El Tovar, Thunderbird Lodge, Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and the Yavapai Lodge). Staying here gives you the advantage of easy access to the shuttles, short walks to several of the viewpoints, and no hassles driving into and out the park every day. However, the hotels get mediocre reviews and many people say they are expensive for what you get.

You also have the option to stay in Tusayan. From Tusayan, it is a 15-minute drive into the park. There are several hotels to choose from as well as some restaurants.

We stayed at The Grand Hotel in Tusayan. It is the highest rated hotel in the area. The hotel looks impressive from the outside and the lobby is very nice but the rooms are nothing special. On Booking.com it is listed as a 5-star hotel but it looks and feels a lot more like a 3 to 4 star hotel. For a nicer room, it’s worth upgrading to the Deluxe Queen Room.

The Red Feather Lodge/Hotel, the Grand Canyon Hotel & Suites, and the Holiday Inn Express are three more hotels to try in Tusayan.

Day 3: Grand Canyon

With one day in the Grand Canyon, there are a lot of different ways to fill your time.

If you are a hiker, I recommend hiking the South Kaibab Trail. The views are unbelievable and the trail is less crowded than the more famous (and less scenic…in my opinion) Bright Angel Trail. You can hike out and back to either Cedar Ridge or Skeleton Point.

View from Ooh Aah Point at sunrise (South Kaibab Trail)

Bright Angel Trail

For an epic experience, you can hike South Rim to South Rim on the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. It is only recommended to do this during the cooler months (November through March) and if you are very fit with a lot of hiking experience. Learn more ↓

Trail Guide

South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail: How to Hike Rim-to-River-to-Rim in One Day

A step-by-step trail guide for the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails.

Even if you are not big into hiking, hiking out to Ooh Aah Point, on the South Kaibab Trail, is an unforgettable experience, especially early in the morning.

Other ideas for how to fill your day include a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, a visit to the Yavapai Museum of Geology, a bike ride along Hermit Road, or seeing the Grand Canyon IMAX movie. We cover the best things to do with one day in the Grand Canyon and sample ways to plan your time in our One Day Grand Canyon Itinerary.

Day 4: Drive to Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Flagstaff

Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Flagstaff are the three closest airports to the Grand Canyon. There is an airport in Tusayan, but flights are extremely limited so it is unlikely to get a flight from here (I found several but they cost thousands of dollars per person).

Las Vegas: If you want to start and end in Las Vegas, drive back to Las Vegas today. You can either spend the morning in the Grand Canyon and make the drive in the afternoon, or leave the Grand Canyon in the morning to give yourself the afternoon in Las Vegas.

Phoenix: Phoenix is one hour closer to the Grand Canyon than Las Vegas. To fly from here, you save one hour of driving and you can add on a very quick visit to Sedona today. You have enough time to do a short hike in Sedona…Devils Bridge is one of our favorite hikes here.

Flagstaff: Flagstaff is the closest airport to the Grand Canyon. Flight options are more limited than Las Vegas and Phoenix, so this won’t work for everyone, but it does save a lot of driving time.

Day 5: Fly Home

Fly home or continue your travels

With More Time

It is very easy to extend this itinerary. Add an extra day in the Grand Canyon, in Las Vegas, or in Sedona.

Grand Canyon National Park

See all of our articles

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas

Get settled into your hotel. You can pick up your rental car today, at the airport (more convenient) or on the day you drive to the Grand Canyon (less convenient but it will save money). You do not need a rental car right away if you plan to spend all of day two in the city of Las Vegas.

Spend the afternoon and evening in Las Vegas.

Day 2: Las Vegas

Spend all of today in Las Vegas or consider taking a short day trip.

The Valley of Fire is a small state park just one hour outside of Las Vegas. Go on short hikes, enjoy the panoramic vistas, and visit one of Nevada’s most beautiful destinations.

Just 30 minutes from downtown Las Vegas is Red Rock Canyon, an outdoor playground for hikers and families. This is another place to go for scenic, fun, short hikes.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: You will need a car to get to the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon, so it is best to pick up your rental car at the airport when you arrive in Las Vegas.

Day 3: Drive to the Grand Canyon

Drive to the Grand Canyon, making the optional visit to the Hoover Dam. Get settled into your hotel and spend the afternoon filling your camera’s memory card with photos from the best viewpoints along the South Rim.

Day 4: Grand Canyon

Spend the day in the Grand Canyon, either hiking one of the trails, biking, taking a scenic helicopter ride, or visiting more South Rim viewpoints.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Save the viewpoints along Desert View Drive for tomorrow. You will drive this road to get to Page, Arizona.

Day 5: Drive to Page, Visit Antelope Canyon

On the Road: 2.5 hours (130 miles)

Today, drive from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona, where you’ll visit Antelope Canyon.

The first part of your drive follows Desert View Drive, a beautiful scenic road along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. There are several viewpoints worth stopping at, including Grandview Point, Moran Point, and Desert View, where you can visit the historic watchtower. Allow some extra time for these stops before continuing to Page.

Once in Page, spend the afternoon visiting Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon. Both are spectacular slot canyons, but they offer slightly different experiences. With time spent enjoying the viewpoints along Desert View Drive, we recommend choosing just one canyon. Read our Upper vs. Lower Antelope Canyon guide to help you decide which one to visit.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon

Can you visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon in one day? It’s possible to visit both in one day, but you’ll need an early start. Plan to arrive in Page no later than 9:30 or 10 am, which means leaving the Grand Canyon early and limiting your stops along Desert View Drive. Reserve both tours well in advance, scheduling one for late morning and the other for the afternoon. Make sure to leave plenty of time between tours to account for travel and required check-in times.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Antelope Canyon can only be visited on a guided tour, and reservations should be made well in advance. Book your tours before finalizing your daily schedule, since available tour times will determine how much time you can spend at the Grand Canyon that morning.

For more information about visiting Antelope Canyon, we have not one, not two, but three articles to help you out:

How to Visit Upper Antelope Canyon (+ Lots of Photos!)

Isn’t it awesome when a new place completely astounds you? For me, that was Upper Antelope Canyon. I first saw photos years before I visited – those glowing red walls, the twisted, scalloped rock, the famous beams of light cutting through dusty air. I genuinely wasn’t sure a place could look like that in real […]

Lower Antelope Canyon: Tours, Pricing & What to Expect

Lower Antelope Canyon lives in the shadow of its more famous neighbor up the road, but Tim would argue it shouldn’t. When we visited both canyons on the same day, Upper was my favorite and Lower was his, and we’ve never quite agreed on which one wins. What makes Lower different is hard to describe […]

Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon: Which One Should You Visit?

Tim and I visited Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon on the same day. We took the same tours, walked through the same red sandstone walls, and came away with completely different favorites. Tim’s was Lower. Mine was Upper. That split tells you something important: these aren’t two versions of the same experience. They’re genuinely different […]

In the evening, head to Horseshoe Bend to watch the sunset over one of the most famous bends in the Colorado River. Or, if you prefer a quieter experience, save Horseshoe Bend for sunrise tomorrow morning.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the unexciting but clean, convenient, and budget friendly Holiday Inn Express. The Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell and Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell are two of the highest rated hotels in Page.

Day 6: Drive to Flagstaff or Phoenix

Optional: Sunrise at Horseshoe Bend

I prefer Horseshoe Bend just past sunrise. It is a much quieter experience than sunset and the views are extraordinary. If you don’t mind getting out of bed before the crack of dawn, this is a wonderful chance to experience Horseshoe Bend without the crowds that flock here later in the day.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Get sunrise and sunset times at timeanddate.com.

We took this photo of Horseshoe Bend just past sunrise

Drive to Flagstaff, Phoenix, or Las Vegas

Flagstaff: Taking into consideration time and mileage, flying home from Flagstaff makes the most sense. However, when choosing your flight home, you also have to consider flight prices and airport transfers. It might be quicker to drive here, but if you have to make multiple transfers to get home, this might not be your best option.

Las Vegas: If you fly home from Las Vegas, booking your flight is easy and you avoid the drop fee for the rental car. You also have the option to visit the Valley of Fire. Or, if you are really feeling ambitious and you don’t mind a long day, you could sneak in a hike in Zion National Park.

Phoenix: It’s the same distance and driving time as Las Vegas. I think it’s only worth flying home from here if there are good flight options from Phoenix or if you want to quickly visit Sedona.

Day 7: Fly Home

Fly home or continue your travels.

Days 1 through 5: Las Vegas to Page

These days are exactly the same as the 7-day itinerary listed above.

Day 6: Drive to Bryce Canyon

Today, drive from Page, Arizona to Bryce Canyon National Park. Along the way, you have a choice: drive directly to Bryce Canyon and spend the afternoon exploring the park, or take a detour to visit some of the incredible slot canyons and landscapes of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Our recommendation is to drive directly to Bryce Canyon, especially if this is your first visit. However, if you love hiking and adventure, there are some fantastic places to explore along the way.

If you haven’t visited Horseshoe Bend yet, you also have the option to see it at sunrise before leaving Page.

Option 1: Drive Directly to Bryce Canyon

ON THE ROAD | 2 hours, 45 minutes (150 miles)

BEST FOR | First-time visitors who want plenty of time in Bryce Canyon for hiking, scenic viewpoints, and photography.

The most straightforward route from Page to Bryce Canyon follows Highway 89 through Kanab and Mt. Carmel Junction, then Highway 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Plan to arrive around midday, giving you the afternoon to explore Bryce Canyon. You can visit the viewpoints overlooking the Bryce Amphitheater, walk a portion of the Rim Trail, or hike down among the hoodoos on the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail. On our most recent trip to Bryce Canyon, Tim and I hiked the Fairyland Loop in the afternoon, which is a tougher day hike but we highly recommend it for avid hikers (it’s my favorite hike in the park).

Tomorrow, you’ll have a full day in Bryce Canyon before driving to Zion National Park.

Option 2: Explore Grand Staircase-Escalante on the Drive to Bryce Canyon

If you enjoy slot canyon hikes, scenic dirt roads, and getting off the beaten path, consider spending today exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante.

There are several places worth visiting, ranging from short stops to challenging hikes that take several hours. You won’t have time for everything listed below, so choose the experiences that interest you most.

By taking this option, you’ll spend most of today exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante, leaving your visit to Bryce Canyon for tomorrow.

Cottonwood Canyon Road | 2 hours

Cottonwood Canyon Road is a scenic, 46-mile unpaved road connecting Highway 89 near Big Water with Cannonville, just east of Bryce Canyon. It takes roughly 2 hours to drive, with incredible scenery along the way. This is an alternative route to Bryce Canyon rather than an additional stop.

We loved this drive, but road conditions are unpredictable. It can become impassable after rain, so only attempt it when conditions are favorable and the road is officially open.

Cottonwood Canyon

What’s It Like to Drive Cottonwood Canyon Road?

Everything you need to know about the drive through Cottonwood Canyon.

Kodachrome Basin State Park | 1.5 to 3 hours

Located near Cannonville, Kodachrome Basin State Park is a beautiful destination filled with colorful sandstone spires and short hiking trails. It’s a great place to spend an hour or two hiking and enjoying the scenery, particularly if you want something less challenging than the slot canyons listed below. Here are things to do in Kodachrome Basin.

We took this photo at Kodachrome Basin State Park

Hike Willis Creek Slot Canyon | 1.5 to 3 hours

Willis Creek Slot Canyon is located in Grand Staircase-Escalante, near Cannonville and Kodachrome Basin State Park. This is an easy, short hike through a slot canyon. It’s possible that your feet will get wet, since you are hiking along a creek, but that’s what makes it so fun. It’s great for families and doesn’t require the rock scrambling you’ll encounter in some of the other slot canyons.

Willis Creek is located near Kodachrome Basin, so these two destinations can be combined into one afternoon, provided road conditions allow access.

Trail Guide

Hiking the Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Utah

Step-by-step trail guide for hiking Willis Creek slot canyon.

Zebra Slot Canyon, Peek-A-Boo & Spooky Gulches, and Devils Garden | Full-day adventure

For avid hikers, this is one of the most exciting options. All three destinations are located along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, near Escalante, making them a logical group to visit together. However, reaching them requires a substantial detour, so plan on spending most of the day here.

Here is how much time to allow for each:

• Zebra Slot Canyon: 3 to 4 hours. A 5.2-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful, narrow slot canyon with striped sandstone walls.
• Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulches: 3 to 4 hours. A challenging and incredibly fun hike through two very different slot canyons, with rock scrambling and extremely narrow passages.
• Devils Garden: 30 minutes to 1 hour. A quick stop to explore unusual hoodoos, arches, and sandstone formations.

Peek-A-Boo Gulch

Spooky Gulch

If you want to hike both Zebra Slot Canyon and Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulches, you’ll need 6 to 8 hours just for hiking, plus additional time for Devils Garden and driving between the trailheads. Allow even more time for the drive from Page and the final drive to Bryce Canyon.

This is a very long day, best for experienced hikers who can get an early start and are comfortable traveling on remote dirt roads. If you want something less ambitious, choose just one of the slot canyon hikes and add a stop at Devils Garden.

Read our guides to Zebra Slot Canyon, Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulches, and Devils Garden for hiking directions and planning tips.

What We Did: On one of our trips through the American Southwest, we packed an incredible amount into this day. We started with the scenic drive along Cottonwood Canyon Road, hiked Zebra Slot Canyon, continued to Peek-A-Boo and Spooky Gulches, and finished at Devils Garden before driving to Bryce Canyon. We visited in May, when the long daylight hours made this ambitious schedule possible. It was an amazing day, but one I’d only recommend to fast, experienced hikers who don’t mind a very long day of driving and hiking.

IMPORTANT | The roads in Grand Staircase-Escalante can be rough, muddy, or impassable after rain. Some require a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle, and rental car agreements may restrict driving on unpaved roads. Check the BLM’s current road conditions before including these destinations in your itinerary. Never enter a slot canyon when flash flooding is possible.

Devils Garden

Where to Stay at Bryce Canyon

We’ve stayed in Tropic at the Bryce Canyon Inn twice so far. This place was wonderful. We had our own cabin with queen-sized beds, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. It was cozy, quiet, and very clean. From here, it was just a 15-minute drive to Bryce Canyon.

In the town of Bryce there are several hotels and restaurants, just a few miles from the entrance to the park. The top pick here is the Best Western Plus. We stayed here on our most recent visit. It’s nothing fancy, but the location is unbeatable. Next door is the Best Western PLUS Ruby’s Inn, which gets good reviews, just not quite as good as the Best Western Plus.

In Cannonville (a 25 minute drive from the park entrance), Clear Sky Resorts is one of the most unique places to stay in the area. Your ‘room’ is a stargazing dome complete with a private bathroom and air conditioning.

Day 7: Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park…a fantasyland of hoodoos, bizarre rock formations, and sandstone pillars. This is a crazy beautiful place, and its unique landscape sets it apart from other national parks.

Visit the viewpoints and go on a short hike (we recommend the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop Trails).

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Start at sunrise. It’s spectacular…and you get to start your hike before the crowds arrive.

Bryce Canyon is a small park. You can see the highlights in the morning and midday and have the afternoon free to do something else. Drive right to Zion National Park (2 hours, 86 miles) or add on Willis Creek or Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Bryce Canyon

One Perfect Day in Bryce Canyon National Park

How to spend one day in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Where to Stay in Springdale

For recommendations on where to stay in and around Springdale, the gateway into Zion National Park, read our guide to the Best Places to Stay on a Trip to Zion.

Observation Point

The Zion Narrows

I recommend starting your day as early as possible. During the months of April through November, when the Zion Shuttle is operating, it’s best to be on one of the first shuttles of the day. By mid-morning, the lines to get on the shuttle can be frustratingly long and take up your valuable time. Being on the first shuttle of the day puts you first on the hiking trail for the day. Yes, it’s not fun to get up at the crack of dawn, but it’s so much better than waiting literally an hour or longer in line for a shuttle.

Our Guides on Zion

Here are three of our guides to Zion, to help plan your trip. You can see all of our guides in our Zion Travel Guide.

10 Things to Do in Zion National Park (No Hiking Required)

While Zion is world-famous for bucket list trails like Angels Landing and the Narrows, there’s a lot more to do here than hike a trail or two. Whether you’re visiting with kids, taking a rest day, or simply prefer to skip the trails, Zion offers a surprising variety of things to do that don’t involve […]

Best Hikes in Zion: 15 Trails from Beginner to Advanced

Zion National Park is one of the best places in the United States to go hiking. From the awe-inspiring hike up Angels Landing to the family-friendly Riverside Walk to multi-day backpacking adventures, there is something here for everyone. In this guide, we cover the best hikes in Zion National Park, from popular trails to hidden gems. […]

First Trip to Zion: 10 Things to Know (From a Frequent Visitor)

Planning your first trip to Zion? You’ve come to the right place. We are frequent visitors to Zion National Park, and through multiple visits, we have hiked the full length of the Narrows, stood atop Angels Landing, explored Kolob Canyons, and ventured off the beaten path within the park. With the park shuttle, trail reservations, […]

On the evening of day 9, drive to Las Vegas (2.5 hours, 165 miles).

Day 10: Fly Home

Fly home or continue your travels.

10 Day Road Trip: Las Vegas, Death Valley, Grand Canyon & Zion

ROUTE | Las Vegas → Death Valley (day trip) → Las Vegas → Grand Canyon → Page → Zion → Valley of Fire → Las Vegas

BEST FOR | Travelers visiting during the cooler months who want to experience the dramatic desert landscapes of Death Valley along with the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Zion.

This is similar to the 10-day itinerary above, with one major change. Instead of Bryce Canyon you will visit Death Valley on a day trip from Las Vegas. This road trip is done round trip from Las Vegas.

Days 1 & 2: Las Vegas

Arrive in Las Vegas. Pick up your rental car and spend your time on the Vegas Strip or hiking in Red Rock Canyon.

Day 3: Death Valley Day Trip

This Death Valley day trip is perfect if you want a quick taste of Death Valley. This is a big driving day, but you get to visit the most popular viewpoints, see the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and walk across Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the United States.

Days 4 & 5: Grand Canyon

Drive to the Grand Canyon and spend your time hiking, enjoying the views, taking a helicopter ride, and/or watching the IMAX movie.

Day 6: Drive to Page, Visit Antelope Canyon

Drive to Page, Arizona and visit Antelope Canyon. Watch the sunset over Horseshoe Bend.

Day 7: Drive to Zion National Park

On the Road: 2.5 hours, 120 miles

With limited time in Zion National Park, I recommend driving directly here from Page, without making the detours in Grand Staircase-Escalante. Once in Zion, spend the afternoon on one of the hiking trails.

Day 8: Zion National Park

Get an early start in the morning to hike one of the bigger, more popular hiking trails. On this list are the Zion Narrows, Angels Landing, and Observation Point. It is important to get a very early start, to beat the crowds not only on the hiking trails but also on the Zion shuttle.

Day 9: Drive to Las Vegas

On the Road: 2.5 hours, 165 miles

Today, drive to Las Vegas. On the way, you have the option to visit the Valley of Fire State Park.

Day 10: Fly Home

Fly home or continue your travels.

10 Day Road Trip: Highlights of Arizona and Utah

ROUTE | Phoenix → Sedona → Grand Canyon → Monument Valley → Page → Grand Staircase-Escalante → Bryce Canyon → Zion → Las Vegas

BEST FOR | Travelers who want to see the highlights of Arizona and Utah, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and adventure.

This final itinerary is a little different from the others. Rather than starting in Las Vegas, it begins in Phoenix and ends in Las Vegas, taking you through some of the most spectacular destinations in Arizona and southern Utah.

Since taking this trip, we’ve returned to Zion, Monument Valley, Sedona, and Bryce Canyon multiple times across different seasons, and we have quite a bit of information on our website to share with you.

This is the road trip Tim and I took on our first visit to the American Southwest, and it remains one of our favorite 10-day trips of all time. We visited Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park. A lot of these destinations were brand new to us, and this fast-paced road trip was the perfect way to see some of the American Southwest’s most iconic sights in just 10 days.

This is a busy itinerary with a big emphasis on hiking, but the scenery and experiences are incredible.

Monument Valley

For the complete route, including our day-by-day schedule, driving distances, maps, hikes, and recommendations for where to stay, see our 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary.

American Southwest Itinerary

10-Day American Southwest Itinerary: Sedona to Zion Road Trip

See the full itinerary, with maps, photos, and lots of helpful tips.

Best Time for This Grand Canyon Road Trip

The best time for a Grand Canyon road trip is April, May, September, and October, with May and October being our favorite months. During these months, temperatures are generally pleasant for hiking and sightseeing, and you can explore much of the Southwest without the extreme heat of summer or the snow and ice of winter.

However, the best time depends on which itinerary you choose. The Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon sit at much higher elevations than Las Vegas, Zion Canyon, and Death Valley, so temperatures can vary dramatically between destinations.

We’ve explored the American Southwest in May, June, October, November, and December. Based on our experiences, May and October offer some of the best conditions for a road trip that combines the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Antelope Canyon.

What to Expect by Season

Spring (March–May): One of the best times to visit, with comfortable hiking temperatures and longer daylight hours. March and early April can still bring snow to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Death Valley is best visited earlier in spring before temperatures soar.

Summer (June–August): Expect hot weather, especially in Las Vegas, Zion Canyon, and the Grand Canyon’s inner canyon. Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim are cooler because of their elevations. Summer also brings monsoon thunderstorms and flash flood risks in slot canyons. We recommend skipping Death Valley during these months.

Fall (September–November): Another excellent time to visit. October is particularly good for hiking and sightseeing, with generally pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer. November brings cooler weather and the possibility of snow at higher elevations.

Winter (December–February): Ideal for visiting Death Valley, but snow and ice are possible at the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. Winter road trips are possible, but you’ll need to monitor road conditions and be flexible with your plans.

Best Time for Each Grand Canyon Road Trip

Our Recommendation: For most of these road trips, we’d choose May or October for the best combination of pleasant weather, hiking opportunities, and sightseeing. If Death Valley is a priority, plan your trip between November and March.

Zion National Park in October

More American Southwest Road Trips and Travel Guides

Planning a longer road trip through the American Southwest? We have several itineraries to help you explore this incredible region.

• 10 Days in the American Southwest: One of our favorite road trips, taking you from Phoenix to Las Vegas through Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park, with plenty of opportunities for hiking.
• Two-Week American Southwest Road Trip: Have more time? This 14-day loop from Las Vegas includes the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and all five of Utah’s national parks.
• Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide: Everything you need to plan your visit to the Grand Canyon, including the best viewpoints, hiking trails, itineraries, and practical information.
• One Day in the Grand Canyon: Our guide to making the most of one day on the South Rim, whether you want to hike, visit scenic overlooks, or take a helicopter tour.
• Best Things to Do in Las Vegas: From exploring the Strip to visiting nearby natural wonders, here are our favorite things to do in Las Vegas.
• Valley of Fire State Park: One of our favorite places near Las Vegas, with colorful sandstone formations, scenic drives, and excellent short hikes.

If you have any questions about this Grand Canyon road trip, let us know in the comment section below.

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