Your Route at a Glance
An epic loop through the American Southwest's most iconic landscapes
~750 mi
Total Distance
7 Days
6 Nights
3 Parks
National Parks
1 Priority
Book-Ahead Tour
Route Overview
Lower Antelope Canyon
Bryce Canyon NP
Zion National Park
Arrive Las Vegas → Page, AZ
"Desert Highway, Arriving at the Colorado Plateau"
Morning
Arrive Las Vegas / Pick up rental car. Recommended: full-size SUV or compact SUV for canyon roads.
Breakfast in Vegas
The Barrymore at Royal George — eclectic brunch — or a quick grab at a hotel café before departure.
Depart by 9:00 AM
Head south on US-93, cross Hoover Dam vista (quick photo stop, ~45 min from Strip), continue through Kingman AZ, turn north on US-89.
Scenic Stop ~12:30 PM
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook, Page AZ — dramatic views of the dam and Lake Powell's turquoise waters.
Check-in ~1:30 PM
Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell — closest Marriott brand to canyon attractions, with Lake Powell views from some rooms.
600 Club House Dr, Page, AZ
Sunset ~7:45 PM
Head to Wahweap Overlook for sweeping Lake Powell views at golden hour.
Dinner
Fiesta Mexicana — Page local favorite, generous portions, casual — or Ranch House Grille — American comfort, solid steaks.
Tonight's Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
⭐⭐⭐ · Night 1 of 2
Pro Tip: Book your Lower Antelope Canyon tour with Dixie's NOW — slots fill weeks in advance. Morning tours (9–11 AM) catch the best light beams.
Lower Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend
"The Icons — Slot Canyon Magic & The Bend"
6:30 AM
Wake up early, light breakfast at hotel.
8:00 AM — Main Event
Dixie's Lower Antelope Canyon Hiking Tour — Book the 9:00 AM slot. $80.50/adult, 60–90 min. Descend 5 flights of stairs into the largest cavern. Navajo guides share cultural stories and help you capture stunning shots. Lower Antelope (Hazdistazí) is more adventurous than Upper — ladders and stairs required.
Indian Route 222, Page AZ
Wear closed-toe shoes, no tripods allowed, use portrait mode on phone. Ask your guide to take photos — they know every angle!
10:30 AM
Return, grab snacks and water from hotel or convenience store.
11:00 AM — Icon #2
Horseshoe Bend — 1.5 miles round trip, easy hike. $10/vehicle parking. The 270° meander of the Colorado River drops 1,000 ft below. Best photo: wide angle from the main overlook rim. Mid-morning (10–11 AM) gives fully lit canyon with rich color.
Stay back from the unfenced edge! Bring sunscreen — zero shade on trail.
1:00 PM — Lunch
Slackers Burger Bar (Page) — locals' pick for burgers & shakes.
2:30–4:30 PM
Rest at hotel or explore Page townsite. Optional: kayak rental on Lake Powell marina.
Sunset ~7:45 PM
Return to Horseshoe Bend for sunset — the western-facing overlook glows amber-orange. Arrive 1 hour early for a good spot. The "starburst" effect occurs just as the sun hits the canyon rim.
Dinner
Big John's Texas BBQ (Page) — ribs, brisket, casual. Or Fiesta Mexicana if you missed it yesterday.
Tonight's Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Page at Lake Powell
⭐⭐⭐ · Night 2 of 2
Sunrise / Sunset Guide
Horseshoe Bend faces due WEST. Sunset = dramatic shadows + starburst. Sunrise = cooler, emptier, softer sky colors but the river will be in shadow.
Page → Bryce Canyon NP
"The Scenic Drive of a Lifetime — UT-12"
7:00 AM
Early breakfast, check out of Page hotel.
7:30 AM — Depart
Head north on US-89. Scenic desert plains transition to red rock mesas.
Scenic Stop ~10:00 AM
Kodachrome Basin State Park (short detour off UT-12) — 67 monolithic spires, surreal landscape. Walk the Nature Trail (1.5 miles). $10 entry.
Scenic Stop ~11:00 AM
Grand Staircase-Escalante pullouts along UT-12 — multiple roadside overlooks. Don't miss the Head of the Rocks Overlook — sweeping panorama of canyon country.
Lunch ~12:30 PM
Under the Rim Café in Tropic or grab picnic supplies for the park.
Arrive ~1:30 PM
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon — THE quintessential park lodge, inside the park boundary, steps from the rim. Historic Western-style cabins and suites. Book 6+ months ahead. Fallback: Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn just outside the park (excellent amenity hub, multiple dining options).
Afternoon Hike ~3:00 PM
Navajo Loop Trail — 1.3 miles, 515 ft elevation change, 1–1.5 hrs. Descends into the amphitheater past Thor's Hammer and Wall Street narrows. Absolutely spectacular introduction to the hoodoos.
Sunset ~8:15 PM
Sunset Point overlook — watch hoodoos glow fiery orange-pink. One of the most photographed moments in the American West. Arrive 30 min early.
Dinner
Ebenezer's Barn & Grill (Ruby's Inn area) — cowboy dinner show, Western BBQ, fun atmosphere. Or The Lodge Dining Room for a sit-down experience inside the park.
Tonight's Stay
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (preferred) or Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn · Night 1 of 2
Altitude Alert: Bryce is at 8,000+ ft elevation. Altitude + physical exertion = headaches. Stay hydrated, take it easy the first afternoon.
Full Day at Bryce Canyon
"Into the Hoodoos — Sunrise to Stargazing"
5:45 AM — Sunrise
Wake up for sunrise at Bryce Point — rated the #1 sunrise viewpoint in the park. Arrive by 6:00 AM. The rising sun ignites the hoodoos in electric orange, pink, and red. Absolutely unmissable.
7:30 AM
Breakfast at The Lodge or Ruby's Inn dining room.
9:00 AM — Classic Hike
Queen's Garden + Navajo Loop Combination — 2.9 miles, 521 ft descent, ~2 hours. THE classic Bryce hike. Start at Sunrise Point, descend to Queen Victoria hoodoo, loop back up through Wall Street. Do the Figure-8 combination for maximum variety.
11:30 AM — Scenic Drive
Drive the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive south to Rainbow Point (18 miles one-way). Stops: Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, Farview Point, Natural Bridge, Aqua Canyon overlook, Rainbow Point (9,115 ft, highest in park). Allow 2–3 hours.
Lunch
Picnic at Rainbow Point, or return to Ruby's Inn area for Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop — casual, good pizza, affordable.
3:00 PM — Optional Hike
Fairyland Loop (8 miles, 4–5 hours) for serious hikers, or a relaxing Rim Trail walk between Inspiration and Sunrise Points.
After Dark — Stargazing
Bryce Canyon is a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park — one of the best stargazing sites in the USA. Join the free Astronomy Program offered by rangers (check NPS schedule) or simply lie on a blanket at Sunset Point. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye on clear nights.
Dinner
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Dining Room — American classics with park ambiance. Reservations required. Or Ebenezer's Barn & Grill if you missed it yesterday.
Tonight's Stay
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
⭐⭐⭐⭐ · Night 2 of 2
Sunrise / Sunset Guide
Bryce Point for sunrise 🌄 | Sunset Point for sunset 🌅 | Both face the amphitheater perfectly.
Bryce Canyon → Zion National Park
"Red Walls Rising — Arriving in Zion"
7:30 AM
Breakfast, check out of Bryce Lodge.
8:30 AM — Scenic Drive
Drive to Zion via UT-9 (Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway) — carved through tunnels in red sandstone, one of the most dramatic drives in the US. Stop at Checkerboard Mesa and the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel Overlook on the way in.
10:00 AM
Check in / drop bags at Zion Lodge (preferred — inside the park, stunning canyon setting) or Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Springdale as fallback.
10:30 AM — Quick Viewpoint Hike
Canyon Overlook Trail — 1 mile RT, 163 ft gain, 45 min. Best quick viewpoint hike in the park. Stunning view of Pine Creek Canyon and Zion Canyon. Trailhead at the east end of the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
12:30 PM — Lunch
Zion Park Grill (at Zion Lodge, burgers & sandwiches) or Oscar's Café in Springdale (legendary local spot, Mexican-American fusion).
2:00 PM — Afternoon Hike
Emerald Pools Trail — 3 miles RT, easy-moderate, ~2 hrs. Three tiered pools, waterfalls, and hanging gardens along red canyon walls. Take the shuttle to The Grotto stop.
5:00 PM
Return to lodge, freshen up, relax on the Zion Lodge porch overlooking the canyon walls.
Sunset ~7:45 PM
Sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge — wide open view of the Towers of the Virgin glowing pink. One of the most accessible yet jaw-dropping sunset spots in the park.
8:30 PM — Dinner
Red Rock Grill at Zion Lodge (sit-down dining inside the park, American menu, reservation recommended) or Bit & Spur Restaurant in Springdale (upscale Southwestern, best in the area).
Tonight's Stay
Zion Lodge
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (preferred) or Fairfield Inn & Suites Springdale · Night 1 of 2
Pro Tip: Reserve Zion Lodge 6 months in advance at zionlodge.com. Inside-the-park location means zero commute to trailheads and magical morning views from your room.
Full Day at Zion National Park
"Into the Narrows & Angels Landing"
5:30 AM — Epic Hike
Angels Landing — 5.4 miles RT, 1,488 ft gain, ~4–5 hrs. One of America's most iconic and thrilling hikes. The final half-mile uses chains bolted into the rock. Permit required — apply via recreation.gov seasonal lottery. Depart trailhead by 6:00 AM to beat the heat and crowds. Views from the summit are life-changing: 1,500 ft above the canyon floor with sheer vertical walls on both sides.
The permit lottery opens the month before. If you don't have a permit, hike to Scout Lookout (still spectacular, no permit needed). Sturdy shoes and no fear of heights required.
9:30 AM
Descend, return to lodge for breakfast at Red Rock Grill or a packed snack.
11:00 AM — The Narrows
The Narrows — Bottom-Up (no permit required). Take the shuttle to Temple of Sinawava, hike 1 mile on Riverside Walk, then wade upstream through the Virgin River inside 1,000-ft slot canyon walls. Go as far as Orderville Canyon (~4 miles RT) or deeper. Rent water shoes + neoprene socks + trekking poles from Zion Outfitter in Springdale ($30–45).
Check river flow conditions at the visitor center. Best May–October. Start early — afternoons see the heaviest foot traffic.
1:30 PM — Lunch
Castle Dome Cafe near Zion Lodge (quick sandwiches, wraps, perfect post-hike fuel) or return to Springdale for Whiptail Grill (patio dining, Southwestern, casual).
3:00 PM — Wind-Down Stroll
Pa'rus Trail — 3.5 miles RT, flat, paved (bikes/leashed dogs allowed). A gentle wind-down stroll along the Virgin River, great for birding and canyon reflection. Or explore Springdale town's galleries and shops.
7:30 PM — Sunset
Sunset at Zion Human History Museum lawn — broad open view west toward the canyon entrance, great for watching alpenglow on the sandstone towers.
8:30 PM — Farewell Dinner
Bit & Spur Restaurant (Springdale, upscale Southwestern, excellent cocktails) — celebrate your best hiking day of the trip.
Tonight's Stay
Zion Lodge
⭐⭐⭐⭐ · Night 2 of 2
Sunrise / Sunset Guide
For sunrise, walk to the Zion Lodge meadow facing Angels Landing — the east-facing walls light up first. 🌄 | For sunset, Canyon Junction Bridge faces the Towers of the Virgin to the west. 🌅
Hoover Dam → Las Vegas
"Engineering Marvel — The Dam & the Strip"
7:00 AM
Breakfast, check out of Zion Lodge.
7:30 AM — Depart Springdale
Head west on UT-9, connect to I-15 N toward Las Vegas.
Optional Scenic Detour
Valley of Fire State Park (45 min off route, NV-169) — stunning red Aztec sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, $15/vehicle. Add ~1.5 hrs to the day if taken.
10:00 AM — Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam — America's greatest engineering achievement. Book the Power Plant Tour ($15, 30 min, guided) + self-guided Visitor Center ($10). Walk the dam crest for free. Marvel at the Art Deco details, the Nevada/Arizona dual clock towers, and the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge overlook for aerial dam views.
(Or ~11:30 AM with Valley of Fire detour)
Arrive before 10 AM or after 2 PM to avoid peak crowds. No large bags/backpacks inside the dam. Allow 1.5–2 hours total.
12:30 PM — Lunch
Boulder City Brewing Company (~20 min from dam) — craft beers, burgers, shaded patio.
2:00 PM — Arrive Las Vegas
Arrive at the Las Vegas Strip (~35 miles, 45 min from Hoover Dam).
Evening — Celebrate!
Celebrate the end of an epic trip on the Strip! Dinner at Lago by Julian Serrano at Bellagio (Italian, Bellagio Fountains views) or Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips at The LINQ.
Tonight's Stay
Las Vegas hotel of your choice
Celebrate the finale on the Strip!
Trip Essentials
Booking Priorities
Lower Antelope Canyon — Dixie's Tour
dixiesantelopecanyon.com · Book 4–6 weeks ahead
The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
recreation.gov · Book 6 months ahead
Zion Lodge
zionlodge.com · Book 6 months ahead
Angels Landing Permit
recreation.gov · Seasonal lottery
Hoover Dam Power Plant Tour
usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam
Pack List
Drive Times
| Leg | Miles | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas → Page AZ | 288 mi | 4.5 hrs |
| Page → Bryce Canyon | 185 mi | 3.5 hrs |
| Bryce Canyon → Zion | 85 mi | 1.5 hrs |
| Zion → Hoover Dam | 160 mi | 2.5 hrs |
| Hoover Dam → Las Vegas | 30 mi | 45 min |
| Total | ~748 mi | ~13 hrs |
Budget Estimate
(per person)Weather Notes
Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ ft — bring a fleece even in summer. Nighttime temps can drop into the 40s°F.
Afternoons can hit 90°F+ in Page but evenings are comfortable. Hydrate constantly.
Zion canyon bottom is cooler than the rim. The Narrows river water is cold — neoprene socks recommended.