10 Day Southwest Road Trip Vacation Itinerary

Trip at a Glance

Land early and pick up previsions before leaving Las Vegas. Las Vegas To Zion Drive Time – 2 hours 45 minutes.

• Duration: 10 Days
• States Visited: Nevada, Utah & Arizona
• National Parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands & Grand Canyon
• Best Time to Visit: April-May or September-October
• Approximate Driving Distance: 1,300-1,500 miles
• Recommended Vehicle: SUV (4WD recommended only for select roads such as Shafer Trail)

Arrival – Day One – Las Vegas to Zion

Land early, pick up your rental vehicle, and stock up on groceries before leaving Las Vegas.

• Rent an SUV if possible.
• Create a shopping list before leaving home. We planned to make breakfast and lunch each day and packed healthy snacks.
• Buy a cooler in Las Vegas. Even better, stop by the nearby Goodwill before Walmart to save a little money.
• In Springdale, pick up any reserved gear so you can get an early start in The Narrows the next morning.
• Arrive about an hour before sunset and hike the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail.

Day Two – Zion National Park

Rent e-bikes to avoid waiting for the park shuttle.

• Get an early start and ride your e-bike to The Narrows before the shuttle crowds arrive.
• Bring snacks and lunch and spend the day hiking The Narrows.
• Return to your Airbnb to relax or hike the Emerald Pools Trail.
• If you still have energy, catch the sunset from another scenic hike.
• Enjoy dinner in Springdale.

Day Three – Zion to Bryce Canyon

Get an early start before making the scenic drive to Bryce Canyon.

Drive Time: Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes

• Park at Sunset Point and walk to Sunrise Point to begin your hike.
• Hike the Queens Garden/Navajo Loop (3 miles, approximately 2-3 hours).
• Drive to Inspiration Point.
• Watch the sunset from Sunset Point.
• Stayed in Panguitch, UT, in a cute Motor Lodge,

Day Four – Bryce Canyon to Moab

Catch the sunrise at Bryce Canyon before heading east toward Moab.

Drive Time: Approximately 5 hours, 30 minutes

• Watch sunrise at Sunrise Point.
• Drive Scenic Byway 12, one of the most beautiful roads in America.
• Stop at Capitol Reef National Park.
• Grab a slice of pie from the Gifford House.
• Visit Goblin Valley State Park.
• Arrive at Arches National Park for sunset.
• Begin the Delicate Arch hike about 90 minutes before sunset.

Day Five and Six – Moab

Spend two nights in Moab. Two full days gives you enough time to experience both national parks and several of the area’s most popular adventures.

• Explore Canyonlands National Park.
• Explore Arches National Park.
• Drive Shafer Trail and visit Shafer Canyon Overlook. (4WD recommended.)
• Visit Dead Horse Point State Park. (Featured in Thelma & Louise*.)*
• Hike to Corona Arch.
• Watch the sunrise in Arches National Park.
• Take a 4×4 Jeep tour.
• Go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River.

Day Seven – Monument Valley

Book a stay at the famous View Hotel

• Valley of the Gods – 1 hour from Monument Valley
• Goose Neck Park – 45 minutes from Monument Valley
• Forest Gump highway
• Sunset at the View Hotel

Day Eight – Monument Valley to Grand Canyon South Rim

Enjoy one last morning in Monument Valley before heading to the Grand Canyon.

Drive Time: Approximately 3 hours

• Take a morning drive through Monument Valley.
• Enjoy lunch at the South Rim.
• Stay at Bright Angel Lodge.
• Explore the South Rim viewpoints.
• Watch the sunset over the canyon.
• Enjoy a light dinner after a big lunch.

Day Nine – Grand Canyon National Park

Spend the day experiencing one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

• Watch the sunrise.
• Hike below the rim or explore the Rim Trail.
• Rent an e-bike or continue exploring the viewpoints.
• Watch the sunset.
• Enjoy dinner at El Tovar.

Optional Extension – Page, Arizona

If you have an extra day, or would prefer a different adventure, consider spending time in Page before arriving at the Grand Canyon.

• Tour Antelope Canyon. (Reservations required.)
• Visit Horseshoe Bend.
• Kayak Horseshoe Bend.
• Explore Lake Powell.

Day Ten – Grand Canyon or Page to Las Vegas

Approximately 4–5 hours to Las Vegas, depending on your starting point.

• Drive to Las Vegas
• Stop at Hoover Dam (A worthwhile stop before arriving in the city.)
• Fly Home

Before You Go

Approximately 4–5 hours to Las Vegas, depending on your starting point.

• Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit three or more national parks.
• Reserve Antelope Canyon tours well in advance.
• Download offline maps before entering the parks.
• Carry plenty of water and sunscreen.
• Fill up with gas whenever you can, as fuel stations can be far apart.
• Pack layers. Desert temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.