sedona grand canyon zion trip

Zion Bryce Grand Canyon National Parks Road Trip – 7 Day Itinerary

Are you planning to drive through Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion National Parks on the ultimate southwestern road trip? This route through the Grand Circle is one of our favorite road trips ever. This trip can be done year round but for the best time to visit and other trip planning advice read our detailed guide below. This article is part of our series on 20 Best Road Trips Through USA.

The Grand Circle area and the American Southwest are our favorite destinations for amazing road trips.

We have been on at least a dozen road trips through that area, each time adding something new to our itinerary and yet haven’t seen everything this area has to offer.

Our very first trip through the Grand Circle was a winter road trip through Zion, Bryce , and Grand Canyon National Parks.

We started from Las Vegas and also made additional pit stops at Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Page, Antelope Canyon and many other exciting things to do in this area.

If you are visiting this area for the first time, then you have to see a minimum of these 3 National Parks.

Here’s excellent trip planning advice to make the most of your road trip.

Also Read: Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

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“ You cannot see the Grand Canyon in one view, as if it were a changeless spectacle from which a curtain might be lifted, but to see it, you have to toil from month to month through its labyrinths.” – John Wesley Powell

Grand Circle 101

The area in Southwestern US formed by parts of the states of Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico is known as the Grand Circle.

This area has many large national parks, dramatic landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, incredible wildlife, ruins of ancient civilizations, and Native American heritage.

Many national scenic byways weave through these natural recreational areas.

With beautiful campsites, great hiking and backpacking trails, and wide-open doors, this region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and road trippers.

The Grand Circle encompasses many parts of the American Wild West and you will find many ghost towns and artifacts related to the same.

When is the best time to visit Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks on a long road trip?

The beauty of this route is that it can be driven year-round.

Some roads near the Grand Canyon North Rim will be closed during winter, but other than that you can visit all three national parks throughout the year.

We have been here from summer through winter and have found the changing landscapes beautiful and compelling.

The Grand Canyon North Rim at peak fall was one of my favorite landscapes.

In that case, when should you ideally plan your trip?

The peak season for this road trip is undoubtedly summer when schools are closed and everyone is embarking on the ultimate summer road trip.

The season is beautiful and you can take advantage of the long daylight hours but all three national parks will be crowded and everything from car rental to lodging will be expensive.

You can reduce costs by either RV or tent camping but most campsites will need to be booked months in advance.

Fall, just after Labor Day, is a good time to visit because the crowds have thinned but the fall colors make the drives more scenic. Hotels will be cheaper and campsites are easier to reserve.

Similarly in spring just before the summer i.e. in May pre-Memorial Day is a good shoulder season.

We have made this trip in winter as well, once around Thanksgiving and once at Christmastime, and had great fun.

Car rentals in the offseason are quite cheap – we scored a convertible under $200 for a week – and the temperature wasn’t that bad for most parts.

Grand Canyon looked quite beautiful covered in snow and the Christmas decorations in all the towns along the route were beautiful to see.

How long should a road trip through Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon loop be?

I always wish for more time when driving through this area.

To completely explore Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon National Parks and the many monuments and attractions in their vicinity at a leisurely pace, you will need a minimum of two weeks.

However, since most of us are often low on time, we have planned this itinerary to be week long.

That should give you enough time to explore the parks, hike short trails, and drive along scenic routes to see a variety of landscapes and geological forms.

We have also provided suggestions to see the area in fewer days or spend more time – basically customize it as per your schedule.

Which direction should you travel this route?

Some people travel this route clockwise starting from Vegas and then visiting Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce, and Zion in that order before returning to Vegas.

Many others also drive in the opposite direction – that is what we did – and that is what we recommend in this article.

Either way, you won’t have much difference in the drive time or attractions visited.

You can use our itinerary whether you drive clockwise or anticlockwise.

Why visit Grand Canyon South Rim as part of this trip?

We visited Grand Canyon South Rim during this trip because it has the best views.

The iconic views of the wide expanse of the Grand Canyon, its many chiseled layers, its vast depth, and the Colorado River at the bottom can only be seen from the South Rim.

There are more facilities near this rim including the Visitor Center, lodging and accommodation, restaurants, and it is visited by the most number of people throughout the year.

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If you are visiting the Grand Canyon National Park for the first time, then we absolutely recommend visiting the South Rim.

Another advantage of visiting the South Rim is that it lends itself to a nice loop trip through the region.

If you instead visit the North Rim, the route will look significantly different – Grand Canyon won’t look like you had seen it in the pictures – and you will be driving through the same areas over and over again.

Zion – Bryce – Grand Canyon Itinerary

Arrive at las vegas and drive to zion national park.

We arrived and stayed in Las Vegas for 2 days before embarking on our road trip.

We love Las Vegas for a variety of reasons – the shiny strip with its lavish casinos, dozens of free shows and entertainment, gourmet buffets, and of course, the slot machines.

Another major reason to love Vegas is its proximity to the many national parks in the Grand Circle area.

Las Vegas combines an urban getaway with amazing road trip ideas and makes the perfect base for exploring the American Southwest.

Also, most budget airlines have cheap flights to Las Vegas and we have often found tickets for as low as $70 round trip on Spirit Airlines.

The main attraction of Sin City is the fabulous Las Vegas Strip .

Prior to having kids, we loved casino hopping – weaving in and out of casinos – Luxor and Tropicana being my favorites – and playing on the slot machines, getting sloshed with free drinks, seeing unique attractions on the strip including the Cirque Soleil performances and eating in various eateries including the pastries at Bouchon bakery.

We also enjoyed attending parties in different nightclubs like Drai and in general painting the town red.

We also used to drive to Fremont Street in Downtown and see the music performances.

Post kids, we still love Las Vegas.

Now we prefer spending time doing family-friendly things including the colorful plants at the Bellagio conservatory and seeing the famous fountain show, strolling inside Paris Paris and taking the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, walking inside the Venetian , seeing the flamingos inside Flamingo Hotel, and buying lots of candies at the M&M Store.

Read our post on 52 Best Things to do in Las Vegas for more information.

We usually relax in Las Vegas for 2 to 3 days before starting on our Grand Circle road trips.

Another reason we like starting road trips in Las Vegas is that the city has one of the lowest car rental rates we have seen elsewhere.

We have always found midsize cars for under $200 for the entire week in Vegas.

Once we even scored a convertible for $220 for ten days! Hence, we recommend planning your Grand Circle Road Trip from Vegas.

We recommend driving to Springdale or St. George which are great bases for Zion National Park and staying there for the night.

That way you won’t be wasting precious daylight hours on driving and can have an early start at hiking inside Zion before the crowds arrive.

Day 1 & 2: Zion National Park

After the ‘Big Three’ of Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone, Zion is one of the most visited national parks in the country.

Over two million visitors travel to Zion every year to see its beautiful landscape.

Zion also is one of the best national parks for kids . It is just 2.5 hrs away from Las Vegas, making it the perfect last stop on this road trip.

Visiting Zion during peak and the non-peak season is very different for one major reason: free shuttles!

The National Park Service runs free shuttles inside Zion National Park on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during peak season which is usually from spring through fall and then again the week of Christmas.

When the shuttles are active, visitors can’t drive inside the park and need to park at the entrance in the Zion Visitor Center lot.

When we visited during the fall, even the visitor center parking lot was full and we had to park further away in Springdale.

Springdale is the closest town to Zion and the Springdale Visitor Center is located here.

A second free shuttle drops visitors from Springdale to the park entrance.

In Springdale, visitors can find accommodation, restaurants, as well as rent clothes for hiking the narrows and any other required active gear including mountain bikes and helmets.

The park shuttles start from the Visitor Center and make a round trip up to the Temple of Sinawava which is the last stop on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the start of the Narrows hike .

Visitors can get down and board at 8 different stops on the shuttle route.

We also found many people walking from one stop to another while exploring the National Park – however, this is not a good idea since the roads are narrow and the shuttles are big plus frequent.

You can read more about the Zion Shuttle System here.

The other time we visited Zion was in November and the shuttles were not in operation.

We could drive on the scenic drive in our car at a very relaxed pace.

This was by far my favorite way of getting exploring Zion.

We received a free map of the drive at the visitor center – shuttle stops and what to see at each stop was marked on it.

We followed the map and got down at various points on the scenic route.

There were hardly any other visitors in the park, and we could spot lots of wildlife including deer, sheep, and chipmunks.

That’s why we would recommend visiting Zion in winter if possible.

For your two days in Zion, we recommend starting early in the morning with a round trip shuttle ride and getting down at each stop to explore the beautiful landscape.

If going in the off-peak season, just drive around the Zion scenic drive and get down whenever you see a parking spot.

This roundtrip with short strolls and photos should take about three hours.

After that, we recommend early lunch followed by any of Zion’s famous hikes.

Day hiking in Zion allows visitors to experience the Park’s rugged and wild landscape first-hand.

We suggest hiking the Narrows on the first day and using Day 2 for an early start on the Angels Landing Hike .

The Narrows

Hiking the Narrows is one of Zion National Park’s most famous attractions.

The Narrows is a five-mile one-way hike and takes anywhere from 5 to 8 hours to complete.

The hike is also strenuous because most times you will be hiking on really cold, knee-deep water!

The Zion Narrows hike allows visitors to walk through the course of the Virgin River in what is one of the best hikes in the country.

The Narrows is where Zion Canyon narrows down and the river bed is surrounded on both sides by vividly colored red rock cliff walls.

The bottom-up (upstream) hike is permit free and starts from shuttle stop #9 or the Temple of Sinawava.

The top-down or downstream hike is 16 miles long, permit only, and should be attempted by experienced hikers or backpackers.

The first part of the hike is a mile-long walk known as the Riverside Trail which begins from the Temple of Sinawava to the beginning of the narrows.

This is the easiest part and mostly out of the water and we recommend it for everyone whether you are hiking the narrows or not.

The Riverside Walk is by itself a scenic trail that takes you along the Virgin River and its surrounding beautiful scenery.

Even if you start walking the Narrows, you can turn back whenever you want – we have seen people return even a quarter of a mile into the hike due to less time – so you can always fit the Narrows into a time schedule.

The Virgin River water is mostly always cold, even during summer, and that’s why we recommend renting proper gear in Springdale for this hike including wet suit/drysuit, hiking poles, shoes, etc.

The water temperature is most comfortable during summer but even little rainfall can cause flash floods so we recommend checking with park rangers before attempting this hike.

To get the best views of the hike, we recommend walking at least 2-2.5 miles (~two hours) inside the narrows before turning back.

The prettiest views by far are at the end of the trail/canyon around the 4 to 5 hours mark.

The hike is really popular during summer and the crowds can be quite dense, so to get beautiful views into the canyon, we recommend going really early or in off-peak season.

Angel’s Landing Hike

Zion’s second most popular hike takes you over mountain tops and to a ridge with panoramic views of the canyon.

For Angel’s Landing Hike, you need to get down at the Grotto Trailhead or shuttle stop #6.

This hike is quite strenuous and five-mile-long roundtrip.

It begins along the river and rapidly gains elevation to about 1500 feet.

The hike needs 3 to 5 hours depending on fitness level – during our visits to Zion we skipped it because of time issues – but it is on our bucket list!

The real reason this hike is difficult and quite dangerous is the stretch beyond a viewpoint known as Scout’s Lookout .

The trail past Scout’s Lookout continues along the mountain ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides.

Visitors can hold on to some safety chains but that’s it!

We do not recommend continuing past Scout’s Lookout for those with a fear of heights.

If you do continue up to the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the canyon.

Since this is one of the popular hikes, it gets quite crowded around noon and that’s why it is good for Day 2 morning.

We found this trail guide to be quite useful when planning our Zion Itinerary.

Zion National Park has many other short day hikes which are great to explore the park, its rock formations, vivid colors, and beautiful foliage.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Your next stop is the stunning Bryce Canyon National Park .

Bryce Canyon is a less-visited gem of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks due to its remote location.

It is located pretty close to Zion, making it the next natural stop on this trip.

Bryce Canyon Visitor Tips

The driving distance from Zion National Park to Bryce National Park is less than two hours (~75 miles) and you can easily visit the two national parks together.

In fact, if you are very short on time, you can even see them in one day during the long hours of summer.

In general, there are fewer places to stay near Bryce than there are at Zion, plus they can be more expensive.

Instead, we recommend staying in Springdale after seeing Zion and heading for Bryce early the next day.

Or do what we did. We actually drove from Zion to Bryce well before dawn and were able to experience sunrise at Bryce – an amazing experience!

Even if you are driving later in the day, we recommend that you reach Bryce at least by noon to devote sufficient time to the park.

Drive the scenic loop, go hiking, catch a spectacular sunset, and enjoy the beauty of the park.

As you might have guessed, sunrises and sunsets in Bryce are pretty spectacular and you need to experience at least one of them.

Bryce can be visited year-round but in winter the temperatures fall below freezing and frequent snowfall is common from October through March.

However, the contrast of sparkling snow on the deep red rocks results in some spectacular scenery at Bryce – making it especially scenic to visit.

Also, Bryce is located at a much higher elevation than Zion and hence, it is usually 10-15 degrees cooler inside Bryce than Zion.

Spring weather begins around April in Bryce while summer is pleasanter compared to the dry heat of Vegas, Zion, or the Grand Canyon.

You can either drive inside Bryce Canyon National Park or take the free park shuttle during summer.

We recommend taking the shuttle if it is available so that you don’t have to worry about finding parking at scenic overlooks.

Bryce Canyon History & Geology

Just like Zion Canyon and the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon is also the work of millions of years of erosion by water, frost, and wind.

Bryce Canyon National Park has many unique geological features formed due to the continuous weathering and erosion of the brilliant red sandstone cliffs.

The park is most famous for its crimson brown hoodoo rock formations .

Hoodoos are tall, thin, spire-shaped rocks that rise from the ground.

The best places to see hoodoos in Bryce are the Main Amphitheatre from Bryce Point Overlook.

The hoodoos look strange and weird and if you happen to visit them without crowds, the entire park seems desolate and eerily beautiful.

Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park Scenic Drive is an 18-mile long route that takes visitors along the park’s most famous viewpoints, overlooks, and famous landscapes.

The drive all the way to Rainbow Point and back is beautiful and it is just a short flat walk from the drive parking to the viewpoints so it can be easily done by everyone including small children.

Some of the must stop viewpoints include Natural Bridge Overlook, Fairyland Point, Inspiration Point , Sunset Point , Sunrise Point , and Rainbow Point .

After driving the scenic drive, hike some of the easy trails inside Bryce Canyon National Park to see the hoodoos and other fascinating geological features.

Most of the popular hikes are located near the Bryce amphitheater area.

Sunset Point to Sunrise Point is an easy, flat, paved, mile-long rim trail that can be easily done by beginners and kids.

The views along the trail of Bryce Canyon and the hoodoos from above are incredibly pretty throughout the day, so we recommend this trail as a great starting point even if you don’t reach during sunset or sunrise times.

The trail has benches to rest and admire the views.

To go down into the hoodoos, you can hike the popular Navajo Loop Trail .

The views of the hoodoos towering above the canyon floor from below are stunning and there is no better way to see them than on the Navajo Loop Trail.

The trail starts descending at Sunset Point and follows along a slot canyon called Wall Street to reach the canyon floor.

From the canyon floor, you can either return via way of Thor’s Hammer to Sunset Point or continue on to Queens Garden Trail for even more spectacular views and climb up to the rim at Sunrise Point.

On the canyon floor, you will see hoodoos in various stages of erosion and development.

Hikers can also finish the trail in the opposite direction – park at Sunrise Point and then hike Sunrise Point – Queens Garden – Navajo Loop – Sunset Point , then rim walk from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point to return to the parking lot.

If you don’t climb up through Wall Street canyon and instead take the fork towards Two Bridges Trail, then the trail passes by the famous Thor’s Hammer, one of Bryce’s most photographed hoodoos.

Also, the Wall Street route is closed during winter – so you will need to take the Two Bridges route.

The trail is 2.6 miles long moderate trail and can be done by visitors with decent physical fitness. It can be done in 2 to 3 hours.

Bryce Canyon has many other hiking trails of various difficulty levels that are perfect if you have more time. Bryce is also popular with cyclists, campers, equestrian riders, and backpackers during summer.

To read more about all the things to do in the park including Mossy Cave Trail and Yovimpa Point as well as plan your trip, read our guide on 16 Best Things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park.

If you are hiking in winter, hiking boots with excellent grips or microspikes are necessary as the trails and switchbacks are slippery due to snow and ice.

After leaving Bryce, we drove to Page , Arizona where we were staying for the night.

The distance from Bryce to Page or from Bryce to Antelope Canyon is about 160 miles or roughly 3 hrs drive time.

Day 4: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Page is a desert city in Arizona that is the perfect base for a host of activities on the way from Zion and Bryce to Grand Canyon.

Page’s most popular attraction is without a doubt the famed Antelope Canyon .

But Page also makes the perfect base for exploring Horseshoe Bend , Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Rainbow Bridge National Monument , Vermillion Cliffs National Park, and Water Holes Canyon.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Page for paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and even helicopter tours over Horseshoe Bend / Grand Canyon.

We were in Page just for one day and chose to see Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Overlook.

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is one of the most famous slot canyons in the entire world.

Even those who have never heard of its name and location have seen iconic photos of a sunbeam entering the strikingly colored canyon with some version of the caption “Beautiful Places to visit before you Die”.

Read more: Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon, Explained

So what is a slot canyon anyway?

A slot canyon is a very narrow canyon formed by water rushing down through the rocks. It is deeper than wider compared to regular canyons!

There are many slot canyons in the world – even the entrance to the famous archeological site of Petra in Jordan is through a slot canyon.

The American Southwest itself has over half a dozen slot canyons.

But the Antelope Canyon is most famous because of its striking colors, particular appearance at certain times of the day, and its location on Navajo land hence, the added exclusivity.

Antelope Canyon actually consists of two slot canyons, the Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Upper Antelope Canyon

More famous of the two canyons, Upper Antelope Canyon is the one featured in most photographs.

It is more vividly colored than the Lower Canyon and hence, more photogenic of the two.

It is also wider than the Lower Canyon and walking through it is an easier hike.

The canyon is very narrow at the top, hence at noon when the sun is directly overhead sunlight entering the canyon looks like a single shining beam in the darkness of the canyon.

This sliver of light highlights the patterns on the red rock wall to create stunning photos.

Naturally, the photography tour at noon is the best way to see Upper Antelope Canyon.

But even if you can make it on any tour between 10 am to 1 pm, you should be good.

As a result, Upper Antelope Canyon tours are more expensive and sell out faster during peak season.

We recommend booking your tour far in advance or plan your itinerary around available dates.

Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is also located on Navajo Land and can be seen only via tours.

It is wider at the top than at the bottom and hence, appears well lit during the day.

Because of the narrow canyon floor, the Lower Canyon tour involves squeezing through narrow passages and climbing many ladders.

The hike through Lower Antelope Canyon is definitely more fun than the Upper Antelope Canyon but not for those who can’t climb or feel claustrophobic.

Tickets to the tour are cheaper and don’t sell out as quickly as those for Upper Canyon, however, we still recommend booking in advance.

You can easily visit both in one day – we suggest booking the first tour after 10 am for Upper Antelope Canyon and the one around 1 pm for Lower Antelope Canyon to see them both in a good light.

We recommend booking tickets as far as 6 months in advance during the summer and Christmas holiday season.

Horseshoe Bend

After seeing both the canyons, you should still have time to visit Horseshoe Bend Overlook.

Though this might be trickier during winter months with limited daylight and you may need to choose between any two out of three attractions.

My first introduction to Horseshoe Bend was through the geography textbook in school.

Horseshoe Bend is the perfect example of a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River .

It is as old as the Grand Canyon itself and an excellent example of the millions of years of erosion caused by the Colorado River.

Horseshoe Bend looks especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset when the deeper colors are revealed.

In winter, there is often a slight dusting of snow on the rocky cliffs and the whole area looks spectacular.

Horseshoe Bend Overlook is located about 5 miles from Page and can be reached by about a mile long steep hike over sandy soil from the parking lot.

The hike can seem far more strenuous when the sun is shining overhead and we suggest taking it slow and carrying enough water even though it may seem like a short hike.

The views of the bend in the river flanked by steep slopes on both sides are breathtaking.

The rim overlook does not have a guardrail and people have fallen to their death here, so we advise everyone to exercise strict caution – especially if you have children in your party.

Day 5 & 6: Grand Canyon National Park

From Page to the Grand Canyon or from Horseshoe Bend to Grand Canyon, it is just about 2 hours.

You can either spend the night in Page and drive to Grand Canyon early morning or drive in the night or stay in Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan , both of which are less than half an hour away from the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center.

We stayed in Page on Day 4 and drove to Grand Canyon at dawn but stayed in Tusayan on Day 5 & 6.

In 2019, the Grand Canyon National Park celebrated it’s centennial or 100 years celebrations.

President Theodore Roosevelt was a conservationist and great visionary who protected the Grand Canyon area by creating the National Park on 26th February 1919.

The Grand Canyon formed over 200 million years ago due to erosion work carried out by the waters of the Colorado River.

A total of 11 Native American tribes call the Grand Canyon home since thousands of years.

Because of the centennial celebrations, it is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon National Park and the surrounding Tribal Parks.

We reached Grand Canyon around 11 am and just drove along the Rim Road on our first day in the Grand Canyon.

We utilized Day 2 to hike for half the day and then just relaxed back at our hotel.

Here are some of the things we did on the Grand Canyon South Rim:

Grand Canyon Visitor Center

The Grand Canyon Visitor Center was our first stop after entering the Grand Canyon National Park through the South Entrance Station.

This Visitor Center is located inside the Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim.

It was huge and quite crowded compared to most other National Parks visitor centers we have visited.

There a lot of things to do inside the Visitor Center including a documentary on the Grand Canyon, historical artifacts, geological exhibits, ranger-led programs, etc.

We got our free map of the National Park.

You can also buy souvenirs, rent bikes, and grab something to eat at the Visitor Center.  

Mather Point

The first thing we did on exiting the Visitor Center was to view the Grand Canyon from Mather Point .

The Mather Point viewing area is a short walk away from the parking/visitor center.

The viewing area is big and was quite crowded but when we found an empty spot along the railings we were treated to our first, awe-inspiringly majestic views of the Grand Canyon.

We could see along the rim in both directions and had panoramic vistas over the Grand Canyon.

From Mather Point, visitors can also walk along the Rim Trail to the next viewpoints but we chose to drive along the Rim Road.

We also saw free shuttles along 4 different routes starting from the Visitor Center for those who prefer the Park-And-Ride system.

Yavapai Point and Museum

The Yavapai Point Overlook is also located close to the Visitor Center.

We saw many people walking from Mather Point to Yavapai Point.

The Yavapai Point has far better ooh and aah-worthy views of the Grand Canyon than Mather Point.

Sunset views from here are beautiful, so we made our way back to Yavapai Point at sunset.

There is a Geology Museum at this point which has informative exhibits on how the Grand Canyon was formed.

Grand Canyon Village

Next, we spent some time walking about the Grand Canyon Village, I was particularly interested in visiting the Grand Canyon Train Depot .

We also walked inside the Verkamp Visitor Center which has informative exhibits about the Verkamp family who settled along the South Rim to cater to tourists in the early 20th century.

There are also exhibits about other Grand Canyon communities that settled there.

Other things to see in Grand Canyon Village include Kolb Studio , Backcountry Information Center, Hopi House , and El Tovar Hotel .

Hermit Road

Hermit Road is a 7-mile long scenic road that follows the West Rim from Grand Canyon Village.

When we visited the Grand Canyon during summer, we had to take the shuttle since private vehicles are not allowed but could drive along the road in winter.

There are about 8-10 viewpoints along the road that offer great views of the canyon.

The Canyon Rim Trail parallels the road and can be used to walk between viewpoints and shuttle stops.

At Trailview Overlook we had great views over Bright Angel Trail which goes to the canyon floor.

Other popular points include Maricopa Point, Hopi Point for sunrise or sunset, and Mohave Point .

Desert View Drive

The Desert View Drive is a scenic drive from the Grand Canyon Village to the Desert View Watchtower in the east.

The route is 25 miles long and has about 10-12 pullouts and viewpoints along the way.

We loved driving along this drive for one major reason: the farther we drove from the Village, the lesser was the traffic.

At the end of the drive, near the Desert View Watchtower – we had the Grand Canyon mostly to ourselves.

Along the way, we stopped at Grandview Point which has beautiful views of the Grand Canyon with bends in the Colorado River visible and the Moran Point .

Here we could see the Vishnu Basement layer of the Canyon’s oldest rocks.

Another essential stop is the Tusayan Museum , which has ruins of ancestral Pueblo Village and exhibits about the Native people that settled there.

Desert View Watchtower

The Desert View Watchtower was my favorite part of the Desert View Drive.

As if watching the Grand Canyon from the South Rim is not enough, you can actually climb to the top of the watchtower for even more epic views of the canyon.

The North Rim is just over 10 miles from here and when we visited during winter, we could see the snow-capped edges.

The watchtower is designed by the famous architect Mary Colter to resemble the Native Pueblo architecture and has indigenous inspired art, murals, decor, and interior.

The Tower beautifully blends in the surroundings.

There’s a souvenir store, Native American Trading Post , and restroom located near the watchtower.

We recommend the Trading Post if you like dreamcatchers, indigenous sand art, handicrafts, Arizona turquoise jewelry, etc.

The ice-cream here was also delicious and a refreshing treat in the summer months.

Bright Angel Trail

Bright Angel Trail is a strenuous 12-mile round trip hike that goes to the canyon floor.

It is mostly completed as an overnight hike.

While we did not complete the hike, we partially did it – descended into the canyon for an hour before climbing back to the rim trail.

The climb up took us nearer to 2 hrs because of the steep ascent and also since we were tired by that time.

It is on our bucket list to hike the Bright Angel Trail in its entirety, sometime in the future.

For those who want to do a comfortable day hike, going up to the Three Mile Resthouse and back is a great option.

You still get to see epic canyon views without backpacking overnight.

To read up more about the South Rim viewpoints and decide which ones you should visit, check out this article .

Day 7: Flagstaff, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

After visiting the Grand Canyon, we continued on our way back to Las Vegas.

The drive from the South Rim or the Grand Canyon Village is roughly 4.5 hrs.

We started early in the morning and broke it into several stops along the way.

From Flagstaff to Kingman, Arizona we drove along Historic Route 66. Here are some great stops along the way back:

Flagstaff is a beautiful mountain city located among tall pine forests.

It makes a great road trip pit stop as well as a good weekend trip destination.

After leaving Tusayan, we stopped in Flagstaff for breakfast and wandered around the charming city.

Flagstaff lies on Historic Route 66 which resulted in its popularity with tourists since early times.

The railroad also significantly contributed to Flagstaff’s development and today the Historic Downtown and Railroad District are great for exploring the area’s history.

You can also easily visit Wupatki National Monument, a Native American ruins site while in Flagstaff.

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Located a short distance away from Flagstaff, Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona is a drive-through safari park where you can view animals in their natural habitat.

When we drove through the park we could see lots of animals including bears, elks, mountain goats, mule deer, wolves, and bison.

The park also has a petting zoo with goats for children. This makes a nice stop if you are traveling with kids.  

The Hoover Dam is a superb engineering feat – this arch dam was constructed on the Arizona – Nevada border in 1936 – and is a major tourist attraction.

The dam was constructed in the Black Canyon to control the flooding of the Colorado River, provide water for irrigation purposes, and generate hydroelectricity which powers Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Due to our background in civil engineering, we took the detailed guided Hoover Dam engineering tour and loved it.

We got to learn about the diversion tunnels, spillways, powerplant, and walk inside the passageways of the dam.

We had fun navigating the inspection gallery tunnels of the dam along with our tour guide and seeing parts of the dam that most people don’t see.

We also recommend visiting the Hoover Dam Bypass – the 4 lane arch bridge located downstream of the dam. It has a small visitor center/overlook which has great views over the dam.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Lake Mead is the reservoir created by Hoover Dam.  

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is good to have a picnic lunch/dinner on the way to Vegas or to even stay as a short 2 to 3 days trip.

Lake Mead is especially popular with summer visitors for its water recreational activities.

Visitors can take a boat on the water and visit secluded parts of the lake, scuba dive to see interesting underwater formations, take a lake cruise to the Hoover Dam, kayak, swim, or birdwatch.

There are lots of hiking and cycling trails in the area and a variety of wildlife can be seen.

On another trip, we drove along the scenic Lakeshore Drive and had great picnic lunches.

That’s it! You have just completed one of the most memorable road trips of your life.

After returning to Las Vegas, we usually stay in the city for a day or two – just to relax and soak in the memories of the road trip – while devouring Las Vegas’s fabulous buffets!

If you have extra time, we would suggest visiting Death Valley National Park .

It is just a couple of hours from Vegas and makes the perfect day trip or even a half-day trip if you are too squeezed on time!

Read our post on 14 Best Things to do in Death Valley for travel inspiration.

Optional: Drive to Phoenix via Sedona

While we started and finished our road trip in Las Vegas, the Zion Bryce Grand Canyon Loop can also be done by starting or ending in Phoenix.

You can also start in Vegas and end in Phoenix or vice versa.

The route from Grand Canyon National Park to Phoenix is incredibly scenic and passes through some of the most dramatic landscapes.

We have done this route as part of our Houston to Grand Canyon road trip and have been extremely impressed with the views.

The scenery is constantly changing and you will see a lot of different vistas including the Saguaro and other cacti desert, red rock country of Sedona, and Flagstaff with its pine forests and surrounding mountain ranges.

The drive time is little under 4 hours and the distance is about 250 miles.

If you are planning to travel this way, then here are some of the must-visit destinations on the Flagstaff to Phoenix section of this road trip:

Sedona is a must-see on the route from Phoenix to Grand Canyon National Park via Flagstaff.

Sedona’s red rock country and Oak Creek Canyon area are very scenic and one of the most romantic places I have seen.

The route from Flagstaff takes you along the Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona via SR89A, which is one of the best scenic drives in America.

Another great scenic drive is the Red Rock Scenic Byway .

Once in Sedona, you can view incredible red rock formations including Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock .

You can hike, take jeep tours or do some rock climbing along the Cathedral Rock Trail.

Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross located among the red rock formations is strikingly beautiful to visit.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

One of Arizona’s lesser-known National Monuments, Montezuma Castle National Monument has beautifully preserved Indian ruins .

The highlight of the visit is the 5 storied cliff dwelling built inside a sandstone cliff.

The ruins were initially supposed to be built by the Aztec people hence the name Montezuma after the Aztec leader of the same name.

Historians and archeologists have since discovered that these dwellings were built by the Sinagua Indian people who settled in that area.

The Montezuma Well , a flooded natural limestone sinkhole, located 7 miles from the dwellings is also part of the national monument.

This monument is located just along the road to Sedona and makes a perfect pitstop.

Jerome is a charming little mining ghost town which can be seen as an easy side trip if you have some time.

We recommend starting your visit at the Jerome Historic State Park by visiting the Douglas Mansion .

This museum has beautiful views of the red rocks and Verde Valley and is a great place to know about the story of Jerome and its mining history.

Scottsdale is a beautiful resort city located less than an hour away from Phoenix.

We recommend staying in one of Scottsdale luxury spa resorts and relax for a night after your hectic road trip.

Scottsdale makes a perfect romance, honeymoon, or babymoon destination.

Old Town Scottsdale is a charming area with many boutique stores, trendy restaurants, and art galleries.

The area has distinct old Wild West feel and is perfect for a stroll.

For architecture lovers, visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West home and studio in Scottsdale is a must.

We took the detailed guided tour of the house and were able to view the living quarters, drafting studio, and other areas of the house.

This was definitely one of my favorite parts of our visit to Scottsdale.

Before you return the rental car and fly out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, you can take some time to see Phoenix highlights.

One of the must-visit attractions includes the Desert Botanical Gardens – a beautiful landscape of the American southwest cacti and succulents.

The Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the Southwest US and worth a visit.

You can also drive along the scenic Apache Trail. Phoenix also has great shopping and fine dining.

The Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce road trip is one of the best road trips in the entire country with good reason.

While on the road, we traveled through ever-changing environments and witnessed dramatic scenery.

We were able to see nature at its best and experienced the role of water in shaping the American Southwest landscapes.

We saw a lot of wildlife and viewed some of the darkest night skies. In short, we had the time of our lives!

13 thoughts on “Zion Bryce Grand Canyon National Parks Road Trip – 7 Day Itinerary”

Planning a 7 day trip in this area. Good itinerary. What car rental agency did you use?

Hey there, great blog post! Quick question, did you purchase an America the Beautiful park pass for each of you? Or do you have any info on entrance fees into each park? For example, on Zion’s website it says $35 per rental car for 7 days. not sure if that means you can go in and out multiple times over the course of 7 days or if you can go in once and stay a max of 7 days. Any input you may have on entrance passes would be great.

do you have a map outlining this itinerary?

Could you give us the lodging that you used for this itinerary or the lodging recommendations for this itinerary. We could like to do this trip but have no idea about lodging.

What lodgings did you use for your trips? Looking for recommendations on where to stay in each area.

I would also like To know the names of the lodging you used.

I have been researching the area, trying to narrow down the many choices on our 9-day roadtrip; and found your article the most helpful! I really appreaciate the details & your opinions on options. I am bringing my 19-yr old daughter, her best friend & my 9-yr old son (single momma) on this trip – which adds a little stress on satisfying both ages, interests, etc. Thank you for writing/posting, I really appriciate it!

Thank you! We just got back from a Zion-Bryce-Grand Canyon loop and your information and advice was really helpful. It was pretty cold, but snowy, beautiful and quiet!

Thanks for the helpful tips! Curious what company you went through to score the convertible for less than $200 for a week? Or how you went about? Planning this trip now!! Thanks!

Hi Kristen, We booked through Enterprise, several months in advance. I recommend checking prices with different rental agencies for a couple of days before booking one. Also, you will get the best rates if you are traveling outside of major holidays.

@Ketki R S, hi where specific location you rent in enterprise in las vegas?

Great detail for every place.

Comments are closed.

Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon: Ultimate 7 Day Road Trip Itinerary (2024)

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The Grand Circle is a popular place to plan a route for a one week family friendly adventure, in the US southwest. A road trip through Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon here will let you hit all the highlights this beautiful area has to offer. You could take multiple trips through here and still not see everything, as there’s so much to do.

We’ve put together our one week road trip itinerary , an action packed introduction to all the best hikes, sites, tips and places to visit you won’t want to miss. 

Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary: A Family Friendly One Week Road Trip

• Day 1 : Las Vegas / Hoover Dam tour
• Day 2: Drive to Zion. Stop at Valley of Fire along the way.
• Day 3: Zion National Park – full day
• Day 4 : Zion – most of the day  and drive to Bryce Canyon late afternoon, early evening
• Day 5: Bryce Canyon – full day
• Day 6: Drive to Page, AZ – Antelope Canyon / Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell
• Day 7: Drive to Grand Canyon, Half day visit in Grand Canyon, Evening Drive to Las Vegas

We love road tripping through America’s southwest. So read on for all our top recommended activities, accommodations, hikes, viewpoints and tips for visiting each Park.

We’ve also included some FAQs at the end to help answer commonly asked questions.

Table of Contents

How Many Days do you need in Zion & Bryce?

You will need at least 3 days when visiting Zion and Bryce to really see the highlights of both parks. Zion is a larger park, and a bit more difficult to get around in peak season (you must use the in park shuttle), so we recommend at least 1.5 to two days here.

You can see the highlights of Bryce Canyon in one day, including hiking, and driving to all the view points in the Canyon itself.

While we have worked out a 7 day road trip through Utah, Arizona and Nevada, if you have an extra few days, 10 – 14 days would be ideal and allow for a slower, and less jam packed pace, especially if you have younger kids.

For a 10 day trip , I would add an extra day in Page, AZ and spend the day on Lake Powell, and do a full day in Grand Canyon, before taking the day to drive back to Las Vegas.

There is a lot to see and do along that route back. You can also do this road trip in reverse Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce.

👉 Save money on entrance fees with the annual  America the Beautiful Park Pass.

Covers entrance fees for driver and passengers for over 2000 National Park and Federal Rec Sites . Especially useful if you are planning on a long road trip or visiting more than one park in a year.

Road Trip Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

Day One: Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV is a popular place to fly into given its a top tourist destination, with cheap flights from all over the world. 

It’s the perfect place to start on your Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary.

Las Vegas also tends to have the lowest car rental rates around .

Starting your Zion to Grand Canyon road trip here is to your advantage , if you need to rent a car .

Things to do in Las Vegas

Besides wandering the strip which is an adventure in itself, there are endless options of how your family could spend the day in and around Las Vegas:

• Take a Hoover Dam Tour – half a day
• LINQ High Roller (super cool ride in America’s tallest observation wheel)
• Take a Hop On – Hop Off Bus Sightseeing Tour
• See a family friendly magic show or the Cirque du Soleil . Michael Jackson’s One was fantastic.
• Marvel Avenger STATION in Treasure Island, for your superhero fans
• Las Vegas Night Helicopter Flight & Neon Sign Museum
• Madam Tussauds Wax Museum
• Medieval Knights Tournament themed dinner show
• Hot Air Balloon Rides
• Indoor Skydiving, ziplining, mini golf, and arcades

LOCAL TIP : Short on time? Take a day tour from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park, lunch included.

Where to stay in Las Vegas

• Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Desert Club Resort is a well recommended resort by families. Enjoy their 5 heated swimming pools, a game room, plus it’s an all-suite resort.
• Mandalay Bay is another family friendly option, with two outdoor splash swimming pools complete with a lazy river and a real sand beach. As well as easy access to the Shark Reef Aquarium.

Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon Itinerary

Day two is the start of your Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce Grand Canyon Itinerary on the road.

Grab a self driving audio tour , so you can learn and be entertained as you drive.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Day Two: Las Vegas to Zion National Park & Valley of Fire 

Day two, you’ll drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park.

It only takes about 2.5 hours direct to drive along this scenic route, with breathtaking views.

So you have some time to play with if you want a little extra time in Las Vega s. Or take a stop at  Valley of Fire along the way, as the geology and formations are different from Utah, which is interesting to  compare. 

LOCAL TIP: You lose one hour on the drive as Las Vegas is on PST and Utah is MDT.

Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire is a Nevada State Park less than an hour from Las Vegas. 

You can stop here for an hour, or half a day.  Visit the Visitors Centre first, to get the scoop on what’s open, where to hike and more. 

In the Valley of Fire you can see hoodoos, caves, 2000 year old petroglyphs and wildlife. Keep your eyes open for Big Horn Sheep, snakes, and vultures. 

The Beehives is an easy stop with kids which takes only a short time. Enjoy the strange beehive looking sandstone formations and desert flora and fauna. Climb to the top of a dome to see what you can see.

If you are hiking around, make sure you have a good travel and hiking backpack for your kids, to carry their own water bottle, a snack, and a light jacket or sweater.

Other Valley of Fire ideas include:

• Enjoy the landscape – drive along Mouse’s Tank Road
• Check out Elephant Rock – near the east entrance
• Climb to Rainbow Vista – this 1 mile hike offers  a panoramic viewpoint of the Valley of Fire. The last bit is a hill climb.
• Hike the Fire Wave – one of the most gorgeous spots in the valley, this 1.5mile out and back  hike will take you to amazing white and red patterned sandstone. Photo op!

Things to know:   Day use fees are $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada license plates ($10/car with). There is also no food services in the park, so make sure you pack lots of water and food.

Cool fact: This park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, created 150 Million years ago by shifting sand dunes.

Where to Stay in Zion 

The closest town to Zion National Park is Springdale, UT, which is about a 30 minute drive from the park itself. This tiny town has a population of less than 1,000 people, so  tourists make up a vast majority of the people in this town.

As parking is limited at the Zion Visitors Centre, and you need to use a shuttle in the Zion Canyon portion most of the year, we recommend staying close to the park.

• Zion Lodge – In the Park is the only lodging (besides camping) available in the park itself. While more rustic accommodations, it gives you access to the park, and stargaze worthy skies right from your front door.
• Cable Mountain Lodge is a fabulous choice for its proximity to the park, plus it has a pool, great amenities, and beautiful Zion views. It’s within walking distance to the park entrance. So you can leave your car at the Lodge, and only have to take the Zion Canyon Shuttle in the park itself. 

Springdale, UT Hotels

Other family friendly options if you prefer staying in Springdale, UT  near Zion National Park:

• Affordable & Traveller’s Favorite Chain Hotel – Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park
• Cliffrose Springdale  Curio Collection by Hilton

👉 Check out all the Best places to stay in & near Zion & Bryce

Day Three: Zion National Park

Day three will be a full day in Zion National Park . The Zion Canyon section of the park is popular, and for good reason.

From stunning Canyon views, to once in a lifetime hikes to instagram worthy shots in the Narrows and Angel’s Landing, this picturesque park really highlights the beauty of this earth. 

Day Three: Zion Itinerary includes:

• Sunrise walk along Pa’rus Trail (up to 2 hours): If ambitious, wake up early and watch the sun’s rays light up the Towers of the Virgin. This easy, multi use trail starts at the Visitors Centre and follows the Virgin River towards the Canyon Junction for 3.5mi / 5.6km. You don’t have to walk far to see stunning views.
• Riverside Walk (1.5 hours): To beat the worst of the crowds , shuttle early morning all the way to the last stop, #9 Temple of Sinawava, and the start of the Riverside Walk. This trail is an easy, paved, and wheelchair accessible path ending at the river and the start of The Narrows hike. The Narrows is a strenuous hike in the river itself, so requires proper gear and preparation to do the full hike. It is fun though to dip your toes in the river and  hike a little ways along the Narrows, for the experience.
• Zion Lodge for Lunch: Take Shuttle to Zion Lodge for Lunch. Picnic on the grass or eat at the restaurant. Make reservations ahead, as the restaurant does get busy.
• Hike the Lower Emerald Pools trail (1 hour)  – after lunch head to the trailhead near the lodge and walk this easy 1.2mi / 1.9km roundtrip trail. This is a fun hike for kids, as you can walk behind the misty waterfall and wends its way through a shady forest so perfect for those hot summer months. You can extend the hike by also walking the Upper or Middle Emerald Pools trails as well.
• Visit  the Zion Human History Museum (1 hour)  – On the way back to the Visitors Centre, make a stop at the Zion Museum if it’s open. Learn more about the rich human history of the park from American Indian Culture, to pioneer settlement and the effects of water in Zion. 
• Sunset watching – Take a Zion sunset jeep tour to watch the sun go down over Zion National Park.
• Stargazing – The open night skies are the perfect place for stargazing. Ranger led  fascinating stargazing tours (seasonal) are an option
• Stargazing at Kolob Canyon Viewpoint on the other side of the park – If you haven’t worn out your hiking legs by this point, the Timber Creek Overlook Trail starts at the viewpoint and is only a 30 minute hike that  follows the ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains

Grab your free Mini Road Trip Planner Here:

Check out these not to miss Zion activities if you have more time:

• Popular Guided Tour – Guided Tour to Peekabo Slot Canyon in Kanab, UT close by.
• Horseback Riding – Small-Group East Zion White Mountain Horseback Ride
• Jeep Tour – East Zion Checkerboard Overlook Jeep Tour
• Zion UTV Tours – Fun family friendly UTV Tours with sandboarding & hikes through Peekaboo Canyon

Things to know about Zion: 

Zion Shuttle – During the busy tourist season, cars are not allowed in the Zion Canyon portion of the park. You will have to use the Zion Canyon Shuttle , unless you’ve booked  a tour.

Phone and cell service in Zion is almost non-existent , so come prepared for that. Wifi available at Zion Lodge for a fee.

Tips for kids: The National Parks Junior Ranger program is a fun thing to do with kids in parks across the US. Zion’s is fantastic as well. 

This program offers fun and educational activities for kids to do while they are out exploring. You can pick up the Junior Ranger Handbook at the Visitors Center, or download from the NPS website.

LOCAL TIPS: Check out our top kid friendly tips for beating the crowds and heat in Zion .

Day Four: Zion to Bryce Canyon

Day four is focused on seeing more of Zion Canyon in the am, then driving to Bryce Canyon in later afternoon or early evening.

Day four Zion to Bryce itinerary includes:

• Weeping Rock & Court of Patriarchs (1.5 Hours)  (If open) & Watchman Trail (2 hours)  OR
• Angels Landing Trail (4 hours) – Everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs to have a permit.
• Drive to Bryce Canyon (1.5 -2 hours)

Get an early morning start by taking the first shuttle out to Weeping Rock then back to the viewpoint of the Court of Patriarchs.

As of this writing they are closed due to rockfall, so check ahead to see if they’ve re-opened.

For easy to moderate hiking, choose the Weeping Rock, Court of Patriarchs and Watchman Trail option:

• Weeping Rock is an easy, short but steep 30 minute return hike. Stop at Shuttle Stop #7. This trail ends at a rocky alcove, where the porous rock seeps water, hence the name. Look out for exhibits along the way.
• Court of Patriarchs is at Shuttle Stop #4, and is a quick and easy two-minute trail to a viewpoint above the trees. Here you can see the Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as The Sentinel and Mount Moroni. Stop in early morning as the light starts to peak above the Patriarchs.
• Watchman Trail (2 hours) is a delightful moderate, family friendly  hike that starts right from the Visitor’s Centre. This is a great option if the Zion Canyon Shuttle is busy, as there’s no need to take it! The Watchmen Trail follows the Virgin River ending at a viewpoint of the whole area. See if you can identify the Temples & Towers, lower Zion Canyon, Watchman Peak and Springdale town in the distance.

👉 Grab more fun Zion ideas: Comprehensive One Day Guide to Zion National Park

Angels Landing

Choose Angels Landing if you want the full Zion experience, and can handle a strenuous hike.

One note, there can be up to an hour or more wait to summit and take your pics, during the busiest months.

Angels Landing via the West Rim Trail is a strenuous, but rewarding 4 hour return hike to the infamous red rock at the edge of the world photo op.

This hike however is not suitable for young kids, or people who are afraid of heights, as there are long drop offs, and the last bit is a steep narrow trail to the summit.

LOCAL TIP: Everyone who hikes Angels Landing now needs to have a permit.

How Far is Bryce Canyon from Zion?

Bryce Canyon is approximately 80 miles (128 km) from Zion, and  the drive takes about  1.5 -2 hours. Drive the Zion – Mt Carmel Highway through the Zion tunnel, built in the rock in the 1930’s. Continue following route 89 north, towards Bryce Canyon, until you get to route 12. Turn onto Route 12 east, until you reach Bryce Canyon City.

• Canyon Overlook Trail – If you have the time and desire, pull into the parking lot on the right, just after the Zion Tunnel for the Canyon Overlook Trail. This is a one hour easy to moderate trail (1 mi / 1.6km round trip) to a wonderful viewpoint for Pine Creek and the Lower Zion Canyon.

There is so much to see and do in both Zion and Bryce, that there really is no need to stop along the way. 

However if you are looking for more to do, Red Canyon in the Dixie National Forest is a fun place to stop.

Enjoy the vermilion-colored rock formations and ponderosa pine forests. The Birdseye Trail is a moderate 0.8-mile hike with close-up views of this spectacular rock.

Day Five: Bryce Canyon One Day Itinerary

Bryce Canyon is such a gorgeous area, known for its hoodoo rock formations. I’ve put together our family friendly one day itinerary that takes in some short hikes, and drivable viewpoints. 

👉 Want more Bryce Canyon ideas? Grab your Complete Guide: What not to miss in one day in Bryce

Things to know about Bryce Canyon National Park:

Bryce Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, year round, with the closest town being Bryce Canyon City. You will need to buy a pass to enter.

Parking can be a challenge in Bryce, so the parks service recommends taking their free Bryce Canyon Shuttle service.

It can pick you up from major hotels in Bryce Canyon City and drop you off at the four most iconic viewpoints of Bryce Canyon National Park; Bryce, Inspiration, Sunset, and Sunrise Points.

If you’re driving, we recommend the Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour , to listen and learn as you drive the park.

✅ Grab the Zion & Bryce Self-Driving Tour

The park is broken up into three scenic areas: 

• Bryce Amphitheatre – Sunrise & Sunset Points, Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, portions of the Rim Trail, and trailheads for Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden Trails.
• Scenic Southern Drive (includes the Natural Bridge and Rainbow Point); and 

One Day in Bryce Canyon Itinerary

As you only have one day in Bryce, focusing on the Bryce Amphitheatre area is a must. Especially if it’s your first time.

Morning Activities in Bryce Canyon include: 

• Watch the Sunrise – Choose either Sunrise, Sunset or Bryce Point  if ambitious, and early risers.
• Check out the Visitor’s Centre, located at the entrance to the park, just beyond the pay stations. Knowledgeable rangers can give you all the latest park info, and help plan your day.
• Early Morning Hike to Mossy Cave (start by 9am) & Picnic Snack – Mossy Cave Trail is located along highway 12, and is a very kid-friendly easy hike to a small you guessed it mossy cave, and waterfall. The hike only takes about an hour, and is a streamside meander  following the river, coming up close to hoodoos, and arches. It’s extremely popular as it’s the only trail that doesn’t require a 1,000 foot descent into the Amphitheatre . So go well before 10 am or after 6 pm to avoid the crowds.
• Lunch at Bryce Lodge (make reservations) – Bryce Lodge restaurant  is one of the few food services in the Park. You can also check out the General Store (at Sunrise Point) or the Valhalla Pizzeria & Coffee Shop adjacent to the Lodge for food.

Afternoon Activities include: 

Your afternoon In Bryce Canyon will focus on hiking in the Bryce Amphitheatre . To experience the beauty of hoodoos and brilliant shades of red and orange, plus taking in other viewpoints. 

Three hiking options to choose from:

• Easy Hike (1 hour) – Sunset Point to Sunrise Point (or vice versa) . This part of the Rim Trail is partially paved and is the easiest trail in the park for views of the hoodoos and amphitheater from above.
• Moderate Hike (2-3 hours) – Recommended hike –  Navajo Loop Trail & Queen’s Garden Trail ( Start at Sunset Point). For the full Bryce Canyon, hike in a clockwise direction down the Queen’s Garden Trail to see wide awesome views of the Bryce Amphitheater in front of you, then back up through the Navajo Loop Trail.
• Moderate Hike (1-2 hours ) – Easiest into Bryce Amphitheater – Queen’s Garden Trail Start at Sunrise Point following the Rim Trail, before descending into the canyon. For an up close look at the hoodoo and arches formed of rock, worn by erosion. Trail ends at the Queen Victoria walk.

Next drive or Shuttle to the following Viewpoints:

• Inspiration Points:  Lowest viewpoint, so you feel closest to hoodoos.
• Bryce Point: Bryce Point is the most famous and popular viewpoint. The sunset from here is spectacular. Here you can view the entire Bryce Canyon amphitheater from a cliff-side viewing area.

Evening Activities – Dinner &  Stargazing

If you still have energy, star gazing is a must!

Take a walk along the Rim Trail between Sunrise  at Sunset Point. You can stargaze along the way, or at either point.

Where to eat: After all this hiking, and outdoors time you and your travel companions will be hungry.

For dinner try out the Stone Hearth Grille , but make sure to make reservations ahead of time, to avoid disappointment. Open March thru October – 5 to 9 PM

Where to stay in Bryce Canyon, UT

There are fewer places to stay here in Bryce Canyon  than in and around Zion National Park.

In the park itself, you have the Bryce Lodge or camping at the North Campground and the Sunset Campgrounds. Both have about 100 sites, but do not have RV hookups for electrical, sewer or water.

Here are some other highly recommended and reviewed accommodation options near the National Park.

Family Friendly Places To Stay Near Bryce Canyon

• Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel  is one of the nicer hotels in the area, and should be top of your list of where to stay in Bryce Canyon City. Guest love their free breakfast, an outdoor pool and fitness area and easy access to the shuttle route to the park are some of its perks.
• Luxe Bryce Canyon home is a family friendly option with a bit more room to play with.  In addition to three bedrooms, there’s a child’s playground, free WIFI and parking and a kitchen. Which is perfect if you are looking to do a little cooking yourself. Plus as it’s only 1 mile from the park so you can be there in no time at all. 
• Bryce Glamp And Camp is a cool alternative to camping, in mountain view luxury domes . Includes kitchenette, bathrooms, space for up to 4 people, all in a stunning setting.

👉 Grab more ideas of the best places to stay between Bryce and Zion

Day 6: Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ (Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Lake Powell )

Ideally you would have two  days in the Page, AZ and Lake Powell area , when heading to the American Southwest.

With only one, you’ll need to make some choices. Leave Bryce Canyon, UT early in the morning to ensure you have a full day in this area, and arrive in Page, AZ by breakfast time.

Visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, as well as boating or swimming in Lake Powell are all fun things to do with kids of all ages. 

If you arrive by breakfast , you’ll have time to spend half a day visiting Antelope Canyon and/or Horseshoe Bend, then the other half doing water sports, boat tour, or hanging out on the beach at Lake Powell.

Things to know :

Antelope Canyon : Antelope Canyon is a sacred place for the Navajo people, and they believe that this canyon is where you go to pay respect to Mother Nature. So be respectful during your visit.

• You also must take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon.
• You can check out all our tips and recommendations for Antelope Canyon tours here .

Where to Eat: Stop in at R.D. Drive-In   at 143 S Lake Powell Blvd in Page, AZ for family friendly eats. This family owned business serves everything from hamburgers, burritos and chicken sandwiches to dipped cones, and desserts.

The “Rainbows” an ice cream-slushie combo, are perfect for a hot day.

How far is Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ

The drive from Bryce Canyon to Page, AZ is about 150 mi / 243km and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Follow route 12 back to route US-89 S, past the Zion Junction and straight to Page, AZ. Lake Powell is located off route 89, about 15 minutes before Page as well. 

Antelope Canyon, AZ

Antelope Canyon is located  a 20 minute drive east of Page, Arizona in the Navajo Nation.

This  area is actually two slot canyons, the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon , plus the Antelope Canyon X. 

You aren’t allowed to wander around on your own, and must take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon .

The world of sandstone and the wavy, orange, red, and tan hues of the canyon walls beckon.

• Upper Antelope Canyon: The Upper Antelope is considered the easiest canyon to travel, as its entrance and length are both at ground level. This slot canyon is a 660 feet long, in-and-out trail which is great for families with smaller children who are preschool age or younger. If you’re visiting in summer for the famous light beams, visit between 11:00am and 1:30pm.
• Lower Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon is a lesser travelled one-way trail that is approximately 1,335 feet long, which gets great light year round.
• Antelope Canyon X: This canyon is the shortest walk at only 334 feet in and out. It does have some light beams, and lighting is good before 2pm.

Antelope Canyon Tours

As you must book a tour to be able to visit Antelope Canyon . Here are a few of the most popular choices, that also allow children.

Tours typically leave from Page, AZ and take between 1 and 2.5 hours. 

For the Upper Canyon Tours try this popular 90 minute small group Antelope Canyon Tour. Experience the narrow slot canyon made of dramatic sandstone wall, while learning the history and geology of the area.

For Lower Antelope, these 60 minute family friendly tours are a blast. Walk, take photos, and enjoy the beauty of the area, which is shallower than the Upper Canyon.

Horseshoe Bend, AZ

Horseshoe Bend, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is located 7 miles from Antelope Canyon. You can hike, fly over or boat along this 1000 ft (305 m) deep, horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. 

The overlook hike is a gentle slope of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip, over flat terrain, suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and hikers. There are even two shade stations, as it is a very sunny and hot trail.

Horseshoe Bend is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The busiest times are between 9:00am to 11:00am in the morning and 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the evening. 

Horseshoe Bend parking lot and trailhead is located off US Highway 89. The City of Page, AZ charges $10/car to park. 

LOCAL TIP: Watch your kids carefully. While some areas have railings, it is a 1,000 ft /305 m drop to the Colorado River below.

Lake Powell 

Lake Powell twists and winds its way for 186 mi /299 km straddling  Utah and Arizona.

Here you can rent house boats to small watercraft including kayaks and jet skis at the Wahweap Marina and even do boat tours. Lake Powell Resort is the main rental place for these.

Lake Powell is the perfect way to spend the afternoon, or a full day. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, cliff jumping and spending time at the beach are all favourite activities here. 

Lake Powell is also a world class fishing destination, for all you anglers out there. Try fishing for northern pike, wide-mouth bass, catfish, crappie, and  walleye.

Cool Fact: Lake Powell is a man made lake, formed after the  Glen Canyon dam’s diversion tunnels closed in 1963. Did you know that it took 17 years for the lake to reach its full capacity? Nope me neither.

Where to stay in Page and Lake Powell, AZ:

Page and Lake Powell, AZ can provide you with many unique accommodation options from renting houseboats, to camping on the beach, or more traditional hotels, motels and resorts. I’m all for renting a houseboat, how cool is that. 

Lake Powell Accommodations

Camping – Lone Rock Beach – Lone Rock Beach is a gem, as it is the only beach you can drive onto for camping. Come out of your tent in the morning to impeccable views of the Lone Rock monolith. Fun fact: “The Impossible Astronaut,” the first episode of the sixth season of Doctor Who, was filmed at Lone Rock Beach. 

Lakeside Resort: Lake Powell Resort located at the Wahweap Marina is a fun option. With a restaurant onsite, family rooms, pool,  fridges in room, plus easy access to their boat tours and rentals, it’s a one stop place to stay.

Family friendly places to stay in Page, AZ 

• Family Favourite with Mountain Views : Country Inn and Suites by Radisson (Page, AZ) – What families love : includes free  breakfast, family rooms, fitness centre, free private parking, and gorgeous mountain views. Restaurant onsite.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Page – Lake Powell (Page, AZ) – What guests love : The indoor Pool, free hot breakfast buffet and Wifi. Family rooms available.   5 Minutes from Horseshoe Bend and 15 from Lake Powell Marina.
• Pet Friendly: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham (5 minutes from Lake Powell) – What guests love: Pet friendly with free breakfast & wifi plus an outdoor pool and laundry access. The Days Inn offers panoramic views of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, the Navajo Indian Reservation, and the Vermillion Cliffs along the Colorado River
• Budget Friendly: Lake Powell Motel & Apartments (Page, AZ) – What guests love: Homey feel, budget friendly, and units with kitchens and patio garden views. Free WiFi and private parking. Very clean and family friendly.

Day Seven: Page, AZ to South Rim of Grand Canyon & Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon was formed over 200 million years ago by erosion and the Colorado River.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sight to behold. 

If you have an extra day you might consider spending more than half a day here, then taking a more leisurely drive back to Las Vegas, the next day.

The drive from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas has some great spots to stop along the way.

Drive from Page, AZ to Grand Canyon

The fastest route from Page, AZ to the Grand Canyon, South Rim is approximately  150 miles, and just under 3 hour drive. If you have time, stop at Horseshoe Bend along the way, for epic photos, if you didn’t have a chance yesterday.

South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon gives you the iconic views  of what you think of as the Grand Canyon.

View chiseled rock, amongst the great depths of the winding Colorado River. More facilities including the Visitors Centre, accommodations and restaurants are  located at the South Rim. So it’s a good place for a first visit. 

As you’ll only have about half a day, you’ll need to be choosy about what you want to see.

• For a first time visitor, a visit to the Grand Canyon Village and Hermit Road  / walk along the Rim Trail is a must. 

Stop first at the Visitors Centre, and the Mather Point viewpoint. Then take a walk along the Trail of Time between Yavapi Point and the Grand Canyon Village.

Follow your adventure up by taking the shuttle along the rest of Hermit Road.

Jump on and off at various viewpoints as you are inspired. You can also hike the full 7 mile Rim Trail and catch the shuttle back.

Here is a list of family friendly things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon:

• Grand Canyon Visitor Center – Stop in for your  free map of area. Take a few moments to  visit the geological exhibits, watch the documentary, and see historic artifacts. You can also buy souvenirs, rent bikes,  and check out their ranger led programs.
• Drive along the Rim Road or take the park and ride options along 4 routes. 
• Mather Point Viewpoint – short walk from Visitor Center for your first majestic views. Can walk along the trail from Mather Point to the next viewpoint Yavapi or drive.
• Yavapai Point – Yavapi Point  has fabulous views at sunset for that WOW factor.
• The Trail of Time – The Trail of Time is the easiest part of the Rim Trail which running 1.3 miles between Yavapai Geology Museum and Grand Canyon Village. Perfect for families with little kids.
• Grand Canyon Village – The Grand Canyon Village started growing in 1901, when the steam train arrived. Several historic buildings from that area are here to check out, including the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, the Hopi House,  Kolb Studio and the historic landmark El Tovar.
• Hermit Road   – 7 mile scenic drive from Grand Canyon Village to West Rim. You’ll need to hike, bike or use the shuttle in summer as cars are not allowed between March and November.  See 10 awe inspiring viewpoints of the Grand Canyon.
• Desert View Drive – 25 mile long scenic drive from GC Village to the Desert View Watchtower in the east. Has about 10 pullouts and viewpoints a long the way. Climb the Watchtower for epic views.
• Sunrise or sunset – Maricopa Point, Hopi Point or Yavapi Point

Things to know:

Grand Canyon National Park:

• As with all National Parks there are fees to enter. $35 / car which is good for seven days.   
• Grand Canyon is a remote area, so make sure you carry an extra set of car keys, your car is gassed up and in good repair. The nearest gas station and mechanic is not close by. 
• Hermit Road is only open to private cars December to February. You will need to use the shuttle the rest of the year. 

Drive from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

The drive back to Las Vegas from the South Rim or the Grand Canyon Village is roughly 4.5hrs.

There are a few places you may want to consider stopping along the way if you have some extra time.

• Route 66 from Flagstaff to Kingman, Arizona – explore Historic Downtown and Railroad District of Flagstaff to learn more about its history and visit the Wupatki National Monument.
• Bearizona Wildlife Park , Williams, AZ  (short distance from Flagstaff) – Drive through Safari Park. You can see bears, elks, mountain goats, mule deer, wolves, and bison, in a more natural habitat. Pet some animals at the petting zoo.
• Hoover Dam – if you didn’t visit when you first arrived in Las Vegas.
• Lake Mead Recreation Area – The reservoir is created by the Hoover Dam and is a pleasant place to stop for a picnic. It’s also a popular summer destination for boating and lake cruises, kayaking, swimming, biking and hiking the trails. 

How Long Is the Drive From Zion To Bryce Canyon?

The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon takes around 1.5 hours directly, and is about 80 miles / 128km. There are plenty of stops and sights to see as you drive if you have extra time. Some of the highlights include Many Pools Slot Canyon, Red Hollow Slot Canyon, Red Canyon, and a detour to Cedar Breaks National Monument.

Should you spend more time in Bryce or Zion?

Zion needs more time than Bryce, as it is a larger, more spread out park with longer hiking options, such as the Narrows and Angels Landing. The minimum amount of time you will need is two days in Zion and one day in Bryce Canyon. Zion is a much busier, more difficult park to navigate, given you must use the Zion Canyon Shuttle most of the year.

Planning for at least three days will give you enough time to do those not-to-miss hikes, take some epic photographs and see the best viewpoints. 

How Far is Bryce Canyon from Antelope Canyon?

Bryce Canyon to Antelope Canyon is about a 160 mi / 257 km drive, which takes about 3 hours via US-89 S. Antelope Canyon is located near the Arizona / Utah border, just east of Page Arizona. 

How far is Grand Canyon from Antelope Canyon 

The Grand Canyon is  147 mi / 236km from Antelope Canyon and is about  a 3 hour drive. Due to the relatively short distance, Antelope Canyon is a popular day trip from the Grand Canyon. 

The most common route is via AZ-64 E to US-89 N through the Navajo Nation.

If AZ-64E is closed you will need to drive the long way around, through Flagstaff, AZ. It’s a bit longer of a drive at 221 mi / 355 km and will take approximately  3 hour and 45 minutes.

Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon: One Week Family-Friendly Itinerary

Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce is one of the best road trips in the USA for good reason. Gorgeous ever changing landscapes, this route offers nature at its best. From dramatic waterways, to slot canyons, and wildlife, this is a one week trip you and your family are sure not to forget.

Related family travel destinations and travel planning tips:

• Simple ways to save money on road trips
• Fun RV Gift Ideas
• 150 Road Trip Questions to spark conversations
• Easy Road Trip Activities for Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Best Walkie Talkies for Road Trips

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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great overview, however, there are no hotels listed for grand canyon?….any help in that regard?

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Southwest Family Journey: Sedona, Zion & the Grand Canyon

8 days, phoenix to las vegas.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

With towering cliffs, colorful canyons, mesmerizing buttes and mesas, this journey through the Southwest makes for an extraordinary family adventure. Explore some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the Grand Canyon, Montezuma Castle, Antelope Canyon and more. You’ll traverse this extraordinary terrain by foot, boat, kayak, jeep and train as you immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the area.

Phoenix to Las Vegas

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: national geographic family journeys.

Trips for adventure-loving families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 20.

Age requirement: 7+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

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Trees planted for this trip: 8

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Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 80

Places visited

• United States

Itinerary Notes

Prices are based on double occupancy; all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will accommodate triples/quads whenever possible. Please call for further details.

Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Day 1 Phoenix

Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 phoenix/sedona.

Your day begins with a visit to Montezuma Castle to explore a window into the region’s past. The castle was the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture and was established in December 1906. Enjoy a picnic lunch on site before continuing to Sedona. Upon arrival, take to the terrain on a guided jeep tour, where you’ll travel down unpaved trails and canyons while learning about the native landscape, wildlife and geological history of the area. You’ll also get spectacular views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations. In the evening, arrive at the hotel, where dinner will be at your leisure.

Meals included:

Day 3 sedona.

Enjoy a morning on your own to explore Sedona with your family. You may choose to hit the trails on a hike, where you can explore the area’s stunning scenic surroundings, which includes everything from caves to canyons, red rocks and natural bridges. In the afternoon, depart for Verde Canyon, where you’ll climb aboard a private train car and ride the rails of the historic route from Clarkdale to Perkinsville. Continue through a protected corridor along the rippling green waters of the Verde River, bordered by towering red rock pinnacles, fortified bridges and a tunnel carved through solid rock. Return to the hotel in Sedona and enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Day 4 Sedona/Grand Canyon

Spend the day exploring one of nature’s most spectacular natural formations—the Grand Canyon. Marvel as the vastness unfolds before you and the land drops almost straight down for more than 3,280 ft (1,000 m) into the rainbow-colored canyons below. In the morning explore along the rim of the canyon, then spend the afternoon on your own. Choose to view iconic park structures at the Historic Village District, then descend below the canyon rim on your own along the Bright Angel Trail to see 2,000-year-old rock art and 250-million-year-old fossils. Other options include a visit to the Yavapai Geology Museum, a walk along the South Rim or watching a documentary at Grand Canyon IMAX Theater. In the evening, there will be an optional pizza dinner on the rim of the canyon overlooking the setting sun—an unforgettable experience for your entire family.

Day 5 Grand Canyon/Zion National Park

Get an early start to the day with a visit to the mighty Horseshoe Bend on the way to Page, Arizona. Stand on the steep vermillion cliffs overlooking the horseshoe bend in the Colorado River, which was formed 5 to 6 million years ago. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Page before an unforgettable, private kayak adventure through a section of Antelope Canyon that is only accessible by water. Paddle alongside your knowledgeable and experienced guides as you explore this stunning sandstone slot canyon while learning about its history. Along the way, jump into the refreshing water for a swim in the shadows of the massive canyon walls. This evening, arrive at your accommodations in Zion and have dinner at your leisure.

Day 6 Zion Ranch

Enjoy a full free day exploring the many amenities and activities at the ranch. Opt in for activities like, horseback riding, hiking, jeep tours, canyoneering and more! You may also choose to relax with a rejuvenating yoga flow, sit by the pool or just admire the magnificent landscape that surrounds you. You may also choose to go on a walk in search of the diverse plants and animal life in the area of the park that transitions from desert to forest. In the evening, join together with your fellow travelers for dinner. At night, be sure to head outside for some stargazing beneath the infinite sky.

Day 7 Zion National Park/Las Vegas

Travel further into Zion National Park for a guided hike along the Emerald Pool Trail. This 3-mile loop features a striking desert oasis in the middle of the park. The trail follows along a small, verdant stream, which collects in a series of pools. There are 3—upper, middle and lower—making this hike one of the most peaceful destinations in Zion Canyon. Lunch will be on your own in Springdale before you continue on to Las Vegas. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 8 Las Vegas

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Family Journeys Moment: Verde Canyon Train Ride, Sedona
• Your Family Journeys Moment: Antelope Canyon Kayaking Adventure, Page
• Arrival transfer
• All national park fees
• Zion National Park visit and guided hike
• Antelope Canyon guided kayak visit
• Horseshoe Bend hike
• Grand Canyon National Park visit
• Verde Canyon train ride
• Free time in Sedona, Zion, and the Grand Canyon
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (7nts).

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners Allow USD360-470 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, 4x4 vehicle, hiking, walking, train.

Staff & experts

Two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

My own room - from $2579.00.

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Price Options

• From $ 3009 USD Per Adult
• From $ 2869 USD Per Child

Make it a private tour

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Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park Epic Road Trip Itinerary

By Author Emily Junda

Posted on Last updated: December 28, 2023

Categories Arizona , National Parks , Road Trips , State Parks , Travel Guides

Welcome to the ultimate journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of the American Southwest! If you’re seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a taste of the great outdoors, then buckle up for an unforgettable road trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park. 

This breathtaking expedition will take you through some of Arizona’s most iconic destinations, showcasing the rugged red rock formations of Sedona and culminating in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Grand Canyon.

As you embark on this scenic route, be prepared to be immersed in a world of stark contrasts and striking beauty. From the vibrant reds and oranges of Sedona’s sandstone cliffs to the vast, otherworldly chasm that is the Grand Canyon. Each stop along the way will leave you in awe of the forces of nature that have sculpted this region over millions of years.

Throughout this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to explore ancient Native American history, hike through stunning canyons, and witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ve ever seen. 

So, rev up your engine, pack your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of Arizona as we guide you through this Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park epic road trip itinerary.

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy .

How Far Is The Grand Canyon From Sedona

The shortest distance from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is only about 100 miles.

But completing this road trip with worthy detours along the way will amount to more like 215 miles. But I promise the stops from Sedona to the Grand Canyon will be worth it and give you a greater respect for the state of Arizona.

How Long Is The Drive From  Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park

The drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park is easy and can be done in as little as 2 hours to the South Rim. But there are many amazing stops along the way that are worth a visit. 

If you partake in all the stops on this epic road trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon, the drive will take you around 5 hours and 30 minutes (not including leisure time at each stop).

Therefore a scenic drive from Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park is best completed over 2 or 3 days. This will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty the Southwest has to offer and not rush you through the journey.

Map For Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip

What To Do In Sedona, Arizona

We are starting this road trip in Sedona, Arizona, which is personally one of Jake’s and my all-time favorite places in, probably the world!

In our opinion, the scenery in Sedona is on par with many of the country’s best National Parks. The colorful mountains and rock formations offer some of the most spectacular views.

Sedona marks the Southernmost point of this road trip, and we will be heading (generally) north from there.

Red Rock Scenic Byway

You can’t leave the Sedona Area before driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway. You will be picking your jaw up from the ground as you drive through the stunning Red Rock Landscapes. 

The Red Rock Scenic Byway starts south of town off Hwy 89A and heads south 14.3 miles through the town of Village of Oak Creek toward Hwy 17. The most scenic portion is certain from the town of Sedona to Village of Oak Creek. The second half is less scenic, and many people opt to stop or turn around here.

You will pass by the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is one of the most elegantly stunning churches. Additionally, a scenic pass by of Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Bell Rock. 

The Red Rock Scenic Byway typically only takes about 20 minutes to drive. 

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is a popular stop in Sedona to witness the endless beauty of Red Rock Landscapes. The park covers 286 acres offering an epic place to hike, bike, horseback ride, and even learn about the rich environment. 

Is your trip to Sedona complete without a Jeep Tour? Going off-roading and climbing the rocks is a classic activity when visiting Sedona. If you have your own 4×4 rig, you can choose your own adventure. But if you want to sit back and have a professional guide drive, then there are tons of different tours to choose from. 

You can also choose from many different tour companies in the Sedona Area. Here are our top 5 suggestions.

• Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure : revel in awe-inspiring vistas of Cathedral Rock, Thunder Mountain, Bear Mountain, and numerous other natural wonders that grace your path.
• Private Colorado Plateau Jeep Tour from Sedona : highlights include Damnfino Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, and the Mogollon Rim, which marks the edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona.
• Private Red Rock West Jeep Tour from Sedona : an immersive off-road excursion from Sedona that delves into the realm of canyons, offering a chance to connect with the storied past and untamed beauty of the breathtaking Sonoran Desert landscape.
• Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep : you’ll visit several Vortex sites around town and learn about their history.
• Pink Adventure Tours : You will likely see a pink Jeep tour driving around town when you get into Sedona. They offer various different tours from mellow scenic rides to rugged adrenaline tours.

Oak Creek Canyon

One of the most scenic sections on the road trip from Sedona to Grand Canyon is through Oak Creek Canyon. The drive starts north of Sedona and climbs in elevation up toward Flagstaff. 

One of our favorite hikes in Sedona is West Fork Trail which winds through a side canyon of Oak Creek. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, this hike starts off rather cool and hops back and forth over the creek. Keep in mind that this hike requires paid parking which is very limited.

But nonetheless, the drive through the canyon is more than enough of a scenic endeavor to keep you in awe.

You will also not want to miss Slide Rock State Park (more details below).  

Slide Rock State Park

A popular summer destination right outside Sedona is Slide Rock State Park. It’s a wide ribboned canyon with Oak Creek running through it. And when the temperatures are warmer, you will see many people sliding down the canyon slickrock into a pool of water.

It also serves as a beautiful spot to hike around.

The park is open year-round, and can also be a great destination to just enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Lowell Observatory

A unique experience in Flagstaff is a visit to the Lowell Observatory. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the 128+ years of research found at the observatory. But you can also make it a quick stop if you want to get back on the road.

They offer general admission tickets which give you access to all tours, exhibits, stargazing, and science talks. Or a few other exclusive tours , that give you access to telescope excursions and astronomy courses.

Mother Road Brewery

One of our favorite breweries in Arizona is Mother Road Brewery. Therefore, I thought it was at least worth adding in a stop at the brewery if you are a beer enthusiast. You can always grab a 6-pack to enjoy later. 

Jake and I personally love the Mother Road Tower Station IPA. But they have since added a few other options that we are excited to try! Such as their Daily Driver Juicy Pale Ale or Tower Station infused with mango. 

They also teamed up with Roadside Stove , so you can also grab a bite to eat here too. 

Firecreek Coffee

Firecreek Coffee is also one of my all-time favorite coffee shops. They are a micro-roastery in downtown Flagstaff. Their campfire-roasted blend is so amazing! 

If you pass through Flagstaff in the morning, be sure to pick up a freshly brewed coffee. (They also have a Sedona location in Village of Oak Creek).

Or you can always grab some beans to enjoy later. 

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater National Monument just north of Flagstaff is a captivating geological wonder and a testament to the raw power of nature. This unique monument showcases the remnants of a volcanic eruption that occurred nearly a millennium ago, leaving behind a striking landscape of cinder cones, lava flows, and vibrant plant life.

Visitors to Sunset Crater National Monument can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind through this unique terrain. Unfortunately, you can’t climb to the top of Sunset Crater anymore, but you can hike the rim of Lenox Crater.

Or you can simply take in the beauty from the road as you pass through.

Grand Falls

Grand Falls is not your ordinary waterfall with pristine water flowing over the cliffside. It’s often referred to as Arizona’s Chocolate Waterfall . 

This stunning waterfall is a sight to behold, plunging a breathtaking 185 feet over a rocky ledge, creating a mesmerizing cascade that’s unlike any other in the region.

What makes Grand Falls particularly unique is its rich, brownish-red water, which gives it the appearance of flowing liquid chocolate. This distinct coloring results from the minerals and sediments carried by the Little Colorado River, which feeds the falls.

Visitors can admire the falls from a viewpoint or venture closer for a refreshing and exhilarating experience.

Grand Falls represents the longest detour on this road trip, taking about an extra 1.5 hours of driving

Wupatki National Monument

The next stop on your route from Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park is Wupatki National Monument. A captivating testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient cultures that thrived in this challenging landscape.

This archaeological wonderland offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the region, where centuries-old stone ruins tell stories of human habitation and connection to the land.

Wupatki National Monument is renowned for its remarkably preserved Pueblo-style dwellings, crafted by the Ancestral Puebloan peoples over a thousand years ago. 

Exploring the monument, you’ll meander through the remnants of these ancient villages, marveling at the craftsmanship and engineering that allowed these communities to thrive in such a harsh high desert environment. 

The centerpiece of the monument is the Wupatki Pueblo, a sprawling complex of 100 rooms, kivas, and courtyards that once buzzed with life and culture. 

Aside from its archaeological treasures, Wupatki National Monument also boasts breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Painted Desert and the San Francisco Peaks in the distance.

This monument can be visited as part of a loop detour including Grand Falls.

Cameron Trading Post

The historic Cameron Trading Post is an all-encompassing establishment that combines shopping, dining, lodging, and an RV park into a single location with historical significance. It’s where the past and present seamlessly merge, offering travelers a unique and immersive experience.

Inside, you’ll discover a treasure trove of Native American art and crafts, from intricately woven Navajo rugs and delicate Hopi pottery to exquisite Zuni jewelry. 

It’s worth a stop-in to witness a piece of history and take in the cultural ambiance.

Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook

Just after you turn onto Hwy 64 from the town of Cameron, you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem known as the Little Colorado River Gorge Overlook. It’s located a mere 10 miles before you reach the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

It’s owned by the Navajo Tribal Parks and is often overshadowed by, well, the Grand Canyon. There is a small fee to park in the lot.

From the parking lot, you can explore two lookout points overlooking the vast landscape. 

South Rim Of The Grand Canyon

Now you finally made it to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Just overlooking the Grand Canyon rim is simply worth the drive. But there are also some great hikes in the area to give you a more diverse experience. 

But I will mention the depth of the Grand Canyon South Rim to the valley floor stretches nearly 1 mile (about 5,000 feet / 1524 m). And for every foot you descend, you will need to climb back up! So many of the hikes into the canyon are very challenging.

But don’t worry, there are some easier rim trails and lookout points worth a visit.

Desert View Watchtower

After passing the famous Grand Canyon National Park sign, you will encounter the first stunning lookout along the rim of the Grand Canyon. And if you’ve never witnessed a canyon of this magnitude, you are sure to be amazed. 

Mather Point

Just a short hike from the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center is Mather Point. Another astounding lookout point to take in how massive the Grand Canyon truly is. 

The Grand Canyon Rim Trail is a picturesque pathway that skirts the South Rim, offering an easy and breathtaking stroll along the edge of this iconic natural wonder.

This trail connects numerous viewpoints with sweeping vistas, breathtaking panoramas, and access to different areas of the park. You can make this hike as long or as short as you please.

So for this reason, it’s one of the better easy trails in Grand Canyon National Park.

Bright Angel Trail

A popular hike in the Grand Canyon is Bright Angel Trail. It’s an iconic hiking route that leads fearless adventurers deep into the heart of the Grand Canyon. 

Beginning from the South Rim, it offers a thrilling descent through awe-inspiring rock formations and dramatic landscapes. As you venture further into the canyon, you’ll encounter ancient geological wonders and, if you’re up for the challenge, you can even reach the mighty Colorado River. 

But remember, this trail is not for the faint of heart, as the return hike can be demanding. Nevertheless, the Bright Angel Trail promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Grand Canyon Guided Tour

If you want a more structured visit to the Grand Canyon, you can opt to take a private tour with an expert guide. 

• Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views : Travel aboard an open-air Hummer and engage with your guide’s informative commentary as you embark on a tour of the Grand Canyon’s most picturesque viewpoints. At these locations, you have the opportunity to disembark, capture photographs, and venture into the surroundings.
• Half-Day Private Grand Canyon Guided Hiking Tour : Completely customize your south rim tour. You can choose to go deep into the canyon with a tour guide and learn all the ins and outs about how this National Park came to be. This tour includes complimentary pick up from your hotel, lunch, backpacks, hiking poles, and park entrance fee.
• 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass : In this tour, you get to dodge the traffic and get into the park via a “secret” back entrance. Once you enter the park, you can enjoy a guided walking tour along the South Rim and take in the views from Yavapai Point, Lookout Studio, and Bright Angel Trail Lookout.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

If budget allows, one of the most exquisite ways to experience the true Grandness of the Grand Canyon is by helicopter tour. 

• Grand Canyon South Rim EcoStar Helicopter Tour (25-45 minutes) Departs from Grand Canyon Village, AZ
• Grand Canyon Helicopter with Optional Hummer Tour (45 minutes) Departs from Grand Canyon Village, AZ
• Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour (90-minutes) Departs from Las Vegas, NV
• Grand Canyon West Rim by Coach with Meals, Helicopter & Landing  (All-Day Adventure w/ short helicopter ride to the valley floor) also includes a pontoon boat ride, breakfast & lunch. Departs from Las Vegas, NV

Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion from Sedona (Alternate Route)

A unique alternative option from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is to join a railroad tour. The Grand Canyon Train Ride starts from Sedona, where you will be brought up by car through Oak Creek Canyon, but in Flagstaff, you will head west toward the historic town of Williams. 

Williams is along the historic Route 66 and will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. From here you will hop on the Grand Canyon Railway and head toward Grand Canyon National Park via train.

Book a Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion from Sedona

Getting to the North Rim Of The Grand Canyon

The North Rim is less popular than the South Rim. It’s less developed and has fewer amenities and lodging. Plus access to the North Rim is more remote and is often closed in winter (mid-October through mid-May). 

While you can see the North Rim from the South Rim and vice versa, it’s actually around a 4-hour drive to get from one rim to the other. Therefore, many people just opt to see one rim and not visit both.

A visit to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is more easily paired with our Zion to Horseshoe Bend Road Trip itinerary . This route can include famous destinations like Zion National Park, The Wave , Paria Rainbow Mountains , Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and more.

But if you want to experience the Grand Canyon with a bit more solitude in summertime, it can be a fantastic adventure. 

Things To Do On The North Rim Of The Grand Canyon

If you choose to visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, there are still amazing viewpoints and hikes to explore.

North Kaibab Trail 

Probably one of the most popular trails on the North Rim is the North Kaibab Trail. Which takes you all the way down to the Colorado River if you’re up for the challenge.

Along the way, you’ll traverse diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to arid desert landscapes. Popular stops include Coconino Overlook and Roaring Springs.

Bright Angel Point Trail 

For a shorter but equally rewarding hike, consider the Bright Angel Point Trail. It’s a paved, half-mile trail that leads to an overlook offering breathtaking views of the canyon. 

Cape Royal Trail 

The Cape Royal Trail is a must for panoramic views of the canyon and the Colorado River. A relatively easy hike, it’s less than a mile round trip and takes you to Cape Royal and Angels Window viewpoints. Both of which provide stunning vistas.

Related Posts:

Besides simply taking in the Grand Canyon Views from the various lookouts, consider embarking on one of the raddest adventures in the Grand Canyon. Havasupai is a highly sought-after backpacking adventure. But it might honestly be one of the prettiest places on this earth. You can learn all the details about backpacking to Havasupai in our detailed post.

If you plan to hang in Sedona for longer, we have tons of amazing guides, hiking options, and more.

• 25 Fun Things To Do In Sedona, AZ
• 15 Best Breathtaking Hikes In Sedona, Arizona
• Soldiers Pass Trail: How To Find The Secret Cave | Sedona, AZ

Save This Road Trip From ‘Sedona to Grand Canyon’ For Later

Travel Blog

The Ultimate Sedona And Grand Canyon Itinerary

The Ultimate Sedona and Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary will take you to explore Sedona (so magical!), Grand Canyon, and a taste of Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Looking to spend a long weekend in Arizona? Fair warning: this is going to be a fast-paced weekend and you’ll want to go back for more exploring but if you have a weekend you want to maximize here you go!

Make sure to download a Google Map for the entire area. You may have times withouth any reception. 

When to visit:

Arizona is best appreciated in shoulder-seasons, March through May and September through November. The temperatures are moderate during the day and it’ll be much less crowded. The North Rim of Grand Canyon is closed for the winter, we visited in February so the North Rim was closed but still had a great time visiting the South Rim!

Accommodations:

We stayed in Flagstaff to be centrally located and not have to move (and it was significantly more affordable than staying in the Sedona area. Alternatively, you could stay in the Sedona area for day one and stay in Flagstaff for days two and three. 

Sedona And Grand Canyon Itinerary

Arrive early at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and pick up a rental car. Stop at The Montauk for brunch and walk around Old Town Scottsdale before heading north to Cottonwood for the Valley Verde Wine Trail. There are a few wineries in the area and you should be able to go on a tour of them. I’d suggest visiting Page Springs Cellars and Alcantara Vineyards. Head to your hotel and prepare for a LONG day tomorrow.

Wake up early for a Sunrise hike at Devil’s Bridge. This is a 3.9-mile moderate hike. If you want a picture on the bridge there will probably be a line.

After your hike head to brunch at Secret Garden Cafe and walk around Tlaquepaque market. Option: get Tarot Readings at Mythical Bazaar or go on another hike at Airport Loop Trail. If you have time go on a hike at Chapel of the Holy Cross or Boynton Canyon.

When you’re close to sunset head to Cathedral Rock for another hike. There are drum circles most nights of summer and sporadically throughout the year at Cathedral Rock. I’d suggest bringing a towel to relax when you get to the top to soak up some extra good vibes and energy in the vortex area.

Grab dinner at Elote Cafe (make sure to get a reservation) and then go stargazing at Jordan Trailhead Observation Area.

End your evening by stopping at a supermarket to grab lunch for the next day!

Wake up early and head to the Grand Canyon. If you plan on visiting a few national parks I’d suggest buying an America the Beautiful annual pass. 

Start with a hike at South Kaibab Trail. This trail goes all the way down but remember that you’ll have to go back up! We went past Ooh Aah point but I don’t think that is necessary.

After your hike start driving around the loop! If you’re up for another hike head over to Bright Angel Trail. Now, your day is up to you! Drive around the ring road, set up a picnic, explore Grand Canyon Village, or leave the park to visit Antelope Canyon (you’ll need a guide) or Horseshoe Bend.

For sunset, visit Moran Point and have some snacks while you watch the sun go down. Head back to Flagstaff and have dinner at Brix. If you have the energy, visit some of the many Breweries in downtown Flagstaff before bed!

Wake up and check out of your hotel. Drive down to Phoenix and have breakfast at Breakfast Bitch. Now walk around and visit some of the many murals in downtown Phoenix and the Arizona State Capitol before heading to the Phoenix Airport and going home!

Check out this ultimate packing guide .

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Grand Circle 4-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Beyond red rocks 4-day road trip.

Grand Canyon, Zion, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and Sedona Itinerary - This road trip offers everything the 3-day trip does, plus the red rocks of Sedona. You’ll start your Grand Circle adventure at the South Rim of Grand Canyon where you’ll have the opportunity to take in some of the most famous views or explore the area on foot before heading to Lake Powell. You’ll spend the night in Page, AZ which is a great jumping off point for Zion National Park. On day two, you’ll cross Glen Canyon Dam and explore the rivers and canyons in Zion before heading back to Page. Next, you’ll head to Antelope Canyon, one of the most beautiful red rock slot canyons where you’ll take a guided tour with a Navajo Nation guide. After exploring Antelope Canyon you’ll set out on short self-guided hike to Horseshoe Bend for one of the most famous views of the Colorado River before heading to historic Flagstaff, AZ for the evening. After a good night's rest enjoy one more exciting day exploring among the red rocks of Sedona, AZ before heading home. This itinerary is best started from Tusayan, AZ or Grand Canyon Village and includes Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Sedona. Read the full four day itinerary below to learn more.

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Self-Guided Road Trip Details

Day 1 grand canyon south rim and lake powell:.

The best locations to begin this road trip from are Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan or Grand Canyon Village ( South Rim ). Once you're on the road and ready to explore head out to the South Rim, either on your own or select to take one of many exciting guided Grand Canyon tours . No matter how you choose to travel, awesome vistas, ancient ruins, and a time for a picnic lunch are all a part of a trip to Grand Canyon.

• Begin your South Rim exploration at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and enjoy a short walk to the first breathtaking view of the canyon at Mather Point.
• From there you can decide to take a leisurely walk along the rim to take in even more views along the way, or you can return to the Visitor Center and hop on the park’s free Kaibab/Orange shuttle bus route that will take you to more scenic views over the course of about two hours.
• You’ll continue along Hwy 64E and can make short stops at the ancient Tusayan Ruins and at the beautiful Desert View Watchtower that overlooks Grand Canyon.
• Once you exit the park, you’ll be on the land of the Navajo Nation and you should make sure to check out the Cameron Trading Post, a great place to check out authentic native art or grab a delicious Navajo taco.
• From there, a few hours’ scenic drive will take you to Page, AZ for a sunset view of Lake Powell and hotel or campground check-in.

Day 2 Zion National Park:

Leaving Lake Powell behind, you'll pass Glen Canyon Dam, traversing the boundary of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and the unparalleled scenery of Southern Utah, until you reach Zion National Park.

• Spend the day exploring Zion National Park in all its splendor by using the park’s free shuttle buses.
• Make sure you stop at the intriguing Weeping Wall and the Temple of Sinawava where you can wade into the waters of the Virgin River and take in a view of the “Narrows.”
• If you want a short hike, get off the shuttle at the Grotto and hike to Upper Emerald Pool which takes about an hour and rewards you with the beautiful contrast of water flowing through the red rocks.
• After a busy day exploring, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive back to Page for a good night's rest. 

Guru Tip: Zion is an extremely beautiful and very busy destination. Zion National Park operates a shuttle system that runs most of the year (March-November, plus busy weekends) and limits where and when you can drive your personal vehicle. Parking lots for the shuttle fill up early when it’s busy and lines to get into the park get backed up, so it’s important to do some planning and get to Zion early in the day to enjoy your visit. Camping, backpacking and other activities may also require advanced reservations if you want to make sure to include them in your trip. For more tips and up to date information on the shuttle, traffic and traveling to Zion you can check out the  parks travel page . 

Day 3 Antelope Canyon:

Your Southwest trip continues with more wonders of Canyon Country. The day begins with a Jeep tour from Page to Antelope Canyon , one of the best ways to experience this world-famous slot canyon.

• You can book your Jeep tour in Page and most hotels are able to make arrangements for you. After some off-road fun, you’ll arrive at Antelope Canyon where a Navajo guide will lead you on a tour along the gentle floor of this colorful sandstone canyon for some once in a lifetime photos.
• After exploring Antelope Canyon, you’ll return to Page and then drive to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook of Glen Canyon. A short and easy hike will reward you with one of the most iconic views of the Colorado River.
• From there, you’ll continue across the Navajo Indian Reservation en route to the historic town of Flagstaff, AZ . Explore this town’s charming downtown on foot and stop to enjoy a beer at one of its many excellent breweries.

Day 4 Sedona, AZ:

From Flagstaff you'll drive through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, AZ for breathtaking red rock views.

• It is easy to take self-guided trips to two of Sedona's most popular parks : Slide Rock and Red Rock State Parks. Slide Rock offers incredible swimming opportunities, especially refreshing on a hot summer day, or you can enjoy a tour of the historic orchards or hike on one of the park’s trails. Red Rock State Park has a beautiful trail system that allows you to get more sweeping views of Sedona’s scenic wonders.
• As you head out of Sedona, no matter where your final destination may be, you’ll enjoy some great views of the spectacular Arizona desert for the end of your Grand Circle vacation.

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Guide to Popular Grand Canyon Area Hotels and Lodging 

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Travel and Road Trip Guide to Parks near the Grand Canyon 

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The Ultimate Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip

A Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip is the perfect way to add a little adventure into your Sedona vacation.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located 3 hours north of Sedona making it a relatively easy day trip or road trip opportunity. Believe me, if you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon before, it’s totally worth it.

Once you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll have plenty to see and do, even if you only plan to visit for the day. I’ll include my favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon down below, but once you’re there, I’m sure you’ll have no problem filling up your day.

So if you’re ready, gas up your car and let’s get this Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip under way.

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Table of Contents

Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

A few quick notes on this Sedona to Grand Canyon itinerary. This post assumes you’ve already spent at least one day in Sedona (hopefully more) enjoying all the sights.

If not, I encourage you not to miss Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Red Rock Crossing, Red Rock State Park, Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout, or stargazing at night.

You’ll want to get an early start on the day of your road trip to the Grand Canyon. I would leave by 7:00 a.m. at the latest to ensure you have a full day to visit the park and enjoy a few stops along the way.

The drive north on State Route 89 is absolutely beautiful, so I’m including a few stops between Sedona and Flagstaff in case you want to get a closer look.

In the event that you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can also take a one way Grand Canyon Railroad tour from Sedona. It’s a little pricey, but its definitely a unique experience.

Stop 1: Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon has been described as a sort of “mini Grand Canyon” and is located about 12 minutes north of Sedona. If you haven’t already visited Oak Creek Canyon while you were exploring Sedona, now is the perfect time to stop for a quick look.

As you’re driving north out of Sedona you’ll cross the Midgley Bridge pictured above. Just past the bridge on the left you’ll find a small parking lot. Try and find a spot and walk down the stairs to the overlook.

It’s absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the quick stop.

• Next Stop: Slide Rock State Park
• Distance: 10 minutes (5.2 miles)

Stop 2: Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is another easy stop that’s totally worth the extra effort. The park is home to a famous swimming hole in Oak Creek. Even better, there’s an 80 foot long sandstone water slide, which is of course where the park gets its name.

Even if you don’t have time to swim or enjoy the water slide, this section of Oak Creek is worth seeing.

Park your car in the park’s main lot and head over to the paved walkway to the right of the ranger station. You’ll take this paved walkway about 10 minutes or so until you see the stairs for Slide Rock on your right.

At the bottom of the stairs you’ll be able to continue on the rocks towards the swimming hole and slide rock.

Bring good shoes for this one, the rocks can get slippery.

I estimate this stop at Slide Rock State Park will take about 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re in a hurry to get to the Grand Canyon, you could easily make this stop about half that time if you move at a brisk pace and don’t linger too long at the swimming hole.

• Next Stop: Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center
• Distance: 2 hours 45 minutes (107 miles)

Stop 3: Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center

Once you’ve made it into Grand Canyon National Park , make your way over the Visitor Center and find a parking spot.

At the Visitor Center you can get information about the park, Grand Canyon tours, and use the restroom after your long drive. This stop will also put you near one of the park’s best lookouts over the canyon. That stop is next.

• Next Stop: Mather Point Lookout
• Distance: 5 minute walk

Stop 4: Mather Point Lookout

The views from Mather Point Lookout are incredible and this is one of my favorite lookouts at the Grand Canyon.

The downside is that it’s also one of the busiest due to its proximity to the Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village. You’ll have the opportunit to escape the crowds a bit later. For now, just enjoy the view.

• Next stop: Grand Canyon Village
• Distance: 5 minute drive / 20 minute walk

Stop 5: Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon Village is where you’ll find most of the park’s lodging and restaurants. If you’ll be staying the night inside the park you can get checked into your room. If not, you may want to get lunch at one of the park’s restaurants.

You can also walk around the village and see the historic buildings and the old Grand Canyon Railroad Depot. The Grand Canyon Railway is actually still in operation with trains running between the Grand Canyon and Williams, Arizona.

You can also find gift shops, ice cream, and a variety of other services.

Once you’ve settled into your room or had grabbed some lunch, make your way back to the car so you can drive along the rim of the canyon to the other lookout points.

• Next stop: Desert View Watchtower
• Distance: 44 minutes (23 miles)

Stop 6: Desert View Watchtower

The Desert View Watchtower is the easternmost lookout inside Grand Canyon National Park and my favorite place to go when I visit.

I find the crowds are usually fairly light on this side of the park, and you can’t beat that view.

Once you find a parking spot, walk over to the left of the watchtower and find a place to sit along the edge of the canyon. Don’t worry, it’s not a steep drop right here, but do be careful.

It’s actually quite peaceful in this spot, I could sit here for hours. If you’re looking for a good sunrise spot at the Grand Canyon , this would be my choice.

Once you’re done taking in the view, make your way back over to the watchtower.

You can get some good photos in and around the watchtower. To the right of this picture you will find stairs to climb to the top of the watchtower.

Take your time to explore a bit, then head back to the car.

• Next Stop: Tusayan Museum and Ruins
• Distance: 8 minutes (3.6 miles)

Stop 7: Tusayan Musuem and Ruins

Tusayan is one of over 4,000 archaeological sites located within Grand Canyon National Park.

The Tusayan Museum and Ruins is a former Pueblo Indian site. Visitors can tour the musuem and ruins and learn about the history of the area which dates back to around AD 1185.

• Next stop: Grandview Point
• Distance: 17 minutes (11 miles)

Stop 8: Grandview Point

Grandview Point is where you can see vast sections of both the eastern and western portions of the Grand Canyon. You’ll also get to see the Colorado River down below.

If you’re looking for an extremely challenging hike, the notoriously difficult Grandview Trail can be accessed from this lookout.

• Next stop: The Abyss
• Distance: 39 minutes (17 miles) – **See below for details.

Stop 9: The Abyss

The Abyss lookout is located west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. This road requires taking a shuttle if you’re visiting the park between March and November. You will take the Red Shuttle from Grand Canyon Village.

Here is a map of the Red Shuttle stops along Hermit Road. The Abyss will be the 6th shuttle stop.

If you’re visiting the park from December to February, you may drive your personal vehicle on Hermit Road.

The Abyss is known for its stunning red rocks and steep canyon views.

• Next stop: Hermit’s Rest
• Distance: 9 minutes on shuttle (3.1 miles)

Stop 10: Sunset at Hermit’s Rest Viewpoint

If you can time it right, try to catch sunset at Hermit’s Rest. This is the lookout closest to the west rim and looks westward over the canyon. For the best photos, arrive in time for golden hour.

Final Thoughts

If you have extra time, consider taking a Grand Canyon day tour organized by the park. The tours are incredibly interesting and you’ll learn a lot about the Grand Canyon.

If you have even more time to spare, consider taking a trip up to the North Rim, the Little Colorado River Gorge, or nearby Horseshoe Bend. All are worth a visit if you’ve never been.

Be sure to stop at Cameron Trading Post on your way out of the eastern section of the park if you still want souvenirs.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary and that I’ve helped inspire your next trip. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

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Sedona To Zion National Park Road Trip: Top 13 Tips

Sedona to Zion National Park road trip is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 278 miles of Sedona to Zion National Park drive takes around 5 hours without stops.

This article includes 13 tips that turn your Sedona to Zion National Park drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

4 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Sedona To Zion National Park

On the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip, you may want to stay at some points. Here are the top four hotels on the Sedona – Zion National Park route!

1. Little America Hotel, Arizona

Little America Hotel, Arizona is one of the best hotels; you can stay on the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip. Driving from Sedona to Little America Hotel, Arizona might take around 46 mins .

Little America Hotel, Flagstaff, Arizona is an ideal lodging and exploration option for those traveling to Flagstaff. Located close to Historic Downtown, the hotel offers quick and easy access to the city’s renowned landmarks. The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-equipped, making them a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, making sure that your stay is pleasant and hassle-free. The hotel also has plenty of amenities to enjoy, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant. All in all, Little America Hotel is a great place to stay if you are taking a road trip to Zion National Park from Sedona. It’s a great stopover on the way and offers a comfortable and convenient stay.

Check the Little America Hotel, Arizona, one of the best hotels in Flagstaff, Arizona, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.

2. Lake Powell Motel

Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Zion National Park from Sedona is Lake Powell Motel. Located in Page, Arizona, the hotel is 158 miles away from Sedona, and it would take 2 hours and 50 mins to drive.

Lake Powell Motel in Page, Arizona is a great stop on the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip. Formerly known as Bashful Bob’s Motel, the rooms have been completely remodeled with new tile floors, bathrooms, cabinets, kitchenettes, furniture, beds, and linens. The motel prides itself on being very clean and budget-friendly. You can find coffee makers, Folgers coffee, and other fixings, as well as wine glasses, outdoor bistro, and gas grills. The beds are comfortable, with memory foam mattresses, and the rooms are equipped with mini-fridges and freezers. You’ll also find a coat rack in the bathroom for hanging light coats. The motel is located behind Big John’s BBQ and is in a safe area. We highly recommend Lake Powell Motel over the many chain hotels in the area; you won’t be disappointed.

If you want to learn more about the Lake Powell Motel, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .

3. Canyons Boutique Hotel

Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the Canyons Boutique Hotel. Canyons Boutique Hotel is located in Kanab, Utah, and it’s 236 miles away from Sedona. You can arrive there with 4 hours of non-stop driving.

Canyons Boutique Hotel in Kanab, Utah is an old villa that has been very nicely furnished. The staff was very friendly and the price was more than reasonable. Our room was spotlessly clean with fast wifi. The breakfast was excellent, and the hospitality was outstanding from the front desk clerks to the kitchen staff. The restaurant had nice dinner options, but they didn’t quite appeal to our palates. However, we were impressed with the breakfast buffet and the chef’s baked French toast was so delicious that he gave us the recipe. The hotel also offers full hot breakfast options (for a fee), WiFi, spa tubs, fireplaces, luxurious linens and bedding, and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool (seasonal). Canyons Boutique Hotel is a great stop on the drive to Zion National Park and Southern Utah’s finest and most luxurious inn.

Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Canyons Boutique Hotel, for more information.

4. Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort

If you are taking the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park, Zion National Park, Utah is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is one of the best hotels in town. The hotel is 269 miles from Sedona, and it would take 4 hours and 44 mins to drive.

Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a great place to stay while taking a road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. It is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by Ponderosa pine trees atop Zion National Park. The Vacation Homes, Cabins Suites, Cowboy Cabins, Conestoga Wagons, and RV/Tent Campground are all great and easy to use. The communal shower facilities are always spotless and warm. Ray’s restaurant provides delicious food and the activities team, Brandi and Parker, are exceptional in every way. They offer a variety of activities, such as horseback riding, jeep tours, zip lines, climbing walls, canyoneering/hiking excursions, miniature golf, paintball, and more. The only thing that could be improved is the staff attitude at reception and the food at the main restaurant. All in all, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is an excellent place to stay while taking a road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park.

If you need more info about the price and availability of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.

In this part, we explained four hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting on this post. It will help people who will take Sedona to the Zion National Park route.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Sedona to Zion National Park. We have four restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

4 Best Restaurants On The Sedona To Zion National Park Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Sedona to Zion National Park road trip. This section lists four restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff

We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip with Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff. Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff is located in Flagstaff, Arizona , and is 27.7 miles from Sedona. It would take 46 mins of driving.

Delhi Palace Cuisine of India in Flagstaff, Arizona is an excellent stop for all travelers on their road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. This restaurant serves up a delicious array of dishes that are sure to please everyone, with a wide variety of vegetarian options available. The staff here is friendly and attentive, making it a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal and take a break from the drive. The atmosphere is cozy, making it the perfect spot to relax and recharge. All in all, it’s an ideal spot to stop and get a tasty, authentic Indian meal during your long journey.

For more information about Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff, you can visit TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff.

2. Cameron Trading Post

Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Zion National Park from Sedona is Cameron Trading Post. Located in Cameron, Arizona, Cameron Trading Post is 81.7 miles from Sedona and would take 1 hour and 37 mins of driving.

Cameron Trading Post is an excellent stop for a road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. We stumbled across this place on our journey and were so glad we did! The food was homemade and delicious – the fry bread and Navajo beef stew hit the spot. The prices were very reasonable and the service was excellent. We ordered the Navajo tacos and a patty melt and were pleasantly surprised with how good they were. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and there were some cool items on the walls. Highly recommend Cameron Trading Post to anyone making the drive!

If you want to learn more about Cameron Trading Post, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

3. Bonkers Restaurant

Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Bonkers Restaurant. It will take 2 hours and 51 mins of car drive to take 159 miles from Sedona to Bonkers Restaurant, Page, Arizona.

Bonkers Restaurant in Page, Arizona was a great place to stop and refuel during our road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. The food was delicious and cooked to perfection, with a great selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Our server was knowledgeable about gluten and made sure to bring out gluten-free bread for us. The atmosphere was very relaxed and the portions were generous. Prices were fair and desserts were a great way to finish off the meal. All in all, Bonkers Restaurant was a great stop on our road trip and is highly recommended!

You can check Bonkers Restaurant, on TripAdvisor or Google Maps for more information.

4. Wild Thyme Cafe

Wild Thyme Cafe deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Kanab, Utah.

Wild Thyme Cafe in Kanab, Utah is a great spot on the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. The food here is top-notch with something for everyone. From beef, fish, vegetarian and vegan options, to gluten-free dishes, you’ll find something that satisfies your craving. The Yellow Curry and Falafel are particularly delicious, with the sauce being particularly flavorful. Plus, the potatoes served with the chicken are a real treat. Desserts are also a highlight, with house-made cakes and mousses that will bring comfort to the soul. The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot to stop for lunch or dinner during the drive.

Wild Thyme Cafe is 235 miles from Sedona, and it would take 4 hours of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Wild Thyme Cafe, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our four restaurant recommendations for your road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 278 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a Zion National Park road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Sedona to Zion National Park. Keep reading.

5 Places To Visit On The Sedona To Zion National Park Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Zion National Park. However, there are also some unique destinations like Flagstaff, Arizona on your road trip. We want to explain the top five destinations we recommend on the Zion National Park route.

1. Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff

Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff will be the first destination we recommend you stop by on your Sedona to Zion National Park road trip. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff is 29.5 miles away from Sedona, and it would take 50 mins to drive.

Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff is a great stop to make on your road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. Situated along the iconic Route 66, this western town is known for its stunning architecture and pleasant atmosphere. You can explore the area on foot and admire the beautiful murals that adorn the buildings. There is something for everyone to enjoy here, with stores to browse and restaurants to sample. It’s a great place to take a break and soak up the atmosphere of a real western town.

If you want to learn more about the Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

2. Little Colorado River Gorge

Little Colorado River Gorge, Cameron, Arizona is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on the Sedona to Zion National Park route. It’s 144 miles from Sedona, and it’ll take about 3 hours and 16 mins of driving.

Little Colorado River Gorge in Cameron, Arizona is an amazing and underrated place to stop during a road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. Driving up to the gorge you’ll find a giant slot canyon created by the Little Colorado River, a stunning sight that stands out amongst the rolling plain. The canyon walls are huge and straight down, some may even say more intimidating than the Grand Canyon! After taking in the views, take a stroll to the nearby Navajo stands for souvenirs and rugs, with the best prices you’ll find anywhere. The Little Colorado River Gorge is an incredible experience that should not be missed and is the perfect place to break up the long drive.

If you want to learn more about Little Colorado River Gorge, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .

3. Horseshoe Bend

One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park is Page, Arizona. And if you visit Page, Arizona, we suggest you visit Horseshoe Bend. You can arrive at Horseshoe Bend after 2 hours and 47 mins of driving.

Horseshoe Bend is a stunning place to visit on the drive from Sedona to Zion National Park. The incredible view from the top takes your breath away, with the river winding its way through the canyon and the distinctive horseshoe shape of the rocks. Yet the real treat is to explore the area from below, by taking a rafting tour down the river. The rafting tour offers a unique perspective, with plenty of opportunities to spot wild horses and view ancient Indian markings carved into the rocks. Swimming is an option too, along with a stop for the restroom. It is the intimate Grand Canyon experience, and it’s well worth making the effort to get down to the river to fully appreciate the beauty of the Horseshoe Bend.

You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Horseshoe Bend for more information.

4. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, Utah on the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is 242 miles from Sedona, and you can arrive there after the 4 hours and 11 mins of drive.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah is a great stop on a road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. The sanctuary is home to many animals, all of which are well taken care of by dedicated staff and volunteers. Tours are offered that let visitors get up close to the animals and learn more about the sanctuary and its mission. We had the opportunity to explore the grounds and observe the animals, and it was very impressive to see how well-run the sanctuary is. Best Friends Animal Society is the only national organization devoted to ending the killing of cats and dogs in shelters across the US. Their work has been instrumental in reducing the number of animals killed each year in shelters from 17 million to 4 million. There’s still a long way to go, but Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a great place to stop and show your support for their cause.

In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary before going there.

5. The Narrows

Located in Zion National Park, Utah, The Narrows ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. You must take 5 hours and 17 mins of driving to arrive at The Narrows.

The Narrows is a must-see on any Sedona to Zion National Park road trip. It’s a unique and beautiful hike that can be enjoyed in all seasons. We visited in November when the temperatures were quite comfortable, but the river was cold! We made the mistake of renting our dry pants and canyoneering boots from Zion Outfitters, which unfortunately didn’t keep our feet dry. We recommend renting from Zion Guru by La Quinta Inn as their dry pants are top-notch and keep your feet completely dry. If you’re visiting in the summer, you can still hike the Narrows, but you’ll need wooden walking poles and canyoneering boots to help you grip the rocks. Be aware that flash floods can occur and make the hike dangerous, so check weather conditions before you set off. All in all, The Narrows is a great place to visit on your road trip and an unforgettable experience.

If you want to learn more about The Narrows, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Sedona to Zion National Park

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about the Sedona to Zion National Park drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Sedona To Zion National Park?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip takes approximately 5 hours to drive. The driving distance between Sedona to Zion National Park is 278 miles.
• If you want to make the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be 1 day.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Sedona-Zion National Park route, then you will have to walk for 3 days and 11 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Sedona To Zion National Park?

There are many beautiful pits stops along the way to Zion National Park. You can visit Flagstaff, Arizona; Page, Arizona; Kanab, Utah; Zion National Park, Utah; Cameron, Arizona; on the road. Here we list five places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on the Sedona to Zion National Park journey, you can check the 5 Best Places To Visit On The Sedona To Zion National Park Road Trip.

• Historic Downtown and Railroad District, Flagstaff: 29.5 miles / 50 mins to drive from Sedona | 248 miles / 4 hours and 28 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Little Colorado River Gorge: 144 miles / 3 hours and 16 mins to drive from Sedona | 182 miles / 4 hours of driving to Zion National Park.
• Horseshoe Bend: 159 miles / 2 hours and 47 mins to drive from Sedona | 119 miles / 2 hours and 21 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: 242 miles / 4 hours and 11 mins to drive from Sedona | 38.1 miles / 1 hour of driving to Zion National Park.
• The Narrows: 282 miles / 5 hours and 17 mins to drive from Sedona | 8.2 miles / 24 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Sedona To Zion National Park?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. We have selected four hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 4 Best Hotels On The Road Trip To Zion National Park From Sedona section.

• Little America Hotel, Arizona: 30.2 miles / 46 mins to drive from Sedona | 248 miles / 4 hours and 23 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Lake Powell Motel: 158 miles / 2 hours and 50 mins to drive from Sedona | 116 miles / 2 hours and 17 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Canyons Boutique Hotel: 236 miles / 4 hours to drive from Sedona | 41.3 miles / 1 hour of driving to Zion National Park.
• Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort: 269 miles / 4 hours and 44 mins to drive from Sedona | 19.8 miles / 45 mins of driving to Zion National Park.

Where To Eat Between Sedona to Zion National Park?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Sedona to Zion National Park drive, you can consider the four restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 4 Best Restaurants On The Sedona To Zion National Park Road Trip .

• Delhi Palace Cuisine of India, Flagstaff: 27.7 miles / 46 mins to drive from Sedona | 252 miles / 4 hours and 28 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Cameron Trading Post: 81.7 miles / 1 hour and 37 mins to drive from Sedona | 196 miles / 3 hours and 32 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Bonkers Restaurant: 159 miles / 2 hours and 51 mins to drive from Sedona | 116 miles / 2 hours and 16 mins of driving to Zion National Park.
• Wild Thyme Cafe: 235 miles / 4 hours to drive from Sedona | 42.2 miles / 1 hour of driving to Zion National Park.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park. We have listed four hotels, four restaurants, and five places to visit on the Sedona to Zion National Park drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken the Sedona to Zion National Park road trip? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want to have the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Sedona to Zion National Park and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Zion National Park Road Trip – Top Things

In this video, you can find a detailed travel guide about Zion National Park.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Sedona To Phoenix Road Trip: A Timeless Journey
• Chicago To Zion National Park Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
• Seattle To Zion National Park Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

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9 Best Stops on the Sedona to Grand Canyon Drive

Last Updated on November 12, 2023

by Kate Stewart

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

The Sedona to Grand Canyon drive, a route between two of the most popular places to visit in the state of Arizona , is a short trip but full of some great places to stop along the way.

If you are planning to visit the state, you will want to hit up both of these amazing destinations for their incredible natural beauty.

And while it can be tempting to just visit the Grand Canyon as a day trip , it’s worth taking your time and making a road trip of it as a lot of these places will be a lot less crowded than both Grand Canyon National Park or the Sedona area !

Table of Contents

Planning a Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip

The drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon will be an easy one if you are going to the South Rim. It’s a short drive, and the road conditions should be good in summer, although crowded. There will be plenty of gas stations and restaurants in Flagstaff and Williams.

If you are going to head north towards the North Rim, which is a much longer drive, you’ll be travelling through some stretches of desolate desert, so be sure to gas up and plan ahead for where to stop. Two places that will have some amenities are Cameron and Tuba City.

If you need to rent a car for this trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com for deals across many companies. Alternatively, you can rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy if combining this road trip with others in the area such as from Grand Canyon to Zion , from Sedona to Phoenix or from LA to Sedona.

How Far is Sedona to Grand Canyon?

The distance from Sedona to the Grand Canyon is 114 miles with the total drive time being around 2 hours on the route through Williams on I-40 and Highway 64, taking you to the South Rim.

However, you can also go up Highway 89 to the eastern leg of 64 for a more scenic route, which will extend your drive time to two and a half hours.

If you are going to the North Rim, expect that drive to take four hours. Regardless of which route you take, you should plan to spend a full day on this drive if you plan to make some fun stops on the way.

You may also want to stay overnight in Flagstaff or Williams if you want to see more of those areas, or perhaps camp at Vermillion Cliffs to see more of some spectacular sites in Northern Arizona.

Best Stops Between Sedona and the Grand Canyon

Grasshopper point swimming & picnic area.

Arizona can be notoriously hot in the summer when a lot of tourists are coming to see its most famous destinations, and natural water is hard to find.

You may want a fun spot to cool off on this little road trip, especially if you get a late start. Grasshopper Point , in the Coconino National Forest, is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and hanging out just north of Sedona on Route 89A.

The red rock cliffs make this area a cool oasis great for relaxing, so bring your picnic gear and some food, although picnic tables may be taken quickly. There are also three trails: Allen’s Bend goes both north and south and connects with Casner Canyon Trail and Huckaby Trail.

To picnic or swim at Grasshopper Point, you will have to pay a day-use fee.

Slide Rock State Park

Another great swimming hole further up Route 89A is at Slide Rock State Park. In fact, this has often been named as a top-secret swimming hole on best-of lists.

This stretch of Oak Creek sits at a dramatic spot near some steep red rock formations and just north of Oak Creek Canyon. The algae on the rocks are slippery, hence the name, so you should watch out when wading through the creek.

Slide Rock State Park has some other things to do besides see the famous swimming hole, which might be packed with people. The park was originally a homestead with an apple orchard. There are several short trails that go by the orchard, a barn, farming implements, and up the cliff over the swimming area.

Slide Rock State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Arizona, so it may be difficult to get into during busy times of year. There is a fee per car to enter, and if the lot is out of spots, you are out of luck. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Flagstaff Arboretum

Down a gravel road on Route 231 just west of where I-17 and I-40 meet is the Flagstaff Arboretum, a great place to stop on a road trip.

This 200-acre arboretum has about 750 species of plants on the property, which was originally owned by Frances McAllister, who had a summer cabin there. All of the plants are native to the Colorado Plateau or are adapted to the high-desert environment.

The arboretum has tours, wildflower walks, art classes and more. There are also sometimes kids’ activities and special events at certain times of year. You can always hike the walking trails on your own and visit the gardens.

Flagstaff Breweries

Flagstaff has a charming, historic downtown with many restaurants, breweries, and bars that may be just what you’re looking for if you want a bite to eat or a great glass of beer on your drive.

If you have a passion for beer, don’t miss stopping in Flagstaff, known as Arizona’s craft beer city, because it has nine local breweries located downtown.

If you have the time and are staying overnight, you can walk the Flagstaff Brewery Trail —print out or pick up a passport, have it stamped at five breweries of your choice, and get a free commemorative pint glass.

If you only have time for one brewery, stop by Mother Road Brewing Company , named for Route 66 that goes through the town . Besides its award-winning beer, it also has terrific barbeque and sliders.

If you are not a beer drinker, there are lots of other fantastic restaurants to choose from. A favorite breakfast and lunch spot with locals is the Toasted Owl .

Grand Canyon Deer Farm

Between Flagstaff and Williams is the Grand Canyon Deer Farm , although it has a lot more than deer.

There are five species of deer including sika deer, reindeer, and coues deer, along with many other animals like wallabies, llamas, bison, porcupines, and coatimundis. Besides viewing the animals, you can feed and pet most of them.

The Grand Canyon Deer Farm is open year-round, and admission is $16. You can picnic right outside the farm, but food is not allowed inside.

For an extra-special experience for kids, the farm offers a behind-the-scenes zookeeper program for an extra charge, and there is also an interactive program for guests of all ages in order to spend more time up close with the animals.

If you have an animal lover in your family, this should be a must-see on your itinerary. History buffs may want to head east from Flagstaff rather than west to Williams. here you can find the Walnut canyon national Monument, where you can see the ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people.

Historic Route 66 goes through Flagstaff and Williams on this drive. You can cruise it when it splits off from I-44 at Parks before Williams. The city of Williams takes a lot of pride in its location on Route 66. Walk down the route through Williams’ historic downtown and you’ll see classic cars lined up and many historic signs outside its older businesses.

There are also lots of historic motels along the main drag that have that classic Route 66 look. Stop by Cruiser’s Route 66 Café , a classic roadside diner for something to eat at an intersection famous for its Route 66 memorabilia.

In the parking lot of the Circle K across the street is a famous Route 66 mural—a great place for a photo op and to fill up.

Sunset Crater Volcano

You may not realize that you can visit a volcano on the way to the Grand Canyon, but you can do exactly that if you take the northern route past Flagstaff on Highway 89. Turn right at Loop Road to get to Sunset Crater Volcano , a National Park Site. A thousand years ago, this part of Arizona was full of active volcanoes, and you can see a well-preserved crater here.

The site has many short trails to see the crater and learn about the volcano, including Lava Flow Trail, Bonito Vista Trail, Lenox Crater Trail, and Lava’s Edge Trail. You can also take a longer discovery hike with a ranger to learn more about the Bonito Lava Field.

You can picnic at Sunset Crater but there is no camping allowed. There is an admission fee per car and the site is open all year. You can also use your pass at Wupatki National Monument.

Wupatki National Monument

Further up Loop Road, which curves around back to Highway 89, is the Wupatki National Monument , where you can learn about the indigenous history of Northern Arizona. At this National Park Site is a pueblo almost a thousand years old that once had about a hundred rooms in it.

Today you can visit the ruins of this pueblo built by the Wupatki people as well as a kiva and a ballcourt. Besides the Wupatki Pueblo, you can also see other pueblos here, like the Wukoki, Citadel, Nalakihu, Lomaki, and Box Canyon Pueblos.

There are several trails in and around the pueblo and you can take a guided tour at Wupatki. Like Sunset Crater, there is an admission fee per car and it also includes admission to the other site.

From Highway 89, it is a short drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon by turning left on Highway 64. There are many scenic spots to pull over and view the canyon on this route as you drive along, so you may want to plan some extra time if you are taking this route.

You can also take this way back for a very scenic drive from the Grand Canyon to Sedona.

Vermillion Cliffs

If you are going to the North Rim, you’ll want to stop by Vermillion Cliffs . The vast, unspoiled natural area managed by the Bureau of Land Management is a hidden gem. In fact, you may want to plan in an extra day or two to explore this area before you make it to the Grand Canyon.

You’ll want to stop first at the Navajo Bridge, a great photo op right before Vermillion Cliffs, and the Cliff Dwellers Lodge for a bite to eat. If you want to try one of the serious hikes, you’ll have to drive around to the Utah side of the area via Lake Page.

Coyote Butte South and Coyote Butte North require entry lotteries in order to get a permit. It’s well worth it to enter so you get a chance to see the Wave, a famous swirling red and white sandstone formation.

Another site to explore in Vermillion Cliffs is Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon, one of the longest slot canyons in the world, which you can hike through all 15 miles of. No permit is required to hike it, making it a great Plan B for those who can’t get permits to see the Wave.

There are also other shorter, spectacular hikes at Vermillion Cliffs like White Pocket and Sun Valley Mine Trail. There are several scenic views along Highway 89 to pull over and get some great shots.

Just past Vermillion Cliffs before you head south on Highway 67 to the North Rim is Jacobs’s Lake. This is a great spot to fill up and get something to eat before you head into the Grand Canyon.

Where to Stay on a Sedona to Grand Canyon Drive

This drive is a short one, especially if you’re visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but it can be worth it to stop for the night if you want to take advantage of some of these amazing stops along the way.

The city of Flagstaff makes for an excellent place to rest for the night before continuing onto the Grand Canyon.

Little America Hotel — If you’re looking for something with a bit more luxury, then this hotel is a solid option. They have a number of plush rooms available, a great restaurant on site, and a wonderful swimming pool to splash around in.

Hotel Elev8 — This hotel is a great option for those travelling on a more mid-range budget. They have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available that can suit all kinds of travelers and even have a swimming pool on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Flagstaff

Sky Ranch Lodge — This luxury hotel is a great choice if you’re looking to splash the cash in Sedona. Situated in a great, central location, they have countless wonderful, plush rooms available and countless other fine amenities to ensure you have a fantastic stay.

Sedona Village Lodge — If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option in Sedona, this hotel is a great choice. Centrally located close to all of Sedona’s top attractions, they have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available. 

Private Vacation Rental – Finding a private vacation rental is a great option in Sedona or really anywhere on the drive up to the Grand Canyon. There are a number of places to choose from such as this lovely pet-friendly cottage near all the hiking trails.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Sedona

Whether you are going to the North Rim or the South Rim on your trip to the Grand Canyon, this scenic drive can be an incredibly memorable trip of its own.

Are you driving to the Grand Canyon from Sedona? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

10 Best Stops on the Phoenix to Tucson Drive

10 Best Stops on the Phoenix to Albuquerque Drive

5-Day Arizona Itinerary: Phoenix to Sedona to Grand Canyon

About Kate Stewart

Kate Stewart is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an archivist specializing in oral history who is based in Tucson, Arizona and grew up in the Midwest. Kate loves driving across the country and exploring the oddities of American and Southwest culture. In her spare time, she is a political activist, country music junkie, and baseball fan.

I just came back from an amazing Arizona road trip. I drove from Phoenix to Sedona the view was unbelievable. Sedona has so much to offer than what I thought. I spent a night at flagstaff where I ran at buffalo park that took me to the snowball mountains. Then drive to Grand Canyon which was beyond belief. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I made so many memories as well as a solo traveler 😊😊⛰️🪵🌵🙏

will our National Parks Senior Pass compensate for entry to any of these stops? Thanks!

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The Ultimate Roadtrip to Zion, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon & Sedona With Kids

Megan Kruesi

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/S8AFGZ/the-ultimate-roadtrip-to-zion-the-grand-canyon-antelope-canyon-and-sedona

The Grand Canyon

Antelope Canyon

Adventure Travel

Family Travel

Nature Escapes

National Park

Kid-friendly

Curator’s statement

It's no secret that some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States can be found out West amid National Parks like Zion & the Grand Canyon. A road trip exploring these parks is a special trip regardless, but taking this trip with littles in tow creates a unique experience guaranteed to be filled with lifelong memories. While this may mean you aren't hiking the entirety of Bright Angel Trail or The Narrows, you & your family can still immerse yourselves in the surreal beauty of the surroundings, explore the culture of the area, & of course, enjoy the delicious cuisine of the Southwest. This itinerary can be used with littles of any age as long as you have the proper gear.

The Fora Difference

Book with Megan to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Under canvas lake powell - grand staircase.

Safari-inspired tents with king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and in-tent wood-burning stoves overlooking Lake Powell.

El Tovar Hotel

A charming, historic lodging offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon Village.

Enchantment Resort

Centrally located in Sedona near hiking with great evening activities (think: making s'mores and live music).

$100 food / beverage credit.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

L'Auberge de Sedona

Close to town but hidden in the woods, the L'Auberge is a warm and comforting home base for your Sedona exploration.

$100 food / beverage or spa credit.

LaFave: Luxury Rentals at Zion

Experience the ultimate in luxury and convenience with LaFave's upscale vacation rentals near Zion National Park.

Unlock perks by contacting Megan to book your trip.

Get in touch with Megan

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Learn more about what to expect when working with an advisor.

Day 1: Arrival & Zion

The route laid out in this itinerary begins by flying into Las Vegas. With generally reasonable flights & readily available rental cars, this typically makes a great launching pad. Upon arrival, kickstart your trip with a pitstop at the Hoover Dam & Lake Mead (35-minute drive) before heading on towards Zion National Park , about 3 hours from the dam. Stop in Boulder City, Nevada to grab lunch.

You will most likely opt for Springdale, Utah, as your base for exploring Zion unless you are staying inside at one of the park's lodges, which requires planning well in advance. I recommend staying at LaFave: Luxury Rentals at Zion . These apartment-style rentals give you & your family a relaxing place to unwind & spread out with perfect views of the surrounding landscape, all right by the entrance to Zion National Park. Depending on what time you arrive & how much gas your family has left in the metaphorical tank, pack some snacks & drinks & head over to the Watchman Trail to watch the sunset. This 3.1 mile out & back hike is absolutely stunning & is very popular, especially with families.

For dinner, either swing by Sol Foods Supermarket & grab something to make in your kitchen at LaFave or I highly recommend King's Landing Bistro , a short 1-minute drive or 5-minute walk, for a delicious sit-down meal with some of the best views in town.

Day 2: Zion National Park

Get an early start for a full day exploring Zion National Park. Pack plenty of snacks, water, your park pass if you purchased one, sunscreen & wear comfortable shoes! You will want to make sure you have enough of whatever supplies your kiddos need for the day depending on their age & also will want to make sure you have the appropriate gear. A really great thing about Zion with kids is that several parts of it are stroller-friendly! The hikes I lay out below are stroller-friendly but swap it for the carrier if planning to add on some of the bigger hikes.

Depending on what time of year you visit, the main drive through Zion is not open to private vehicles & you must use the shuttle to decrease congestion.

My recommended route inside the park with littles in tow is as follows:

Hop off at Stop 4, known as the Court of Patriarchs , which is a quick [0.2 mile] viewpoint featuring five mountain peaks: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, The Sentinel, and Mt. Moroni.

Hop off again at Stop 5 to hike the Lower Emerald Pool Trail - a very popular hike, especially among families. It is an easy out & back trail that spans 1.4 miles total. Most of it is paved & you get to surprise the kids by walking behind a small waterfall! This stop also has the Zion Lodge & the only restaurants in the park. You can continue on via the Grotto Trail from here to Stop 6 or hop back on the shuttle. Grotto Trail is the easiest in the park & is a quick 1-mile section. This one is a fan favorite of those with really small kids.

Get off at Stop 7, Weeping Rock Trail , to take in views of Weeping Rock, Angel’s Landing, the Great White Throne, Big Bend & Cable Mountain from here. This viewpoint is just a simple 0.3 mile out & back walk.

Also get off at Stop 9: Temple of Sinawava . This is the most popular stop. The Temple of Sinawava is a naturally formed rock amphitheater & is the entrance to the famous Narrows hike. The views here are incredible & from here, you can do the Riverside Walk Trail. This trail is 1.9 miles, out & back & leads to the entrance of the Narrows. It is super easy & is a must-do. Once you hit the entry point for The Narrows, you will see hikers walking through the Virgin River. That hike is 16 miles in total, through the water. The Narrows is very popular, but is also a slot canyon & can be dangerous due to flash floods & sometimes, the presence of toxic bacteria. No permit is needed (when entering from the south) so you are allowed to enter & explore some if desired but recommend checking the national park site for advisories first.

-You can switch shuttles at the Visitor Center to head back to LaFave.

The shuttle ride itself is very scenic & takes about 45 minutes each way if you don’t get off at any stops. Restrooms/water fountains are available at stops 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, & 9.

If looking to eat out for dinner, drive 3 minutes to Spotted Dog for a delicious farm-to-fork dinner. Head back to soak in the starry night on your balcony or enjoy the hot tub/pool.

Day 3: Page/Lake Powell, AZ

Depending on the level of hikes you are looking to do, you can add a day in Zion here or continue on to the Page, Arizona/ Lake Powell area. If you get an early enough start, you could also just fit in one last one before heading out. This is laid out more as suggestions/ideas for the day than a chronological itinerary. If heading on to Lake Powell/Page, grab breakfast at Oscar's Cafe before hitting the road for the 2ish hour drive.

I recommend staying at Under Canvas-Lake Powell for the ultimate glamping experience underneath the most stunning desert sky. If you arrive in the area before time to check-in, I suggest heading on to Page, about 20 minutes away. **PLEASE NOTE THE TIME DIFFERENCE HERE. Under Canvas in on the Utah side of the line of Page/Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend are all on the Arizona side, which is an hour ahead.**

If the weather is nice, exploring Lake Powell by boat is an excellent way to see the area & enjoy the day. There are several places to either rent a boat or go on a tour from Page. If that isn't in the cards, at least make a stop at the Wahweap Overlook for incredible views of the lake. The beautiful Horseshoe Bend is also in this area & is a must-visit.

Spend the rest of the day at Under Canvas, enjoying all they have to offer. There are different family-focused activities planned throughout the day & each night ends with complimentary s'mores & stargazing! There is cafe-style dining on the premises for dinner.

Day 4: Antelope Canyon & Grand Canyon

Grab breakfast at Under Canvas before loading up & heading off on your tour of the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon . *Keep the time difference in mind!* These slot canyons are protected by the Navajo Nation & must be visited by tour. You can either opt to do the Upper, Lower or both. Both tours last around 1-1.5 hours. Grab lunch & fuel up if needed in Page if needed before heading on to the East Entrance of the Grand Canyon, an hour & 48 minutes away. I recommend staying at El Tovar on the South Rim inside the park for this stretch of the trip. It doesn't get any closer to the action than this hotel & you will need to book well, well in advance.

One of the most scenic drives in the Grand Canyon , Desert View Drive , happens to be on your way from the entrance to El Tovar. Check-in at ET isn’t until 4pm & usually, early check-in is not an option. Desert View Drive is a 23-mile drive that starts at the Desert View Services Area/Desert View Watchtower & ends at the Visitor Center. It has seven developed canyon viewpoints, four picnic areas, five unmarked pullouts & the Tusayan Pueblo Site . You will end at the Visitor Center. A 5-minute walk behind the center leads to Mather Point, which juts out over the canyon & provides a stunning view.

You can either just rest & relax after checking in or can explore part of the Grand Canyon Village, located just outside of El Tovar. Pop down to the South Rim Trail that runs behind the hotel near sunset to take in the views over the canyon (or the El Tovar Lounge Patio if there is space). I recommend dinner at the El Tovar Dining Room .

Day 5: Grand Canyon

El Tovar Dining Room offers breakfast or you can pop over to the Maswik Food Court to be able to find things the whole family loves. You have multiple choices for how to spend the day & will want to prepare for the day similarly to Zion. This day will again be more of a range of options as opposed to a chronological itinerary.

Tours - the Park offers several options for tours including mule rides, river rafting & bus tours.

A self-guided option is the Hermit Road Overlook via free shuttle (or bike/walk/combo, private vehicles not allowed). It spans 7 miles & hosts 9 viewpoints.

You can also rent bikes for the day. The only place to rent bikes is Bright Angel Bikes & Café , located at the main visitor center you visited the first day. You can do a guided bike tour from here or you can do one of the self-guided tours that they have designed.

Hike part of Bright Angel Trail - This is one of the most stunning & most popular hikes in the park. It is over 15 miles total & goes down into the canyon. Due to the difficult nature, some people will just do the first couple of miles & turn back, especially with littles in tow.

You could also hike some of the other shorter hikes, such as South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point (1.8 miles) or South Kaibab to Cedar Ridge (3.1 miles). You can organize hikes with guides if preferred.

Lastly, you can also check out other parts of the Grand Canyon Village or add on more challenging hikes in the park.

Days 6-8: Sedona

Start your morning with some breakfast & coffee from Bright Angel Fountain & watch the canyons wake up. Finish up any activities you didn't get to from the previous days before checking out & heading on to Sedona for the last leg of your trip. It should take just over 2 hours to get there.

I recommend staying at one of our stunning partner properties in Sedona - either the beautiful Enchantment Resort or if you are looking for a really luxurious end to your trip, L'auberge de Sedona . L'auberge offers incredibly tranquil riverside cottages that are perfect for families.

If you arrive in town before you are able to check in, Tlaquepaque Arts Village is a great way to spend the afternoon. This will give you a true sense of Sedona & provide a little break from outdoorsy things. Internationally renowned, this shopping district prides itself on one-of-a-kind works of all types & you will likely experience local artisans in action. It is open daily from 10am to 6pm. If looking for lunch while you are visiting, check out Pump House .

The remainder of this guide is more of a list of recommendations on how to spend your remaining time in Sedona than a chronological itinerary.

Sedona is known to be a very spiritual place, focused on wellness & healing. Many of the top attractions involve those elements & vortexes are a huge thing in Sedona.

-Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross , known to be one of the top 10 most beautiful churches in the world. It is free to visit & is open from 9am-5pm daily. It is said to also be a vortex.

-The Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park is also among the top attractions in Sedona. It is a beautiful outdoor venue & a spiritual destination for prayer, meditation, & the experience of peace in a sacred place. It is open, sun up to sun-down & is free.

Hiking is obviously another one of the most popular things to do in Sedona. If looking to take in some of the stunning Sedona scenery on the trails, here are a few family-friendly options:

- Sedona Airport Mesa

- Schuerman Mountain Lookout

- Oak Creek Trail at Crescent Moon Ranch

- Lower Chimney Rock Loop

- Tea Cup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock - 2.2 mile, easy loop. *The full thing is 2.7 miles, but there is a scrambling section up Coffee Pot Rock at the end that is not recommended with smaller kids. You can see on the AllTrails map where to just continue on the loop instead of continuing on toward Coffee Pot Rock.*

-Chuck Wagon Supper & Show at Blazin’ M Ranch , a 20-minute drive from Sedona, provides a unique (& cheesy in a good way) family experience. This attraction is set up to mimic an old western town.

A few other dining recommendations for your time here include The Red Rock Cafe , The Vault & Creekside American Bistro for breakfast. The Vault & Creekside also serves lunch/dinner. Other options include Rascal , René Restaurant , Pisa Lisa , Javelina Cantina & for an upscale dining experience, Mariposa .

I recommend flying out of PHX, about 2 hours from Sedona, depending on traffic. *Definitely plan ahead if driving down the same day as your flight as traffic can become really congested*

Tips & Tricks

Purchase an America the Beautiful pass. This will give you & your family access to all of the National Parks & many of the federal sites in the US for roughly the same cost as purchasing a pass separately at each of the spots on this itinerary.

-Do your research on age-appropriate gear for your littles. Having a good carrier (if needed) & the proper supplies will be a game-changer.

-Keep time zones in mind! Nevada = PDT Pacific Daylight Time (1 hr behind Utah), Utah = MDT Mountain Daylight Time (1 hr ahead of Nevada) & Arizona = MST Mountain Standard Time (1 hr behind Utah). Nevada & Arizona share the same time; they are just technically in different time zones because Arizona does not observe daylight savings time.

-Prep for the weather. The temperatures in this climate can vary drastically & layers are a necessity.

-Download the AllTrails app. Even if you are just planning to do shorter hikes, this app is great for keep on trail & helping to plan out which hikes are suitable for your family.

-Check for closures within the parks ahead of time as they can happen quickly: Zion , Grand Canyon .

-Plan early! Accommodations in these areas tend to fill up well in advance, especially in peak seasons. If you are interested in lodging located inside of any of the parks, lock those in first.

Need to Know

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Off the Beaten Path Ireland – The Skellig Islands .

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Utah and travel to Arizona .

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• Trip Styles
• Destinations

• Trip Destinations
• Arizona Hikes & Tours
• Grand Canyon Hiking Tours
• Sedona Hiking Tours

Grand Canyon and Sedona Tour

Trip highlights.

• Best of Grand Canyon & Sedona
• Iconic Hikes
• Historic Mining Town Tour & Dinner
• Dinner at Historic El Tovar on the South Rim
• Amazing Natural & Cultural History
• Premier Lodging & Fantastic Cuisine
• Profound Geology

Description

Join us and experience the very best of Northern Arizona from a hiking and outdoor perspective! If you love to hike and want to experience a diversity of scenery, world-class destinations, pristine canyon country landscapes, and truly amazing trekking, look no further. This trip combines 2 days hiking in the stunning red rock country of Sedona with 2 days at Grand Canyon National Park . We throw in premier lodging, fantastic meals, natural and cultural history, and expert guides to make this an unforgettable 4 days!

We begin this trip with 2 days exploring Sedona’s Red Rock Country, hiking and relaxing in deluxe accommodations and enjoying charming Southwestern meals around Sedona. Then we travel up to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. We will go on 2 day hikes on famous South Rim trails full of history and panoramic views and stay the third night in a hotel just minutes from the South Rim.

If you are seeking to indulge in the wonders Northern Arizona has to offer, this trip is for you. You get a thrilling experience of Grand Canyon and Sedona all in one trip while we handle the details for you each step of the way. All you have to do is enjoy the hikes, soak in the views and relax!

Wildland Trekking is a permitee of the USFS, Red Rock Ranger District.

$2620 Per Person

$610 single supplement.

The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2

Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult

Hiking Distances:

Backpack Weight:

Moderately Rugged

Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:

Up to 2500 ft

Heights Exposure:

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP

• Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
• Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
• Hiking in 95+ degree fahrenheit temperatures (May-Sept)
• Hiking with moderate heights exposure

SOLITUDE LEVEL 2

1 least solitude, 5 most solitude

You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time while hiking.

•   Minimum 2 Guests

MINIMUM OF 2 GUESTS

If a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 4-6 weeks before the departure date, and notify guests of changes and options immediately.

Private Trips

Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!

Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.

Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations. 

Private Rates FOr This Trip

• 2 People: Rate x 2.5
• 3 People: Rate x 2
• 4 People: Rate x 1.5
• 5+ People: Rate x 1.15

*all rates are per person and single supplements apply

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Learn About Our Private Trips

• Hiking Mileage: 7 miles
• 1-way Elevation Change: 500 feet
• Accommodations: Briar Patch Inn

We start this  Arizona hiking tour  with an amazing day hike in Sedona. We begin near two of Sedona’s most prominent and beautiful landmarks, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, and quickly climb several hundred feet into layered shelves of red rock sandstone. We’ll stop to appreciate and learn about all the different types and uses of desert plants in the area. Half-way into our hike, we’ll reach Cathedral Rock, a stunning, nearly 1,000 foot tall sandstone monolith.

We’ll rest in the shade of cottonwood trees lining the banks of Oak Creek, along the northwest side of Cathedral Rock. Your guide will prepare a tasty lunch and share some of the native and indigenous history of the area – this very spot was once a fertile hunting ground.

After lunch, we’ll complete our hike among the towering cliffs, sheer pinnacles and pristine canyons of Sedona. We will settle in to our first night’s lodging, relax for an hour or two, and then depart for a wonderful dinner in Sedona.

• Hiking Mileage: 8-9 miles
• 1-way Elevation Change: 1200 feet

We will start Day 2 with another Red Rock gem! Mitten Ridge is one of Sedona’s most spectacular hikes, and we’ll walk back in time on old wagon roads (now trails) to a red rock saddle that offers breathtaking views. This trail is a Sedona must-do. It involves exhilarating steps on pure sandstone up Schnebly Hill vistas and panoramic views of the canyons below. This is a great hike to hear the history and story of T.C. Schnebly and his wife Sedona, for whom the town is named after.

After our hike and lunch on the trail, we will return to our rooms to clean up and enjoy a bit of relaxation time before meeting up for another wonderful Southwest dinner together.

• Shuttle to the South Rim: 2.5-3 hours
• Hiking Mileage: 3-6 miles
• 1-way Elevation Change: 2500 feet
• Accommodations: The Grand Canyon Squire Inn

Today we get an early start, check out of our rooms, and embark on a 2.5 hour scenic drive up northern roadways and Oak Creek Canyon to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Our first hike in the Grand Canyon will be down an amazing trail that descends the spine of a spectacular ridge and allows for BIG Grand Canyon views as the ridge drops off on both sides and in front of us. It is the trail to do if you’re looking for some of the best panoramas in the Grand Canyon. These panoramas and the more moderate nature of the hiking make our hike one of the most photographed trails in the country and a fantastic first day in the canyon for us.

After our hike, we will have the chance to explore some of the South Rim’s museums and shops before returning to our lodging for some relaxation. Then tonight we head to the rim for an amazing dinner at the historic El Tovar restaurant overlooking the depths of the Grand Canyon.

• 1-way Elevation Loss: 1000-2000 feet
• Shuttle to Sedona: 2.5-3 hours

Walking in the footsteps of prehistoric Native Americans, we follow an ancient trail through the Bright Angel Fault. Today’s trail offers a meandering descent into the  Grand Canyon  and is the most accessible trail that goes far below the rim. There are two potential turn-around points which can make the hike 3 miles or 6 miles round trip. This is a great trail to get down into the Grand Canyon and has great amenities like water, bathrooms and shade available intermittently.

As you descend the sinuous trail into the depths of the Canyon, your guide will explain the miraculous geological and ecological phenomena that surround you. We will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with a view better than any 5-star restaurant. Eventually we will start our return hike to the rim, this time staring up at the towering cliffs above us until we are finally standing back on top of them, gazing down in amazement at the wonderful hike we just accomplished.

After our hike and some lunch, we will enjoy the 2.5- 3 hour scenic drive back through stunning Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona where your guide will drive you to your accommodations and where we will say our goodbyes to an amazing 4 days!

Please Note: The trail for today’s hike is closed between December 1, 2023 and April 14, 2024. During this time period, we will descend the Hermit Trail, which features big views, fossils, Native American history and a unique look at the geology of the Grand Canyon. Distance is 3-6 miles, elevation gain/loss of up to 2150 feet.

Please Note : We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal  terms and conditions  apply to trips with itinerary changes.

Trip Dates & Booking

Trip dates & booking.

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

AVAILABLE TO BOOK

This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!

This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.

REQUEST A RESERVATION

This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.

Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.

Trip details, what's included.

• 3 nights of double occupancy lodging at a carefully selected local Sedona and Grand Canyon hotels (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
• Meals throughout the tour, including a mix of in-town and backcountry meals
• Use of a day pack, trekking poles and Microspike crampons during winter months
• Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See  Guide Bios .
• Transportation for the duration of the tour
• Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
• Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Grand Canyon

What's Not Included

• Clothes, raingear, and footwear ( see recommendations )
• Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
• Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
• Alcoholic beverages
• Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.

Meals: What To Expect

This Grand Canyon and Sedona hiking tour features a combination of restaurant meals and meals prepared by your guide. We’ll have dinners at carefully selected, wonderful restaurants in Sedona and at the South Rim.

We provide breakfasts and lunches for the trip. For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables. In addition, we provide you with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.

We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.

Gear We Provide

We provide all group gear which includes the following:

• Deuter or Osprey backpacks
• Leki trekking poles
• Microspike crampons when necessary
• Company-issued first-aid kit
• Satellite phone

Packing List

When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip ( click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.

Trip Logistics

Where do we meet.

Your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will give you the phone number for this call during the pre-trip contact approximately 10 days before your trip start date.

Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Sedona.

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.

Travel to Sedona

ARIZONA SHUTTLE Groome Transportation  makes 9 dependable trips daily each direction between Phoenix and Flagstaff. The duration is 2.5-3 hours. They pickup/drop off at Sky Harbor Airport and the Metro Center in Phoenix, and in Flagstaff at the Amtrak Station (near downtown) and the NAU campus.

Arizona Shuttle makes 13 dependable trips daily each direction between Phoenix and Sedona. The duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes. They pickup/drop off at Sky Harbor Airport and the Metro Center in Phoenix, and in Sedona they will drop you off and/or pick you up at your hotel for a small additional fee.

CAR RENTAL Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix has a fantastic car rental facility that is easily accessible and hosts a great variety of companies. We recommend checking Priceline.com as well for especially good deals.

Start/End Times

Your guide will inform you of the first day’s departure time in the pre trip contact. Generally, you can expect between 5-8am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions.We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).

Safety Precautions

Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.

If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at  1-800-715-HIKE (4453)  for more information.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.

Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.

The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.

Guide Working Parameters

Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

• 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
• 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis

Weather in Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona elevations vary, but average around 4500 feet elevation, which is considered high desert. It tends to be the most comfortable in Spring and Fall, but Summer and Winter are not extreme and are still great times to hike Northern Arizona. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures in the area:

Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

• Accommodations

Briar Patch Inn

Nestled in the lush vegetation along Oak Creek, this charming boutique lodge offers the perfect jumping off point for a rejuvenating Sedona Red Rock adventure! (natural beauty, solitude)

Grand Canyon Squire Inn

A short drive from the edge of the Canyon, this modern, appealing hotel puts us right in the action where we can make the most of our Grand Canyon adventure! (pool, spa)

* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.

Trip Reviews

Average customer ratings:.

• 5.0 (58 reviews)
• Most recent

Fantastic Experience

Once again, we had a fantastic experience with Wildland Trekking. Our guide, Laurie, was the best! She was knowledgeable, well prepared and obviously concerned about keeping us safe. We especially enjoyed the great lunches she prepared for us on the trail! We can truly call her a friend and look forward to our next adventure with Wildland.

I think we are just going to stick with Wildland tours from now on.

The trip was incredible and I'm so glad we had a guide who was as helpful, patient, punctual, and friendly as a saint! Steve knew everything about the trails and the lunches and dinners were great. I think we are just going to stick with Wildland tours from now on.

An unforgettable trip!

First time to travel with Wildland Trekking and the trip exceeded my expectations! Our guide, Steve Klefstad, was outstanding! After an amazing experience on this trip, I plan to book other trips with Wildland Trekking.

See All Guest Reviews!

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Sedona Grand Canyon Itinerary

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Don't leave Sedona without making a trip to the nearby Grand Canyon.

Sedona-grand canyon experience.

See a wonder of the world. Stay in a world of wonder.

It’s hard to imagine traveling to the Southwest and not visiting Grand Canyon or Sedona. So why not do both? We believe when you have one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in your backyard, take advantage of it. By making Sedona your base camp for a Grand Canyon expedition, you’ll enjoy a much wider array of creature comforts. In Sedona you’ll find more places to stay and eat, not to mention spas, shops, galleries and more.

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

At Grand Canyon National Park designated overlooks provide visitors with awe-inspiring views. Walk along the rim in Grand Canyon Village. Snap a photo of mule riders moseying towards the river and peer into the abyss to hear what secrets are echoed there.

Then it’s time to come back home to Sedona, where all the incredible sights are just outside your door. Blessed with a beauty that’s epic yet intimate, grandiose yet personal, people seem to make a very special connection to Sedona. No overlooks or mule rides are required.

Sedona is so close to the Grand Canyon. Here’s a two day itinerary with suggestions for things to do as you are stopping in Sedona, Arizona during your Grand Canyon vacation. We’ve included a handy map and driving directions to help you on your way.

Day 1: 

• Go on A Trolley Ride
• Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum
• Walk through Red Rock State Park or cool down in the water at Slide Rock State Park
• Visit Art Galleries and Shops. Here are a few of the top shopping destinations in Sedona:
• Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
• Hillside Sedona
• Shops at Hyatt Pinon Pointe
• More  shops and galleries  in Uptown, West Sedona, Village of Oak Creek

Day 2: A Day Trip to the Grand Canyon

Experience a self driving tour through Oak Creek Canyon ~ Flagstaff ~ Grand Canyon National Park. This scenic drive is stunning, with many points of interest along the way.

• Participate in a guided van tour to the Grand Canyon National Park.
• Go on a train ride between Williams and the Grand Canyon National Park.
• Have lunch at the Grand Canyon National Park. There are so many stunning visits and places to enjoy your meal.
• Get your heart pumping with some  hiking  in the dramatic Red Rock Country.
• Visit Red Rock Crossing.
• Take a Tour  in Sedona to view ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs or visit some of the famous rock formations and vortices. Here are a few of the top tour options:
• Horseback Riding Tour
• Jeep Tour, ATV Tour, Hummer Tour
• Vortex Tour

Other Options:

• Go on an early morning hot air balloon tour.
• Enjoy Native American culture.
• Pamper your body and soul at a spa.
• Visit Camp Verde’s Casino for some gaming action.

What is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read

All the elements come into play when selecting the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park © IlexImage / Getty Images

There is never a bad time to explore the deep and rippled beauty of Grand Canyon National Park . But depending on the nature of your trip, be it a rugged multi-day hike through jagged switchbacks and river ravines; a spot of family camping; or a quick budget-friendly adventure, when you visit will make all the difference.

When planning the perfect Grand Canyon National Park itinerary, the factors to consider are as expansive as the rocky vistas that await your arrival.

From monsoons to relentless desert heat via peak visitor numbers, here’s everything you need to know about the best times to visit.

March to May is the best time to beat the summer heat

The Grand Canyon itself is approximately 277 miles long and more than a mile deep and the bulk of the national park falls within the Sonoran Desert. With this desert climate comes an incredible range of temperatures. During summer (June to August), highs can peak at 100-110°F (37.7-43.3°C). In December and January, the mercury rarely creeps above 60°F (15.5°C).

For more manageable temperatures, March through May is the best time to visit. This is when highs hover in the 75-90°F (23-32°C) and lows seldom dip below 50 (10°C) degrees. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, though. Late winter storms do occur and can blanket the canyon’s trails and roads in snow.

March also marks the beginning of rafting season on the Colorado River. Pre-book your river adventures well ahead of time. The canyon’s wildlife – including deer, mules, and bighorn sheep – also emerges from hibernation around this time, making for a visual spectacle.

Save this guide for everything you need to know before visiting Grand Canyon National Park.

From June to August head to the North Rim

The summer months are peak season throughout Grand Canyon National Park as families take advantage of the warmer weather and their kids’ summer breaks. While the masses are hard to avoid along the super-popular South Rim , summertime is the best time of year to experience the lesser-trafficked North Rim .

The North Rim portion of the park is open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Its roads are near impassable in the winter due to snow and ice. During the summer months, however, the North Rim is great for scenic drives and camping. It’s also the perfect time to hike the 10-mile-long Widforss Trail where forests of white fir and blue spruce provide some cooling shade.

Wherever your summer trip to Grand Canyon National Park takes you, keep an eye on the weather forecasts. July and August are considered the monsoon season and life-threatening floods can develop in a matter of minutes.

Continue your adventure on one of these 7 road trips in Arizona.

September through October is the best time for avoiding crowds

Grand Canyon National Park has two shoulder seasons: spring (March to June) and fall (September to November). During September and October expect fewer people, cooler temperatures and cheaper lodging compared to the summer months.

However, it’s not uncommon for a fall thunderstorm to roll in during the afternoon. If safe to do so, embrace these storms as they thin out the crowds and can make for the snaps of a lifetime for photographers. If it’s a non-stormy day, a hike to Phantom Ranch , located deep within the canyon, is a prime day trip or overnight stay.

The best time for a budget-friendly adventure is November to February

Beyond the $35, year-long vehicle permit (plus your equipment and supplies), the Grand Canyon National Park is generally budget friendly. To save some extra bucks, book flights between November and February. This is when options to/from nearby major airports like Flagstaff , Phoenix , and Las Vegas tend to dip.

Additionally, you may find yourself saving big-time on local hotels – like the Shash Diné EcoRetreat and super-cozy El Tovar lodge – as many travelers opt to visit during the summer. Expect icy roads and some snow. 

If you can tolerate the cold – nighttime lows below 40°F (4.4°C) – you’ll be rewarded with both lower costs and fewer people. This can be a prime time for visiting some of the more popular viewpoints, like Hopi Point and Mather Point , without a selfie stick in sight.

This article was first published Jan 11, 2023 and updated Mar 30, 2024.

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Current thinking on Slide Rock? - Sedona Forum

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Current thinking on Slide Rock?

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Can this group comment on the current state of Slide Rock during the week, AND perhaps more importantly, if there are other similar, less overrun, cleaner spots we could try as an alternative? Thanks!

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17 Epic Adventures on a Las Vegas to Page AZ Road Trip You Absolutely Can't Miss

Looking for some detour-worthy attractions between Las Vegas and Page?

Get ready for all the outdoor adventures from Las Vegas to Page AZ! There are so many beautiful places on this stretch of the American Southwest; I bet you will love it too. 

Southern Utah and Northern Arizona are among my top 5 favorite places in the world! I’ve loved navigating this Zion to Horseshoe Bend stretch of the road trip so much that I’ve done it twice in one year now.

After an exhausting weekend in Las Vegas for the famous party EDC (hello, fellow ravers), I managed to get my camper van , Vander, stuck in sand. After attempting to dig Vander out with a bowl, failing, stopping a truck with a cardboard sign, and him finally towing us out, we were finally able to begin our Las Vegas to Page AZ road trip.

Tip:  AAA can’t tow you out if you’re more than 100 feet away from a paved road.

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour

Rated: 5 out of 5 Stars

• Tour the Lower Canyon or Canyon X
• Hotel Pick up/Drop off Included
• Small Group up to 14 People

The best thing to see in Page is the famed Antelope Canyon, and if you don’t have too much time, you can totally see it on a long day trip starting from Las Vegas. I even have a whole Antelope Canyon Tour from Las Vegas guide here .

how far is page Arizona from las vegas?

Google Maps says that the fastest route from Las Vegas, NV to Page, Arizona, takes 4 hrs and 25 minutes and 273 miles, but what fun is there in taking the quickest way? 

If you look at the compilation of activities below, it took us a week to drive this distance. I was digital nomading on my computer at a 40 hr workweek, so I can only assume that it will take you less time than me.

BEST USA CAR RENTAL: DISCOVER CARS

If you’re looking to rent a car for this epic road trip, I recommend and use Discover Cars . They search all car rental companies available in the area so you get the best deal!

Best Things to do on a Las Vegas to Page AZ Road Trip 

1. the hoover dam .

37 miles from Las Vegas NV | 309 miles to Page AZ  

After gambling and eating your way through Vegas , your first stop from Las Vegas will be The Hoover Dam , just an hour’s drive outside Vegas. Named one of the most outstanding achievements of the 20th century, the Hoover Dam is visited by 7 million tourists per year.

Drive to the short walk at the neighboring bridge – Mike O’ Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for views of Hoover Dam from the opposite side first. Then make your way to the Hoover Dam parking area for the top of the dam bird’s eye view.

Cat’s Pro Tip:  For those with weapons or weed in their vehicles, Hoover Dam is on federal land. Security guards and K9 units check every car to ensure you do not have any contraband. 

Address:  Visitor Center 81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005  

2. Lake Mead

32 miles from Las Vegas NV | 279 miles to Page AZ  

The water from Hoover Dam is a part of the larger Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which has plenty of hiking trails and water activities. Fed by the Colorado River, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. If you have some extra time, relax at this desert lake for a bit.

3. Arizona Hot Springs 

40 miles from Las Vegas NV | 312 miles to Page AZ  

Another reason to stop at Lake Mead Recreational Area is to hike to Arizona Hot Springs. Not actually in Arizona, the hot springs trailhead starts just south of the Hoover Dam. This 3-mile hike through a slot canyon and a waterfall end with a relaxing soak in a 110°F hot springs pool.

GPS Coordinates of Trailhead:  35.979876, -114.696996  

4. Valley of Fire State Park

46 miles from Las Vegas NV | 242 miles to Page AZ  

Valley of Fire State Park  was fire! As you get up the steep hill past the visitor center, the distinctive red sandstone tower on either side of the scenic drive before opening up to hoodoos, petroglyphs, and other iconic rock formations. (For the specific sights to see, this is a good guide  here .) Make sure you don’t miss the shot below. When you get to this long stretch of road, climb up the highest rock you can find to get this view. 

Address:  29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040  

5. Snow Canyon State Park 

46 miles from Las Vegas NV | 242 miles to Page AZ 

I’ve heard it said that if Zion wasn’t right next to Snow Canyon State Park, it might well have been a national park too. For those who are lucky to know about Snow Canyon State Park just outside the small town of St. George, you have won the lottery.

Snow Canyon rivals the beauty of its neighbor Zion National Park, but without its crowds. There are lava tubes, petrified sandstones (so cool!), and the usual desert open awesomeness. Plus, all the must-do hikes are moderately short, so you can see much of the park in one long day. (Here’s a very detailed  Snow Canyon guide  to decide which hikes and formations you would like to see.) 

Address:  1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins, UT 84738  

6. Kanarra Creek Canyon Waterfall Hike 

129 miles from Las Vegas NV | 163 miles to Page AZ 

Doing this hike in the warmer weather of spring, summer, or fall would’ve been preferable to the cold November month that we did it in. Once you get to the slot canyon portion, this hike is like a smaller version of The Narrows in Zion National Park. You will be waddling through ankle to shin-deep in the water is unavoidable and ice cold. The coolest part of this hike was reaching the ladders. Beyond the ladder section was just more or less the same, but with even deeper water. 

Do not street park. There is a dedicated parking lot, and the entrance fee is kind of high at $12/person…and we arrived only an hour before sunset. 

Trailhead GPS:  (37.538068, -113.175344)  

7. Detour: Cedar Breaks National Monument 

Roundtrip 2 hr added | 205 miles from Las Vegas NV | 147 miles to Page AZ 

Kind of like a “mini Bryce Canyon,” the Cedar Breaks National Monument viewpoints envelop you within an Orange Creamsicle-colored geologic amphitheater on all sides. Wander amongst the subalpine bristlecone trees and wildflowers contrasting against the bare rock formations. As beautiful as this sounds, this two-hour detour was too long for this gal, but I’ll get them next time around. 

Address:  UT-143, Brian Head, UT 84719  

8. Zion National Park 

160 miles from Las Vegas NV | 116 miles to Page AZ 

Zion National Park is one of America’s crown jewels. I’ve gone not only once, but twice in one year to make sure I covered both Angel’s Landing and hiking The Narrows , two of the most popular hikes within Zion National Park. Damn amazing places.

Both hikes are not easy or fast. I recommend getting an early start and don’t go later than noon; otherwise, you may not have enough time to return before sunset.

They are both strenuous hikes but not technically challenging or dangerous. Angel’s Landing hike does get narrow at the end, but I never thought I was going to fall or anything.

If you have the stamina to do both hikes on consecutive days, camp in Zion and make sure you have the energy to drive the rest of the scenic route, as there’s so much else to see! 

Rappel into a slot canyon then off-road through East Zion? Sign me up for this Elkheart Canyon and UTV Day Tour through East Zion !

The Narrows Hike

Satisfy your sense of adventure in the Narrows, a narrow canyon in Zion National Park. Trudge through shin to waist-level icy flowing river, earthy aromas, and otherworldly canyon shapes and depths.

This hike has no set route; you can turn back whenever you are ready. In the winter, you need to get decked out in a dry suit to — you know — not get hypothermia. 

Angel’s Landing Hike

Angel’s Landing  takes you 5,790 feet up a giant rock formation, a straight-up column! The last part of the hike is not for the faint of heart, as it is very narrow, very high, and not much in terms of railing protection. Once you arrive, you are awarded the best views of Zion Canyon.

Tip: Due to the popularity of Angel’s Landing, you now need to have a permit to hike it. Unfortunately, it is an online lottery system from the NPS . You can either try for the seasonal or the day before lottery. There is a small fee for every application.

Main Visitor Center Address:  Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767  

9. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park 

181 miles from Las Vegas NV | 94 miles to Page AZ 

Head to  Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park  before sunrise or sunset to see why this state park got its name. As the light hits the sand at just the right angle and intensity, the soft shades of pink tint for just a lingering hour or so before turning into a more familiar orangey hue. Not just for walking, parts of this park are popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts too. 

Address:  12500 Sand Dune Rd, Kanab, UT 84741  

10. 4WD Only: Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon (Red Canyon Slot)

210 miles from Las Vegas NV | 86 miles to Page AZ  

If I were able to drive to the trailhead of Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon, I 100% would have taken the chance. The colors of this slot canyon that I’ve seen seem to rival the most famous ones like Antelope Canyon, but way less crowds. 

I’ve heard that it’s too sandy for even a 4WD and that an ATV is the only way to go. So if you don’t have one handy, it might be time to sign up for this UTV Adventure Tour or this Guided Hiking Tour! 

GPS Location Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon (Red Canyon Slot) Trailhead:  (37.154396, -112.573955)  

Note:  Not to be confused with Peek-a-Boo Gulch in the Grand Staircase National Monument (next to Spooky Gulch), which I would recommend checking out too! The main feature is a tear-drop hole to enter through, the “Peek-a-Boo” part.

Peek-a-Boo Gulch Trailhead GPS Location:  (37.476722, -111.220222)   

11. Detour: Bryce Canyon National Park 

Roundtrip 2 hr added | 260 miles from Las Vegas NV | 151 miles to Page AZ 

The largest concentration of Hoodoos on the planet is in Bryce Canyon National Park. If you don’t know what hoodoos are, it’s basically rocks balancing on narrower sediment forming mushroom heads. Now add the Orange Creamsicle color and the subalpine bristles, and Bryce Canyon turns into a wonderment for the eyes. 

Visitor Center Address:  UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764  

Budget Tip! If you plan on going to more than two national parks this year, save money by buying a National Park Pass.

If you’re continuing up into Utah, check out these other Best  National Parks in Utah  

12. Kanab 

199 miles from Las Vegas NV | 74 miles to Page AZ 

A surprisingly touristy town, Kanab offers visitors hip restaurants, trading post souvenir shops, and usual small-town America stuff to do. But what is even more incredible is that Kanab is a hub for all the crazy amount of hikes surrounding it.

Visitor Center Address:  745 US-89, Kanab, UT 84741  

13. Buckskin Gulch 

245 miles from Las Vegas NV | 44 miles to Page AZ 

Buckskin Gulch was my first impressive slot canyon, and I was amazed at every turn. I remember seeing my first pink hue, and I took 20 pictures, thinking it was the last time I would see that color on the hike.

Boy, was I wrong. The massive rocks tower over you at the intersection (pictured below) before opening up into this beautiful area.

I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place…(until I got to Page). Even if you’re not a confident hiker, you should still see it for yourself with this Private Buckskin Gulch Tour or this small-group option.

If you are going yourself, I would recommend going to  Buckskin Gulch via Wire Pass.  The entirety of Buckskin Gulch is 15 miles long. Wire Pass allows you to cut right into the middle of the slot canyon at an impressive intersection after only 1-2 miles of meh-ness. Both right or left from the intersection have equally remarkable bits. 

Tip:  Sometimes, pools of water block the hiking path. Also, it is unsafe to be in a slot canyon for flash flood reasons if it is raining. 

GPS Location Wire Pass Trailhead:  (37.018958, -112.024722)  

14. The Wave (Permit Needed)

247 miles from Las Vegas NV | 46 miles to Page AZ  

A smooth orange rock formation lies before you in a smooth wave etched out with a lighter colored lining. It’s one of the biggest of its kind, taking up your whole view.

The Wave is so popular and fragile that there is a super restrictive limit to visit the formation at  only 64 people per day max!  It’s not even an easy hike, at 6.5 miles roundtrip. 

How to Enter for The Wave Lottery

It used to be that at 8am every morning, hopeful applicants would gather at a Kanab school gym, to submit themselves for a chance to win the lottery for “The Wave.”

But since then, The Wave permit has moved online, which in my opinion is going to make it infinitely harder. Also, I’m salty since I’m not good at pre-planning.

Permit for the Wave: Apply for the permit lottery here

15. Toadstool Hoodoos 

243 miles from Las Vegas NV | 29 miles to Page AZ 

Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Toadstool Hoodoos is an area where balanced rock formations look like mushroom heads. It makes you wonder how the hell they haven’t fallen…yet. The softer sediment below erodes the underbelly of the firmer rock, balancing some of these formations to impressive lengths. 

Tip:  There are a lot of areas with Hoodoo’s, so missing this one isn’t regretful. 

GPS Location Trailhead: ( 37.101110, -111.873263 )

16. Alstrom Point 

280 miles from Las Vegas NV | 42 miles to Page AZ 

Hands down, Alstrom Point is one of the best places to marvel at panoramic views of Lake Powell. Not the most accessible location to get to, there is a barrier to entry to this must-see location. 

Just across the Utah border in Big Water, a harrowing 25-mile off-roading experience takes 1.5hrs to get to the ultimate lookout. Most vehicles will make the first 15 miles, traversing across the Martian landscape of gray mud mounds.

Alstrom Point Route Recommendations

My Ford E-350 van made it to the end of the trail with some difficulty, but I may have been the only non-4×4 or truck in the vicinity.  Until the last 2 miles, I found it was doable for most SUVs,  of which you may need to hike to.

Tip: I recommend attempting the drive to Alstrom Point in the daytime. The road sometimes disappears, and there are no railings to save you from the canyon’s dramatic drop. 

If you make it, I promise you will be rewarded with a view of your life! That beauty, especially at sunrise, is seared into my memory forever. 

GPS Location:  (37.058900, -111.364700)  

17. Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River with spectacular views of the surrounding red rock cliffs. From its perch 1,000 feet above the river level, visitors can take in panoramic views of this landscape.

On sunny days, one can spot a rainbow created by the mist from the river below or watch as rafts pass through the canyon’s tight curves.

Can you see Horseshoe Bend without a tour?

Yes, you can visit Horseshoe Bend without a tour. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot, and it costs 10$ to enter. However, many tour companies like Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour offer this point of interest as a destination stop. However, Antelope Canyon cannot be visited without a Navajo guide.

End Route: from Las Vegas to Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ

You’ve finally made it from Las Vegas to Page Arizona! Being a total tease, I’m ending this post on Horseshoe Bend, one of the most famous landmarks in all of Arizona . But, there are just so many things to do in Page, AZ , that I made it into a separate article!

Where to Stay in Page, Arizona

Welcome to Page, Arizona! This serene town is blessed with stunning natural beauty but limited accommodation options. Almost all places to stay are well-known hotel chains, but even the nice ones are relatively inexpensive.

Here is an option for each budget:

Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell

  RATING: 8 out of 10 Stars ( 500+ reviews ) | $ $$

For travelers who want to R&R with a view, we recommend Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell. Overlooking the Glen Canyon Dam in the heart of Page, Hyatt Place offers spacious rooms with a clean, modern look. Of course, more brownie points for the fitness center, well-stocked bar, and awesome outdoor pool & patio chill area.

Sleep Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell

  RATING: 8.5 out of 10 Stars ( 1400+ reviews ) | $ $

A mid-range option is booking a stay at Sleep Inn and Suites Page at Lake Powell. Rooms here come equipped with all modern amenities for a good night’s sleep. The hotel has an indoor pool, and guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning.

Super 8 by Wyndham Page/Lake Powell

  RATING: 8.1 out of 10 Stars ( 900+ reviews ) | $

Jump in for a refreshing dip in this Super 8’s outdoor pool after a day of exploration. Located just off the freeway minutes away from the downtown area of Page, you can easily access local restaurants and shops. The rooms are basic but have all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

Cautions on a Zion to Horseshoe Bend Road Trip

Winter closures.

If you are going in the winter, watch for black ice and winter storm and check the NPS official sites for park road closures. For many national parks, only a portion may be accessible in the winter months. 

Flash Floods

Plan your southwest road trip well! There is always a risk of flash floods in desert areas, especially in slot canyons. If it is raining, it can be hazardous to be in a slot canyon, so check the weather or evacuate if the weather takes a turn drastically.

FAQs About a Roadtrip from Las Vegas to Page Arizona

Page is approximately 280 miles from Las Vegas, and the easiest way to get there is by car. Flights from Las Vegas to Page are available but very pricey. Renting a car from Discovercars may be a better option for you if you are considering flying.

Absolutely! Page is home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders, including Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. They are all worth the visit.

Page is only 2.5 hours away from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park which makes it a great day trip destination. Although, with so much to explore, it’s best to dedicate an entire day, at least, to the Grand Canyon.

Ideally, you need at least 2-3 days to fully explore Page. Many of the best outdoor activities include hiking in Antelope Canyon, kayaking on Lake Powell which take more time than just the viewpoints.

The closest Arizona town to Las Vegas is Kingman, which is located 105 miles southeast of Las Vegas. Page is only 10 miles south of the Utah border.

Page is only 10 miles south of the Utah border.

Page is pretty cheap, aside from the fact you have to join organized tours to Antelope Valley and many other attractions on Navajo Reservation. Many accommodation options are the cheapest I have seen in all of America with very reasonable restaurants to choose from.

Bucket List Worthy: Where should I stop between Antelope Canyon and Las Vegas?

Hopefully, you’ve discovered some awesome detour-worthy things to do to add to your route between Zion and Horseshoe Bend on a Las Vegas to Page Arizona road trip.

If you don’t have a week to hit everything on this route, then here are a few bucket list-worthy stops that you should prioritize on your Las Vegas to Page AZ road trip. Happy planning on the rest of your Southwest USA road trip itinerary!

• Valley of Fire State Park
• Snow Canyon State Park
• Zion National Park
• Buckskin Gulch
• Alstrom Point

Where to Next?

If you’re looking for how to get to some of these other popular places in the American Southwest, I may have a post on them:

• Page AZ: Upper Antelope Canyon, Lower Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Kayaking the Colorado River, Glen Canyon Dam
• Northern Arizona Road Trip : Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona
• Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas: Find the best bus tours from Sin City
• Sedona Jeep Tours: Discover the best off-road Sedona adventure
• Las Vegas : If you’re looking for fun things to do within Vegas
• Death Valley Tours from Las Vegas: Head out to the hottest, lowest, driest place on Earth
• Northern New Mexico : Four Corners National Monument, Shiprock Monolith, Bisti Badlands

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