Southwest Adventure: 14-Day Itinerary Starting and Ending in Denver, CO

Day 1: Denver to Durango

Morning: Depart Denver early and enjoy the scenic drive through the Rockies heading southwest towards Durango, CO.

Afternoon: Arrive in Durango and explore the historic downtown area including a visit to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.

Evening: Walk along the Animas River Trail and enjoy dinner at a local Durango restaurant.

Day 2: Durango & Surroundings

Morning: Take a morning ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the rugged mountain scenery.

Afternoon: Visit nearby Mesa Verde National Park to see ancient cliff dwellings.

Evening: Return to Durango and relax with an evening stroll or brewery visit.

Day 3: Durango to Page, AZ

Morning: Drive from Durango to Page, AZ, crossing into Arizona with impressive views of canyons and desert landscapes.

Afternoon: Explore Horseshoe Bend and then check in at your lodging in Page.

Evening: Visit the Glen Canyon Dam Overlook at sunset for spectacular views.

Day 4: Page and Glen Canyon

Morning: Take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, famous for its light beams and narrow sandstone walls.

Afternoon: Visit the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and consider a boat tour on Lake Powell.

Evening: Enjoy a riverside dinner and rest in Page.

Day 5: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim

Morning: Drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim, arriving in time to begin exploring.

Afternoon: Walk along the Rim Trail and visit viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station.

Evening: Watch the sunset over the canyon and stay overnight near the South Rim.

Day 6: Grand Canyon South Rim Exploration

Morning: Take a guided hike into the canyon via the Bright Angel Trail or a scenic shuttle bus tour.

Afternoon: Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and learn about the geology and history.

Evening: Attend a ranger-led evening program or stargaze in the dark sky park.

Day 7: Grand Canyon to Zion National Park

Morning: Depart the Grand Canyon and head to Zion National Park, UT through scenic highways.

Afternoon: Check into accommodations and explore easy trails like the Pa'rus Trail.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the nearby town of Springdale and relax.

Day 8: Zion National Park

Morning: Hike iconic trails such as Angel’s Landing or the Riverside Walk depending on fitness level.

Afternoon: Explore the Zion Human History Museum and drive through the famous Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

Evening: Attend an evening ranger talk or enjoy leisure time in Springdale.

Day 9: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park, stopping at viewpoints along the way.

Afternoon: Explore the Bryce Amphitheater with hikes on trails like Queen’s Garden.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Sunset Point and stargaze in the night sky.

Day 10: Bryce Canyon to Moab, UT

Morning: Early morning visit to Sunrise Point before driving to Moab, UT.

Afternoon: Arrive in Moab and explore downtown shops and galleries.

Evening: Prepare for next day's park visits, relaxing with dinner in Moab.

Day 11: Arches National Park - Moab

Morning: Spend the morning hiking to Delicate Arch, one of the park’s most famous features.

Afternoon: Explore scenic viewpoints such as Balanced Rock and Landscape Arch.

Evening: Enjoy sunset at Windows Section and dine in Moab.

Day 12: Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse Point

Morning: Visit Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky District with stops at Mesa Arch and Grand View Point.

Afternoon: Drive to Dead Horse Point State Park for breathtaking canyon views.

Evening: Return to Moab for dinner and relaxation.

Day 13: Moab to Glen Canyon and Surroundings

Morning: Drive from Moab back towards the Glen Canyon area along scenic byways.

Afternoon: Visit additional spots at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or kayak on Lake Powell if time permits.

Evening: Overnight near Page or nearby for an easier return route tomorrow.

Day 14: Return to Denver

Morning: Begin your journey back to Denver, stopping for breaks in quaint towns or scenic lookouts.

Afternoon: Continue the drive through Colorado, enjoying the varied landscapes.

Evening: Arrive back in Denver, concluding your Southwest adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: 4-5 hours, $90 per person
• Mesa Verde National Park: 3-4 hours, $30 per vehicle
• Horseshoe Bend: 1.5-2 hours, $10 parking fee
• Antelope Canyon Tour: 2-3 hours, $70 per person
• Glen Canyon Dam Tour: 1-2 hours, $15 per person
• Grand Canyon South Rim Entry: 2-3 days exploration, $35 per vehicle
• Zion National Park Entry: 2-3 days, $35 per vehicle
• Bryce Canyon National Park: 1-2 days, $35 per vehicle
• Arches National Park: 1 day, $30 per vehicle
• Canyonlands National Park: 1 day, $30 per vehicle
• Dead Horse Point State Park: 2-3 hours, $20 per vehicle
• Meals and Accommodation: Approx. $150 per day

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $3,000 - $3,500 per person

Tips

For travelers looking to extend the trip, consider adding extra days to explore more remote areas within Mesa Verde or adding a backpacking night in Zion or Grand Canyon. Those wanting to shorten the itinerary can skip Mesa Verde National Park or reduce time in Moab, focusing on only one major park (either Arches or Canyonlands) to save both time and expenses.