Southwest USA Adventure: Las Vegas, Utah 5 National Parks & Beyond

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas & Preparation

Morning: Arrive in Las Vegas, NV and check into your hotel. Spend some time relaxing and acclimating to the desert environment.

Afternoon: Explore the Las Vegas Strip and visit iconic landmarks such as the Bellagio Fountains and the High Roller observation wheel.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a renowned Las Vegas restaurant and rest early for an early start the next day.

Day 2: Zion National Park & Drive to Bryce Canyon

Morning: Depart from Las Vegas heading to Zion National Park in Utah. Take a scenic hike to the Emerald Pools or Riverside Walk.

Afternoon: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Visit the park’s famous hoodoos and scenic viewpoints such as Sunrise Point.

Evening: Stay overnight at nearby Bryce Canyon Lodge or camp at the park’s campground.

Day 3: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Exploration

Morning: Head east to explore the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Choose a moderate hike like the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail.

Afternoon: Continue scenic drives to see rock formations and slot canyons within the monument.

Evening: Stay at a local inn in Escalante or a nearby lodge.

Day 4: Capitol Reef & Drive to Arches National Park

Morning: Visit Capitol Reef National Park, exploring the Fruita Historic District and hiking easy trails to scenic vistas.

Afternoon: Begin the drive towards Arches National Park, arriving in the afternoon to explore famous arches like Delicate Arch viewpoints.

Evening: Stay overnight in Moab, a gateway town for both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Day 5: Canyonlands National Park & Travel to Antelope Canyon

Morning: Spend the morning exploring Canyonlands National Park, focusing on the Island in the Sky district for breathtaking overlooks.

Afternoon: Drive south to Page, Arizona, and join a guided tour of Antelope Canyon, marveling at the famous light beams and narrow sandstone walls.

Evening: Stay overnight in Page, AZ.

Day 6: Motorized Raft Trip on the Colorado River

Morning & Afternoon: Embark on a motorized raft trip along the Colorado River, experiencing canyons and rapids with expert guides, soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Evening: Return to Page, enjoy a relaxed dinner, and prepare for departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Las Vegas activities: 4 hours - $100 (dining and activities)
• Zion National Park: 4 hours - $35 (park entrance)
• Bryce Canyon National Park: 3 hours - $35 (park entrance)
• Grand Staircase-Escalante hike: 3 hours - Free
• Capitol Reef National Park: 3 hours - $35 (park entrance)
• Arches National Park: 3 hours - $35 (park entrance)
• Canyonlands National Park: 3 hours - $35 (park entrance)
• Antelope Canyon guided tour: 2 hours - $80
• Colorado River motorized raft trip: 6 hours - $250
• Accommodation (6 nights average) - $900 total
• Car rental & fuel - $450 total

Total Estimated Cost: $2,000

Tips

For those wanting a shorter trip, consider focusing only on the southern Utah parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase) and skip the motorized raft trip to save both time and budget. To extend your adventure, add extra days for more in-depth hikes at each national park or include a visit to nearby Monument Valley and a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon for unparalleled views.