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10-Night Southwest National Parks & Scenic Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 163 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas & Evening Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Las Vegas, check into your hotel and relax after your flight.

Afternoon: Explore the famous Las Vegas Strip, visiting iconic landmarks and grabbing a bite at a local eatery.

Evening: Enjoy a show or stroll through the Fremont Street Experience to experience the vibrant nightlife.

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Day 2: Travel to Zion National Park

Morning: Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, check into nearby lodging or campground.

Afternoon: Explore the easy scenic trails such as the Riverside Walk and witness the Virgin River canyon walls.

Evening: Relax at your accommodation or enjoy a sunset viewpoint like Canyon Overlook Trail.

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Day 3: Zion National Park Adventure

Morning: Hike the iconic Angel's Landing trail for breathtaking views (permit required).

Afternoon: Visit the Zion Human History Museum followed by a scenic drive through the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway.

Evening: Dinner in Springdale town and rest for the next day's journey.

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Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park & Sunset

Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, check into nearby lodging.

Afternoon: Explore the unique hoodoos at Sunset Point and hike along the Navajo Loop Trail.

Evening: Watch the spectacular sunset glow on the hoodoos at Sunset Point.

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Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park & Scenic Drive

Morning: Travel to Capitol Reef National Park, start with the Fruita Historic District and farm stop.

Afternoon: Take the scenic drive along the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive and short hikes to petroglyphs and viewpoints.

Evening: Stay overnight near Capitol Reef or continue toward Grand Staircase area.

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Day 6: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Morning: Explore parts of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument including Calf Creek Falls hike.

Afternoon: Visit scenic overlooks and slot canyons like Peek-a-boo Gulch or Spooky Gulch.

Evening: Overnight stay in nearby towns such as Kanab or Escalante.

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Day 7: Travel to Page, Arizona & Antelope Canyon

Morning: Drive to Page, Arizona, check in and prepare for a canyon tour.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the famous Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower), with photo opportunities in narrow sandstone walls.

Evening: Dinner in Page and relax for next day's river trip.

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Day 8: Motorized Raft Trip on the Colorado River

Morning: Embark on a motorized raft trip through the Colorado River, experiencing stunning river views and canyon walls.

Afternoon: Continue the rafting adventure with stops for photos, wildlife spotting, and light snacks included.

Evening: Return to Page, rest after your river excursion.

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Day 9: Travel to Arches National Park

Morning: Drive to Moab, Utah and check into accommodations near Arches National Park.

Afternoon: Visit iconic formations like Delicate Arch via a moderate hike and enjoy the panoramic landscape.

Evening: Dinner in Moab and optional stargazing near the park’s dark sky areas.

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Day 10: Canyonlands National Park & Departure Prep

Morning: Explore the Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky district with scenic viewpoints such as Mesa Arch.

Afternoon: Return to Moab, visit local shops or relax before heading back to Las Vegas or your onward destination.

Evening: Final overnight stay in Moab or begin drive back toward Las Vegas depending on flight schedules.

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Day 11: Departure from Las Vegas

Morning: Drive back to Las Vegas with optional stops for breakfast or photo ops along the route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Las Vegas, return rental car, and check in for your flight home.

Evening: Flight departure or if late, overnight in Las Vegas as needed.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Las Vegas Exploration: 4-6 hours, $0-$50 (shows/extras)
  • Zion National Park: 2 days, $35 park entrance fee + hiking permits ~$15
  • Bryce Canyon National Park: 1 day, $35 park entrance fee
  • Capitol Reef National Park: 1 day, $20 park entrance fee
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante Hiking: 1 day, free
  • Antelope Canyon Tour: 2-3 hours, $60-$80 per person
  • Colorado River Motorized Raft Trip: 4-6 hours, approx. $150-$200 per person
  • Arches National Park: 1 day, $35 park entrance fee
  • Canyonlands National Park: Half day, $35 park entrance fee (valid for both Arches & Canyonlands for 7 days)
  • Accommodations (10 nights): Varied $100-$200 per night (~$1,000-$2,000 total)
  • Car Rental & Gas: 10 days, approx. $600-$800

Total Estimated Cost: $2,500 - $3,500 per person

Tips

To extend the trip duration, consider adding more days in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area for deeper slot canyon exploration or incorporating a guided backcountry Jeep tour near Moab. For those wanting to reduce trip length, focus on the Utah “Mighty 5” parks only, skipping the Colorado River raft trip and Antelope Canyon, which can save 2-3 days without losing the core national park experiences.

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