10-Night Southwest National Parks Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Las Vegas & Drive to Zion National Park

Morning: Arrive at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, pick up rental car, and begin the drive to Zion National Park.

Afternoon: Check into accommodation near Zion. Explore the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and take a short hike to the Riverside Walk.

Evening: Relax at your lodge and enjoy dinner in nearby Springdale.

Day 2: Zion National Park Exploration

Morning: Hike the iconic Angels Landing or opt for the easier Emerald Pools trails.

Afternoon: Visit the Zion Human History Museum and take the scenic shuttle through Zion Canyon.

Evening: Stargazing near the park or relaxing at your accommodation.

Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Stop at viewpoints like Sunrise Point and Bryce Amphitheater.

Afternoon: Hike the Navajo Loop Trail to see the hoodoos up close.

Evening: Dinner in Bryce Canyon City and enjoy the unique night sky at Bryce.

Day 4: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Morning: Drive through the scenic byways of Grand Staircase-Escalante, stopping at Scenic Overlook and Devils Garden.

Afternoon: Explore slot canyons or short hikes in the area such as Peekaboo Gulch.

Evening: Drive south and stay overnight near Capitol Reef National Park.

Day 5: Capitol Reef National Park

Morning: Visit the Fruita Historic District and enjoy the orchards with a possible fresh fruit snack.

Afternoon: Hike to Hickman Bridge or explore the scenic Capitol Gorge.

Evening: Sunset views from Gooseberry Mesa and overnight stay in Torrey.

Day 6: Drive to Arches National Park, Moab

Morning: Long drive to Moab, gateway to Arches National Park.

Afternoon: Visit Delicate Arch Viewpoint and do a short hike to Balanced Rock.

Evening: Explore downtown Moab and sample local cuisine.

Day 7: Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park

Morning: Early hike to Delicate Arch.

Afternoon: Drive to Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky sector. Visit Mesa Arch and Grand View Point.

Evening: Relax back in Moab or enjoy sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Day 8: Colorado River Half Motorized Raft Trip

Morning: Meet your tour for a half-day motorized raft trip on the Colorado River near Moab, enjoying the canyon scenery from the water.

Afternoon: Return to Moab and visit Moab Museum or take it easy with a walk around town.

Evening: Dinner and rest after your river adventure.

Day 9: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Morning: Drive to Page, Arizona and tour the stunning Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower).

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Horseshoe Bend viewpoint for iconic Colorado River views.

Evening: Overnight in Page and enjoy local dining options.

Day 10: Return to Las Vegas

Morning: Begin drive back to Las Vegas. Option to stop at scenic viewpoints or attractions en route (such as Lake Powell or Hoover Dam).

Afternoon: Arrive in Las Vegas and check into hotel.

Evening: Final night in Vegas – enjoy a show, casino, or a relaxing dinner.

Day 11: Departure from Las Vegas

Morning: Pack up and head to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport for your flight home.

Afternoon: —

Evening: —

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zion National Park: 2 days, approx. 12 hours of hiking/touring, $35 vehicle entrance fee
• Bryce Canyon National Park: 1 day, 5-6 hours hiking and sightseeing, $35 vehicle entrance fee
• Grand Staircase-Escalante: 1 day, 6 hours exploration, free (some specific guided tours optional)
• Capitol Reef National Park: 1 day, 5 hours hiking and sightseeing, $35 vehicle entrance fee
• Arches National Park: 2 days, ~10 hours hiking and exploring, $35 vehicle entrance fee
• Canyonlands National Park: 1 day, 4-5 hours sightseeing, included with Arches annual pass
• Half Motorized Raft Trip (Colorado River): Half-day (4-5 hours), approx. $120-150 per person
• Antelope Canyon Tour: 3 hours, approx. $60-80 per person
• Horseshoe Bend: 1-2 hours, free
• Total Estimated Cost: $355 - $375 (park fees + tours per person, excluding accommodation, food, car rental, and flights)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding a full day in Moab to visit more remote Canyonlands areas or dead horse point, or add a guided backcountry tour in Grand Staircase-Escalante. To shorten the trip, skip Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase, focusing on Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Antelope Canyon with the river trip to reduce driving times.