21-Day Southwest USA Road-Trip: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Petrified Forest and Back to Las Vegas
Scenic 40–60 minute drive (depending on traffic) to Hoover Dam for views of the dam, spillways and the Colorado River; great first stop to stretch legs.
Walk the overlook and visitor plaza or take the Powerplant/Dam tour if you've reserved — visitor center typically 9am–5pm, guided tours run mid-morning through late afternoon depending on season.
30–40 minute drive west of the Strip; scenic 13-mile loop road with multiple pullouts and short hikes. Red Rock Scenic Drive open dawn–dusk; entrance fee per vehicle.
Stop at overlooks (Calico Hills, Sandstone Quarry) and take a short hike like Calico Tanks or Canyon Overlook; visitor center hours are usually 8am–4pm but the road is daytime only.
Short drive north to see desert landscape and interpretive signage about Ice Age fossils; there is no large visitor center open long hours, so plan for daylight hours and check NPS website for seasonal visitor info.
Use hotel spa or take an organized afternoon tour (e.g., helicopter to the Grand Canyon is available but requires advance booking); otherwise relax and recharge for the concert evening.
Short interpretive visit to see well-preserved cliff dwellings; monument visitor center typically open 9am–5pm. Very short walk to the main viewpoint; allow 45–60 minutes.
Lowell Observatory visits are great for astronomy fans (hours vary); otherwise stroll historic downtown and shops. Observatory often open afternoons and has evening telescope programs (tickets needed).
Short 1.2-mile roundtrip walk from parking lot to overlook; viewpoint open daylight hours — parking fee/lot fee applies in Page area. Best light late afternoon but be mindful of heat and crowds.
Take a guided tour of Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon (Upper more photogenic with light beams mid-day; Lower is slot-canyon labyrinth). Tours typically run 9am–3pm and require Navajo permits and advance booking.
Scenic drive northeast toward Monument Valley (allow ~2–2.5 hours). Arrive mid-afternoon for viewpoints and photos; visitor center open usually 8am–6pm.
You can drive the valley floor if allowed (4WD recommended) or take a Navajo-guided tour; the View Hotel or visitor center offer fantastic lookout points.
Visit iconic arches: Delicate Arch viewpoint or hike (allow 1.5–3 hours depending how close you go). Park entrance fee usually per vehicle; timed entry reservation may be required during peak season (check NPS).
Drive the park road, stop at viewpoints and short hikes (Capitol Gorge, Cassidy Arch if you want a moderate hike). Visitor center hours commonly 8am–5pm.
Drive the park road with stops at Newspaper Rock, Blue Mesa Trail and the Rainbow Forest Museum. Visitor center hours typically 8am–5pm; park open year-round daylight hours.
Decide whether to drop car tonight to avoid morning traffic; rental counters often open 24/7 but verify times. If keeping car overnight, confirm parking near airport.