Epic Western Loop: Salt Lake City → Cedar Breaks → Page/Antelope Canyon → Las Vegas → California Coast & Yosemite → Pacific Northwest & Parks → Yellowstone Loop Back to Salt Lake City
Walk rim overlooks (Point Supreme) and a short section of the Spectra Point or Alpine Pond Trail to experience the colorful amphitheater and high-elevation flora; visitor contact station typically open May–Oct 9am–4pm — check seasonal closures.
High elevation gives spectacular sunset and dark skies—ideal for stargazing. Dress warmly; park hours are dawn–dusk for roads, but vista access remains good while visible.
Short walk (~1.5 miles round-trip) to the Horseshoe Bend rim for late-afternoon light; site is open daily but visitor center hours vary (typically 6am–8pm in summer).
Pre-book a Navajo Nation guided tour (Upper or Lower). Tours run multiple times daily (typically from ~8am–4pm); slot canyons are subject to Navajo permitting and flash-flood risk—confirm time/reservation and meet 30 min early.
Walk the Strip, visit Bellagio Conservatory and watch the fountains (shows begin in early evening). Most attractions open late; outdoor walking is best late afternoon to evening.
Catch a booked show (check start times — many at 7:30pm or 9:30pm) or explore casinos & rooftop bars; check show times and ticket availability in advance.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is ~20–30 minutes west; Scenic Drive is open dawn–dusk and is excellent for short hikes or viewpoints (visitor center hours vary).
Check into SLO and enjoy lunch on Higuera Street; the mission and downtown are walkable. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa typically open 9am–5pm (seasonal hours).
Visit the historic mission museum and stroll the quirky Bubblegum Alley and downtown shops; missions often have donation/entry fees and limited museum hours.
Drive ~20–30 minutes to Hearst Castle (San Simeon). Tours run throughout the day (typically 9am–4pm); book a tour time in advance—property has limited capacity and closing times vary seasonally.
Enjoy the 17-Mile Drive (fee ~USD11.25 per vehicle), stop at the Lone Cypress, and explore Cannery Row; Monterey Bay Aquarium typically open 10am–5pm (check current hours and reserve tickets).
Lunch at a Yosemite Valley café or picnic; park entrance (per vehicle) typically USD35 for 7 days—check current fees and reservations required in peak season.
Explore iconic valley viewpoints—Yosemite Falls short hikes and Valley viewpoints; many valley trails and viewpoints accessible year-round but some roads/trails are seasonal.
Drive to Glacier Point (seasonal road, usually open late spring–fall) or visit Tunnel View for sunrise photos of the valley; parking and shuttle options vary—check current road status and times.
Popular waterfall hike (prepare for wet sections and many steps); alternatives include Mirror Lake or Lower Yosemite Falls for an easier day. Trail conditions vary by season.
Stop by the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for exhibits and current conditions; gallery and bookstore provide context and maps (center hours typically around 9am–5pm).
Many wineries offer seated tastings and lunch pairings; reserve a winery (Castello di Amorosa, Domaine Carneros, or small family winery) in advance—tasting rooms generally open ~10am–5pm.
Visit 1–2 smaller tasting rooms or a wine tour company for a relaxed afternoon; transport options include shuttle or private driver if multiple tastings planned.
Visit the Kuchel Visitor Center or the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center (hours vary seasonally, often ~9am–5pm) for maps and trail recommendations; scenic drives and short hikes among coastal redwoods are highlights.
First light breakfast then a long drive inland toward the John Day Fossil Beds (Painted Hills) — expect ~6–7 hours of driving with scenic transitions from coast to high desert.
Explore the Painted Hills scenic loop and short trails; visitor center hours often ~9am–4pm—afternoon light is great for photos. Trails are short but fragile; stay on designated paths.
Visit Paradise (visitor center hours frequently 9am–5pm) or Sunrise for alpine views; check road status as some park roads are seasonal or under maintenance.
Scenic views at the Ross Lake/Diablo Lake area; the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) is seasonal—confirm it is open; visitor centers may operate seasonally (commonly 9am–5pm).
Explore Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses (trails short and accessible); visitor center hours vary (often ~9am–4pm). Check for rain gear—the rainforest is wet often year-round.
Long transit day from Olympic Peninsula to Yellowstone — plan a very early start and multiple driving segments (this will be a full day of driving, likely 10+ hours depending on route). Consider breaking this into two travel days if preferred.
Check into lodging near a Yellowstone gateway town (West Yellowstone or Gardiner) to prepare for full park days; get rest for early morning wildlife viewing.
Witness Old Faithful eruption schedule (predictions available at visitor centers). Boardwalks lead to many geysers and pools; visitor center open typically 8am–6pm but vary by location.
Explore the visitor center and complete the 1.3-mile Tower Trail around the monolith; visitor center hours often 8am–6pm in summer. Keep an eye out for climbers and cultural interpretive information.
Visit displays on Eocene fossils and explore short interpretive trails; visitor center hours often 9am–4:30pm—check seasonal closures and guided program availability.
Finish the trip with a memorable meal—Red Iguana for mole and Mexican classics, The Copper Onion for modern American cuisine. Both are popular—reservations recommended.