24-Day Grand Western Loop: Salt Lake City → Cedar Breaks → Page (Antelope Canyon) → Las Vegas → Central CA Coast → Yosemite → Napa → Redwoods → Mt. Rainier → North Cascades → Olympic → Yellowstone → Return
Viewed by 189 travelers
Day 1: SLC → Cedar Breaks → Road to Page
Salt Lake City, UT → Cedar Breaks National Monument → Page, AZ on August 12, 2025
Short rim walk and overlooks at Cedar Breaks showcase colorful amphitheater cliffs similar to Bryce; Visitor Center typically open 9am–4pm (seasonal) so plan accordingly.
Pre-book a guided tour (Upper is the classic light-beam option; Lower is narrower and adventurous). Tours usually run 8am–5pm depending on operator — plan for a 1.5–2 hour guided visit. Highly recommended to reserve in advance.
Short 20–30 minute hike from the parking area to the overlook — best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun; open year‑round but visitor center hours may be limited.
Scenic viewpoints at Glen Canyon Dam or a short boat rental/cruise on Lake Powell. Boat tour operators typically run through the afternoon; check return times and book in advance in summer.
Walk through Bellagio Conservatory (free), Caesars, Venetian canals, and photo-stops. Conservatory hours typically 24/7 but displays change seasonally.
Drive inland toward Yosemite Valley (3.5–4.5 hours depending on route). If traveling via Tioga Pass (Highway 120), check seasonal openings; in August Tioga Pass is usually open.
Early morning viewpoints offer incredible light; Glacier Point access sometimes requires reservation or high-clearance vehicle — check current park alerts.
Reserve a tasting appointment at your chosen winery for the afternoon; many tasting rooms operate 10am–4pm, with some offering later private tastings. Book in advance for popular producers.
Scenic but long drive (~4–6 hours depending on exact Redwood destination). Arrive in the late afternoon; visitor centers often open till mid‑evening seasonally.
A long day of driving north through Oregon into Washington (expect 8–10+ hours depending on stops). Breaks in Portland or along the Columbia River are logical.
Check-in and rest. Plan next two days for Rainier’s Paradise or Sunrise areas which have varying access hours; visitor centers typically open mid‑morning.
Paradise (south) and Sunrise (northeast) are the two main visitor hubs; Paradise Visitor Center hours vary (often 9am–5pm). Pick one area and enjoy alpine meadows, short hikes, and views of the glacier-capped peak.
Stop at the North Cascades Visitor Center (Marblemount or Newhalem) and take in Diablo Lake’s turquoise color — visitor center hours vary seasonally so confirm before arrival.
Cross the Cascades and head west; depending on route expect a 4–6 hour drive. If coming from Winthrop, consider stopping in Seattle for lunch and a quick ferry or continue via I‑5 + Hwy 101.
Hurricane Ridge offers alpine views and short hikes; visitor center hours vary (often 9am–5pm). In summer, the road up is typically open with parking shuttle info in some seasons.
Explore the rugged Pacific coastline with sea stacks and tidepools; check tide charts for best times (coastal access is 24/7 but safety varies with tides).
This is a long cross‑state trek (expect 12+ hours). Consider breaking the drive into two days if preferred — notable stop options include Spokane or Missoula.
Old Faithful erupts on a predictable schedule; visitor centers (Old Faithful Visitor Education Center) often open 8:30am–5pm. Walk the boardwalks to see geysers and hot springs safely.
Walk the easy 1.3‑mile Tower Trail circling the monument; visitor center often open 9am–5pm — excellent for late afternoon light and climbing views (climbs are regulated).
Drive south and slightly west; travel time depends on exact route (estimate 4–6 hours). Fossil Butte is a quieter, less-visited monument with excellent fossil exhibits.
Visitor center exhibits explain Eocene lake fossils; visitor center hours are typically daytime (confirm before arrival). Trails around the monument are short and interpretive.
Enjoy a farewell lunch downtown; use remaining time for any last-minute shopping or a stroll in Temple Square if time permits (visitor center hours vary).