Epic Western Loop: Salt Lake City → Cedar Breaks → Page → Las Vegas → Central Coast CA → Yosemite → Napa → Redwoods → Mount Rainier → North Cascades → Olympic NP → Yellowstone → Back to Salt Lake City
Viewed by 66 travelers
Day 1: To Page
Salt Lake City, UT → Cedar Breaks, UT → Page, AZ on August 12, 2025
Short scenic stop to admire the amphitheater of colorful rock; quick overlooks and short walks are best due to altitude. Visitor info and viewpoints typically accessible dawn–dusk; facilities limited.
Short 20–30 minute walk from the parking lot to a dramatic Colorado River overlook; best at golden hour for photos. Parking lot often open 6:00am–10:00pm but check current policies and parking fee.
Iconic Navajo-guided slot canyon photography tour — book in advance (morning light is best). Tours operate in set time blocks (generally morning/afternoon) and require Navajo permit; expect uneven footing.
If you have the energy, a 1–2 hour boat tour or quick rental provides a different perspective of the canyon walls; check operator hours and seasonal availability.
Stroll the Strip, visit the Bellagio Conservatory and watch the nightly fountain shows (shows run frequently in evenings). Most attractions open late afternoon–evening.
Short drive to Red Rock Canyon (permit/fee area) for a scenic loop and short hikes — great if you want nature after the Strip. Visitor center hours typically 8:00am–5:00pm.
Short coastal drive (about 45–60 minutes) to Hearst Castle — park at the visitor center and take the shuttle tour up the hill. Book castle tours ahead; the grounds open morning through late afternoon (tour times scheduled).
Stroll Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium exterior areas (the aquarium has scheduled entry times — check availability). Walk along the scenic coastal path.
Drive to Tunnel View for classic panoramas and short walks to Bridalveil Fall (falls flow seasonally; visitor facilities open typically daylight hours).
Early breakfast before heading into Mount Rainier National Park (park roads and visitor centers typically open early; Nisqually/Paradise access may vary seasonally).
Paradise offers wildflower meadows and views of Mount Rainier; visitor center and trails are usually accessible daytime (check for road/parking restrictions).
Visit Diablo Lake viewpoint for turquoise water views and short walks; the North Cascade Scenic Highway offers spectacular landscapes (access daylight hours).
Scenic drive to the Olympic Peninsula; ferry options from Seattle shorten driving but require schedule planning. Port Angeles visitor center hours often 9:00am–5:00pm.
Very early start — this is a long transit day across Washington and Idaho into Montana (likely 10–12+ hours). Consider breaking into two days if you prefer less driving.
Visit the canyon overlooks and take a short hike for different perspectives of Lower/Upper Falls; visitor centers open daytime for maps and safety info.