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Southwest & Rocky Mountain Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 85 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Grand Canyon Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Phoenix and drive to the South Rim of Grand Canyon, checking into your lodge with stunning canyon views.

Afternoon: Walk the Rim Trail to iconic overlooks such as Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, soaking in the vast colors of the canyon.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at the historic El Tovar Dining Room, where the canyon walls glow in golden light.

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Day 2: Grand Canyon to Lake Powell

Morning: Hike a portion of the Bright Angel Trail for an immersive canyon experience.

Afternoon: Depart for Lake Powell, arriving at the Glen Canyon Marina and checking into a lakeside resort.

Evening: Take a sunset boat cruise on the turquoise waters, spotting the famous Rainbow Bridge silhouette.

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Day 3: Lake Powell Adventures

Morning: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the serene coves and hidden beaches of Lake Powell.

Afternoon: Guided tour of the iconic Antelope Canyon (optional) before returning to the lake for a relaxing swim.

Evening: Dine under the stars on the deck, with a campfire and stories of the desert.

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Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon and begin with a sunrise hike along the Rim Trail to see the hoodoos bathed in pink light.

Afternoon: Descend into the canyon on the Navajo Loop, marveling at the towering stone spires.

Evening: Stay at a nearby lodge and enjoy stargazing; Bryce’s dark skies are perfect for astronomy.

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Day 5: Zion National Park

Morning: Arrive at Zion and ride the shuttle to the trailhead of Angels Landing for a thrilling ascent.

Afternoon: Explore the Emerald Pools trail, winding through waterfalls and lush vegetation.

Evening: Return to Springdale for dinner and a leisurely stroll through the charming town.

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Day 6: Jackson Hole & Grand Tetons

Morning: Travel north to Jackson Hole, stopping for breakfast in the iconic town square.

Afternoon: Enter Grand Teton National Park and ride the scenic tram to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for panoramic vistas.

Evening: Relax in a rustic cabin, savoring a hearty western-style meal.

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Day 7: Grand Tetons Exploration

Morning: Hike the Cascade Canyon Trail, spotting elk and moose along the crystal‑clear river.

Afternoon: Take a boat cruise on Jenny Lake, with optional kayaking for the adventurous.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset photography session at Oxbow Bend before heading back to your lodge.

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Day 8: Yellowstone – Old Faithful & Geysers

Morning: Enter Yellowstone National Park and head straight to Old Faithful for the iconic eruption.

Afternoon: Explore the Upper Geyser Basin, walking the boardwalk past Grand Prismatic Spring and other active geysers.

Evening: Check into a park lodge and unwind with a wildlife‑watching drive in the dusk.

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Day 9: Yellowstone Wildlife & Landscapes

Morning: Drive through Lamar Valley, the “Serengeti of North America,” for prime wolf and bison sightings.

Afternoon: Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, stopping at Artist Point for breathtaking views.

Evening: Return to your lodge for a hearty dinner and share stories of the day’s encounters.

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Day 10: South Dakota – Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore & Buffalo Bill

Morning: Fly or drive to Rapid City and head straight to the monumental Crazy Horse Memorial, taking a guided tour of the sculpture and cultural center.

Afternoon: Walk the Mount Rushmore Presidential Trail, then explore the historic Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

Evening: Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for an immersive look at frontier history, followed by dinner in downtown Deadwood.

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Day 11: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final stroll through the Black Hills before heading to the airport.

Afternoon: Fly home with memories of towering cliffs, turquoise lakes, and iconic monuments.

Evening: Arrive back home, ready to share your adventure stories.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Grand Canyon – 6 hours; $35 entrance fee
  • Lake Powell – 5 hours; $20 entrance fee
  • Bryce Canyon – 4 hours; $35 entrance fee
  • Zion – 6 hours; $35 entrance fee
  • Jackson Hole – 3 hours; free
  • Grand Teton – 8 hours; $35 entrance fee
  • Yellowstone – 10 hours; $35 entrance fee
  • Old Faithful – 2 hours; included in Yellowstone fee
  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West – 3 hours; $28 admission
  • Crazy Horse Memorial – 3 hours; $22 admission
  • Mount Rushmore – 2 hours; $10 vehicle fee
  • Total Estimated Cost$255

Tips

If you need more time, add an extra day at Yellowstone for additional wildlife spotting or a day in the Black Hills for hiking the Badlands. To shorten the trip, combine Bryce Canyon and Zion into a single day by focusing on the most iconic viewpoints, and skip the Antelope Canyon tour near Lake Powell.

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