October 2025 Southwest Adventure: Williams, Sedona & Las Vegas

Day 1 – October 13: Arrival in Williams

Morning: Arrive in Phoenix early and pick up your rental car for the scenic two‑hour drive to Williams. Enjoy the rolling pine forests and keep an eye out for desert wildlife.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and stroll the historic downtown, browsing local shops and the Williams Depot for a glimpse of classic Route 66 charm.

Evening: Dine at a cowboy‑style steakhouse and catch the sunset over the **Grand Canyon Railway** yard, where you’ll board the train the next morning.

Day 2 – October 14: Grand Canyon & Sedona

Morning: Board the **Grand Canyon Railway** for a leisurely 2‑hour journey to the South Rim, taking in spectacular canyon vistas and a narrated history.

Afternoon: Return to Williams, pick up the road‑trip kit, and drive to Sedona (≈2 hrs). After checking in, explore the vibrant **Uptown Sedona** art galleries and boutiques.

Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view at a restaurant overlooking **Red Rock Country**, then watch the famous **Sedona sunset** light up Cathedral Rock.

Day 3 – October 15: Sedona Highlights

Morning: Hike the iconic **Cathedral Rock** trail for breathtaking panoramas; the trail is moderate and takes about 2 hours round‑trip.

Afternoon: Visit the **Chapel of the Holy Cross**, then drive to **Slide Rock State Park** for a refreshing dip in natural water slides.

Evening: Take a leisurely drive to **Bell Rock** for a sunset vortex experience, followed by a relaxed dinner in **Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village**.

Day 4 – October 16: Las Vegas Arrival

Morning: Depart Sedona early and travel to Las Vegas (≈4½ hrs). Stop at **Hoover Dam** for a quick photo op and a glimpse of engineering marvels.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel on the Strip, then explore the famous **Bellagio Fountains** and the luxurious **Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens**.

Evening: Stroll down **The Strip**, catch a dazzling **Cirque du Soleil** show, and end the night with a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the neon skyline.

Day 5 – October 17: Final Day & Departure

Morning: Visit the historic **Fremont Street Experience** for vintage Vegas vibes and street performances.

Afternoon: Relax at your hotel pool or take a quick trip to **Red Rock Canyon** for a scenic drive before packing.

Evening: Head to McCarran International Airport for your 9 PM flight, allowing plenty of time for rental return and security.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Grand Canyon Railway (round‑trip) – 4 hrs total – $100 per person
• Cathedral Rock hike – 2 hrs – Free (parking $10)
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – 1 hr – $5 entry
• Slide Rock State Park – 2 hrs – $20 parking
• Bell Rock sunset vortex – 1 hr – Free
• Hoover Dam visit – 1.5 hrs – $15 parking
• Bellagio Fountains & Conservatory – 1 hr – Free
• Cirque du Soleil show – 2 hrs – $150 per ticket
• Fremont Street Experience – 2 hrs – Free (optional $10 for zip line)
• Red Rock Canyon scenic drive – 2 hrs – $15 entrance
• Accommodation (5 nights) – – $1,250 total (average $250/night)
• Rental car (6 days) – – $300 total
• Meals (average $60/day per person) – – $300 total
Total Estimated Cost: $2,415

Tips

To extend the adventure, add an extra day in Sedona for a sunrise hot‑air balloon ride or a Jeep tour of the backcountry. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the Hoover Dam stop and spend the extra evening on the Las Vegas Strip, or replace the Cirque du Soleil show with a free fountain or light show to save both time and money.