Southwest Adventure: Las Vegas → Grand Canyon → Arizona & California → Los Angeles (Oct 11‑14, 2025)

Day 1: Las Vegas → Grand Canyon

Morning: Depart Las Vegas early and drive to the iconic Hoover Dam for a quick photo stop (30 min). Continue across the Arizona border, enjoying desert scenery en route to the Grand Canyon.

Afternoon: Arrive at the Grand Canyon South Rim and explore the Visitor Center before strolling along the Bright Angel Trail for breathtaking vistas (≈3 h).

Evening: Watch the sunset over the canyon from Yavapai Point, then settle into a lodge in Grand Canyon Village for dinner and a relaxing night.

Day 2: Grand Canyon → Sedona

Morning: Catch sunrise at Mather Point, then enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading south toward Sedona.

Afternoon: Arrive in Sedona and drive the famous Red Rock Scenic Byway, stopping at viewpoints like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock (≈2 h).

Evening: Visit the historic Chapel of the Holy Cross for sunset reflections, then dine in the downtown arts district.

Day 3: Sedona → Joshua Tree → Palm Springs

Morning: Depart early for a cross‑state drive to California, crossing the Mojave Desert and stopping at the historic Route 66 town of Oatman for a quick look.

Afternoon: Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, hiking the Hidden Valley Trail and spotting iconic Joshua trees (≈3 h).

Evening: Continue to Palm Springs, check into a boutique hotel, and enjoy a sunset dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Palm Springs → Los Angeles

Morning: Take the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Antonio for panoramic desert views.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic 2‑hour route along the I‑10 to Los Angeles, stopping at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano for a brief tour.

Evening: Arrive in Los Angeles, check into your hotel, and conclude the trip with a night out at the vibrant Santa Monica Pier and nearby beachfront restaurants.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hoover Dam – 0.5 h, $15 (parking/entry)
• Grand Canyon South Rim – 4 h, $35 (vehicle entry)
• Bright Angel Trail – 3 h, free
• Yavapai Point – 0.5 h, free
• Mather Point – 0.5 h, free
• Red Rock Scenic Byway (Sedona) – 2 h, free
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – 1 h, $10 (donation)
• Joshua Tree National Park – 4 h, $30 (vehicle entry)
• Hidden Valley Trail – 1.5 h, free
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – 2 h, $30 (round‑trip ticket)
• Mission San Juan Capistrano – 1 h, $12 (admission)
• Santa Monica Pier – 2 h, free (parking $10 optional)
• Total Estimated Cost: $152

Tips

If you need more time, add an extra day in Sedona for hiking the Cathedral Rock and enjoying a wine tasting tour, or extend your stay in Los Angeles to explore Hollywood and the Getty Center. To shorten the trip, skip the Palm Springs leg and head directly from Joshua Tree to Los Angeles, or replace the Grand Canyon visit with a quicker stop at Lake Powell for scenic views.