Arizona & Utah Adventure: December 6‑13

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Sedona

Morning: Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and pick up your rental car. Grab a quick coffee before heading north on I‑17.

Afternoon: Drive the scenic 2‑hour route to Sedona, stopping at the iconic Red Rock State Park overlook for photos.

Evening: Check into your lodge, enjoy a sunset dinner at a local restaurant, and unwind under the starry desert sky.

Day 2: Exploring Sedona’s Red Rocks

Morning: Hike the Cathedral Rock trail for breathtaking vistas of the sandstone spires.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Chapel of the Holy Cross and explore the art galleries of Uptown Sedona.

Evening: Dine at a downtown eatery and take a leisurely stroll along the Oak Creek Canyon rim.

Day 3: Grand Canyon South Rim

Morning: Depart early for the Grand Canyon (≈2‑hour drive) and stop at Mather Point for panoramic sunrise views.

Afternoon: Walk part of the Bright Angel Trail, then explore the historic Grand Canyon Village and its museums.

Evening: Watch the sunset from Yavapai Point** before returning to Sedona for the night.

Day 4: Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon

Morning: Drive to Page, AZ and hike to the iconic Horseshoe Bend for a dramatic Colorado River vista.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the stunning Antelope Canyon, capturing its swirling light‑filled corridors.

Evening: Return to Sedona, stopping at a local diner for a hearty meal before a restful night.

Day 5: Journey to Zion National Park

Morning: Depart Sedona and travel north‑west to Springdale, UT, the gateway to Zion (≈4‑hour drive).

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation, then explore the charming town of Springdale.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and attend a brief ranger talk on park safety and highlights.

Day 6: Zion National Park Highlights

Morning: Hike the legendary Angels Landing for soaring cliff‑side views (permit required).

Afternoon: Descend to the Shuttle and ride to the trailhead for The Narrows, wading through the Virgin River.

Evening: Relax back in Springdale, perhaps with a soothing soak in a hot tub or a stroll along the town’s art walk.

Day 7: Free Day – Optional Adventures

Morning: Choose a leisurely activity such as a scenic drive through Kolob Canyons or a guided canyon bike tour.

Afternoon: Visit the Zion Human History Museum or enjoy a spa treatment in Springdale.

Evening: Celebrate your final night with a special dinner and stargazing under the clear Utah sky.

Day 8: Return to Phoenix

Morning: Pack up and begin the drive back to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (≈5‑hour journey).

Afternoon: Return the rental car and, if time permits, explore the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix.

Evening: Catch your flight home, carrying memories of red rocks, canyons, and endless horizons.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – Arrival/Departure: 2 hrs, $0 (parking fee optional)
• Red Rock State Park (Sedona) – Viewpoint stop: 1 hr, $20 entrance
• Cathedral Rock – Hike: 2 hrs, $0
• Chapel of the Holy Cross – Visit: 1 hr, $5 donation
• Grand Canyon – Mather Point – Sunrise viewing: 1 hr, $35 park fee (per vehicle)
• Bright Angel Trail – Short hike: 2 hrs, $0
• Yavapai Point – Sunset: 1 hr, $0
• Horseshoe Bend – Hike: 1 hr, $0
• Antelope Canyon – Guided tour: 2 hrs, $70
• Springdale (Zion gateway) – Lunch/Exploration: 2 hrs, $30
• Angels Landing – Hike (permit): 4 hrs, $0
• The Narrows – River hike: 3 hrs, $0 (shuttle $15 round‑trip)
• Kolob Canyons (optional) – Scenic drive: 2 hrs, $0
• Zion Human History Museum – Visit: 1 hr, $10
• Heard Museum (Phoenix) – Visit: 2 hrs, $12
• Accommodation (7 nights) – Average $150/night, $1,050
• Rental Car (8 days) – $55/day, $440
• Meals (average $45/day) – 8 days, $360
• Total Estimated Cost – $2,307

Tips

To extend the trip, add a full day at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim or explore nearby Monument Valley for iconic desert scenery. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the optional Kolob Canyons drive and combine the Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon visit into a single half‑day tour, saving both time and travel mileage.