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10‑Day Road Trip: Los Angeles → Grand Canyon → Las Vegas (12/21/25 – 12/30/25)

Viewed by 103 travelers

Day 1: Los Angeles → Joshua Tree National Park

Morning: Depart LA early and enjoy the scenic drive along I‑10 to Joshua Tree National Park. Stop at the visitor center for maps and tips.

Afternoon: Hike the Hidden Valley Loop and snap photos among the iconic Joshua trees and rock formations.

Evening: Set up camp at Black Rock Campground or stay in nearby Twentynine Palms, then watch a stunning desert sunset.

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Day 2: Joshua Tree → Sedona, Arizona

Morning: Drive east on I‑40, crossing the California‑Arizona border toward Sedona. Enjoy the red‑rock landscape en route.

Afternoon: Explore the Cathedral Rock trail and have lunch in the charming downtown art district.

Evening: Relax at your lodge or campsite and experience the famous Sedona “red‑sky at night” over Bell Rock.

**Day 3: Sedona → Grand Canyon (South Rim)**

Morning: Depart Sedona and drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim, stopping at the historic Grand Canyon Railway Depot for a quick photo.

Afternoon: Walk along the Rim Trail from Mather Point to Yavapai Point, taking in panoramic vistas.

Evening: Check into your lodge at El Tovar or a nearby campsite and watch the sunset over the canyon.

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Day 4: Grand Canyon Exploration

Morning: Take the shuttle to the Bright Angel Trailhead and hike down to the Indian Garden (optional).

Afternoon: Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and the historic Kolb Studio for museum exhibits.

Evening: Attend a ranger‑led stargazing program and enjoy dinner with canyon views.

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Day 5: Grand Canyon → Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)

Morning: Drive north on US‑89 to Page, Arizona, checking in at your hotel.

Afternoon: Join a guided tour of Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower) and capture the famous light beams.

Evening: Walk to nearby Horseshoe Bend for sunset views over the Colorado River.

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Day 6: Page → Zion National Park → Las Vegas

Morning: Depart early for Zion National Park, stopping at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

Afternoon: Hike the easy Riverside Walk or take the shuttle to the base of The Narrows for a short adventure.

Evening: Continue west to Las Vegas, check into your hotel on the Strip, and enjoy a welcome dinner.

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Day 7: Las Vegas – The Strip & Shows

Morning: Stroll along the iconic Las Vegas Strip, visiting themed hotels like the Bellagio and its famous fountain show.

Afternoon: Explore the High Roller Observation Wheel for city views, then shop at the Forum Shops.

Evening: Attend a top‑rated show (e.g., Cirque du Soleil) and dine at a celebrity chef restaurant.

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Day 8: Day Trip to Hoover Dam

Morning: Drive 45 minutes to the historic Hoover Dam; take the guided power‑plant tour.

Afternoon: Walk the **Mike O’Callaghan‑Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge** for breathtaking views of the dam and Colorado River.

Evening: Return to Las Vegas for a relaxed dinner and optional nightlife.

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Day 9: Red Rock Canyon & Relaxation

Morning: Venture to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for a scenic drive and short hikes like Calico Tanks.

Afternoon: Return to the Strip for pool time or a spa treatment at your resort.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.

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Day 10: Las Vegas → Los Angeles

Morning: Pack up and begin the 4‑hour drive back to Los Angeles via I‑15, stopping at Calico Ghost Town for a quick look.

Afternoon: Arrive in LA, return the rental car, and unwind after an unforgettable road adventure.

Evening: Optional dinner at a favorite LA spot to reflect on the trip.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Joshua Tree National Park – 4 hrs – $30 (park fee)
  • Hidden Valley Loop – 2 hrs – Free
  • Black Rock Campground – Overnight – $20
  • Cathedral Rock (Sedona) – 3 hrs – Free
  • Grand Canyon South Rim – 2 days – $35 (park fee) + $150 (lodging)
  • Rim Trail – 2 hrs – Free
  • Bright Angel Trail – 4 hrs – Free
  • Antelope Canyon Tour – 2 hrs – $75
  • Horseshoe Bend – 1 hr – Free
  • Zion National Park – 1 day – $35 (park fee) + $120 (lodging)
  • Riverside Walk – 2 hrs – Free
  • Las Vegas Strip Exploration – 2 hrs – Free
  • High Roller Wheel – 30 min – $30
  • Show Ticket (Las Vegas) – 2 hrs – $120
  • Hoover Dam Tour – 2 hrs – $30
  • Red Rock Canyon Entrance – 2 hrs – $15
  • Rental Car (10 days) – – $600
  • Fuel (≈ 1,200 mi) – – $180
  • Meals (average $45/day per person) – 10 days – $450
  • Total Estimated Cost$2,119

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, skip the Sedona leg and head straight from Joshua Tree to the Grand Canyon, saving a day. To extend, add a full day in Zion or a visit to Bryce Canyon for more red‑rock scenery, and consider spending an extra night in Las Vegas for a relaxed pace or a day‑trip to Death Valley.

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