Southwest Adventure: Zion to Monument Valley

Day 1: Arrival & Zion National Park

Morning: Fly into St. George and pick up your rental, then drive to Zion National Park. Enjoy a scenic hike along the Emerald Pools Trail to stretch your legs after travel.

Afternoon: Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the iconic Angels Landing viewpoint for breathtaking cliffs and canyon vistas. Grab a quick lunch at the park’s café.

Evening: Return to Springdale for dinner, then unwind with a sunset stroll along the Virgin River trail.

Day 2: Goblin Valley & Bryce Canyon (Cathedral)

Morning: Depart early for Goblin Valley State Park, where you’ll explore the whimsical hoodoos known as “goblins.” A short hike among the rock formations makes for great photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Continue to Bryce Canyon National Park and visit the famed Cathedral Loop, marveling at the towering spires of the Amphitheater.

Evening: Stay in nearby Tropic, enjoying a starlit dinner and, if weather permits, a ranger‑led night sky program.

Day 3: Grand Canyon South Rim

Morning: Drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim and start at the Visitor Center for an overview of the park’s geology.

Afternoon: Walk along the Rim Trail to Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, taking in the expansive vistas.

Evening: Dine at the historic El Tovar Hotel restaurant and watch the sunset paint the canyon walls in vibrant hues.

Day 4: Arches National Park & Moab

Morning: Arrive in Moab and head straight to Arches National Park, where you’ll hike to the iconic Delicate Arch.

Afternoon: Explore the Windows Section and the Double Arch trail, then return to Moab for a quick lunch.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in downtown Moab and consider a sunset jeep tour of the surrounding red rock landscape.

Day 5: Valley of the Gods & Monument Valley

Morning: Drive to the remote Valley of the Gods (often called “Valley of Dreams”) for a peaceful drive through towering sandstone formations.

Afternoon: Continue to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Take a guided jeep tour to see the famous Mittens and John Ford’s Point.

Evening: Stay at a nearby lodge, enjoying a traditional Navajo storytelling session under the stars.

Day 6: Capitol Reef & Garden of the Gods

Morning: Explore Capitol Reef National Park, walking the scenic Fruita Historic District and the Cathedral Loop Trail.

Afternoon: Head to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, wandering among towering red rock spires and taking the Riverside Walk.

Evening: Relax with a dinner in downtown Colorado Springs before resting for the final day.

Day 7: Glen Canyon & Natural Bridges

Morning: Visit Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and take a short boat ride on Lake Powell to view the dramatic cliff walls.

Afternoon: Drive to Natural Bridges National Monument and hike the Bridge Canyon Trail to see the three natural arches.

Evening: Return the rental car in Page, Arizona, and catch your flight home with memories of a legendary Southwest adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Zion National Park – 5 hrs – $35 (vehicle fee)
• Goblin Valley State Park – 3 hrs – $20 (vehicle fee)
• Bryce Canyon (Cathedral Loop) – 4 hrs – $35 (vehicle fee)
• Grand Canyon South Rim – 6 hrs – $35 (vehicle fee)
• Arches National Park – 5 hrs – $30 (vehicle fee)
• Moab (downtown dining & tours) – 2 hrs – $50 (optional tour)
• Valley of the Gods – 3 hrs – $0 (free)
• Monument Valley – 4 hrs – $20 (guided tour)
• Capitol Reef – 4 hrs – $30 (vehicle fee)
• Garden of the Gods – 3 hrs – $0 (free)
• Glen Canyon (Lake Powell) – 3 hrs – $25 (boat rental)
• Natural Bridges – 3 hrs – $20 (vehicle fee)
• Total Estimated Cost: $349

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Moab for a full day of mountain biking or a sunrise hot‑air balloon ride over the red canyons. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Valley of the Gods and Natural Bridges, focusing on the core parks (Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Arches, and Monument Valley) which still provide a comprehensive Southwest experience.