Grand Canyon to Monument Valley Road Trip – 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Grand Canyon South Rim Exploration

Morning: Arrive at the Grand Canyon South Rim and check into your lodge. Take a leisurely walk along the Rim Trail to soak in the iconic vistas of the canyon.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Grand Canyon Village, explore the Visitor Center, and enjoy lunch with a view. Continue to the Desert View Watchtower for panoramic photo opportunities.

Evening: Dine at the historic El Tovar Dining Room and then catch the sunset from Yavapai Point, where the colors over the canyon shift dramatically.

Day 2: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Morning: Depart early and drive to Page, Arizona. Join a guided tour of the stunning Antelope Canyon, where light beams dance through narrow sandstone walls.

Afternoon: After lunch, head to Horseshoe Bend for a short hike to the overlook. Capture the iconic curve of the Colorado River from the cliff edge.

Evening: Return to Page for a relaxing dinner by Lake Powell and enjoy a sunset stroll along the lakeshore.

Day 3: Lake Powell & Drive to Monument Valley

Morning: Embark on a 2‑hour boat tour of Lake Powell, exploring hidden coves and marveling at the striking red rock cliffs.

Afternoon: Begin the scenic drive north, stopping at the Navajo National Monument to see ancient cliff dwellings. Continue toward Monument Valley, arriving in time for a sunset view.

Evening: Check into a local lodge or campsite near Monument Valley. Enjoy a traditional Navajo dinner and an evening program featuring storytelling and music.

Day 4: Monument Valley Immersion

Morning: Watch the sunrise from John Ford Point, one of the most photographed spots in the park. Afterwards, take a guided jeep tour to explore the towering buttes and mesas.

Afternoon: Visit the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park Visitor Center to learn about the region’s cultural history. Hike the Wildcat Trail for close-up views of the rock formations.

Evening: Return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner. If available, attend a starlit Navajo cultural performance under the desert sky.

Day 5: Sunrise & Departure

Morning: Capture a final sunrise at Mexican Hat, a distinctive sombrero-shaped peak. Pack up and enjoy a farewell breakfast with a view of the valley.

Afternoon: Begin the return drive, optionally stopping at the historic Cameron Trading Post for souvenirs and a quick snack.

Evening: Arrive back at your starting point or continue onward, reflecting on the unforgettable landscapes experienced over the past five days.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Grand Canyon South Rim – Estimated time: 3 hours – Estimated cost: $35
• Desert View Watchtower – Estimated time: 1 hour – Estimated cost: $0
• Antelope Canyon – Estimated time: 2 hours – Estimated cost: $50
• Horseshoe Bend – Estimated time: 1 hour – Estimated cost: $10 (parking)
• Lake Powell Boat Tour – Estimated time: 3 hours – Estimated cost: $30
• Navajo National Monument – Estimated time: 2 hours – Estimated cost: $5
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (entry) – Estimated time: 1 hour – Estimated cost: $20
• Monument Valley Guided Jeep Tour – Estimated time: 3 hours – Estimated cost: $60
• John Ford Point – Estimated time: 30 minutes – Estimated cost: $0
• Mexican Hat – Estimated time: 30 minutes – Estimated cost: $0
Total Estimated Cost: $210 per person

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Sedona to enjoy its red rock scenery and vortex sites, or extend your stay in Monument Valley for a sunrise hot‑air balloon ride. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Lake Powell boat tour and combine the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend visits into a single half‑day, focusing the remaining days on the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley highlights.