November Las Vegas to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Sedona Road Trip

Arrival and Rental Car

After landing at Harry Reid International Airport at 1:25 PM, follow signs for the consolidated rental-car center; the airport shuttle from the terminals usually takes about 10–15 minutes. With baggage, the shuttle, paperwork, and vehicle inspection, allow 60–90 minutes before you are on the road. Pick up a few drinks and snacks before leaving Las Vegas, since services become sparse once you are north of St. George.

Afternoon Drive to Springdale

Aim to depart around 3:00 PM via Interstate 15 North, passing through Mesquite and St. George before taking the approach toward Springdale. The drive is roughly 2¾ hours without stops, though November daylight fades early and traffic near Las Vegas can add time. If you need a quick break, St. George is the practical stop for fuel, coffee, or groceries; check UDOT and Nevada 511 before leaving for wind, rain, or early-season snow conditions.

Evening in Zion Canyon Village

After checking into your hotel, keep the first evening easy: walk around Zion Canyon Village and the Zion National Park entrance area rather than trying to fit in a hike. Springdale is compact, and many hotels are within walking distance of restaurants; if you do drive, confirm whether your lodging provides parking, as spaces near the park can be limited. Have dinner at Bit & Spur Restaurant and Saloon, a longtime local favorite known for Southwestern dishes, house margaritas, and a relaxed adobe-and-wood setting. Budget about $25–45 per person before drinks and tax, and expect a wait at peak dinner hours; call ahead or arrive early, especially on a Friday evening.

Morning

Start at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center early, ideally around 7:30–8:00 AM, before the November light reaches the canyon walls. The seasonal Zion Canyon Scenic Drive shuttle schedule changes by date, so check the National Park Service timetable the evening before; when operating, the ride to Temple of Sinawava takes roughly 45 minutes and is far easier than trying to park farther inside the canyon. The park entrance fee is typically $35 per private vehicle unless your rental car is covered by an America the Beautiful pass. Bring water, snacks, and warm layers—the canyon floor can stay cold even when Springdale feels mild.

Get off at Temple of Sinawava for the The Narrows Riverside Walk, an accessible, mostly paved route following the Virgin River for about 1.5–2 hours at an easy pace. In late November, expect shade, damp pavement, and possible ice near the river; sturdy shoes with good grip are more useful than hiking sandals. The full Narrows river hike is a different, strenuous outing and may be restricted by cold water or high flow, so keep today to the riverside section and take your time with the changing views.

Afternoon and Evening

Ride back toward Zion Lodge and have a packed lunch or a simple snack before starting the Emerald Pools Trail. Allow 2–3 hours, depending on trail conditions and whether you continue beyond the lower pool. November temperatures can drop quickly in the shaded sections, and recent rain or freezing weather may make the stone surfaces slick. Afterward, return by shuttle to the visitor center and drive or walk into Springdale; the town is compact, but parking is limited, so leave the car at your lodging whenever possible.

Finish at Zion Canyon Brew Pub, a convenient dinner stop near the park entrance, where pub fare generally runs about $20–35 per person before drinks. Check the current November closing time—hours can shorten after the busy season—and consider arriving around 5:30–6:00 PM rather than waiting for the dinner rush. A local beer and a relaxed meal are a good ending after a full canyon day; keep tomorrow’s early Bryce departure in mind and pick up breakfast supplies in Springdale tonight.

Late Morning at the Amphitheater

After the drive from Springdale, arrive at Bryce Canyon National Park around 10:00–11:00 AM and head straight to Sunrise Point in the Bryce Amphitheater. Despite its name, this is an excellent late-morning introduction: the hoodoos should be well lit, and you can take in the broad view without committing to a hike. The national park entrance fee is generally about $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days; parking near the amphitheater can fill even in November, so use the seasonal shuttle if it is operating, or arrive prepared to walk from another nearby lot.

Late Morning and Afternoon Hiking

From Sunrise Point, follow the rim briefly toward the trail access for the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail. Allow roughly 2–3 hours for the combined route, including photo stops. The trail descends among the hoodoos before climbing back out, so poles and shoes with good traction are worthwhile—November can bring ice into the switchbacks, and the park may close individual sections if conditions are unsafe. The classic route is to descend via Queen’s Garden and return through the Navajo Loop, but check trail conditions at the visitor center first; if the Wall Street side is closed for winter, follow posted directions rather than improvising.

Evening

For dinner, drive or walk over to The Lodge at Bryce Canyon Dining Room, a convenient choice inside the park and a welcome way to avoid another trip into town. Expect approximately $25–45 per person, with hours often shortened in November and seasonal closures possible, so confirm the evening schedule or reserve ahead if available. After dinner, step outside briefly for the exceptionally dark sky—Bryce Canyon is one of the best places in the region for stargazing. Keep the drive back to your accommodation cautious: deer are common after dark, and temperatures can fall below freezing even when the afternoon felt mild.

Morning at Bryce Point

Return to Bryce Point early, ideally around 8:00 AM, for the broadest elevated view of the Bryce Amphitheater. Allow about 45 minutes, and dress more warmly than you expect: at nearly 8,000 feet, November mornings can be icy, windy, and well below freezing. The overlook is close to the main park road, but parking is limited; if the lot is full, wait briefly rather than stopping along the roadside. Check the National Park Service road and weather updates before leaving—snow and ice can affect access and trail conditions.

Late Morning to Mid-Afternoon on Fairyland Loop Trail

Drive to Fairyland Point and begin the Fairyland Loop Trail, allowing four to five hours with breaks. This is a strenuous, quieter route through dense hoodoo formations, with roughly 8 miles of distance and significant elevation change. Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person, traction devices if snow or ice is forecast, and food for a trail lunch; there are no services along the loop. Keep your pace conservative, since short November daylight and cold temperatures make a late finish unpleasant. Afterward, take a proper break in the car before continuing.

Late Afternoon at Mossy Cave Trail

Drive north on UT-12 toward the Tropic area for the short Mossy Cave Trail, about 20 minutes from the amphitheater area. The one-mile round trip usually takes around an hour and follows a stream to a small grotto and seasonal waterfall. In late November, the trail may be slick or shaded by ice, so use shoes with good grip and bring a headlamp even if you expect to finish before sunset. There is a small parking area at the trailhead, but it fills quickly; never park on the highway shoulder.

Evening in Tropic

Finish with dinner at Stone Hearth Grille in Tropic, a convenient 10-minute drive from Mossy Cave. Expect a substantial meal to cost approximately $30–50 per person, and check current November hours or reserve ahead, as restaurants in the Bryce area often reduce service after the busy season. Keep the evening simple after the long hike: roads can freeze after sunset, and the drive back to your accommodation may be dark and icy.

Morning: Drive to Page and tour Antelope Canyon

Leave Bryce Canyon City around 7:00 AM for the drive on UT-12 and US-89 to Page, allowing roughly 2½–3 hours plus a short fuel or coffee stop. November mornings can bring frost, snow, or icy patches on the higher sections of UT-12, so check UDOT and NPS road conditions before departing and avoid cutting your tour timing close. Your reserved Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours slot is the anchor for the morning: arrive 30–45 minutes early at the company’s Page meeting point, bring photo ID if requested, and wear closed-toe shoes. The guided slot-canyon visit lasts about 1½ hours; flash photography, bags, and tripods may be restricted, and the canyon floor can be sandy.

Lunch and Afternoon

After the tour, drive into central Page for lunch at Big John’s Texas BBQ, a relaxed local stop for brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and casual sides. Expect approximately $15–30 per person; hours can vary seasonally, so confirm they are serving before you leave Antelope Canyon. From there, Horseshoe Bend is about a 10-minute drive south on US-89. The signed parking lot charges an entrance fee—typically around $10 per passenger vehicle—and the paved, mostly level walk to the overlook takes about 15–20 minutes each way. Allow 1½ hours overall, particularly if you want time for photographs. There are exposed drop-offs with no guardrail at the river, so stay well back from the edge and carry water even in November.

Evening at Lake Powell Resort

Finish at Lake Powell Resort in the Wahweap area, roughly 15 minutes from Horseshoe Bend. Arrive before sunset to walk along the lakeside viewpoints and watch the cliffs shift from orange to purple; sunset is early in late November, generally around 5:10 PM, so check the exact time and leave Page promptly. On-site dining is convenient after a full driving day, with dinner typically costing about $25–50 per person, though restaurant hours may be reduced outside summer. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, and the resort’s remote setting means it is worth refueling in Page before heading back to your hotel.

Morning: Into Oak Creek Canyon

Leave Page around 7:00–8:00 AM on US-89 and US-89A, allowing roughly 3–3½ hours to reach Sedona with the scenic approach. Check Arizona DOT and Coconino National Forest conditions before departing: US-89A can develop ice or temporary closures in November, and service is sparse along the canyon road. As you descend toward town, stop at Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point for about 30 minutes. The overlook is especially beautiful in late-morning light, with layered red cliffs and the creek corridor below; use the marked pullout rather than stopping along the highway.

Midday: West Fork Oak Creek Trail

Continue south on US-89A to the West Fork Oak Creek Trail trailhead, roughly 15–20 minutes beyond the main canyon viewpoints. Arrive by late morning if possible, since the small parking area fills quickly; the day-use fee is typically around $12 per vehicle, and there is no useful food service at the trailhead. Plan on 2–3 hours for a relaxed out-and-back walk through cool forest, creek crossings, and November color. Wear waterproof hiking shoes and bring trekking poles if temperatures have been below freezing—the route can be muddy, slick, or icy, and the creek crossings are not always straightforward after storms.

Evening: Dinner at Elote Cafe

After the hike, drive into Sedona and allow time to check in, warm up, and wander around Uptown Sedona before dinner. A reservation at Elote Cafe is important; tables are popular, and the restaurant’s hours or location can change, so confirm the current details when booking. Expect creative Southwestern cooking—roughly $35–60 per person before drinks and tip—and arrive a little early because parking in central Sedona can be busy. This is a good night to keep unhurried: the canyon drive and creek hike make for a full day, and November evenings cool quickly once the sun drops behind the red rocks.

Morning

Start before 7:00 AM for Devil’s Bridge Trail, reached via Dry Creek Road. The trailhead parking fills quickly, and the access road may require a high-clearance vehicle; otherwise, park at the Mescal Trailhead and use the connecting route, adding walking time. Allow 2½–3 hours for the roughly 4.2-mile round trip, with a steep final scramble and exposed ledges near the arch. November mornings are cold but ideal for hiking—bring water, layers, and traction if there has been rain or frost. Afterward, drive back toward central Sedona; allow extra time for traffic and finding parking.

Around midday, spend about 1½ hours wandering Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where adobe courtyards connect galleries, jewelry stores, and small boutiques. Most businesses generally open around 10:00 AM and close around 5:00–6:00 PM, though individual hours vary in November. It is a pleasant place to slow down after the hike, and the compact layout makes it easy to browse without committing to a long shopping stop.

Lunch and Afternoon

Have lunch at The Hudson, a short drive from Tlaquepaque, for broad red-rock views from its hillside setting. Expect approximately $25–45 per person before drinks and tip; reservations are useful, especially for a window or patio table, though patio seating can be chilly in November. Keep lunch to about an hour so you can leave Sedona near 3:00 PM. Before joining the highway, take the Red Rock Scenic Byway south from town for roughly an hour, following AZ-179 toward I-17. The road offers one last look at the sandstone formations and is best treated as a leisurely final drive rather than a series of lengthy stops.

From I-17, continue via I-40 and US-93 toward Las Vegas, allowing roughly 4½–5 hours plus a fuel break. Check Arizona DOT and Nevada 511 before leaving, and refuel before the long western stretch; services become more limited once you are well beyond the Kingman area. Expect an evening arrival in Las Vegas, then either return the car at Harry Reid International Airport—following the rental company’s after-hours instructions—or check into your hotel and return it the next morning.

Morning

Start at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens around 9:00 AM, when it is quieter and the seasonal installation is easiest to appreciate without the afternoon crowds. Admission is free, and 30–45 minutes is enough. From there, stay inside Bellagio for the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, usually open late morning into the evening; allow about an hour and expect roughly $20–30 per adult, depending on the exhibition. Check the current show and opening time before leaving, since gallery hours can vary.

Walk across the pedestrian bridge to Paris Las Vegas for lunch at Mon Ami Gabi. Request a patio or window table if the weather is comfortable—the view toward the fountains and Strip traffic is part of the appeal. Plan on about $25–50 per person, and allow 60–90 minutes. After lunch, take a taxi or rideshare downtown rather than walking the entire Strip; the trip to The Mob Museum generally takes 15–25 minutes, though midday traffic can slow the last stretch. If driving, use the museum’s nearby paid parking options and avoid leaving valuables visible in the car.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend roughly two hours at The Mob Museum, where the courtroom, law-enforcement exhibits, and multimedia displays give useful context to Las Vegas beyond the casinos. It is typically open from late morning into the evening, with admission commonly around $30–35; buying timed tickets ahead is sensible on a holiday weekend. When you finish, stroll a few blocks through Downtown Las Vegas toward the Fremont Street Experience. Arrive around dusk so you can see the canopy projections begin while the area is still manageable, then stay for the live performers, neon, and casual dinner from one of the nearby restaurants or food counters—budget about $20–40 per person. Keep phones and wallets secure in the busiest stretches, and use a rideshare back to your hotel rather than wandering far after midnight.

Morning

Begin with a relaxed final walk through The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, especially the Grand Canal Shoppes and the recreated Venetian interiors. Shops generally open around 10:00 AM, so this works best as a brief 45–60-minute stroll rather than an early-morning stop. It is easy to reach by car from most Strip hotels, but allow extra time for casino-hotel corridors and garage access; if you have luggage, keep it secured in the trunk and avoid leaving valuables visible.

Breakfast

Drive north on Las Vegas Boulevard to The Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge for a substantial farewell breakfast. Expect roughly $15–30 per person, with generous classic American portions and a lively, old-school Vegas atmosphere. Service is typically available around the clock, but allow at least an hour for the meal and a little extra time if you are traveling during a busy late-morning period. From there, Harry Reid International Airport is usually about 15–25 minutes by car, depending on Strip traffic.

Departure

Leave The Peppermill with plenty of cushion for the airport: aim to reach the rental-car center at least 2½ hours before a domestic flight, or 3 hours before an international departure. Follow airport signs for rental-car return, then take the consolidated shuttle to the appropriate terminal; the transfer can add 15–25 minutes. After returning the vehicle, proceed through security and keep your boarding pass and rental agreement handy. Avoid making any additional off-route stop today—Harry Reid International Airport can be surprisingly slow at peak times, particularly around midday and holiday travel periods.