7-Day Nature Road Trip from San Diego to Horseshoe Bend, Sedona, Antelope, and Zion

  • Day 1: San Diego to Horseshoe Bend
    8 hours, 15 minutes (549 miles)

    Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River, located near Page, Arizona. The hike to the overlook is around 0.9 miles, making the total roundtrip just under 2 miles. The breathtaking view of the Colorado River winding through the canyon is well worth the trek.

  • Day 2: Sedona
    2 hours, 20 minutes (127 miles) from Horseshoe Bend

    Sedona is a beautiful desert town known for its red rock formations and picturesque hiking trails. Visitor attractions include hiking at Cathedral Rock, taking a jeep tour to see the canyons, and strolling around the town's chic art galleries and boutiques.

  • Day 3: Antelope Canyon
    2 hours, 20 minutes (116 miles) from Sedona

    Antelope Canyon is a magnificent slot canyon located in Navajo land near Page, Arizona. It is composed of two separate canyons, Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. Visitors can choose from various guided tours that include photography tours, sightseeing tours, walking tours, and off-road tours.

  • Day 4-5: Zion National Park
    2 hours, 30 minutes (141 miles) from Antelope Canyon

    Zion National Park is known for its dramatic desert landscapes, red sandstone cliffs, and various hiking trails. Visitors can hike to the Emerald Pools, The Narrows, Angels Landing or take a scenic drive through Zion Canyon. Accommodation is available in the nearby towns of Springdale and Hurricane.

Time and Costs Estimate

  • Horseshoe Bend (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sedona hiking and jeep tours (2-4 hours, $50-$150)
  • Antelope Canyon guided tours (1-2 hours, $30-$80)
  • Zion National Park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle)
  • Accommodation ($150-$300 per night)
  • Food and drink ($25-$50 per person per day)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $555-$1385

Transportation

It is recommended to rent a car from San Diego to travel to these destinations, as public transportation is limited. Also, it's important to note that there may be long distances and driving times between destinations, so plan accordingly. The estimated cost for a car rental is around $300-$500 for the week, depending on the type of car and company.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day trip to the Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon National Park. If you have less time, consider cutting out one of the destinations to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the rest of the trip.

Airports

The nearest airport to these locations is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). It is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is approximately 273 miles from Horseshoe Bend, 219 miles from Sedona, 284 miles from Antelope Canyon, and 324 miles from Zion National Park.

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