7-Day Shoestring Budget Road Trip: Hoover Dam, Zion, Bryce, Page, Grand Canyon

Day 1: Hoover Dam Adventure

Hoover Dam, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Begin your journey with a hearty American breakfast to fuel your travels.
Conveniently located near Interstate 215 before heading to the dam.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hoover Dam

Take a guided tour of this architectural marvel and learn about its history.
Follow the signs to the visitor center.
USD15 (for the tour), 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at the Papillon Restaurant

Enjoy vegetarian-friendly dishes featuring local flavors at a nearby restaurant.
Dining close to the dam area.
USD14, 1 hour

1:00PM

Drive to Zion National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive while taking in the unique desert landscapes.
Head out via US-93 and I-15.
Free, 2.5 hours

3:30PM

Check into a budget motel

Rest at a budget-friendly motel such as La Quinta Inn & Suites.
Located just outside the park entrance.
USD90, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Spotted Dog Café

Feast on delicious vegetarian options and regional favorites.
Located in Springdale, right outside Zion.
USD16, 1 hour
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Day 2: Zion Exploration

Zion National Park, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Zion Canyon Coffee Company

Enjoy a hearty breakfast sandwich and fresh coffee before hitting the trails.
Just a quick walk from your motel.
USD10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Take a leisurely scenic drive through Zion National Park with picturesque views.
Starting Point: Zion National Park entrance.
USD35 (vehicle entry fee), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at River Rock Roasting Company

Enjoy a light vegetarian meal with sandwiches and smoothies.
Located in the heart of Springdale.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lower Emerald Pools Hike

Experience a beautiful, short hike to see waterfalls and pools hidden in the canyon.
Start from the Zion Lodge trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Zion Human History Museum

Learn about the history of the area and Native American culture.
Located near the park's entrance.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Spotted Dog Café

Try the vegetarian curry or pizza paired with a refreshing drink.
Just a short drive back to Springdale.
USD16, 1 hour
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Day 3: Bryce Canyon Wonders

Bryce Canyon National Park, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at your motel

Have a quick breakfast with hotel-provided options or snacks you packed.
Prepare in your motel room before departure.
USD5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive to Bryce Canyon

Enjoy the beautiful drive while taking in the scenic vistas along Highway 12.
Drive time is approximately 2 hours.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Bryce Canyon - Rim Trail

Marvel at the unique geological formations as you hike along the Rim Trail.
Starting Point: Bryce Canyon Visitor Center.
USD35 (vehicle entry fee), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the lodge cafe, such as soups and salads.
Located within the national park.
USD12, 1 hour

3:30PM

Sunset Point and Inspiration Point

Witness the breathtaking views from the iconic viewpoints, especially at sunset.
Easily accessible parking areas.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Cowboy Bar

Savor hearty vegetarian options like veggie burgers in a fun atmosphere.
In Tropic, just outside the park.
USD18, 1 hour

7:30PM

Check into a budget motel

Rest at the Best Western Plus Ruby's Inn, budget-friendly with good amenities.
Located near Bryce Canyon.
USD95, 1 hour
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Day 4: Water Adventures in Page

Page, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Best Western

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast with yogurt, fruit, and pastries.
At your motel before departing.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Page, AZ

Scenic trip taking in the beautiful landscapes on your way to Page.
Take Highway 12 and Highway 89.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Antelope Canyon Tour

Explore the stunning slot canyon with a guided tour showcasing its beauty.
Book ahead for entrance and tour times.
USD35, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Blue Buddha Sushi

Savor vegetarian sushi rolls or bento boxes for a delightful meal.
Located within Page.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Horseshoe Bend Visit

Take a short walk to witness the picturesque view of the Colorado River in Horseshoe shape.
Follow signs from Page; parking available.
USD10 (for parking), 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Glen Canyon Dam

Learn about the history and engineering marvel of the dam on a short informative tour.
Just a short drive from Page.
USD5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Big John's Texas BBQ

Enjoy delicious vegetarian BBQ options with sides to complete the meal.
Located right in Page.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00PM

Check into a motel

Stay at the Days Inn in Page for affordable lodging options.
Located conveniently in town.
USD80, 1 hour
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Day 5: Lake Powell Exploration

Page, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at the motel

Grab the hotel’s offerings of cereal, toast, and coffee to start the day.
At your motel before the day's adventures.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Kayaking on Lake Powell

Rent a kayak to paddle through the stunning landscapes of Lake Powell.
Rental shops are available in Page.
USD25 (for half-day rental), 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fiesta Mexicana

Indulge in affordable vegetarian options with flavors inspired by southwestern cuisine.
Located near the marina.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Rainbow Bridge National Monument Boat Tour

Take a boat tour to see the magnificent natural bridge in a remote setting.
Book a tour from local companies in Page.
USD30 (for boat tour), 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit Horseshoe Bend at sunset

Witness the iconic view blanketed in stunning colors as the day ends.
Short drive back to Horseshoe Bend.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Stromboli's

Savor various affordable Italian vegetarian dishes to wrap up the day.
Located in Page's city center.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 6: Grand Canyon Wonders

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at McDonald's

Quick breakfast, grab coffee and a breakfast sandwich before the big drive.
Just outside Page before heading to the canyon.
USD8, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive to Grand Canyon's South Rim

Travel to witness one of the grandest natural wonders with stunning views along the way.
Follow Highway 89 and then take Route 64.
Free, 2 hours

10:00AM

Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Stop by the visitor center to gather maps and get your bearings.
Start here for a successful day at the canyon.
USD35 (vehicle entry fee), 1 hour

11:30AM

Hike Bright Angel Trail

Set out on this iconic trail offering stunning views and unique geological features.
Trailhead located near the visitor center.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at the Grand Canyon Village Market

Enjoy simple yet fulfilling vegetarian sandwiches and snacks.
Easily accessible within the park.
USD10, 1 hour

4:30PM

Mather Point Lookout

Relax and admire the breathtaking views of the canyon at this popular lookout.
Easily accessible from the visitor center.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at the Arizona Room

Wrap up with a delightful dinner offering local vegetarian dishes and gorgeous views.
Located within the Grand Canyon National Park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Check into a budget motel

Stay at the Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel, offering comfortable lodgings under $100.
Just outside the park's entrance.
USD95, 1 hour
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Day 7: Last Day at Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast made up of whatever hotel offerings are available.
At your motel.
USD5, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive along Hermit Road Scenic Drive

Enjoy beautiful views and stops at various viewpoints throughout the West Rim.
Take the park shuttle or drive yourself (check for shuttle schedule).
Free, 3 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Bright Angel Lodge

While enjoying the view, indulge in a comforting veggie burger and fries.
Easy stroll from the Rim Trail.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Kolb Studio

Explore this historic site to enjoy exhibitions and learn about its rich history.
Located along the Rim Trail.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Final hike on the Rim Trail

Take a leisurely walk along the Rim Trail while taking in your last canyon views.
Starting from the Visitor Center.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the lodge

Finish your road trip with a relaxing meal focused on local cuisine.
Back to Bright Angel Lodge for dinner.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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