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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Southwestern USA

Viewed by 74 travelers

Day 1: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Las Vegas, NV

8:00 AM

Depart from Las Vegas

Begin your adventure with a drive from the bustling streets of Las Vegas towards the iconic Hoover Dam.
Drive 30 mins (30 miles) to Hoover Dam.
CURRENCY0, 30 mins

10:00 AM

Visit Hoover Dam

Explore the architectural marvel of Hoover Dam and learn about its history at the visitor center.
Spend 1.5 hours here, then drive 2.5 hours (200 miles) to Williams.
CURRENCY10, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cruiser's Route 66 Cafe

Enjoy a hearty meal at this nostalgic diner, perfect for travelers on a budget.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Check into hotel in Williams

Rest and freshen up at your affordable hotel.
Spend 1 hour checking in and relaxing.
CURRENCY70, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Drive to Grand Canyon

Take a scenic drive to the Grand Canyon, arriving in time for a short hike.
Drive 1 hour (50 miles).
CURRENCY30 (Park Entry Fee), 1 hour

4:00 PM

Moderate Hike at Grand Canyon

Choose the Bright Angel Trail for a moderate hike, offering stunning views.
Hiking duration: 2 hours.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Sunset at Grand Canyon

Witness the breathtaking colors of sunset at Mather Point.
Spend 1 hour enjoying the views.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Red Raven Restaurant

Sit down for an affordable and tasty dinner before returning to Williams.
Drive back for 1 hour.
CURRENCY25, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Las Vegas

Day 2: Grand Canyon to Desert View Drive

Grand Canyon, AZ

9:00 AM

Breakfast at El Tovar Dining Room

Enjoy a charming breakfast with an incredible canyon view.
Dine for 1.5 hours.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Grand Canyon

Spend the day hiking the South Rim and enjoying scenic viewpoints.
Hike along the Rim Trail.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Canyon Village Market

Grab a packed lunch for a picnic at a viewpoint.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Drive Desert View Drive

Take a scenic drive with several stops: Grandview Point, Lipan Point, and Moran Point.
Spend 3 hours exploring.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Sunset at Desert View Watchtower

Enjoy panoramic views and watch the sunset at Desert View Watchtower.
Spend 1 hour here.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Grand Canyon Lodge

Famous for its well-priced, hearty meals.
1-hour drive back to your accommodation.
CURRENCY20, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Stargazing at Grand Canyon

Finish your day with amazing stargazing opportunities.
Spend 1.5 hours stargazing.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Grand Canyon

Day 3: Horseshoe Bend & Page, AZ

Page, AZ

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Chains Burger

A great spot for a filling breakfast before your day of activities.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Horseshoe Bend

Begin your day with the stunning sight of Horseshoe Bend.
Drive 30 mins (10 miles).
CURRENCY10 (Parking Fee), 30 mins

9:30 AM

Hike to Horseshoe Bend

A short 1.5-mile round trip hike to view this famous bend in the Colorado River.
Spend 1 hour hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Glen Canyon Dam

Take a guided tour of Glen Canyon Dam for an insightful experience.
Drive 10 mins.
CURRENCY15 (Tour Fee), 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Blue Burger

Grab a quick bite at this local burger joint.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY10, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit The Wave

Head to the breathtaking rock formation; you’ll need a permit as access is limited.
Drive 1 hour (50 miles) to The Wave.
CURRENCY10 (Permit Fee), 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Wahweap Overlook

Gaze at the vastness of Lake Powell from the overlook.
Drive 30 mins (15 miles).
CURRENCY0, 30 mins

4:00 PM

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour

Take a guided tour of the famous Lower Antelope Canyon to see its famous light beams.
Spend 2 hours here.
CURRENCY28 (Tour Fee), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Tack Room

Enjoy a lovely dinner at this restaurant known for its local flavors.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY25, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Page

Day 4: Coral Pink Sand Dunes to Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon, UT

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Lotza Motsa Pizza Buffet

Start your day with a filling breakfast at this popular buffet.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY12, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Explore these beautiful sand dunes known for their pink hues.
Drive 1 hour (45 miles).
CURRENCY5 (Parking Fee), 1 hour

10:00 AM

Coral Pink Sand Dunes Activities

Spend some time playing and exploring the park.
Spend 1 hour here.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit The Wave (if permitted)

The Wave is a popular but limited-site, so visit if permits allow.
1 hour drive (50 miles).
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Lotza Motsa Pizza Buffet

Return for another great buffet lunch!
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hike Mossy Cave Trail

Enjoy this easy hike with stunning views of waterfalls.
Spend 1.5 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Bristlecone Loop Trail

A moderate hike that showcases the unique bristlecone pines.
Spend 1.5 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Subway

Enjoy a fresh sandwich for dinner.
Drive back 15 mins.
CURRENCY10, 15 mins
Find Hotels in Bryce Canyon

Day 5: Zion National Park Adventures

Zion National Park, UT

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Oscar's Cafe

Fuel up with some hearty breakfast burritos.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Queens Garden and Navajo Trail Hike

Enjoy a moderate hike with stunning views.
Spend 3 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch (packed)

Have a packed lunch during your hike.
N/A
CURRENCY5, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Check-in at La Verkin Hotel

Get settled in your hotel and take a break.
Spend 1 hour checking in.
CURRENCY80, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Drive the Kolob Canyon Scenic Road

Enjoy breathtaking views with multiple stops.
Spend 2 hours driving with stops.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Moderate Hike at Canyon Overlook

Hike for stunning views, perfect for sunset.
Spend 1.5 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Sunset at Canyon Overlook

Breathe in the beautiful colors while the sun sets.
Spend 1 hour here.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Stargazing in Zion

Marvel at the night sky before heading back.
Spend 1 hour stargazing.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Zion National Park

Day 6: Exploring Zion National Park

Zion National Park, UT

9:00 AM

Breakfast at a local diner

Try some local favorites to kickstart your day.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Angels Landing Hike

A challenging but iconic hike with stunning views.
Spend 4 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch (packed)

Quick pit stop for your packed lunch to refuel!
N/A
CURRENCY5, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Hike to Emerald Pools

A pleasant hike leading to beautiful pools.
Spend 1.5 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Grotto Trail

Explore the tranquil Grotto area of the park.
Spend 2 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Zion Lodge

Enjoy dinner within the park at Zion Lodge.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY25, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Stargazing at Zion Lodge

Relax and take in the starry night sky.
Spend 1 hour stargazing.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Zion National Park

Day 7: Return to Las Vegas via Valley of Fire

Las Vegas, NV

9:00 AM

Breakfast at a local diner

Last breakfast before your journey back.
Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Departure for Valley of Fire State Park

Take a scenic drive to your first stop.
Drive 1.5 hours (60 miles).
CURRENCY10 (Park Entry Fee), 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Valley of Fire

Wander through the stunning red rock formations.
Spend 2 hours exploring.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Packed Lunch

Enjoy your packed lunch while soaking in the views.
Spend 1 hour.
CURRENCY5, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Depart for Las Vegas

Head back to Las Vegas after an adventure-filled week.
Drive 1 hour (50 miles).
CURRENCY0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Las Vegas
0
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