7-Day Adventure Itinerary: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and Beyond on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Vegas to Canyon

Las Vegas, NV

8:00AM

Departure from Las Vegas

Start your day early, picking up groceries for the trip to save on meals.
Take US-93 S towards Hoover Dam; about 30 minutes, 30 miles.
0, 30 min

9:00AM

Visit Hoover Dam

Explore the majestic Hoover Dam and the beautiful views surrounding it.
Address: Hoover Dam Access Road, Boulder City, NV 89005.
10, 2 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Williams, AZ

Continue your journey to the charming town of Williams, arriving by midday.
Take US-93 N and then I-40 E; approximately 2 hours, 108 miles.
0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cruz's Mexican Grill

Enjoy some authentic Mexican flavors at this local spot.
Address: 214 E Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046.
15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

Head to the Grand Canyon for some breathtaking views and planned activities.
US-64 N; approximately 1 hour, 60 miles.
35, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hiking at the Grand Canyon

Moderate hike along the South Rim, stopping at Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station.
Follow the Rim Trail.
35, 3 hours

6:00PM

Watch the Sunset

Settle in at Hopi Point for one of the best sunset views at the Grand Canyon.
Follow the Rim Trail.
0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Red Raven Restaurant

Have a delightful dinner in Williams after an adventurous day.
Address: 234 W Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046.
25, 1 hour

8:00PM

Star Gazing

Enjoy a clear night of star gazing at the Grand Canyon before heading to your hotel.
Stay at a budget hotel in Williams or campsite.
80, 1 hour
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Day 2: Grand Canyon Exploration

Grand Canyon, AZ

9:00AM

Morning hike at Grand Canyon

Embark on a moderate hike along the Bright Angel Trail.
Starting point: Bright Angel Trailhead.
0, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Canyon Cafe

Refuel with a filling lunch while enjoying canyon views.
Address: 1 Village Loop Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Desert View Drive

Take the scenic Desert View Drive with multiple viewing stops at overlooks.
Follow Desert View Drive (25 miles loop).
35, 3 hours

4:00PM

Viewing Stops

Make stops at several overlooks including Lipan Point and Desert View Watchtower.
Intermittent stops along Desert View Drive.
0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Grand Canyon

Grab a good spot at Grandview Point for sunset.
Follow Desert View Drive to Grandview Point.
0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Grand Canyon Village Dining Room

Enjoy dinner with views of the canyon.
Address: 1 Village Loop Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
25, 1 hour

8:00PM

Star Gazing

Experience the magnificent starry skies at the Grand Canyon.
Find a dark area away from city lights.
0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon

Page, AZ

8:00AM

Drive to Horseshoe Bend

Start early for a visit to Horseshoe Bend for stunning vistas.
US-89 N; approximately 2 hours, 100 miles.
20, 2 hours

10:00AM

Sightseeing at Horseshoe Bend

Take in the iconic view of the Colorado River and the unique bend in the canyon.
Short hike of 1.5 miles round trip off US-89.
0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Drive to Glen Canyon Dam

Visit the Glen Canyon Dam to learn about its history and engineering.
US-89 S; approximately 20 minutes, 10 miles.
10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Big John's Texas BBQ

Enjoy hearty BBQ before heading to the next scenic drive.
Address: 1004 Coppermine Rd, Page, AZ 86040.
15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit The Wave

Explore the unique sandstone formations of The Wave; permits required.
Ensure you have a permit beforehand, drive via HWY 89.
7, 3 hours

4:00PM

Wahweap Overlook

Take in stunning lake views over Lake Powell.
Short 1-mile hike.
0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Lower Antelope Canyon

Experience the incredible light and colors of Lower Antelope Canyon with a guided tour.
Book a tour well in advance.
50, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Fiesta Mexicana

Savor the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine.
Address: 505 N Navajo Dr, Page, AZ 86040.
20, 1 hour
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Day 4: Coral Pink Sand Dunes and Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon, UT

8:00AM

Drive to Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Depart to see the unique pink sand dunes.
US-89 N; approximately 1 hour, 35 miles.
5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Spend time exploring the beautiful sand dunes, maybe try sandboarding.
Short walks and dunes exploration.
0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit The Wave

Spend time photographing the beautiful geological formations.
Head back towards US-89.
7, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lotsa Motsa Pizza Buffet

Refuel with an affordable all-you-can-eat pizza buffet.
Address: 1223 E Hwy 89, Kanab, UT 84741.
12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Bryce Canyon National Park

Explore this stunning park, starting at the Visitor Center.
Head up scenic Highway 12.
35, 1 hour

3:00PM

Mossy Cave Trail

Take an easy hike on the Mossy Cave Trail to see the lush landscape.
Short hike, under 1 mile.
0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Bristlecone Loop Trail

Enjoy moderate hiking among ancient trees.
Follow trail signs in Bryce.
0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunrise Point to Sunset Point

Visit both points for sweeping views and photo opportunities.
Short walks along the rim.
0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Subway

Enjoy a handy sandwich and relax after a day of hiking.
Address: 125 E 300 N, Bryce, UT 84764.
10, 1 hour
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Day 5: Zion National Park

Zion, UT

9:00AM

Drive to Zion National Park

Journey to Zion, a beautiful, sprawling national park.
Approx 1.5 hours drive, 70 miles.
35, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Queen's Garden + Navajo Trail

Take a stunning moderate hike up the Queen's Garden and Navajo Trail loop.
Starting at Sunrise Point.
0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zion Canyon Café

Grab a delicious and healthy lunch at the café in the park.
Address: 118 N 100 E, Springdale, UT 84767.
15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Check-in at La Verkin Hotel

Check into your hotel and relax a bit before further adventures.
Address: 100 S Main St, La Verkin, UT 84745.
80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kolob Canyon Scenic Road Drive

Scenic drive through Kolob Canyon with stops to enjoy the views.
Take Kolob Canyon Rd; approximately 1 hour, 20 miles roundtrip.
0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Moderate Hike at Kolob Canyon

Enjoy a wonderful hike at Taylor Creek trail.
Starting from Kolob Canyon trailhead.
0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Sunset at Canyon Overlook

Catch the sunset at Canyon Overlook trail.
Short hike from the parking area.
0, 1 hour

8:00PM

Star Gazing

After dinner, enjoy the brightness of the stars in this unspoiled dark sky area.
Find a clear area away from the lights.
0, 1 hour
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Day 6: Zion Hiking Day

Zion, UT

9:00AM

Angels Landing Hike

Conquer the famous Angels Landing hike for breathtaking views.
Starting at the Grotto; permits may be required.
0, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Zion

Prepare a packed lunch to enjoy during your explorations.
Enjoy views while you eat.
15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Emerald Pools Hike

Hike the Emerald Pools Trail, a popular 1.5-mile round trip hike.
Starting from the Zion Lodge.
0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Grotto Trail

Take the Grotto Trail for a scenic path back to the start of the park.
1.5 miles, easy trail.
0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Watchman Trail

Hike the Watchman Trail for an excellent view of the sunset over Zion.
Starting near the visitor center.
0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Zion Lodge

Dine at the lodge with views of the canyon.
Address: 1 Zion Lodge, Zion National Park, UT 84767.
30, 1 hour

8:00PM

Star Gazing

End your adventure with another night of star gazing.
Find a good viewing spot near the lodge.
0, 1 hour
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Day 7: Return to Las Vegas via Valley of Fire

Las Vegas, NV

9:00AM

Depart Zion National Park

Head back to Las Vegas, stopping at the Valley of Fire.
Drive via I-15 S; approximately 1.5 hours, 70 miles.
35, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Valley of Fire State Park

Spend time exploring stunning red rock formations and desert scenery.
Address: 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040.
10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Drive to Las Vegas

Head back to the vibrant city of Las Vegas.
Approximately 1.5 hours, 60 miles.
0, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Indian Spices Restaurant

Enjoy well-rated Indian cuisine for lunch before concluding your trip.
Address: 8650 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117.
12, 1 hour

3:00PM

End of Trip

Return your car rental and head for your onward journey or flight home.
Plan departure logistics as needed.
0, 0
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