Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Southwestern USA

Viewed by 64 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 Subway

Enjoy a filling meal at Subway and try one of their popular sandwiches.
Located at 202 E Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046. Phone: (928) 635-3800. 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

Bright Angel Trail Hike

Choose the Bright Angel Trail for a moderate hike, offering stunning views into the canyon.
Spend 2 hours hiking.
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 Pizza Hut

Enjoy a delicious pizza dinner at Pizza Hut.
Pizza Hut, 1400 W Grant Ave, Williams, AZ 86046. Phone: (928) 635-2511. Dine 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

Native American History & Explore Grand Canyon

Spend the day hiking the South Rim and enjoying scenic viewpoints, while learning about Native American history.
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, where you can find affordable snacks.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

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.
Dine for 1 hour.
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) to Horseshoe Bend.
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 Taco Bell

Grab a quick bite at Taco Bell for affordable and filling Mexican food.
Located at 2010 S. Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040. Phone: (928) 645-0569. 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. A 6-mile hike will reward with unique geological formations.
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). Stopping for pictures along the way.
CURRENCY0, 30 mins

4:00 PM

Lower Antelope Canyon Tour

Take a guided tour of the famous Lower Antelope Canyon to see its spectacular light beams.
Drive 15 mins to the entrance. 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.
Located at 1300 W Grant Ave, Williams, AZ 86046. Phone: (928) 635-4309. 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 and even trying sandboarding.
Spend 1 hour here.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit The Wave (if permitted)

If permits are available, visit the unique rock formation after your sand expedition.
Drive 1 hour (50 miles).
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Subway

Enjoy a fresh sandwich after your morning adventures.
Subway, 1645 E 1800 S, St George, UT 84790. Phone: (435) 656-1300. Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hike Mossy Cave Trail

Enjoy this easy hike featuring small waterfalls and beautiful scenery.
Spend 1.5 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Hike Bristlecone Loop Trail

This moderate hike showcases the ancient bristlecone pines.
Spend 1.5 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Subway

Enjoy a fresh sandwich for dinner.
Located at 940 W 1300 S, Cedar City, UT 84720. Phone: (435) 586-8835. Dine for 1 hour.
CURRENCY10, 1 hour
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

Hike Queens Garden and Navajo Trail

Experience a combinations of two trails that will lead you to the park’s stunning views and unique rock formations.
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 along the way.
Spend 2 hours driving with stops.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Moderate Hike at Canyon Overlook

Hike this scenic trail that provides stunning views of Zion Canyon, perfect for sunset.
Spend 1.5 hours hiking.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 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 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; plan for early start due to popularity.
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

Emerald Pools Hike

A pleasant hike leading to the beautiful Emerald 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 Subway

Enjoy your favorite Subway sandwich for dinner.
Located at 78 E 100 S, Springdale, UT 84767. Phone: (435) 772-3500. 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 and check out famous sites like the Fire Wave and Elephant Rock.
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
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed