Southwestern USA Road Trip: Las Vegas to Phoenix with National Parks & Dead & Co Concert

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Las Vegas, NV on May 16, 2025

3:00PM

Arrive Las Vegas McCarran International Airport

Land in Las Vegas, pick up rental car, and check into your hotel to prepare for the trip and concert night.
USD0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Lotus of Siam

Enjoy one of the best Northern Thai food experiences in Las Vegas with flavorful dishes in a casual setting.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 2: Concert & Explore Vegas

Las Vegas, NV on May 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Henry at Cosmopolitan

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this stylish and popular hotel restaurant with innovative dishes.
USD25, 1h0m

10:00AM

Hike: Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop

Drive 30 minutes west of Vegas to Red Rock Canyon, hike the Calico Tanks Trail (about 2.5 miles) for stunning desert vistas and sandstone formations.
USD15, 3h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Eggslut at The Cosmopolitan

Grab a delicious and casual lunch focusing on gourmet egg sandwiches and comfort food.
USD20, 1h0m

5:00PM

Dead & Co Concert at The Sphere

Experience the full concert at the Sphere, a new state-of-the-art venue with cutting-edge audio-visual technology. Doors usually open an hour before the show.
USD150, 4h0m

10:30PM

Late Night Snack at Secret Pizza

If hungry after the concert, enjoy a slice at this hidden pizza spot inside The Cosmopolitan with great New York style pizza.
USD10, 0h30m

Day 3: Drive & Zion Hike

Zion National Park, UT on May 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vesta Coffee Roasters, Las Vegas

Grab artisanal coffee and a light breakfast to energize for the drive to Zion.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00AM

Drive to Zion National Park

Approximately 2.5 to 3-hour scenic drive northeast; check into nearby Springdale accommodations.
USD0, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Oscar's Cafe, Springdale

Enjoy hearty and fresh American Southwest cuisine in this casual, popular local spot.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30PM

Hike: Emerald Pools Trail

This moderate 3-mile round trip hike is perfect for the afternoon. It takes you past beautiful pools and waterfalls with views of Zion Canyon.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 3h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon

Enjoy southwestern style dishes and a welcoming atmosphere in Springdale to unwind after your hike.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 4: Zion Exploration

Zion National Park, UT on May 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Deep Creek Coffee Co

Fuel up with delicious coffee and fresh baked goods in Springdale before an active day.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00AM

Hike: Angels Landing

Take on this iconic and thrilling 5.4-mile roundtrip hike with breathtaking panoramic views. Be sure to go early to avoid crowds; this hike is challenging and may close in bad weather.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 4h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Zion Canyon Brew Pub

Relax with a craft beer and delicious pub fare after your challenging morning hike.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00PM

Explore Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Enjoy the iconic Zion vistas by shuttle or car (if off-season), stopping at viewpoints and short easy walks like the Riverside Walk.
USD0, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Switchback Grille

Finish the day with creative American dishes in an elegant yet relaxed setting in Springdale.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 5: Bryce Canyon Arrival

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT on May 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Soleil, Springdale

Enjoy fresh and hearty breakfast selections with a local flair in Springdale.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes drive northeast to Bryce Canyon; enter the park and check into nearby lodging.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 2h15m

11:00AM

Hike: Navajo Loop Trail

This 1.3-mile loop hike descends into the Bryce Amphitheater to admire hoodoos and geological formations up close, a moderate trail perfect for early exploration.
Included with park entrance, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Bryce Canyon Lodge

Have casual lunch on-site, featuring southwestern comfort food in a rustic lodge setting.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00PM

Scenic Drive & Viewpoints

Drive and stop at iconic viewpoints like Inspiration Point, Sunset Point, and Bryce Point to photograph the stunning scenery.
USD0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Stone Hearth Grille

Dine on upscale American cuisine in a cozy setting in nearby Bryce Canyon City to close the day.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 6: Grand Canyon Drive & Hike

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ on May 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co

Grab a quick and energizing breakfast to prepare for the drive to the Grand Canyon.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00AM

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

Drive approximately 3 hours south to the Grand Canyon South Rim, checking into accommodations nearby.
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room

Enjoy historic elegance and stunning canyon views with a classic American menu inside the famous lodge.
USD40, 1h0m

1:30PM

Hike: South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

A steep 1.8-mile round-trip hike providing some of the best panoramic views on the South Rim; moderate challenge and highly rewarding.
Included with park entrance, 3h0m

5:00PM

Relax and Sunset View at Yavapai Point

Take in one of the most beloved sunset views overlooking the canyon’s colorful rock formations.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Arizona Room

Savor southwestern and American cuisine with stunning canyon views from the restaurant patio.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 7: Grand Canyon Exploration

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ on May 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Grand Canyon Village Market

Grab a quick breakfast or coffee near the village to start the day early.
USD15, 0h45m

8:00AM

Hike: Rim Trail - Hermits Rest to Grand Canyon Village

An easy 2 to 3-mile hike along the South Rim with stunning canyon vistas and plenty of spots for photos, perfect for a relaxed morning walk.
Included with park entrance, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Canyon Coffee House

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and coffee in a friendly atmosphere right in Grand Canyon Village.
USD20, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Geology Museum

Learn about the natural history and geology of the Grand Canyon at this informative center open daily 8 AM to 5 PM.
USD0, 1h30m

3:30PM

Short Hike: Bright Angel Trail to 1.5 Mile Resthouse

A moderately difficult hike that gives you a spectacular up-close canyon experience without too much exertion.
Included with park entrance, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at We Cook Pizza & Pasta

Casual and quick dining near the rim featuring tasty Italian dishes ideal for a laid-back evening.
USD25, 1h0m

Day 8: Drive to Sedona

Sedona, AZ on May 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at El Tovar Dining Room

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with canyon views before leaving Grand Canyon.
USD30, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Sedona

Approximately 2.5-hour drive south, enjoy scenic desert landscapes on your way to Sedona; check into your hotel.
USD0, 2h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at The Hudson

Modern American dishes with spectacular red rock views; a great introduction to Sedona’s dining.
USD30, 1h0m

2:00PM

Hike: Cathedral Rock Trail

A vigorous 1.5-mile hike up Cathedral Rock offering breathtaking views over Sedona’s red rocks, recommended for afternoon exploration.
USD0, 2h0m

5:00PM

Explore Sedona Shops & Galleries

Walk through the charming Uptown Sedona to visit art galleries and unique shops until dinner.
USD0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

Upscale dining with Latin flavors complemented by stunning views of red rocks lit at night.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 9: Sedona Nature Day

Sedona, AZ on May 24, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfast sandwiches.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30AM

Hike: Devil's Bridge Trail

A 4.2-mile round-trip moderate hike to see Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch—a must-see geological formation.
USD0, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Creekside American Bistro

Enjoy lunch overlooking Oak Creek with a delicious menu of American classics and fresh salads.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30PM

Sedona Vortex Tour or Relax at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Consider a guided tour exploring Sedona’s famous vortex energy sites or spend time browsing galleries and boutiques.
USD40 (optional tour), 3h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Cowboy Club

Classic southwestern cuisine served in a historic and cozy setting, perfect to end your Sedona visit.
USD40, 1h30m

Day 10: Drive to Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ on May 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Juicery Sedona

Light and healthy breakfast options with smoothies and fresh juices before your drive.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00AM

Drive to Phoenix

About a 2-hour drive south to Phoenix; check into your hotel upon arrival.
USD0, 2h0m

11:30AM

Hike: Camelback Mountain - Echo Canyon Trail

A challenging 2.5-mile hike with steep climbs rewarding you with panoramic views of Phoenix and surrounding desert.
USD0, 3h0m

3:00PM

Lunch at The Henry

Upscale casual dining with an extensive menu featuring local ingredients and classic dishes.
USD30, 1h0m

5:00PM

Visit Desert Botanical Garden

Spend late afternoon exploring thousands of desert plant species; open until 8 PM during spring/summer.
USD30, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at FnB Restaurant

Experience award-winning seasonal farm-to-table cuisine in Phoenix’s art district.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 11: Phoenix Leisure Day

Phoenix, AZ on May 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast

Popular spot serving hearty American breakfasts with a focus on fresh ingredients and comfort food.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30AM

Hike: Piestewa Peak Summit Trail

Moderate 3-mile hike to the summit with panoramic views of Phoenix and surrounding mountains; perfect for the morning.
USD0, 3h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at The Duce

Eclectic restaurant with a vintage feel featuring Southern-inspired dishes and craft cocktails.
USD25, 1h0m

2:30PM

Phoenix Art Museum Visit

Explore diverse art collections including western and contemporary pieces; open 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesdays through Sundays.
USD20, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Ocotillo

Modern Arizona cuisine featuring creative dishes emphasizing local ingredients in a stylish setting.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 12: Departure

Phoenix, AZ on May 27, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Grab a quick breakfast before heading to the airport for your flight back to Philadelphia.
USD15, 0h30m

9:30AM

Fly Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHI)

Catch your flight returning home after an exciting Southwestern USA trip.
USD0, 5h0m (approximate flight)