Western National Park Loop
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
ZION & Bryce canyon NATIONAL PARKs, UTAH
GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM, ARIZONA
GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA & LAKE POWELL, UTAH/ARIZONA
GRAND CANYON SOUTHERN RIM, ARIZONA
HOOVER DAM & LAKE MEAD NATIONAL RECREATION AREA/HENDERSON, NEVADA
Summary
Natural and man-made wonders combine in this quintessential tour of the wild and wide open West. The neon lights of Vegas and engineering marvel that is the Hoover Dam are unquestionably spectacular, but both pale alongside the natural splendor of Zion's red rock mountains, Bryce's bizarre hoodoos, and the North Rim's breath-taking vistas.
Trip Tic
For: Families, Couples Travel Days: 11-12 Mileage: 1,000 Car Hours: 19 (one 5-hour driving day) Temps: 65-100° F (early summer)
Route Map
Itinerary Outline
Day 1
- Arrive McCarren International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Lodging: Mandalay Bay
- Activity ideas: enjoy the hotel wave pool; take a sightseeing walk along the Strip... family friendly landmarks include the fountains at the Bellagio, the Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower, gondola rides at the Venetian, and the volcano at the Mirage
Day 2
- Drive 2.75 hours from Las Vegas to Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah
- Lodging: Zion National Park Lodge (Western Cabin)
- Hike 2.2 mile (roundtrip) Lower and Upper Emerald Pools trails
- Dine at Bit & Spur restaurant in Springdale
Day 3
- Hike .4 mile roundtrip Weeping Rock Trail
- Hike 2.2 mile (roundtrip) Riverside Walk, continue as far into The Narrows as desired
- Explore Zion's visitor centers and/or see the "Treasure of the Gods" film at the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre
Day 4
- Drive 1.75 hours from Zion NP via the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway to Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce, Utah
- Entering the park from the north, stop at Fairyland Point Overlook, Inspiration Point Overlook, Natural Bridge
- Hike 3.1 mile (round trip) Queens Garden and Navajo Trails loop
- Lodging: Bryce Canyon Lodge
Day 5
- Drive 3.5 hours from Bryce NP to Grand Canyon North Rim in North Rim, Arizona
- Hike .2 mile Roosevelt Point, 1.0 mile Cliff Springs and/or 3.0 mile Transept trails
- Lodging: Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim, Western Cabin (get a Rim view, #301, #305, #306 or #309 are ideal)
Day 6
- Drive 3.6 hours from the Grand Canyon NP North Rim to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Page, Arizona
- Stop at the visitor center and/or tour the Glen Canyon Dam
- Lodging: Lake Powell Resort
Day 7
- Tour Antelope Slot Canyons (very cool, schedule a tour at noon for the best light)
- Enjoy Lake Powell water sports: rent a boat and water skis/tube at the marina for the afternoon
- Lodging: Lake Powell Resorts
Day 8
- Take a scenic half-day float on the Colorado Rive via Colorado River Rafting
- Hike 1.4 mile Hanging Garden Trail
- Lodging: Lake Powell Resorts
Day 9
- Drive 2.75 hours from Glen Canyon NRA to Grand Canyon South Rim (use the Desert View/East Entrance and be prepared for crowds) in Arizona
- Stop along Desert View Drive at the Watchtower, Lipan Point, Tusayan Ruins
- Hike a portion of the Rim Trail
- Lodging: El Tovar (dine here too)
Day 10
- Extend your stay by a day in the South Rim area with a helicopter trip to the Havasupai Reservation in Supai, at the bottom of the canyon, for a 4.0 mile (round trip) hike to the world-famous Havasu Falls
- Alternatively, drive 5.0 hours from Grand Canyon NP South Rim, crossing over the Hoover Dam, to Henderson/Lake Mead NRA, Nevada
- Lodging: Westin Las Vegas Resort
Day 11
- Relax by the hotel pool, or visit nearby or Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
- Take in a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas in the evening
- Loding: Westin Las Vegas Resort
Day 12
- Depart McCarren International Airpor