Total Days: 10 Days | Accommodations: Hotels close to the parks and attractions| Transportation: Rental car | Traveled: Friend| Type of Trip: National parks and natural landmarks | Highlights: Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, Sunset hike to Delicate Arch, Kayaking to Antelope Canyon and Narrows river walk in Zion
This is a 10 day guide through the “Mighty Five” national parks, as well as Monument Valley and Page, Arizona. Starting in Las Vegas, the goal was to see the best natural landmarks in the area. Though Zion is geographically closest to Vegas, we decided to save the best for last and get the longer drive over with on the first day.
Day 1
At a glimpse: Arrive in Las Vegas and head to Bryce Canyon
Travel agenda: Rent a car at the Vegas airport and drive 4.5hrs east to Bryce Canyon National Park. This will be one of the highest elevations and likely the coldest. Before it gets dark, go straight to the Rim Trail from Sunset to Sunrise Point, which is 1 mile roundtrip. End with the sunset at (aptly named) Sunset Point. Stay at a hotel just 10 minutes down the street on Main Street. Then go to dinner at Bryce Canyon Pines (but really you are going for the pie!)
Day 2
At a glimpse: Bryce Canyon in the morning, Capitol Reef in the evening
Travel agenda: Enjoy an early morning sunrise at Bryce Point. From there, head back to the Sunset Point parking lot, but this time take the 3 mile Navajo Loop Trail to the Queen’s Garden to walk through the hoodoos amphitheater floor.
On the way out of the park, grab a sandwich and snacks for the road because you will want to see all the splendor of the 1.5hr drive to Capitol Reef National Park. Take Utah Scenic Byway 12, named one of the top 10 scenic highways in the country. If you need a break, Escalante Petrified Forest is on the way.
Once in Capitol Reef, stretch your legs with a .2 mile walk to Goosenecks Overlook and then .8 mile walk to Sunset Point. During the sunset, catch the brilliantly lit Henry Mountains in the background. Your best bet for dinner is Paizlees. As this is the most remote destination on the itinerary, it’s a great spot for stargazing at night.
Day 3
At a glimpse: Morning hike in Capitol Reef and then drive to Moab
Travel agenda: In the morning, take Grand Wash Spur road to either hike 3 miles to Cassidy Arch or take the 4 mile Grand Wash Trail as an alternative. After, drive Highway 24 2.5hrs to Moab.
Along the way, stop at the natural roadside attractions Hickman Bridge and the Petroglyphs. This drive will really feel like the middle of nowhere so keep an eye out for animals. Once in Moab, stay at a hotel on North Main Street, which gives you an opportunity to walk to restaurants and is also a short drive to both Arches and Canyonlands. Enjoy dinner at hotspot Moab Brewery.
Day 4
At a glimpse: Afternoon and evening exploring Arches National Park
Travel agenda: Sleep in today and then enjoy a late breakfast at Moab Coffee Roasters. Then prepare for a full day in Arches National Park. Grab a sandwich from Sweet Cravings on the way to the park to enjoy on-the-go. From town, it’s a 40 minute drive to Devils Garden which can be a full 8 mile loop, or shorter out and back trail. Make sure to go as far as Landscape Arch before turning around.
Head back along the Scenic Drive until you see the Balanced Rock. At that turn, drive and park at the end of Windows Road. From there, you can walk to several attractions including The Windows and Turret Arch, as well as Double Arch.
Finally, an hour before sunset, start the 3 mile roundtrip hike to Delicate Arch, the iconic landmark of the park. Take your time to soak in the epic views as the sun goes down and casts a beautiful glow on the arch and steep bowl surrounding it. Back in town, Jax is an easy going sports bar with unexpectedly delicious pizza. Woody’s is the local haunt for a beer after.
Tip: Bring a headlamp for the Delicate Arch hike back down to the parking lot post sunset.
Day 5
At a glimpse: Morning in Canyonlands and afternoon to relax in Moab
Travel agenda: It’s an early wakeup call, with a 50 minute drive and short 1.5 mile roundtrip hike to the Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, one of the most esteemed sunrise locations in Utah. From there, Green River Overlook and Shafer Trail Viewpoint are two other worthy views. On the way out of Canyonlands, stop at Dead Horse Point. It’s an additional $20 to enter and takes 20 minutes to drive to the cliffs edge where you can see the Colorado River. Check out Meander Overlook route if you want to explore.
Just 10 minutes off the Highway 191 road, make a pitstop at the Potash Dinosaur Tracks. You’ll see the dino museums everywhere but when else can you search for real dinosaur footprints? To celebrate your last night in Moab, get dinner at Josie’s.
Day 6
At a glimpse: Drive through Monument Valley to Page, Arizona
Travel agenda: Take your time in the morning and stop by the Moab Rock Shop and the local boutiques. Then it’s a 5hr drive to Page, Arizona. Take Route 163 though Oljato Monument Valley to see the movie-worthy cluster of vast sandstone buttes. There are plenty of turnouts for classic middle-of-the-road photos. At night, stop at the Lake Powell Glen Canyon Dam and then head to an early dinner at tavern and local spot State 48.
Day 7
At a glimpse: Morning at Horseshoe Bend, afternoon kayaking to Antelope Canyon and then drive to Zion
Travel agenda: Start the morning at famed Horseshoe Bend half an hour before sunrise. It’s a $10 entrance fee at the parking lot. Then walk the paved 1.5 mile path to the Colorado River viewpoint. It will take another 10 minutes to find your favorite spot along the 1000ft sandstone cliffs. Savor the radiance of canyon walls and river when the sun shines over the whole area. After, drive 10 minutes, fuel up at Ranch House Grille and take a sandwich to go!
Before 10am, pack up, bundle up and head 20 minutes to Antelope Point Marina. Along the way you will enter the Glen Canyon area, but there is no fee to enter during the winter. At the marina, rent a kayak and paddle 3.5 miles down the Lake Powell River to the Antelope Canyon access point. From here, you can walk up to 9 miles through the famous slot canyon. It is the only option without a guide and 100% worth the paddling.
Tip: There will be less boats in the water during the winter so you won’t have to battle any waves while you kayak. However, you will get wet. Ask for a dry bag and add extra clothing and socks to make the Antelope Canyon walk more enjoyable.
After, start the 2.5hr drive to Springdale. Check into a hotel on Zion Park Boulevard and then enjoy dinner at local Mexican spot Oscar’s Café.
Day 8
At a glimpse: Exploring Zion
Travel agenda: In the morning, head to the East side of Zion, taking the Mount Carmel Highway road. Enjoy the drive, maneuver around the switchbacks and keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep that roam that side of the park. Take the 1 mile out and back Canyon Overlook trail with bridges, caves and an epic view of the canyon floor. Head back to town and get lunch at MeMe’s.
In the afternoon, rent an e-bike from Zion Cycles and cruise down to the Visitor Center. From there, take the Pa’rus Trail that leads to the 13 mile Scenic Drive in Zion. You will get a lock so that you can hop on and off. Some potential stops include: Zion Lodge, Emerald Pools, The Grotto and Big Bend. (Keep in mind waterfall attractions will likely be lackluster in the winter.) After returning the e-bikes, stop at Zion Outfitters for a drysuit and walking stick and the market for hiking snacks. A casual dinner can be at Jack’s Sports Grill or the Brew Pub but you’ll want to be in bed early!
Tip: When the parking lots fill up in Zion, the rangers will close Scenic Road. Riding a bike is the best way to see the sights during a time when the road will likely be blocked off to traffic.
Day 9
At a glimpse: A morning at the Narrows in Zion and drive to Vegas
Travel agenda: Plan to be at the Temple of Sinawava parking lot by 8am. Dress accordingly with your dry suit on top! From the parking lot, the Riverside Walk is a paved 1-mile path that leads to the entrance of the Narrows. From here, it’s an incredible 2 mile walk through the river and dirt/rocky paths to the Wall Street section where it becomes more narrow. You can walk as far as 9 miles or turn around whenever the mood (or cold) strikes.
Tip: Find out what time the Scenic Road closed and the parking lot was full the day before so that you can plan the morning accordingly. Most information is posted on the Zion website or their Twitter account.
Back at the car, return the rental gear and make the 2.5hr drive to Las Vegas. Explore the Strip and treat yourself to a nice dinner because you’ve earned it!
Day 10
Travel agenda: Take a walk in the morning to see Vegas in its quietest state and then have brunch. Say farewell to the desert and the mountains on the flight home.
