Did you know you can visit the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks all in one Southwest road trip? To help take all the guesswork out of where to start, we’ve created the perfect itinerary for a Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion road trip. This one-week itinerary will guide you day by day, hitting the must-see highlights and a few optional stops.
7-Day Itinerary To Explore Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Utah National Parks, offering mild temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and fully accessible roads and trails. Because the distances between parks are pretty reasonable, you can actually cover Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon in as little as three days. However, a five- to seven-day trip feels a lot more relaxed.
Day 1: Drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim
Start your adventure by making your way to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. No matter where you begin your trip, plan your drive so you can reach the park by late afternoon.
If you happen to be coming from the west—such as Las Vegas—popular optional stops include Hoover Dam on the Nevada–Arizona border or the Route 66 towns of Seligman and Williams, both known for retro diners and classic Americana charm.
Catch Sunset at the Canyon’s Edge
If you arrive late in the day, head straight into Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) and get your first look at the canyon during sunset. Popular viewpoints for sunset include Hopi Point or nearby Mather Point by the Visitor Center. Be sure to bring a jacket because even summer can get chilly after sundown at 7,000 feet of elevation.
Day 2: Explore Grand Canyon South Rim
Start your day with a pre-dawn trip to Mather Point for sunrise. Park near the Visitor Center for a short 5-minute walk to the overlook.
Hike Into the Canyon on Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail
Two popular trail options are the Bright Angel Trail (starts near Bright Angel Lodge) and the South Kaibab Trail (starts near Yaki Point). Choose one trail and hike as far as you feel comfortable. A common turnaround is 1.5 miles down Bright Angel to the resthouse.
If you’re not up for a big hike, consider walking along the flat Rim Trail for different viewpoints, or even taking a helicopter tour for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view.
Ride the Shuttle to Scenic Viewpoints
In the afternoon, take advantage of the free park shuttles to see more of the South Rim’s highlights. The Hermit Road Shuttle (in season March–Nov) will bring you to several excellent overlooks west of the village without the stress of driving. You can hop on and off to snap photos of views like Mojave Point or Pima Point.
Alternatively, drive the Desert View Drive eastward for panoramic pull-offs. Don’t miss the Desert View Watchtower near the park’s east exit for one more stunning vista.
By late afternoon, drive toward Page, Arizona. It’s about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive to Page. If you left the canyon late, you might arrive after dark; if you left earlier, you could catch Horseshoe Bend at sunset. Spend the night in Page so you’re ready for Antelope Canyon first thing tomorrow.
Day 3: Visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon, Then Drive to Zion
Make your way to Antelope Canyon, a world-famous slot canyon known for its wave-like sandstone walls and beams of light. It’s located on Navajo Nation land, and you must book a guided tour to visit.
Drive to Zion National Park
After your Antelope Canyon tour, it’s time to drive to Utah for Zion National Park. The drive from Page to Springdale takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours as you cross into Utah.
Day 4: Hike Angels Landing and Watch the Sunset
Your Zion itinerary starts at Angels Landing, one of the most thrilling hikes in the U.S. This steep trail climbs up to a narrow fin of rock with chains and rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Zion Canyon.
The hike is 5 miles round-trip and very strenuous (with 21 steep switchbacks), but the 360° views of Zion’s red cliffs and the valley below are absolutely worth it.
Watch the Sunset From Canyon Overlook
For a lighter afternoon, drive or take the shuttle up Zion’s scenic Mt. Carmel Highway. You’ll go through the historic 1.1-mile tunnel and emerge into a stunning landscape of slickrock domes.
Just past the tunnel is the parking area for the Canyon Overlook Trail. This short trail (1 mile round-trip) is an ideal post-Angels Landing hike. It’s a moderately easy walk (with some steps and a few drop-offs where railings are provided) leading to a fantastic overlook of lower Zion Canyon.
You’ll want to stay near Zion because day five offers more adventures in the park.
Day 5: Walk Through the Narrows and Wind Down at Zion National Park
Day five is all about The Narrows, the famous river slot canyon in Zion. This hike is essentially walking in the Virgin River through the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Take the first park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava (last stop). Walk 1 mile on the paved Riverside Walk to the end where the Narrows begins.
Most people hike upstream for a couple of hours, enjoying the towering walls (up to 1,000 feet high and sometimes only 20-30 feet apart) and then turn around and come back downriver.
Drive Scenic Roads or Choose a Relaxing Trail
With your last afternoon in Zion, you have a few options depending on your energy level. If you want to continue exploring, consider a scenic drive on the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, if you haven’t already. Or, you could also do a short, easy hike such as the Emerald Pools Trail or Pa’rus Trail near the valley floor.
Day 6: Take a Day Trip to Bryce Canyon National Park
The drive from Springdale to Bryce Canyon is roughly 2 hours (about 80 miles). Bryce Canyon sits around 8,000–9,000 feet in elevation, so it will be cooler. Aim to arrive at Bryce as early as possible, both to beat crowds and to catch the morning light on the hoodoos, those famous orange spire rock formations.
Hike Among the Hoodoos (Navajo Loop Trail)
Once at Bryce Canyon National Park, head to the main amphitheater area near Sunrise Point or Sunset Point. Take in the sweeping vista of countless hoodoos rising from the canyon floor.
The Navajo Loop Trail combined with the Queen’s Garden Trail is a popular moderate loop (about 2.5–3 miles total) that starts at Sunrise or Sunset Point and descends via switchbacks into the canyon. You’ll pass famous formations like Thor’s Hammer and walk through narrow rock corridors.
If you’re not up for hiking into the canyon, you can also walk along the Rim Trail between viewpoints for different angles without much elevation change. Pack your own lunch since dining options in the park are limited.
If you have time, drive to Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, or Rainbow Point (at the end of the road) for different perspectives of the park’s unique geology.
Day 7: Spend the Morning in Zion and Return to Las Vegas
The drive from Springdale, UT, back to Las Vegas is about 165 miles and takes roughly 2.5 hours. Instead of driving straight through, you have a couple of optional stops to consider if time permits.
One fantastic detour is Valley of Fire State Park, located about an hour northeast of Las Vegas (and only ~30 minutes off I-15). If you can spare 2-3 hours, it’s well worth taking the time to see brilliant red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs.
3-Day Itinerary for Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion
If you only have three days to explore the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion, follow this itinerary.
See the Grand Canyon
Head straight to the South Rim. Stick to rim viewpoints like Mather Point or Hopi Point for sweeping canyon views. If you have time and energy, hike a short section of Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trail. Stay for sunset because it’s one of the best moments of the trip.
Hike Bryce Canyon
Get up early for a quick Grand Canyon sunrise, then drive north toward Bryce. Stop briefly in Page to see Horseshoe Bend or take an Antelope Canyon tour. At Bryce, focus on the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail and catch sunset from Sunset Point.
Visit Zion National Park
Head to Zion in the morning and drive the Mt. Carmel Highway through the tunnel for stunning views. If you’re short on time, hike the Canyon Overlook Trail or stroll along the Pa’rus Trail. Even a quick visit lets you feel Zion’s towering cliffs. Finish the day with the drive back to Las Vegas.
A Great Base Camp for Your Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Road Trip
Every successful itinerary for exploring the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the nearby Utah national parks includes a well-chosen base camp. For travelers who want comfort, convenience, and quick access to the sights, Settler’s Junction RV Park is a great choice. Located just off I-15, this RV resort offers spacious pull-through sites, reliable full hookups, pet-friendly spaces, and even a pool for cooling off after long hiking days.
If you’re planning to stay at an RV park near Zion, Settler’s Junction puts you right where you need to be. Book your stay today and enjoy a stress-free base for your Utah national park road trip.