Trip Information
Number of Nights: 14 nights
Seasons: Late March through Early November
Start / End: Las Vegas
Average Price: $8,700
Detailed Itinerary
Start: 1 night Las Vegas, NV
Start your trip in Las Vegas, arriving at any time to dive into the excitement of Sin City. Catch a Cirque du Soleil show, explore the vibrant Strip, or relax poolside at a top resort. When you’re hungry, enjoy a range of delicious dining options. Las Vegas offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation for all ages.
Las Vegas to Zion: 160 miles
3 nights Zion National Park
After loading up your RV, head to Zion National Park for three nights to fully explore its highlights. Hike the famous Angels Landing Trail for dramatic views and a thrilling climb, or take the Riverside Walk to the start of the Narrows, a stunning slot canyon where you wade through the Virgin River. Enjoy the scenic drive through Zion Canyon or use the park’s shuttle to access key viewpoints. Visit the Kolob Canyons section for less crowded trails and striking red rock formations. Zion offers a range of breathtaking landscapes and adventures, ensuring a memorable stay.
Zion to Bryce: 85 miles
2 nights Bryce Canyon National Park
Continue your road trip through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and head north to Bryce Canyon National Park. On the way, make sure to stop at Red Canyon, where you can marvel at its vibrant red rock formations and enjoy a short hike along the scenic trails. Once you arrive at Bryce Canyon, two nights will give you enough time to explore this unique park, famous for its otherworldly hoodoo rock formations. Hike along the Rim Trail for panoramic views of the Bryce Amphitheater, or venture down into the canyon on trails like Queen’s Garden or Peek-a-Boo Loop to experience the hoodoos up close. Sunset and sunrise are particularly magical times to view the park’s stunning rock formations, as the changing light accentuates their colors and shapes.
Bryce to Capital Reef: 110 miles
1 night Capital Reef National Park
To tick another national park off your list, head to Capital Reef National Park, a hidden gem in the national park system. Nestled in southern Utah, Capitol Reef is known for its human history, colorful cliffs, and unique geological features. Explore the park’s scenic drives, such as the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, which provides breathtaking views of the Waterpocket Fold and historic Fruita District. Hike to natural wonders like Hickman Bridge and Cassidy Arch, or stroll through the charming Fruita orchards, where you can sample fresh fruit in season. With its less crowded trails and captivating landscapes, Capitol Reef offers a serene and rewarding experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Capital Reef to Moab: 165 miles
1 night Canyonlands National Park
Heading to the Moab area, your first stop will be Canyonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky area, where you’ll spend one night. Here you’ll be treated to expansive views from sheer cliffs overlooking the vast canyon below. This district offers breathtaking panoramas from viewpoints such as Mesa Arch and Grand View Point, where you can marvel at the intricate maze of canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Short hikes, like the one to the iconic Upheaval Dome, provide closer looks at the park’s unique geological features. Dead Horse State Park next door is just as stunning.
Canyonlands to Moab/Arches: 30 miles
2 nights Moab/Arches National Park
The next two nights will be spent in Moab, an ideal basecamp for exploring both Arches National Park and the surrounding Moab area. This vibrant town offers dining options, and local shops, all while being perfectly positioned to access the region’s natural wonders. Moab provides easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures, from mountain biking the famous Slickrock Trail to floating on the Colorado RIver. Arches National Park, just a short drive away, is renowned for its incredible collection of over 2,000 natural stone arches, with iconic formations such as Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch. There is no lack of things to do in the amazing area.
Moab to Monument Valley: 150 miles
1 night Monument Valley
From Moab, head to the remote and iconic Monument Valley, located within Navajo Tribal Lands. This striking landscape is renowned for its towering red sandstone buttes and mesas, which have been featured in countless films and photographs. As you drive through Monument Valley, you’ll be immersed in its breathtaking vistas and unique rock formations, such as the Mittens and Totem Pole. The vast, open spaces and dramatic scenery make Monument Valley a memorable and profound experience, showcasing the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Navajo Nation.
Monument Valley to Grand Canyon: 160 miles
2 nights Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim)
For your sixth and final national park of the trip, head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, a bucket-list destination. You’ll have two nights to explore this awe-inspiring natural wonder, taking in its vast expanse and dramatic views. Whether hiking along the rim, visiting lookout points like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, or simply absorbing the breathtaking landscape, the Grand Canyon promises an unforgettable conclusion to your national park adventure.
Grand Canyon to Lake Mead: 260 miles
1 night Lake Mead/ Hoover Dam
Before returning to Las Vegas, spend your final night near Lake Mead, a tranquil and scenic spot ideal for relaxation and reflection. Along the way, enjoy a drive on the historic Route 66 between Williams and Lake Mead, reliving a classic American road trip experience. At Lake Mead, explore the impressive Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel straddling the border between Arizona and Nevada. After a final night camping, a short drive will take you from Lake Mead to Las Vegas, where you can return your RV and catch your flight home the following day.
Lake Mead to Las Vegas: 30 miles
TOTAL TRIP MILEAGE: 990 miles
End: Las Vegas, NV
Trip Extensions
2 Nights at Lake Powell +$800
When at Lake Powell, you can swim in the lake, try out paddle boarding, zoom on a powerboat, and much more. From Lake Powell, you can easily visit Horseshoe Bend, the Rainbow Bridge, and Antelope Canyon and continue further out to the Vermilion Cliffs National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Coconino National Forest. Don’t forget that you can also explore the nearby town of Page for quaint dining and specialty stores.
2 night Mesa Verde National Park +$1,080
Mesa Verde National Park is a must-add to your itinerary for its remarkable preservation of ancient cliff dwellings and Puebloan history. Located in southwestern Colorado, the park features well-preserved archaeological sites like Cliff Palace and Balcony House, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived there over 700 years ago. The park’s dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it a unique destination that combines breathtaking natural beauty with profound historical significance. Adding Mesa Verde to your trip provides an enriching experience and a deeper understanding of the region’s indigenous history.