7 days Grand Canyon and National Parks

Your journey begins at Las Vegas's primary airport, where you will pick up your rental car and prepare for an epic road trip through the American Southwest. Make sure to pick up a national park pass, specifically the America the Beautiful pass, which covers entry to all the national parks on your itinerary and saves you significant money.

Located just an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and most visually striking state park. The park gets its name from the brilliant red Aztec sandstone formations that appear to be on fire when reflecting the desert sun. It serves as the perfect introduction to the geological wonders of the Southwest.

Nestled along the Virgin River in the charming town of Springdale, this exceptional boutique hotel is located just minutes from the entrance to Zion National Park. Guests consistently rave about the lush gardens, heated outdoor pools, and the dramatic red rock cliffs that tower directly behind the property, making it the perfect peaceful base for your Zion exploration.

Zion National Park is famous for its massive sandstone cliffs that tower thousands of feet above the canyon floor. The Virgin River carves through this dramatic landscape, creating a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. You will spend the day exploring the canyon floor using the park's convenient shuttle system.

Located in Springdale, King's Landing Bistro offers an upscale dining experience with a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant boasts a beautiful outdoor patio with unobstructed views of the Zion cliffs, allowing you to dine on exquisite American cuisine while watching the red rocks glow in the twilight.

Return to your comfortable riverside retreat at the Cliffrose for another night under the stars. Relax by the fire pits or take a soothing soak in the hot tub to rejuvenate your muscles after a full day of hiking in Zion.

Located just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, this short but adventurous 1-mile round-trip trail offers some of the most dramatic views in the park. The trail winds along a rocky cliffside, passing through a shaded alcove before ending at a spectacular overlook with a 360-degree view of the Pine Creek canyon below.

Bryce Canyon is not a single canyon but a giant natural amphitheater carved into the high Paunsaugunt Plateau. It is home to the largest concentration of hoodoos, whimsical rock spires formed by frost wedging and water erosion, in the world. The contrast of green pine trees against the brilliant orange and white rocks is mesmerizing.

Situated in the nearby quiet town of Tropic, Stone Hearth Grille is a highly-rated fine dining restaurant offering an intimate atmosphere and exceptional service. The menu features high-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and an excellent wine list, providing a sophisticated culinary experience after a day of exploring the hoodoos.

Located in Bryce Canyon City, just outside the park entrance, this highly-rated hotel offers spacious rooms, a complimentary hot breakfast, and a beautiful courtyard with a heated pool and hot tub. It serves as an excellent, comfortable base for exploring the high-altitude wonders of Bryce Canyon.

Located just outside of Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed geological features in the Southwest. Here, the Colorado River makes a dramatic 270-degree turn around a massive sandstone escarpment, plunging 1,000 feet below the overlook. The contrast of the emerald green river against the red Navajo sandstone is spectacular.

BirdHouse is a beloved local restaurant in Page, Arizona, famous for its exceptionally crispy, flavorful fried chicken and house-made sauces. The casual, laid-back atmosphere and great selection of craft beers make it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal after a day of driving and sightseeing.

This modern, stylish hotel in Page offers comfortable rooms with cozy corner sofa-sleepers, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant. It is situated on a high ridge, offering beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape and convenient access to both Lake Powell and the local slot canyons.

Lower Antelope Canyon is a world-famous slot canyon known for its narrow, wind-carved sandstone walls that resemble flowing waves of stone. Because the canyon is located on Navajo Nation land, it can only be visited via an authorized guided tour. Dixie's is a highly-rated, Navajo-owned tour operator that provides exceptional, informative guided walks through this geological masterpiece.

Located at the eastern entrance of the Grand Canyon's South Rim, the Desert View Watchtower is a historic 70-foot stone tower designed by legendary architect Mary Colter in 1932. The tower's design was inspired by the ancient dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people, and its interior features beautiful murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie.

Navajo Point is the highest overlook on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering sweeping views of the canyon and the Colorado River below. It is one of the premier spots on the rim for sunset photography, as the high elevation provides an unobstructed view of the sun dipping below the western horizon.

Located inside the historic El Tovar Hotel, this legendary dining room features rustic stone walls, dark wood accents, and large windows overlooking the canyon rim. The menu offers a sophisticated blend of continental and Southwest-inspired cuisine, providing a memorable dining experience in a historic setting.

First opened in 1905, El Tovar Hotel is a historic masterpiece located directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Built from local limestone and Oregon pine, this legendary hotel has hosted world leaders, artists, and celebrities. It offers a cozy, historic atmosphere with unparalleled access to the canyon rim, making it the ultimate place to stay during your visit.

Mather Point is one of the most iconic and accessible viewpoints on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Located near the main visitor center, it offers a vast, panoramic view of the canyon's immense depth and width, with the Colorado River visible far below. It is the most popular spot in the park to witness the sunrise.

The South Kaibab Trail is a well-maintained ridge trail that descends steeply into the Grand Canyon. Unlike the Bright Angel Trail, which hugs the canyon walls, the South Kaibab Trail follows a ridgeline, offering panoramic, 360-degree views of the canyon from the moment you step off the rim.

Designed by Mary Colter in 1935, Bright Angel Lodge is a historic landmark located at the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail. The lodge features a rustic, welcoming atmosphere and houses a fascinating history room, including the famous 'geological fireplace' that replicates the rock layers of the Grand Canyon from bottom to top.

Operating since 1965, Papillon is the world's oldest and largest sightseeing helicopter company. Flying out of the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, just minutes from the South Rim, they offer breathtaking aerial tours that provide a perspective of the canyon's immense scale that is impossible to get from the ground. Guests consistently praise the highly experienced pilots, smooth flights, and the unforgettable views of the canyon's deepest gorges.

Return to the historic El Tovar Hotel for your second night on the rim. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the hotel's wide porch, listening to the sounds of the canyon and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in North America.

Delgadillo's Snow Cap is a historic, quirky eatery located along Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona. Built in 1953 by Juan Delgadillo using scrap lumber from the nearby Santa Fe Railway, this iconic roadside attraction is famous for its eccentric decor, vintage neon signs, and playful, humorous service. It represents the ultimate nostalgic stop to experience authentic Americana during your drive back to Las Vegas.

Hoover Dam is a colossal concrete arch-gravity dam located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between Nevada and Arizona. Constructed during the Great Depression, it is a monumental engineering marvel that created Lake Powell's sister reservoir, Lake Mead, and provides power and water to millions of people in the Southwest.

Located inside the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Mon Ami Gabi is a highly-rated French bistro famous for its classic steak frites, onion soup, and exceptional wine list. The restaurant features a beautiful outdoor patio located directly on the Las Vegas Strip, offering front-row seats to the spectacular Bellagio Fountains show.

The Bellagio is one of the most iconic luxury resort hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, famous for its elegant Italian-inspired design, the stunning conservatory and botanical gardens, and the world-renowned dancing fountains. It offers a luxurious, high-end experience to celebrate the conclusion of your epic Southwest road trip.