From deserts to canyons to rivers, the southwestern United States calls to adventurers and explorers. One can spend endless time unraveling the mysterious landscapes in this widespread region. But, a four-days Arizona and Utah road trip is the perfect way for first-timers to explore the famous landmarks and the Instagram worthy backdrops.
Glancing at the snow-covered hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, chain-hiking the Angel’s Landing at Zion, and absorbing the depth of the geological formations at Antelope Canyon was just a few highlights of this trip. Here’s how we were able to cover the best of Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend in just 4 days from Las Vegas.
Day 1: An evening in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is located in close proximity to some of the best national parks in the USA. It’s usually cheap to fly into Vegas, where you can spend a day/night going crazy (or get some rest) before embarking on the roads.
Day 2: Zion National Park
Next morning, we started our ~3 hours drive to Zion National Park from Vegas.
Featuring steep red cliffs and scenic drives cutting across the canons & valleys, Zion national park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It is also an amazing place to camp (please book in advance!).
Zion National Park is like the set of a movie that’s so grand you know it’s fake, but you don’t care because it’s delicious to look at; the kind of flick where the art director was given carte blanche and didn’t worry about believability.
We camped at Zion View Camping that is located ~23 miles from the national park in the Hildale region of Utah. This one is rather a glamping spot with stunning views. It is very glamorous compared to your average camping experience with amenities like king size beds, bigger camp area, campfires, chairs, toilet, etc.
You can also book your spot in one of the Zion campgrounds for a more raw experience. Book early as they usually fill up months in advance!
I recommend having 2 days for Zion if possible, because these are 2 absolutely must-do hikes – Angels Landing and The Narrows. We went during the busy summer season when it’s best to leave the car outside the main entrance of the park, and board shuttles that run every 15 minutes across the park.
Since we had just 1 day for Zion, we went with the Angels Landing hike. It was absolutely breathtaking, one of the best hikes of my life. Kindly go prepared as these are strenuous hikes. You actually chain-hike the last part of Angels Landing, which is completely doable but can be scary to some.
We also covered the first mile of The Narrows to get a feel of walking amidst the canyons, and get our feet wet in the Virgin River. I am definitely re-visiting this heaven soon!
Day 3: Bryce Canyon National Park
Located in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is not a canyon as the name suggests but a cluster of distinctive spire-shaped structures called hoodoos, that have been left standing due to the large multitude of forces from erosion.
With the largest collection of orange, red, and crimson-colored rocks, Bryce boasts some really magnificent views.
Below are all the points of attraction that can be easily covered in a day. You can just get going with one click on Google Maps.
My personal favorites are Inspiration Point, Bryce Point and Queens Trail.
Day 4: Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
I am sure it’s already in your bucket-list if you haven’t already visited. Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend both are highly accessible (3/4 and 1/4 mile hikes) and should NOT be missed. These two special places are hands-down two of the most iconic images of the Southwest.
Few geological formations are as picturesque and awe-inspiring as Antelope Canyon, a magnificent slot canyon just east of Page in Northern Arizona. With tall winding walls, it’s a monumental sandstone sculpture. A photographer’s dream, the canyon is known for its wave-like structure and the light beams that shine directly down into the openings of the canyon, creating a supernatural appearance.
Antelope Canyon includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as “Upper Antelope Canyon” or “The Crack”; and “Lower Antelope Canyon” or “The Corkscrew”. We did both, but I personally liked the Lower Antelope better. Kindly book tours in advance and get a time slot between 11 am – 2 pm on a sunny day, as the light beams create gorgeous colors on the canyons.
We finally enjoyed our ~4.5 hours drive back to Vegas through sunset. I was already feeling nostalgic and reminiscent but eventually meddled back into the city humdrum.
This Arizona and Utah road trip is one of my all-time favorites! I hope the above itinerary comes in handy when you are ready to get on the roads!
All information shared is from my first-hand travel experience and research. Please feel free to leave any questions or feedback that you might have.
Looking for more travel inspirations? You’ll like some of my other travel guides!
3 days in Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park
One Day Itinerary For Death Valley National Park
4 Days On Oahu: First Time Visitor’s Guide To Hawaii
Like this Arizona and Utah road-trip itinerary? Pin it to your bucket list and share!
6 Comments
Japanlivinglifestyle
June 18, 2020 at 6:03 amI’m glad you enjoyed my home state in America. The Bryce canyon hike is amazing! Hope you are able to get to Arches National Park and go river rafting.
Ankur Khemani
August 19, 2020 at 9:06 pmI have been to Arches and Canyonlands parks as well but never tried river rafting there. I did try river rafting in Glacier National Park in Montana …that was very refreshing!
Nick
July 30, 2020 at 8:01 amLooks great! It’s easy to find cheap camping in and around the National Parks.
pbbeach
April 16, 2021 at 12:09 pmThanks! This looks great. Can I ask why u went to Bryce first and not Zion ,then Bryce and then Antelope and do the circle?
Ankur Khemani
April 16, 2021 at 1:26 pmWe were a little rusty from the last night in Vegas and didn’t want to hike Zion the next morning. But, you are right about the circle. I will update the post as a better recommendation to the readers. Thanks! 🙂
Anil
October 4, 2022 at 3:38 pmI stumbled on this post as we were planning a very similar itinerary. May i ask if you have any recommendations for stay at Bryce and Antelope?