Route Overview
The classic Southwest loop: Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and more. Red rock overload in the best way.
Itinerary
Drive to the South Rim. Stop at Historic Route 66 in Williams. Arrive for sunset at Hopi Point.
Hopi Point Sunset
One of the best sunset viewpoints on the South Rim. Wide panorama.
Take the free Hermit Road shuttle (red route). Arrive 30+ min early.
Sunrise at Mather Point, hike Bright Angel Trail to 1.5-mile rest house, afternoon Desert View Drive and Watchtower.
Mather Point Sunrise
Most accessible and popular viewpoint. First light reveals the canyon depth.
Very crowded but classic. Walk to Yavapai Point after for similar views.
Bright Angel Trail (to 1.5-Mile Resthouse)
3-mile RT, 1,120ft descent. Get a taste of hiking into the canyon.
Start early to avoid heat. Remember: what goes down must come up!
Desert View Watchtower
70-foot stone tower with 360° views. See the Colorado River below.
Climb to the top for best views. Built by Mary Colter in 1932.
Lipan Point
Wide-angle view of the Colorado River making a dramatic bend.
Less crowded than Mather Point. Great afternoon light.
Drive to Page. Afternoon at Horseshoe Bend (short hike), sunset Antelope Canyon tour (book ahead!).
Horseshoe Bend
1.5-mile RT to 1,000-foot overlook of the Colorado River's horseshoe curve.
Exposed hike - bring water and sun protection. No railings at overlook!
Morning at Lake Powell, then drive to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Afternoon scenic loop drive among the buttes.
Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center
Walk across historic bridge 467 feet above the Colorado River. California condors often visible.
Look for condors roosting on the bridge. Free interpretive center.
Sunrise at Monument Valley. Drive to Moab through stunning desert scenery. Afternoon at Arches - Windows Section.
Windows Section
North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and Double Arch all close together.
Easy 1-mile loop. Afternoon light best for photography.
Double Arch
0.5-mile trail to two arches sharing a common base. Featured in Indiana Jones.
Walk under the arches for scale. Fun to climb on (carefully).
Timed entry required! Full day at Arches: Devils Garden trail, Landscape Arch, sunset hike to Delicate Arch.
Devils Garden Trailhead
7.2-mile loop to 8 arches including Landscape Arch (306 feet - longest in North America).
Primitive trail section is challenging. Start early for cooler temps.
Landscape Arch
Longest natural arch in North America at 306 feet span. Incredibly thin.
May collapse eventually - pieces fell in 1991. View from distance only.
Balanced Rock
128-foot boulder balanced on a pedestal. 0.3-mile loop trail.
Great midday stop - short walk. La Sal Mountains backdrop.
Delicate Arch Sunset Hike
3-mile RT, 480ft gain. Utah's icon - featured on license plates.
Time to arrive at arch 30-45 min before sunset. Bring headlamp for return.
Long but scenic drive back to Las Vegas. Optional stop at Valley of Fire State Park near Vegas.
Park Avenue Viewpoint
Towering sandstone fins resembling city skyscrapers. Quick morning stop.
Can hike 1-mile one-way through the canyon or just view from overlook.
Creates a copy you can customize
7
Days
14
Stops
easy
Difficulty
Best Season
March-May and September-November. Avoid July-August extreme heat.
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