Desert Southwest Circuit
A ranger-style loop linking saguaros, petrified forests, canyon rims, and Zion's sandstone. Built around early starts, heat management, and golden-hour views.
Unscheduled
Mather Point sunrise
Classic sunrise with a wide panorama of the South Rim.
Arrive 30-45 minutes early; bring a headlamp and warm layers.
Cactus Forest Scenic Loop (Saguaro East)
Drive the loop in cool morning light with short pullouts and trailheads.
Stop at Javelina Rocks and the Cactus Forest Overlook for quick photos.
Zion Visitor Center + shuttle queue
Get in line early for the first shuttles into Zion Canyon.
Start early to beat heat and crowds; check shuttle schedules.
Blue Mesa Trail
One of the most photogenic badland loops in the park.
Go early to avoid heat and crowds; trail is exposed.
Rim Trail to Yavapai Geology Museum
Easy walk with interpretive displays and shaded viewpoints.
Use the shuttle to return if you don't want to backtrack.
The Narrows (if open)
Wade the river between towering canyon walls.
Rent a dry suit or neoprene socks in spring/fall. Check flash flood risk before starting.
Valley View Overlook Trail
Short walk with big desert views and a mix of saguaro and ocotillo.
Carry water even for short hikes; shade is limited.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - arrival + supplies
Land at PHX, grab your rental, and stock up for desert driving.
Pick up water, electrolytes, and sun protection before leaving Phoenix.
Giant Logs and Rainbow Forest Museum
Walk among massive petrified logs and learn the park's geology.
Stay on trails; collecting petrified wood is illegal.
Petrified Forest Scenic Drive + Newspaper Rock
Drive the full length of the park with short stops at key overlooks.
Allow 2-3 hours with stops. Fill gas before entering; no services inside.
Hermit Road shuttle overlooks
Hop-off views along the western rim with fewer crowds.
Plan 2-3 hours with stops; Hermits Rest is a good turnaround point.
Riverside Walk or Emerald Pools
Easier afternoon hike with shade and water features.
Choose Riverside Walk if the Narrows is closed.
Tucson check-in + dinner
Arrive in Tucson and settle in for an early start.
Aim for an early dinner; desert mornings are best before the heat builds.
Drive to Springdale (Zion)
Arrive in Zion’s gateway town and check into lodging.
Allow 4.5-5 hours of driving from the South Rim.
Harry Reid International Airport - departure
Return the rental car and fly home from Las Vegas.
Allow 2.5-3 hours for the drive from Springdale to LAS.
Painted Desert Visitor Center (Petrified Forest)
Arrive in time for late light on the Painted Desert overlooks.
Sunset light brings out the color bands; plan to stay through golden hour.
Grand Canyon South Rim check-in (Tusayan)
Arrive at the South Rim area and prep for a sunrise start.
Stock up on snacks and water; early morning services are limited.
Gates Pass sunset (Saguaro West)
Classic saguaro silhouettes and wide desert views at golden hour.
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset; parking is limited.
Desert View Watchtower sunset
Iconic tower with expansive views and warm light at day’s end.
Parking fills at sunset; arrive early and walk the rim nearby.
Watchman Trail sunset
Great views back over the canyon without permit requirements.
Carry a headlamp for the return if you stay after sunset.
Canyon Overlook Trail (sunset)
Short but dramatic viewpoint over lower Zion Canyon.
Parking fills fast; use the small pullouts east of the tunnel.