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.
801.4 mi 0 badges earned
Unscheduled
06:00
60 min06:00
Mather Point sunrise
60 min
06:30
120 min06:30
Cactus Forest Scenic Loop (Saguaro East)
120 min
06:45
30 min06:45
Zion Visitor Center + shuttle queue
30 min
07:00
90 min07:00
Blue Mesa Trail
90 min
07:15
90 min07:15
Rim Trail to Yavapai Geology Museum
90 min
07:30
240 min07:30
The Narrows (if open)
240 min
08:45
60 min08:45
Valley View Overlook Trail
60 min
09:00
60 min09:00
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - arrival + supplies
60 min
09:00
60 min09:00
Giant Logs and Rainbow Forest Museum
60 min
10:30
150 min10:30
Petrified Forest Scenic Drive + Newspaper Rock
150 min
10:30
180 min10:30
Hermit Road shuttle overlooks
180 min
12:30
90 min12:30
Riverside Walk or Emerald Pools
90 min
13:00
90 min13:00
Tucson check-in + dinner
90 min
13:30
60 min13:30
Drive to Springdale (Zion)
60 min
13:30
60 min13:30
Harry Reid International Airport - departure
60 min
16:00
90 min16:00
Painted Desert Visitor Center (Petrified Forest)
90 min
17:30
60 min17:30
Grand Canyon South Rim check-in (Tusayan)
60 min
18:00
60 min18:00
Gates Pass sunset (Saguaro West)
60 min
18:00
90 min18:00
Desert View Watchtower sunset
90 min
18:00
120 min18:00
Watchman Trail sunset
120 min
18:30
60 min18:30
Canyon Overlook Trail (sunset)
60 min