Take an Epic Trip from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon

For a tour of the Southwest that you won’t soon forget, take an epic road trip from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon! I recently did the Zion to Grand Canyon road trip with my kiddos and came up with an itinerary to help you explore all the most incredible places along the way, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon,  Lake Powell, Page, Flagstaff, Sedona, and so much more.

If you’ve dreamed of hiking up Angels Landing in Zion, marveling at the hoodoos in Bryce, splashing in Lake Powell, seeing the red rocks in Sedona, and looking out over the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you can do it all on this itinerary. As a Zion local I have road tripped to all of these places and this itinerary is jam packed with all of my favorites places!

8-Day Desert Southwest Road Trip Itinerary – Zion National Park to Grand Canyon South Rim

This is the quick rundown of an epic 8-day itinerary for a road trip through the Southwest, from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon South Rim:

• Day 1: Fly into Las Vegas & Drive to Kanab (3 hr drive)

• SPEND THREE NIGHTS IN KANAB

• Day 2: Zion (1 hr drive)

• Day 3: Page/Lake Powell (1 hr drive)

• Day 4: Bryce Canyon (1 hr 30 min drive)

• Day 5: Half Day in Kanab & Drive to Flagstaff (3 hr 30 minute drive)

• SPEND THREE NIGHTS IN FLAGSTAFF

• Day 6: South Rim of Grand Canyon (1 hr 20 minute drive)

• Day 7: Sedona (1 hr drive)

• Day 8:  Half Day in Flagstaff & Fly Out of Las Vegas (3 hr 40 min drive)

And here’s the entire detailed itinerary to explore these incredible destinations in the stunning landscape of the Southwest desert.

Day 1: Fly into Las Vegas and Drive to Kanab

3 hour drive

Las Vegas is the closest major airport to this corner of the Southwest, and it’s about a 3 hour drive from there to the cute little town of Kanab, Utah. I recommend staying in Kanab for this itinerary from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon because it perfectly breaks up the drive for the first half of the trip, and it is right in between all the day trip destinations.

Where to Stay in Kanab

A couple of great places to stay in Kanab are Timber & Tin or BaseCamp 37°. I’ve stayed at both spots, and they are both wonderful depending on what you’re looking for. Timber & Tin features small homes on a fun property right in downtown Kanab, while BaseCamp 37° offers off-the-grid glamping in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase just 10 minutes out of town.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BOOKING A FAMILY/COUPLE PHOTOSHOOT IN ZION

Day 2: Visit Zion National Park

1 hour drive from Kanab

Zion National Park is just an hour away from Kanab, and you can make the most of one day in Zion with this itinerary that features all the main attractions in the park. This day will leave you exhausted.......in a good way! Bring a sack lunch with you for this adventure day.

Morning

Riverside Walk/The Narrows

Get an early start for this hike! Riverside Walk starts at the last stop on the Zion shuttle. It is a 2.5 mile round trip hike which takes you right along the Virgin River. The end of this hike is actually the start of The Narrows, so you can walk up the river for a little bit to get a taste of this famous water hike in Zion.

Scouts Lookout/Angels Landing or Emerald Pools

Get back on the shuttle and get off at The Grotto, where you can hike the start of the Angels Landing trail. The elevation is steep right off the bat, and an hour of hiking will get you to some stunning views. If you have time, try to make it to Scout Lookout, which is as far as you can go without needing a permit.

Emerald Pools

If you don’t have the energy for Scouts Lookout/Angels Landing then from The Grotto shuttle stop you can take the Kayenta trail to Emerald Pools. It’s a 2.5 mile round trip hike to go all the way to the upper of the three pools, but If you are running short on time or energy, you can just hike to the first pool/waterfall and turn around.

Afternoon

Hop on the shuttle again, and head back to the Visitor Center to get your car and drive into Springdale for some ice cream. You’ve earned it! We like Hoodoos General Store because there is a lawn and places to sit outside……or you can head a very short distance up the road to the very shaded city park. If you have a little time after that then walk through some of the art galleries, rock shops and souvenir shops.

After your little break in Springdale head up to East Zion. Stop at the Many Pools trailhead, where you can hike and explore along Clear Creek, the dry streambed that follows Route 9 throughout the east side of Zion.

This is not a named trail in Zion, but it’s excellent for some off-the-beaten-path hiking and fun.

Canyon Overlook

After exploring Clear Creek, drive back the way you came, but stop just before the tunnel so you can hike Canyon Overlook. Canyon Overlook is a 1.25-mile family-friendly trail on the east side of Zion where you might spot bighorn sheep, see some small caves, and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the park. This is a great spot to watch sunset!

*EXPERT ADVICE FROM A ZION LOCAL

If you want to add an extra day to this road trip then one more day in Zion is what you should do. Slow down a little, e-bike the Zion Canyon, brows the shops in Springdale, or book a family or couples photoshoot in Zion with us!

CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST FOR 10 DIFFERENT WAYS TO SPEND ONE DAY IN ZION

Day 3: Explore Page, AZ & Lake Powell

1 hour drive from Kanab

Today you’ll make the one hour drive to spend some time on the water in Lake Powell and visit the nearby town of Page, AZ. Definitely bring your swimsuit for this one!

MORNING

Antelope Canyon

There are a couple of ways to visit Antelope Canyon. To hike the iconic swirly sandstone slot canyons, you are required to book a tour.. The guided Antelope Canyon tours are expensive and book up way in advance, but they are the only way to see this part of the canyon.

But you can see a different side of Antelope Canyon by paddling from Lake Powell, and this is what I recommend. Start at the Antelope Point Launch ramp and paddle board or kayak Lake Powell for 2 miles to the very bottom portion of Antelope Canyon. You can then hike up this section of Antelope Canyon for 3 miles to a dead end before turning around, and this route does not require a permit or a guide.

AFTERNOON & EVENING

The Chains

After your Antelope Canyon adventure, spend some time splashing around The Chains area of Lake Powell. While most of Lake Powell is only accessible by boat, The Chains is easy to get to, great for kids, and is even pet-friendly. It is the perfect location to swim, cliff jump, and explore the red rocks without a boat. You can find The Chains just past Glen Canyon Dam, on the Page, AZ side of the lake.

Horseshoe Bend

Finish your day in Page, AZ by watching the sunset over Horseshoe Bend. It’s a short 1/2 mile round trip hike out to the overlook of this gorgeous bend of the Colorado River. This is a very popular spot, so be prepared to share the sunset with the crowds who want to see this stunning natural wonder, too.

Day 4: Wander Around Bryce Canyon

1 hour 30 min drive from Kanab

Bryce Canyon is another must-visit destination in southwestern Utah, and it’s just an hour and a half from Kanab. Here’s the itinerary I recommend for a day of exploring in Bryce.

Morning

Navajo Loop Trail

The Navajo Loop Trail is a great family-friendly hike that makes a perfect introduction to the landscape of Bryce. This loop trail is just under a mile and a half, and it takes you down some switchbacks and through Wall Street, the only slot canyon in Bryce. Then you’ll hike through hoodoos along the canyon floor before heading back up to the rim.

Afternoon

Horseback Ride

Take a horseback ride for a unique and awesome adventure in Bryce! Canyon Trail Rides offers a shorter ride (about 1.5-2 hours) to fit into a busy day, and it is a simply stunning ride down into the canyon and past Sunset and Sunrise Point.  If you have more time, you can also book a longer 3-hour ride which goes even farther along the Peek-A-Boo Loop.

Evening

Mossy Cave Trail

This short  hike is just under a mile round trip, and it’s an excellent way to cap off a day exploring Bryce. The trail follows Water Canyon and features some of the iconic hoodoos that Bryce is known for along the way. After a couple of creek crossings, you’ll end up at a lovely little waterfall and Mossy Cave itself.

Day 5: Hike in Kanab then Drive to Flagstaff

3 hour 30 min drive from Kanab

Before you say goodbye to Kanab, make a couple quick stops to check out these cool spots in town.

MORNING

Squaw Trail

This is a 3 mile round-trip hike located right in town, making it perfect for a morning hike before you leave. After a little bit of steep uphill hiking, you’ll gain gorgeous views of Kanab from above.

Kanab Sand Caves

You can’t visit Kanab without checking out the Kanab Sand Caves (also known as Moqui Caverns). The short hike to these cool man-made caves is easy and family friendly, although you will have to scramble up a rock wall for a very short distance

Head to Flagstaff

Then it’s time to make the 3.5 hour drive to Flagstaff, which will be your home base for the rest of this Southwestern road trip from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon.

Pro tip: Stop at Jacob Lake Inn on the way to get the best cookies in the world…seriously!

Navajo Bridge

I also recommend a pit stop at the Navajo Bridge. You can stretch your legs and walk across the Colorado River on this historic bridge. It is a pedestrian-only bridge that will allow you to gaze the Colorado River in all it's glory. If your lucky there might even be some California Condors hanging out under the bridge.

Why Stay in Flagstaff

Flagstaff is an ideal location to stay for this leg of your Southwest road trip itinerary because it is conveniently located in between Sedona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I also adore Flagstaff because it is less touristy and less expensive than Sedona, it has great temps in the summer (hello 80 degrees durning the day!), and it’s just a really cool city with a small town vibe.

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

Two great options for lodging in Flagstaff are High Country Motor Lodge and Americana Motor Hotel.

On our road trip, we stayed at High Country Motor Lodge, which has amazing vintage design and a really cool vibe. There is a cool game room with pool, foosball, and board games, plus corn hole and outdoor Jenga on the lawn. Unfortunately on our stay the pool and jacuzzi was being renovated but should be done for summer 2025....yay! The food options at the cafe and bar right on the premises are super tasty, and I loved that I could get a latte in the morning.

***I was pretty annoyed with them that they didn't let me know that the pool was under construction when I booked our stay. I only found out afterwards and they wouldn't let me cancel....kinda lame.

Day 6: See the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

1 hour 20 min drive from Flagstaff

Spend the day sightseeing along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for breathtaking views of this incredible place.

MORNING

Visitor Center & Mather Point

The best way to start your visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is to head straight to the Visitor Center. You can park in one of the several lots here and get all the info you need to explore. Plus, you can take a short walk to Mather Point for your first real view of the Grand Canyon.

Bright Angel Trail

Though this trail goes all the way down to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, most people only hike a short way down below the rim. We went down about half a mile, just enough to get a little feel for the trail. Remember, you have to hike uphill on the way out, so only go down as far as you can safely do that!

Walk Along the Rim Trail

Be sure to spend some time strolling along the rim and savoring the views into the Grand Canyon. We also browsed the souvenir shops along the way and visited Bright Angel Lodge, which has several dining options if you’re hungry.

AFTERNOON

Desert View Watchtower

Then we drove 30 minutes to the Desert View Watchtower, which we absolutely loved! Spend a little more time and stop at the different lookouts along the drive.

We got in line to get free tickets to tour the watchtower and only had to wait about 20 minutes. It’s a self-guided tour so you can go at your own pace.

The stone structure of the watchtower is so cool, and the paintings and design of the building are beautiful. I highly recommend taking the short tour to fully explore it. We also got lunch at the cafe here, which was honestly very mediocre but also very convenient. 

Day 7: Savor the Sights in Sedona

1 hour drive from Flagstaff

On the last full day of your Southwest road trip, take a truly stunning drive down to Sedona. I really have no words for how incredible this drive is.

MORNING

Crescent Moon Day Use Park

This is an amazing spot to spend time in Sedona. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s so much fun for swimming and sliding on the rocks like a water slide. We honestly could have stayed here all day playing in the water, enjoying the incredible view of Cathedral Rock, and relaxing in the abundant shade.

I wish we would have brought lunch with us so we didn’t have to leave!

AFTERNOON

Wildflower Cafe & Downtown Shops

Our lunch at Wildflower Cafe was very good though, and then we walked around the shops in downtown Sedona. There are tons of cool shops here, so you can find the perfect souvenir to remember your Southwest road trip.

West Fork Oak Creek Trail

After spending some time in the city, we were ready for a hike in nature, and the West Fork of the Oak Creek Trail is a lovely place to wander in the shade in Sedona. The trail is surrounded by canyon walls and plentiful trees, and you’re walking along the creek so you can cool off.

Lowell Observatory

For a fun evening activity in Flagstaff, check out the Lowell Observatory. Several telescopes are available to see the stars on the Open Deck and in the Clark Dome. Sadly, we didn’t get a chance to go because it wasn’t open on Tuesday, and it was cloudy the other day we were in the area.

Day 8: Spend Time in Flagstaff Then Fly Out of Vegas

3 hour 40 min drive

If you have a little time to spend in Flagstaff before you have to catch your flight, here are a couple things to do.

MORNING

Tourist Home Cafe and walking around down town

For a bite to eat for breakfast or lunch, we loved this cute little cafe! It’s a must when in Flagstaff for unique American food. After breakfast walk around the downtown area and brows the shops.

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Pack a little more adventure into your trip with a visit to the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course. Climb into the trees to complete obstacles and fly down the ziplines. This was such a fun experience for my kiddos, and we would definitely do it again!

Finally, it’s time to bid farewell to the Southwest and drive back to Las Vegas to end your epic Zion National Park to Grand Canyon road trip and fly home.

Best Time of Year for This Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

While you can visit the Southwest year-round, since this itinerary includes swimming and water hikes, it would be best to take this trip in the warmer months of May-September. Just be aware that summer is very hot in the desert, so bring sun protection and plenty of water for all your adventures.

Packing List for Your Southwest Road Trip

Here are some things you should make sure to bring on your Southwest road trip so you can be comfortable while hiking and exploring:

• Light, breathable clothing

• Hiking sandals, like Tevas or Chacos (I love my Tevas!)

• Small day pack (to carry other things on the list)

• Water bottle.....always start the day with a full water bottle and refill often.

• Snacks

• Sunscreen.....you will need sunscreen with you everywhere you go.

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Swimsuit

Of course, this isn’t everything you’ll need, but it includes the most important things you don’t want to forget.

Hope this itinerary inspires you to plan your own Southwest road trip to explore all the awesome destinations from Zion National Park to Grand Canyon!

Happy Adventuring,

Arika

Check out more about me and book a shoot here 

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