Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
A loop from Las Vegas using the $80 America the Beautiful Pass across Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef / Moab, Monument Valley, Page (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend), Grand Canyon South Rim, and Sedona.
Estimated per-person budget ($1,950 – $3,300) covers mid-range hotels, intercity transport, timed attraction or national park passes ($80 America the Beautiful Pass), and daily dining including state sales tax and tip.
Day-by-day plan
Las Vegas Arrival & Strip Evening Walk
Pick up your rental car at LAS, check into your resort, and watch the Bellagio Fountains and Sphere lights.
Valley of Fire State Park to Zion National Park, Utah (3 hrs)
Stop at Nevada's fiery Aztec sandstone formations before entering Springdale and boarding the free Zion Canyon Shuttle.
Zion National Park: The Narrows Riverside Walk & Canyon Overlook
Wade into the Virgin River Narrows (or hike Scout Lookout / Angels Landing with a recreation.gov permit) beneath 2,000-foot Navajo sandstone walls.
Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel to Bryce Canyon National Park (2 hrs)
Drive through the historic 1.1-mile rock tunnel to Bryce Canyon's 8,000-foot rim and hike the Navajo Loop & Queen's Garden Trail among orange hoodoos.
Scenic Byway 12 or Kanab to Page, Arizona: Horseshoe Bend Sunset
Cross Glen Canyon Dam into Page and walk 0.75 miles to the 1,000-foot overlook above the emerald Colorado River bend.
Lower or Upper Antelope Canyon Tour to Monument Valley (2.5 hrs)
Join a morning guided Navajo slot canyon walk through sculpted sandstone beams, then drive to Monument Valley for sunset over the Mittens.
Monument Valley to Grand Canyon South Rim via Desert View Drive (3 hrs)
Enter Grand Canyon National Park's East Entrance, climb Mary Colter's 1932 Desert View Watchtower, and watch sunset at Mather or Hopi Point.
Grand Canyon South Kaibab / Rim Trail & Drive to Sedona (2.5 hrs)
Hike below the rim to Ooh Aah Point at sunrise, then wind down scenic Oak Creek Canyon (AZ-89A) into Sedona's red rocks.
Sedona Red Rocks: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock & Chapel of the Holy Cross
Hike red sandstone vortices and enjoy Sonoran dining overlooking Thunder Mountain.
Historic Route 66 (Williams & Seligman) & Hoover Dam Back to Las Vegas (4.5 hrs)
Drive across Hoover Dam and return to Las Vegas (or depart directly from Phoenix Sky Harbor PHX, 2 hrs south of Sedona).
Transport, driving & pass notes
Designed for iconic american southwest red-rock road trip ($80 america the beautiful pass) travel. Compare train, flight, and road-trip costs in USD ($) using our Amtrak & Rail Pass Calculator, $80 National Parks Pass Calculator, and US Trip Budget Calculator.
What to book ahead
- Apply for your $21 ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure (or verify visa validity).
- Book Amtrak Acela / Northeast Regional tickets or rental cars 4–8 weeks ahead for the lowest USD ($) rates.
- Reserve timed-entry slots for high-demand sights (Statue of Liberty Crown/Pedestal, Alcatraz, Capitol/White House tours, or Recreation.gov park entries) 30–90 days out.
Ways to adapt this route
- Add 1–2 buffer days if traveling during summer peak or Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday weeks.
- Use our interactive Itinerary Builder to customize stops and print your day-by-day plan.