Las Vegas to Grand Canyon self-drive

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Las Vegas           
• 1 night Zion National Park            
• 2 nights Bryce Canyon National Park
• 1 night Page
• 2 nights Grand Canyon National Park    

Day 1: Arrive Las Vegas

On arrival in Las Vegas airport you will pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel on the strip, where you will check in for two nights.    

Day 2: Las Vegas    

Spend the day exploring Las Vegas – it’s definitely a feast for the senses! We recommend that you start by strolling down the strip to see the fountains at the Bellagio, the erupting volcano at the Mirage and the pirate show at Treasure Island. Stop in at the Aria or the Cosmopolitan for a flutter on the blackjack tables before heading to see a show, whether it’s Britney, Celine Dion or Cirque du Soleil. If you want to get out of town, you can take a scenic drive to the Valley of Fire, just 50 miles outside of Vegas. Back in Sin City, tuck into a famous buffet at one of the hotels and toast this over-the-top city with a glass of champagne!

Day 3: Drive to Zion National Park      

Today you’ll drive north from Las Vegas towards Zion National Park, where you’ll check in for one night. If you leave early, you’ll have all afternoon to explore the park, so there’s plenty of time for some hiking. Zion has a huge range of hiking trails ranging from short walks to multi-day treks, so there’s something for everyone. The most famous trail is the 2.5 mile climb to Angel’s Landing, a fairly steep uphill climb which reveals spectacular views over the lush valley from the top. For something a little easier try, the Emerald Pools Trail, which will take you past waterfalls, or the Canyon Overlook Trail, filled with picture-postcard views of Zion.

Day 4: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park     

You can choose where to spend today, as the drive to Bryce Canyon is only about 2 hours. We’d recommend spending the morning in Zion before driving towards Bryce around lunchtime. If you’re hungry, grab a tasty slice of cherry pie before checking into your hotel for two nights. Pass the afternoon in Bryce Canyon and when evening comes, go and see the local rodeo or head to a country music show for a hoedown!     

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park    

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most recognisable in the country - all thanks to the hoodoos. These thin spires of red rock are created when water creeps into cracks in the rock and freezes in the winter, expanding out and forming the hoodoo. The drive along the rim will provide stunning views over the canyon, so drive to the end and work your way back before deciding which hike to do. The short Sunset and Sunrise Trails are beautiful, with little chipmunks scurrying around the undergrowth alongside the path. If you really want get up close to this bizarre landscape, you can take a walk down into the canyon itself.

Day 6: Drive to Page      

Today you’ll drive south through the red rock landscape towards Page, a small town that sits on the shore of Lake Powell. The town is nice enough but the two must-see spots are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Antelope Canyon is best seen on a tour, where you will descend deep into the carved-out depths of the rock and walk through pink, orange and red waves as the sunlight hits the beautiful landscape. Horseshoe Bend is a deep curve in the Colorado River where the red rock contrasts with the green water that twists its way through the canyon and is easily accessible by a short drive and hike to the edge of the rock.

If you have time to spare, take a boat trip on Lake Powell. This manmade lake is actually a canyon filled with deep blue water, where locals spend their summers on houseboats, swimming and fishing in the warm air.

Day 7: Drive to Grand Canyon National Park    

Today you’ll drive to the Grand Canyon, one of the most famous national parks in the world. On arrival you’ll check into your hotel for two nights. Why not drop your bags and head straight to the rim for sunset views over the canyon below?

Day 8: Grand Canyon National Park  

A day exploring the Grand Canyon is one you won’t forget in a hurry. This vast expanse stretches out as far as the eye can see and whether you hike along the Rim Trail or clamber down into the canyon, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away.

For a bird’s eye view of the canyon, we can book you a helicopter tour. Opt for a simple half hour flight or zip down to the canyon floor to experience a boat ride on the river and a champagne brunch – just ask and we’ll put the arrangements in place!

Day 9: Depart Las Vegas       

Today is your final day in the USA. On your way back to Las Vegas, you can even drive a small section of Route 66 and stop in at the Hoover Dam before dropping your rental car back at the airport in time to catch your onwards flight.