Las Vegas – Zion National Park – Bryce Canyon National Park – Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – Grand Canyon National Park (Red Feather Lodge) – Back to Las Vegas
This itinerary takes you to three National Parks and popular natural sites in the Southwest. You can find more information on the National Parks at www.nps.gov. You can do this itinerary in as little as 4 nights or take as much time as you like to take in the outdoor beauty of each natural wonder and enjoy area activities. We start and end at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas, NV to Zion National Park, UT – 170 miles, 274 km / approximately 3 hours
Take I-15 north from Las Vegas to UT Hwy. 9, travel east to Zion National Park. Experience massive sandstone cliffs and a wilderness of narrow slot canyons within the Park. Zion Lodge is located inside the National Park and just a few miles from the entrance to Zion National Park is the town of Springdale where you will also find several lodging and dining options. Check www.zionpark.com for more information on the area or go to the nps.gov web site.
Springdale, UT to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT – 85 miles, 137 km / approximately 2.5 hours
Take the Zion Mount Carmel Hwy. 9 north to Hwy. 89 and continue North. Take Utah Hwy. 12 east to UT Hwy. 63 and head south to Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock). Hoodoos exist on every continent, but Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration found anywhere on Earth. Just before you enter the Park you will find two Best Western properties and the Lodge at Bryce Canyon is located inside the park. All are open year-round.
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT to Lake Powell/Page, AZ – 150 miles, 241 km / approximately 3 hours
From Bryce Canyon take UT Hwy. 63 north to UT Hwy. 12 and travel west to Hwy. 89. Travel South to Kanab, UT then travel east staying on Hwy. 89 to Lake Powell/Page, AZ. If you have extra time along this route, we also recommend a stop at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park which can be accessed from County Road 43 or Hancock Road, both roads are located between Mt. Carmel Junction and Kanab off Hwy. 89. This side route will take at least an extra hour. From Kanab you can also take Hwy. 89A, which is a more scenic route, but it will take an extra hour. We don’t recommend this route in the Winter months due to the snow in the higher elevation along this route. There is also a great hiking trail just off Hwy. 89 (45 miles east of Kanab) called Toadstool Hoodoos Trail, located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument area. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is an easy to moderate hike. The unique rock formations are worth seeing. Approximately 15 miles before you get to Page, AZ you will be entering Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (encompasses 1.25 million acres within both Utah and Arizona). Spectacular views of Lake Powell can be seen from the highway and various viewpoints, and you will be crossing Glen Canyon Dam shortly before you get to the city of Page. Stop at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at the Dam for tours or information on the Dam. Popular natural sites such as Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are found near the city of Page. Antelope Canyon can only be seen on a guided tour, and we highly recommended making reservations weeks (or even months) in advance. Horseshoe Bend can be viewed at your leisure without reservations but there is a $10.00 fee for parking. For more information on lodging, dining, and activities in and around the city of Page go to www.visitpagelakepowell.com.
Page, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ (Red Feather Lodge) – 140 miles, 225 km / approximately 3 hours
On your way to Grand Canyon be sure to stop in at the historic Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, AZ – Shop for native made jewelry, art and souvenirs or take a lunch break in the restaurant and try their famous Navajo tacos! Once you leave Cameron Trading Post head a short distance north on Highway 89 and take Highway 64 towards Grand Canyon National Park. Along this route we recommend a stop at the Little Colorado River Overlook (between mile post 285 and 286). It is managed by the Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department, and they do charge a $5.00 admission. The short hike to view the Little Colorado River is generally considered easy and the views are amazing.
You will be entering Grand Canyon National Park at the eastern entrance and your first 22 miles will be along the rim of the Canyon. Your first viewpoint stop will be at the historic Desert View Watchtower. An iconic structure and viewpoint at the South Rim. There are several viewpoints along the east rim drive, and all have a unique and beautiful view of this Natural Wonder. Once you get to the end of this drive head north to the town of Tusayan which is just 1 mile north of the southern entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
There is a lot to see and explore at the Grand Canyon South Rim with over 30 miles of rim views. You can drive your own vehicle into the National Park and park at the various viewpoints or take a helicopter or airplane tour and get a bird’s eye view. Don’t feel like driving or flying, then take a ground tour in a Jeep or Hummer and let the local experts take you to some of the most spectacular viewpoints. See the Grand Canyon-Rivers of Time movie at the IMAX Theater, just a short walking distance from the Red Feather Lodge. Rent an electric bike in Tusayan and ride through the National Forest on the greenway trails to the rim of Grand Canyon. You can also rent bikes inside the National Park at Mather Point. Stop at Yavapai Geology Museum inside the Park and learn more about this World Wonder. And of course, don’t forget to walk the rim or take a hike into the depths of the Canyon to experience the spectacular views. In the evenings take in the amazing dark sky views of the Milky Way and brilliant stars and enjoy dinner at Plaza Bonita (Mexican & American Cuisine) located on the Red Feather Lodge property. Or grab a quick meal at Foodie Club located within a short walking distance of the Hotel. We have everything from fast food to a great steak available in Tusayan or the National Park. We recommend you spend two nights to fully explore and enjoy the Grand Canyon.
Heading back to Las Vegas how about a stop at Hoover Dam. Red Feather Lodge to Hoover Dam is 241 miles, 388 km / approximately 4 hours
From the Red Feather Lodge travel back south on AZ Highway 64 towards Williams (55 miles, 55 minutes). At the intersection of AZ 64 and I-40, take I-40 east towards Kingman (Los Angeles) for approximately 166 miles (2 hours and 30 minutes). Once you get to Kingman, take the Beale Street/US 93 exit on the west end of Kingman and travel west on US Highway 93 towards Las Vegas for approximately 75 miles (1 hour and 10 minutes).
In addition to seeing the Dam you can learn about its history and construction. Hoover Dam impounds Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the US by volume when full. For information on Hoover Dam, including tours, fees and parking go to www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam.
From Hoover Dam back to the Las Vegas airport area is approximately 35 miles, 56 km / 40 minutes
Go SW on NV 172 for about 3 miles. Take the ramp onto Boulder City Parkway towards US 93 N. In 3 miles take US 95 (which becomes I-11) towards Las Vegas. Exit 23 will take you on I-215 W and in ten miles you are back at the airport area.