7-Day Southwest Road Trip – The Ultimate Arizona & Utah Itinerary

Recommendation: Start in Phoenix at dawn and move north along the east edge, stopping in Sedona to see bright painted cliffs before driving to the Grand Canyon for sunset.

Among park highlights, this route stitches together iconic canyons, arches, and geological formations formed over millions of years. You’ll ride north through red cliffs, do a little canyoneering for a taste of adventure, and keep the pace steady enough to live the moments rather than chase them.

Day 1: Phoenix → Sedona → Grand Canyon South Rim. Approximate driving: 230 miles total, about 4.5–5 hours. Start early to catch soft light on Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, then continue to Mather Point for a classic canyon panorama. Plan a 2–3 mile rim hike after lunch and reserve a sunset viewpoint well before the crowd.

Day 2: Grand Canyon South Rim → Page, AZ. About 2.5–3 hours and 135 miles. Sunrise over the canyon remains unbeatable; afterwards, book an Antelope Canyon slot tour (operators run by Native communities nearby). At Horseshoe Bend, arrive early or late in the day to avoid the bulk of visitors. If weather allows, add a short walk to Lone Rock Beach to live lakeside serenity before heading east toward Utah.

Day 3: Page → Moab (Arches National Park). Distance around 300 miles, roughly 5–6 hours. Arrive in Moab for a Delicate Arch viewpoint sunrise shoot, then loop the park’s arches drives. In the afternoon, hike the Windows Section or trail to Fiery Furnace with a guide. The town’s amenities cluster near your hotel, so you can fuel up and rest before a second day of red-rock exploration.

Day 4: Moab → Bryce Canyon. Roughly 270 miles, about 4.5–5 hours. Travel along scenic byways, stopping at a few pullouts to study the geological layers and the painted hoodoos from different angles. Consider an optional detour to Capitol Reef for contrasting geology and fewer crowds, then finish with Bryce’s sunrise-ready amphitheaters and thin air viewpoints.

Day 5: Bryce Canyon → Zion National Park. About 85 miles and 1.5–2 hours. Start on the rim for sunrise, descend into The Narrows or hike Angels Landing if you’re prepared, and save a long Canyon Overlook for golden hour. Zion’s amenities town offers easy access to shuttle routes and a comfortable night before the final leg.

Day 6: Zion → Las Vegas (optional) or return toward Phoenix. If you swing to Las Vegas, plan a half-day stroll along the Strip and a late snack near the park edge’s edge views; otherwise, cut back through St. George toward your starting point. If you choose the Las Vegas path, keep a compact daypack, a bottle of water, and a charged camera ready for early morning shots of bright signage and desert scenery just outside the city limits.

Day 7: Final leg. If finishing in Las Vegas, an hour or two of canyon-side exploration around Valley of Fire is a nice close, then a short drive back toward your departure city. If continuing toward Phoenix, aim for quick canyon overlooks and a late afternoon arrival to your home base, with one last look at the east-facing ridges catching the sun.

Practical, day-by-day plan for exploring Arizona, Utah, with Zion as the centerpiece

1. Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas, then drive to Springdale (Zion area)

   Pick up a minivan at the airport and load gear, then follow the route I-15 north to UT-9 toward Springdale. Expect 2.5–3 hours and about 165 miles. Breakfast options exist near the airport or along the route. Check in at camphotel in Springdale; bedding is ready, and there’s on-site laundry for a quick refresh. Stroll the village just after check‑in, then sample a first taste of local flavors. End the day with a short, well‑graded overlook near the entrance and reset for the next day’s sights.

2. Day 2: Zion Canyon highlights (easy to moderate trails)

   Start early, around 6:30 am, to beat crowds. Breakfast on-site or a nearby cafe, then park near the South Entrance and ride the shuttle to the Zion Canyon floor. The Riverside Walk (easy) and the Lower Emerald Pools Trail (easy to moderate) cover classic rocks and scenic views. You should plan for a half‑day hike, then return to town for lunch. Stay near the canyon edge and use the policy‑friendly parking options. Evenings in the village offer charging spots and quick dining, with a light, comfortable bedding setup ready for bed after a long day on foot.

3. Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon (hoodoo country) via scenic route

   Depart early on a route that climbs through red rocks and passes through nearby townships. Distance is roughly 85 miles, with a 2–2.5 hour drive. At Bryce Canyon National Park, the hoodoo formations rise in vivid color; the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden trails provide a half‑day option with access to viewpoints at different levels. Pause for a hearty breakfast before heading into the park, then return to your lodging in the Bryce area for a second night near the town’s vibrant options, keeping bedding arrangements in good order for the night.

4. Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Page, Lake Powell area

   Take a southern route through the pink rocks and into Utah’s east corridor, then turn toward Page. The drive is roughly 2.5–3 hours and offers massive, scenic views along the way. In Page, you’ll find locations along the lake where you can rent a boat or kayak for a half‑day excursion. Breakfast before departure, then check in at a friendly lodging near the lake; plan a light afternoon of boating or a visit to Horseshoe Bend for iconic shots. Laundry can be handled back at the lodging if needed, and you’ll enjoy a comfortable bedding setup after a day on the water.

5. Day 5: Page to Monument Valley and surroundings

   From Page, head toward the iconic rock formations and broad horizons of Monument Valley. The course here features spectacular locations and well‑framed viewpoints, with scenic overlooks and guided tours available. A morning breakfast kicks off a day of scenic drives and photo stops; you’ll cover a few miles of dirt roads near the valley floor, then return to Page or Kanab for lodging near restaurants and shops. You should extend the stay in this area if you want to catch a sunrise survey of the formations before moving on.

6. Day 6: Kanab or Moab detour: Arches/Canyonlands or a return to Zion region

   Choose a short detour to Moab for Arches and Canyonlands if you prefer massive rock arches, or loop back toward Zion for additional canyon views. If you head to Moab, expect a longer drive (roughly 3.5–4.5 hours depending on stops) but see more near‑endless, scenic formations. In Moab, you’ll find lodging with good bedding and laundry facilities, plus breakfast options. If you stay closer to Zion, plan a relaxed day in Kanab with visits to movie‑set heritage sites and more hoodoo‑inspired viewpoints along a different route.

7. Day 7: Return to Las Vegas via South West route

   Make the return leg via the southwests corridor, then reconnect with I-15 for your final drive to Las Vegas. Plan breakfast before departure, then a final stop to stretch near well‑advised viewpoints. If you started in Las Vegas, end with a relaxed afternoon there; if you began elsewhere, arrange your flight from nearby airports and pass through a final vehicle check. This ending keeps your trip on a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to reflect on the sights you experienced and the memories you created with family or friends.

Grand Canyon South Rim: best sunrise viewpoints and parking tips

Arrive at Mather Point 60 minutes before sunrise and park at the Mather Parking Lot, the largest stop near the Visitor Center. During peak season this area fills fast, so being early lets you secure a front-row location during the dawn light above the canyon’s edge. Night yields to the dawn, and you can taste the crisp air as light grows while visitors gather to witness the first glow.

From Mather, walk the short path to Yavapai Point for a close-in perspective, then shift to Hopi Point for a long, continuous line of sight that leads you east as the sun climbs. The finest sunrise vantage is often Hopi Point because it offers a 180-degree sweep across scenic rims and canyons, with the dawn colors moving over the rims and turning the rock faces into warm tones. For a different angle, Desert View Watchtower gives a more expansive feel, showing eastern landscapes and the wider scenery beyond the rim.

Parking tips to spend less time circling: use the Village lots (Mather, Grand Canyon Lodge area) and catch the free shuttle rides to access viewpoints without driving. The shuttle runs frequently during sunrise hours, with a predictable route that keeps you well ahead of crowds. If you prefer a private car, aim for the Desert View Parking Lot or the eastern stop near the Watchtower, but arrive even earlier to beat the line and keep the night quiet around you. If you’re visiting from regions known for golf, you can pair a dawn panorama with a quick morning round in a nearby resort area before the crowds arrive.

Timing and logistics: arrive before the best light starts to color the rims; a few minutes before dawn, you’ll see the rubys and angels hues spill over the ridges, a truly awe-inspiring moment. Live color appears across the rock faces before dawn, and if you stay until after sunrise, you can capture cooler colors during the blue hour and then plan a scenic loop along the Rim Trail to see different regions of the South Rim. Many visitors know the popular viewpoints, but you’ll find quieter stretches along the east and west ends that offer equally stunning scenery without the crowds.

Quick prep: bring a tripod, a light jacket for night-morning contrasts, and a charged camera with a spare battery; the quiet pre-dawn atmosphere is well worth the small investment in time. Remember to check sunrise times for your season–starts earlier in summer and later in winter–and use the vantage points that are known for their stable grounds and safe railings. Before you head back, take a moment to sip coffee and enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery that remains with you long after you leave.

Sedona to Monument Valley: scenic detours, driving times, and photo spots

Take the Jerome detour first, then head to Monument Valley for a 3.5–4 hour drive with beautiful canyon views along US-89A and US-160.

Detours to elevate your day: swing through Jerome for hillside roofs and retro storefronts, then descend into Oak Creek Canyon for red cliffs framed by pines. From there, add a short stop at Wupatki National Monument or Sunset Crater Volcano for otherworldly lava fields and ancient pueblos that give visitors a sense of Americas’ deep past, all before the long desert stretch toward Kayenta. If you want a jeep-accessible backcountry feel, park along US-89A and explore a few pullouts with a guide for canyon echoes and sweeping panoramas.

Driving times in one go: Sedona to Monument Valley without detours is roughly 180 miles (290 km), about 3.5–4 hours under good conditions. With Jerome and Oak Creek Canyon added, plan 5–6 hours total to keep a comfortable pace and plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re starting near francisco and coming through, consider breaking the drive into two days to keep each leg short and enjoyable.

Photo spots you don’t want to skip: Sedona’s Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are classic backdrops for sunrise or golden-hour silhouettes, with Airport Mesa offering sweeping city-and-desert views. In Monument Valley, pull out at John Ford Point for the iconic skyline, photograph The Mittens and The Three Sisters from Artist’s Point, and save time for a sunset shot along the main park road where the light etches the sandstone fins. For a wide-angle landscape, stop at a high overlook where the horizon pairs with the sky in blues and pinks.

Practicalities for staying and amenities: Sedona has a wide range of accommodations, from boutique inns to larger hotels with laundry facilities; if you’re camping, several providers offer tent sites with nearby facilities and tent-friendly setups, though plan ahead for park limits and seasonal openings. Monument Valley Tribal Park has limited on-site facilities, so book accommodations in Kayenta or The View Hotel well in advance; check refund policies before canceling. For longer stays, consider mixing days across town centers to keep daily drives short and allow for more experiences across red rocks and open skies.

Activities and add-ons: if you’re up for a short canyon break, ask about guided canyoneering experiences near Page or within the broader region; they offer access to otherworldly narrows and slot canyons with trained guides. For explorers who want more flexibility, renting a jeep provides the most control for early-morning photo runs and late-evening returns, especially when light shifts quickly–and it’s a solid way to extend your stop to additional, less crowded viewpoints.

Two-day sample plan: day one covers Sedona’s scenic loop–highlights include Oak Creek Canyon overlook points and a quick push to Jerome for a lunch stop, then a relaxed drive toward Kayenta with an overnight nearby. Day two is Monument Valley sunrise, The Mittens and John Ford Point photos, plus a short stop at The Totem Pole if accessible, before continuing to your next stop across the park gates. If you’re continuing toward San Francisco or another major city, this approach keeps days short enough to enjoy every moment and reduces fatigue.

Page/Lake Powell: Antelope Canyon tours, Lake Powell stops, and timing tips

Zion National Park: shuttle logistics, top hikes, and safety reminders

Rely on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to reach trailheads; private cars aren’t needed when service is running. The shuttle travels from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to stops along the scenic drive, with departures roughly every 7–15 minutes from dawn to sunset. If you’re coming from holbrook or kanab, book a camphotel in Springdale to stay close to the shuttle line and simplify getting to the park each morning. For groups, a minivan helps keep everyone together and reduces the number of individual shuttle seats you need.

Top hikes include Angels Landing (permit required; prepare for exposure on the final ascent and use the chains). Start early to avoid heat and crowds; the route is about 5.4 miles round trip and climbs significant elevation. The Riverside Walk leads to the Narrows and is an easy 1.5–2 mile walk that’s great for families; Emerald Pools offers a short, scenic loop with lower and upper pools across about 2–3 miles. Watchman Trail is a pleasant 2–3 mile option with canyon views, while an ambitious plan can add an out-and-back to Observation Point or explore sections of the West Rim Trail if you have a full day. For the Narrows, Bottom-Up from Riverside is accessible with proper gear; Top-Down narrows require reserved permits ahead of time.

Safety reminders: carry plenty of water and sunscreen, wear sturdy footwear, and stay on marked paths. In summer heat, pace climbs and seek shade on exposed slopes. The Narrows carry a risk of flash floods, so check the forecast, avoid canyon sections during storms, and turn back if water levels surge. Keep kids and pets in view and avoid swimming in pools unless explicitly allowed. Wildlife encounters are common–do not feed or approach animals, and store food securely at night in a camphotel or campground. If something feels off, turn back and regroup with your friend or group.

Road-trip planning: If you’re connecting from holbrook or kanab, Zion makes a natural southbound stop on a 7-day southwest itinerary. Book a camphotel for easy access to the shuttle and a base for evenings after outdoor days; for a group, a minivan works well for driving between the canyon and Springdale. Spend time in the park’s surroundings to immersive experiences; if a tour is canceled, look for a refund or rebook with flexible options. French-speaking guides are available in some tours, but you can also explore on your own with a friend; this isnt optional for a well-rounded trip. The park accommodates a range of levels and accommodations, and you can tailor the route to your pace and interests, from quiet pools to dramatic canyon overlooks.

Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef detours: routing options, overnight stays, and viewpoints

Book Bryce Canyon City for the first night after Kanab to catch the amazing light at Sunrise Point, and use the morning to map a smooth connection to Capitol Reef. This choice keeps you within a five‑hour daylight window for detours and prevents backtracking, a win for tourist time. If you’re coming from Winslow or Holbrook, the straightforward link is US-89 north to UT-12, then head east toward Bryce before continuing to Capitol Reef. This southwests route combo offers otherworldly canyon approaches with light that makes the white cliffs glow and the arches feel instantly dramatic.

Routing options: option A keeps Bryce Canyon first, then Capitol Reef. From Bryce Canyon City, take UT-12 east to UT-24 at the Torrey junction, drive the scenic byway into Capitol Reef’s Fruita district, explore Hickman Bridge (an arch) and the Cathedral Valley outlooks, then push on to Torrey for the night. This path provides a compact day with a number of pullouts, next‑level photo opportunities, and a chance to enjoy canyoneering‑adjacent viewpoints without long backtracks. option B mirrors a Capitol Reef detour first if you’re starting from central Utah or the Kaibab region: head east from your current spot toward Capitol Reef via UT-24, then loop to Bryce via UT-12, returning through Tropic or Cannonville. Either route connects the parks cleanly and lets you sample five standout overlooks, with breakfast options in Torrey or Bryce Canyon City to fuel your day.

Overnight stays: Bryce Canyon City and nearby Tropic or Cannonville place you within a short morning drive to Sunrise Point or Fairyland; Bryce Canyon Lodge and Bryce Canyon Pines offer breakfast packages and early‑opening cafés for photographers. In Capitol Reef country, Torrey hosts several inns and a couple of mom‑and‑pop options that pair well with a sunrise stroll along the Fruita trails. If you want a lighter night, you can base at a cozy inn in either town and plan a full day around the need to catch short hikes, Gooseneck‑style viewpoints, or the Cathedral Valley road (which is best with a high‑clearance vehicle). The key is to book ahead, especially on weekends, and place your stay within a short drive of the main viewpoints so you’re head‑first into the best light at dawn. For a well‑rounded trip, aim for one night in Bryce and one night in Torrey, with a third night only if you want a relaxed pace and a longer canyoneering day, especially if you’re traveling with a person who loves photography or long, quiet drives.

Viewpoints and stops: Bryce offers Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Bryce Point, and the Navajo/Queen’s Garden trails for close‑up formations, while Capitol Reef centers on the Hickman Bridge arch, the Capitol Gorge overlook, and the Cathedral Valley panorama (best with a 4×4 if you want to reach the remote alcoves). If you have time, take the Goosenecks overlook or a brief spur to a white slickrock area to contrast the red rock canyons; the connections between the parks feel almost united, with each stop offering a different mood. Pack light, bring a map, and plan a five‑hour window for detours and photo breaks; the time boost from a well‑planned route makes the detour feel effortless and incredibly rewarding.