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US Southwest Grand Circle: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Grand Circle strings together five of America's greatest national parks in one desert loop. You walk beneath Zion's canyon walls, squeeze through slot canyons, watch dawn light up Monument Valley and stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon. The red rock keeps going until the stars take over.
US Southwest Grand Circle is a 1450 km loop (self-drive). It works best as 5–8 days; the plan below is the 7-day version for May, built from 229 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 5-day plan · 7-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go
7
days
1904 km
distance
23.8 h
driving
34
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Heavy transit: day 7 (13h15) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 8 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Las Vegas → Zion
🌡 -5.4–33.3°C · 🌧 ~3 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
09:00
UNLV Rebelshiking
You will enjoy college sports in an energetic university setting.
90 min · Las Vegas
10:30
Lee Canyonhiking
You will breathe crisp air and hear snow rustling on slopes.
50 min · Las Vegas
open: Winter: daily 9AM-4PM; summer: F-Su 10AM-6PM
11:20
National Finals Rodeomuseums & heritage
You will hear the cheers and see skilled riders at the rodeo.
90 min · Las Vegas
16:15
Zion Human History Museumhikinghistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
50 min · Zion
open: 10AM-5PM Daily, longer hours in the summer. Closed November through Fe
Overnight: Zion
e.g. Lava Point Campground · Zion Lodge
Day 2 Around Zion
🌡 -5.4–33.3°C · 🌧 ~3 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
09:00
Taylor Creekhikingmuseums & heritagebeaches & cliffs
Feel the crisp air while walking past homestead cabins to a double arch alcove.
90 min · Zion
10:30
Kolob Archhikingmuseums & heritagebeaches & cliffs
Hike strenuous trails to view the world's second tallest natural arch.
90 min · Zion
12:00
Ranger Programshikinghistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Listen to talks and hikes covering geology, biology, and human history.
90 min · Zion
13:30
Zion Canyon Visitor Centerhikingmuseums & heritage
You will see park exhibits and talk to rangers about exploration.
50 min · Zion
14:20
Zion Canyon Scenic Drivehikingvolcanic
Marvel at towering sandstone cliffs along a scenic road.
50 min · Zion
15:10
Zion-Mt. Carmel Highwayhikingvolcanic
Drive through dramatic landscapes and a historic tunnel.
50 min · Zion
16:00
Red Rock Grill
Savor homestyle American meals while listening to a serene waterfall.
60 min · Zion · $11-20
open: 6:30-10AM, 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-9PM
Overnight: Zion
e.g. Lava Point Campground · Zion Lodge
Day 3 Bryce Canyon
🌡 -4.7–33.9°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
12:20
Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop Combinationhikinghistory & sagasvolcanic
Traverse the heart of the amphitheater on this scenic loop.
90 min · Bryce Canyon
13:50
Sunrise Pointhikingvolcanic
Witness breathtaking canyon views at dawn, bathed in golden light.
50 min · Bryce Canyon
14:40
Sunset Pointhikingvolcanic
Enjoy stunning canyon vistas as the sun paints the sky in hues.
50 min · Bryce Canyon
15:30
Natural Bridgehikingbeaches & cliffs
See a unique eroded hoodoo forming a natural bridge.
50 min · Bryce Canyon
16:20
Bristlecone Loophikingbeaches & cliffs
Hike through coniferous forest to a cliffside view.
90 min · Bryce Canyon
Overnight: Bryce Canyon
e.g. North Campground · Bryce Canyon Lodge
See the remaining 4 days of the 7-day plan →
Route map
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