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US Southwest Grand Circle — a 5-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 5-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 7-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go.
5
days
1904 km
distance
23.8 h
driving
27
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Heavy transit: day 5 (13h15) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 6 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
Day 4 Page
🌡 -2.2–37.7°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 14.0h light
12:48
Ken's Tourshikinghistory & sagas
Book guided tours to explore the Lower Antelope Canyon as required by tribal law.
50 min · Page · $8 + $20/$42
open: Summer 8AM-5PM; winter 9AM-3PM
13:38
American Aviationhikingchurches & landmarks
Soar above Lake Powell and Monument Valley on scenic flights.
90 min · Page · starting at US $160 per person (tax incl
open: Sunrise - sunset
15:08
Red Heritage Indigenous Entertainment Hallmuseums & heritage
Experience Native American dancing, flute playing, and live drum music over dinner.
50 min · Page
15:58
Lower Antelope Canyonhiking
Capture stunning photos in this more open slot canyon on guided tours.
90 min · Page
Overnight: Page
e.g. Shash Dine' Ecoretreat · Lone Rock Beach
Day 5 Around Grand Canyon
🌡 -4.1–35.9°C · 🌧 ~2 rain days · ☀ 13.9h light
09:00
Grand Canyon Community Libraryhikinghistory & sagas
Browse in a historic log schoolhouse with WiFi.
50 min · Grand Canyon
open: M-Sa 10:30AM–5PM, extended Tu & Th until 7PM
09:50
Grand Canyon Visitor Center (South Rim)hikingmuseums & heritage
Gaze awestruck at the immense canyon from the main South Rim overlook.
50 min · Grand Canyon
10:40
North Rim Visitor Centerhikingmuseums & heritage
Learn about the canyon's ecology and history through engaging exhibits and displays.
50 min · Grand Canyon
11:30
Grand Canyon Villagehikinghistory & sagas
Enjoy panoramic canyon views amid historic architecture and bustling crowds.
50 min · Grand Canyon
12:20
Desert Viewhikinghistory & sagas
Marvel at sweeping canyon vistas from the iconic, watchtower overlook.
50 min · Grand Canyon
13:10
O.A.R.S.hikinghistory & sagas
Navigate legendary rapids while discovering hidden ruins and side canyons.
90 min · Grand Canyon
14:40
The Arizona Roomhiking
Savor meals with a partial view of the majestic canyon.
60 min · Grand Canyon
open: Dinner 4:30PM–10PM (open seasonally), lunch seasonally