If you have been searching for a Southwest United States travel itinerary that hits all the top spots, you are in luck. I have spent the last 20-plus years exploring the Southern Utah and Northern Arizona areas. Without a doubt, these are some of my favorite areas in the United States. With a countless number of stunning canyons, incredible rock formations, and amazing slot canyons to explore, it is an outdoor adventure wonderland.

However, there are so many incredible things to see that it can be a bit overwhelming to plan a trip. That is where this Southwest United States travel itinerary will come in handy. Not only does it hit all of the top spots to see, but it does it in the most logical way possible. That’s right, this itinerary minimizes your driving so that you have more time to explore.

In this itinerary guide, I have laid out everything you need to plan your trip. I have detailed maps that show you how to get from location to location. I have also provided you with recommendations for accommodations.

When you get to each part or place of interest, I have also provided you with links to detailed guides. Using these guides, you can get the most out of each visit. To start using this itinerary, please refer to the navigation menu below.

Don’t Have Two Weeks?

If you don’t have two weeks for your trip, don’t worry. I also have a condensed 7-Day road trip itinerary thru Southern Utah and Northern Arizona that you can check out!

Itinerary Navigation Menu

Southwest United States Travel Itinerary Overview

This is my most extensive itinerary for the American Southwest. If you are a die-hard outdoor enthusiast, this is the Southern Utah and Northern Arizona itinerary for you. This itinerary will take you to most of the top spots in the area. Trust me, you will never be bored when following this itinerary.

Not only will this trip take you to six of America’s most popular national parks, but you will see a bounty of other amazing things. The best part is, you can start and finish your road trip in Las Vegas, Nevada. This makes flying into the area to launch and finish your trip a breeze.

• DAY 1 – Fly into Las Vegas and drive to Zion NP.
• DAY 2 – Hike the Narrows in Zion NP.
• DAY 3 – Hike Angel’s Landing Zion NP.
• DAY 4 – Bryce Canyon NP.
• DAY 5 – Take several hikes in the Grand Staircase-Escalante NM
• DAY 6 – Capitol Reef NP and Goblin Valley State Park.
• DAY 7 – Arches NP and the Corona Arch.
• DAY 8 – Canyonlands NP – Islands in the Sky and Dead Horse Pt SP.
• DAY 9 – Canyonlands NP – Needles and the Valley of the Gods
• DAY 10 – Explore Monument Valley.
• DAY 11 – See the Horseshoe Bend and Explore Glen Canyon NRA.
• DAY 12 – Tour Antelope Canyon.
• DAY 13 – Grand Canyon National Park
• DAY 14 – Drive back to Las Vegas to fly home.

NP = National Park, NM = National Monument, SP = State Park, NRA = National Recreation Area

When to Take This Trip

There are many factors that you must consider when taking any trip, and this trip is no different.  The factors you are going to want to most consider when planning any trip to the American Southwest are the weather and the crowds (as the American Southwest is a very popular tourist area).  I have outlined what you can expect as far as weather and crowds during each season of the year below.

Spring Months (March – May)

The Spring months are one of the best times to visit the American Southwest. During these months (especially during late April), the temperatures are pretty mild, and the crowds are very low because it is still the off-season.  April is one of my favorite months to visit this area of the United States.

Summer Months (June – August)

If you like hot weather and big crowds, the summer months are the perfect time to visit the American Southwest.  There is never a bad time to visit the American Southwest, but if you have a choice, I recommend avoiding the summer months.  The temperatures can be scolding hot, and the crowds can get rather large. This can make some of the more popular trails less enjoyable or even dangerous in some parks and public lands.

Fall Months (September – November)

Like the spring months, the fall months are another ideal time to visit the American Southwest.  The temperatures are usually pretty mild (especially in late September and early October). Plus, the crowds have usually started to lighten.  Along with the month of April, the month of September is another of my favorite months to visit the area.

Winter Months (December – February)

The winter can be beautiful in the American Southwest. Some of these areas do get snow and it looks absolutely beautiful on the red rock.  However, the winter can also mean more dangerous trail conditions in some of the area’s national parks and public lands.

Sandstone tends to get very slick, especially when covered with ice and snow.  The temperatures can also be very cool during this time of year, especially at night.  If you do decide to visit in the winter, you will benefit from not having many other people around. However, you will have to deal with more dangerous trail conditions and cool temperatures.

Where to Start and Finish

The route you will take has been designed to minimize the amount of driving you will be doing each day. At the same time, it is designed to maximize the number of fun things you will be doing and beautiful things you will see.

You Start Your Trip in Las Vegas

You will fly into Las Vegas, Nevada, then make your way North to Zion National Park. Zion is an outdoor adventure lover’s dream, and you will see the best the park has to offer. After spending a few days exploring Zion, you will head east to Bryce Canyon. Bryce Canyon is one of the most beautiful spots in the continental United States.

When you are done enjoying its beauty, you will continue your venture East. The next few days will be spent exploring the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Capitol Reef National Park. These are some of the most remote areas in the United States.

You’ll Stop in Moab – The Adventure Capitol of the USA

With breathtaking vistas and amazing hikes, you’ll enjoy every minute. Then, you head to Moab, Utah, which is widely considered to be the outdoor adventure capital of the United States. Here, you will see the beautiful Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

These are two of the most popular national parklands in America and for good reason. Once you’ve seen these parks and explored the Moab area, you will start heading South. On your way to Page, Arizona, you will make stops at the Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley.

In Page, Arizona You Will See Two of the Southwest’s Most Iconic Spots

You will probably recognize Monument Valley from the old Western movies and from Forest Gump. You will get to stop at the same iconic spot Forest did when he was running cross-country in the movie. Once in the Page, Arizona area, you will get to see two of the Southwest’s most iconic spots.

Horseshoe Bend may be one of the most popular viewpoints of the Colorado River. Along with Antelope Canyon, another one of your stops, they have taken Instagram by storm. The final leg of your journey will take you to the Grand Canyon, which needs no introduction.

You Will End Your Trip Back in Las Vegas

You will gaze over the vastness of this beautiful canyon and reflect on the amazing trip you’ve had. Once you’ve enjoyed the canyon to your fulfillment, you will head back to Las Vegas to travel home.

Pre-Trip Preparation

Long before you board the plane to Las Vegas, there are some things that you will want to make sure you take care of to prepare for your trip.  To help you coordinate and plan, I have compiled a list of things to do and things to bring below.

Book Accommodations Near Zion National Park

Accommodations will need to be booked near Zion National Park for nights 1 and 2. I have provided recommendations later in this guide.

Reserve Accommodations Near Bryce Canyon National Park

You will need to book accommodations near Bryce Canyon National Park for night 3. I have provided recommendations later in this guide.

Reserve Accommodations Near Capitol Reef National Park

Accommodations will need to be booked near Bryce Canyon National Park for nights 4 and 5. I have provided recommendations later in this guide.

Reserve Accommodations in Moab, Utah

You will need to book accommodations in Moab, Utah for nights 6 thru 8. I have provided recommendations later in this guide.

Reserve Accommodations Near Monument Valley

Accommodations will need to be booked near Monument Valley for night 9. I have provided recommendations later in this guide.

Reserve Accommodations in Page, Arizona

You will need to book accommodations in Moab, Utah for nights 10 and 11. I have provided recommendations later in this guide.

Reserve Accommodations Near Grand Canyon Village

Accommodations will need to be booked near Grand Canyon Village for nights 12 and 13. I have provided recommendations later in this guide.

Reserved Your Timed Entry Spot for Arches National Park

Because of overcrowding within the park, Arches National Park now uses a timed entry system. This applies to anyone visiting between April 1 and October 31. You must reserve your timed entry from the park prior to your visit. This time will tell you when you are allowed to enter the park and how long you can stay.

Purchase Antelope Canyon Tour

You will want to book your tour of Antelope Canyon at least a month in advance. More information on Antelope Canyon Tours, as well as tour information for the equally beautiful Waterhole Canyon, is in my park guides found later in this Southwest United States Travel Itinerary article.

Get a Permit to Hike Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park

If you would like to hike to Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, you will need to plan well in advance. You now need to get a permit to hike Angel’s Landing. Please see my Zion National Park guide linked in this Southwest United States Travel Itinerary for more information.

Reserve Gear for the Narrows Hike in Zion National Park

Definitely reserve gear for your Narrows Hike at Zion National Park at least a month in advance (preferably 3 months in advance).

Ensure Sure You’ve Packed Layers of Clothing

You will want to bring layers of clothing to wear.  It can get really hot in the daytime, and quite chilly at night.

Verify You’ve Packed Sun Protection

You will want to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, especially if you are visiting in the summer months.

Make Sure You’ve Packed Proper Hiking Boots

Everyone in your group definitely needs to bring proper hiking boots.  Some of the hikes outlined in this Southwest United States Travel Itinerary can be dangerous without the proper footwear.

Verify You’ve Packed Water Bottles or Bladders

You are going to want to bring water bottles, a camel pack (with a water bladder), or some other way of carrying plenty of water as you hike.

Make Sure You’ve Downloaded Offline Maps to AllTrails App

Make sure you save offline maps of the areas you will be exploring on your phone as several of these areas are remote and don’t have reliable cell service.  This is especially true for the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. I like to use the Alltrails App with a Pro License to navigate without cell service. I have included download links below.

Trip Accommodations

Before you depart for your trip, you will need to make sure that you have your accommodations lined up. If you plan to camp during your trip, I have recommendations for campgrounds in each of my National Park guides. For your convenience, I have linked to each of those guides in this itinerary. If you will be staying in hotels, I have listed some recommendations at different price points below.

Hotel Recommendations for Nights 1 and 2

For nights 1 and 2 of your road trip, you will be staying near Zion National Park in Utah. Zion is located near the town of Springdale, which is where you will find the closest hotels. However, there are several other small towns nearby that also have hotel options. Here are some hotels at different price points that you can look at.

Hotel Recommendations for Night 3

On night 3 of your American Southwest road trip, you will be staying in the Bryce Canyon National Park area. Bryce Canyon City sits just outside the park, and this is the ideal place to stay. However, there are several small towns between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Staircase that you can look at as well. I have included some recommended hotels at different price points for you to review below.

Hotel Recommendations for Nights 4 and 5

For nights 4 and 5 of your trip, you will be staying in the Capitol Reef National Park area. Staying in this area has its benefits. It will allow you to find a hotel close enough to explore both Capitol Reef and the Grand Staircase. You will also be spending some time exploring Goblin Valley. It is one of Utah’s most incredible state parks. I have included some recommended hotels at different price points for you to review below.

Hotel Recommendations for Nights 6 thru 8

Nights 6 thru 8 of your trip will be spent in the incredible Moab, Utah area. This is one of my favorite cities in the United States. Widely considered to be the country’s outdoor adventure capital, it is amazing.

In addition to all the parks close by, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy as well. This includes hiking, mountain biking, ATV tours, horseback riding, and other activities. I have included some recommended hotels at different price points for you to review below.

Hotel Recommendations for Night 9

On the ninth night, you will be staying in the Monument Valley area on the border of Utah and Arizona. You could choose to drive on to Page, Arizona after touring Monument Valley. This is where you will be staying for the next few nights of your trip.

However, after a long day of exploring, Page may be too far. I will leave that completely up to you. If you do decide to stay near Monument Valley, here are some hotel options at different price points.

Hotel Recommendations for Nights 10 and 11

For nights 10 and 11 of your trip, you will be staying in the Page, Arizona area. Page is located on Lake Powell in northern Arizona and is considered the gateway to the marvelous Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

There are also several wonderful slot canyons and an amazing Colorado River overlook to enjoy in the Page area. When you are ready to look at hotels in the area, I have included recommendations at different price points for you to review below.

Hotel Recommendations for Nights 12 and 13

For the final two nights of your trip, you will be staying in the Grand Canyon National Park area. The Grand Canyon is split into two sections. The North Rim is closed for most of the winter but is accessible from late spring until the end of autumn. On the other hand, the South Rim of the canyon is open year-round. The South Rim includes Grand Canyon Village and a wide array of viewpoints.

Because the South Rim is far more accessible, I would recommend visiting the South Rim for this trip. Grand Canyon Village sits adjacent to the entry point for the South Rim. So, it is the ideal spot to book a hotel.

However, you can also find some cheaper options in the Grand Canyon Junction and Williams, AZ areas. I have included some recommended hotels at different price points for you to review below.

Day 1 – Fly into Las Vegas

Day 1 Itinerary

Day one is pretty low-key.  You will fly into Las Vegas, do some sightseeing around the city, and then hit the road and head North toward Zion National Park.  The drive is just shy of 3 hours and is a very scenic drive.

• Drive to Zion National Park (159 miles – 2 hours 45 min)
• Pick up your gear for the Narrows hike the following day.  Most of the time you can pick up your gear the night before, which will allow you to get to the park early the next morning and beat the crowds (as well as find a parking spot).

Day 1 Maps

The Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park

Day 1 Optional Stops

If you have some extra time, you can go a bit out of your way to see the Hoover Dam.  It will add another hour to your drive, but it really is worth it.  So is the stunningly beautiful Valley of the Fire State Park, which is on the way to Zion National Park.

• Hoover Dam (adds 67 miles – 1 hour 15 minutes of driving).
• Valley of the Fire State Park (adds 31 miles – 40 minutes of driving).

Day 1 Visitor Guides

To help make sure your trip is a success, you can find more detailed information on the destinations you will see on Day 1 in the visitor guides listed below.

Day 2 – Zion:  The Narrows

Day 2 Itinerary

On Day 2 you will get to start exploring one of the most popular national parks in the United States (it is actually the 5th most visited park).  I strongly recommend that you do the Narrows hike on the first day, because you are not going to want to have to worry about returning your gear on the way out of town on Day 3.

Get to Zion National Park Early

Hopefully, you were able to pick up your gear the night before, as I also strongly recommend that you get to Zion National Park early in the morning.  The available parking spots at the visitor center fill up fast and if you don’t get a spot you will have to park in Springdale and take a bus to the park.

After the Narrows hike, you can use the remainder of your day to explore some other hikes or some of the amazing state parks in the area, but make sure you get some rest as you will be doing the infamous Angel’s Landing hike on Day 3.

• Hike the Narrows Trail in Zion National Park – (expect this hike to take between 4-6 hours, depending on how far you want to go).

Day 2 Maps

If you have some extra time outside of hiking the Narrows and exploring Zion National Park on Day 2, there are a few wonderful Utah State Parks in the vicinity that are worth checking out as well.

Location of Optional Stops Near Zion National Park

Day 2 Optional Stops

In addition to all of the amazing things to see and do inside Zion National Park, there are also some pretty amazing places in the surrounding area that are worth exploring.  I have included two stunning state parks that are worth exploring that can be used as optional stops if you have some extra time.

• Sand Hollow State Park (32 miles – a 45-minute drive from Zion National Park).
• Snow Canyon State Park (50 miles – 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Zion National Park).

Day 2 Visitor Guides

Before you head off and start exploring, I strongly recommend you take a look at the visitor guides for the parks I suggested.  You will find all of the information you need on what to expect and how to get the most out of your visit to these beautiful places in these guides.

Day 3 – Zion:  Angel’s Landing

Day 3 Itinerary

It is important to get a lot of good rest the night before because today you will hike one of the most famous trails in the entire United States National Park System.  You are going to want to make sure that you are at the park bright and early as you do not want to hike this trail when it gets overly crowded.  The earlier you arrive at the park the better. Remember, you need to obtain a permit in advance to hike this trail in Zion.

Take Your Time on the Angel’s Landing Hike

Please be aware, this hike is absolutely fantastic, but it is not for everyone.  It is extremely challenging and can be dangerous.  I strongly suggest you read my Visitor’s Guide to Zion National Park (linked in the Visitor Guide’s section below) before setting out to hike this trail.  You are going to want to make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into and be sure you are prepared.

Depending on when you get finished with the Angel’s Landing hike, you may have some time to explore other areas of Zion National Park or you might want to head straight for Bryce Canyon National Park, where you will spend the night.  There are some other attractions near Bryce Canyon National Park that I have listed as optional stops below.  If you get done at Zion early enough, you might want to check those out before checking into your hotel for the night.

• Hike the infamous Angel’s Landing trail at Zion National Park – (expect this hike to take between 4-6 hours, depending on the crowds.  This is a hike that you do not want to rush for your safety and for the safety of others on the trail).
• Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park (roughly a 1 hour and 24-minute drive).

Day 3 Maps

After you finish exploring Zion National Park for the day, you will head to Bryce Canyon National Park and check into your next hotel. You will be exploring Bryce Canyon National Park the next day.

The Drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park

If you finish up at Zion early enough, you may have time to stop at a few optional stops on your way to Bryce Canyon. The Kodachrome Basin State Park, Red Canyon, and Escalante Petrified Forest State Park are all worth exploring if you have the time.

Location of Optional Stops Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 3 Optional Stops

Depending on when you get finished at Zion National Park, you might want to head straight for the Bryce Canyon area as there is plenty to do and see in that area.  Below I have listed just a few of my favorite places to see around Bryce Canyon that can be used as optional stops on your trip.

• Kodachrome Basin State Park (will add 41 miles – 56 minutes to your drive).
• Red Canyon (this stop will add no distance to your drive).
• Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (will add 91 miles – 1 hour and 41 minutes to your drive).

Day 3 Visitor Guides

In order to give you all of the information that you need to make sure you plan your trip successfully; I have linked to visitor guides for the optional stops I have provided below.  You will find everything you need to make your visit to these beautiful places a success in these resources.

Day 4 – Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 4 Itinerary

Today is all about exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Believe me, you will not be disappointed. This may be my favorite day on this Southwest United States travel itinerary. Without a doubt, Bryce Canyon is one of America’s prettiest parks.

One of the best things about the park is that it is accessible to everyone. In other words, you don’t need to hike to enjoy this park. The park has a wealth of incredible viewpoints for you to enjoy the park’s beauty. However, if you do like to hike, I encourage you to explore some trails. Please see my Bryce Canyon Visitor Guide linked below for suggestions. It is also a great place to go on a horseback riding tour thru the canyon.

• Spend the Day Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park – There are many different viewpoints that you can stop at with your car. However, I would encourage you to do some hiking in the canyon. It is beautiful from down inside the canyon.
• Horseback Riding – If you are into horseback riding, Bryce Canyon is a great place to take a tour.
• Drive to Capitol Reef area – At the end of the day, you will drive east to the Capitol Reef area to your next hotel.

Day 4 Maps

The Drive from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park (near your hotel for the night)

Day 4 Visitor Guides

To help make sure your trip is a success, I have included a link to my Bryce Canyon Visitor Guide below. This guide has a wealth of information on how to best see this amazing park.

Day 5 – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Day 5 Itinerary

On Day 5, you will make the short drive from your hotel in the Capitol Reef area towards Escalante, Utah. This is where the die hard hikers will love this Southwest United States travel itinerary. Today is when you will begin your explorations of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. It is one of the most remote and least explored regions of America. There are countless hikes that you can do within the area. I have outlined some of the more popular ones below.

• Visit the Long Canyon Slot (51 miles – 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Capitol Reef). This slot canyon doesn’t require a long hike and is easily accessible.
• Visit Devil’s Garden (75 miles – 1 hour and 50-minute drive from Capitol Reef). This popular Grand Staircase spot requires a short drive down an unimproved road but is still fairly accessible. No hiking is required to see the cool rock formations, but there are trails in the area to enjoy.
• Hike to the Zebra Slot Canyon (70 miles – 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Capitol Reef). This cool slot canyon requires a short hike on an unmarked trail. Please see my visitor guide below for more details on how to find this slot canyon.

Day 5 Optional Stops

One of the most incredible hikes that you can do in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is the Reflection Canyon hike. If you choose to do this hike, you will need to dedicate your entire day to it. In addition, you will also need to get up very early as the trailhead takes quite a while to get to. For more information on this hike, please see my Reflection Canyon Trail Guide linked below.

• Reflection Canyon Hike (It is a 3-hour and 45-minute drive from the Capitol Reef National Park area. Mostly because it requires you to drive 50 miles down the Hole-in-the-Rock road. This is an unimproved road that requires 4WD for sections).

Day 5 Maps

The Drive from Your Hotel Near Capitol Reef to the Attractions in the Grand Staircase-Escalante

Day 5 Visitor Guides

There is a lot that you can see in the Grand Staircase, but I have outlined a number of the popular spots. For more information on visiting these spots, please reference my visitor guides linked below. I have also included my trail guide for Reflection Canyon. If you are up for the challenge, it is a spectacular spot to visit.

Day 6 – Capitol Reef National Park and Goblin Valley

Day 6 Itinerary

On Day 6 of this Southwest United States travel itinerary, you will be exploring Capitol Reef. It may not have the notoriety of Utah’s other national parks, but it is incredible. Unlike Bryce Canyon, the real beauty of this park lies in the backcountry. This makes seeing some of the park’s prettier spots less accessible without hiking. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this park if you aren’t a hiker.

• Explore Capitol Reef National Park – If you have the time and a 4WD vehicle, I would recommend driving into Cathedral Valley. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Capitol Reef. If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, don’t fret. I outline some of the other incredible spots you can see in the park in my guide linked below.
• Visit Goblin Valley State Park – In addition to exploring Capitol Reef, I would suggest taking a drive to see nearby Goblin Valley State Park. It is only 60 miles from Capitol Reef and will take you about 60 minutes to get to. This park is renowned for its valley full of interesting rock formations. In fact, it is one of Utah’s most popular state parks.
• Drive to Moab, Utah for the night – At the end of your day, you will make the 137-mile drive to Moab, Utah. This is where you will spend the next three nights exploring. The drive should take you roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, so plan on that drive time as you enjoy the day.

Day 6 Maps

The Drive from Capitol Reef National Park to Goblin Valley State Park

The Drive from Capitol Reef National Park to Moab, Utah

Day 6 Visitor Guides

This is a busy day of exploration. Capitol Reef National Park has so many hidden treasures you can explore. To make the most out of your visit, I encourage you to reference my guide below. I have also linked to my guide for Goblin Valley State Park, which is incredible as well.

Day 7 – Arches National Park and Corona Arch

Day 7 Itinerary

I have a feeling that your time in Moab will be your favorite part of this Southwest United States travel itinerary. For many people, it is their favorite part of Southern Utah. On your first day in the Moab area, you will be exploring one of Utah’s most popular parks. For decades, Arches National Park has been captivating visitors with its large number of natural rock arches. You will get to see their beauty first-hand.

You will also be taking a short hike just outside of Moab to see another breathtaking natural arch. In fact, the Corona Arch may be the most breathtaking arch in the Moab area. That includes those inside Arches. If you have extra time, there is an abundance of activities you can enjoy in the Moab area. My travel guides linked below outline numerous excursions and tours you can take.

• Visit Arches National Park – The park entrance is located just 5 miles from downtown Moab, so you don’t have a long drive. Remember, Arches National Park is now regulated by a timed entry system. You need to reserve an entrance time in advance of your trip.
• Corona Arch hike – The trailhead for the Corona Arch hike is located just 14 miles outside of Moab, so it is close by. The hike itself isn’t very long or stressful. However, I would reserve at least a few hours to make it to the arch, take your pictures, and make it back. This is a great hike to do early in the morning or in the evening, before or after seeing Arches.

Day 7 Maps

The Drive from Moab to Arches National Park and the Corona Arch Trailhead

Day 7 Visitor Guides

Not only are Arches National Park and the Corona Arch incredible sights but there is a bounty of amazing things to do in the Moab, Utah area. I have included visitor guides for Arches and the Corona Arch below. These guides have some great recommendations on other activities to do in the Moab area.

DAY 8 – Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 8 Itinerary

If you thought all of the fun on this Southwest United States travel itinerary was done, you were mistaken. Today is going to be an incredible day that you will remember for a long, long time. That is because you will be exploring some of the most stunning canyon vistas America has to offer. First, you will be exploring Canyonlands National Park. Today, you will be exploring the Islands in the Sky district.

Make Sure You See the Mesa Arch Viewpoint at Sunrise

This part of the park is renowned for its breathtaking canyon overlooks. To help you out, I detail all the top things you should see in the park in my guide below. I would recommend arriving at the park early. You will want to get to the Mesa Arch Overlook early in the morning to see the sunrise thru the arch. This may be one of the top viewpoints in any national park in the United States. Seeing it at sunrise is jaw-dropping.

After that, you will exit Canyonlands and enter Dead Horse Point State Park. You will have passed it on your way into Canyonlands. I had you visit Canyonlands first so that you can see the Mesa Arch Overlook at sunrise. However, you don’t want to miss Dead Horse Point, so stop on your way back to Moab. Its canyon overlooks are legendary, and you will get to see them first-hand.

• Explore Canyonlands National Park’s Islands in the Sky District – You will want to get to Canyonlands before sunrise so that you can catch the view of the sun rising thru the Mesa Arch. It is roughly a 38-mile drive to the Mesa Arch viewpoint from Moab. This viewpoint gets crowded in the morning, so the earlier the better.
• Explore the Dead Horse Point State Park – This park is located right outside of the Islands in the Sky District. Its breathtaking canyon vistas are something you won’t want to miss. This park is also a great place to go mountain biking. In fact, they rent bikes at the park. For more information on this and other activities, check out my visitor guide linked below.

Day 8 Maps

The Drive from Moab to the Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands – Islands in the Sky District

Day 8 Visitor Guides

The Islands in the Sky District of Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point are epic parklands. In order to help you get the most out of your visit to these parks, I have included guides below. Not only do they have recommendations on what to see, but they also outline activities you may enjoy.

Day 9 – Canyonlands and Valley of the Gods

Day 9 Itinerary

The 9th day of this Southwest United States travel itinerary has you back in Canyonlands to explore. This time, you will be heading to the Needles District of the park. The Needles District is known for its colorful sandstone spires, which litter the landscape. This area of the park is also known for its history.

When you visit, make sure you check out nearby Newspaper Rock. This large rock has one of the largest collections of ancient petroglyphs in the United States. For more information on what to see in the Needles District, make sure you check out my Canyonlands guide.

The Valley of the Gods is an Incredible Place to Camp

After exploring Canyonlands, you will start heading South towards Monument Valley. However, before you get there, you will make a stop at the Valley of the Gods. This incredible valley has some of the most incredible buttes that you will see in the Southwest. If you are up for it, I would recommend camping in the area.

The Valley of the Gods may be my favorite place to camp in the American Southwest. Either way, you will have a fun day exploring. If you have more time, the Natural Bridges National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument are close by.

• Explore the Canyonlands National Park Needles District – This section of Canyonlands is a bit further away from Moab. It is roughly 75 miles and will take you around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there. Don’t worry though, as you will be heading this way towards Monument Valley at the end of the day anyways. The Needles District is an incredible landscape that you will thoroughly enjoy.
• Visit the Valley of the Gods – Continuing South, your next stop will be at this incredible valley. It will take you roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there from the Needles District, so make sure you watch your time. If you’re up for it, the Valley of the Gods is an incredible place to camp. Otherwise, it’s a scenic stop on your way to Monument Valley. If you have the time, Natural Bridges and Bears Ears are close by.

Make Sure to Stop at Forest Gump Point

IMPORTANT NOTE: On your drive to Monument Valley at the end of the day, make sure you stop and take pictures at the infamous Forest Gump Point. You will encounter this viewpoint before you get to Monument Valley and you won’t want to have to back-track the next day to see it.

Day 9 Maps

The Drive from Moab to Canyonlands Needles District and Valley of the Gods

The Drive from the Valley of the Gods to Monument Valley

Day 9 Visitor Guides

The Needles District and the Valley of the Gods are incredible places to visit. However, they are even better when you know what to see and do. The good news is, you don’t need to wing it. I have put together comprehensive guides on these places to help you out. You already saw my Canyonlands guide linked above. To help you, I have included my guide for the valley in my Southwest United States travel itinerary below.

Day 10 – Monument Valley

Day 10 Itinerary

If you have seen any of the old Western movies, then Monument Valley will probably look familiar. This iconic landscape was the backdrop for many old Hollywood Westerns. It also made a memorable appearance in a more recent film. During the movie Forest Gump, the beautiful Monument Valley was a backdrop to Forest’s cross-country run. The good news is, you will get to enjoy this epic landscape yourself today.

Hopefully, you took my advice and stopped at the infamous Forest Gump Point on your way to Monument Valley. It is such an epic viewpoint and you won’t want to miss it. Today, you will tour Monument Valley itself. You have the whole day to drive thru the Valley and take some short hikes if you’d like. At the end of this day on my Southwest United States travel itinerary, you will head to Page, Arizona.

• Explore Monument Valley – Your first task of the day is to explore the incredible Monument Valley. Get ready to be amazed by the beauty of this incredible valley. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive the unimproved road within the valley. Even without 4WD, you should be able to make it a short way down the road before having to turn back. However, even if you don’t drive the road, the views from the visitor center are incredible. That, and there are several short hikes you can do.
• Drive to Page, Arizona – After touring Monument Valley, you will head to Page, Arizona for the night. It is a 121-mile drive that will take you roughly 2 hours, so plan accordingly.

Day 10 Maps

The Drive from Monument Valley to Page, Arizona

Day 10 Visitor Guides

Monument Valley is such an iconic destination in the American Southwest. If you are going to visit, you don’t want to miss a thing. By reviewing my Monument Valley Visitor Guide, linked below, you can be confident you won’t!

Day 11 – Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Day 11 Itinerary

On day 11 of your trip, you will wake up in the incredible city of Page, Arizona. Located right on the border with Utah, the city of Page has quickly become synonymous with adventure. It is considered to be the gateway to the amazing Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

This area encompasses Lake Powell and its surrounding area. In addition to the activities I have planned for you in this itinerary, there are plenty of additional things you can see and do in the area. So, make sure you check out my visitor guides linked in this Southwest United States travel itinerary below.

• Visit the Horseshoe Bend Viewpoint – Located just outside the city of Page, the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint is very easy to get to. Back when I first visited, it used to be an unmarked pullout on the side of the highway. Now it has a full-fledged parking lot and requires an entry fee. Still, the viewpoint is one of the most iconic spots in all of the American Southwest and is an absolute must-visit.
• Explore the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – There is so much to see and do in Glen Canyon. You could stop at the Wahweap Marine to rent a boat, jet skis, kayaks, or paddle boards to explore Lake Powell. You can also visit one of the area’s many incredible beaches. Or, if you are looking for more adventure, take a boat tour to see the Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
• If you have a 4WD vehicle and a few hours, I would check out Alstrom Point – This is one of the most incredible viewpoints in Glen Canyon, but it is difficult to get to. Check out my guide linked below for more details.

Day 11 Maps

The Drive from Page, Arizona to Horseshoe Bend

Day 11 Visitor Guides

I am so jealous that you are in the Page, Arizona area exploring. This is one of the most amazing spots to visit in the United States. There is so much to see and do that finding the time can be a challenge. In order to help you decide what you want to do with your time, I have included several of my visitors guides for you to review. They can be found in my Southwest United States travel itinerary below.

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