Canyons and Kayaks Road Trip
About Grand Canyon Guru's Custom Tours
This itinerary was designed by our destination experts to inspire your canyon country adventure. Here at Grand Canyon Guru, we’ve never designed the same trip twice because we handcraft every itinerary to create a once in a lifetime adventure. We love the wild canyons of the American Southwest and want to share that with every client we work with by offering the highest quality lodging, unique tours, exclusive access, the best local guides, and professional support for every tour we design. Most people only get the chance to do a trip like this once in a lifetime, so our trips focus on the best experience possible for the time and money you’re investing, rather than the least expensive. We will take care of all the details so you all you need to do is show up and enjoy your trip.
Tour Overview
- 9-Days w/Lodging, Transportation and Tours
- Las Vegas to Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon South Rim, Zion, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe bend, Lake Powell
- Hiking, Kayaking, Slot Canyons, Rafting
- Customized Itinerary and professional support
- From $2,795 per person based on double occupancy
Tour Highlights
- Set out from Las Vegas to arrive at Zion National Park in time for an unforgettable 4x4 sunset tour in an open-air Jeep.
- Explore Zion’s Narrows on foot as you wade through the cool waters of this photogenic slot canyon.
- Enjoy a drive across the Southwest to Page, AZ with a must-see stop at Horseshow Bend overlook for your first glimpse of Glen Canyon.
- Cool off on a guided kayak trip across Lake Powell that includes premier access to a portion of Antelope Canyon that few people get to see.
- Motor up the Colorado River on a guided boat tour to take in views of Glen Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and ancient pictographs and petroglyphs.
- Drive through the Painted Desert and visit the Desert View Watchtower inside Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. Stay at a hotel inside the park that gives you easy access to the park’s many highlights.
- Take a hike into the canyon and look at the rock layers up close while also taking in expansive views of the largest canyon in the world.
- Go back in time and drive Historic Route 66 on your way from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. You’ll have a chance to stop at many iconic Route 66 locations as well as the Hoover Dam.
- Enjoy one night in Las Vegas, making the most of your time in this fun-filled destination with something for everyone.
- Depart from the conveniently located Las Vegas airport, just minutes from your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.
Tour Itinerary Details
Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park
You’ll touch down in the City of Lights which provides a convenient starting point for your Southwest adventure. An easy road trip north will bring you to the charming town of Springdale, UT, just minutes away from Zion National Park. After checking into your comfortable hotel surrounded by red rocks, you’ll set out on a 4x4 backcountry adventure in a guided open-air Jeep tour of the area. You’ll climb up high to view Zion and Kolob Canyons from above, hitting the summit just in time to watch the rocks change colors in an iconic desert sunset.
Day 2: Zion National Park
Today you will explore Zion National Park, Utah’s oldest and most beloved park. After gearing up for a day of hiking through the water, you’ll enter the park and explore the amazing views, history, and wildlife that it has to offer. Take the park’s free shuttle bus into Zion Canyon and hop on and off at any of the beautiful stops along the way. Your destination is the final shuttle bus stop where you will enter The Narrows. Here, the Virgin River forms a gorgeous slot canyon and hikers wade through the cool water to explore upstream. You can trek as far as you like before returning to Springdale for an evening of great food, relaxation, and red rock views.
Day 3: Zion National Park to Lake Powell
The drive from Zion National Park to Page, AZ is full of epic views and iconic stops along the way. You’ll drive through the rest of Zion National Park in the morning and can stop for a short hike or photo op before heading to Kanab, UT. Kanab is a great spot to stop for a bite to eat before deciding your route to Page. Grand Canyon Guru recommends the scenic route that takes you into the high elevation forests of Jacob Lake, AZ. Here you will find a charming Inn that is famous for their cookies and milkshakes – make sure to buy extra cookies for the road! From there you will have the opportunity to make short stops at Navajo Bridge and the Vermillion Cliffs California Condor release site. You can also opt to stop at any of the many beloved mom-and-pop eateries in Marble Canyon for a cold drink along the way. As you finally head into Page, stop to see the world-famous Horseshoe Bend Glen Canyon overlook which is only minutes away from your hotel.
Day 4: Lake Powell Antelope Canyon Kayak and Hike
Embark on an exhilarating adventure on the expansive waters of Lake Powell. This oasis in the desert provides you with a great opportunity to explore not only the lake but Antelope Canyon as well. You’ll join your guide inside the National Recreation Area for a fun kayak paddle across the lake. While on the water your guide will tell you about the history of the lake and impressive people, plants, and animals that call it home. Once you have arrived at your destination you will have premier access to a portion of world-famous Antelope Canyon that is only accessible from the water. You’ll leave the kayaks behind to explore the photogenic narrow slot canyon on foot, taking photos along the way. Once you paddle back to shore you will have the option to spend more time on the lake or head back to Page, AZ for some relaxing food and drinks.
Day 5: Horseshoe Bend Rafting Trip
This half-day adventure will take you right into the heart of the canyon. You’ll be transported in comfort to Lees Ferry where you will meet your guide and board a raft. You’ll motor up the calm waters of the powerful Colorado River to Petroglyph beach, an excellent place to learn about the indigenous people who still call this area home. You’ll be surrounded by the canyon’s soaring walls as you motor through 10 miles of the river, including through Horseshoe Bend. The motor coach trip back to Page is scenic the entire way, letting you relax in the beauty of the southwest landscapes.
Day 6: Lake Powell to Grand Canyon South Rim
Head out of Page for a beautiful road trip through the Painted Desert. You’ll see not only the famous southwestern red rocks, but also layers of colorful rocks that give this unique desert its name. Stop in at the historic Cameron Trading Post where you’ll not only find exquisite jewelry, pottery, rugs, and more made by indigenous artists, but also a café that sells their famous Navajo Taco, a piece of fry bread with taco toppings on top. You’ll then head into Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim via the Desert View entrance. Stop at the famous Desert View Watchtower which offers incredible photo ops both inside and out. You’ll be able to stop at numerous canyon overlooks as you drive the 23 miles of Desert View Drive into Grand Canyon Village. Check into your conveniently located hotel inside the national park, and then head out again for some scenic hiking, shopping, or dining in Grand Canyon Village.
Day 7: South Kaibab Trail Hike
There’s nothing like a hike into Grand Canyon. The South Kaibab Trail was built to offer expansive views the entire way and it does not disappoint. You’ll have to take a free park shuttle bus to access the shuttle bus only trailhead and there are no nearby food options so bring everything you need for the day with you. Hit the trail to zig zag down the switchbacks as you go deeper and deeper into the canyon. You’ll pass Ooh Aah Point and Cedar Ridge before you get to Skeleton Point with a great peekaboo view of the Colorado River. The hike back up offers just the right amount of challenge so you will really enjoy a relaxing evening inside the park after this big adventure.
Day 8: Route 66 to Las Vegas
Today offers you a chance to travel like they used to, down historic Route 66. You’ll head out of the national park and arrive in Williams, AZ, a funky town that makes the most of its Route 66 heritage. This is a great place for grabbing something to eat or strolling through the eclectic shops. You’ll then head west and connect back onto historic Route 66 which offers a quieter way to travel. You’ll pass through small towns with cute attractions, refreshing ice cream, and quirky souvenir shopping. Before you get to Las Vegas you’ll stop at the Hoover Dam where you can opt to walk across the top of the impressively high dam or take a guided tour to see the complex workings inside. Once you get to Vegas, you’ll check into your glamorous hotel and casino, located right in the heart of the Strip. From there, the world is your oyster whether you’d like to dine, game, shop, or catch a show in this city known for over-the-top fun.
Day 9: Return Home from Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Airport is only minutes from your hotel so you can decide whether to sleep in or enjoy a decadent breakfast before you catch your return flight home.
Included in your Custom Wild Canyon’s Tour
Self-Drive Tours Include
- Custom designed itinerary and guide
- Professional booking and support
- 8-nights lodging listed on your itinerary
- All tours listed on your itinerary
- Rental car for 9-days
Private Tours Include All Self-Dive Tour Inclusions PLUS
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private transportation in a modern, spacious touring vehicle for 9-days
- Services of a professional tour guide for 9-days
- Private hikes and tours with your guide
- All park entrance fees
Not Included in your Custom Wild Canyon’s Tour
- Gratuity for your tour guides
- Airline Flights
- Additional experiences, services and meals not included in the trip cost will require an additional fee paid directly by the client during the trip.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
