Grand Circle 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Beyond Hoodos 5-Day Road Trip

Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon and Sedona Itinerary - Beyond Hoodoos is the best way to see the top Grand Circle destinations as well as Bryce Canyon. You’ll start your road trip at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim where you can drive, take the free shuttle buses, or hike to take in the spectacular views before heading to Kanab, UT for the night. After breakfast in Kanab, you’ll spend the day in Zion National Park enjoying the unparalleled scenery of Southern Utah and the Virgin River. Day three of your southwest itinerary includes a day exploring the incredibly colorful Hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park. Day four will bring you from Kanab to beautiful Lake Powell to enjoy the wonders of canyon country with a Jeep ride to Antelope Canyon, one of the world's most famous slot canyons. After exploring Antelope Canyon with your Navajo guide, set out on short self-guided hike to Horseshoe Bend to get a selfie with the Colorado River. You’ll end the night in historic Flagstaff, AZ. Day five will include one last day of adventure while you explore the red rocks of Sedona, AZ before heading home. This itinerary is best started from Tusayan, AZ or Grand Canyon Village and includes Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Sedona. Read the full five day itinerary below to learn more.

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Self-Guided Road Trip Details

Day 1 Grand Canyon South Rim and Lake Powell:

The best locations to begin this road trip from are Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan or Grand Canyon Village (South Rim). Once you're on the road and ready to explore head out to the South Rim, either on your own or select to take one of many exciting guided Grand Canyon tours. No matter how you choose to travel, awesome vistas, ancient ruins, and a time for a picnic lunch are all a part of a trip to Grand Canyon.

  • Begin your South Rim exploration at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and enjoy a short walk to the first breathtaking view of the canyon at Mather Point.
  • From there you can decide to take a leisurely walk along the rim to take in even more views along the way, or you can return to the Visitor Center and hop on the park’s free Kaibab/Orange shuttle bus route that will take you to more scenic views over the course of about two hours.
  • You’ll continue along Hwy 64E and can make short stops at the ancient Tusayan Ruins and at the beautiful Desert View Watchtower that overlooks Grand Canyon.
  • Once you exit the park, you’ll be on the land of the Navajo Nation and you should make sure to check out the Cameron Trading Post, a great place to check out authentic native art or grab a delicious Navajo taco. From there, a few hours’ scenic drive will take you to Kanab, UT for a good night’s rest. 

Day 2 Zion National Park:

Waking up in beautiful Southern Utah means it’s only a short drive to Zion National Park. Spend the day exploring Zion in all its splendor by using the park’s free shuttle buses.

  • Make sure you stop at the intriguing Weeping Wall and the Temple of Sinawava where you can wade into the waters of the Virgin River and take in a view of the “Narrows.”
  • If you want a short hike, get off the shuttle at the Grotto and hike to Upper Emerald Pool which takes about an hour and rewards you with the beautiful contrast of water flowing through the red rocks.
  • After a busy day exploring, you’ll head back to your lodging in Kanab, UT. 

Guru Tip: Zion is an extremely beautiful and very busy destination. Zion National Park operates a shuttle system that runs most of the year (March-November, plus busy weekends) and limits where and when you can drive your personal vehicle. Parking lots for the shuttle fill up early when it’s busy and lines to get into the park get backed up, so it’s important to do some planning and get to Zion early in the day to enjoy your visit. Camping, backpacking and other activities may also require advanced reservations if you want to make sure to include them in your trip. For more tips and up to date information on the shuttle, traffic and traveling to Zion you can check out the parks travel page

Day 3 Bryce Canyon National Park:

Day three takes you even higher up the Paunsaugunt Plateau through the cliffs of the Grand Staircase and the beauty of Red Canyon until you reach Bryce Canyon National Park

  • One of Utah's most sought after destinations, you'll marvel at the hoodoo- filled amphitheaters at places like Inspiration Point.
  • If you’re looking for a mellow day, take an easy hike along the canyon’s rim but if you’re up for more adventure, a hike that descends into Bryce Canyon will reward you with incredible views.
  • If time allows, enjoy a beautiful sunset at the park before heading back to your hotel for a peaceful night’s rest.  

Day 4 Antelope Canyon:

Your Southwest trip continues with more wonders of Canyon Country. The day begins with a drive to Page, AZ where you will hop on a Jeep Tour to explore the world-famous slot canyon at Antelope Canyon.

  • After some off-road fun, you’ll arrive at Antelope Canyon where a Navajo guide will lead you on a tour along the gentle floor of this colorful sandstone canyon for some once in a lifetime photos.
  • After exploring Antelope Canyon, you’ll return to Page and then drive to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook of Glen Canyon. A short and easy hike will reward you with one of the most iconic views of the Colorado River.
  • From there, you’ll continue across the Navajo Indian Reservation en route to the historic town of Flagstaff, AZ. Explore Flagstaff’s charming downtown on foot and stop to enjoy a beer at one of its many excellent breweries. 

Day 5 Sedona Arizona:

From Flagstaff you'll drive through scenic Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, AZ for breathtaking red rock views.

  • It is easy to take self-guided trips to two of Sedona's most popular parks: Slide Rock and Red Rock State Parks. Slide Rock offers incredible swimming opportunities, especially refreshing on a hot summer day, or you can enjoy a tour of the historic orchards or hike on one of the park’s trails. Red Rock State Park has a beautiful trail system that allows you to get more sweeping views of Sedona’s scenic wonders.
  • As you head out of Sedona, no matter where your final destination may be, you’ll enjoy some final views of the spectacular Arizona desert along the way.
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