List of Parks near the Grand Canyon
Below you'll find a complete list of the most popular parks near Grand Canyon to visit if you want to add some amazing destinations to a Grand Canyon road trip. If you need to learn more about hotel options, check out our lodging guide. For a complete list of Grand Canyon tours read our page on guided tours, or you can also check out our list of recommended Grand Canyon experiences below.
Most Popular Parks near the Grand Canyon
Sedona, AZ Parks
Less than two hours from the Grand Canyon's South Rim, Sedona Arizona is a wonderland of red rock formations, posh resorts and artists. Outdoor activities abound in Sedona, with hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, and some great swimming holes to cool off in Oak Creek Canyon. If you're traveling to or from Phoenix en route to the Grand Canyon, Sedona is less than an hour drive time out of the way and well worth the trip. Learn more about travel and road trips from Sedona Parks.
Zion National Park
Zion is one of Southern Utah's most popular parks, and is you're coming from Las Vegas it is on the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is a land of slot canyons, cliffs and other colorful formations of Navajo Sandstone. Because it is so close to Las Vegas the park receives a lot of visitation, but there are places to escape the crowds, and a visit to this unique destination is something not to be missed. Learn more about travel and road trips from Zion National Park.
Antelope Canyon Tribal Park
Only a few minutes from Lake Powell and the town of Page, AZ is where you'll Antelope Canyon Tribal Park. This slot canyon is known to be one of the most beautiful in the world and is also one of the few slot canyons with such easy access and flat terrain. Antelope Canyon is around 2.5 hours from the Grand Canyon's South or North Rim, and access is only allowed with a guided tour. Learn more about travel and road trips from Antelope Canyon Tribal Park.
Monument Valley
The towering buttes and spires of Monument Valley are icons of the American West, and a place many visitors to the Grand Canyon want to experience. Monument Valley is a large area that consists of land both in and around Monument Valley Tribal Park. Hiking, horseback, riding, and 4X4 tours are some of the more popular activities in Monument Valley. From the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley is about 3.5-hour drive. Learn more about travel and road trips from Monument Valley.
Lake Powell and Glen Canyon NRA
Colorful Sandstone, hidden slot canyons, and a few thousand miles of shoreline are what you'll find at Lake Powell. Located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area it’s about 2.5 hours from the North or South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to get to Lake Powell. With all this water Lake Powell has an activity for almost everyone. Houseboats, wake boarding, and tours to Rainbow Bridge are some of the more popular past times, but kayaking, hiking and canyoneering offer great adventure. Learn more about travel and road trips from Lake Powell and Glen Canyon NRA.
Classic Parks to Visit near the Grand Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park
This amazing destination is another of Southern Utah's wonderful parks. Bryce Canyon is known for its colorful hoodoo formations, and some great summer weather when the rest of the Colorado Plateau is a bit toasty. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is about 4 hours from Bryce Canyon, while the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is closer to six-hour form Bryce Canyon National Park. Learn more about travel and road trips from Bryce Canyon National Park.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the country, and one of the busiest units managed by the National Park Service. The NRA is about 4.5 hours from the South Rim and 5.5 hours from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. All though there are many activities in Lake Mead National Recreation Area the focus is certainly on water sports, and the boating kayaking and fishing don't get much better in the desert. Learn more about travel and road trips from Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater is actually located on private land, although the current owners do protect the area from further development. This is the largest know meteorite impact site in the world, and a popular stop for visitors traveling through the area. Located off of Interstate 40 Meteor Crater is a few hours from Grand Canyon Village. Learn more about travel and road trips from Meteor Crater.
Petrified Forest
Although Petrified Forest was protected for the colorful petrified wood found throughout the park, it has a lot more to offer than petrified wood. Located within the Painted Desert this area is full of human history and archeological sites are abundant in the park. There are also great opportunities for backcountry hiking and camping within the park. Petrified Forest is about 3.5 hours from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more about travel and road trips from Petrified Forest National Park.
Hidden Gems near the Grand Canyon
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
Rainbow Bridge is a National Monument locate within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, who is also responsible for managing this special place. The only way to get to the world's largest natural bridge is by boat and a short hike or a multi-day backpack. From the Grand Canyon Page, AZ the only city near Lake Powell is where most people go to visit both Rainbow Bridge and Lake Powell. Learn more about travel from Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
The Grand Staircase is a vast area southeast of Bryce Canyon and north of Lake Powell. Depending on what part of the monument you are visiting it is anywhere from 2-6 hours from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is an awe-inspiring wilderness full of buttes, canyons, and ancient ruins. hiking, canyoneering, and 4X4's are the best way to explore this wild place. Learn more about travel and road trips from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef is the furthest area park listed on the Grand Canyon Guru. Located next to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument this another little visited park, with awesome rock formations, great hiking and biking, and a feeling of solitude not available in more popular parks. Capitol Reef National Park is about 5.5 hours from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Learn more about travel and road trips from Capitol Reef National Park.
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Located near Lee's Ferry to the southeast and Kanab, UT to the southwest most visitors just drive by Vermilion Cliffs on their way to the North Rim or Lake Powell. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument lies in both Northern Arizona and Southern Utah and was created to preserve its unique geology and pristine wilderness. Only a few hours from Grand Canyon National Park, Paria Canyon, Coyote Buttes and The Wave are popular destinations for hikers and photographers. Learn more about travel and road trips from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
