Southwest National Parks Summer 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, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend
- Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Slot Canyon Tour, ATV Rides
- Customized Itinerary and professional support
- From $2,800 per person based on double occupancy
Tour Highlights
- Kick off your Southwest National Park Road Trip adventure in the bustling city of Las Vegas, NV before driving to Zion. Spend an evening strolling through the charming town or take a quick visit into the park for sunset.
- Set out on a refreshing adventure that that includes gear rental and a self-guided hike into Zion’s famous Narrow. Here, you’ll walk through the cool water and marvel at the slot canyon’s wall soaring above you.
- Road trip from Zion to Bryce Canyon with scenic views and stops along the way, including Red Rock Canyon. Enjoy two nights in cozy accommodations just minutes away from the park.
- Hit the trails on a guided ATV adventure that takes you to a stunning private overlook of Bryce where you will get an amazing first glimpse of the canyon’s rich colors and unusual hoodoo rock formations.
- Sit back and relax on a fully guided tour of Bryce that gets you into the heart of the red rock hoodoos. You’ll explore all levels of the park and have plenty of time to do a little, or a lot, of hiking.
- Enjoy a scenic drive across the Colorado Plateau as you travel from Bryce Canyon to Lake Powell that includes deserts, forests, rivers, canyons, and lakes. Stop for a refreshing swim at one of the lake’s famous beaches and get some great sunset photos at Horseshoe Bend.
- Relax in accommodations that are mere minutes from Lake Powell, with many good restaurants nearby.
- Set out on a guided kayak and hiking tour of Antelope Canyon. You’ll paddle across Lake Powell to a private access entrance to the slot canyon and then have plenty of time to explore on foot and take photos of the light filtering in.
- Enjoy a Southwest road trip through Marble Canyon to Grand Canyon’s famous North Rim. Along the way, stop at Lees Ferry for an unforgettable kayak paddle down the Colorado River through Glen Canyon.
- Stay in charming accommodations nestled in the forest and with world famous cookies for sale in the lobby.
- Head to Grand Canyon’s North Rim for a thrilling mule ride into the heart of the canyon. Enjoy the ease of travel so you can spend more time taking photos along the way.
- Return to Las Vegas for your airport departure home.
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 have plenty of time to explore the charming town on foot, grab a bite to eat, and even head into the park for sunset photos.
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 to Bryce Canyon
Eat breakfast under the red rocks in Springdale before you set out on a road trip across the Colorado Plateau. Your drive to Bryce Canyon National Park offers nonstop beautiful views along the way, including a drive right through the heart of Red Canyon. Grab a bite to eat en route at one of the charming family-owned restaurants and take in numerous red rock views from overlooks along the way. You’ll check into your Bryce Canyon City accommodations before setting out on an exciting, guided ATV tour to your first view of Bryce Canyon. This private access overlook will amaze you as you see the vibrant colors and unique hoodoo rock formations from above.
Day 4: Bryce Canyon Guided Tour
Sit back and relax as your expert guide takes you to the highlights of brightly colored Bryce Canyon on a guided day tour. This tour is designed to show you the breadth of the park, all the way from the Lower to the Upper Amphitheaters. You can opt into as much or as little hiking as you like so you can get up close and personal with a hoodoo before the end of the day. Throughout the trip, your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the geology, indigenous people, and plants and animals of this high elevation destination. Settle in for another night at your comfortable accommodations.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Lake Powell
The drive from Bryce Canyon to Lake Powell is full of epic views and iconic stops along the way. You’ll drive back through Red Canyon 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 heading over to Lake Powell for a refreshing swim at one of the lake’s many beaches. Next, head over to nearby Horseshoe Bend overlook for a must-have photo op where you can choose to watch the sunset. You’ll relax in your comfortable accommodations and enjoy an easy night in town.
Day 6: 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 7: Lake Powell to Jacob Lake
Today’s road trip is scenic and includes an incredible adventure in the middle of it too. Set out from Page and head through the Painted Desert to Lees Ferry. There, you will enjoy a scenic motorboat trip 15 miles up the Colorado River before your guide leaves you and your kayaks behind to explore on your own. You can take your time as you float downstream through the wonderland of Glen Canyon’s soaring walls. Paddle the waters, stop at beaches, and gaze up at Horseshoe Bend from a different angle. From Lee’s Ferry you will be able to enjoy the quirky restaurants in Marble Canyon which are great for a cold and refreshing drink on your way to Jacob Lake. Check into your accommodations and don’t forget to grab a giant cookie in the lobby as well.
Day 8: North Rim Mule Ride
Mules are one of the most charming ways to travel at Grand Canyon so today’s adventure will not only give you access to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, but also let you travel with ease along the way. From Jacob Lake travel through the forests to the North Rim where you’ll meet your mule, saddle up, and hit the trail. Take photos as you descend through the rock layers of the canyon while your guide regales you with stories of the canyon’s indigenous people, wildlife, geology, and more. Upon your return to the rim, take time to explore other iconic North Rim locations like Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal Road, and then grab a cold drink on the porch of the North Rim Lodge. Return to Jacob Lake for the night.
Day 9: Jacob Lake to Las Vegas
Today you enjoy one last scenic trip through the Southwest as you travel from Jacob Lake to Las Vegas. Catch your return flight home from the Las Vegas Airport.
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
