The itinerary starts and finishes in the south-west in Las Vegas. For travellers unfamiliar with the Vice City, it's best to add an extra day or two to get the full experience. First stage: the drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park in Utah takes around 2? hours.
Going on a road trip in the United States is every adventurer's dream. From the mythical Route 66 to sparkling California or the grandeur of the national parks, every traveller will find his or her own American Dream. Here, we make way for the immensity and magnificent landscapes of the American West... landscapes that have so inspired artists the world over. This itinerary mixes a few must-sees with the beaten and lost paths. It is also a testament to the natural and wild wonders that make up American history. Arizona and Utah are simply amazing States to explore, and every stop is sure to leave you with incredible memories. This road trip for nature lovers begins at sunrise in the canyons and ends admiring the sunset over Las Vegas. The programme includes deserts, mythical isolated towns and monuments, like an epic Western adventure.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_1193456404_2f39bf6da7/medium_shutterstock_1193456404_2f39bf6da7.jpg)
The must-see view from Route 163
- © canadastock / ShutterstockDay 1: Vegas to Zion via Valley of Fire
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_1403819330_276197cff2/medium_shutterstock_1403819330_276197cff2.jpg)
A hiker enjoys a view of the desert from the top of the colorful fire wave in Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park.
- © Ashley Hadzopoulos / ShutterstockThe change of scenery starts on the road with a stopover at Valley of Fire Park. This incredible place is filled with red rock formations. Incidentally, it was the very first state park in Nevada. In just a few hours, you can drive along the epic White Domes Road and then get to the Fire Wave, a hypnotic multicoloured wave. Finally, to round off the day, take a trip to the small town of Springdale.
Practical information
🚗 Driving time: 2h30 to 3 hours
👛 Fees: $10 for entrance to Valley of Fire; $35 for entrance to Zion by car, $20 to Zion if you take the shuttle from Springdale.
⭐ Where to stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites at Zion Park/Springdale.
The hotel offers fantastic mountain views, and also a free breakfast (complete with good fresh waffles). The hotel is just a few minutes from a shuttle bus stop that takes you to Zion for free - which is ideal during the summer months as you won't have to worry about parking spaces.
🍴 Where to eat: Oscar's Cafe for delicious burritos.
![La Quinta by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale](https://ims.ev.mu/large_194587805_c2a42d4df5/large_194587805_c2a42d4df5.jpg)
La Quinta by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale
Located in Springdale, just 4.8 km from Zion National Park, La Quinta by Wyndham at Zion Park/Springdale offers modern accommodation with free Wi-Fi.Day 2: Zion National Park
For the second day, no grass'mat'! We're up at the crack of dawn to catch the shuttle and enjoy a day of discovery in the heart of Zion National Park. From March to early autumn, no private vehicles are allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so the shuttle takes over at the visitor centre.
Zion is known for its red mountains, winding canyons and epic hikes. The most popular hikes in Zion are Angels Landing and The Narrows; two intense hikes that should only be attempted if the weather is good.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_764632408_b4e15c3886/medium_shutterstock_764632408_b4e15c3886.jpg)
Walk through beautiful scenery in Zion National Park along the Angel's Landing Trail, hiking in Zion Canyon, Utah, USA
- © Simon Dannhauer / ShutterstockSo we set off on the Angels Landing hike early in the morning, which is 8km long and has an ascent of over 450 metres. It's NOT an easy hike, but it's one of the most iconic in the South West. The experience is epic. It will take around 4 hours to complete this route.
There is still time for a shorter walk in the afternoon, such as the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, which is very easy, or an activity such as cycling in the park.
Practical information
⏰ Driving time: 0 hours (thanks shuttles!)
👛 Fees: $35 entrance to Zion by car, $20 per person coming with the shuttle from Springdale
⭐ Where to stay: Springhill Suites by Marriott, one of its yoga-inspired suites in Namastay.
🍴 Where to eat: after a day of hiking, treat yourself to a pizza at Zion Pizza & Noodle Co.
![SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park](https://ims.ev.mu/large_430840698_318932a797/large_430840698_318932a797.jpg)
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park offers accommodation in Springdale.Day 3: Zion to Bryce
On the third day, we leave Zion on the Mount Carmel Road (the section of Route 9 and Highway 89). You'll be carried away by the magnificent scenery along the way. The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park only takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, which means there's plenty of time for photo stops. There's no need to rush!
Once you've arrived at Bryce Canyon, you can enjoy the beautiful hiking trails and scenic drive with viewpoints such as Inspiration Point, Natural Bridge and Rainbow Point. We recommend driving to Rainbow Point first and then back to the park entrance. Bryce is at a high altitude, so you'll need to wear warm layers.
Practical information
🚗Driving time: 1h30
👛Fees: $35 for entry to Bryce.
⭐ Where to stay: there are very few options when it comes to hotels right next to the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. You'll have to opt for a hotel a little further away like the Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel.
🍴 Where to eat: for your information, many shops are closed in winter in the area. A good buffet is on offer at Ruby's Inn.
![Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel](https://ims.ev.mu/large_169166545_9a5a065743/large_169166545_9a5a065743.jpg)
Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Nestled among the red rocks of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Best Western PLUS Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel offers exceptional services.Day 4: Bryce to Moab via Goblin Valley
For the fourth day, we're staying in Bryce Canyon and embarking on one of the park's best-known hikes: the Navajo Loop Trail, which leads to the famous hoodoos. The trail starts at Sunset Point and ends at Sunrise Point. The hike takes around 2 hours to complete.
After this beautiful walk, head for either Capitol Reef National Park or Goblin Valley Park. For the record, the latter is less well-known (and therefore less visited by tourists). A good hour is all it takes to walk through Goblin Valley Park, with its many hoodoos.
Practical information
🚗Driving time: 5h30 to 6h hours
👛Fees: $20 admission to Capitol Reef / $20 for Goblin Valley State Park.
⭐ Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express Moab.
🍴 Where to eat: the Moab brewery for a good burger and beer!
![Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab, an IHG Hotel](https://ims.ev.mu/large_234225958_76f6e757c1/large_234225958_76f6e757c1.jpg)
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab, an IHG Hotel
Located in Moab, 18 km from Mesa Natural Arch, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab, an IHG Hotel features a shared lounge, gym, outdoor pool and free private parking.Day 5: Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park tends to be overlooked and forgotten by visitors, to the detriment of the Arches near Moab. A good full day trip to Canyonlands is worthwhile.
Canyonlands has two main areas: Island in the Sky and The Needles (suitable for experienced hikers). In the morning, head for Mesa Arch, a favourite with photographers, then on to the panoramic views from Grand View Point and the Green River Overlook. This is also an opportunity to hike up to Upheaval Dome.
Practical information
🚗 Driving time: 2 to 3 hours (including driving in the park).
👛 Fee: $30 entrance fee to Canyonlands Park.
⭐ Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express Moab.
🍴 Where to eat: the Zax Restaurant in Moab.
![Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab, an IHG Hotel](https://ims.ev.mu/large_234225958_76f6e757c1/large_234225958_76f6e757c1.jpg)
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab, an IHG Hotel
Located in Moab, 18 km from Mesa Natural Arch, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Moab, an IHG Hotel features a shared lounge, gym, outdoor pool and free private parking.Day 6: Arches National Park
Near Moab, Arches National Park is truly the star of this part of Utah. And for good reason: the park has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as pinnacles, cliffs and boulders, all in a brilliant orange-red hue.
We start the day by driving along this picturesque road to immortalise the different panoramas. Then it's on to the arches, via Park Avenue, Balanced Rock and Double Arch.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_1923475370_50a9b80fc0/medium_shutterstock_1923475370_50a9b80fc0.jpg)
View of the rock desert from the cave
- © Audrey Huang / ShutterstockWe end the day in style with the park's most emblematic hike, the Delicate Arch. This is the park's most famous arch, a true visual symbol of Utah. The hike is a little difficult, especially the climb. It takes 1 to 1? hours to reach the arch before sunset.
Practical information
🚗Driving time: approximately 3 hours
👛Fees: $30 for entry to Arches National Park.
⭐ Where to stay: La Quinta Inn and Suites Moab
🍴 Where to eat: Sweet Cravings Bakery & Bistro.
![La Quinta by Wyndham Moab](https://ims.ev.mu/large_199177830_8aa6609b7d/large_199177830_8aa6609b7d.jpg)
La Quinta by Wyndham Moab
Located west of the La Sal mountain range in Moab Valley, La Quinta Inn & Suites Moab offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.Day 7: Moab to Page via Monument Valley
For the seventh day, we leave Utah for Arizona with its grand landscapes straight out of western movies. Along the way, Monument Valley is the must-see stop in the southwest. Located on the border between Utah and Arizona, Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii (Monument Valley) is a Navajo tribal park renowned for its imposing sandstone buttes. They are recognisable from old western films, as it was a favourite filming location for directors such as John Ford.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_327928148_502b5e9283/medium_shutterstock_327928148_502b5e9283.jpg)
Monument Valley at sunrise
- © Victor Maschek / ShutterstockIt takes around 2? hours to drive to Monument Valley from Moab. To visit the park, you'll need to book a guided tour with a Navajo guide. Once the tour is over, it's a 2-hour drive to Page for dinner.
Practical information
🚗Driving time: 4h30
👛Fees: $20 for admission to Monument Valley; $75 for Navajo Spirit Tours Monument Valley.
⭐ Where to stay: Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel
🍴 Where to eat: Big John's Texas BBQ in Page
![Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel](https://ims.ev.mu/large_160951467_3fe39f12fc/large_160951467_3fe39f12fc.jpg)
Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel
Surrounded by views of the Glen Canyon Rim, the Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel serves a free daily hot breakfast buffet. Lake Powell Marina is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.Day 8: Page, Arizona
Page is a small town close to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Park, but it's also within easy reach of Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Day eight kicks off with a visit to Horseshoes Bend, the most Instagrammable place in the South West.
A short hike leads to the viewpoint where the Colorado River makes a massive bend through a deep canyon. Antelope Canyon is also well worth a visit, despite the many tourists! Accompanied by a Navajo guide, you can discover the beams of light. In the evening (or afternoon), consider a sunset cruise on Lake Powell or perhaps hire a kayak or paddleboard.
Practical information
🚗 Driving time: 1 to 2 hours
👛 Fees: $10 for parking at Horseshoe Bend; around $55 for a visit to Antelope Canyon; $30 for Glen Canyon and $45 for a cruise on Lake Powell.
⭐ Where to stay: The Days Inn & Suites Page Lake Powell
🍴 Where to eat: El Tapatio for great Mexican food
![Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell](https://ims.ev.mu/large_138396954_0a6b4a3b9f/large_138396954_0a6b4a3b9f.jpg)
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell
Located in Page, a 5-minute drive from Lake Powell, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell offers a seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub.Day 9: The Grand Canyon
D-Day. Epic day. Day nine is devoted to exploring the Grand Canyon. We start at Desert View, the entrance to the Grand Canyon, and make our way along Highway 64, stopping at all the viewpoints on the way to Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim Visitor Centre.
After visiting the visitor centre and the nearby Mather Point, you can take one of the park's free shuttles which run throughout the high season at the Grand Canyon. These shuttles are an excellent, stress-free way to access the trails, viewpoints (Maricopa Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, Pima Point...) and other points of interest, some of which are only accessible by bus.
The best viewpoint for a sunset is at Hopi Point.
Practical information
🚗 Total driving time: 4 hours
👛 Fees: $35 entrance fee to the Grand Canyon
⭐ Where to stay: Sleep Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell
🍴 Where to eat: El Tovar Dining Room, a gourmet restaurant
![Sleep Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell](https://ims.ev.mu/170430096_b290d28406/170430096_b290d28406.jpg)
Sleep Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell
The Sleep Inn & Suites at Lake Powell is located in Page. It offers an outdoor pool and a takeaway breakfast.Day 10: Return to Las Vegas
The tenth and final day is dedicated to the city of vice: Las Vegas. The journey from Flagstaff to Las Vegas takes just under 4 hours. You can enjoy the casinos in the evening and the great atmosphere, then catch a flight the next morning.
![](https://ims.ev.mu/medium_shutterstock_1456957640_96132c295b/medium_shutterstock_1456957640_96132c295b.jpg)
Panoramic view of the Las Vegas Strip
- © randy andy / Shutterstock⭐ Where to stay: Best Western Plus Casino Royale
🍴 Where to eat: Esther's Kitchen, Italian and traditional cuisine
![Best Western Plus Casino Royale - Center Strip](https://ims.ev.mu/large_170660574_13725551d5/large_170660574_13725551d5.jpg)