"It looks like we landed on Mars!" The expansive skies and undeveloped desert land of Nevada, Utah, and Arizona make you feel as if you've transported into the old, wild west.
After dreaming for months, we decided it was time to hit the road and see all the beauty of the American southwest with our own eyes. We flew into in Las Vegas, rented a car, and made our way through Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend, and Grand Canyon National Park. Are you planning a trip to the wild southwest? Check out where to go, eat, and stay in just 6 adventure-filled days.
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Trip Duration: 6 Days (Including Travel Time)
Best Time to Visit: March - May, September - October
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What to Do
Valley of Fire State Park
This state park is located just one hour outside of downtown Las Vegas, and can easily hold a candle to the surrounding national parks. With just a $10 entry fee, Valley of Fire features diverse and unique landscapes that will leave you saying "wow!" While we only had about 3 hours to explore the park, we did our best to make the most of it. Here are a few highlights:
Drive through the park from the Visitor Center to the end of Mouse Trap Road - The red rocks and formation are incredible, and you might even see a Bighorn Sheep on the side of the road!
Hike the Fire Wave Trail - This easy, 1.5 mile out-and-back trail leads to the famous Fire Wave rock. Be careful as you climb to the top and overlook the view! The trail has barely any shade, so make sure to wear sunscreen and pack lots of water, no matter what time of day or year, to prevent dehydration.
White Domes Trail - Explore this 1.1 mile loop trail that features diverse terrain, a slot canyon, and a marker where a movie set once took place in the park. We watched the sunset from the top of some of the domes, and it felt magical!
Zion National Park
Zion was the 10th most visited national park in 2021 according to the National Park Service, and we can see why! From easy overlooks to trails along sheer-cliff drop offs, the park features numerous types of hikes that are great for all interests and skill levels.
Your $35 entry fee gives you access to the park, Visitor Center Parking Lot, and shuttle system. We recommend getting to the park no later than 8:30 am to ensure you get a parking spot and can take enjoy the morning sun rising through the park. If you can't find parking in the park itself, the town of Springdale offers parking and a shuttle that will take you into the park.
While we were not able to secure a permit to hike the famous Angel's Landing, we spent 2 amazing days exploring the park, and here's what we did:
The Watchman Trail – This moderately rated, 3.1 mile out-and-back trail is accessible from the Visitor Center parking lot. We started this hike around 7:30am as the rising sunlight filled the park, and we're so glad we did. The trail offers little shade, so hiking in the middle of the day would be harsh and difficult.
Walk along the Virgin river between Temple of Sinawava and Big Bend Shuttle Stops - While waiting for some of friends to join us, we decided to take the shuttle up to the last stop, #9 - Temple of Sinawava, and walk along the Virgin River to the #8 - Big Bend stop. The trail follows the road and river, and offers a less-crowded way to experience the heart of the park.
Emerald Pool Falls (Upper, Middle, and Lower) - Although the water levels were low so the waterfalls weren't running in their full glory while we were there, the Emerald Pool Falls trail features stunning views of the park all the way. This is a great, late afternoon hike as the sun is less harsh.
The Narrows – Hands-down our favorite hike to date. Since it was April and the water was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, we rented the dry bib package from Zion Outfitters. While you could walk a little ways in the frigid waters, having the dry suit in spring allowed us to go much farther and enjoy more of the journey.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is a relatively small National Park, and can be done in 1/2 to 3/4s of a day. The hoodoo rock formations are incredible to look at and wander around. Make sure to get the iconic photos of The Queen and Thor's Hammer!
Sunrise Point and Sunset Point - Both are the prime overlooks for the canyon, and are right off of the parking lot, so they are easily accessible. The parking lots tend to fill up, so make sure to get there in the morning.
Navajo to Queens Garden Loop - This 3 mile loop hike is the most popular in the park, and features diverse and breathtaking views. They allow you to walk deep into the canyon and experience it from a whole new perspective.
Overlooks - Jump in your car and drive up to overlooks along the way such as Natural Bridge Point and Rainbow Point/Yuka Point.
Bristlecone Loop - This 1 mile loop takes you along the rim at the end of the canyon, and is much less crowded than the rest of the park.
Horseshoe Bend
Located just off the highway near Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is an iconic landmark in the southwest. Your $10 entry fee allows you to park in the visitor center parking lot and take the quarter mile paved trail to the overlook point.
Catching the sunrise or sunset offers the best views and the most vibrant colors...along with crowds. However! There is plenty of rim to walk around and find your spot to watch the sunset. Believe it or not, this photo was taken several hundred feet from the "main" viewing point.
Warning: there is NO SHADE on the trail, so take this into account when visiting in the middle of the day. Always bring water and sun protection!
Grand Canyon National Park
Bright Angel Trail - This trail takes you down into the canyon, which is super cool! The full trail is about 8 miles, but the recommend hiking length is 1.2 miles down to the first lookout point. We recommend making this hike before 10am or after 5pm to avoid direct sun exposure. Remember that as you hike down, the hike up will be more difficult and take a lot more time. BRING WATER--we saw so many families beet red from dehydration and sun exposure, with little to no water. We even offered water to some people who came unprepared. For perspective, Jairus and I both drank at least a liter of water each.
Hopi Point to Mohave Point - Take the shuttle up to Hopi Point and walk the rim trail to Mohave Point. You'll be able to catch a view of the Colorado River, and the area is much less crowded.
Watch the Sunset - Seeing the sun set over the Grand Canyon is an incredible experience! We brought our dinner with us and watched it (along with many others) at Yavapai Point. It was a little chilly in April, but an incredible way to end our week of adventure!
Where to Eat
While near Zion National Park
While near Bryce Canyon National Park
Cowboy Ranch House Bar & Restaurant
While in Grand Canyon National Park
Maswik Food Court - We picked up food from here and took it to eat while watching the sunset!
Where to Stay
While near Zion National Park
Zion Motel - Despite it's dated appearance, it was really clean with super friendly service!
While near Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce View Lodge - Simple accommodations, but comes with a great free breakfast at Ruby's Buffet!
While near Horseshoe Bend
Comfort Inn & Suites Page at Lake Powell - Spacious room and great breakfast, located 5 minutes from Horseshoe Bend.
In Between Grand Canyon National Park and Las Vegas
Kingman KOA Journey - Located just off Route 66, this adorable town is great to explore or just pass through!
What to Wear
What to wear specifically changes seasonally, but in general, here are some items to bring...
Layers! - We started off the day in long sleeves and puff jackets, and by midday were in shorts and t-shirts.
Sun protection - Hats, t-shirts, etc. to keep the beating sun off.
Solid hiking shoes - Jess loves her Columbia Newton Ridge boots, while Jairus rocks his Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX hiking shoes.
What to Pack
LOTS of water, reusable water bottles, and water bladders - We got this two pack of bladders from Amazon for $22, and they were great!
Hydration Additives and Electrolyte Beverages - they'll keep you from/help you recover from dehydration.
Advil and motion sickness patches: These will decrease the effects of altitude change pressure and windy roads if you're prone to motion sickness. I specifically recommend these, they are miracle workers!
Annual Park Pass - It's $80 for an all-inclusive Annual Parks Pass, or $35/park. Visit 3 parks (like we did) and you've already saved money!
Sunscreen - The desert sun is intense!
Other Places to See Along the Way
We could only pack so much into our 6 days, but there were dozens of other places we wanted to stop! If you have time, check out...
Arches National Park
Belly of the Dragon
Coral Sands State Park
Capitol Reef National Monument
Monument Valley
Sedona
Hoover Dam
Full 8 Day Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Vegas
Pick up rental car, go shopping for food and snacks
Drive to Valley of Fire State Park
Spend 3 Hours Guide to Valley of Fire State Park
Drive to Zion Motel
Day 2
Hike the Watchman in Zion NP
Get lunch at the Zion Lodge Café
Hike Emerald Falls
Day 3
Hike the Narrows in Zion NP
Get lunch at Café Soleil
Drive to Bryce Canyon Lodge
Get dinner at Cowboy Ranch House Bar & Restaurant in Bryce Canyon
Day 4
Explore Bryce Canyon NP
Drive to Page, AZ
Stay at Comfort Inn & Suites
Watch the sunset at Horseshoe Bend
Day 5
Drive to Grand Canyon
Explore the Grand Canyon
Drive to Kingman, AZ
Stay at Kingman KOA Journey in a Deluxe Cabin
Day 6
Drive to Las Vegas
Fly Home
Well, here you are at the end of our full 6 day southwest adventure! We could have spent months in Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, and still not have seen everything. The southwest is truly an incredible place to explore--and easier to get to than Mars!
Are you planning a trip to the Southwest soon? Tag us on Instagram @wanderingwenzels so we can see your adventures!
Lots of amazing pictures and great information!!