Essential Southwest Circuit

Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and Zion

Trip Details

Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas

Welcome to the Southwest! Arrive into Las Vegas and stay in luxury on the Strip and experience the best of Las Vegas. Be entranced at an evening performance of “O” by the one-and-only Cirque du Soleil. Afterwards, consider a walk along the strip to see the Bellagio Fountains and other architectural and design marvels that glitter and shine at night.

Day 2: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

Pick up your rental car in Las Vegas and make your way to the one-and-only Grand Canyon. The drive is about 4.5 hours—perfect for shifting gears into vacation mode. Your accommodations are in Tusayan, two miles from the park entrance. 

Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park

A full day of privately guided hiking in Grand Canyon National Park takes you to trails you might have missed on your own, and is the best path to total immersion and connection. Your naturalist guide will match the hikes to your abilities and interests.  

Day 4: Lake Powell

Today’s drive of about 2.5 hours takes you to Lake Powell, which lies in the middle of “The Grand Circle,” a collection of scenic, cultural, and historic destinations arrayed across several states. When you arrive, you’ll want to tour one of the most breathtaking features in the whole Southwest, the much-photographed Antelope Canyon. Slipping through this majestic, red-rock slot canyon is unforgettable. This evening, explore and relax at your lake-view resort.  

Day 5: Lake Powell

Rent a powerboat and spend the day cruising around Lake Powell, dipping into coves and inlets to explore. You might want to rent water skis or other water toys. During the day you can also pull in at Rainbow Bridge to see the largest spanning natural bridge in the world, and explore slot canyons all along the shoreline.  

Day 6: Zion National Park

Head to Zion National Park today, with its chiseled canyons, massive stone formations, and stunning overlooks. When you get here, stretch your legs on some of the hikes recommended in your guidebook, or rent a bike and ride. Your wonderful inn is on the Virgin River.  

Day 7: Zion National Park

Get back out on the trails today, or opt for some guided beginning canyoneering. Your expert guides will pick the perfect routes to match your fitness, and literally show you the ropes of rappelling through the canyons.  

Day 8: Departure from Las Vegas

Bid adieu to Canyon Country and make your way to Las Vegas for flights home. 

 

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