📍 United States

SOUTHWEST DESERT LOOP: RED CANYONS TO GRAND ABYSS GLORY

Hoodoos glowing at dawn, natural arches spanning canyon blue, Grand Canyon stretching beyond comprehension. Desert Southwest humbles.

≈ 8
Days
747
Km
6
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Walk through Zion at the foot of red cliffs, then reach Bryce and its light-bathed hoodoos. Continue to Capitol Reef and its rock folds, then explore Arches and its sandstone spans. End at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where desert time takes over. An itinerary of icons, but above all of walking, silence and unforgettable viewpoints.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Las Vegas

neon launchpad propels southwest canyon pilgrimage

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3 photos
Day 1
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Discover

1
Las Vegas Strip — Read the Strip’s layered urban design from neon marquees to mirrored towers; an engineered theater of light and spectacle.
2
Hoover Dam — Consider Art Deco motifs and interwar megaproject engineering at the Colorado River’s Black Canyon.
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Activities

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Night photography walk — Use railings and bridges as leading lines; carry water and avoid peak traffic.
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Next stop
Distance: 288.6 km
Travel time: 3h36
2
Day

Springdale

virgin river village welcomes zion canyon seekers

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10 photos
Day 2
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Discover

1
Zion Canyon shuttle corridor — Sheer Navajo Sandstone walls reveal ancient dune cross‑bedding polished by time and rivers.
2
Canyon Overlook — A short airy traverse to a balcony above Pine Creek Canyon; best at sunrise or late light.
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Activities

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Ranger orientation — Geology, flash‑flood awareness, and daily trail advisories.
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Next stop
Distance: 119.2 km
Travel time: 1h59
3
Day

Bryce Canyon

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10 photos
Day 3
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Discover

1
Bryce Amphitheater rim — Hoodoos and windows etched by frost‑wedging at high elevation, banded with iron and manganese oxides.
2
Navajo Loop / Queen’s Garden — Switchbacks through ‘Wall Street’ and a gentle ascent amid spires and fins.
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Activities

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Dark‑sky stargazing — Bryce’s altitude and dry air provide superb Milky Way viewing.
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Next stop
Distance: 123.9 km
Travel time: 2h04
4
Day

Torrey

hidden fold orchards anchor capitol reef exploration

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6 photos
Day 4
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Discover

1
Capitol Reef Scenic Drive — Domes and the Waterpocket Fold illustrate a 160‑km monocline; roadside panels interpret tilted strata.
2
Fruita Historic District — Orchards and a one‑room schoolhouse outline pioneer lifeways beside the Fremont River.
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Activities

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Gifford House pie stop — Arrive early; seasonal flavors sell out quickly.
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Next stop
Distance: 215 km
Travel time: 2h41
5
Day

Moab

adventure capital connects arches and canyonlands wilderness

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3 photos
Day 5
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Discover

1
Arches — Park Avenue Viewpoint showcases a straight corridor flanked by skyscraper‑like sandstone fins.
2
Delicate Arch ascent — A sustained slickrock climb to Utah’s emblematic span above Entrada cliffs.
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Activities

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Moab town reset — Outfit gear, dine casually, and confirm tomorrow’s weather.
6
Day

Moab

adventure capital connects arches and canyonlands wilderness

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3 photos
Day 6
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Discover

1
Canyonlands — Island in the Sky’s benchlands step down toward river bottoms incised by Green and Colorado.
2
Grand View Point — Rim‑edge path links overlooks across the White Rim bench.
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Activities

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Dead Horse Point detour — Another mesa promontory with a celebrated river bend.
7
Day

Grand Canyon

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9 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
Grand Canyon South Rim — Layered Paleozoic sequence above crystalline basement tells 500 million years of Earth history.
2
Rim Trail promenade — One‑way strolls with shuttle support; carry water and watch footing near unfenced edges.
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Activities

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Sunset overlook — Choose Hopi, Yavapai or Hermits Rest for long light across temples and buttes.

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - United States

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.