Desert to Peaks Grand Loop
Las Vegas to Yellowstone via Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Moab, and Grand Teton
Zion National Park, Utah→Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah→Page, Arizona→Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona→Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park→Moab, Utah→Salt Lake City, Utah→Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming→Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
16 daysSummerModerateMid-range9 segments11 stops
This immersive 16-day road trip traces a sweeping arc through the iconic red-rock canyons, high-desert mesas, alpine lakes, and geothermal wonders of the US Northwest. Designed for photographers and nature lovers, it balances driving efficiency with ample time for sunrise hikes, golden-hour shots, and cultural encounters with Navajo guides and park rangers. Every stop prioritizes mid-range comfort, scenic access, and authentic Western landscapes.
☀️ SummerModerateMid-Range16 days
9 segments 11 landmarks 26h📏 1400 km
Day-by-Day Plan
1 / 16
Las Vegas to Zion Gateway
Day 1 Activities
- Drive through Mojave Desert★4.6"Pleasantly surprised how beautiful the area is. We enjoyed the lava tube hike, hole in the wall trail loop and the train..."T.
- Stop at Red Rock Canyon overlook★4.8"The scene here is absolutely breathtaking. The mountain layouts are incredible, especially the vibrant red rock layers. ..."C.
- Check into Springdale lodge★4.3"We came here for dinner and had a fantastic experience! The restaurant successfully blends a nice atmosphere with a clas..."D.
- Sunset photography at Canyon Overlook Trail★4.8"The scene here is absolutely breathtaking. The mountain layouts are incredible, especially the vibrant red rock layers. ..."C.
StayZion Lodge or nearby Springdale hotel
★4.5(1,896)
MealsBreakfast: Las Vegas diner, Lunch: Highway stop in St. George, Dinner: Local bistro in Springdale
★4.8$$$$
★4.8$$$$
← swipe between days →
Route Segments
1
Las Vegas, Nevada → Zion National Park, Utah
🕐 2h 45m📏 160 mi
2
Zion National Park, Utah → Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
🕐 2h 15m📏 85 mi
3
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah → Page, Arizona
🕐 2h 30m📏 145 mi
4
Page, Arizona → Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona
🕐 2h 40m📏 140 mi
5
Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona → Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
🕐 2h 20m📏 120 mi
6
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park → Moab, Utah
🕐 3h 10m📏 180 mi
7
Moab, Utah → Salt Lake City, Utah
🕐 3h 50m📏 230 mi
8
Salt Lake City, Utah → Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
🕐 5h 15m📏 280 mi
9
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming → Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
🕐 1h 15m📏 60 mi
landmarks
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
★4.8(371)
Spectacular 7-mile canyon drive culminating at Temple of Sinawava.
GuideBryce Amphitheater
★4.8(38)
World-famous hoodoo-filled natural amphitheater best viewed at sunrise.
Natural attraction featuring unique, picturesque rock formations, plus various cliff trails.
Guide🗺️
Plan This Trip
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission📍 Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
📍 Bryce Amphitheater
📍 Antelope Canyon
📍 Grand Canyon South Rim
📍 Monument Valley
📍 Delicate Arch
🧡
Recommended Tours
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission
Yellowstone Wildlife & Geyser Day Tour
$350.00· 1 day
4.7(180)
Spot wildlife and explore Yellowstone's iconic geysers on this full-day guided tour.
Gondola ride along the Grand Canal
· 1h
Book Gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice
Y
Yellowstone and Grand Teton 4-Day Tour from Salt Lake City
$1,050.00· 4 days
4.5(120)
Discover Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks on a 4-day guided tour from Salt Lake City. See Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Y
Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from West Yellowstone
$189.00· 1 day
4.6(85)
Explore Yellowstone's lower loop including Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Hayden Valley wildlife viewing.
Y
Yellowstone National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour
$14.99· self-guided
4.3(210)
Self-guided audio driving tour of Yellowstone. Download and explore at your own pace with GPS-triggered stories.
K
Kyoto Kimono Rental & Photoshoot Experience
$45.00· 2 hours
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Dress in a beautiful traditional kimono and stroll through Kyoto's historic streets with a professional photoshoot included.
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Desert to Peaks Grand Loop
Las Vegas to Yellowstone via Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Moab, and Grand Teton
Segments9
Landmarks11
Distance1400 km
Duration26h
Day-by-Day Plan
1
Las Vegas to Zion Gateway
- Drive through Mojave Desert
- Stop at Red Rock Canyon overlook
- Check into Springdale lodge
- Sunset photography at Canyon Overlook Trail
Stay
Zion Lodge or nearby Springdale hotel
Meals
Breakfast: Las Vegas diner, Lunch: Highway stop in St. George, Dinner: Local bistro in Springdale
2
Zion Canyon Immersion
- Sunrise at Observation Point trailhead
- Hike The Narrows (rent gear)
- Explore Emerald Pools
- Photography workshop in Zion Canyon
Stay
Zion Lodge or nearby Springdale hotel
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel buffet, Lunch: Picnic at Weeping Rock, Dinner: Zion Pizza & Pasta
3
Zion to Bryce Canyon Journey
- Scenic drive up Kolob Terrace Road
- Visit Cedar Breaks National Monument en route
- Sunset at Bryce Amphitheater
- Stargazing with ranger talk
Stay
Bryce Canyon Lodge or Ruby's Inn
Meals
Breakfast: Springdale cafe, Lunch: Fillmore roadside stop, Dinner: Ruby's Inn buffet
4
Bryce Hoodoo Hike & Photo Day
- Sunrise at Sunrise Point
- Hike Navajo Loop + Queen’s Garden
- Photograph Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street
- Afternoon rest at Bryce Canyon Visitor Center
Stay
Bryce Canyon Lodge or Ruby's Inn
Meals
Breakfast: Lodge dining room, Lunch: Packed sandwiches, Dinner: Lodge restaurant
5
Bryce to Page Adventure
- Drive through Grand Staircase-Escalante
- Stop at Calf Creek Falls trailhead
- Arrive in Page at sunset
- Evening boat tour on Lake Powell (optional)
Stay
Lake Powell Resort or Page Hotel
Meals
Breakfast: Ruby's Inn, Lunch: Escalante roadside café, Dinner: Antelope Canyon Grill
6
Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
- Early morning guided tour of Upper Antelope Canyon
- Photography session at Horseshoe Bend
- Visit Glen Canyon Dam
- Optional kayak rental on Lake Powell
Stay
Lake Powell Resort or Page Hotel
Meals
Breakfast: Resort café, Lunch: Sandwich shop near marina, Dinner: Johnnie’s Lakeside Grill
7
Page to Grand Canyon South Rim
- Drive along Vermilion Cliffs
- Stop at Navajo Bridge and Little Colorado River
- Arrive at Grand Canyon Village
- Sunset at Mather Point
Stay
El Tovar Hotel or Yavapai Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Page hotel, Lunch: Cameron Trading Post, Dinner: El Tovar Dining Room
8
Grand Canyon South Rim Exploration
- Sunrise at Yavapai Point
- Hike South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge
- Ranger talk at Visitor Center
- Photography at Desert View Watchtower
Stay
El Tovar Hotel or Yavapai Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Lodge cafeteria, Lunch: Trailside snacks, Dinner: Bright Angel Restaurant
9
Grand Canyon to Monument Valley
- Drive through Marble Canyon
- Stop at Lees Ferry and Glen Canyon Dam
- Enter Navajo Nation lands
- Sunset photography at John Ford Point
Stay
The View Hotel or Goulding’s Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Grand Canyon lodge, Lunch: Flagstaff stop, Dinner: The View Restaurant
10
Monument Valley Cultural Day
- Guided 3-hour Navajo jeep tour
- Visit Mystery Valley and Forrest Gump Point
- Learn about Diné history and art
- Sunset at Totem Pole and West Mitten Butte
Stay
The View Hotel or Goulding’s Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Hotel dining room, Lunch: Navajo taco lunch on tour, Dinner: Goulding’s Mesa Grill
11
Monument Valley to Moab
- Drive through Valley of the Gods
- Stop at Goosenecks State Park overlook
- Arrive in Moab late afternoon
- Relax at Arches National Park entrance
Stay
Moab Springs Ranch or Red Cliffs Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Goulding’s, Lunch: Mexican Hat café, Dinner: Moab Diner
12
Arches National Park Highlights
- Sunrise at Delicate Arch viewpoint
- Hike to Landscape Arch and Balanced Rock
- Photograph Fiery Furnace (permit required)
- Evening drive along Scenic Drive
Stay
Moab Springs Ranch or Red Cliffs Lodge
Meals
Breakfast: Lodge breakfast, Lunch: Packed picnic, Dinner: Miguel’s Baja Café
13
Canyonlands & Moab Departure
- Morning visit to Island in the Sky district
- Hike Mesa Arch and Grand View Point
- Drive to Salt Lake City
- Stop at Dead Horse Point overlook en route
Stay
Downtown Salt Lake City hotel
Meals
Breakfast: Moab lodge, Lunch: Green River café, Dinner: SLC downtown bistro
14
Salt Lake City to Grand Teton
- Drive through Uinta Mountains
- Stop at Provo Canyon waterfalls
- Arrive in Jackson Hole
- Evening stroll in Jackson Town Square
Stay
Jackson Lake Lodge or Teton Village condo
Meals
Breakfast: SLC hotel, Lunch: Park City deli, Dinner: Mangy Moose in Teton Village
15
Grand Teton Full-Day Adventure
- Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing
- Jenny Lake boat shuttle + Hidden Falls hike
- Photograph Oxbow Bend at golden hour
- Wildlife spotting along Moose-Wilson Road
Stay
Jackson Lake Lodge or Teton Village condo
Meals
Breakfast: Lodge dining room, Lunch: Jenny Lake snack bar, Dinner: Snake River Grill
16
Grand Teton to Yellowstone & Farewell
- Morning drive through Lamar Valley
- Stop at Old Faithful geyser eruption
- Visit Upper Geyser Basin
- Final sunset at Yellowstone Lake before departure
Stay
Old Faithful Inn or West Yellowstone motel
Meals
Breakfast: Jackson Lake Lodge, Lunch: Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Dinner: Grizzly Bear Barbecue
Route Segments
| # | From | To | Transport | Duration | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Zion National Park, Utah | car | 2h 45m | 160 mi |
| 2 | Zion National Park, Utah | Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah | car | 2h 15m | 85 mi |
| 3 | Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah | Page, Arizona | car | 2h 30m | 145 mi |
| 4 | Page, Arizona | Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona | car | 2h 40m | 140 mi |
| 5 | Grand Canyon South Rim, Arizona | Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park | car | 2h 20m | 120 mi |
| 6 | Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park | Moab, Utah | car | 3h 10m | 180 mi |
| 7 | Moab, Utah | Salt Lake City, Utah | car | 3h 50m | 230 mi |
| 8 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming | car | 5h 15m | 280 mi |
| 9 | Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming | Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming | car | 1h 15m | 60 mi |