Southwest National Parks Loop: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce & Sedona

Nowhere else in America packs this much scenery into one loop: Zion's sandstone canyons, Bryce's hoodoo amphitheaters, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona's red rocks, all connected by some of the emptiest, most beautiful highways in the country. The classic loop from Las Vegas runs about 1,100 miles over 5-7 days.

The Classic Loop from Las Vegas

Run it counterclockwise: Vegas to Zion is under three hours, Zion to Bryce Canyon just 90 minutes more. From Bryce, drive scenic US-89 south to Page, Arizona — home of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend — then on to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Finish through Flagstaff and Sedona before the run back to Vegas (or drop south to Phoenix, two hours from Sedona, and fly out of there).

How Long in Each Park

• Zion (1-2 days): Ride the canyon shuttle, walk the Riverside Trail, and if you've won the permit lottery, climb Angels Landing. The Narrows wade is unforgettable in summer.
• Bryce Canyon (half-1 day): Sunrise at Sunrise Point, then the Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop down among the hoodoos — the best 3 miles in Utah. At 8,000+ ft it's cool even in July.
• Page (half day): Antelope Canyon requires a booked Navajo-led tour; Horseshoe Bend is a free 1.5-mile round-trip walk at sunset.
• Grand Canyon South Rim (1-2 days): Walk the Rim Trail from Mather Point, catch sunset at Hopi Point, and descend a mile down South Kaibab for the below-the-rim experience — remembering the climb back up.
• Sedona (1 day): Red rock viewpoints (Airport Mesa for sunset), Cathedral Rock, and the slide rocks of Oak Creek Canyon on the drive down from Flagstaff.

When to Go

April-May and September-October are ideal everywhere on the loop. Summer works but expect 100°F+ around Vegas and Page (hike at dawn), and monsoon thunderstorms in July-August — never enter the Narrows or slot canyons when storms threaten. Winter is underrated: Bryce and the South Rim under snow are magical, though nights drop well below freezing and Zion's shuttle runs a reduced schedule.

Costs

• Park entry: $35 per vehicle per park, or the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass — it pays for itself at three parks.
• Gas: ~$130 for the 1,100-mile loop at 30 MPG. Stations are sparse between Page and the South Rim; don't pass one below half a tank.
• Lodging: In-park lodges book out 6-12 months ahead. Springdale (Zion), Kanab, Page, and Tusayan are the practical bases at $120-250/night in season.

Frequently Asked Questions