Few places inspire awe quite like the American Southwest. The Grand Circle Road Trip is where the freedom of the open road meets desert landscapes, red-rock cliffs, and iconic national parks all in one unforgettable journey.
With seven days, this Grand Circle Road Trip itinerary covers many of the Southwest’s highlights, including six national parks and Utah’s Mighty 5, in one fast-paced trip.
Designed as a scenic clockwise loop, the journey covers roughly 1,200 miles and delivers a rewarding “greatest hits” experience of the region. Along the way, stay close to the parks with upscale glamping for comfort in nature.
Here’s your guide to planning the perfect seven-day Grand Circle Road Trip.
7-Day Grand Circle Road Trip in Utah and Arizona
This 7-day/6-night adventure begins and ends in Las Vegas, Nevada. Because it forms a loop, you can start anywhere along the route, but Las Vegas offers easy access for air travel and car rentals.
7-Day Grand Circle Road Trip Snapshot
| Day | Route | Where to Stay | Top Sight |
| 1 | Las Vegas to Zion | Under Canvas Zion | Valley of Fire State Park |
| 2 | Zion | Under Canvas Zion | The Narrows |
| 3 | Zion to Bryce | Under Canvas Bryce Canyon | Bryce Amphitheater |
| 4 | Bryce to Moab | Under Canvas Moab | Scenic Byway 12 (UT-12)
Capitol Reef |
| 5 | Moab | Under Canvas Moab | Arches Scenic Drive
Canyonlands sunset |
| 6 | Moab to Lake Powell | Under Canvas Lake Powell | Monument Valley
Lake Powell |
| 7 | Lake Powell to Grand Canyon | Under Canvas Grand Canyon | Grand Canyon South Rim |
Total distance: 1,225 miles
Start/end point: Las Vegas
Best time to go: Late spring (May–early June) or early fall (September–October)
Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas and Drive to Zion
Drive time: 2.5 hours | Distance: 160 miles
Fly into Las Vegas (LAS) and pick up a rental car to make the scenic drive to Springdale, Utah – the gateway to Zion National Park.
Consider stopping at Valley of Fire State Park, known for its colorful Aztec sandstone formations, petrified trees, and ancient petroglyphs. The 1.5-mile Fire Wave hike offers striking views, and the visitor center provides info on the park’s history.
For more roadside stops, check out our road trip guide from Las Vegas to Zion.
Check in at Under Canvas Zion for two nights of safari-inspired glamping near the park’s entrance. After a travel day, it’s the perfect place to unwind, enjoy dinner with red rock views, and toast to the start of your adventure.
Day 2: Explore Zion National Park
One day in Zion is a perfect introduction to its towering red cliffs. First-time visitors should focus on Zion Canyon – home to the park’s bucket list hikes: Angel’s Landing and The Narrows.
From March through November, access is via the free park shuttle. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or in Springdale and ride into the canyon. Ride the shuttle to viewpoints and trailheads or rent e-bikes and go at your own pace.
If Angel’s Landing is on your agenda, secure a permit and plan your day around the hike. Otherwise, head to the Temple of Sinawava (shuttle stop #9) and the 1-mile paved Riverside Walk. The trail leads to the entrance of The Narrows, a bucket-list hike through a slot canyon that involves wading through the Virgin River.
A gentler option is the Emerald Pools hike. After crossing the river on a footbridge, the 3-mile round-trip trail climbs to a sandstone amphitheater with three pools: Lower, Middle, and Upper, where you can see hanging gardens.
Back at camp, unwind with acoustic music, fireside s’mores, and stargazing beneath Zion’s dark skies.
Day 3: Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon
Drive time: 2 hours | Distance: 84 miles
After breakfast, take the scenic Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway through a historic tunnel carved into the cliffs on your way to Bryce. There are plenty of worthy stops on the drive from Zion to Bryce, but today is also a park day, so you’ll want to make the most of your time.
Check in at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, just 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park. Make the most of your time with a half-day private sightseeing tour in the afternoon to learn more about the park’s hoodoos and to take in the best views of the Bryce Amphitheater.
If you’re up for a hike, the Queen’s Garden / Navajo Loop descends into the canyon among the hoodoos. Walk the Rim Trail for dramatic viewpoints, and claim a spot at Sunset Point or Inspiration Point to watch the sunset.
Day 4: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef and Moab
Drive time: 5 hours | Distance: 248 miles
Drive Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 (UT-12), a 123-mile All-American Road connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, and one of America’s most scenic drives.
Head into Capitol Reef National Park and stop at the historic Gifford Homestead, located about a mile south of the visitor center along the Scenic Drive. The Gifford House is typically open from March 14 (Pi Day) through late November and is famous for its fresh pies – a great spot to grab a snack before your 2.5-hour drive to Moab.
Check in at Under Canvas Moab for two nights to explore both Arches and Canyonlands.
Day 5: Explore Moab’s Two National Parks
After yesterday’s long drive, you’re ready for a full day of adventure!
Start at nearby Arches National Park and follow the 36-mile round-trip Arches Scenic Drive to spot famous sights like Balanced Rock and Delicate Arch. Plan to spend 3-4 hours here exploring viewpoints and taking short hikes, like to Landscape Arch – one of the longest natural arches in the world.
Pack a healthy grab ‘n go lunch from Under Canvas Moab to maximize your time inside the park. Alternatively, you could head into downtown Moab for a quick bite from the food truck park.
In the afternoon, head to Canyonlands National Park, which is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Moab. Focus on the Island in the Sky District, where you’ll see a dramatically different landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers. Don’t miss Mesa Arch and enjoy a spectacular sunset at Grand View Point.
Day 6: Moab to Lake Powell
Drive time: 4.5 hours | Distance: 290 miles
After a restful night’s sleep, enjoy an early breakfast before hitting the road.
Drive south for a change of scenery, with an optional detour into Monument Valley to enjoy one of the most cinematic landscapes in the American West before arriving at the shores of Lake Powell.
Check in at Under Canvas Lake Powell–Grand Staircase. Here, sandstone cliffs meet shimmering blue water, creating an oasis in the desert.
Spend the afternoon at Lone Rock Beach, rent a boat for the day, or take a guided boat tour from Wahweap Marina to soak in views from the water. Return to camp for al fresco dining above a slot canyon and an evening beneath the stars.
Optional add-on: Horseshoe Bend. If time and energy allow, make the 30-minute drive to Horseshoe Bend for golden hour views high above the Colorado River. The overlook (and Instagram spot) is reached via an easy 1.5-mile round-trip walk along a paved path. You could also stop here on the way to the Grand Canyon.
Day 7: Explore the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Drive time: 2.5 hours | Distance: 144 miles
Save the grand finale for the Grand Canyon. Start along the 13-mile South Rim Trail, where a series of overlooks reveal breathtaking views of this natural wonder. Walk as much or as little as you like, stopping at popular viewpoints such as Mather Point.
Wander through Grand Canyon Village to learn about the park’s history and grab a bite to eat. Stop by the Yavapai Museum of Geology for sweeping canyon views and exhibits. From there, follow the Trail of Time, an interpretive path that brings the canyon’s story to life step by step.
Return to Under Canvas Grand Canyon, just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance. Beneath some of the darkest skies, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy one more night of epic stargazing.
Depart from Las Vegas
Drive time: 4.5 hours | Distance: 280 miles
The Grand Circle Road Trip brings you full circle with a scenic drive back to Las Vegas for your return flight.
Tips for the Grand Circle Road Trip
- America the Beautiful Pass: An annual pass covers entrance to national parks and quickly pays for itself on this itinerary.
- Timed Entry Requirements: Check the National Park Service website for reservation, timed-entry, and permit requirements.
- Shuttles: Zion Canyon has a mandatory shuttle in peak season. Check with the NPS for map routes and times.
- Desert Essentials: Pack snacks, plenty of water, and sun protection to stay comfortable during warm desert days.
- Fuel & Cell Service: Gas stations are limited between Bryce, Moab, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon. Fill up when you can and download offline maps.
- Stay & Save: Staying at two or more Under Canvas camps gets you 20% off your multi-camp stay. Contact the reservations team at 888-496-1148 or reservations@undercanvas.com.
Where to Stay on the Grand Circle Road Trip
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with safari-inspired glamping on the Grand Circle of Under Canvas locations throughout Utah and Arizona. Comfort meets nature with stylish canvas tents, upscale amenities, optional en suite bathrooms, cozy king-size beds, dining, and campfire traditions. Enjoy daily camp programming for all ages, nightly s’mores, and guided adventures for an unparalleled experience in nature.
For more inspiration, explore our 5-day and 14-day Grand Circle Road Trip itineraries.