Road Trip in the Southwestern United States
Grand Circle Road Trip itinerary
Departure and first stage: Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the ideal starting point for a road trip through the American Southwest. The international airport handles numerous flights and offers a wide choice of car rentals. Before hitting the road, it’s well worth spending an evening exploring the Strip, the legendary hotel-casinos such as the Bellagio and its famous fountain show, or the Fremont Street Experience for a luminous immersion in the Vegas atmosphere.
The next day, we head for the Grand Canyon via Route 66, passing through Seligman, an iconic town for a vintage break and a typical burger.
Grand Canyon & Monument Valley (Days 2-4)
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited natural sites in the world. For the best experience, choose the South Rim, which offers incredible panoramic views of the canyon. Among the best spots:
- Mather Point: Perfect for a spectacular sunrise.
- Desert View Watchtower: an observation tower offering panoramic views.
After exploring the canyon, head for Horseshoe Bend, a spectacular loop of the Colorado River. Finally, Monument Valley will take you back to the settings of legendary westerns, with a Navajo-guided 4×4 excursion.
Antelope Canyon & Bryce Canyon (Days 5-7)
Antelope Canyon is a water-sculpted canyon, famous for its magical play of light. Accessible only with a guide, it’s a must-see for photographers.
Then it’s on to Bryce Canyon, where the hoodoos (fairy chimneys) form an otherworldly backdrop. For total immersion, hike the Navajo Loop Trail to explore the rock formations from inside the canyon.
Zion National Park & return to Las Vegas (Days 8-10)
Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. One of the most popular trails, Angels Landing, offers breathtaking panoramic views. For a more accessible hike, The Narrows offers a river walk in the heart of a canyon.
Finally, back to Las Vegas for one last lively night before the end of the road trip.
National Parks and Iconic Landscapes to Discover
Unmissable Parks
The Grand Circle National Parks are among the most beautiful in the USA. The Grand Canyon impresses with its immensity, while Bryce Canyon and its rock formations offer an enchanting backdrop. At Arches National Park, visitors can admire over 2,000 natural arches, including Delicate Arch, Utah’s national landmark.
Zion, meanwhile, is a perfect blend of towering cliffs and winding rivers. Another lesser-known gem, Canyonlands, offers lunar landscapes and absolute peace and quiet.
Must-see stopping places
Throughout the road trip, there are several points of interest worth stopping at:
- Horseshoe Bend: A 270° view of the Colorado River.
- Petrified forest: A unique setting where fossilized trees date back 200 million years.
- Goosenecks State Park: A spectacular canyon shaped by the San Juan River.
Where to sleep ? Recommended Hotels and Towns
Stopover towns
The choice of cities to stop in influences the comfort of the road trip. Las Vegas is perfect for easy arrival and departure. Page is an ideal stopover for visiting Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Moab, with its tourist infrastructure, is perfect for exploring Arches and Canyonlands. Finally, Zion and Bryce Canyon offer accommodations for total immersion in nature.
Best Hotels and Options
Here are some recommendations based on your budget:
| Location | Recommended hotel | Budget |
| Las Vegas | The Venetian | $$$ |
| Grand Canyon | Yavapai Lodge | $$ |
| Bryce Canyon | Best Western Ruby’s Inn | $$ |
| Moab | Hoodoo Moab by Hilton | $$$ |
| Zion | ZionLodge | $$$ |
The Most Instagrammable Photo Spots
Iconic Natural Landscapes
Some of the sites on the Grand Circle are real photographic gems. Horseshoe Bend is probably the most famous spot, with its plunging view of the Colorado River. Antelope Canyon, with its formations sculpted by wind and water, offers a magical play of light perfect for Instagram.
Magical sunsets
Sunset transforms landscapes and creates spectacular shots. Among the best spots:
- Grand Canyon (Yavapai Point): Incredible colors on the cliffs.
- Monument Valley: The shadow of the famous red buttes stretches as far as the eye can see.
Activities for Couples
Romantic Experiences
Traveling as a couple allows you to experience magical moments in incredible landscapes. A horseback ride in Monument Valley at sunset is an unforgettable experience. For thrill-seekers, a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of the gorge.
Sleeping in nature
Spending a night in the wilderness adds a romantic touch to the trip. In Zion, camping under a pristine starry sky is an ideal option. For a more bohemian experience, sleeping in an Airstream in Joshua Tree offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere.
Activities for a Family Road Trip
Fun Experiences
To make the trip as exciting as possible for children, there are a number of ideal activities. In Moab, a dinosaur museum displays prehistoric fossils and footprints. In Bryce Canyon, the Navajo Loop Trail is accessible to families and offers a unique natural spectacle.
Where to eat with your family
Meal breaks are essential on a road trip. Here are a few addresses ideal for families:
- Thunderbird Restaurant (Utah): An authentic American diner with homemade pies.
- Big Texan Steak Ranch (Route 66): Western ambience with an adapted children’s menu.
The Grand Circle Road Trip is a legendary adventure and one of the best American roadtrips. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or as a family, every day is filled with new discoveries. Plan your itinerary well, choose your hotels carefully and keep your eyes wide open: this is a trip you’ll never forget!