Itinerary Vegas, GC, Zion

Question

Honest thoughts on this proposed itinerary would be appreciated. Thank you!

4 nights Vegas Bellagio (day trip to hoover dam)

2 nights Death Valley (visit DV junction)

4 nights Grand Canyon village

3 nights lake Powell

4 nights Zion (daytrip to Bryce)

Shall we skip Lake Powell? We are interested in doing the rim to rim GC trek. Ideally would like to do south to north over two days on a guided group trek but not keen on carrying tents. Anyone know any companies that will sort this for you?

Thanks again.

Answer

Your proposed itinerary looks well-rounded, but it’s quite packed with a mix of urban and outdoor adventures. Here are some thoughts and suggestions based on your current plans:

1. 4 Nights in Vegas (Bellagio) + Day Trip to Hoover Dam:

This is a solid start. Four nights in Las Vegas will give you enough time to experience both the Strip and nearby attractions like the Hoover Dam. Since you’re staying at Bellagio, you’re already in a prime location for sightseeing, dining, and entertainment. A day trip to Hoover Dam is manageable, and the drive is about 45 minutes from Vegas, so you’ll still have time to enjoy the Strip in the evening. However, if you’re more interested in outdoor adventures, consider exploring Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire State Park, which are also great day trips from Vegas.

2. 2 Nights in Death Valley:

Death Valley is a stunning, unique destination, but keep in mind that two nights may feel a bit long unless you’re into extensive hiking or photography. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, it can be extremely hot, and you’ll need to plan accordingly. One of the highlights of Death Valley is the Furnace Creek area, where you can visit Badwater Basin and Dante’s View. A quick visit to the Death Valley Junction is a nice side trip, but I’d recommend checking out Dante’s View or the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for more variety.

3. 4 Nights in Grand Canyon Village:

Four nights at the Grand Canyon is fantastic, especially if you want to do the rim-to-rim trek. This will allow you to explore the South Rim and take in the iconic views. If you're interested in doing the full Rim to Rim trek (South to North), it’s usually a multi-day adventure with some tough elevation gains. Since you want to avoid carrying tents, you can book guided group treks that provide accommodations along the way. Companies like Grand Canyon Expeditions and Bright Angel Tours offer supported Rim to Rim treks, where they carry your gear and provide meals and accommodation at Phantom Ranch. Just make sure to book these tours well in advance, as they can fill up quickly.

4. 3 Nights at Lake Powell:

Lake Powell is beautiful, but it might be the one stop that could be skipped depending on your interests. If you’re already planning on doing a lot of hiking and sightseeing, Lake Powell could feel a bit out of the way unless you’re really into water-based activities like boat tours, kayaking, or paddleboarding. If you prefer outdoor adventure on land, you might want to use this time to explore other nearby attractions like Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, or even Monument Valley (depending on your route). However, if you enjoy lakeside recreation, Lake Powell could be a great place to relax for a few days.

5. 4 Nights in Zion + Day Trip to Bryce:

Zion National Park is a must-see, and four nights there will give you ample time to hike the famous Angels Landing trail or explore the Kolob Canyons area. A day trip to Bryce Canyon is a good idea if you have the time, though it will be about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive each way. If you're going to Bryce, the Bryce Amphitheater offers stunning views and some great hikes like the Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail. It’s worth the detour, but keep in mind that your days will be packed if you do both parks in one day. An alternative would be spending one more day in Zion, as it’s a vast park with diverse landscapes and more than enough to explore in-depth.

Should You Skip Lake Powell?

If you’re focused on hiking and outdoor adventure, you might consider skipping Lake Powell. The area is known for water sports, and while it’s incredibly scenic, it might not offer the same level of outdoor challenge that places like Zion, the Grand Canyon, or Death Valley provide. However, if you want a change of pace and enjoy the idea of lakeside relaxation or boat tours, Lake Powell could still be worth visiting. It comes down to whether you’d prefer more hiking time or a more leisurely lakeside experience.

Conclusion: Your itinerary is definitely packed but manageable if you enjoy outdoor exploration. If you’re interested in hiking and the rim-to-rim trek at the Grand Canyon, you might want to focus more on Zion, Grand Canyon, and the surrounding outdoor parks, possibly skipping Lake Powell for more time at Zion or other nearby parks like Monument Valley. If you decide to keep Lake Powell, just keep in mind that the time spent there will be less focused on hiking or extreme outdoor adventures.

Make sure to also check the logistics for driving times between each destination, as distances can be long, especially between Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and Zion. In general, though, this itinerary offers a wonderful combination of both adventure and relaxation across some of the best national parks in the US!

Itinerary Vegas, GC, Zion

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