Where should we spend the extra night?

Question

Current itinerary - travelling late april - 15 days las vegas loop. Current draft has 14 days so we have one day to add something else or stay another night somewhere. We have visited LV numerous times so its not where we want to spend the extra nights. Where would you suggest?

Thank you

day one - arrive las vegas on domestic flight and drive to Zion NP

day two - Zion NP

Day three - Zion NP then to Bryce NP

Day four - Bryce NP then to Torrey

day 5 - Capitol reef

Day 6 - to Moab via goblin valley state park

Day 7 - Moab - arches, canyonlands, deadhorse, Mesa

Day 8 - Moab

Day 9 - Moab

Day 10 - Moab to Page via monument valley

day 11 - Page - horsebend bend, antelope canyon

day 12 - Canyon South rim

Day 13 - to las vegas

Day 14 - fly to LAX and a late international flight in the evening.

As we are in Utah, Arizona and Nevada i have posted on these forums. Thank you for any help

Answer

It looks like you already have an action-packed itinerary that covers some of the most beautiful and iconic national parks and sights in the Southwest! Since you’re looking for a place to add an extra night, here are a few suggestions based on your route and interests. These options offer a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and scenic spots to complement your existing itinerary.

1. Sedona, Arizona

If you’re looking to add another night between Page and the Grand Canyon (or after your visit to the South Rim), Sedona is an excellent option. It’s a picturesque town surrounded by red rock formations and offers a variety of easy hikes, scenic views, and a charming atmosphere. You could relax, explore the town, and enjoy some outdoor activities like the Bell Rock Trail or Cathedral Rock Trail.

Scenic Drives: Red Rock Scenic Byway or Oak Creek Canyon
Popular Hikes: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, or Airport Mesa for sweeping views
Vibrant Town: Spend time in the artsy downtown area with shops, art galleries, and local restaurants.

2. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

Since you’ll be near Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon, adding a night in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument could be a great addition. It’s a little off the beaten path but offers jaw-dropping landscapes, unique slot canyons, and some beautiful hiking options. It’s also not too far from Bryce or Torrey, so it’s an easy detour.

Scenic Drives: Hole-in-the-Rock Road for spectacular desert scenery
Hiking: Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch (if you’re up for a bit of a challenge) or Calf Creek Falls Trail for a moderate hike to a beautiful waterfall
Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep and diverse bird species.

3. Monument Valley, Arizona

While it looks like you already plan to visit Monument Valley on Day 10, you may want to consider adding a night in the area to fully soak in the dramatic desert landscape and iconic views. It’s a bit remote but incredibly photogenic, and you can explore the valley with a guided tour or self-drive.

Guided Tours: Take a jeep tour to get up close to the famous rock formations like the Mittens and Totem Pole
Sunrise/Sunset Views: Monument Valley is stunning at sunrise and sunset—perfect for photography or just relaxing and taking in the beauty.

4. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Since you’ll already be near Bryce, you might want to consider adding a night here if you’re able to. Bryce Canyon is one of the most unique parks in the U.S., known for its hoodoos and stunning views. With the extra day, you could enjoy some of the quieter parts of the park or take a ranger-led program.

Hiking: Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden are great easy to moderate hikes that show off the best views of the hoodoos.
Stargazing: Bryce Canyon is an International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent location for stargazing.

5. Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada)

If you’re willing to take a longer detour, consider adding a night in Lake Tahoe before heading to your international flight from LAX. You can enjoy beautiful alpine scenery, outdoor activities like hiking or biking, and perhaps even relax by the lake. Lake Tahoe offers a great contrast to the desert landscapes of your trip so far.

Outdoor Activities: Hiking, biking, or simply relaxing by the lake.
Scenic Drives: Take the drive around Lake Tahoe to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and mountains.

6. Zion National Park, Utah (or nearby Kolob Canyons)

Since you’re already starting in Zion, you might consider adding another night in Zion if you feel you’re missing out on any hikes or scenic views. For a quieter option, you can head to Kolob Canyons, a lesser-visited section of Zion that offers beautiful red rock canyons, hikes, and a serene atmosphere.

Scenic Drives: Kolob Canyons Road provides a beautiful drive with several scenic viewpoints.
Hikes: The Taylor Creek Trail is a relatively easy hike and offers great views of the Kolob Canyons area.

Each of these locations has its own unique beauty, so it depends on what type of experience you’d like to add to your trip. Whether you want to relax in a scenic town like Sedona, explore more desert landscapes in Grand Staircase-Escalante, or dive deeper into Zion, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Enjoy your trip!

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