7 Day Southwest National Parks Road Trip Itinerary from Las Vegas

Dreaming of a Southwest national parks road trip? Most 1-week itineraries from Las Vegas are exhausting sprints that leave you feeling like you only saw these incredible landscapes from a parking lot. This 7-day road trip guide is different. We slow the pace, cut the optional stops, and focus on the magical moments—letting you actually hike, explore, and experience the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets that make the Southwest unforgettable. Get ready for an adventure through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, and more! The Perfect Southwest Road Trip Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park Day 2: Zion's Cliffs to Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos Day 3: Scenic Highway 12 & Capitol Reef Day 4: Arriving in Moab (Arches & Canyonlands) Day 5: The Cinematic Views of Monument Valley Day 6: Journey to the Grand Canyon South Rim Day 7: Route 66 & The Return to Las Vegas [13:50] - Top 4 Pro Tips for Your Trip 🏜️ YOUR 7-DAY SOUTHWEST ITINERARY 🏜️ DAY 1: Las Vegas → Zion National Park (160 miles) Hike The Narrows or the Canyon Overlook Trail for sunset. Remember to plan for the park's shuttle system! DAY 2: Zion → Bryce Canyon National Park (85 miles) Catching the sunrise at Sunrise Point is a must-do. Hike the incredible Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden trail. DAY 3: Bryce → Capitol Reef via Scenic Hwy 12 (120 miles) Enjoy one of America's most beautiful roads, see the Petroglyph panels, and hike to Hickman Bridge. DAY 4: Capitol Reef → Moab (135 miles) Your basecamp for two incredible parks. Reserve your timed entry ticket for Arches National Park and hike to Delicate Arch for sunset. Don't miss Mesa Arch in Canyonlands for sunrise. DAY 5: Moab → Monument Valley (150 miles) Step into a real-life Western movie. A Navajo-guided tour is highly recommended for the best experience. DAY 6: Monument Valley → Grand Canyon South Rim (180 miles) Experience one of the wonders of the world. Drive Desert View Drive and catch an unforgettable sunset at Hopi Point. DAY 7: Grand Canyon → Las Vegas (275 miles) Break up the drive with a stop in the classic Route 66 town of Williams, AZ, and a final, epic adventure in the fiery-red landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park. 💡 PRO TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP 💡 National Park Pass: Buy the "America the Beautiful Pass" ($80). It will pay for itself on this route. Book Early: Lodging inside the parks, permits (like for Angels Landing), and timed entry for Arches fill up months in advance! Best Time to Go: Spring and Fall offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be extremely hot, and winter brings snow to the higher elevation parks. Fuel & Snacks: Don't get caught without them! Stretches between parks can be remote with very few services. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION What's the #1 park on your Southwest bucket list? Or if you've done this trip, what's one tip you would add? Let me know in the comments below! #SouthwestUSA #RoadTrip #NationalParks #Utah #Zion #GrandCanyon #ArchesNationalPark