From Las Vegas: 7-Day Utah and Arizona National Parks Tour

Travelers looking to see the Southwest’s most stunning landscapes might find this 7-day tour from Las Vegas to Utah and Arizona offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural insight. It’s perfect for those who want a guided experience that takes care of transportation, lodging, and entry fees, leaving you free to soak in the sights. With small groups or private options, you’ll find this tour both personalized and engaging.

What we love about this tour? First, the diverse range of parks — from the rugged grandeur of Zion to the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce and the expansive vistas of Canyonlands. Second, the expert guides who help bring the landscape alive with stories and local knowledge. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the active schedule—be prepared for plenty of walking and hiking, which might not suit travelers with mobility issues. This trip suits those eager to explore the American Southwest in a compact but comprehensive way, especially if they appreciate guided insights and structured itineraries.

Key Points

• Diverse National Parks: Covering Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided hikes, sunset/sunrise moments, Navajo jeep tours, and campfire evenings.
• Value for Money: Inclusive of park entries, transportation, camping gear, and some meals.
• Small Group Feeling: Options for private or small-group tours for a more personalized touch.
• Flexible Accommodation: Camping with optional lodge upgrades, catering to different comfort levels.
• Impressive Scenery: From towering canyon walls to iconic arches and star-filled skies.

Day 1: Zion National Park
Leaving Las Vegas behind, you’ll drive into the heart of Utah’s first big highlight. Zion’s towering red cliffs and lush emerald pools create a striking contrast to the Nevada desert. The tour offers a choice of light hikes — perhaps a walk to the Emerald Pools or a river hike into the Narrows, weather permitting. We loved the way Zion combines dramatic scenery with accessible trails, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Your guide will tailor the experience based on weather and group interest, but be prepared for some walking in a canyon environment.

Day 2: Bryce National Park
Rising to 8,000 feet, Bryce introduces you to a landscape of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that look like they belong on a different planet. A walk along the rim offers panoramic views, while descending into the amphitheater provides a more intimate look at these formations. One reviewer noted, “Hiking into the hoodoos was an up-close experience with this fascinating landscape.” After a day on your feet, a soak in the outdoor hot tub and a cozy campfire wrap up the day nicely.

Days 3-4: Arches and Canyonlands
You’ll spend time exploring Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches. Delicate Arch is the star of this park — a must-see, especially if you opt for the hike up to its iconic perch. The landscape here feels like a giant outdoor sculpture exhibit, and the guided sunset Hummer tour offers a fun way to see it from a different angle.

Canyonlands is nearby, where the Green and Colorado Rivers carve out stunning vistas. Walking among the canyons, you’ll get a sense of the wild, rugged Southwest that inspired legends like Butch Cassidy. If you’re feeling adventurous, optional canyoneering or rock-climbing are available, providing an adrenaline boost along with spectacular scenery.

Day 5: Monument Valley
Few places evoke the spirit of the Old West more than Monument Valley. This iconic landscape, famous for its towering buttes and mesas, is the backdrop for countless Western movies. The Navajo-guided jeep tour is a highlight—an authentic way to learn about the Native culture and see the landscape up close. Camping along the rim and watching the stars emerge is a special experience, and sunrise views are often described as unforgettable.

Day 6: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Grand Canyon
A morning optional visit to Antelope Canyon — a slot canyon known for its wave-like walls and shifting light beams — is a favorite among travelers (cost around $75–$80). Following this, you’ll walk to see Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves dramatically through a narrow canyon.

Your journey culminates at the Grand Canyon, arguably the most famous and awe-inspiring natural wonder on earth. Here, you can stroll along the rim, watch the sunset, or take an optional helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view. The deep, colorful canyon walls, combined with the vast landscape, leave many visitors speechless — one reviewer called it “the best way to end the trip.” You’ll also visit a Navajo trading post, adding a touch of local culture.

Day 7: Return to Las Vegas
The trip wraps up with a scenic drive back through the Southwest’s iconic Route 66, arriving in Las Vegas late afternoon. It’s the perfect time to reflect on your week of stunning vistas and adventure.

Guided Experience & Local Knowledge
Throughout the journey, the guides are praised for their professionalism, responsibility, and depth of knowledge. One traveler lauded their guide as “very professional, knowledgeable, patient, responsible and kind,” which can make a big difference when exploring such expansive parks. Their insights turn scenic drives into storytelling sessions and hikes into lessons about geology and Native culture.

Stunning Landscapes & Iconic Spots
From the sweeping vistas of Zion and Bryce to the intricate corridors of Antelope Canyon and the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, this trip packs some of America’s most photographed and awe-inspiring scenery into just one week. Reviewers mention that the views are super beautiful and cool to see, and the sunset at Monument Valley is often described as a highlight.

Flexible Accommodation Options
Camping is included, which keeps costs down and enhances the authenticity of the experience. All necessary gear is provided, except for a sleeping bag. For those who prefer more comfort, lodge upgrades are available at an additional cost. The camping experience is often praised—one reviewer called it “very convenient and easy,” especially for first-time campers.

Value & Inclusiveness
The tour covers all park entries, private transportation, and most meals—six breakfasts, seven lunches, and four dinners—making it straightforward to budget. The cost, around $1,895 per person, is competitive given the number of parks visited, the guided tours, and the included camping gear. Travelers note that the experience offers good value for money, especially with the guided insights and logistics taken care of.

Group Size & Flexibility
Available as a private or small-group tour, the experience emphasizes a personalized touch. Smaller groups tend to foster more interaction with guides and fellow travelers, which many reviewers appreciate.

Timing & Duration
Seven days fly by quickly, but the pacing allows for thorough exploration without feeling rushed. Be prepared for early mornings and full days, especially if you choose optional activities like canyoneering or helicopter rides.

What to Bring
You’ll need essentials like a passport or ID, travel insurance, and cash for any extra expenses (like meals outside included options). Light camping gear, including a sleeping bag if you have one, is advisable.

Age & Mobility
This tour isn’t suitable for children under seven or wheelchair users due to the active nature and terrain of some hikes and tours.

This trip is ideal for those eager to see the Southwest’s top parks without the hassle of planning every detail. It suits adventure-minded travelers who enjoy guided hikes and outdoor activities, but also appreciate cultural insights, like Navajo-guided tours. It’s a good fit for solo travelers looking to meet new friends, as well as small groups of friends or couples wanting a shared adventure.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or luxury accommodations, you might want to compare this with other options, but for a well-rounded, value-packed exploration of Utah and Arizona’s natural wonders, this tour hits many high notes.

This 7-day tour from Las Vegas offers an impressive overview of some of the most famous and breathtaking landscapes the American Southwest has to offer. The combination of guided hikes, cultural encounters, and spectacular scenery makes it a compelling choice for first-timers and repeat visitors alike. The knowledgeable guides, the variety of parks, and the inclusive pricing all add up to a trip that’s both memorable and practical.

While it demands some active participation, the experience of standing amidst towering canyon walls, watching a Navajo sunrise, or wandering through slot canyons is worth every step. If your goal is to see iconic American landscapes with guidance and camaraderie, this tour stands out as a solid, value-for-money option.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 7 years old, mainly because of the active hikes and terrain involved.

What is included in the price?
The tour price includes an English-speaking guide, all park entries, private transportation, camping equipment (except a sleeping bag), and most meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners). Lodge upgrades are available at extra cost.

Can I participate in optional activities?
Yes, optional activities like canyoneering or helicopter rides are available, although they come at additional costs. The Antelope Canyon visit is also optional and costs about $75-$80.

Where does the tour meet?
Meet at the Palms Casino & Hotel, on Hugh Hefner Drive, a short walk from the main entrance. It’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early.

What should I bring?
Essential items include your passport or ID, travel insurance, cash for extras, and a sleeping bag if camping (which you might purchase en route). Light, comfortable clothing and good walking shoes are advisable.

How active is the tour?
Very active — expect to walk, hike, and climb on some trails and optional canyoneering. The pace is manageable but requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Whether you’re after jaw-dropping vistas, local culture, or an adventure with fellow travelers, this tour offers a thorough introduction to the Southwest’s natural wonders. It’s a journey designed to leave you inspired and filled with unforgettable memories.