Zion, Bryce, Antelope, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas 6-Day Tour from SF

When it comes to exploring the southwestern United States, few trips offer the variety and breathtaking scenery that this 6-day tour from San Francisco delivers. Focused on five iconic national parks and three world-famous scenic spots, this journey promises an adventure packed with stunning vistas, natural wonders, and some lively city nights in Las Vegas.

What we love about this experience is the well-organized itinerary that balances scenic drives, park visits, and free time to soak in the sights. The inclusion of multiple national parks like Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, and the Grand Canyon means you’ll get a comprehensive taste of what makes this corner of the country so special. Plus, the accommodation at the Casino Avenue Hotel offers a convenient base for two nights, giving you a bit of comfort amidst the rugged landscape.

However, this tour is fast-paced, covering a lot of ground in just six days. If you’re the type of traveler who loves a deep, leisurely exploration, this might feel rushed. Also, the price of $1,139 per person is reasonable given the amount of ground covered, but it’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable with the packed schedule and early mornings.

This tour appeals most to those seeking a comprehensive, well-led overview of the Southwest’s highlights—ideal for first-timers or travelers wanting a taste of everything without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price offers good value for visits to multiple national parks and scenic spots.
• Expert-guided experience helps travelers understand the significance and history of each site.
• Fast-paced itinerary covers a lot of ground, perfect for those with limited time.
• Comfortable overnight stays at a central hotel in Vegas with two nights’ accommodation.
• Variety of attractions, from iconic natural formations to lively city nightlife.
• Convenient logistics, with transportation included and all entrance fees paid upfront.

Day 1: From San Francisco to Las Vegas with a Night Tour

Your adventure kicks off early in San Francisco, with a morning departure that leads straight to the entertainment capital, Las Vegas. Expect a roughly 10-hour drive, but the scenic beauty along the way makes the journey enjoyable rather than tiresome. Once in Vegas, you have the option to explore the Fremont Street Experience with its dazzling lights, live entertainment, and lively atmosphere. This optional night tour (not included in the ticket price) lets you see famous sights like the Mirage volcano and Bellagio Fountains with a guided overview of the city’s brightest spots.

The benefit of this setup is immediate immersion into Vegas’s vibrant energy, setting a lively tone for the days ahead. The optional tour is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with Vegas without the stress of navigating on your own, and many reviewers appreciated the well-organized evening.

Day 2: Zion and Bryce Canyon—A Natural Marvel Duo

Starting the day early, you head into Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park, famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons. The 45-minute stop allows you to stretch your legs and appreciate the grandeur of the cliffs, which are a favorite among hikers and photographers alike. The scenery here is dramatic—massive cream, pink, and red sandstone formations that seem to reach the sky.

Next, a quick stop at Checkerboard Mesa offers a unique geological feature with its striking cross-hatched surface. Then, the journey continues southeast to Bryce Canyon, known for its hoodoo formations—tall, thin spires of rock that create a fairy-tale landscape.

One reviewer noted, “All the parks were beautiful, and we got bonus sites because we were on time,” highlighting the efficiency and flexibility of the itinerary. Staying overnight in Bryce Canyon provides a welcome chance to experience the area without rushing, and some travelers appreciated how well-organized the stops were for maximum viewing.

Day 3: Canyonlands and Arches—Utah’s Eroded Masterpieces

The day begins with a visit to Canyonlands National Park, a vast area carved by erosion into colorful canyons, mesas, and buttes. This park offers a sense of scale and wilderness that can be staggering, with views that stretch for miles.

Following this, your group visits Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Expect to enjoy scenic drives and short walks that reveal some of the most iconic formations, like the famous Delicate Arch. The 2-hour exploration is enough to admire the grandeur of these natural bridges and spires.

The reviews highlight how efficient the schedule is—”We did get a lot of explanations”—and many appreciated the chance to see multiple parks in a single day, even if it means a tight timetable. This day is particularly appealing if you love geological wonders and unique landscapes.

Day 4: Monument Valley and Horseshoe Bend—Classic Southwestern Icons

This day takes you into the Navajo Nation to visit Monument Valley, with its vast, iconic sandstone buttes. The optional Jeep tour (additional fee) offers a closer look at the Navajo Tribal Park, providing a deeper understanding of the land’s cultural significance—though the scenery outside the Jeep is stunning enough for many.

Next, you’ll visit Horseshoe Bend, a remarkable 1,000-foot-wide meander of the Colorado River that’s become a symbol of the American Southwest. The 75-minute stop lets you take in this dramatic view, perfect for photos.

During this day, there’s an optional visit to Lower Antelope Canyon (extra fee), which many travelers find a highlight due to its surreal, wave-like formations. A note from a reviewer: “During the period from 01/13/2025 to 01/26/2025 when the Lower Antelope Canyon is closed, the itinerary will be changed to Antelope Canyon X,” indicating some flexibility depending on seasonal closures.

Day 5: Grand Canyon—The World’s Most Famous Natural Wonder

No southwestern trip would be complete without the Grand Canyon. Today, you visit the East and South Rims, with approximately 2.5 hours of dedicated sightseeing time. Many travelers describe it as awe-inspiring—pictures don’t do justice to its vastness and layered colors.

Optional helicopter or airplane tours (additional fees) allow for a bird’s-eye view, and several reviews mention how these add a memorable perspective to the experience. One reviewer said, “You might find the helicopter tour a worthwhile addition,” and many appreciated the opportunity to see the canyon from above for a different appreciation of its immensity.

Day 6: Return to San Francisco via Las Vegas

On the final day, you leave the glamorous lights of Vegas behind, with a stop at the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The tour then moves southward toward Los Angeles and San Francisco, with optional visits to the M&M’s Store, Coca-Cola Store, and the FlyOver Las Vegas ride—an immersive flight simulation that many found fun and engaging.

The excursion concludes with a visit to the Seven Magic Mountains, striking colored boulder formations in the desert, a favorite for Instagram-worthy photos.

Transportation is by a vehicle suitable to the size of your group, with professional guides ensuring smooth navigation. The tour generally involves early mornings and long drives, but the tremendous scenery tends to make the time fly by.

Accommodation at the Casino Avenue Hotel provides a comfortable base, with rooms for up to four guests, featuring either two full/double beds or one queen/king. Many reviews praised the hotel stay as convenient and clean, with a few noting that if you’re more than four, separate bookings are necessary.

Cost and Value: For $1,139 per person, the tour covers entrance fees, transportation, and guided interpretation of some of the most treasured parks. When you consider the cost of individual park tickets, guides, and logistics, this package offers good value. Additional expenses like meals, tips, optional tours (helicopter, Antelope Canyon Jeep), and souvenirs are extra.

Reviews: Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and well-organized schedule. One reviewer expressed, “Guide was efficient, explanations were good, and we saw bonus sites,” emphasizing the value of a guided experience. The fast pace suits those eager to see many sights in a limited timeframe, though some found it a bit rushed.

Safety and Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, with age restrictions for children under 18 and pregnant women (up to 24 weeks). Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and hydration are recommended.

This trip is perfect for first-time visitors to the Southwest who want a rundown without the hassle of planning. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer guided tours to maximize their experience and ensure they hit all the highlights efficiently. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and early mornings, you’ll find this tour a rewarding way to see the region’s most famous sites.

However, if your idea of travel involves slower, deeper exploration of each park, you might find this too quick. Also, those seeking a more personalized experience or with specific dietary needs should plan for additional arrangements, as meals are not included.

This 6-day Southwest tour from San Francisco offers a valuable window into some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. The combination of organized logistics, expert guides, and diverse scenery makes it an excellent option for travelers who want a broad overview in a short period. The inclusion of iconic sites like Zion, Bryce, Arches, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon ensures you’ll leave with a camera full of memorable images and a head full of stories.

The tour’s balance of natural wonders, cultural sites, and city nightlife makes it a well-rounded package, especially for those new to the Southwest. While it moves quickly and incurs extra costs for optional extras, many reviews affirm the overall excellent value and professional guidance.

If you’re eager to tick off multiple bucket-list destinations without the stress of planning each day, this adventure will serve you well—and leave you eager to return for a more leisurely exploration someday.

How long is the drive between San Francisco and Las Vegas?
The journey takes about 10 hours, but the scenery makes it a pleasant drive rather than a long haul.

Are hotel rooms comfortable?
Yes, all rooms are based on two full/double beds or one king/queen, with a maximum occupancy of four per room. Many travelers found the hotel convenient and clean.

What are the main attractions included?
The tour includes Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Lower Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.

Are optional tours available?
Yes, options like helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon, Jeep tours in Monument Valley, and Antelope Canyon visits are available at extra cost.

What is included in the price?
Transportation, professional guides, five nights hotel, and entrance fees to all parks listed are included. Some attractions like FlyOver Las Vegas and the night tour are optional.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase meals along the way.

Can children join?
Yes, children over 6 can participate, but booster seats are required for those under 6. Pregnant women up to 24 weeks can join.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to six days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations closer to the date may incur fees or be non-refundable.

This detailed, honest look at the 6-day Southwest tour from San Francisco should help you decide if it fits your travel style. It’s an adventure packed with iconic vistas, guided insights, and a taste of the wild, wonderful American Southwest—perfect for those eager to see a lot in a limited time.