✈️ adventure/outdoors 📅 14

🕐 February 18, 2026

14-Day Western USA Outdoors Adventure Travel Itinerary

📍 Western United States Outdoors (Southern Utah & Arizona Loop)

🗓️ 14 Days

📍 6 Places

💰 $5,140 Budget

✨ Create Your Own Trip

Photo by Ambient Vista

💰 Budget Overview

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Accommodation

$2,340

Mid-range hotels/motels for a solo traveler or the per-room cost shared between two people. Prices average $150-$250/night for 13 nights in National Park gateway towns (e.g., Springdale, Bryce Canyon City, Page, Grand Canyon Village, Sedona) and a mid-strip hotel in Las Vegas. This 'cost per day' reflects an average for a single traveler seeking comfortable, but not luxury, lodging.

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Transport

$1,620

Rental Car: Mid-size SUV for 14 days, averaging $90/day including basic insurance ($1260 total). This cost is for the vehicle, not per person. Fuel: Estimated 1800 miles at 25 MPG, with gas averaging $4/gallon = 72 gallons * $4 = $288. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass: $80 (covers entry for one vehicle/up to 4 adults for 1 year). Total: $1260 + $288 + $80 = $1628, rounded to $1620.

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Food

$980

Mid-range food budget for one person. Breakfast: $10-$15 (hotel/deli/grab-and-go). Lunch: $15-$20 (picnic/casual cafe). Dinner: $30-$40 (mid-range restaurant). Snacks/drinks: $5-$10. Total per day: $60-$85, averaged to $70.

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Activities

$200

Antelope Canyon Tour (mandatory guided tour): $70-$100 (Upper or Lower, prices vary and can be higher during peak hours/seasons). Valley of Fire State Park entrance fee: $10-$15 per vehicle. Miscellaneous: Buffer for small entry fees, souvenirs, or additional optional activities (e.g., short boat ride on Lake Powell, additional guided hike). National Park entry is covered by the America the Beautiful Pass in transport.

Total Estimated Budget $5,140

📅 Daily Itinerary

Day 1 • Las Vegas, NV to Springdale, UT (Zion NP)

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🌅 Morning 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Arrive at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), pick up rental car.

Allow time for airport procedures and car pickup. Stock up on water and snacks for the road trip.

🗺️ View on Maps

☀️ Afternoon 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Drive to Springdale, Utah (approx. 2.5-3 hours).

Scenic drive towards Zion National Park's gateway town. Check into your accommodation.

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Dinner in Springdale, prepare for Zion exploration.

Enjoy dinner with initial views of Zion's towering cliffs. Organize gear for tomorrow's hikes.

🗺️ View on Maps

Day 2 • Zion National Park, UT

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🌅 Morning 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Explore Zion Canyon via the mandatory park shuttle.

Start early to beat the crowds. Hike the Pa'rus Trail (easy) or the Emerald Pools Trail (moderate).

🗺️ View on Maps

☀️ Afternoon 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Iconic Zion Hikes: Angels Landing (partial) or Observation Point.

If you don't have an Angels Landing permit, hike to Scout Lookout. Alternatively, hike to Observation Point via the East Mesa Trail for panoramic views.

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Stargazing and relaxing dinner.

Zion boasts incredible dark skies. Enjoy a well-deserved dinner after a day of hiking.

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Day 3 • Zion National Park, UT

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

The Narrows (bottom-up hike).

Wade or swim in the Virgin River through the stunning slot canyon. Check river conditions and flash flood warnings. Rent canyoneering shoes/sticks in Springdale if needed.

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☀️ Afternoon 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Riverside walk, visitor center, or shorter hike.

Relax by the river, visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, or do a less strenuous hike like the Canyon Overlook Trail.

🗺️ View on Maps

🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Last dinner in Springdale, prepare for departure.

Enjoy a final meal. Pack up for the drive to Bryce Canyon tomorrow.

🗺️ View on Maps

Day 4 • Springdale, UT to Bryce Canyon City, UT

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🌅 Morning 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park (approx. 1.5-2 hours).

Take the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (HWY 9) through the tunnel. Enjoy the diverse landscape transition.

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☀️ Afternoon 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Bryce Canyon viewpoints and short walks.

Check into accommodation. Visit Inspiration Point, Bryce Point, and Paria View. Marvel at the unique Hoodoo formations.

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Dinner in Bryce Canyon City, capture sunset views.

Walk along the rim trail for sunset at Sunset Point or Inspiration Point for dramatic lighting on the Hoodoos.

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Day 5 • Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Iconic Bryce Canyon hiking.

Hike the Navajo Loop and Queen's Garden Trail combination (moderate, 2-3 hours), descending into the Hoodoos.

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☀️ Afternoon 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Scenic drive along Bryce Amphitheater.

Drive the scenic road to Rainbow Point and Yovimpa Point at the southern end of the park. Stop at various viewpoints.

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Stargazing program (seasonal) or relax.

Bryce Canyon is a designated International Dark Sky Park; consider joining a ranger-led stargazing program.

🗺️ View on Maps

Day 6 • Bryce Canyon, UT to Page, AZ

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🌅 Morning 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Drive from Bryce Canyon to Page, Arizona (approx. 2.5-3 hours).

Pass through diverse landscapes en route to Page. Enjoy the drive across the Arizona border.

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☀️ Afternoon 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam.

Visit the iconic Horseshoe Bend overlook (short walk from parking). Drive to Glen Canyon Dam Overlook and Visitor Center.

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Dinner in Page, prepare for Antelope Canyon.

Book your Antelope Canyon tour in advance for tomorrow. Enjoy dinner in Page.

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Day 7 • Page, AZ

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Antelope Canyon Tour (Upper or Lower).

Experience the mesmerizing slot canyon with a Navajo guide. Upper Antelope Canyon is wider, Lower is narrower with ladders. Pre-booking is essential.

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☀️ Afternoon 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Lake Powell and other Page attractions.

Consider a boat tour on Lake Powell, visit Wahweap Marina, or explore the Chains area for scenic views and swimming (seasonal).

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Relaxing evening in Page.

Enjoy a casual dinner, perhaps with views of Lake Powell.

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Day 8 • Page, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), AZ

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🌅 Morning 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim (approx. 2.5-3 hours).

Take scenic Highway 89 south, then 64 west. Enjoy the changing desert landscape as you approach the Grand Canyon.

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☀️ Afternoon 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Desert View Drive and Watchtower.

Check into accommodation. Explore the eastern part of the South Rim, including Desert View Watchtower, Lipan Point, and Moran Point.

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🌙 Evening 6:30 PM onwards

Sunset at Mather Point or Hopi Point.

Witness a breathtaking Grand Canyon sunset. Dinner at one of the lodges within Grand Canyon Village.

🗺️ View on Maps

Day 9 • Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), AZ

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

South Kaibab Trail or Bright Angel Trail.

Hike into the canyon. Remember: going down is optional, coming up is mandatory! Only go part way down for a taste of the canyon's depth. Ooh Aah Point on South Kaibab is a good turnaround.

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☀️ Afternoon 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hermit Road (West Rim Drive) via park shuttle.

Take the free park shuttle along Hermit Road, stopping at viewpoints like Maricopa Point, Powell Point, and Hopi Point.

🗺️ View on Maps

🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Enjoy a final Grand Canyon sunset and dinner.

Reflect on the grandeur of the canyon. Consider attending a ranger program.

🗺️ View on Maps

Day 10 • Grand Canyon, AZ to Sedona, AZ

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🌅 Morning 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona, Arizona (approx. 2-2.5 hours).

Take Highway 64 south to I-17 south, then exit 300 for a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona.

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☀️ Afternoon 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Explore Sedona's iconic red rock formations and vortex sites.

Check into accommodation. Visit Airport Mesa for sunset views and easy walking, or explore Bell Rock Pathway for a more spiritual experience.

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Dinner and explore Uptown Sedona.

Enjoy dinner at one of Sedona's many restaurants and browse the art galleries and shops.

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Day 11 • Sedona, AZ

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🌅 Morning 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Morning hike in Sedona.

Hike Boynton Canyon (a major vortex site), Cathedral Rock, or West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon (seasonal, popular). Pick based on difficulty and scenery preference.

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☀️ Afternoon 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Jeep tour or shopping/relaxation.

Consider an off-road jeep tour for a thrill and access to remote areas, or enjoy the art scene, spas, or simply relax by a pool.

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🌙 Evening 6:00 PM onwards

Farewell dinner in Sedona.

Savor the last evening amidst the red rocks. Perhaps enjoy some live music.

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Day 12 • Sedona, AZ to Valley of Fire State Park, NV / Las Vegas area

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🌅 Morning 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Drive from Sedona towards Las Vegas, with a stop at Valley of Fire State Park (approx. 4.5-5 hours driving to VoF).

Take I-17 N, then I-40 W, then US-93 N, merging to I-15 N. Valley of Fire is northeast of Las Vegas.

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☀️ Afternoon 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Explore Valley of Fire State Park.

Hike the Fire Wave Trail, visit Elephant Rock, and marvel at the vibrant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs. It's truly a hidden gem.

🗺️ View on Maps

🌙 Evening 7:00 PM onwards

Drive to Las Vegas (approx. 1 hour) and check into hotel.

Prepare for the contrast of natural beauty to city lights. Dinner in Las Vegas.

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Day 13 • Las Vegas, NV

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🌅 Morning 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Relax or optional outdoor activity.

Enjoy a leisurely morning. Options include a final outdoor activity like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (a short drive from Vegas) or relaxing by a hotel pool.

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☀️ Afternoon 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Explore the Las Vegas Strip.

Walk the Strip, visit themed resorts, watch the Bellagio Fountains, or explore the Fremont Street Experience downtown.

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🌙 Evening 7:00 PM onwards

Farewell dinner and show/entertainment.

Indulge in a nice dinner, perhaps catch a Cirque du Soleil show or enjoy a casino experience.

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Day 14 • Las Vegas, NV

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🌅 Morning Flexible

Depart from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).

Return rental car, head to the airport for your flight home. Allow ample time for traffic and airport procedures.

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☀️ Afternoon

🌙 Evening

🏆 Best Places to Visit

Stunning aerial view of the winding road through Zion National Park's majestic canyon landscape.

Zion National Park, UT

Known for its massive sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons (The Narrows), and emerald pools. A haven for hikers and photographers with its dramatic, vertically oriented landscapes.

⏱️ 2-3 days

Stunning panoramic view of Bryce Canyon in winter with snow-covered hoodoos and clear blue skies.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Famous for its unique geological structures called 'hoodoos' that form natural amphitheaters. Offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, and excellent stargazing opportunities.

⏱️ 1.5-2 days

Stunning view of a sunlit slot canyon in Arizona, showcasing rich sandstone formations.

Page, AZ (Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend)

Home to the world-renowned Antelope Canyon, a breathtaking slot canyon requiring a guided Navajo tour. Also features the iconic Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River and scenic Lake Powell.

⏱️ 1-2 days

Majestic forest and cliffs at Grand Canyon's North Rim, showcasing natural beauty.

Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), AZ

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, offering unparalleled vastness and geological history. The South Rim provides numerous accessible viewpoints and iconic hiking trails into the canyon.

⏱️ 2-2.5 days

Beautiful red rock formations in Sedona, Arizona under a clear blue sky.

Sedona, AZ

Renowned for its vibrant red rock formations, spiritual 'vortex' sites, and abundant hiking trails. Also known for its art galleries, spas, and outdoor adventure tours like jeep excursions.

⏱️ 2 days

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Valley of Fire State Park, NV

Nevada's oldest state park, featuring stunning Aztec sandstone outcrops that appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays. Great for short hikes, ancient petroglyph viewing, and photography.

⏱️ 0.5-1 day

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Best Months April-May and September-October

Weather Mild to warm temperatures (daytime averages 60-80u00b0F / 15-27u00b0C), with cooler evenings. Lower humidity compared to summer. Less extreme heat than summer and fewer chances of heavy snow compared to winter. Spring often brings wildflowers, while Fall offers vibrant foliage in some higher elevation areas.

Why These shoulder seasons offer ideal weather for hiking and outdoor activities, avoiding the intense heat of summer (which can exceed 100u00b0F/38u00b0C in places like Zion and Grand Canyon) and the potential for snow and road closures in winter. Crowds are also generally more manageable than the peak summer season, leading to a more enjoyable experience.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

The shoulder seasons (Spring: April-May and Fall: September-October) are generally the best. Temperatures are milder, making hiking more enjoyable, and crowds are typically smaller than in peak summer months. Some higher elevation areas might still have snow in early spring.

Pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. Include sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable casual wear, a waterproof/windproof jacket, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), a daypack, reusable water bottle, basic first-aid kit, and camera gear. For The Narrows, consider renting water shoes and a hiking stick in Springdale.

Yes, for popular activities like Antelope Canyon tours, booking several weeks or even months in advance is essential. For some National Parks (like Zion's shuttle or Arches NP), a timed entry reservation system might be in place for certain periods; always check official park websites before your visit. Accommodation, especially within or very near popular parks, should also be booked well in advance.

The trip involves significant driving days (mostly 2-5 hours between major locations). While scenic, these drives require good planning. Ensure your rental car is reliable, and always carry sufficient water, snacks, and a full tank of gas, especially when venturing into remote areas where gas stations can be scarce.

Cell service is often spotty or non-existent within the canyons and more remote areas of National Parks. Service is usually available in gateway towns and along major highways. Download offline maps and important documents before heading into the parks as a backup.

💬 Original Request

14 day to western united states outdoors