The Ultimate American Southwest Road Trip: Monument Valley, Bryce & Zion

Destination & Trip Overview

Region: American Southwest (Utah & Arizona, United States)
Trip Theme: National parks road trip, red rock landscape photography, outdoor hiking
Recommended Duration: 7-10 days
Best time to visit: Late May (Memorial Day weekend) through early October

This classic 7-10 day road trip loops through the most iconic red rock landscapes of the American Southwest, starting and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada. You'll experience three extraordinary destinations: Zion National Park with its dramatic canyons, Bryce Canyon National Park with its otherworldly hoodoos, and Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park—the spiritual heart of the Navajo Nation and Hollywood's favorite backdrop for Western movies.

Per Person Budget (USD)

Memorial Day note: Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance—this is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Getting There & Driving Tips

Arrival

Most fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, rent a car, and start driving north/east. From Las Vegas to Zion's south entrance is approximately 3 hours (160 miles).

Vehicle Requirements

• A standard 2WD car is fine for main roads in all three parks
• To drive the full 17-mile scenic loop in Monument Valley, high clearance is recommended but not strictly required if you go slow
• If you plan to detour to Valley of the Gods or other dirt side roads, 4WD/AWD is better

Driving Itinerary (Classic 7-Day Loop):

• Day 1: Arrive Las Vegas → Drive to Zion (stay Springdale)
• Day 2: Explore Zion Canyon
• Day 3: Zion → drive to Bryce Canyon via Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel and Scenic Byway 12 (3 hours) → Explore Bryce sunset
• Day 4: Sunrise at Bryce → Hike among hoodoos → Drive to Monument Valley (3.5 hours)
• Day 5: Full day exploring Monument Valley
• Day 6: Monument Valley → Page/Lake Powell (optional Antelope Canyon tour) → Kanab
• Day 7: Kanab → Return to Las Vegas (2.5 hours)

Memorial Day Weekend Driving Tips:

• Start driving before 7 AM to avoid congestion at park entrances
• The Zion-Mt Carmel Tunnel can have 30+ minute waits on holiday weekends—use the park's timed entry reservation system
• Carry extra water—temperatures can already hit 90-100°F (32-38°C) in late May
• Gas up whenever you see a station—distances between services can be 50+ miles

Must-See Highlights & Best Photo Spots

Zion National Park

1. Angels Landing - Iconic 5.4-mile strenuous hike with spectacular views. Permit required in advance via recreation.gov.
2. The Narrows - Wade through the Virgin River in a narrow slot canyon. Rent water boots and a walking stick in Springdale.
3. Emerald Pools Trail - Easy 3-mile round trip, perfect for acclimatization.
4. Checkerboard Mesa - Unique rock patterns near the east entrance, great for sunrise photos without crowds.
5. Kolob Canyons - Less crowded northern section with stunning viewpoints.

Best photo times:

• Canyon Overlook trail for sunrise
• Angels Landing for late afternoon light

Bryce Canyon National Park

1. Inspiration Point - Jaw-dropping panoramic view of the amphitheater.
2. Navajo Loop + Queen's Garden - Classic 3-mile loop hiking among hoodoos (rock spires).
3. Rainbow Point - The highest point in the park, 360° views in all directions.
4. Bryce Point - Best sunset photography spot.
5. Dark Sky Viewing - Bryce is an International Dark Sky Park—bring a star chart, the Milky Way is spectacular.

Best photo times:

• Sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater from Sunset Point
• Night photography after moonset—hoodoos glow under starlight

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

1. Mittens & Merrick Butte - The iconic view you've seen in a thousand movies.
2. 17-mile Scenic Drive - Dirt road past 10 major overlooks including John Ford's Point.
3. Hunts Mesa - Accessible only by guided tour, offers the classic panoramic view of the valley.
4. Mystery Valley - Less visited section with incredible formations and fewer crowds (guided only).
5. Goulding's Lodge Museum - Learn about the history of filming in the valley and Navajo culture.

Best photo times:

• West and East Mittens for sunrise—shadows create incredible depth
• Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei for late afternoon

Camping vs Hotels: How to Choose

Camping Pros:

• Much cheaper ($20-35/night vs $150+ for hotels)
• Closer to the trails, wake up inside the park
• Incredible stargazing from your campsite
• More immersive nature experience

Camping Cons:

• Books out 6+ months in advance for Memorial Day
• Temperatures can dip below 40°F (5°C) even in May at Bryce (9,000 ft elevation)
• Limited facilities

Hotels/Glamping Pros:

• More comfortable after a long day of hiking
• Showers, restaurants, amenities nearby
• More last-minute availability in gateway towns

Where to Stay:

• Zion: Inside park → Watchman Campground or South Campground; Gateway → Springdale has every option from budget motels to luxury resorts
• Bryce: Inside park → North Campground or Bryce Canyon Lodge; Nearby → Tropic for good restaurants, Bryce Glamp & Camp for bubble domes
• Monument Valley: Inside park → The View Hotel (has the best sunrise view from your room); Nearby → Goulding's Lodge

Local Customs & Things to Know

Respect Navajo Nation

Monument Valley lies entirely within the Navajo Nation reservation:

• Respect that this is sovereign Native American land, follow all tribal rules
• Do not hike off-trail or enter areas marked as restricted—some areas are sacred
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing Navajo people or their livestock
• The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Saving Time differently from Arizona—confirm time slots for tours

Safety First

• Flash floods: Slot canyons (including The Narrows) are dangerous if thunderstorms are forecast—check weather before entering
• Heat exhaustion: Drink at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day when hiking in May-June
• Altitude sickness: Bryce is 8,000-9,000 ft—take it easy the first day, drink extra water
• Wildlife: Do not approach bison, deer, or rattlesnakes. Keep food secured at campgrounds.

Leave No Trace

• Pack out all trash
• Stay on marked trails to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil
• Do not carve or damage hoodoos—they take thousands of years to form

Visa & Travel Tips for International Visitors

• If you're coming from outside the US, check if you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)—citizens of 40 countries can travel without a visa for up to 90 days
• The nearest international airports are Las Vegas (LAS) or Salt Lake City (SLC)
• Car insurance is required by law—buy it when you rent your car
• US dollars are the only currency accepted everywhere, credit cards are widely used but carry some cash for small entrance fees and campgrounds
• Cell service is spotty in remote areas—download offline Google Maps before you go
• Reserve:
  • Zion shuttle tickets in advance
  • Angels Landing permit via recreation.gov
  • Accommodation in gateway towns—Memorial Day books out 4-6 months ahead

What to Pack

• Hiking boots with good traction
• Layers—temperatures vary 30-40°F between day and night at higher elevations
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and a hat—UV is intense at altitude
• Reusable water bottle/hydration reservoir
• Swimsuit—there are swimming holes near Zion if you need to cool off
• Camera with tripod for night photography at Bryce
• Warm jacket for evenings—even in May, Bryce nights can be below 40°F (5°C)

Cover photo: Zion Canyon from Angels Landing at sunset