One of my favorite road trips in America. This trip idea was raised after I first saw the photo of Bryce Canyon during the winter. We decided to take our chances and plan a winter trip to the desert.
We couldn't predict the weather during the winter time so we bought shoe ice snow grips, just in case we'll have to walk on icy surfaces. traveling off-season gives you the opportunity to book fancy hotels at a cheap price. So there is no need for early reservations during the winter.
Arizona
First stop - Sedona, we arrived in Phoenix at night and drove 2h to Sedona. In the morning we woke up to a stunning view of red rock mountains. If you choose to arrive during the day, don't miss the giant cactus on the way to Sedona. Hike Bell Rock trails near Oak Creek (10 min from Sedona). Red Rock State Park (30 min drive from Sedona) many nice short trips around the rocks There are many shops, art galleries, and restaurants in the area.
Grand Canyon National Park
Drive 3.5h to Grand Canyon Visitor Center ($30 per car, if you're planning to visit more than one canyon buy the annual pass for $80). There is a shuttle bus that stops at interest points in the Canyon. Stay the night near Grand Canyon or in Page (2h)
Page- Start your day at Horseshoe Bend, 5 min drive from Page. Hike for 10 min to a scenic viewpoint.
Book in advance a tour to Antelope Canyon, we recommend Chief Tsosie’s Antelope Slot Canyon Tour ($38 per person). please note that the pickup point to the tour is at Page city center. (the land belong the Navajo native American tribe and not accessible without a guide)
Another 20 min drive and you're in Lake Powell, visit Glen Canyon Dam and the beautiful Wahweap Marina. Stay the night at Kanab (1.5 h)
Our next stop is The Wave Arizona, you must obtain a permit to visit the park (only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day to preserve the park). But it's worth the effort and doesn't really cost, requires planning.
Hualapai Falls, Arizona another secret gem that requires a reservation for accommodation, or is available as a one-day visit by helicopter from Las Vegas. We didn't get to see it because of the lack of time. The best time to visit this area will probably be May-July and September-October.
Utah - visit Zion National Park ($30 per car) 30 min drive from Kanab, the Park offers many short and long hikes. One or two days will be enough. Stay the night in a nearby town or in the park.
Bryce Canyon National Park (3h), spend a day or two in amazing Bryce Canyon, Stay the night in St. George on the way to Las Vegas or return through Salt Lake City if you're not in the mood for Las Vegas. Unfortunately, we didn't get to visit because of lack of time even though it was the reason why we traveled to this area in the first place.
Nevada
Las Vegas is not my favorite cup of tea, but a place to visit for one night. Stays at the hotel strip, mostly recommended but pricy are; The Wynn Hotel or Bellagio Hotel. Walk along the hotel's casinos and watch the singing fountain at Bellagio Hotel (every half an hour). Eat a brunch buffet at Bellagio Hotel, and visit Las Vegas downtown (Fremont street).
***Some of the photos in this post are not mine, since I didn't have the opportunity to complete this trip as planned. hopefully in the future! Stay tuned!
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