The American Southwest offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. From the otherworldly Antelope Canyon near Page to the awe-inspiring depths of the Grand Canyon and the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, I’m so glad that I got to go there with my family; it really means a lot to me. Join me as I share my personal journey, complete with insider tips and recommendations to help you plan your unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Road Trip to Page, Arizona
Our southwest adventure began with a scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Page, Arizona. After checking into our hotel, we took the evening to relax and prepare for our early morning Antelope Canyon tour.
Day 2: Exploring Antelope Canyon & Page, Arizona
Lower Antelope Canyon – Ken’s Tour
There are several tour options for Antelope Canyon: Lower Antelope Canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon, and Canyon X. Each offers a unique experience:
- Lower Antelope Canyon: More adventurous, featuring narrow passageways, ladders, and vibrant lighting, making it an excellent spot for photography.
- Upper Antelope Canyon: Famous for its light beams (best seen at midday), with flat terrain, making it accessible for all ages.
- Canyon X: The least crowded, with a mix of light and dark chambers, offering a quieter experience.
We chose Lower Antelope Canyon – Ken’s Tour for its longer visit time, better photo opportunities, affordable pricing ($55-$70), and less crowded. Our tour guide was fantastic, helping us capture perfect photos and sharing fascinating information about the canyon’s formation and Navajo history. The tour involves climbing several ladders and navigating narrow passages, adding an element of adventure that enhances the experience.
Horseshoe Bend
Just a short drive from Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend offers one of the most photographed views in the Southwest. The emerald waters of the Colorado River make a dramatic 270-degree turn around a sandstone escarpment, creating a scene that seems almost too perfect to be real.
Glen Canyon Dam Overlook
This hidden gem offers incredible panoramic views of the Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River with fewer visitors than Horseshoe Bend.
Page Shores Amphitheater (Skipped due to time constraints)
A lesser-known photo spot is located behind the Shell Gas Station in Page.
Optional Detour: If you have extra time, visit Monument Valley and Forrest Gump Point for stunning desert landscapes.
Day 3: Grand Canyon South Rim Adventure
Driving from Page to Grand Canyon National Park (2 hours), we made two amazing stops:
Navajo Mountain Viewpoint & Wahweap Viewpoint
Both offer breathtaking views of Lake Powell, making them one of our favourite parts of the trip.
National Park Resources & Events
Before visiting the Grand Canyon, check out the National Park Service website for useful information like operating hours, road conditions, and sunrise/sunset times: NPS Grand Canyon Guide
Special events like Astronomy Night, Ranger Talks, and Exhibitions are also available. Plan ahead by visiting: Ranger Programs
Download the Trip Planner PDF for additional resources: Grand Canyon Trip Planner
Exploring Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village has three main zones:
- Visitor Center / Mather Point – The main parking and shuttle area, where most visitors get their first canyon view.
- Market Plaza – The business centre with a general store, bank, and post office.
- Historic District – Home to the original railroad depot and historic lodges dating back 120 years.
At the South Rim, we started at Mather Point and walked the Rim Trail to Yavapai Point, enjoying stunning canyon vistas. Later, we watched a breathtaking sunset at Yaki Point.
Sunset Tip: Arrive at least 60 minutes before sunset and stay longer to watch the sky transform into pink, red, and orange hues.
Where We Stayed: Yavapai Lodge
Highly recommended for its central location, allowing easy access to shuttle buses and major viewpoints.
https://www.visitgrandcanyon.com/stay/lodging/yavapai-lodge/
Day 4: Grand Canyon Sunrise & Hermit Road
Sunrise at Mather Point
Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise, as dawn in the canyon is mesmerising. Dress warmly as mornings can be chilly, even in summer.
Exploring the Historic District & Hermit Road
- Kolb Studio – A historic photography studio with great views and exhibits.
- Trailview Overlook, Powell Point, Hopi Point – Amazing panoramic views.
- The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point, and Hermit’s Rest – A perfect way to experience the less crowded areas of the canyon.
I have to shoutout to this little guy, he had been following us for a while and even posted here for a photo🤗
Due to the wildfire, it was really hazy that day during the sunset at Hopi Point, but it added an extra mystery layer to the sunset, which we also enjoyed.
Bright Angel Trail & South Kaibab Trail (Did Not Attempt but Worth Trying!)
For those seeking a hiking adventure, the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail offer some of the best hikes in the Grand Canyon:
- Bright Angel Trail: A well-maintained trail with shaded rest stops, water stations, and stunning canyon views.
- South Kaibab Trail: A steeper but more scenic trail with breathtaking viewpoints such as Ooh Aah Point and Skeleton Point.
Since we had elderly members in our group, we skipped these hikes, but if I returned, I would definitely try them!
Day 5: Scenic Desert View Drive & Drive to Las Vegas
Before leaving the Grand Canyon, we stopped at:
- Desert View Watchtower – A historic stone tower with spectacular canyon views.
- Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point – Each offers a different breathtaking canyon perspective.
After soaking in our final canyon views, we hit the road to Las Vegas.
Day 6: Exploring Las Vegas
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
A must-visit photo spot to capture the start of your Vegas adventure.
The Strip
We spent the day exploring the famous Las Vegas Strip, a concentrated display of architectural ambition and entertainment excess. Each resort creates its immersive world:
Caesar’s Palace with its Roman-inspired architecture and high-end shopping
The Venetian, with its indoor canals and gondola rides
Bellagio’s magnificent dancing fountains perform to music throughout the day and evening
Paris Las Vegas, with its half-scale Eiffel Tower offering panoramic views of the Strip
The Luxor’s distinctive pyramid shape and powerful sky beam
Day 7: Flying Back to London
After an exciting week of adventure, we headed to the airport, reflecting on an unforgettable journey.
Final Tips & Recommendations
✅ Book your Antelope Canyon tour in advance.
✅ Check the National Park Service website for Grand Canyon updates.
✅ Arrive early for the best sunrise/sunset views.
✅ Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
This 7-day road trip was the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and city life. If you’re planning a similar trip, I hope this guide helps you create lifelong memories!
Have you been to any of these places? Share your experience in the comments!
To see more of my trip, check out my videos below.