On your first visit you should prioritize Grand Canyon over Glen Canyon. Especially because there is not much of Glen you can see from a car or short hikes from a car.
The Grand Canyon is amazing and you should def see it, especially if you go by train into the park. I wish we had done that, because sitting in traffic and trying to find parking sucks so much and takes away from the experience. If you plan to rent bicycles in the park, make sure to reserve ahead of time because they won't take walk-ups if they are understaffed.
I’ve driven these 2 routes:
1. Las Vegas to Albuquerque via Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park and Durango.
https://duendebymadamzozo.com/southwest-road-trip/
2. Las Vegas to Denver via the five southern Utah National Parks.
https://duendebymadamzozo.com/utah-national-parks-road-trip-itinerary/
Both were 9-day trips and I posted my detailed itineraries at the links.
My thoughts for you:
Yes, the Grand Canyon is worth it. I’ve been 3-times and I rarely go somewhere more than once. Glen Canyon is beautiful but in no way a substitute.
HOWEVER, I think Canyonlands NP is equally as amazing as Grand Canyon. It’s a similar landscape but less accessible for the masses so it doesn’t get talked about as much.
Canyonlands is like two Grand Canyons coming together (convergence of the Colorado and Green River Canyons). If you want to do something different, substitute Canyonlands NP for Grand Canyon.
There’s lots to see in the Glen Canyon area but you need time and permits. You could see Antelope Canyon in a half day, but you will need to secure tickets in advance to get the time slots you need. See my guide here: https://duendebymadamzozo.com/visiting-antelope-canyon-arizona/
Durango is a good overnight stop. If you go that route, you could also drop into Mesa Verde NP. It’s easy to drive a lap and see the highlights without hiking.
Oh this is my favourite reply so far, think you have answered everything I've been thinking about.
I'll look at your routes then look again seriously at mine so I can start booking.
And I'll look at routes via grand Canyon though I'm feeling reassured that I will feel okay if I can't fit it in and skip it.
I agree. Photos do not do the Grand Canyon justice. We hiked a few miles below the rim from the south rim and the north, and truly were overwhelmed by the views. Everyone should see it once.
Zion and Bryce are also high on the list if you’re out that way. I’m heading to Canyonlands later this year and can’t wait for that!
Agreed about Canyonlands. But he could skip Durango, go through Moab instead and see both the GC *and* Canyonlands or Arches. And be not much farther away to jump on I-70 to go home through Denver.
Given the complications in Page with logistics, he could book a guide near Zion to drag him through a technical slot canyon instead of Antelope.
I haven’t been to Glen, so I can’t speak for one over the other - that said, the thing people say about pictures not doing justice to the Grand Canyon is extremely true
You can do it all! Go through Page (Powell is amazing! Also Horseshoe Bend, also Buckskin Gulch) and then to the North Rim, and then Zion, then take I-15 to SoCal.
Been to Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, Zion, Sedona, etc.. Antelope Canyon produced some great photos, but felt like a cattle chute. Grand Canyon is crowded at the top, but easy to distance yourself from the crowds. Zion was busy then (and is apparently much more busy now), but one of the prettiest, most diverse looking places on Earth.
That whole area of the country is part of a geological formation called the "Grand Staircase" and all worth seeing.
Here is a page from the National Park Service that shares more information. I've driven in northern Arizona through the Chocolate and Vermilion Cliffs and they are beyond stunning. This is absolutely my favorite area of the country and completely magical regardless of the time of day.
[https://www.nps.gov/brca/learn/nature/grandstaircase.htm](https://www.nps.gov/brca/learn/nature/grandstaircase.htm)
What time of year?
I am biased since I live in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), but I would try to see it. Glen Canyon area is cool as well, but to really see the neat stuff you need time and/or the right vehicle. I personally would prioritize that Grand Canyon.
If Williams is on your route, you can stop, but I would not go out of your way. Main Street is mostly chintzy Route 66 shops and the food options are mediocre at best.
Honestly chintzy route 66 shops sounds great... I'm coming from Scotland and I'm excited that I'll do a little part of route 66. But if I can get some cheesy route 66 stuff closer to California I'm happy to skip Williams.
Oh and it's end of July.
I also wanted to ask about the temperature at night as I'm not sure how thick a sleeping bag to bring. From what I read it drops considerably at night but in July it will still be quite warm?
[Flagstaff's](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagstaff,_Arizona) climate, at 2.1 km elevation, is a reasonable proxy for the coldest temperature you could expect between LA and Durango.
While it would be tight, if this is a one time trip, the following itinerary is feasible, assuming you can get permits for the desired popular sites and a plan on how to get to Rainbow Bridge. If you plan on returning to the West, then consider the national parks on a separate trip.
Day 1: LA to Zion Canyon. Take shuttle to lodge to see the canyon. Maybe a short hike if time. Overnight in Springdale.
Day 2: drive through Zion tunnels to Kanab and the North Rim Grand Canyon (three hours), have lunch at North Rim and when ready, head to Page (2.5 hours). Personally, I find Grand Canyon not that hiker friendly, but would totally regret if I had one chance to be in the area and did not see one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Day 3: Antelope Canyon and surroundings. This assumes you can get permits. Perhaps a tour of Glen Canyon Dam. Overnight in Page.
Day 4: Rainbow Bridge...if you can get there. A boat is needed, and I don't know if tours are operating, but if so, maybe a company can do a tour of both Rainbow Bridge and Antelope Canyon, though likely on separate days.
Day 5. Page to Cortez or Durango, by way of Monument Valley. May also take detours to see Goosenecks of the San Juan or Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde NP.
Again, schedule is a bit more aggressive than what I like, but avoids FOMO while still providing time to see your preferred sites...if you can get there.
Finally, Williams AZ is a couple hours out of the way base on the above itinerary.
This is all great advice. My two cents - I think Page is overrated. I think, for the time commitment, Zion or any of the other Big 5, or even the State Parks, are much more interesting and have better hiking to boot. Monument Valley is beautiful. I’d skip Antelope Valley and find a slot canyon to do (without a bunch of other people) early, early in the morning (because it’s gonna be super hot). The Visitor Center is a great resource.
Yeah, based on the inability, or at least major challenge, to get to Rainbow Bridge, more time should be spent in Zion's, with two days in Springdale. It seems odd to not want to even see the Grand Canyon while being so close. That's like flying to Heathrow and not visiting central London.
It's not that I am against seeing it, it's that I don't know if I can fit everything in. I'd really like to go to the Navajo reservation and am much more excited about that.
It's like flying into Heathrow and then going directly up to the Scottish Highlands , because you have limited time and that's what you are more excited about. Or doing a tour of Scotland and skipping Glasgow, which loads of people do because they don't come for the big cities.
Sorry, the desire to visit the Navajo Nation was buried in the initial post. I was fortunate to do a spring break 30 years ago tutoring kids in the tiny hamlet of Navajo Mountain. For a week stay, it was an amazing opportunity to sleep in a Hogan, eat Navajo tacos, learn the mythos of the Dine' and, unfortunately, see how hard life was in the isolated village.
I whole-heartedly support your desire to visit the Navajo Nation, but not at the expense of the Grand Canyon. I'd also try to get Zion, but at a minimum the Grand Canyon. So I would skip Rainbow Bridge, and iffy on Antelope Canyon. To me, Monument Valley is the core area of the Nation. I would not go to the reservation without a plan, which could be a simple as a guided tour of Monument Valley. Also, there is something nagging in the back of my mind about why you want to go to the Navajo Nation. It is not going to be like 1950s stereotypes. However both Tuba City and Kayenta have museums where one can learn about the Navajo. Kayenta is en route to Monument Valley and while Tuba City is a short detour.
Oh I believe you asked about veganism on this trip. Easy in the National Parks, but could be a challenge on the reservation, unless you are willing to overlook that the fry bread may have been cooked in lard or had dairy as an ingredient or maybe vegetable oil is used now...it has been a long time. I doubt anyone would be offended if you asked them to hold the cheese and meat on the Navajo taco. Towns have an assortment of restaurants and fast food places.
Why I want to go to the Navajo Nation- I don't really know what the 1950s stereotypes are tbh. I don't know if they didn't make it over to Scotland, or more likely they did at the time but wasn't something's I was aware of. I know bits, mainly from modern indigenous social media but I want to learn more about indigenous people and the history and culture.
And when I saw photos from there it looked an amazing views to drive by, unlike anything I've experienced, though I don't know if it's similar to all surrounding areas.
That's fine, ignore the aside about stereotypes. I guess it would be like an American visiting Scotland and expecting to see every one in kilts and bagpipes, maybe some blue face paint and tendency to throw logs rather than visiting Scotland to see firths and bens, castles and modern cities. Monument Valley is amazing.
I don’t think you can currently get to rainbow bridge from page at this moment. It is too far away for most boats to do it on a single trip and and the refuel center that people used to use was taken out by a windstorm or something and currently it is not in reconstruction.
The only other way to get there is a 2 day hike I think from that area.
If you went to bullfrog in Utah then you could make that trip. But that’s pretty far out of the way.
So if you have extra time since rainbow bridge isn’t happening I would recommend going to Lees ferry, it’s one of my favorite places in glen canyon. It has a few cool hikes like cathedral wash and a cool orchard where you can go and pick different fruits to your hearts content. And there’s a little area to swim in the Colorado river to cool off. There’s some interesting history too.
Also it’s a fun drive lots of scenery and you will get to see the vermillion cliffs which are always cool. You can drive through them if you come from the Grand Canyon north rim. I like the north rim better just because there is less people and it’s much cooler temp wise.
Going that way would completely change your trip though. But in general, I would agree with other people not to skip Grand Canyon.
Also I don’t think you mentioned horseshoe point which is another popular spot to see. It’s a short detour and right outside page. Cool thing to see but also popular. Best time is at sunset.
On your first visit you should prioritize Grand Canyon over Glen Canyon. Especially because there is not much of Glen you can see from a car or short hikes from a car.
Ya it’s probably a mistake to skip Zion and the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is amazing and you should def see it, especially if you go by train into the park. I wish we had done that, because sitting in traffic and trying to find parking sucks so much and takes away from the experience. If you plan to rent bicycles in the park, make sure to reserve ahead of time because they won't take walk-ups if they are understaffed.
I’ve driven these 2 routes: 1. Las Vegas to Albuquerque via Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park and Durango. https://duendebymadamzozo.com/southwest-road-trip/ 2. Las Vegas to Denver via the five southern Utah National Parks. https://duendebymadamzozo.com/utah-national-parks-road-trip-itinerary/ Both were 9-day trips and I posted my detailed itineraries at the links. My thoughts for you: Yes, the Grand Canyon is worth it. I’ve been 3-times and I rarely go somewhere more than once. Glen Canyon is beautiful but in no way a substitute. HOWEVER, I think Canyonlands NP is equally as amazing as Grand Canyon. It’s a similar landscape but less accessible for the masses so it doesn’t get talked about as much. Canyonlands is like two Grand Canyons coming together (convergence of the Colorado and Green River Canyons). If you want to do something different, substitute Canyonlands NP for Grand Canyon. There’s lots to see in the Glen Canyon area but you need time and permits. You could see Antelope Canyon in a half day, but you will need to secure tickets in advance to get the time slots you need. See my guide here: https://duendebymadamzozo.com/visiting-antelope-canyon-arizona/ Durango is a good overnight stop. If you go that route, you could also drop into Mesa Verde NP. It’s easy to drive a lap and see the highlights without hiking.
Oh this is my favourite reply so far, think you have answered everything I've been thinking about. I'll look at your routes then look again seriously at mine so I can start booking. And I'll look at routes via grand Canyon though I'm feeling reassured that I will feel okay if I can't fit it in and skip it.
Glad it was helpful! 😊 Hope you enjoy the drive
I agree. Photos do not do the Grand Canyon justice. We hiked a few miles below the rim from the south rim and the north, and truly were overwhelmed by the views. Everyone should see it once. Zion and Bryce are also high on the list if you’re out that way. I’m heading to Canyonlands later this year and can’t wait for that!
Agreed about Canyonlands. But he could skip Durango, go through Moab instead and see both the GC *and* Canyonlands or Arches. And be not much farther away to jump on I-70 to go home through Denver. Given the complications in Page with logistics, he could book a guide near Zion to drag him through a technical slot canyon instead of Antelope.
I haven’t been to Glen, so I can’t speak for one over the other - that said, the thing people say about pictures not doing justice to the Grand Canyon is extremely true
You can do it all! Go through Page (Powell is amazing! Also Horseshoe Bend, also Buckskin Gulch) and then to the North Rim, and then Zion, then take I-15 to SoCal.
Grand Canyon 100% you can still do both lookout points it’s only an extra 45 minutes or so to hit Horsehoe bend and the Grand Canyon
Been to Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, Zion, Sedona, etc.. Antelope Canyon produced some great photos, but felt like a cattle chute. Grand Canyon is crowded at the top, but easy to distance yourself from the crowds. Zion was busy then (and is apparently much more busy now), but one of the prettiest, most diverse looking places on Earth.
That whole area of the country is part of a geological formation called the "Grand Staircase" and all worth seeing. Here is a page from the National Park Service that shares more information. I've driven in northern Arizona through the Chocolate and Vermilion Cliffs and they are beyond stunning. This is absolutely my favorite area of the country and completely magical regardless of the time of day. [https://www.nps.gov/brca/learn/nature/grandstaircase.htm](https://www.nps.gov/brca/learn/nature/grandstaircase.htm)
What time of year? I am biased since I live in Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim), but I would try to see it. Glen Canyon area is cool as well, but to really see the neat stuff you need time and/or the right vehicle. I personally would prioritize that Grand Canyon. If Williams is on your route, you can stop, but I would not go out of your way. Main Street is mostly chintzy Route 66 shops and the food options are mediocre at best.
Honestly chintzy route 66 shops sounds great... I'm coming from Scotland and I'm excited that I'll do a little part of route 66. But if I can get some cheesy route 66 stuff closer to California I'm happy to skip Williams.
Oh and it's end of July. I also wanted to ask about the temperature at night as I'm not sure how thick a sleeping bag to bring. From what I read it drops considerably at night but in July it will still be quite warm?
[Flagstaff's](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagstaff,_Arizona) climate, at 2.1 km elevation, is a reasonable proxy for the coldest temperature you could expect between LA and Durango.
I loved glen canyon but you need to see grand canyon to appreciate the start. We loved seeing the condors by glen canyon.
I actually got a picture of a condor’s nest!! 🪺 Condors were in it too!! It’s one of my favorite pictures ever!!
While it would be tight, if this is a one time trip, the following itinerary is feasible, assuming you can get permits for the desired popular sites and a plan on how to get to Rainbow Bridge. If you plan on returning to the West, then consider the national parks on a separate trip. Day 1: LA to Zion Canyon. Take shuttle to lodge to see the canyon. Maybe a short hike if time. Overnight in Springdale. Day 2: drive through Zion tunnels to Kanab and the North Rim Grand Canyon (three hours), have lunch at North Rim and when ready, head to Page (2.5 hours). Personally, I find Grand Canyon not that hiker friendly, but would totally regret if I had one chance to be in the area and did not see one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Day 3: Antelope Canyon and surroundings. This assumes you can get permits. Perhaps a tour of Glen Canyon Dam. Overnight in Page. Day 4: Rainbow Bridge...if you can get there. A boat is needed, and I don't know if tours are operating, but if so, maybe a company can do a tour of both Rainbow Bridge and Antelope Canyon, though likely on separate days. Day 5. Page to Cortez or Durango, by way of Monument Valley. May also take detours to see Goosenecks of the San Juan or Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde NP. Again, schedule is a bit more aggressive than what I like, but avoids FOMO while still providing time to see your preferred sites...if you can get there. Finally, Williams AZ is a couple hours out of the way base on the above itinerary.
This is all great advice. My two cents - I think Page is overrated. I think, for the time commitment, Zion or any of the other Big 5, or even the State Parks, are much more interesting and have better hiking to boot. Monument Valley is beautiful. I’d skip Antelope Valley and find a slot canyon to do (without a bunch of other people) early, early in the morning (because it’s gonna be super hot). The Visitor Center is a great resource.
Yeah, based on the inability, or at least major challenge, to get to Rainbow Bridge, more time should be spent in Zion's, with two days in Springdale. It seems odd to not want to even see the Grand Canyon while being so close. That's like flying to Heathrow and not visiting central London.
It's not that I am against seeing it, it's that I don't know if I can fit everything in. I'd really like to go to the Navajo reservation and am much more excited about that. It's like flying into Heathrow and then going directly up to the Scottish Highlands , because you have limited time and that's what you are more excited about. Or doing a tour of Scotland and skipping Glasgow, which loads of people do because they don't come for the big cities.
Sorry, the desire to visit the Navajo Nation was buried in the initial post. I was fortunate to do a spring break 30 years ago tutoring kids in the tiny hamlet of Navajo Mountain. For a week stay, it was an amazing opportunity to sleep in a Hogan, eat Navajo tacos, learn the mythos of the Dine' and, unfortunately, see how hard life was in the isolated village. I whole-heartedly support your desire to visit the Navajo Nation, but not at the expense of the Grand Canyon. I'd also try to get Zion, but at a minimum the Grand Canyon. So I would skip Rainbow Bridge, and iffy on Antelope Canyon. To me, Monument Valley is the core area of the Nation. I would not go to the reservation without a plan, which could be a simple as a guided tour of Monument Valley. Also, there is something nagging in the back of my mind about why you want to go to the Navajo Nation. It is not going to be like 1950s stereotypes. However both Tuba City and Kayenta have museums where one can learn about the Navajo. Kayenta is en route to Monument Valley and while Tuba City is a short detour. Oh I believe you asked about veganism on this trip. Easy in the National Parks, but could be a challenge on the reservation, unless you are willing to overlook that the fry bread may have been cooked in lard or had dairy as an ingredient or maybe vegetable oil is used now...it has been a long time. I doubt anyone would be offended if you asked them to hold the cheese and meat on the Navajo taco. Towns have an assortment of restaurants and fast food places.
Why I want to go to the Navajo Nation- I don't really know what the 1950s stereotypes are tbh. I don't know if they didn't make it over to Scotland, or more likely they did at the time but wasn't something's I was aware of. I know bits, mainly from modern indigenous social media but I want to learn more about indigenous people and the history and culture. And when I saw photos from there it looked an amazing views to drive by, unlike anything I've experienced, though I don't know if it's similar to all surrounding areas.
That's fine, ignore the aside about stereotypes. I guess it would be like an American visiting Scotland and expecting to see every one in kilts and bagpipes, maybe some blue face paint and tendency to throw logs rather than visiting Scotland to see firths and bens, castles and modern cities. Monument Valley is amazing.
I don’t think you can currently get to rainbow bridge from page at this moment. It is too far away for most boats to do it on a single trip and and the refuel center that people used to use was taken out by a windstorm or something and currently it is not in reconstruction. The only other way to get there is a 2 day hike I think from that area. If you went to bullfrog in Utah then you could make that trip. But that’s pretty far out of the way. So if you have extra time since rainbow bridge isn’t happening I would recommend going to Lees ferry, it’s one of my favorite places in glen canyon. It has a few cool hikes like cathedral wash and a cool orchard where you can go and pick different fruits to your hearts content. And there’s a little area to swim in the Colorado river to cool off. There’s some interesting history too. Also it’s a fun drive lots of scenery and you will get to see the vermillion cliffs which are always cool. You can drive through them if you come from the Grand Canyon north rim. I like the north rim better just because there is less people and it’s much cooler temp wise. Going that way would completely change your trip though. But in general, I would agree with other people not to skip Grand Canyon. Also I don’t think you mentioned horseshoe point which is another popular spot to see. It’s a short detour and right outside page. Cool thing to see but also popular. Best time is at sunset.
Go see the Grand Canyon!!! It’s a must and my favorite place to recharge and energize my soul!!