Southwest Road Trip: Zion, the Grand Canyon & Santa Monica Sunsets

5.0Based on

Explorer Self Guided

Carbon neutral

7 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

13 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 35 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Las Vegas, USA

Ends

Los Angeles, USA

Highlights

Hike and camp your way through four iconic U.S. National Parks.

Marvel at the towering cliffs of Zion National Park.

Hike along the zig zagging paths in Bryce Canyon.

Embrace the views along the southern rim of the Grand Canyon.

Drive along Route 66.

Share laughs and stories under the California stars.

Hear the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash as you walk along the Santa Monica Pier

Share laughs and stories under the California stars.

Hear the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash as you walk along the Santa Monica Pier

Itinerary

Ready to hit the open road and explore the American Southwest’s legendary landscapes? The 'Southwest Road Trip: Zion, the Grand Canyon & Santa Monica Sunsets' is a moderate-activity, 7-day explorer tour perfect for anyone drawn to dramatic nature and laid-back adventure. Starting in Las Vegas and ending in Los Angeles, this trip packs in four iconic national parks—Zion, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, and more—while offering plenty of time to hike famous trails, swap stories around the campfire, and catch sunsets on the Santa Monica Pier.

With a focus on hiking, scenic drives, and shared experiences, this small group tour package is designed for travelers who crave camaraderie and epic views. The unique selling point is its blend of natural wonders and classic American road trip culture, making it the perfect getaway for those looking to experience the best of the Southwest in just one week.

day 1 - Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park

Meet your group at 8:00 AM for a quick Welcome Meeting, then hop in the van for about 3 hours and head to Bryce Canyon National Park. Around 1:00 pm (we lose 1 hour at the Utah border-but don't worry, we'll get it back soon), stop in Cedar City where you'll have time to grab lunch on your own. Arrive to Bryce Canyon in the early afternoon and spend a few hours hiking, exploring and gazing at the crazy rock formations known as hoodoos. Hike the Navajo Loop & Queens Garden trail to get more up close with these cool geological features. Pitch your tent and make dinner at camp with your fellow Roamies.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Ruby's Inn RV Park & Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 5.0 hr - 6.0 hr Distance : 400 km

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Bryce Canyon National Park Visit, Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Hike Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 5 km

day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park

Wake up with the birds chirping and make breakfast at camp. Pack a lunch for the Day then drive to Zion National Park. Once there it's time to explore! You'll board the national park shuttle to take you into the park and explore your heart out. There are a couple different trail options, the main ones being The Emerald Pools, The Narrows, Scouts Lookout and Watchman Trail. Grab your hiking books, your new best buddy and get out there! Enjoy your packed lunch whenever you choose! Later, travel back to East Zion for a chill evening with your fellow Roamies at the camp site. Once it gets dark, get ready to sit around the campfire, roast some marshmallows and stare up at the stars. First one to see a shooting star wins an extra s'more!

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Zion Ponderosa Ranch (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr Distance : 33 km

Included Activity:Zion National Park Visit

Optional Activities:Watchman Trail Hike , The Narrows Hike , Scout Lookout Trail

day 3 - Zion National Park/Grand Canyon National Park

If you stayed up late with your new friends, you can sleep in the van. Today we wake up early to drive to Grand Canyon National Park, with a couple awesome pit stops along the way. The first stop is at Horseshoe Bend. This geological masterpiece was sculpted by the Colorado River. Go on and walk to the overlook, hike along the rim and stare down into the flowing river far below. Snap some photos with your friends and just enjoy the moment. Continue onwards to our next national park of the trip. En route, stop for lunch at a Navajo-inspired restaurant and trading post. Arrive at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon—one of the world's Natural Wonders— and set up camp for the next two nights just in time for a spectacular sunset.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Mather Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 170 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 220 km

Included Activity:Horseshoe Bend Hike Duration : 1.0 hr Distance : 1 km

day 4 - Grand Canyon National Park

After having breakfast and packing a lunch, get those water bottles ready because today is dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Starting from the South Rim, there are so many hikes to choose from that will take you deeper into the canyon where you can really appreciate the size and depth of this national park. Choose whichever trail you wish or do short bursts of multiple hikes, just make sure you bring plenty of water and take your time. You got this! Sit down for a picnic lunch in the park then maybe choose to rent a bike, or if you're feeling really adventurous, opt to take a legendary helicopter ride over the canyon. The choice is yours! After a full Day in the park, sit down for an unforgettable pizza dinner along the rim of the Grand Canyon as the setting sun lights the sky.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Mather Campground (or similar)

Included Activities:Grand Canyon South Rim Visit, Grand Canyon Hike Duration : 1.0 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 1 km, Grand Canyon Sunset Pizza

Optional Activities:Bright Angel Trail Hike The hike to Indian Garden is 7km (4.5 mi) one-way and Plateau Point is an additional 2.5km (1.5 mi) one-way. Despite the power of positive thinking, it's practically impossible to hike to the river, so just don't give it a try, okay? This is a difficult hike due to elevation, sun, and heat. Use caution, hikes beyond Indian Garden are not recommended in the summer. Remember: it is always possible to turn back. , Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

day 5 - Grand Canyon National Park/Joshua Tree National Park

Road trip! Get your kicks, because its time to drive along one of the most famous roads in history: Route 66. After you eat breakfast and break down camp, we head out and cruise south west toward Joshua Tree National Park. We'll stop in Seligman along Route 66 and then continue to Kingman, where you will have free time to grab lunch on your own. Throughout the drive, we will take short stops to admire the Mojave Desert, and the funky dessert trees that gave Joshua Tree it's name. Arrive to the camp site in the early evening and after setting up, you will have the night free to explore Pioneer Town. Watch the sky light up in flames during an incredible desert sunset and maybe throw down a blanket to watch for shooting stars tonight in one of California's clearest skies.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Joshua Tree Lake Rv & Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activities:Route 66 Drive Duration : 3.0 hr, Joshua Tree National Park Visit

day 6 - Joshua Tree National Park/Santa Monica

After another night under the stars, pack away your camping gear, have some breakfast at camp, and drive to one of the LA's most famous beaches for a Day of fun. You'll have the entire afternoon free to explore Santa Monica and do whatever you please with your fellow Roamies. Opt to lounge on the beach, have some of the worlds best ice cream, take a ride on the pier, or just people watch with a spicy margarita at an open air bar. Whatever you choose, make it count! Tonight we'll stay at an awesome, hip hostel in Santa Monica.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Joshua Tree Lake Rv & Campground (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr Distance : 258 km

Included Activity:Santa Monica Visit

Optional Activities:Santa Monica Pier Visit Check out the pier, boardwalk, and some of the city's best shopping at 3rd St Promenade in this beachfront city. , Rollerblades and Bike Rentals

day 7 - Santa Monica/Los Angeles

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Included Activity:Departure Day

Southwest Road Trip: Zion, the Grand Canyon & Santa Monica Sunsets

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What's Included

Accommodation

Camping (5 nts) & hostel (1 nt).

Meals

5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD170-225 for meals not included.

Transport

Air-conditioned private vehicle, hiking, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupBryce Canyon National Park VisitZion National Park VisitHorseshoe Bend HikeGrand Canyon South Rim VisitVisit Route 66Joshua Tree National Park VisitFree time in Santa Monica

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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5.0

based on 8 reviews

Tour Availability

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4 days ago

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park

day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park to Zion National Park