Southwest Parks Hiking Adventure

DAY 1

We begin in Phoenix after lunch, heading straight into the red rocks of Sedona for our first hike along Oak Creek before winding up through the stunning Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. After settling into the Little America Hotel, dinner in town awaits, and for the night owls among us, a visit to Lowell Observatory's Dark Skies Planetarium Show offers a breathtaking reminder that the wonders of the Southwest extend all the way to the stars.

Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles or 2.5 miles

DAY 2

After breakfast at the hotel, a gentle morning leg-stretcher on the Little America Walking Trail eases us into the day before we set out for the Grand Canyon. Arriving at the South Rim by midday, we'll grab lunch on our own in the village and have the option to join a geology talk at Yavapai Museum — a fascinating primer on just how this otherworldly landscape came to be. The afternoon is ours to explore the legendary Rim Trail at our own pace, with jaw-dropping views around every bend. We'll check into Maswik Lodge before walking over to the iconic El Tovar for a dinner reservation that feels like a fitting reward for the day's adventures.

Hiking Distance: up to 7.9 miles

DAY 3

An early breakfast at the Maswik Food Court fuels us for one last morning at the Grand Canyon, where we'll shuttle to the South Kaibab Trail for a final descent into that ancient landscape — or stick to the Rim Trail for one last look before hitting the road. We head northeast with a lunch stop at the Cameron Outpost, a charming trading post en route to one of the Southwest's most photographed landmarks: Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River curves dramatically far below. After checking into our hotel in Page, the afternoon is free to wander over to Grand Canyon Brewing & Distillery for drinks and games before gathering for a Native American dinner show at the Red Heritage Center — a memorable and fitting way to close out our time in canyon country.

Morning Hiking Distances: 1.8 or 3 miles, maximum 1,181 ft elevation gain
Evening Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles, 137 ft elevation gain

DAY 4

We start the day with an early breakfast before a gentle two-mile stroll along the Page Rimview Trail — a flat, scenic warm-up with sweeping views to shake off the morning. Then it's on to one of the Southwest's most extraordinary natural wonders: Antelope Canyon, where narrow sandstone walls glow with swirling bands of color in the morning light. A lunch stop in the charming town of Kanab breaks up the drive before we continue on to Bryce Canyon National Park, arriving in time for a hike through the Swamp Canyon Trail and a first glimpse of the park's signature hoodoos from Yovimpa Point. Dinner at Bryce Canyon Pines sets the evening off perfectly — and we'll time our return just right to catch the sunset at Sunset Point, where the fading light turns the canyon into something truly unforgettable.

Morning Hiking Distance: 2 miles
Afternoon Bryce Hiking Distances: 2.4 or 4.4 miles, maximum 859 ft elevation gain

DAY 5

An early breakfast sets us up for the highlight of our Bryce Canyon stay -  a sunrise hike on the Queen's Garden and Navajo Loop Trail, where the morning light ignites the hoodoos in shades of amber and rose. It's a magical send-off before we check out and wind our way west toward Zion National Park. A short stop at Many Pools offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path hike before we roll into Springdale for lunch. The afternoon unfolds at a leisurely pace with a walk along the Pa'rus Trail to the Human History Museum, where the story of Zion's people and landscape comes to life. The evening is yours to explore Springdale's welcoming streets and find your own favorite spot for dinner in this charming gateway town.

Morning Hiking Distance: 3 miles, 625 ft elevation gain
Afternoon Zion Hiking Distances: 2.6 or 5.2 miles

DAY 6

Our biggest day in Zion starts with breakfast at Porter's before catching the Springdale bus to connect with the Zion shuttle for a full day on the trails. With a packed trail lunch in hand, the day is wide open! Wade deep into the Virgin River Narrows for one of the most unique hiking experiences in the American West, or explore the Riverside Walk and cool off at the Emerald Pools. The park delivers around every corner, and with a whole day to roam, there's no need to rush. Back in Springdale, we'll regroup with an optional happy hour at Cowboys & Angels before heading across the street to Oscar's Cafe for a well-earned dinner to celebrate our last full day in the parks.

Hiking Distances: up to 7 miles round trip, maximum 205 ft elevation gain OR 2 miles round trip + 2.9 miles round trip

DAY 7

We close out our Southwest adventure the way it should end — on the trail. After a final breakfast at Porter's, we catch the Springdale bus for one last morning in Zion, hiking the Watchman Trail as the canyon wakes up around us. It's a fitting farewell to a week spent among some of America's most breathtaking landscapes. By midday, we check out and head west to Las Vegas, arriving at the airport by early afternoon — tired in the best possible way, and full of memories that will last long after the red rock dust has settled.

Hiking Distance: 2.8 miles round trip, maximum 479 ft elevation gain