Las Vegas: 3-Day Antelope Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Arches & More

Discover the American Southwest on a 3-Day Tour from Las Vegas

This 3-day adventure takes you through some of the most celebrated landscapes in Arizona and Utah, including Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Arches National Park. Starting from Las Vegas, it promises a mix of guided transportation, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to tick off multiple bucket-list sights in just three days. The price hovers around $290 per person, often including accommodations and some meals, but beware of added costs like the Lower Antelope Canyon admission fee, which is about $95.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the seamless transportation—no need to worry about driving or navigation—and the chance to see iconic landmarks like Horseshoe Bend and the towering sandstone formations. The inclusion of optional aerial views through helicopter or small plane rides is a nice touch, giving you a fresh perspective on these vast landscapes.

However, it’s worth noting that reviews point out some logistical hiccups. For instance, one traveler mentioned the guide’s lack of explanations and a booking mix-up causing a long wait at a fast-food restaurant. Such issues could impact your experience, especially if you value detailed commentary or smooth scheduling. This tour suits those who are flexible and primarily eager to see the sights rather than focus on guided storytelling.

If you’re someone who loves stunning natural vistas and doesn’t mind a busy itinerary, this tour offers a compact way to pack in some of the most famous parks in the Southwest. It’s best for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing with a bit of adventure, but perhaps not so much if you’re looking for in-depth park guides or a more relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Convenient transportation from Las Vegas simplifies logistics.
Stunning landscapes like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are the highlights.
Limited time at each site means a fast-paced schedule.
Optional aerial views add a unique perspective but come at extra cost.
Mixed reviews on guide explanations indicate variable quality of commentary.
Cost can include unexpected fees, like the reservation fee at Antelope Canyon.

A Deep Dive into the 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure & Antelope Canyon

Your journey begins early from Las Vegas, with transportation arranged by the tour provider. As you leave the neon-lit city behind, the landscape transforms into the rugged, open stretches of the Southwest. The first major stop is Lower Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon famous for its twisting, wave-like sandstone formations and the play of light filtering through narrow openings.

Here, you’ll need to pay the $95 entrance fee—a cost not included in the tour price—and be aware that the company asks for an additional $100 reservation fee. This fee has irked some travelers, as it may feel like a surprise expense after you’ve booked. The canyon’s photogenic beauty makes it worth the visit, especially if you enjoy photography or stunning natural sculptures.

Day 2: Bryce Canyon & Zion

The next morning, the tour heads towards Bryce Canyon, where the iconic hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock—rise dramatically from the canyon floor. We loved the way the guide pointed out the unique formations and explained their geological origins, though some reviews say explanations can be inconsistent.

Following Bryce, the journey continues to Zion National Park. Here, towering cliffs and narrow pathways like The Narrows are the stars. You might enjoy the views from the shuttle or hike a short trail if time permits. The guide’s commentary varies, and one reviewer noted that some explanations were lacking, which can be a disappointment if you’re eager to learn about the area’s geology and history.

Day 3: Arches & Scenic Overlooks

The final day is dedicated to Arches National Park, where you’ll see over 2,000 sandstone arch formations. Expect incredible vistas at sites like Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Throughout the trip, optional aerial views are offered—such as helicopter rides over Horseshoe Bend—at extra cost. These provide a fresh perspective but require added planning and expense. For those who take the optional plane or helicopter rides, the views of the Colorado River’s incised meanders are truly spectacular.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included in the tour are round-trip transportation from Las Vegas, a tour guide, and two nights’ accommodation—some with breakfast. The tour also covers insurance for the vehicles, which is reassuring.

Not included are the Native American environmental protection fee (if applicable) and the Lower Antelope Canyon admission ($95). These additional costs can add up but are necessary to access some of the most popular sites.

Luggage restrictions are worth noting; due to vehicle size limits, each guest is advised to carry no more than two pieces of luggage. This is especially practical if you’re traveling light but may be inconvenient for those with more gear.

Real Traveler Experiences

Feedback from past travelers offers a realistic picture. One mentioned that the guide didn’t explain much about the destinations, and they had to wait an hour at a fast-food restaurant due to a booking mistake—definitely frustrating if smooth communication is your priority. Conversely, another traveler enjoyed the trip and found it to be a nice experience, showing that experiences can vary widely based on the guide and individual expectations.

Many loved the stunning views of places like Horseshoe Bend and the canyon formations, confirming that these sights live up to their reputation. However, the variable quality of guide explanations and some logistical hiccups highlight the importance of flexible expectations.

More Great Tours Nearby

Why This Tour Might Suit You

This tour is best suited for travellers eager to see multiple iconic sites without the hassle of planning individual trips. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and don’t mind some variability in guide commentary. The opportunity to see Antelope Canyon, Bryce, Zion, and Arches in just three days makes it appealing for those who want a quick, scenic overview of the Southwest’s most famous landscapes.

However, if you prefer more in-depth guide narration or a more relaxed pace, you might find this trip a little rushed and somewhat lacking in detailed explanations. Also, if you dislike surprise fees, the additional costs for reservation and entrance fees could dampen the experience.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day tour from Las Vegas offers a cost-effective way to visit some of the Southwest’s most celebrated parks, with the convenience of transportation and accommodation taken care of. The stunning scenery at Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches is undeniable, making it a memorable trip for outdoor lovers and first-timers alike.

While the logistical issues and variable guide commentary might detract from the experience for some, the sheer beauty of the landscapes compensates for many shortcomings. The optional aerial views are a bonus, offering a new perspective that can elevate your appreciation of these spectacular formations.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see and photograph key sights quickly, and who are flexible enough to overlook some organizational hiccups. If you’re looking for a packed itinerary with iconic views and are willing to accept some logistical imperfections, this trip will give you a solid taste of the Southwest’s natural wonders.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Las Vegas, a tour guide, and two nights’ accommodation, with some hotels providing breakfast.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes. You’ll need to pay a Native American environmental protection fee and the $95 admission for Lower Antelope Canyon. The company also charges about $100 reservation fee for Antelope Canyon bookings.

How much time is spent at each site?
The schedule is quite packed, so you’ll spend limited time at each park. Expect a quick but scenic visit, with guided commentary that may vary in depth.

Can I bring luggage?
It’s recommended that each guest carries no more than 2 pieces of luggage due to vehicle size limitations.

Is the guide’s commentary detailed?
Reviews suggest that explanations can be inconsistent. Some travelers felt the guide didn’t explain much, which might be a drawback if you’re eager to learn.

Are aerial views available?
Yes, optional helicopter or small plane rides are available at extra cost, offering a new perspective on sights like Horseshoe Bend.

What should I bring?
Dress in comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor sightseeing and variable weather. Bring a camera, sunglasses, and sun protection.

What is the tour’s overall rating?
Based on four reviews, the tour scores around 2.8 out of 5, with many appreciating the scenery but noting logistical issues.

Who should avoid this tour?
Those seeking in-depth guided tours or a leisurely pace might find this trip too rushed or uninformative. Also, if hidden costs are a concern, be prepared for extra fees.

The Sum Up

This 3-day tour from Las Vegas packs a lot of iconic sights into a short period, making it an efficient choice for those eager to cover a broad swath of the Southwest’s landscapes. The stunning vistas of Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce, Zion, and Arches are the highlights and are well worth the journey.

The experience’s appeal lies in its convenience and stunning scenery, especially for travelers who prefer a guided setup and don’t mind some logistical hiccups. The optional aerial rides add a special touch if you’re open to extra expense, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling canyons and river meanders.

However, the tour’s variable guide quality and the potential for unexpected fees mean it’s best suited for flexible, adventurous travelers who prioritize seeing the sights over detailed narration or smooth logistics. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and the possibility of some organizational flaws, this trip offers a memorable introduction to some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes.

In summary, for the right traveler—those eager to check off multiple must-see parks in a short time—this tour delivers visual impact, if not perfect polish. It’s a worthwhile option if you’re after stunning views and a snapshot of the American Southwest’s grandeur.

You can check availability for your dates here: