Zion, Bryce, Antelope, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas 6-Day Tour from SF

Discover the Southwest in 6 Days: Zion, Bryce, Antelope, Grand Canyon & Las Vegas

This 6-day adventure from San Francisco to the mesmerizing landscapes of the American Southwest offers an incredibly comprehensive experience. For $1,139 per person, you’ll visit five iconic national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, and the Grand Canyon—plus unforgettable sights like Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Las Vegas. The trip combines natural beauty with a touch of glamour, as you’ll spend two nights at the lively Casino Avenue Hotel.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances stunning scenery with practicality. It’s designed to maximize your time in some of the most spectacular parks, with well-organized visits, knowledgeable guides, and a good mix of free time and guided excursions. The second standout feature is the variety of iconic sights covered—this isn’t just a “drive-by” but an immersive experience with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

One potential drawback is the very tight schedule—you cover a lot of ground in just six days. If you’re someone who prefers a leisurely pace or more time in each park, this might feel a bit rushed. But if you’re eager to see as much as possible and don’t mind a busy itinerary, this tour is a solid choice. Keep in mind, it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with long days, early mornings, and lots of walking.

This tour is ideal for first-timers or adventure seekers who want a curated experience of the Southwest’s highlights, with the reassurance of expert guidance and accommodation logistics handled for you.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.
• Balanced Experience: Mix of guided tours and free time, with options like helicopter rides.
• Accommodation: Two nights at a lively hotel in Las Vegas, with comfortable rooms accommodating 2-4 guests.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides who provide plenty of explanations and ensure smooth logistics.
• Value for Money: All park entrance fees included, plus key attractions like Monument Valley Jeep tours.
• Packed Schedule: Long days with multiple park visits—great for active travelers but may feel rushed for some.

A Deep Dive into Your Southwest Adventure

This 6-day tour is a well-oiled machine, designed to give you a broad taste of the American Southwest’s most celebrated landscapes. From the moment you depart San Francisco early in the morning to your return, you’ll get a whirlwind tour that’s as diverse as it is scenic.

Day 1: The Glitter of Las Vegas

Your adventure kicks off with a morning departure from San Francisco, heading eastward toward Las Vegas. The drive takes about 10 hours, giving you plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the scenery along the way. Once in Vegas, the optional night tour is a highlight—seeing the neon-lit city with stops at the Bellagio Fountains, Mirage volcano, and other iconic spots.

Reviews highlight how well-organized the Vegas night tour is, with travelers like Ivona praising the “wonderfully organized” evening and the efficiency of the guide. If you’re into bright lights and big city vibes after days of nature, this is a perfect start. Keep in mind, the tour doesn’t include admission tickets for the night tour, so budget accordingly if you wish to join.

Day 2: Zion and Bryce Canyon

Early morning, the real adventure begins with a visit to Zion National Park. Our guide takes us to Checkerboard Mesa and other scenic spots, with approximately 45 minutes to soak in the towering sandstone cliffs. Zion’s dramatic formations—cream, pink, and red—are a photographer’s dream, and the brief stop makes you wish for more time.

From Zion, the itinerary moves to Bryce Canyon, where you’ll spend about an hour exploring its famous hoodoo formations. The reviews emphasize how well the timing is managed—“we got bonus sites because we were on time,” says Ivona. Staying overnight in Bryce gives you a chance to see the park in the early morning or late evening light, a real treat for landscape lovers.

Day 3: Canyonlands and Arches

The third day is all about Utah’s striking rock formations. Starting with Canyonlands, you’ll appreciate the colorful canyons and mesas carved over millennia. The 1-hour stop allows for quick but impactful views. Then, heading to Arches National Park, you’ll see more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches. The scenic drive and short explorations are well-paced, though it’s a busy day, so be ready for a lot of walking and photo stops.

Reviewers mention that the trip is “well organized” and that the guide provides valuable explanations. This day is especially appealing for those who love geological formations and want to see the world’s greatest concentration of arches.

Day 4: Monument Valley and Horseshoe Bend

Day 4 takes us into the heart of the Navajo Nation with Monument Valley. The vast sandstone buttes are a photographer’s paradise, and the optional Jeep tour offers a close-up of this iconic landscape. Many find Monument Valley the most visually striking part of the trip as it epitomizes the American West.

Next, we visit Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River loops into a perfect horseshoe shape. The shortest stop, but one of the most photographed. The review from Nabojit highlights how much he enjoyed the trip, especially as a solo traveler—”I really liked the tour. Guide was good. I enjoyed it a lot.”

There’s an optional Lower Antelope Canyon visit, which is a real crowd-pleaser, although it’s an extra cost. During certain periods, the itinerary swaps in Antelope Canyon X if the usual canyon is closed.

Day 5: The Grand Canyon

Arguably the most famous sight, the Grand Canyon is a fitting capstone. The tour includes a 2.5-hour visit to the East and South Rims, where the vistas are breathtaking and truly humbling. For an extra thrill, you can opt for a helicopter tour—a hefty additional expense but a once-in-a-lifetime view from above.

Reviewers like Arnt_H praise how the guide makes the experience memorable, noting the well-planned stops and detailed explanations. The scenery here is the reason many travelers make this trip—vast, layered, and endlessly fascinating.

Day 6: Return and Final Stops

On the final day, you’ll return to Las Vegas and then head south towards Los Angeles, stopping at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign, the M&M’s Store, and the Coca-Cola Store—a bit of fun for those who want a little city flair before leaving the Southwest.

Optional activities like FlyOver Las Vegas or visiting the Seven Magic Mountains add an extra layer of fun, especially if you’re into quirky roadside art or immersive rides.

Why This Tour Works for You

This tour is a bang-for-your-buck way to see a large swath of the Southwest’s most famous sites. The expert guides do a good job of providing explanations, making each stop more meaningful. The hotels are comfortable, and the logistics are thoughtfully managed, freeing you from planning every detail.

You’ll love the variety of landscapes—from Zion’s soaring cliffs to the shimmering sands of Bryce, the surreal formations of Monument Valley, and the vastness of the Grand Canyon. The optional helicopter and jeep tours can be thrilling add-ons if you’re craving an adrenaline rush.

However, be prepared for long travel days, especially the drive from San Francisco to Vegas and the packed sightseeing schedule. If you prefer slow mornings or more time to explore each park, this might feel a little rushed. Nonetheless, for those eager to cram in the highlights without the hassle of planning, this trip offers outstanding value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits active travelers who don’t mind a busy itinerary, first-time visitors eager for an overview, or anyone who wants to tick off all the major Southwest landmarks with the assurance of guided support. It’s also perfect for solo travelers or small groups who appreciate meeting others while exploring these breathtaking landscapes.

FAQ

Is transportation provided throughout the tour?
Yes, transportation is included. The type of vehicle varies based on the group size, and all park visits, entrance fees, and some activities are covered.

How many nights do I stay in Las Vegas?
You stay two nights at the Casino Avenue Hotel, giving you some time to enjoy the city or relax after the busy days exploring parks.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included, but breakfast is offered optionally, and there are plenty of options in the hotels and nearby eateries.

Can I join this tour if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking and uneven terrain are involved at the parks. It’s best to check specific activity details if mobility is a concern.

Are the optional helicopter or Jeep tours expensive?
Yes, these are extra. The helicopter ride at the Grand Canyon is approximately $259, and the Jeep tour at Monument Valley is $65 per person.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash for extras, and drinks for hydration are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 2 years old are welcome, but pregnant women should be cautious if they are over 24 weeks pregnant.

Will I have free time?
Most of the day is scheduled for sightseeing, but there are moments of free time, especially in Las Vegas and during certain park stops.

What happens if a scenic spot is closed?
The tour operator will provide an alternative, such as Antelope Canyon X if the usual canyon is unavailable during your visit.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Southwest tour offers a carefully balanced itinerary that hits the major landmarks and includes some optional extras for those craving a little more adventure. With expertly managed logistics, comfortable accommodations, and a friendly guide, it’s an excellent choice for travelers eager to maximize their time in these incredible landscapes without the stress of planning every detail.

While the schedule is demanding, the views and experiences you’ll gather—whether standing atop the Grand Canyon, wandering Bryce’s hoodoos, or marveling at Monument Valley’s iconic formations—are well worth it. It’s particularly suited for energetic, nature-loving first-timers or anyone eager for a comprehensive southwestern adventure.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free, well-organized trip that covers all the highlights and leaves you with lasting memories, this tour delivers on all fronts—just be ready for some long days and a busy schedule.

Start packing your camera and sense of adventure—this is one trip where the scenery truly speaks for itself.