If you’re an adventure seeker and planning to explore the American Southwest, then the Grand Circle Road Trip is a must-do. This epic road trip takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, covering over 1,400 miles across Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
What is the Grand Circle?
The Grand Circle is a region in the Southwest United States that encompasses multiple national parks and monuments. It spans over 200,000 square miles and includes iconic destinations such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Grand Canyon National Park and many more.
The Route
The Grand Circle Road Trip covers a lot of ground and can take anywhere from one to three weeks to complete. The route can be customized depending on your interests and time available. Here’s an example itinerary:
Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Start your journey from Las Vegas and head towards Zion National Park. It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park. Spend two days exploring this beautiful park with its red cliffs, stunning canyons and scenic drives.
Day 3-4: Bryce Canyon National Park
From Zion National Park head towards Bryce Canyon National Park which is just a two-hour drive away. Spend two days exploring this unique landscape of hoodoos (tall skinny spires of rock) that are found nowhere else in the world.
Day 5-6: Capitol Reef National Park
Next up on your list should be Capitol Reef National Park which is situated in south-central Utah. It’s about a four-hour drive from Bryce Canyon National park. The park features colorful sandstone cliffs, canyons and domes which make it one of the most picturesque parks in the country.
Day 7-8: Arches National Park
From Capitol Reef National Park, head towards Arches National Park which is about a three-hour drive away. The park is famous for its iconic sandstone arches, natural bridges and rock formations.
Day 9-10: Canyonlands National Park
Continue your journey towards Canyonlands National Park which is located just outside of Moab. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Arches National Park. The park offers spectacular views of canyons, buttes and mesas that have been carved by the Colorado River over millions of years.
Day 11-12: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
From Canyonlands National Park, head towards Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park which is located on the border between Utah and Arizona. It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Canyonlands. The park features towering sandstone formations that are sacred to the Navajo people.
Day 13-14: Grand Canyon National Park
Finally, make your way towards Grand Canyon National Park which is located in Arizona. It’s about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the world and offers stunning views of the Colorado River below.
Tips for the Grand Circle Road Trip
- Plan your route ahead of time and book accommodations early as lodging can be limited within some parks.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks as many areas along the route are remote with limited services.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions as temperatures can fluctuate widely throughout the day and night.
- Take advantage of the scenic drives and hiking trails within each park to fully experience the beauty of the Southwest.
- Respect the natural environment and wildlife by following park rules and Leave No Trace principles.
In Conclusion
The Grand Circle Road Trip is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that offers breathtaking natural beauty, adventure, and an opportunity for self-discovery. With careful planning, this trip can be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the road and explore the wonders of the Southwest on this epic journey.