Traveling is one of the best ways to explore the world and create unforgettable memories. If you’re planning a road trip, one of the most popular routes is the Grand Circle Road Trip.
This route will take you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in North America, including national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley. But how long does it take to do the Grand Circle Road Trip? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about planning your trip and estimating how much time you’ll need.
What is the Grand Circle Road Trip?
The Grand Circle Road Trip is a route that takes travelers through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in North America. It’s called the “Grand Circle” because it loops around a large area that includes several different national parks and other natural attractions in Utah and Arizona. The exact route can vary depending on your starting point and which sites you want to visit, but typically it includes Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and the Grand Canyon.
How Long Does It Take?
The length of time it takes to complete the Grand Circle Road Trip depends on several factors – how many sites you want to visit along the way, how long you spend at each site, and whether you plan on making any detours or side trips. That being said, a typical road trip for this route will last between 7-10 days.
Day 1-3: Zion & Bryce Canyon
Start your trip by flying into Las Vegas and renting a car. From there drive straight to Zion National Park which will take about three hours.
Spend at least two days exploring Zion before heading off to Bryce Canyon for another day or two.
- Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas, Drive to Zion National Park
- Day 2: Explore Zion National Park
- Day 3: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, Explore Bryce Canyon
Day 4-5: Capitol Reef & Arches National Parks
After exploring Bryce Canyon, drive to Capitol Reef National Park which will take around three hours. Spend at least a day exploring Capitol Reef before driving another two hours to Arches National Park.
- Day 4: Drive to Capitol Reef National Park, Explore Capitol Reef
- Day 5: Drive to Arches National Park, Explore Arches
Day 6-7: Canyonlands & Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
From Arches National Park, it’s a short drive to Canyonlands National Park. After exploring for a day, head south towards the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
It will take about four hours of driving but it is worth it.
- Day 6: Drive to Canyonlands National Park, Explore Canyonlands
- Day 7: Drive to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Explore Monument Valley
Day 8-10: Grand Canyon & Las Vegas
The final stop for this trip would be the Grand Canyon and then back to Las Vegas where you can catch your return flight home.
- Day 8: Drive to Grand Canyon National park (South Rim), explore the Grand Canyon
- Day 9: Drive to Grand Canyon National Park (West Rim) or back to Las Vegas
- Day 10: Explore Las Vegas before your flight home
Conclusion
The Grand Circle Road Trip is an incredible adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. While the length of time it takes to complete the trip can vary depending on your preferences and schedule, a typical road trip for this route will last between 7-10 days. By planning out your itinerary ahead of time and allocating enough time for each site, you’ll be able to make the most of your journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.