Zion, Bryce and Page: Red Rock Road Trip from Las Vegas
A five-day desert loop out of Las Vegas: hiking The Narrows and biking the canyon in Zion, Bryce's hoodoos, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell near Page, and a waterfall in the desert.
In June 2020, when the world felt very closed, the national parks of the Southwest were wide open. We flew into Las Vegas and did a five-day red rock loop through Zion, Bryce and Page.
- Who came
- Just Colin and me
- Route
- Las Vegas → Zion → Bryce Canyon → Page and Lake Powell → Las Vegas
- How long
- 5 days
- Best for
- A first taste of the Southwest national parks
Zion
Zion was our favorite. We waded up The Narrows, where the canyon walls close in and the river is the trail, and biked the scenic drive under the red cliffs. Biking is the best way to see the canyon.
Page, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell
Then we crossed into Arizona to Page. Horseshoe Bend is as dramatic as the pictures, a huge curve of the Colorado River 1,000 feet below the rim. We spent time on Lake Powell and found a waterfall in the middle of the desert.
Tips for this loop
- Rent water shoes and a walking stick for The Narrows. Outfitters in Springdale have both.
- Check the shuttle and permit rules for Zion before you go.
- Go to Horseshoe Bend at sunrise or sunset to avoid the midday heat.
- Carry more water than you think. June in the desert is hot.
We came back to this part of the world in the van with Jack. Read Moab, the Tetons and Yellowstone by van.
