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Adventure Collective Journal

4-Day Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Road Trip from Los Angeles

4-Day Zion, Bryce, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Road Trip from Los Angeles

Four days of high desert and sandstone: drive from Los Angeles through Las Vegas to Zion and Bryce, then into Page for Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. This compact road trip stitches dramatic geology, Navajo-guided slot-canyon walks, and rim-top viewpoints into an accessible adventure.

Las Vegas, NV
4 days
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Book Antelope Canyon in advance

Lower Antelope and alternatives like Antelope X sell out; reserve a timed Navajo-guided tour ahead of arrival.

Hydrate for elevation swings

Carry 2–3 liters per day — desert heat plus Bryce’s higher elevation can dehydrate faster than you expect.

Footwear for slickrock and sand

Choose sturdy trail shoes with good traction for uneven sandstone and sandy approaches at viewpoints.

Plan driving windows

Allow extra time for stops, park entry, and shuttle queues — traffic or weather can stretch long driving legs.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Canyon Overlook Trail (Zion) for short views without the crowds
  • Glen Canyon Dam overlook at Page for a different perspective of Lake Powell and the river

Wildlife

  • Mule deer
  • Desert bighorn sheep

Conservation Note

High desert soils and sandstone are fragile; stick to trails, pack out waste, and follow Navajo Nation rules for slot-canyon access to minimize impact.

This corridor sits on ancestral lands of Navajo and Pueblo peoples; many slot-canyon tours are led by Navajo guides and include cultural context.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour (sunrise/sunset), Mid-morning (Antelope Canyon light beams), Blue hour/night for Milky Way over Bryce (clear nights)
Key viewpoints:
  • Bryce Amphitheater rim at Sunrise Point
  • Canyon Overlook or the Zion Canyon floor near Court of the Patriarchs
  • Horseshoe Bend rim for the river meander
Subjects to capture:Hoodoos and amphitheater panoramas, Slot-canyon textures and light shafts, River meanders and desert skylines

What to Bring

Hydration pack or 1–2L water bottlesEssential

Keeps you hydrated on long walks and during hot, exposed segments.

Sturdy trail shoesEssential

Provides traction on slickrock, sandy trails and uneven slot-canyon floors.

Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses)Essential

Desert sun is intense; protection prevents sunburn and heat fatigue.

Insulating layer or wind shell

Nights and high-elevation stops like Bryce can be chilly even after hot days.

Common Questions

Is Antelope Canyon admission included?

Some ticket packages include Antelope Canyon; check your booking details — many operators list it as optional and require separate Navajo-guided tour reservations.

Do I need a national park pass?

Yes — Zion and Bryce require entrance fees; a National Park Pass is valid and can save time if you visit multiple parks.

Are hikes strenuous?

Most stops are short walks and viewpoints; optional hikes (Angels Landing, long Zion canyons) require higher fitness and separate planning.

What is the best time to visit for photography?

Sunrise/sunset at Bryce and Zion offer best colors; Antelope Canyon’s light beams peak mid-morning in summer.

Can children join this tour?

Yes — children can join but may need booster seats per state law; infants must sit on laps per operator rules.

What about food and water on the bus?

Bring snacks and refillable water; stops include basic meal options but bring supplies for dietary needs between towns.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

4 days

Location

Las Vegas, NV

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Moderate — able to walk 1–3 miles at a time, manage stairs and uneven terrain, and sit through long coach transfers.

Free cancellation available

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