NEVADA/UTAH/ARIZONA 5-DAY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Honestly, where do I begin with this trip…
To say it was the best, most blissful, peaceful, serene week of my life thus far, would be a good place to start. Before I get into it, I just have to say how incredible blessed I feel. I know life isn’t always this sweet, I know it ebbs and flows but when things get tough, I’ll pray for the peace I found in these moments. It’s weeks like the one I had that make life worth it.
I had decided pretty early on into the week that it was the best week of my life, maybe by day 2 or so…then I was proposed to.
I had this idea to do a trip for my 24th birthday, because I’ve been dying to see big, beautiful, vast mountains. Last year, Tyler and I went to the Bahamas, which was lovely, but like most of my travels in the past few years, it was a tropical vacation. I felt a void in my travels. I wanted to feel small. I wanted to be humbled. I wanted vast space of land to fill my eyes instead of highways and high rises. I wanted to forget about where I put my phone and ignore everyone for a week. And that I did. (no offense everyone)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADa
We rented a Jeep Wrangler with FOX Rentals, which was the most affordable option considering they don’t have a young driver fee. I had checked their reviews online after Tyler booked with them and was honestly extremely nervous when I saw how many bad reviews they had. We debated booking with another company but realized our purchase was non-refundable so after thinking about it for a few days, we decided to cross our fingers and hope for the best. We ended up having a great experience (thank god) and we also totally scored with the Jeep! Four-wheel drive is the way to go out there and we took the roof off everyday which was so so lovely.
Now for where we stayed- I say this every-time, but if you are still using hotels to travel, you are seriously missing out! We rented a clean & comfy room in Vegas for one night and crashed there for only $46, tax included. I’m sorry but you can’t beat that.
SPRINGDALE, utah
After the UTV tour, we grabbed a yummy lunch at River Rock Roasting Company (the Beet Salad was bomb.com) and then made our way to Under Canvas Zion. I knew I wanted to spend at least one night camping/glamping so I dug deep into researching all glamping hotels in the tristate area (there are a few different ones). I had my eyes set on Under Canvas because it looked like my type of camping. King size bed, hot showers, and a restaurant on site…shit, call me a happy camper.
We spent the day going to a a few different stops and hiking some easy trails. It was BEYOND beautiful and I was really excited that we got to catch the leaves starting to change color. Although the trails we took were pretty easy, you definitely want to go into the park prepared. Water, sunglasses, chapstick (necessity- my lips were not used to the dry cold), hats, jacket to throw on in the shade, and comfy sneakers are a must.
PAGE, ARIZONA
I should have known what was ahead of me when we got dinner that night and Tyler only got wings and salad for us to share. He usually has quite the appetite…
ANTELOPE CANYON
As we were snapping pics through-out the tour, we approached a photo op spot called “The Arch”. Our guide slipped in front of us to set up for the shot and I turned around to pose with Tyler and next thing I knew, he was on one knee.
Immediate sobs and I cried “yes”.
Everyone’s question is “did you know?!”. I’ll be honest, yes and no. It was definitely not a complete shock, as we talked about it all the time. We had talked about rings here and there so it’s not like I had NO idea. He was so nervous he was shaking like a leaf. I’ll never forget that moment and how surreal it felt. I’m so excited to marry my best friend.
HORSESHOE BEND
The view is absolutely breathtaking and honestly a lot to take in at first. The space is so vast that it’s hard for your brain to make sense of it. I actually turned my back to it to get my bearings before looking at it again. It leaves you speechless.
We walked and climbed all around the Horseshoe Bend area. Surprisingly, it’s completely open for visitors to explore on their own time and at their own risk. We walked all along the side of the canyon and found some good photo spots. We walked far enough from the crowd to find silence and just take it all in. I got to take bad-ass photos of the ring with the Horseshoe Bend as an epic backdrop which I was pretty giddy about. We headed back to the Air BnB and celebrated with wine (for Ty) and some time spent by the fire pit and in the hot tub. God is good!
LAKE POWELL
The canyons were so so beautiful and getting such a close look at them was an amazing experience. I played some music and really enjoyed the stillness of the lake and surrounding rock structures. Paddling gets a little tedious but I think that’s the point. I found a good flow and rhythm with my stokes and stayed present through the trail. I felt the power of my paddle pushing me through the lake and the resistance of the water with each stroke. I watched the water glisten and dance under stunning red rock structures and gazed through the clear lake water at the fishes and the world that was happening under me. It was so tranquil and the perfect ending to the trip.
GRAND CANYON
After a few days of being home and getting back to the chaos of life, I found myself stepping outside, looking at the sky, taking a deep breath, and visualizing myself back in those special moments that grounded me. I’m so thankful for the life I live, the opportunities I have, the love in my life, and my faith in the universe.
I hope you enjoyed getting an “inside my head” take on this trip beyond just the IG photos. If you have the opportunity to take this trip I would 110% recommend it. Go off grid, get off your phone and be present! If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to DM me.
I attached my actual itinerary that will be easier to follow. Pick and choose as you please.
NEVADA/UTAH/ARIZONA 5-DAY ITINERARY
Night one:
-Land in Las Vegas
-Shuttle to Fox Rent a Car
- Check oil, tires, etc.
-Arrive at Air BnB
-Casino
-Dispensary
Day one:
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am: Drive to Zion (2hr 16min/146mi) (account for 3 hours due to time difference)
- Southern Utah Adventure Center
11:30am: Arrive at Southern Utah Adventure Center
12:00pm: Sand Mesa UTV Tour
3:00pm: Drive to Under Canvas Zion (28 min/16 mi)
3:30pm: Check into Safari Tent
6:00pm: Sunset
7:00pm: Dinner
9:00pm: S’mores
Day two:
-Check out of Under Canvas
-Breakfast
-Zion National Park
-Drive to Page (2hr 40min/152 mi)
-Check into Air Bnb
Day three:
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am: Leave for tour (Kens Tours in GPS)
9:30am: Kens Tours Antelope Canyon check in
- 10:00am-11:00am: Lower Antelope Canyon Deluxe Guided Tour
12:00pm- lunch
1:30pm/2:00pm: Horseshoe bend
7:00pm: Dinner
hot tub/fire pit
Day four:
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am: Lake Powell Paddleboards
4:50pm: Return Paddle Boards
7:00pm: Dinner
Day five:
Drive back to Las Vegas
8:00pm- Drop off rental car
- 8801 SOUTH LAS VEGAS BLVD
10:06pm- Depart Las Vegas to Ft. Laud
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