The Grand Circle

Five national parks, red-rock canyons and Navajo land in one epic loop.

Nevada · Utah · Arizona
2,250 km
2 min read

Photo: King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 4.0

Distance: 2,250 km · 1,400 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 10–14 days
Suggested days: 12 days
Best season: April–May and September–October

Grand Circle RV road trip: Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Monument Valley, Page and the Grand Canyon, with campgrounds and RV restrictions.

The Grand Circle is the name for the remarkable concentration of parks around the Colorado Plateau, and this loop strings the best of them together. You will drive from the neon of Las Vegas to the cliffs of Zion, the orange hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the orchards of Capitol Reef, the arches of Moab, the buttes of Monument Valley and the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Distances are moderate, so you can spend most of your time hiking and watching sunsets instead of driving. Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce and Capitol Reef, with its narrow ridge called the Hogback, is one of the most beautiful roads in the country.

Stops along the way

1

Las Vegas

Stock up on groceries and supplies: prices in the parks are higher.
2

Zion National Park

Stay at the Watchman Campground, steps from the shuttle. Large rigs need a tunnel escort on the east side.
3

Bryce Canyon National Park

An amphitheater of orange hoodoos. Sunrise at Sunrise Point is unforgettable.
4

Capitol Reef National Park

Pick fruit in the historic orchards of Fruita in season, and enjoy a quieter park.
5

Moab — Arches & Canyonlands

Two national parks and Dead Horse Point. The Devils Garden campground books up fast.
6

Monument Valley

Camp in front of the Mittens and watch the sunrise over the buttes.
7

Page — Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon tours, Horseshoe Bend and a swim in Lake Powell.
8

Grand Canyon South Rim

Mather Campground is close to the rim and the shuttle routes.
9

Hoover Dam

Stop at the dam on the way back to Las Vegas.

Good to know

Vehicles 11 ft 4 in tall or 7 ft 10 in wide need a paid escort through the Zion–Mount Carmel Tunnel.
Book national park campgrounds on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead.
An America the Beautiful annual pass usually pays for itself on this route; prices differ for US residents and international visitors.
Navajo tribal parks such as Monument Valley charge their own entrance fees.