American Southwest National Parks DIY Camping Adventure
Your TourHero
Hey, everyone! I’m Kiara, and I’m a student at Emory University. When I’m not working my butt off in the classroom, I’m hiking as much as I can! I just started making my way through my national parks bucket list and planned this trip to knock 6 more parks off my list. I hope you’ll come with me, so we can camp through the American Southwest and see some killer landscapes!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jul 5 - 11, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
2 – 20
Transportation
Rental car, 4x4
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 - 30
Travel interest
Hiking, nature, wildlife, exploring
Your Local Guide
Bindlestiff Tours are group adventure travel experts with over 15 years of experience leading USA Southwest tours under their belt. With a team consisting of guides who’ve lived and worked all over the world, they are able to connect with guests who share the same passion for adventure and travel. Each tour offered is meticulously researched and designed by tour leaders who have extensive knowledge about the destinations involved in order to ensure guests remain safe on excursions and get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of their trips. Let Bindlestiff Tours take the stress out of planning your next trip — let them guide you through the most spectacular scenery that America has to offer!
If you’re looking to add six national parks to your completed bucket list and go at your own pace, this is the trip for you! Rent a car in Vegas and camp your way through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon. You can hike at your speed, work with private guides to map out your journey, and explore these iconic landscapes with the freedom to switch it up at any time. With a Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley and a sunset viewing at the Grand Canyon included, you’ll go home with a full heart and maxed out camera roll!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hey, everyone! I’m Kiara, and I’m a student at Emory University. When I’m not working my butt off in the classroom, I’m hiking as much as I can! I just started making my way through my national parks bucket list and planned this trip to knock 6 more parks off my list. I hope you’ll come with me, so we can camp through the American Southwest and see some killer landscapes!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Jul 5 - 11, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
2 – 20
Transportation
Rental car, 4x4
If you’re looking to add six national parks to your completed bucket list and go at your own pace, this is the trip for you! Rent a car in Vegas and camp your way through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Monument Valley, and the Grand Canyon. You can hike at your speed, work with private guides to map out your journey, and explore these iconic landscapes with the freedom to switch it up at any time. With a Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley and a sunset viewing at the Grand Canyon included, you’ll go home with a full heart and maxed out camera roll!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Zion National Park
- Arrive in Las Vegas
- Half-day hike to Angel’s Landing
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Zion Canyon Campground (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Bryce Canyon National Park
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Hike in Bryce Canyon National Park
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Ruby's Inn Campground (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Free day to explore parks
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Moab Rim Campground (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Arches & Canyonlands National Parks
- Breakfast
- Free day to explore parks
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Monument Valley
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- 4x4 Navajo tour of Monument Valley
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at The View Campground (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Grand Canyon
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Trip to Navajo trading post
- Free time to explore the Grand Canyon
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Check-in at Mathers Campground (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to the American Southwest – the gateway to some of the most beautiful parks in the world!
Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas! Grab your rental car and head out to Zion National Park located in southwest Utah, known for its red cliffs and diverse wildlife. You’ll have the day to hike Angel’s Landing and explore the hanging gardens, waterfalls, and Emerald pools on the canyon floor. This natural sanctuary was home to various indigenous groups throughout the centuries, such as the Anasazi and Paiute people, who farmed and cared for the land. At the time, Zion was the perfect place to call home, as it featured various climates, a river, and abundant food resources. Get your cameras ready for idyllic vistas that will take your breath away! After you hike your heart out, head to the campsite, set up shop, and enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars.
Day 2
Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park and explore the unique hoodoos that rise from the ground
Good morning, travelers! After breakfast, drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, known for its beautiful amphitheaters and incredible hoodoos (sandstone spires). Bryce is home to the largest concentration in the world! At 8,000 ft, walk along the rim enjoying stunning views from all the major lookout points. You can even hike down into the Bryce Amphitheater to have an up close and personal experience in this natural wonder. It’s believed that this place was inhabited over 7,000 years ago, as there is evidence of the Paleoindians, the Pueblo people, and the Paiutes hunting and foraging in this sacred area. Snap some pics, learn some history, and enjoy a sack lunch with a backdrop like no other. After a day on the trail, head to the campsite where you can eat and enjoy the outdoor hot tub!
Day 3
Enjoy two days in Moab to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
Rise and shine, adventure seekers! For the next two days, you have free time to explore both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Arches is located north of Moab and features over 2,000, you guessed it, arches! Hike up to Delicate Arch and take some selfies at this famous spot. You can also add on a sunset hummer tour through Slick Rock and see the landscape from a new perspective. After a day of adventure, set up your gear at the campsite and reflect on an incredible day on the trails.
Day 4
Another free day in paradise
After a restful sleep, grab breakfast and head out for another day of adventure. Today, check out Canyonlands National Park, known for its picturesque landscape filled with island mesas carved out by the Colorado River. Discover the beauty of the red plateaus, the rock pinnacles, and slot canyons throughout. Did you know there are legends of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in this area? It's speculated that they used these very canyons to hide from the law! For the adrenaline junkies in the group, book a canyoneering excursion and traverse the landscape into the canyon. If you're not sure what to do, your guide will help you plan the perfect day! When the sun sets, make your way back to camp, cook up some grub, and scroll through that camera roll as you wait for the stars to emerge.
Day 5
Explore Monument Valley on a guided 4x4 tour
Today, you'll travel to Monument Valley, one of the most iconic locations in the country! Once you arrive at the Navajo Reservation, you’ll jump in a 4x4 and receive a guided tour of the area, learning about the history of the Navajo people and this sacred place from a Navajo local. Not only will today be filled with culture and history, but you’ll get to camp right along the rim! Get ready for some front-row stargazing and a stellar sunrise!
Day 6
Live it up at the Grand Canyon and soak in the views
Today will be one for the books as you head to your final destination. First, stop by a Navajo trading post for gifts and souvenirs. Then, follow the Colorado River to the Grand Canyon, saving the best views for last on this Southwest adventure. Here, you can book an optional helicopter ride or take a tour through the iconic Antelope Canyon. You can also play it cool by taking a walk to Horseshoe Bend or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from one of the area's cafes. The day is yours. Live it up! When dusk hits, you can watch the sunset over this natural wonder. There is no better visual on Earth! From here, head to the campsite for one final meal and reflect on all you've seen.
Day 7
Head back to Vegas and say goodbye to nature
What an incredible trip! With six national parks under your belt, you can safely say this journey was a success. After breakfast, head back to Las Vegas on the famous Route 66. In Vegas, you are free to enjoy the strip or make your way to the airport and head home after a soul-filling getaway. We hope you had a blast!
Accommodation
Zion Canyon Campground
On night one, you’ll set up camp just outside of Zion National Park at the Zion Canyon Campground. This 12-acre paradise features bathrooms with showers, fire ring with grate, picnic tables, swimming pool, and easy access to food options in Springdale. If you need support along your journey, your guide is only a phone call away! If you'd like a hotel option, click here. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Ruby’s Inn Campground
After a day at Bryce Canyon, you’ll head to Ruby’s Inn for the night. The property features restrooms with showers, an outdoor heated pool, plus a restaurant and various amenities at the nearby hotel. Enjoy the beauty of nature as you set up camp nestled in the pines and breathe in that crisp, fresh air. If you'd like a hotel option, click here. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Moab Rim Campground
You’ll spend two nights at the Moab Rim Campground to explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Here, you’ll have a grass lot, firepit, picnic tables, coverings, and restrooms with hot showers. The site even has WiFi and a snack bar! Settle into this little slice of heaven and enjoy the rustic backdrop of Moab. If you'd like a hotel option, click here. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
The View Campground
There’s a reason they call this campsite The View, and you’ll be fortunate enough to learn why! This incredible campground is located on the Navajo Reservation at Monument Valley. The cliffside camp offers stunning views of the valley and the perfect spot to stargaze. Along with the picturesque backdrop, you’ll have access to restrooms and showers. Get your cameras ready! If you'd like a hotel option, click here. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Mather Campground
After a beautiful day at the Grand Canyon, you’ll set up camp at the Mather Campground located on the South Rim. The rustic grounds offer bathrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water underneath a canopy of Ponderosa pines, Pinyons, and Juniper trees. Soak in this last night of majesty in the heart of nature’s wonderland. If you'd like a hotel option, click here. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 1 night at Zion Canyon Campground (or similar)
- 1 night at Ruby’s Inn Campground (or similar)
- 2 nights at Moab Rim Campground (or similar)
- 1 night at The View Campground (or similar)
- 1 night at Mather Campground (or similar)
- 2-person tent and inflatable sleeping mat
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- 6 camp breakfasts
- Navajo guided 4x4 tour of Monument Valley
- Grand Canyon sunset viewing
- Tour app with full commentary and route suggestions
- Access to an expert guide on location throughout your trip
Not included
- Flights
- Rental car
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Airport/excursion transfers (Driver option available)
- All national parks entrance fees ($80 annual pass)
- Monument Valley Tribal Park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle)
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
Available add-on
Antelope Canyon tour
Visit Antelope Canyon on a group tour and experience the iconic backdrop of this majestic place. This hour and a half tour will take you into two slot canyons with a local guide who will teach you all about the area, the natural formation of the Navajo sandstone, and bring you to the best picture spots.
Price: USD 70
20 spots left
Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter tour
See the Grand Canyon from up above on a 25-minute helicopter tour. You’ll fly across the deepest and widest part of the canyon, crossing over the Dragon Corridor to the South Rim. You won’t get pictures like this anywhere else!
Price: USD 249
20 spots left
Grand Canyon full helicopter tour
Upgrade to a 45-minute helicopter tour where you’ll fly over all the important landmarks, such as the Painted Desert, Marble Canyon, the North and East Rims, Dragon Corridor, Imperial Point and the South Rim to name a few. If you want to see it all, this is the tour for you!
Price: USD 299
20 spots left
Canyoneering in Moab
You’ll have two days to explore Arches National Park and Canyonland National Park. Discover the remote aspects of the canyons many tourists never venture to by adding a canyoneering expedition to your trip. Hike down into the slots with a professional guide, and enjoy the thrill of trekking, repelling, exploring the rivers, and so much more!
Price: USD 120
20 spots left
Slick Rock sunset hummer tour
In Moab, you’ll also have the option to book a hummer tour where you’ll speed through the sandstone terrain and down into the canyons at dusk. Your guide will take you to the best lookout points to ensure you capture the perfect sunset pictures. You’ll also learn about the geology and history of the area. Don’t miss out on this adrenaline-pulsing excursion!
Price: USD 90
20 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon and capture the view from up above. - Unsplash: Westwind Air Service
- Your private guide can hook you up with an adventurous or laid back canyoneering excursion within the parks in Moab. - Unsplash: christie greene
- Upgrade to a longer tour and see it all! - Unsplash: Oscar Sutton
- Campsite one is sure to impress with beautiful views, pool, bathrooms, and hot showers. - Zion Canyon Campground
- Next, we'll set up shop at Ruby's Inn Campground, just outside of Bryce Canyon National Park. - Ruby's Inn Campground
- Our next stop is the Moab Rim Campground where we'll spend two days exploring Arches and Canyonland. - Moab Rim Campground website
- Our last stop is on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon at the Mather Campground where we'll be immersed in trees and wildlife. - Mather Campground