In April 2025, our family embarked on an epic 8-day road trip throughout Arizona and Utah, exploring national parks, scenic drives, deserts, red rocks, canyons, and hidden gems. This trip nourished my nature-loving and adventurous soul!

Caveat: We only explored a fraction of all the amazing things these states have to offer and omitted several stops along the way. Learn from my mistakes — don’t just check the box and try to do it all — instead, pick your top destinations and spend at least 2-3 nights in each location so you can truly immerse yourself in the area and experience all it has to offer.

In a world where AI prevails, there is one thing it cannot replace — REAL, LIVED EXPERIENCE. Travel is messy and imperfect, and there are always things we wish we did differently. So here’s our honest guide based on lessons learned.

Day 1: Phoenix, AZ to Grand Canyon, AZ (~3.5 hrs)

Arrive at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and pick up your rental car. We had an easy, contactless experience with Hertz. Travel north for roughly two hours to the historic town of Prescott, Arizona, and explore Whiskey Row. Then, stop for lunch at the award-winning Bill’s Pizza.

Journey another 1.5 hours north to your first overnight pit stop — Clear Sky Resorts, Grand Canyon — for luxury glamping and stargazing. This unique, nature-immersed stay is located just 25 minutes from the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. Luxurious sky domes feature panoramic windows, stargazing skylights, private bathrooms, climate control, lush bedding, and unique themes with plenty of room for large families.

Beyond that, the resort amenities include a dining dome and food truck, projection dome for nightly movies, playground and massive trampoline, nightly s’mores, and a central dome with a bar and live music. The vibe is playful, whimsical, and family-friendly.

Lesson Learned: Expect traffic when traveling north from Phoenix. We experienced two hours of traffic leaving the city and had to forgo a scenic stop along the way. So, learn from my mistake and don’t plan more than a food stop on your first day.

Day 2: Explore the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

Drive 25 minutes to the Grand Canyon National Park Village and check-in at the historic El Tovar Hotel, located directly on the south rim with stunning views overlooking the canyon (book a year in advance as this hotel sells out quickly).

To explore the south rim, rent bikes inside the park from Bike Grand Canyon. If you’re traveling with little kids, I recommend the Historic Hermit Road route as it’s a relatively flat 5.5 miles (our 6-year-old did it) with spectacular lookout points. The road is only accessible via shuttle, but you can book the Bike Grand Canyon shuttle, which will drop you off at Hopi Point and pick you up at Hermits Rest.

If the weather permits, book a helicopter tour with Maverick for a birds eye view of the canyon. Our tour was, unfortunately, cancelled due to windy conditions. But that’s why they have a perfect safety record! Just prepare yourself for possible cancellations and disappointment.

End the day at El Tovar Dining Room for an upscale dinner in a rustic setting. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance.

Lesson Learned: Don’t hype it up! We assumed our kids would appreciate it as much as we did. But they didn’t, and becasue of our overhype, the experience was underwhelming (for them). This is why I suggest making it your first pit stop (we did it last), so it’s not a buzzkill. What’s more, expect the unexpected! The climate shifted while we were there and unexpectedly brought snow to the canyon.

Day 3: Grand Canyon, AZ to Zion National Park, UT (~4 hrs)

Wake up to catch the sunrise over the rugged terrain of the canyon and marvel at this natural wonder as all the layers are slowly illuminated. (Again, be mindful that your kids may not be as impressed.) Then drive northwest towards Zion National Park in Utah and visit these scenic stops along the way:

1 hr — Cameron Trading Post. A great stop for lunch featuring traditional Native American dishes, art, and handcrafted goods.
1 hr — Navajo Bridge. A historical landmark in Navajo Nation, spanning the Colorado River and offering stunning views of the surrounding canyons.
1 hr — Kaibab National Forest Scenic Overlook. Provides a humbling and tranquil view of vast desert landscapes.

Arrive in Virgin, UT, roughly 15 miles outside of Zion National Park, and stay at the Zion White Bison Resort for a unique glamping experience. This one-of-a-kind lodging offers luxurious teepees, covered wagons, or cliff dwellings, all nestled against the stunning landscape surrounding Zion National Park. All units include private bathrooms, heat and A/C, Keurig, and a private fire pit and grill. Our cliff dwelling even had a roof deck and hot tub for evening stargazing! If you want to escape the overcrowded Springdale, UT scene, this is the place for you.

Day 4: Hike the Narrows

A visit to Zion National Park would be remiss without hiking the iconic Narrows. It may seem daunting with little kids, especially when there’s no clear information about the feasibility of hiking with young children during spring, so here’s everything I wish I knew beforehand:

It is possible! Despite rumors that high water levels would stop us from hiking, we found calm waters up to our waists. There were a few deeper spots the kids liked floating in, but most of the trail was still walkable, though quite cold. For families planning this hike, it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and any park alerts prior to your visit, as high water conditions can make the hike unsafe. Additionally, consider the time of year; late spring and early summer may pose challenges due to increased water flow from snowmelt.
Shuttle. Take the park shuttle from the Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava. It’s worth noting that parking in both Springdale and the Visitor Center can be extremely limited, so the shuttle is the best option to access the trail. I recommend catching the first shuttle at 7 AM or, if you are not an early riser (like us), waiting until after 1 PM. By then, many visitors have left, and we found ample parking to enjoy our hike since the last shuttle departs the canyon at 7:15 PM. Keep in mind that the shuttle ride to Temple of Sinawava takes about 30-40 minutes each way, so plan your time accordingly.
Gear. Renting dry gear ahead of time is essential. In April, the water temperature was around 45 degrees, so enhance your experience by renting dry gear from Zion Adventures, located just outside the park entrance in Springdale. They provide waterproof bibs, suitable footwear for slippery rocks, and walking sticks for added stability, all of which contribute to a more enjoyable hiking experience.

Permit. No permit or reservation is required. If you’re hiking from the bottom up (from Temple of Sinawava), you do not need a permit and only need to pay the park entrance fee upon arrival. However, if you’re planning to hike from the top down or overnight, you must secure a permit and an overnight reservation with RECREATION.gov.
Length. Follow the gateway to the Narrows — the Riverside Walk Trail. In addition to however many miles you plan to hike up the Narrows, it’s another mile out and back along the Riverside Walk Trail. If you’re hiking with little ones, manage expectations.

After an adventurous day, indulge at Balcony One Blues Bar and Restaurant, located just a few minutes from Zion White Bison Resort. With a Greek owner, Mexican chef, and Western vibe, you can enjoy everything from Spanakopita to empanadas, steak, and even fresh Hawaiian Ahi Tuna (which I highly recommend). You’ll find the owners, George and Cindy, greeting tables, managing the front of the house, and conversing with locals at the bar — it’s warm, welcoming, and charming. From Cindy’s artwork adorning the walls to the speakeasy-style bar, the design is authentic, cozy, and original. Afterwards, cozy up and stargaze from your teepee, covered wagon, or cliff dwelling back at the resort.

Lesson Learned: If possible, pickup your Narrows gear the night before and take the shuttle from the resort to the park to spare yourself the added stop and parking stress. We wrestled with gear and parking, which entended the hiking experience. But despite all the logistics, it was a memorable adventure that our girls will always remember.

Day 5: Zion to Page, AZ (~2.5 hrs)

As you head east towards Page, Arizona, be sure to take the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway for the most picturesque views of Zion National Park. The roughly 10-mile route was, hands-down, the most beautiful drive I’ve ever experienced with towering cliffs, deep canyons, and the awe-inspiring Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, which was carved through solid rock in the 1920s.

About an hour into the drive, look for ancient cliff dwellings just past the Moqui Cave. The cliff dwellings are not formally marked, but you’ll easily spot them from the road near Kanab. Just follow the path leading up to the cliff, which requires some rock scrambling and a roughly 2 mile hike roundtrip. Once inside, you’ll discover ancient Ancestral Puebloan ruins and Native American petroglyphs — it’s a truly remarkable discovery!

Continue another 1.5 hours to Page, Arizona, which was our favorite leg of the journey. With picturesque slot canyons, iconic desert landscapes, and turquoise water, the Page/Lake Powell area is a must-see destination.

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell, which is conveniently located and offers a pool and enormous patio overlooking the desert, large rooms, and free breakfast — perfect for families. Once you’re settled, drive to Horseshoe Bend around sunset and hike the easy 1-mile out and back trail to see a stunning horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River. Afterwards, eat dinner at Grand Canyon Brewing and Distillery, which is right near the hotel and offers a cavernous, family-friendly vibe with quality pub food, craft brews, and a range of games to entertain the kids.

Day 6: Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon

This is a MUST-DO experience — it was our family’s favorite adventure and the best way to experience Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ!

Avoid all the crowds hiking the traditional path and, instead, kayak your way on Lake Powell into Lower Antelope Canyon. Book your tour in advance with Lake Powell Adventure Co. We did the kayak, hike, and swim tour which includes a 5-mile kayak in the turquoise resevoir, and 2-mile hike through Antelope Canyon. If possible, plan your visit in the spring when the area is calm and less trafficked since the lake can get crowded with houseboats and jet skis in the summer months. The termperature was perfect for kayaking and hiking, however, the swimming was a cold plunge.

Afterwards, take the cart ride to the Antelope Point Marina for lunch on the dock overlooking the gorgeous lake. On your way back to the hotel, stop at the hidden cave behind the Shell Gas Station. Let the kids enjoy the Hyatt pool, then head over to the Birdhouse for dinner and watch the sunset over the desert from the Hyatt patio, or drive to Grandview Point for an even better view.

Day 7: Page to Sedona, AZ (~2hrs 45min )

Enjoy one of the most scenic drives as you pass through Oak Creek Canyon on your way to Sedona, Arizona. Once you arrive in Sedona, enjoy the otherwordly red rock landscapes. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott because it has a pool (an essential for our family), although there’s plenty of better options. Be sure to eat at the Cowboy Club for award-winning dishes at a family-owned 80-year-old restaurant — it was our top dining experience. Everything we had, from the original rattlesnake sausage, bison skewers, and cactus fries, to the steaks and ribs, showcased delicious “high desert” cusine. The rustic, family-friendly environment offered more than your traditional kids menu and you can book a table ahead, which is necessary when traveling with kids. What’s best, it’s situated in the heart of town.

Day 8: Explore Sedona

Since my last visit 20 years ago, Sedona has become a top destination for adventure enthusiasts. So when we arrived to traffic and an endless stream of pink jeeps cruising through the crowded town, I feared I had fallen into a tourist trap. But I was WRONG! Sedona is still one of my favorite places and, looking back, the kids preferred it to the Grand Canyon, which is why I suggest ending your journey here, on a high note.

Start your day with a hike up Bell Rock. This iconic trail offers three options ranging from easy to strenuous, so there’s a hike for everyone to enjoy the stunning views. The easiest is the Bell Rock Pathway, which is 3.6 miles on a wide, relatively flat path. For a moderate hike, follow Bell Rock Loop — 1.9 miles with a higher elevation gain. And for the more adventurous, take the Bell Rock Trail and climb to the top with rocky terrain and some scrambling.

Next, book a tour with Pink Adventure Tour for an exhilirating, off-road adventure into the soul of the desert. Our expert tour guide, Bonnie, literally took us off the beaten path where no regular car can go. They offer 13 different ours in Sedona ranging from 1.5 - 4 hours with varying degrees of bumpiness, along with day trips to Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon. TIP: If you’re traveling with kids, I recommend the Broken Arrows Twilight Tour since it’s less bumpy and only 1.5 hours, but covers some of the most scenic views at the golden hour.