Planning a road trip through the American Southwest often feels like a rite of passage for adventure lovers and landscape enthusiasts alike. This 7-day guided journey from Los Angeles offers a cost-effective way to explore iconic sights like Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley, without the stress of planning every detail. While the experience is mostly self-guided with a small group, it promises plenty of flexibility and authentic moments at each stop.

What draws us to this tour are the breathtaking vistas, the chance to see diverse landscapes—from desert dunes to canyon depths—and the value of guided suggestions at each site. We also love how affordable it is at just $10 per group, making it accessible for many travelers. A potential drawback? Since it’s a self-guided style with limited included amenities, those seeking a fully guided, all-inclusive experience might find it less comprehensive. Still, it’s perfect for those who want a taste of the Southwest’s best at their own pace.

This trip suits adventurous travelers seeking flexible exploration, couples or small groups wanting an affordable yet memorable experience, and anyone eager to see the Southwest’s most famous landmarks without high costs. Let’s take a detailed look at what’s included and what makes this trip stand out.

Contents show

Key Points

Affordable price point at just $10 per group for up to 6 people, offering incredible value.
Self-guided tours of Zion and Antelope Canyon provide flexibility and tailored visits.
Diverse landscapes including national parks, dunes, and slot canyons in Utah and Arizona.
Small group experience limited to six participants, ensuring a more personalized feel.
Variety of stops from scenic drives to hikes, offering something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Limited inclusions mean travelers need to plan for meals, entrance fees, and accommodation separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect Each Day

Looking for more options in Hurricane Utah? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Day 1: Los Angeles to Hurricane via Mojave National Preserve

Starting from Los Angeles, the drive west takes you into the striking Mojave National Preserve. Here, you’ll stop at Calico Ghost Town, where a quick 10-minute train ride offers a glimpse into the Old West. The highlight in this area is the Kelso Dunes—massive, rolling sand hills that are a treat for photo ops or short walks.

Next is the Lava Tube Trail, where a hike to the volcanic tunnel promises an underground adventure. Travel continues to Hurricane, Utah, where you’ll settle into your Airbnb. The first day sets a tone of geological wonder and wide-open spaces, perfect for stretching your legs after the drive.

Review insight: One reviewer appreciated the variety of scenery, highlighting the “cool mix of ghost towns and volcanic landscapes.”

Day 2: Zion National Park and Travel to Paige

A definite highlight is Zion National Park. You’ll likely park near the park headquarters and hop on the Zion shuttle, which transports visitors around Zion Parkway. This allows easy access to scenic viewpoints and hikes like Kanara Falls, where you can enjoy a relatively easy trek to the first waterfall.

Traveling onward to Paige, Arizona, the town known for its proximity to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, you’ll check into your Airbnb. Zion’s towering cliffs and lush greenery contrast beautifully with the desert landscapes you’ll see later.

Review insight: One guest noted, “Zion is a must-see; the shuttle system makes exploring easy, and the views are just incredible.”

Day 3: Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Moqui Caves, and Horseshoe Bend

Today features the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where the pink-hued sand provides a stark, striking backdrop. You’ll also visit the Sand Dune Arch and the Moqui and Sand Caves, offering opportunities for easy exploration and photography.

A stop at Kanab’s Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Cafe provides a tasty meal. In the evening, you’ll visit the iconic Horseshoe Bend, a sweeping bend in the Colorado River best seen at sunset for optimal photos.

Review insight: Travelers loved the contrast here, especially the “pink sands and dramatic canyon views—like stepping into another planet.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley

The star attractions today are Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley. The Navajo-guided tour of Antelope Canyon gives a chance to see the famous slot canyon’s swirling sandstone walls—a highlight for many. Then, a scenic drive through Monument Valley offers classic southwestern vistas, with towering buttes and expansive desert.

In the evening, you’ll return to Cortez, Colorado, for the night, soaking in more spectacular scenery.

Review insight: One reviewer mentioned, “The Antelope Canyon tour exceeded my expectations; the colors and shapes are mesmerizing.”

There's plenty more to explore in Hurricane Utah

Day 5: Mesa Verde and Canyon de Chelly

Cultural insights come with visits to Mesa Verde’s cliff dwellings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing ancient Ancestral Puebloans. Continuing to Canyon de Chelly, you’ll enjoy a tour along the south rim, stopping at faces like Spider Rock and Face Rock, which are fantastic for photos.

Your night is spent in the quirky Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, where you sleep in authentic tipi-shaped rooms—a fun, nostalgic experience.

Review insight: Travelers appreciated the mix of natural beauty and history, noting that Mesa Verde’s dwellings are “more than just pretty scenery—they tell stories of a people long gone.”

Day 6: Petrified Forest, Sunset Crater, and Sedona

Driving through Petrified Forest National Park, you’ll see ancient wood turned to colorful stone, a surreal sight. Then on to Sunset Crater National Monument, where a short hike along Lava Flow Trail reveals volcanic landscapes.

Concluding in Sedona, famed for its red rocks, you’ll settle into your Airbnb. Here, the landscape invites optional strolls or just relaxing to the stunning views.

Review insight: One guest said Sedona was “a perfect way to wind down, with jaw-dropping vistas everywhere you look.”

Day 7: Return to Los Angeles

On the final day, you might visit Montezuma Castle National Monument if time permits. A scenic drive through Sedona provides plenty of photo stops before heading back to Los Angeles, ending your trip on a high note.

What Makes This Trip Special?

The journey’s highlights are the diverse landscapes — from the dramatic arches of Antelope Canyon to the rugged cliffs of Zion and the rolling dunes of Coral Pink Sand Dunes. The self-guided aspect allows flexibility, meaning you can linger at favorite spots or explore a little off the beaten path based on your interests.

The small group size (up to 6 people) is perfect for creating a more intimate experience. Having your own space and personalized suggestions enhances the overall trip, especially when visiting busy sites like Horseshoe Bend or Antelope Canyon.

The affordability of this tour, costing just $10 per group, is a standout feature, though it’s important to remember that accommodations, meals, and park entrance fees are not included. This means you’ll have the freedom to pick lodging and dining options that suit your style and budget.

Practical Considerations

Since this is a mostly self-guided trip, you’ll need to arrange your own meals and parking. The suggested stops and park guides provided are useful tools for navigation. Be prepared for moderate walking, especially at Zion and Antelope Canyon, and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

A significant benefit is the flexibility—you can skip certain stops or spend more time at favorites. On the flip side, travelers wanting a fully guided experience with all logistics handled might find this setup less satisfying.

Final Thoughts on Value

At just $10 per group for the core experience, this trip offers an excellent value—if you’re comfortable handling your own logistics and seeking an authentic, flexible adventure. It’s particularly suited for those who want to see the Southwest’s top sights without breaking the bank, and who enjoy a mix of scenic driving, light hiking, and self-paced exploration.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This road trip appeals most to independent-minded travelers keen on exploring iconic American landscapes with minimal cost. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with planning your accommodations and entering parks independently, using the provided guides. It suits small groups or couples looking for shared adventures in a relaxed, flexible setting.

Those interested in geological features, canyons, or desert scenery will find plenty to love. It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues or those wanting a fully guided, all-inclusive experience.

FAQ

Is this trip suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 8 due to the moderate walking involved and the nature of the activities.

Do I need to book accommodations separately?
Yes, your accommodations are not included, but suggestions and links are provided after booking.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or explore local eateries.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended for hikes and outdoor exploration.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a self-guided style, you can choose to spend more or less time at certain stops, depending on your interest.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
It’s designed for small groups, but solo travelers could join if available; just note the group size limit.

Are the parks accessible for people with limited mobility?
This trip involves some walking and hiking, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility restrictions.

What are the weather considerations?
Check the forecast beforehand, dress appropriately, and be prepared for hot days or cool evenings, depending on the season.

How much does it cost overall?
The core cost is $10 per group. Additional expenses for lodging, meals, and park entry fees are separate.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

To sum it up, this 7-day Utah and Arizona road trip offers an affordable, flexible way to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the American Southwest. Perfect for travelers who enjoy self-guided adventures, scenic drives, and outdoor exploration, it balances value with authentic experiences. While it requires a bit of planning, the incredible vistas, small group intimacy, and diverse stops make it a trip worth considering for your next Southwest adventure.