What is the Grand Circle Road Trip?
One of the most famous national park road trips in the country, the Grand Circle Tour or road trip is an excellent way to explore the American South West in Utah and parts of Arizona. The full tour encompasses some of the area’s most popular national parks including Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, and Grand Canyon National Park, along with other popular areas such as Lake Powell. The full road trip can take up to two weeks but depending on how long you want to spend at each destination, it can be done in as little as one week.
Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary
The Grand Circle Road Trip reveals some of Utah and Arizona’s most stunning scenery and allows you to experience some of the nation’s best national parks on one trip. Along the way enjoy staying in our upscale safari-style tents located outside of five national parks and attractions along the route. Under Canvas Zion, Under Canvas Moab, Lake Powell – Grand Staircase, Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Grand Canyon offer upscale accommodations, and culinary offerings in close proximity to the national parks included in the Grand Circle Tour.
Las Vegas to Zion National Park
If starting your trip with a flight, the most popular destination to start the Grand Circle Tour from is Las Vegas, Nevada. From there it is just a short 2-hour drive from the airport to Under Canvas Zion, which will be your base camp for exploring Zion National Park.
Zion National Park is full of some of the most sought-after landscape in the American Southwest and is a mecca for hikers and rock-climbers from around the world. We suggest spending at least 2 days exploring the top hikes and vistas in Zion including Angels Landing, The Narrows and Observation Point among others. There are so many hiking options at Zion National Park, but remember, many of them require permits.
Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon
After coffee on your private deck and a leisurely breakfast at Under Canvas Zion, head out on the road to Bryce Canyon National Park. This 2-hour drive will take you through some of Utah’s most stunning red-rock formations. Drive through Bryce Canyon and make sure to stop and enjoy hiking in the area. The red rocky spires that cover the land in Bryce Canyon, called “hoodoos”, are photographed and known all over the world for a reason. Stay at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, just 15 minutes from the national park.
Glamping in Moab – Arches National Park and Canyonlands
After Bryce Canyon National Park your next stop will be Under Canvas Moab. This is a 4-hour drive and will take you through multiple areas of attraction. Take your time exploring the landscape as you journey to Moab and Arches National Park. Enjoy a night of s’mores around the campfire at Under Canvas Moab and plan your adventures for the following day in Arches National Park and Canyonlands. Talk with the Guest Experience Coordinator at camp to find the perfect adventure for you and your family or hike to some of Arches’ top attractions such as Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock and Devils Garden. Grab dinner after your day of exploring in the town of Moab before heading back to camp. Wake up with the sun the following morning and center yourself with a guided yoga class on the deck overlooking Moab’s stunning red rock landscape. Then spend your day exploring Canyonland’s National Park and its popular hikes and attractions such as Mesa Arch, Dead Horse Point, and The Needles. There is so much to do in this area that you should plan at least 2 days to explore. If you’re looking for ways to explore the area outside of the national parks book a horseback ride, whitewater rafting trip or check out the local shops and restaurants in Moab, Utah.
Moab to Lake Powell
After visiting the beauty of Moab and its desert landscape it’s time to trade desert for water. Start your 4-5 hour day-trip from your Moab glamping spot to Big Water, Utah, hitting the famous Horseshoe Bend on the way. Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase is just 10 minutes from Lake Powell making it a perfect base camp for your water adventures on the lake. Enjoy adventures like boating, kayaking, stand up paddling and hiking in this breathtaking southwestern landscape. Spend the night under the stars, around the campfire are our upscale safari-inspired accommodations. Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase feature plush king size beds, ensuite bathrooms in all tent types and the property has its own slot canyon on site to explore.
Lake Powell to Grand Canyon National Park
Next stop, upscale glamping a short drive from the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. This drive will be less than 3 hours so take your time and enjoy the sights, including a quick stop in the quaint town of Williams which is home to the Grand Canyon Wine Co. Pick up a bottle (or two) of wine and head to your glamping accommodations. Under Canvas Grand Canyon, like our other camps, offers plush, king size beds with plush linens, and private en-suite bathrooms including hot water showers, sinks and flushing toilets. Also fill up with Under Canvas’ culinary options in the main lobby tent, fitted out with West Elm furnishings. Spend the night gazing at the stars from your private deck before retreating into your canvas tent, kept warm from a wood burning stove. Get up early the next morning to start your Grand Canyon adventures. Choose from a plethora of hiking options or speak with a Guest Experience Coordinator at camp for other adventure ideas. Grand Canyon is an internationally sought-after national park that offers once-in-a-lifetime views. Also named the “International Dark Sky Place of the Year” in 2019, it is a leading place for stargazing…maybe from your stargazer tent back at camp?
The Grand Circle Road Trip is the perfect way to explore Utah and Arizona and some of its top national parks while enjoying safari-inspired accommodations under the night sky. Ready to plan your Grand Circle Road Trip with stays at Under Canvas? Book your tents online or speak to a reservations specialist who can help you plan your road trip.