5-Day National Park Tour from Las Vegas

Visit the Grand Canyon and three of Utah’s famous national parks on this epic Southwest road trip itinerary

Las Vegas is the ideal basecamp for adventure road-trippers. With the Grand Canyon and Utah’s national parks all within driving distance, you’ll pack in several bucket list sites across American Southwest. 

This five-day national park tour from Las Vegas is the perfect itinerary for an RV or campervan—it makes sleeping, driving, and sightseeing fun and efficient while maximizing your time in nature. The easiest way to reserve an RV is to rent one from Blacksford Las Vegas.

The best part is you’ll camp comfortably with heat/AC, a private bathroom, a refrigerator, and a comfortable bed.

Blacksford rents new premium RVs with free airport pick-up, unlimited mileage, 24/7 on-trip customer support, transparent pricing, and all the essential gear you need for an enjoyable trip. 

Follow this fun itinerary, and find out how to maximize your road trip from Las Vegas.

 

Day 1: Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

Morning

Pick up your RV rental from Blacksford and stop at one of the many conveniently located grocery stores to stock up for your adventure (or Instacart them to us and we’ll stock the fridge for you).

Once you have everything you need, depart Las Vegas and drive 4.5 hours to the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park near Williams, Arizona. 

Afternoon

After lunch in Grand Canyon Village, explore popular attractions like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Bright Angel Lodge.

Leave time to check out the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Museum. 

Evening

Arrive at your campground, ideally in or near Grand Canyon Village. It’s always recommended to make campground reservations in advance. Watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon and have a relaxing dinner at your campground or one of the historic lodges in Grand Canyon Village.

 

Day 2: Grand Canyon to Zion National Park 

Morning

Make your morning coffee in the comfort of your RV or campervan. If you’re up early enough, catch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon before hitting the road on the 4.5-hour drive to Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. 

Afternoon 

After a quick lunch in Springdale, it’s time to head into the park. If you’re staying in Zion, drive your RV or campervan to the entrance station and check into your campground before exploring.

If you’re staying in Springdale, you should catch a Zion Park shuttle to access the trailheads and attractions. Consider hiking the easy Riverside Walk or Pa’rus Trails on your first day.

Evening

With everything you need to cook a delicious meal at your fingertips, enjoy dinner in your RV or campervan. Get to bed early and rest for a full day of Zion adventure.

 

Day 3: Full Day in Zion 

Morning and Afternoon

Hike one of the popular beginner-friendly trails such as Lower Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk, or Weeping Rock. If you’re a somewhat experienced hiker, you may want to try Canyon Overlook, The Watchman, Emerald Pools (lower and upper), or Northgate Peaks. For a more challenging hike, try The Narrows or Angel Landing. Head to the visitor center for trail information and permit requirements.

Evening

Wander into camp and unwind after a fun day of hiking. It would be easy to spend a full week exploring Zion, but now it’s time to fuel, hydrate, and rest—tomorrow you’ll head to another one of Utah’s scenic national parks.


Adventure through national parks in a premium RV


 

Day 4: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park 

Morning

Say goodbye to Springdale and Zion National Park as you depart on the 2-hour scenic drive to Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce, Utah. On its own, taking the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway between the two national parks is a beautiful adventure. Along the way, you’ll pass through the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Before your trip, check with park rangers for vehicle restrictions on this route. 

Afternoon

When you arrive in Bryce Canyon, hit the main viewpoints like Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, and Inspiration Point. Hike Navajo Loop or Queens Garden Trails to see the hoodoo rock spires up close. 

Evening

Check into your hotel or campground. Bryce has two campgrounds in the park: North and Sunset Campground. Ruby’s Inn RV Park and Campground is a popular campground just outside the park with full hook-ups. Relax under the stars in or near Bryce Canyon, one of Utah’s several certified Dark Sky Park.

 

Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef

Morning

What’s the rush? If you don’t need to drive back to Las Vegas (4.5 hours), you can spend more time in Bryce Canyon or drive 2.5 hours to Capitol Reef National Park. While visiting Capitol Reef, stop at the Fruita Historic District and Gifford House. Then take a short hike like Hickman Bridge, Capitol Gorge, or Grand Wash Trails. 

Afternoon

After a quick tour of Capitol Reef, enjoy the 6.5-hour scenic drive back to Las Vegas. Once you arrive at Blacksford Las Vegas, the professional team will assist you with an easy vehicle return before shuttling you to the airport—or enjoy a fun night in Vegas before heading home.

Alternate Options & Travel Tips

  • If you want to skip the Grand Canyon, consider spending one night at Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands National Park, in that order.

  • For a more leisurely pace, consider visiting fewer parks.

  • If you’re traveling during peak visitation, Bryce Canyon has the coolest summer temperatures thanks to its elevation between 8,000–9,000 feet. 

Adventure is meant to be flexible, so—no matter how you build your itinerary—you’ll find fun and beauty in the southwest’s national parks. Rent a premium RV or campervan from Blacksford RV Rentals in Las Vegas and start planning your road trip today! 


Start your five-day national park tour from Las Vegas!

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