
moderate
5 days
Moderate fitness: able to walk 1.5 miles over uneven ground and handle several hours on your feet each day
A five-day, point-to-point loop from Los Angeles to Las Vegas that compresses the Southwest’s top draws—Sedona, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend—into a single, well-paced itinerary. Expect long drives, iconic viewpoints, Navajo-led tours, and practical tips for desert weather and rugged walking.
The bus pulls away from Los Angeles before dawn and the city’s smog-light fades into a wide, sun-baked horizon. By mid-afternoon you’re standing on the Strip with neon reflections simmering in the desert heat; by day three you’re watching red rock cliffs shrug off the late sun, their faces catching fire as if the landscape had suddenly remembered how to blaze.

Carry and sip from a 1–2 liter refillable water bottle each day—conditions are dry and temperatures swing widely.
Closed-toe hiking shoes with good tread help on uneven, sandy approaches and in slot-canyon sand.
A wide-angle lens and a small tripod or monopod will help in low-light slot canyons and for sunset vistas.
Follow guide instructions at Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley; cultural protocols govern access and photography in many areas.
Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon lie within the Navajo Nation; many guided activities are run by Navajo guides who maintain cultural practices and stewardship of the land.
Slot canyons and desert soils are fragile—stay on designated paths, avoid touching polished sandstone walls, and pack out all waste to minimize impact.
Support and grip for sand, rock, and uneven trail approaches at canyons and overlooks.
Desert air is dry; frequent hydration prevents headaches and fatigue.
Sun protection for long daytime walks and exposed viewpoints.
summer specific
Temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, especially in high-desert nights.
fall specific