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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can manage multiple short walks, occasional stairs or uneven terrain, and 3–6 hour driving days; basic stamina required.
Overview
A fast-paced seven-day loop from Los Angeles and Las Vegas to Yellowstone and Salt Lake City, this guided tour packs the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone into a single itinerary — ideal for travelers who want maximum sights with professional logistics.
seven-day-western-us-nationals-parks-road-trip-los-angeles-vegas-yellowstone
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The bus pulls away from Los Angeles at first light, a thin ribbon of highway unspooling through Joshua trees and sunbaked scrub. By dusk the neon skyline of Las Vegas rises like a modern canyon, glittering and noisy, then the road narrows and the itinerary turns toward plateaus carved by rivers and time. Over seven days this guided loop stitches together the Mojave, the Grand Canyon rims, Lake Powell’s blue arms, Bryce’s hoodoos, Grand Teton’s serrated skyline and Yellowstone’s steamy geothermal fields — a compressed sweep of the American West that trades deep immersion for a curated sequence of high-impact highlights.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Altitude and acclimatization
Several stops sit above 6,000–8,000 ft (Bryce, West Yellowstone); move slowly on arrival, drink extra water, and avoid heavy exertion your first day at elevation.
Protect delicate features
Stay on marked boardwalks in geothermal zones and follow Navajo guide instructions at Lower Antelope to prevent damage and avoid fines.
Layer for extremes
Temperatures can swing 30–50°F between valley heat and alpine chill — pack a warm insulated layer and a wind shell.
Time your photography
Plan sunrise at Bryce or Hayden Valley for wildlife and golden light; crowds peak mid-morning at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison
- Elk
History
The route crosses ancestral lands of the Navajo Nation and areas shaped by 19th-century westward expansion; Lower Antelope sits on Navajo-managed territory with guided access.
Conservation
Parks here manage visitor numbers and fragile features; practice leave-no-trace, obey boardwalks in thermal zones, and respect tribal rules at Navajo sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Las Vegas
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and traction for slot canyon stairs, boardwalks, and short viewpoint trails.
Layered clothing (fleece + wind shell)
Quick changes between hot desert days and cool alpine evenings keep you comfortable on long drives.
Refillable water bottle with filter
Hydration is critical in dry climates and at elevation; a filter helps on the road if taps are limited.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+)
High desert sun is intense even on cool days; protect skin and eyes during daytime stops.
summer specific