
moderate
6 days
You should be comfortable walking 2–6 miles with short steep sections and occasional scrambling; basic endurance recommended.
A compact, six-day road loop from Salt Lake City that hits Utah’s Mighty 5 plus Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Expect short iconic hikes, Navajo-guided slot canyons, a Cessna flight option over Lake Powell, and long scenic drives along Route 12.
The van hums onto Highway 191 before dawn, and the first light hits the fins and hoodoos like someone has turned a slow-motion spotlight on an ancient stage. By mid-morning you’re standing on the rim of Dead Horse Point, the Colorado River daring you to lean closer; later in the week you’ll thread light through Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide and watch a Cessna stitch a silver line over Lake Powell.

Start hikes before sunrise where possible—Delicate Arch and Antelope Canyon are best photographed early and are far less crowded then.
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person for daily outings and refill whenever you can; temperatures vary and shade is limited.
Mornings in higher-elevation parks can be cool; bring a lightweight insulating layer that packs small.
Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley experiences are run by Navajo guides—follow their instructions and avoid touching fragile canyon walls.
The region preserves evidence of the Fremont people and later Navajo stewardship; many sites visited are on or near Navajo Nation lands with ongoing cultural significance.
Stick to trails and avoid disturbing cryptobiotic soils; slot canyons and fragile sandstone recover slowly from foot traffic—support Navajo guides and local businesses that steward these places.
Carries water, layers, camera, and snacks during hikes and canyon visits.
Support and traction on slickrock, sand, and uneven trails.
Desert sun is intense—use broad-spectrum sunscreen and a brimmed hat.
summer specific
Helps reduce glare and deepen sky contrast for canyon and hoodoo shots.