Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley & Grand Canyon: 3-Day Small Group Tour

Summary

Southwest icons by minibus with Navajo jeep tour and campfire nights

You’ll wake up beneath Utah stars, hike among Bryce Canyon’s wild spires, ride through Monument Valley with a Navajo guide, and stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon South Rim — all with transport handled and options for camping or comfy lodging. Expect real campfires, local stories, and moments you might not expect to remember later.

What’s the experience like?

Hands wrapped around a mug of coffee that tasted faintly of campfire smoke — that’s how I started my first morning on this 3-day trip from Las Vegas. Our guide, Mark (who grew up near St. George), had already cracked a joke about “Utah time” as we rolled into Zion. The canyon walls looked almost painted in the early light, and I kept hearing birds echo off the stone while we walked toward Emerald Pools. My boots picked up dust I’d be shaking out for days. We had time to wander at our own pace; I ended up chatting with a couple from Lyon who were just as lost in the colors as I was. There’s something about seeing Zion for the first time that makes you forget your phone exists.

By afternoon we were winding up to Bryce Canyon — it’s hard to describe those spires without sounding dramatic, but honestly they’re stranger than photos let on. The air was sharper here, almost sweet with pine. Ruby’s campground was our home for the night (I chose camping — you can pick lodging if tents aren’t your thing), and after dinner someone started strumming a guitar by the fire. I tried to name constellations but mostly got them wrong; nobody cared. That sky… still think about it.

The second day brought Antelope Canyon (optional but worth it) and then Monument Valley, where our Navajo guide Mary took us bouncing through red sand in an open jeep. She told stories about her grandfather’s sheep and pointed out shapes in the rocks — one looked like an eagle if you squinted sideways. At sunset, everything turned gold and quiet except for laughter from our group and a coyote yipping somewhere far off. Sleeping under those stars felt both small and lucky.

On the last day we stopped at an old trading post before heading along the Painted Desert toward the Grand Canyon South Rim. There was time to walk along the edge or grab coffee at a café overlooking what felt like forever (I did both). Some people went for the helicopter ride — I just sat on a rock until my legs cramped up, trying to take it all in before we headed back to Vegas late that night. Not sure I’ll ever see so many different worlds packed into three days again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Las Vegas to Zion and Bryce Canyon

• Depart Las Vegas by minibus
• Explore Zion National Park
• Visit Human History Museum
• Travel to Bryce Canyon
• Walk among Bryce Canyon spires

Day 2 — Bryce Canyon to Monument Valley

• Drive to Lake Powell
• Optional visit to Antelope Canyon
• Travel to Monument Valley
• Navajo-guided Jeep tour
• Overnight under the stars

Day 3 — Monument Valley to Grand Canyon and Las Vegas

• Stop at Navajo trading post
• Follow Colorado River through Painted Desert
• Explore Grand Canyon South Rim
• Optional helicopter ride
• Return to Las Vegas

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this 3-day Southwest tour?

No, pickup is from a central Las Vegas location; hotel pickup is not specified.

Can I choose between camping and hotel lodging?

Yes, you can select either comfortable camping with all gear provided or upgrade to 3-star or higher lodging accommodations.

Is there a guided tour in Monument Valley?

Yes, a Navajo guide leads an included Jeep tour through Monument Valley.

Are meals included during this tour?

A light breakfast is included only with camping; lunches are make-your-own sandwiches with fruit and chips; vegetarian options available by request.

What national parks are visited on this trip?

You’ll visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Antelope Canyon (optional), Petrified Forest National Park (brief stop), and Grand Canyon South Rim.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, transport is by 14-passenger air-conditioned minibus throughout the tour.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The minimum age is 7 years; children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do campsites have showers and Wi-Fi?

Campsites usually offer hot showers and Wi-Fi; some may have laundry facilities or outdoor hot tubs/pools.

How much luggage can I bring?

Luggage must not exceed 44lbs (20kg) per person due to space limitations on the minibus.

What’s included

Your three days include minibus transportation from Las Vegas through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley (with guided Jeep tour), Antelope Canyon (optional extra), Petrified Forest stopover, and Grand Canyon South Rim — plus park entry fees throughout. Camping travelers get all gear provided along with light breakfast; everyone gets make-your-own sandwich lunches with fruit and chips daily. Campsites feature hot showers and Wi-Fi where available; lodging upgrades are comfy rooms shared by same-sex travelers or couples as booked. All tours are led by expert local guides sharing stories along every mile.