Driving the Grand Circle can take up to three weeks, but a spectacular eight-to-10 day portion centers around the Grand Canyon and features bold colors, fascinating geological shapes and textures, and living history of our indigenous culture at every turn. Amidst views, hikes, and grandeur, it includes stops in town for local art, cuisine, and culture, providing comfortable places to rest at night. Here’s how to hit the road for the best of the Southwest.
The Grand Circle consists of five Southwestern states – Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada – showcasing America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. It’s perfect for a majestic road trip filled with scenic byways, sheer cliffs, and vibrant purple, orange, and indigo mesas.
Parowan & Cedar City, Utah
Parowan is home to the first pioneer settlement in Utah, heritage museums, and landmarks such as the geometric petroglyphs at Parowan Gap. These ancient symbols were carved into cliff faces along the path local people have used for centuries.
Take a 23-minute drive “downtown” to Cedar City, Utah, and unwind after hiking with a wine tasting at IG Winery & Tasting Room, featuring world-class signature blends. When in Parowan, be sure to enjoy one of the renowned cinnamon rolls at Parowan Cafe, fresh-baked each morning and known to sell out by lunchtime.
Kanab, Utah
Both Parowan and Kanab, Utah, serve as ideal basecamps for exploring the Grand Circle’s natural wonders.
One such site, Peekaboo Slot Canyon, is just a 10-minute drive from Kanab and requires an arranged tour. This spot is less crowded than the more famous slot canyon at Upper Antelope but involves some rock scrambling, including about a 12-foot hike to enter. The narrow, swirled arches formed from centuries of water erosion display a beautiful array of orange hues, changing with the sunlight.
Head to “downtown” Kanab for dinner at Rocking V, an eclectic art gallery/cafe serving creative dishes. For lodging, consider the Red Canyon cabin, located in a quiet area at the edge of town yet conveniently close to the visitor center.
If budget allows, splurge on a morning flightseeing trip for an incredible aerial view of Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, and the breathtaking deep gorges sculpted by erosion intertwined with the shimmering blue lake.
Upper Antelope Canyon: Page, AZ
Page is directly situated on Lake Powell. Only four miles out of town lies the world’s most photographed slot canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon (currently closed). Reservations are essential here with a licensed guide, and tours are limited. The soft, polished red sandstone showcases swirls of red, white, tan, and pink, with walls glowing as dust particles dance in the beams of sunlight. It’s a spectacular sight worthy of any traveler’s camera.
Dine at Driftwood, located at Lake Powell Resort and Marina, where you can enjoy waterfront views along with high-end burgers and sustainable seafood. Consider a lakefront room for lodging, featuring Native American-inspired décor and patio seating for delightful sunset views over the lake.
Grand Canyon, AZ
Finally, your centerpiece – the Grand Canyon, which stretches 277 miles long and plunges over a mile deep in certain spots, making it the largest canyon in the world. Activities abound, whether you prefer to bicycle around the edge or hike numerous trails.
Key highlights along the Southern Rim include Desert View Point and Watchtower, along with Moran, Lipan, and Grandview Point. Be sure to explore the viewpoint buildings as well, notably the 70-foot tall Desert View Watchtower (currently closed), designed by architect Mary Colter. Arrive before 11 AM for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
While in Grand Canyon Village, consider dining at the historic 117-year-old El Tovar, a favorite among visitors that has welcomed numerous presidents and celebrities. For your stay, opt for Yavapai Lodge, conveniently located in the national park with easy access to the South Rim.
Flagstaff, AZ
Drive 30 miles along historic Route 66 to reach the Wupatki National Monument, an ancient Indian cliff dwelling nestled between the Painted Desert and the Ponderosa Highlands, framed by red rocks across expansive prairie.
Only a mile out of town marks the location where dwarf planet Pluto was discovered at the 125-year-old Lowell Observatory (open only to private groups), making it the world’s first International Dark Sky City. Experience the magnificent starlit sky, as both night and day tours are available.
Stop for dinner just off Route 66 at Tourist Home All Day Cafe, a renovated 1926 house serving upscale dishes like their Hash Bowl. Following dinner, enjoy a night at Hotel Monte Vista, a charming 20s-era landmark boasting live music, all-day happy hour, and a rich history of ghost stories.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona is a renowned destination for crystal and art enthusiasts, often referred to as a New Age healing paradise, while also serving as an outdoor haven surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest. Numerous trailheads throughout the city provide easy access to Sedona’s stunning red rocks.
Start your adventure at Bell Rock, located seven miles south of uptown Sedona, where the bell-shaped mesas showcase beautiful earth-toned stripes. A vortex, believed to be a zone of spiritual healing energy, can be found near the picturesque Chapel of the Holy Cross, crafted by owner and rancher Marguerite Brunswig Staude, which sits majestically atop the red rocks.
For remarkable views and superior lodging, choose Sky Ranch Lodge. Following your stay, indulge in southwestern-inspired cuisine and scenic skyline views at Mesa Grill. Don’t forget to purchase crystals and jewelry from the vibrant outdoor mall, Tlaquepaque.
Jerome, AZ
As you drive into Jerome, anticipate seeing some of the most spectacular landscapes in Arizona. The downtown area offers art galleries or even a juicy ghost tour, as this town was once dubbed the “wickedest town in the West,” filled with brothels and saloon gunfights, culminating in the prospect of paranormal encounters.
Founded in 1876, Jerome began as a bustling copper mining boom town with a population of 15,000 before declining to a mere 50 residents when the mines closed in 1953. Artists arrived, transforming the winding, switchback streets into a vibrant hub for painters, writers, musicians, and historians.
While in town, enjoy a meal at the Haunted Hamburger for local draft beers and cocktails, paired with tales of supposedly haunted history. Consider staying overnight at the perhaps spirit-filled former hospital, Jerome Grand Hotel, known for its stunning views and fine dining experiences.
Prescott, AZ
This mile-high city is nestled within the pinon pine-laden Prescott National Forest and features over 15 distinct hiking and biking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider hiking Thumb Butte, just a three-and-a-half-mile drive from downtown. Although the trail may get crowded, its steep sections offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
For a relaxing waterfront escape, visit Watson Lake, located just four miles from downtown, where you can enjoy fishing or boating. After a day of adventure, return downtown for art, performances, and delightful dining – consider Murphy’s Prescott for elegant yet reasonably-priced seafood. For lodging, the historic Grand Highland Hotel is ideally situated on Whiskey Row, known as much for its vibrant past as for the town itself.
