3-Day Grand Canyon Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Grand Canyon tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGrand Canyon travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Southwest USA, incl. Grand Canyon and Zion

  Zion National Park's Emerald Pools trail and Navajo-guided jeep tours through Monument Valley showcase this 1,100-mile circuit from Las Vegas. Grand Canyon South Rim's epic viewpoints and optional Antelope Canyon tours ($90-100) round out the journey.

  

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  • Day 1

    Zion National Park

    Leave Las Vegas at 7:15 AM for the 2.5-hour drive to Zion. The morning sun lights up the red Navajo sandstone cliffs beautifully. Start with the Emerald Pools trail. The Lower Pool is an easy 1.2-mile round trip walk that shows off Zion's natural beauty. One visitor put it well: "We chose the easier River Walk trail and still had a great time. I think May was a great time to do this tour with mild temperatures and fewer crowds." In the afternoon you can either take on the challenging Angels Landing hike (5.4 miles round trip) or explore the more relaxed Temple of Sinawava area. Make sure to wear hiking shoes with good grip since Zion's trails can get slippery. Plan for a 2-hour drive to Page Arizona afterward.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Powell Region & Monument Valley

    Book an Antelope Canyon tour if you can ($90-100). The best light for photos comes between 10 AM and noon when sunbeams shine through the canyon walls. After that take a short 1.5-mile walk to see Horseshoe Bend. Go early or late to avoid the hottest part of the day. Spend your afternoon on a Navajo-guided jeep tour through Monument Valley. You'll need about 2 hours to drive between Page and Monument Valley each way. A recent visitor noted: "Monument Valley was even more amazing in person after seeing it in westerns. Our Navajo guide was very informative and entertaining."

    
  • Day 3

    Grand Canyon South Rim

    Start with a quick stop at a trading post on your way to Grand Canyon National Park (about 2.5 hours from Page). Head to Mather Point first for an incredible view of the canyon. You can take the free shuttle bus along the Rim Trail to see different viewpoints or walk partway down into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. Going to the First Tunnel (1.5 miles round trip) gives you a good taste of the trail. If you want to see the canyon from above helicopter tours run $280-400. Book for mid-morning when visibility is usually best. The drive back to Las Vegas takes about 4.5 hours getting you there around 7 PM. Book any evening plans with some buffer time since traffic can be unpredictable.

    

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• 3 Days in Southwest USA, incl. Grand Canyon and Zion National Park

  South Rim viewpoints and Native American craft markets highlight this approx. $230 per day expedition. Natural wonders continue at Antelope Canyon's sculptured dunes and Bryce Canyon's amphitheaters, with two nights in 2-3 star hotels.

  

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  • Day 1

    Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

    Plan to arrive in Vegas a day early since pickup starts at 6:30 AM from select hotels. The 4.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon's South Rim takes you through the Mojave Desert. A helpful tip: grab a seat on the right side of the vehicle for the best canyon views as you approach. Weather at the South Rim can change quickly compared to the desert floor so pack layers and good walking shoes for the paved rim trails. Looking for Native American crafts? The trading post stops offer authentic items but you'll find better prices at the second or third market rather than the first.

    
  • Day 2

    Antelope Canyon and Bryce Canyon

    Your morning features a guided tour of Lower Antelope Canyon near Page. The slot canyon has steep stairs and ladders so wear closed-toe shoes. Get there early before midday light washes out the orange canyon walls. From here it's about 2.5 hours to Bryce Canyon. Visit Inspiration Point in late afternoon when sunlight makes the red hoodoos look their best. The views at sunset are beautiful but remember temperatures drop fast after dark, especially during spring and fall. Bring something warm to wear.

    
  • Day 3

    Zion National Park to Las Vegas

    It's just a 30-minute morning drive from Kanab to Zion. Take the riverside walk along the Virgin River to spot wildlife, particularly mule deer in the early hours. Check trail conditions first since it can get muddy after rain. You'll get back to Vegas late (around 8-9 PM) so plan dinner reservations after 9:30 PM or schedule your departure flight for the next day.

    

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• 3 Days in Western USA, incl. Grand Canyon and Zion

  Grand Canyon's South Rim viewpoints, Lower Antelope Canyon's passages, and Zion's Virgin River trails fill three adventurous days. Professional guides fluent in 7 languages lead groups, with nights at Clarion Inn-Page and Quality Inn Kanab.

  

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  • Day 1

    Las Vegas to Grand Canyon & Page

    Your journey starts at 6:30 AM from the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. The 4.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon South Rim takes you through the scenic Navajo reservation. "The driver slowed down at certain spots for quick scenic photos - these unexpected stops made the long drive much more enjoyable" one traveler shared. You'll reach the South Rim in the afternoon when the sunlight creates perfect photo opportunities. Pack lots of water and sun protection since there's little shade and summer temperatures often go above 100°F. From here you'll continue to Page Arizona where you'll spend the night.

    
  • Day 2

    Antelope Canyon & Bryce Canyon

    Start your day with a morning tour of Lower Antelope Canyon. A visitor tip: "The 8 AM slot means fewer crowds but the light beams aren't as visible - consider requesting a later time if photography is your priority." Wear comfortable shoes as you'll need to navigate narrow passages with some climbing. Next up is a 2.5-hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park. Watch the sunset from Inspiration Point to see the red rock hoodoos at their best. "Stay for twilight - the rock formations take on an otherworldly glow as the sun sets. Just bring layers as temperatures drop quickly" suggests a recent visitor.

    
  • Day 3

    Zion National Park to Las Vegas

    A 90-minute morning drive brings you to Zion National Park. Use the park shuttle to visit popular spots like Emerald Pools or Riverside Walk. One experienced hiker notes: "The Virgin River trail is perfect for hot days - the water-cooled canyon and river access provide natural air conditioning." The return drive to Las Vegas takes about 2.5 hours getting you back around 3 PM. This gives you time to relax before evening plans or flights.

    

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