On the Road: a Park-Lover’s Guide to America’s Grand Circle
Take in Wild West wildernesses on this adventure-rich road trip that stops by national parks and canyons via luxury-camping sites and wholesome hotels.
The great American West is one of the most iconic and legendary regions in the United States, and no route showcases the area better than the Grand Circle. From the neon-lined streets of Las Vegas out to the enormous rock ridges of Capitol Reef National Park and everywhere in between, this park-laced driving tour is geared towards adventure lovers and seekers of solitude amid some of the best landscapes in the country. Are you game to cross off the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park and Zion in one jaunt? Then stop by these hotels and parkside places to stay to see it all in comfort.
Rest up and restore in Las Vegas
NoMad Las Vegas
Casino Hotel
Before driving the Grand Circle, give your legs a rest at NoMad Las Vegas. This swanky hotel on the Strip has a Moroccan-themed pool with cabanas and cocktails, a low-lit bar for evening libations and a smart spa that spoils with signature massages and hydra facials.
Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Museum
Go big at the Grand Canyon
Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Resort, Lodge
Sleep under the stars in style at Under Canvas Grand Canyon – on the edge of the first park you’ll reach on the drive and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Less than 30 minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and surrounded by secluded forest, this glamping site has a Zen garden, a firepit and a host of group activities if you’re game to make new friends. With a private bathroom, luxurious linens and a wood-burning stove under your deluxe canvas tent, you’ll wake up each morning and forget you’re “roughing it.”
Grand Canyon National Park
Park
Splash out beside Lake Powell
Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed and Breakfast
Independent Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Inn
Even if you don’t leave the property that hosts Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed and Breakfast, you’ll still be treated to unforgettable views of the lake and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Comfortable rooms, a rooftop jacuzzi with views of the wilderness and delicious breakfast make this B&B an excellent stay – especially for adventure-seeking couples and honeymooners. Add in endless opportunities to hike, bike, fish and boat, and Dreamkatchers is an exceptional base near Lake Powell.
Lake Powell
Natural Feature
Explore Western culture in Monument Valley
Monument Valley
Natural Feature
Loop through Arches and Canyonlands
The last thing you’ll want to do is rush when visiting Utah’s Canyonlands and Arches National Park. So, if you’d rather let someone else take the wheel then Culture Trip’s Utah & Colorado adventure – touring the best of the two states over eight action-packed days – might just tempt you.
Under Canvas Moab
Camping, Camping
You’ll never have to choose between Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park when you go glamping at Under Canvas Moab. Its tents are pitched between the two sites, giving you easy access to all the hiking, biking and rock climbing you desire. When night falls on Utah’s Canyon Country, you’ll find warmth in the king-size Stargazer tent, with a wood-burning stove and a sky view above the bed. Feel free to cozy up to your neighbors, too, with conversation around the communal firepit.
Arches National Park
Park
End of the road in Zion
Cable Mountain Lodge
Lodge
Cable Mountain Lodge is so close to Zion National Park that you’ll be at the visitor center moments after you lace up your hiking boots. From the one-of-a-kind Canyon Loft residences with park panoramas to the family-friendly Wallbed suites with room for the whole clan, every accommodation at the lodge is luxurious – which you’ve earned after so much adventure on the trip. No matter which room you choose, we recommend having at least one picnic along the Virgin River.
Zion National Park
Park