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
1. 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.
2. Las Vegas Natural History Museum
Museum
Go big at the Grand Canyon
3. 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.”
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Park
Splash out beside Lake Powell
5. 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.
6. Lake Powell
Natural Feature
Explore Western culture in Monument Valley
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Arches National Park
Park
End of the road in Zion
10. 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.
11. Zion National Park
Park
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.