American Southwest Loop

1. 1

   Day 1 · Mon, Apr 20

   Salt Lake City to Moab

   8:00 AM – 2:30 PM$85

   • Salt Lake City
   • Green River
   • Moab

   Pick up the van, stock the cooler, sunset at Dead Horse Point.
2. 2

   Day 2 · Tue, Apr 21

   Arches National Park

   6:00 AM – 7:00 PM$35

   • Delicate Arch
   • Windows Section
   • Devils Garden

   Timed entry is required April to October: book the 6 a.m. slot.
3. 3

   Day 3 · Wed, Apr 22

   Canyonlands: Island in the Sky

   5:45 AM – 4:00 PM$30

   • Mesa Arch
   • Grand View Point
   • Shafer Trail

   Mesa Arch at sunrise is worth the alarm. Bring 3 liters of water each.
4. 4

   Day 4 · Thu, Apr 23

   Capitol Reef & Scenic Byway 12

   9:00 AM – 6:00 PM$60

   • Fruita
   • Hickman Bridge
   • Boulder

   Pie from the Gifford Homestead; the byway is one of the best drives in the country.
5. 5

   Day 5 · Fri, Apr 24

   Bryce Canyon

   6:30 AM – 3:00 PM$35

   • Sunrise Point
   • Navajo Loop
   • Queens Garden

   Hoodoos glow orange in the first hour of light. Layers: it is cold at 8,000 feet.
6. 6

   Day 6 · Sat, Apr 25

   Zion & the Narrows

   7:00 AM – 5:00 PM$120

   • Springdale
   • Riverside Walk
   • the Narrows

   Rent canyoneering boots and a stick in Springdale; check the flash-flood forecast.
7. 7

   Day 7 · Sun, Apr 26

   Monument Valley

   10:00 AM – 8:00 PM$160

   • Kayenta
   • Valley Drive
   • Forrest Gump Point

   A Navajo-guided tour reaches the backcountry arches the self-drive loop misses.

Estimated on-the-ground cost$525