Table of Content
Grand Circle | Introduction
The Grand Circle refers to a region in the southwestern United States that spans Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. This region is home to many nearby national parks and attractions, which are connected by scenic highways, making it a great route for arranging a self-drive national parks tour. The national parks in the area are all well known, including Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Dome Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and many more.
Grand Circle | Driving Directions
The driving route of the Great Loop is not necessarily the same, because there are many national parks nearby, and there are Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, and other cities to choose from just for the starting point. The most popular starting point is Las Vegas. The map below provides a classic Grand Circle route, which passes through Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Glen Canyon Scenic Area and Antelope Canyon - Monument Valley - Mesa Verde National Park - Canyonlands National Park - Arches National Park - Dome Reef National Park - Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park, and then back to Las Vegas for a loop. This itinerary passes through ten scenic spots, each of which can be enjoyed for one or two days, and requires at least two weeks.
If you have a shorter time, you can consider removing a few points, and if each point is only for one day, ditching Mesa Verde National Park, Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Canyonlands National Park - Arches National Park - Dome Reef National Park - Bryce Canyon National Park - Zion National Park - Las Vegas can possibly be done in a week, but it's a bit rushed. Another option I would recommend is to skip a few national parks and do the shorter Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Glen Canyon Scenic Area and Antelope Canyon - Monument Valley - Zion National Park route in one week.
Grand Circle | Scenic Spotting
Las Vegas Las Vegas
Most people's Grand Circle Line destinations are casinos.Las VegasThe city is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. This glittering city of skyscrapers, lights, casinos, and luxury resorts is a two-day destination for first-time visitors.
Looking for a price comparison on Las Vegas accommodations?
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand CanyonIt is approximately 446 kilometers long, up to 29 kilometers wide and 1.6 kilometers deep. This magnificent rift valley was formed by the erosion of the Colorado River thousands of times over millions of years and is therefore a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Grand Canyon National ParkIt is divided into two parts, the south edge and the north edge, the south edge and the north edge of the road are not connected, so usually only one side can be chosen in one visit, usually visitors to the Grand Circular Route usually visit the south edge where the main attractions are concentrated. It is recommended to stay for 1-2 days.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen CanyonThe area includes well-known attractions such as Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Horseshoe Bend (see National Parks). the official website), half-day to full-day trips can be arranged.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope CanyonThe Antelope Canyon is famous for its geological wonders, where soft sandstone has been eroded by wind over millions of years. The beauty and uniqueness of the rock formations and the narrow passages make Antelope Canyon a photo mecca. It is very close to other attractions in Glen Canyon and is usually scheduled on the same day's itinerary. A guided tour is required to enter and you can stay for about half a day.
Monument Valley
Monument ValleyMonument Valley is a classic scene in many American western movies, and has become a symbol of American western movies and culture. It is recommended to visit Monument Valley together with Mystery Valley on a day trip.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National ParkThe park was once the farmland of the Ancient Puebloan people. The park is primarily known for preserving ancient dwellings built in the Alcove on the cliffs between 1100 and 1300 AD. These dwellings are called Cliff Dwellings because they look like people are living in the middle of the cliffs, which is quite magical. It is recommended to stay at least two days.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National ParkThe canyon terrain, formed by the erosion of the Colorado River, is spectacular. The Colorado River divides Canyonlands National Park into three sections. Needles and Maze are rugged and inaccessible to non-four-wheel-drive sedans, so it is not easy to go deeper. Most visitors to Canyonlands National Park only visit the Island in the Sky program. A half-day visit is recommended.
Arches National Park
Arches National ParkPossibly Utah's most famous national park, this 309-square-kilometer area is home to the world's largest and most diverse collection of natural stone arches, as well as a spectacular landscape of red sandstone canyons, pillars, boulders and platforms. Recommended 1-2 days.
Capitol Reef National Park
Dome Reef National ParkRich in colorful geological strata and history, the most important topographical feature is the river valley folds, over 100 kilometers of crushed rock from the continental plates to form the continuous cliffs, showing the original gray to brick-red geological structure deep below the surface. A half-day tour is recommended.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National ParkIt was formed by erosion along the side of the plateau, and unlike the Grand Canyon, which was cut by a river, it cannot be considered a true canyon geographically. The most famous geographic structure is the large hoodoos, a combination of red, orange and white rocks. Recommended length of stay is one day.
Zion National Park
Zion National ParkA narrow canyon 1,000 feet deep, this is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in the United States. Because of its popularity, transportation is controlled during peak seasons. Transportation within the park is mainly by the Zion Canyon Shuttle, which makes about eight or nine stops and takes about 80 minutes for a round trip. It is recommended to stay at least one day.
Further reading
- possessGrand CircleScenic Spot Articles
Thank you for visiting our website.
All the content on this site is original and shared with the purpose of providing valuable information. We sustain the operation of this site through a small amount of advertising and sponsored links. If you click on links to third-party merchants on our site and make purchases, we may receive a portion of the sales as a commission. If you click on links to third-party merchants on our site and make purchases, we may receive a portion of the sales as a commission.
Find more posts on a map Here.
My recommended resources for hotel bookings.
Buy me a coffee and support my contents!
If you are interested in quoting this article or using any part of its content and images on your website or publication, please contact us via email to request permission.
English 
繁體中文