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The Grand Circle | Introduction
"The Grand Circle" refers to a region in the southwestern United States that spans across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. This area is characterized by its close proximity to numerous national parks and renowned landmarks, all interconnected by scenic highways, making it an ideal route for a self-driving national park adventure. The nearby national parks are well-known and include iconic destinations such as Grand Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park, among others.
The 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 to 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.
If time permits, it is recommended to visit Valley of Fire State Park on the way between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. You can easily spend a whole day here, and although it is not a national park, it is definitely worth a visit.
The Grand Circle | List of Attractions
Las Vegas
Most people start their Grand Circle journey from the dazzling city of Las Vegas, one of the world's most famous tourist destinations. This vibrant city is filled with skyscrapers, neon lights, casinos, and luxurious resorts, making it an ideal place to spend a couple of days for first-time visitors.
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Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest and most famous state park, open since 1935. The geological formations of the Valley of Fire are primarily composed of desert layers from 150 million years ago. Over time, erosion and weathering have created a fantastically diverse landscape with rich colors and various shapes. When sunlight hits these rocks, they shine like flames, which is why it is called "Valley of Fire."
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon stretches approximately 446 kilometers in length, can reach up to 29 kilometers in width, and boasts a depth of 1.6 kilometers. This majestic chasm has been formed over millions of years through the relentless erosion by the Colorado River, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Grand Canyon National Park is divided into the South Rim and the North Rim, and the two sides are not directly connected by roads. Typically, visitors to the Grand Circle choose to explore the more accessible South Rim, where major attractions are concentrated. It's recommended to spend 1-2 days here.
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
Upper Antelope Canyon is a famous geological wonder, a breathtaking spectacle of soft sandstone sculpted over millions of years by wind erosion. Its beautiful and distinctive rock formations and narrow passageways make it a photographer's paradise. Located very close to other attractions in the Glen Canyon area, it's typically included in the same day's itinerary. Access to the canyon requires a guided tour and can be explored for approximately half a day.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a classic setting for many Western films and has become an iconic symbol of American Western cinema and culture. For a one-day trip, it's recommended to visit Monument Valley along with Mystery Valley, exploring these fascinating locations together.
Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park was once the agricultural homeland of the Ancient Puebloan people. The park is renowned for its ancient dwellings constructed within alcoves on cliffs, dating back to approximately 1100-1300 AD. These dwellings, known as cliff dwellings, give the impression of people living within the cliffs themselves, creating a truly fascinating sight. It's recommended to spend at least two days exploring this park.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park boasts an impressive landscape of vast canyons eroded by the Colorado River. The park is divided into three districts by the Colorado River, with Needles and Maze being rugged and often inaccessible to regular sedans without four-wheel drive, making them a bit challenging to explore. Most visitors to Canyonlands National Park opt for activities in the "Island in the Sky" district. It's recommended to plan for about half a day to explore this area.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is perhaps the most famous national park in Utah. Within its 309 square kilometers, it hosts the world's largest and most diverse concentration of natural stone arches, as well as stunning landscapes featuring red sandstone canyons, rock pillars, massive boulders, and plateaus. It's recommended to plan for 1-2 days to explore this park fully.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park showcases vibrant geology and history, with its primary geological feature being the Waterpocket Fold. This formation extends for over a hundred kilometers, with layers of broken rock thrust up by tectonic forces, revealing a fascinating spectrum of geological structures ranging from pale grey to brick-red. It's recommended to plan for about half a day to explore this park.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is not your typical canyon; it was formed by erosion along the edge of a plateau rather than river cutting through it, so it doesn't fit the traditional geological definition of a canyon. Its most famous geological features are the expansive clusters of red, orange, and white rock formations known as hoodoos. It's recommended to spend a day exploring this park.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is a deep, narrow canyon reaching thousands of feet deep, and it's one of the oldest and most popular national parks in the United States. Due to its immense popularity, traffic is controlled during peak seasons. Transportation within the park primarily relies on the Zion Canyon Shuttle, which has approximately eight to nine stops, and the round-trip ride takes about 80 minutes. It's recommended to spend at least a day exploring this park.
Further reading
- All Grand Circle attraction posts
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