The Grand Circle drive can take up to three weeks, but the spectacular 8- to 10-day portion is centered around the Grand Canyon, filled with bold colors, fascinating geological shapes and textures, and vibrant indigenous cultures. History appears everywhere. Stops in towns for views, hikes, and admiring local art, cuisine, and culture amidst majestic scenery, including a place to stay for the night. Here’s how to bring the best to the Southwest.
The Grand Circle consists of five southwestern states: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, and is home to America’s largest concentration of national parks and monuments. Perfect for an epic road trip through scenic side roads, sheer cliffs, and purple, orange, and indigo mesas.
Parowan petroglyphs include clan markings (such as signatures) and directions (such as maps), as well as references to rituals and songs © Zen Rial / Getty Images
Parowan & Cedar City, Utah
Parowan is also home to Utah’s first pioneer settlement, a cultural heritage museum, and famous landmarks such as the geometric petroglyphs of Parowan Gap. These ancient symbols were carved into cliffs along the same path that locals have used for centuries.
Just a 23-minute drive from “downtown” to Cedar City, Utah, relax after your hike with a wine tasting at IG Winery & Tasting Room, featuring world-class signature blends. Be sure to try Parowan Cafe’s famous cinnamon rolls. They are made fresh every morning and are sometimes sold out by lunchtime.
Kanab, Utah
Parowan and Kanab, Utah, are both ideal basecamps for exploring the natural wonders of the Grand Circle.
One of them, Peekaboo Slot Canyon, is a 10-minute drive from Kanab and requires tour arrangements. It’s less crowded than our next destination, the well-known slot canyon of Upper Antelope, but it does require some rock climbing, including about a 12-foot hike, to enter. The narrow, spiral arches are carved from sandstone formed by centuries of water and glow in all shades of orange depending on the sunlight.
Head to “downtown” Kanab for dinner at Rocking V, an eclectic art gallery and cafe serving creative cuisine. Stay overnight at the Red Canyon Cabin. It’s located in a quiet area on the outskirts of town, but within walking distance to the visitor center.
If you have the money, splurge on a morning sightseeing trip and head on to your next destination, taking in spectacular skies over Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend and the deep erosion-carved canyons that flow in and out of the shimmering blue lake. Enjoy the endless views.
The upper antelope section of the canyon has to be seen to be believed © Ann Nelson / Lonely Planet
Upper Antelope Canyon: Page, Arizona
Page is located very close to Lake Powell. Just four miles from town is the world’s most photographed slot canyon, Upper Antelope Canyon (currently closed). Reservations are required here with qualified guides and tours are limited. The soft, polished red sandstone has swirls of red, white, tan, and pink, and the walls sparkle as dust particles drift in the sunlight. It looks great on Instagram and is simply beautiful.
Enjoy dinner at Lake Powell Resort and Marina’s waterfront spot, the scenic Driftwood, fine burgers and sustainable seafood. Book a lakeside room for your accommodation. The small, Native American-inspired rooms are equipped with upscale amenities and feature patio seating with breathtaking sunset views over the lake.
It takes months to fully explore the hundreds of miles of Grand Canyon © Ann Nelson / Lonely Planet
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Now comes the highlight. At 447 miles long and more than a mile deep from river to rim in some places, the Grand Canyon is the world’s largest canyon. You can also bike around the edge or hike one of the many trails if you wish.
Southern Rim highlights include Desert View Point and Gazebo, Moran, Lipan, and Grandview Point. As you take in the views, be sure to check out the observation deck buildings, including the 70-foot Desert View Watchtower (now closed), designed by architect Mary Colter. Arrive by 11 a.m. for cooler temperatures, less traffic, and fewer lines.
Drive from downtown to Grand Canyon Village and dine at the world-famous 117-year-old El Tovar, located inside the historic hotel. Many presidents and celebrities have eaten here. You can stay at the Yavapai Lodge in the national park and walk or take a bus about 1 mile to the South Rim.
The ruins in Wupatki National Monument were inhabited by the Sinaqua Indians from approximately 1100 to 1250 AD © Wholden / Getty Images
Flagstaff, Arizona
A 30-mile drive on historic Route 66 brings you to Wupatki National Monument. Wupatki National Monument is an ancient Indian cliff dwelling nestled between the Painted Desert and the Ponderosa Plateau, exposed above miles of prairie red rock.
Just a mile outside of town is the 125-year-old Lowell Observatory (open to private groups only) where the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered. This is the world’s first international dark sky city. Gaze at the stars, the moon, and a sea of planets on a night or day tour.
Just off Route 66, have dinner at the Tourist Home All Day Cafe, a converted 1926 mansion, enjoy a fancy hash bowl, and sleep at Hotel Monte Vista, less than a mile’s drive away. Another of his ’20s landmarks features live music and all-day happy hour. Two stylish lounges, ghost stories galore, and rooms as charming as the historic lobby.
Sedona is known for its stunning scenery © Ann Nelson / Lonely Planet
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is known as a New Age healing haven for crystal and art lovers, but it’s also an outdoor paradise surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest. Surrounded by red rock buttes, rugged canyon walls, and pine forests, the city is home to many trailheads that provide access to Sedona’s beautiful red rocks.
Drive 11 miles south of uptown Sedona and start at Bell Rock, an earth-toned mesa with bell-shaped stripes. Near the breathtaking Chapel of the Holy Cross, built by owner and rancher Marguerite Brunswig Staude atop a red rock, lies a vortex described as a zone of spiritual healing energy. .
Enjoy the best views of the city by staying at Sky Ranch Lodge, then walk to Mesa Grill for southwestern-inspired cuisine and stunning skyline views. Don’t forget to leave home with crystals and jewelry from the outdoor mall, Tlaquepaque.
Jerome attracts many tourists and is home to many galleries, bars, and restaurants © Ann Nelson / Lonely Planet
Jerome, Arizona
A drive into this small town offers some of Arizona’s most spectacular scenery. Then downtown, art-hopping through his galleries and discovering that Jerome was once “the most sinister town in the West,” full of brothels, opium dens, saloon shootouts, and potential paranormal activity. , or take a juicy ghost tour.
Founded in 1876, it was once a copper mining boom town with a population of 15,000, but after the mines closed in 1953, it became a virtual ghost town (population 50). Artists have moved in, and the winding switchback streets are now filled with painters, writers, musicians, and artists. Historian.
At Haunted Burgers, enjoy local draft beers and cocktails while watching hammer-wielding ghosts. Stay at the Jerome Grand Hotel, a former hospital supposedly filled with spirits, and enjoy gorgeous views, golden artwork, burgundy walls, fine dining, and mesmerizing views. Wake up in the morning and head to your final destination.
Watson Lake is a beautiful natural area located just a short distance from downtown Prescott, Arizona © benedek / Getty Images
Prescott, Arizona
This mile-tall city sits in the middle of the pinon-covered Prescott National Forest and has more than 15 distinctive hiking and biking trails to stretch your legs. Be sure to hike Thumb Butte, just 3.5 miles by car from downtown. However, it can get crowded. Although some of the slopes are steep, they offer panoramic views of the city and nearby mountains.
A waterfront oasis, enjoy fishing and boating on Watson Lake, just four miles from downtown. Return to downtown for art, performances, and food. We recommend Murphy’s Prescott for elegant and affordable seafood. Stay at the historic Grand Highland Hotel, located on Whiskey Row, which is as famous as the city itself.
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This article was first published on January 30, 2020 and updated on September 14, 2020.
