Have you ever dreamed of taking your family out west, but you’re not sure where to start? Here’s our perfect 6-day Itinerary Out West. We took our kids on this exact road trip when they were 13 & 10 and we still talk about this trip 3 years later! We had the best time and enjoyed that the driving was manageable with the longest distance between points being 3.5 hours. Here’s how we got started:

Day 1: Welcome to Las Vegas

We flew into Las Vegas early, picked up our rental car, grabbed breakfast at Black Bear Diner, and kicked things off with a classic photo at the iconic Las Vegas Sign—such a fun way to officially start the trip! The line looked long, but it actually moved pretty quickly. There was a friendly guy there offering to take photos on your phone for $5 via Venmo. I wasn’t worried at all because he seemed genuinely nice, and I watched as everyone in front of me did it. I’m really glad we went for it because he captured some great shots of us!

After that, we headed to the Las Vegas Strip to check in at the W Las Vegas, which was modern and spacious enough for our family of four. I knew we would be arriving pretty early for check-in, so I added the early check-in option to my reservation. This worked out great because we wanted to be able to drop our bags at the room and change so that we could spend the afternoon at Mandalay Bay Beach enjoying the wave pool and lazy river. It was crowded, but the kids loved it, and honestly, it was a great way to unwind after travel. We wrapped up the day with a fun, over-the-top dinner at the Sugar Factory—trust me, the milkshakes alone are worth it! Definitely make reservations in advance.

Must-Dos and Pro-Tips:

• Get early check-in at your hotel
• Mandalay Bay Beach for a fun day at the pool – purchase Day Pass HERE if not a guest of the hotel.
• Reserve your spot at Sugar Factory for a memorable dinner

Hotel Recommendations:

• W Las Vegas – Suite style rooms (formerly Delano)
• Mandalay Bay – Check out the Aquarium!
• Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas – Luxury Option in the same area

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Day 2: From Vegas to Sedona via Hoover Dam

We started the day heading out toward Sedona but made a few stops along the way. First up was Hemenway Park, where we spotted more than a dozen big horned sheep just hanging out by the playground— so fun to see and total highlight for the kids! Next, we pulled over at Lake Mead for some quick photos; the views of the lake and desert backdrop were beautiful and peaceful.

Our main stop along the way was the Hoover Dam, where we parked and walked across the dam. It was so cool to stand with one foot in Nevada and the other in Arizona! After exploring, we went to the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for sweeping views of the dam from above—highly recommend making the stop. To get a more in depth knowledge of the Hoover Dam and Tillman Memorial Bridge, I highly recommend taking one of these tours – Hoover Dam Tours. There are very few plaques that give you information about the Dam while you’re visiting and a tour is good way to learn more about it without having to research on your own prior to your trip.

Route 66 Drive

On our way out of Nevada, we detoured along historic Route 66. Our favorite stop was Seligman, AZ, the quirky little town that inspired Disney Pixar’s Cars. We grabbed lunch at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap, where the food is good but the decor is better, and spent a while wandering antique shops and snapping photos with the vintage cars parked out front.

• Kingman, AZ – A larger town with classic Route 66 charm, Kingman has a Route 66 Museum where you can learn about the history of the “Mother Road.” Great spot to stretch your legs and grab a bite.
  • El Trovatore Motel – Take a picture with a large Route 66 sign painted on the ground!
• Hackberry General Store – A super fun stop for photo ops with classic cars and old-school Route 66 memorabilia. It’s a nostalgic blast from the past and a perfect quick break.
• Seligman, AZ: This quirky little town is a must-stop for Route 66 lovers. Known as the inspiration for Disney Pixar’s Cars, you’ll find colorful vintage cars, retro diners, and fun souvenir shops. Don’t miss Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In — famous for its kitschy vibe and tasty snacks.

We finished the day in Sedona with a delicious outdoor dinner at Hideaway House, famous for its pizza and amazing views. After checking into our hotel, Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, we took a relaxing drive to admire Sedona’s stunning red rock formations.

Highlights:

• Big horned sheep at Hemenway Park
• Photo op at Lake Mead
• Walking Hoover Dam & Tillman Memorial Bridge views
• Stops in Kingman and Seligman – Route 66 signs, kitchy antiques, and Disney’s Pixar Cars Vibes
• Dinner with a view at Hideaway House

Hotel Recommendations:

• Sky Rock Sedona
• Amara Resort
• Los Abrigados Resort & Spa
• Arabella Hotel Sedona

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Day 3: Sedona Adventures and Onward to Grand Canyon

We grabbed a quick breakfast to-go at The View Coffee Cake and set out for a Open Air Jeep Tour, which was a fantastic way to explore Sedona’s rugged landscape up close. We had a really good time (although it was a bit bumpy – take your motion sickness medication if that bothers you). Sedona is absolutely beautiful! We had all worked up an appetite so we grabbed lunch at 89 Agave—delicious food and margaritas. Definitely dine outside to take in those amazing red rock views.

Also, did you know, Sedona is home to the only McDonald’s in the world with BLUE arches?! This was implemented in 1993 to comply with local building codes that required businesses to blend harmoniously with Sedona’s natural red rock landscape. You can find this location here: World’s Only McDonald’s with Blue Arches!

In the afternoon, we drove toward the Grand Canyon, planning to stop for dinner just outside the park in Tusayan, AZ for a quick dinner and to grab some snacks, but we ended up not being very hungry and just grabbed a few snacks for later and the next morning.

Once we arrived at the Grand Canyon, we had to hop out of the car and get a quick photo before we made our way to the Yavapai Lodge.

The Yavapai Lodge is a great “no frills” choice if you want to stay inside the Grand Canyon. We chose to stay here for its easy access to the rim and proximity to the shuttle bus routes. There is a restaurant on site, that can get pretty busy, as well as a quick grab-and-go for coffee, pastries, etc.

Tips:

• Book your Sedona Open Air Jeep Tour in advance
• Pick a hotel, like Yavapai Lodge, with close proximity to rim for quick access.
• If you have extra time in Sedona, there are plenty of great scenic hikes and guided tours to choose from (Sedona Guided Hikes + More).

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Day 4: Snowy Grand Canyon and Drive to Cameron

We woke up to an unexpected spring snowstorm that canceled our morning plans. Instead, we enjoyed a peaceful walk along the South Rim, warming up with hot chocolate at The Fountain. Once the snow cleared, we visited Hopi House.

What is the Hopi House?

The Hopi House, built in 1905 on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, was designed by Mary Colter to resemble a traditional Hopi pueblo. It originally housed Hopi artisans and showcased their crafts, and today it serves as both a cultural landmark and a shop featuring Native American art and jewelry. Afterwards, we had lunch at the historic El Tovar Dining Room—such a unique dining experience right on the rim. I recommend making a reservation for this restaurant because it was quite busy and the wait was long!

Once the snow cleared and we had our bellies full, we packed up the car and drove toward Cameron, AZ, stopping at multiple viewpoints to soak in more of the canyon’s beauty. Cameron Trading Post, where we stayed overnight, sits on the Navajo Reservation. The hotel was spotless and welcoming, and their restaurant served delicious authentic Native American dishes—we highly recommend trying the fry bread and Navajo tacos. Keep in mind, alcohol isn’t allowed on the reservation.

Why Cameron Trading Post is Special?

• Historic stop since 1916 along the route to/from the Grand Canyon
• Renowned for authentic Navajo rugs, jewelry, and pottery
• Unique riverside stone building with rich cultural heritage
• Popular for its restaurant (don’t miss the Navajo tacos!)
• A blend of history, art, and Southwestern hospitality

Where We Stayed: Cameron Trading Post

Key points:

• Check weather—spring snowstorms can happen!
• Dining at El Tovar offers history, good food, and great views
• Cameron Trading Post for authentic Navajo hospitality

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Day 5: Exploring Page, AZ

We woke up pretty early to start our drive to Page, AZ, stopping for breakfast at Ranch House Grill on the way. After checking in early at the Courtyard at Lake Powell to drop off our bags, we headed out for a Horseshoe Bend rafting tour. This tour was one of the highlights of our trip! We really enjoyed seeing Horseshoe Bend from the water and learning about the history of the river and more about the area. It made it even more special when, later, we visited the Horseshoe Bend Lookout to take in the breathtaking views from above.

Where We Stayed: Courtyard at Lake Powell

Other Hotel Recomendations:

• Best Western View Of Lake Powell Hotel
• Hampton Inn & Suites Page – Lake Powell
• Wingate by Wyndham Page Lake Powell

Must-sees:

• Check out Horseshoe Bend from both the water and the lookout
• Request early hotel check-in to maximize your day. If not available, ask the hotel to hold your bags.

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Day 6: Antelope Canyon and Zion Arrival

Horseshoe Bend was so amazing to see from ground level AND above, but booking a late morning tour of Lower Antelope Canyon was one of our favorite experiences—book your tickets early because spots fill up fast! I can’t adequately describe how gorgeous this experience is. It is something we’ll always remember! Our guide was fantastic! He showed us what settings to use on our phone’s camera and even helped us take the gorgeous pictures below. When we visited, they still required masks, but I believe that has since changed. Afterwards, our guide showed us some really cool dinosaur tracks. If your child (or you!) is dino-obsessed, it’s a really cool thing to see.

Best Time to Visit Lower Antelope Canyon

• Time of day: 10 AM–1 PM for the brightest light and glowing canyon walls
• Best seasons: Spring (Mar–May) and Fall (Sep–Nov) for mild weather & fewer crowds
• Summer: Strong light beams but can be hot and crowded

After the tour, we drove about 2 hours to Zion National Park. Springdale is the town at the base of the park. It’s where we stayed and instantly became our favorite stop. Once we arrived, we checked into Cliffrose Springdale, which was also our favorite hotel of the trip. The views from our room were incredible, and we loved catching live music from our balcony in the evenings.

We grabbed some dinner at Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon – just like with most of the restaurants we enjoyed on this trip, we loved eating our meal in the outdoor space so that we could take in all the views. Afterwards, we enjoyed a casual stroll through town, topped off with ice cream.

Highlights:

• Morning tour of Lower Antelope Canyon
• Cliffrose Springdale for stunning views and live music
• Dinner at Bit & Spur with great local vibes

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Day 7: Hiking and Relaxing in Zion

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we set out for the Watchman Trail—an easier hike that was perfect for elementary and middle school-aged children. We also walked the Emerald Pools Trail, but it was a bit challenging for our kids, so keep that in mind if you have little ones.

We took the Zion shuttle to stop #5 for lunch at Castle Dome Cafe and explored a section of The Grotto Trail before heading back. Find the Shuttle Information Here.

Information on Hikes

It’s very important to know what difficulty each hike is before you start, especially if you are traveling with children. Below is a quick guide with just a few of the most popular hikes, broken down by difficulty:

Easy (For Younger Kids & Families)

• Riverside Walk – Paved, stroller-friendly trail; leads to the start of The Narrows.
• Watchman Trail – Moderate elevation gain; scenic views of the canyon and town; kid-friendly.
• Lower Emerald Pool Trail – Short hike to a waterfall and small pool. Middle and Upper Trails get a but more difficult.

Intermediate (High Schoolers / Teen Adventurers)

• Angel’s Landing (first half / Scout Lookout) – Challenging but manageable; stunning views.
• Canyon Overlook Trail – Short, steep, panoramic views; perfect for sunrise or sunset.
• The Narrows (bottom-up) – Hike through the Virgin River; waterproof pants or dry suit recommended; adventurous but accessible for fit teens.

Difficult (Experienced Hikers / Adventurers)

• Angel’s Landing (full route) – Thrilling ridge hike with chains; extreme caution required. There is now a permit system for the narrow final section called the “Angel’s Landing Permit” to limit crowds. Link to Guided Hike w/Permit Here.
• The Narrows (top-down) – Full-day river hike requiring a permit, wading through cold water; technical and strenuous. Link to Guided Hike w/Permit Here.

After heading back to our room, we freshened up with the patio door open so that we could listen to the live music from the courtyard while we got ready. We headed to dinner at Oscar’s Cafe for some amazing Tex-Mex food. This is another spot to sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather and food.

Feel more comfortable taking a guided hike?

Where We Stayed: Cliffrose Springdale

Other Hotel Recomendations:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion
• Bumbleberry Inn
• Desert Pearl Inn
• Cable Mountatin Lodge

Tips:

• Use the shuttle to get around Zion easily – Find Shuttle Info Here
• Choose hikes that fit your family’s ability
• Enjoy walking the Springdale in the evenings and try to enjoy all your meals outside

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Day 8: Heading Home

We woke up this morning and packed up for our 2.5-hour drive back to Las Vegas to return our rental car and make our afternoon flight. We had to make a quick pit stop at In-N-Out Burger (we don’t have one near us) for some classic “animal style” fries and burgers—the perfect way to end our unforgettable road trip.

Quick Reference Trip Summary & Itinerary: