7-Day Western USA Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Western USA tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaWestern USA travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Western USA Itinerary, incl. Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

  The American West unfolds over 7 days, from Las Vegas's Harrah's Hotel to Antelope Canyon's sculpted dunes. Ride through Monument Valley with Navajo guides, marvel at Valley of Fire's 150-million-year-old formations, and visit 5 national parks including Zion and Bryce Canyon. Includes 6 nights in 2-3 star hotels.

  

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  • Day 1

    Las Vegas to Sedona

    Leave Las Vegas before 7 AM to avoid desert heat and traffic. You'll drive 4.5 hours to Sedona along historic Route 66 through the Mojave Desert. Make sure to stop at Oak Creek Canyon overlook to see the impressive 2,000-foot descent. Pack plenty of water and snacks since you won't find many services along the way. Once you reach Sedona in the afternoon, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Take the free shuttle from town to skip parking hassles.

    
  • Day 2

    Monument Valley & Horseshoe Bend

    Get to Monument Valley early to see the sandstone buttes glowing in the morning light. Take a 2.5-hour Navajo-led jeep tour but wear closed shoes for the dusty terrain. After that, head to Horseshoe Bend. Get there 1-2 hours before sunset for the best photos. Stay back at least 6 feet from the edge since there are no guardrails at the viewing area.

    
  • Day 3

    Antelope Canyon to Las Vegas

    Schedule your Lower Antelope Canyon tour for early morning to catch the light beams. Bring sturdy shoes for the steep stairs and ladders. On your way to Vegas, check out Valley of Fire State Park if it's not too hot. You should reach Vegas by early evening when the Strip gets lively.

    
  • Day 4

    Las Vegas Free Day

    Use this day to explore Vegas without rushing. A recent visitor suggested: "Skip the expensive Strip shows and check out the free Bellagio fountains and Mirage volcano instead - just as impressive and you'll save $100+ per person."

    
  • Day 5

    Grand Canyon South Rim

    Drive 4.5 hours from Vegas to reach the South Rim by late morning. Start at the Visitor Center then use the free shuttle to explore the rim. Want to avoid crowds? Skip the busy central viewpoints and drive east to Desert View Drive for equally beautiful views with fewer people.

    
  • Day 6

    Bryce Canyon

    Visit the park's unique hoodoo formations at sunrise or sunset for the best photos. Take the 18-mile scenic drive to see all major viewpoints. The Queens Garden/Navajo Loop trail (3 miles) offers a perfect overview for hikers. Bring warm layers since temperatures can change by 30°F in one day at 8,000+ feet elevation.

    
  • Day 7

    Zion National Park to Las Vegas

    Start early through Zion's east entrance for the most scenic drive. Take the park shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava and walk the easy Riverside Walk trail. If you're up for a challenge, hike Angels Landing with its chain-assisted climbs. Plan for a 4-5 hour drive back to Vegas.

    

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• 7 Day Western USA Itinerary, incl. San Francisco and Las Vegas

  California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah reveal their treasures across 8 cities. Highlights include San Francisco's bay cruise, Yosemite's waterfalls, Monument Valley's jeep tours, and Las Vegas's entertainment, with quality accommodation throughout.

  

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  • Day 1

    San Francisco Exploration

    Get to Fisherman's Wharf by 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Take a bay cruise to see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge up close. One traveler points out: "The morning fog usually clears by 10 AM, giving perfect photo opportunities of the bridge." Have lunch at Pier 39, but skip the tourist spots. Scoma's serves excellent fresh seafood. After lunch, walk through Chinatown and Nob Hill. Bring a light jacket even in summer. San Francisco's weather can change quickly due to its unique microclimate.

    
  • Day 2

    Yosemite National Park (Summer) / California Coast (Winter)

    Summer option: Drive 4 hours from San Francisco to Yosemite. Visit El Capitan viewpoint before 11 AM to avoid tour bus crowds. Take an easy 1-mile round trip walk from the Visitor Center to Yosemite Falls. Winter option: Take Route 1 to Monterey and Carmel. Set aside 30-45 minutes for photo stops along the scenic 17-mile drive.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Las Vegas & Hoover Dam

    The desert drive takes 6-7 hours. You'll reach Las Vegas by late afternoon. Take an evening walk to see the famous Strip hotels like Bellagio and Caesar's Palace. Head to Hoover Dam early the next morning. It's a 45-minute drive and tours start at 9 AM. A visitor shares: "The power plant tour is worth the extra time - it's 15° cooler underground and fascinating to see the massive turbines."

    
  • Day 5

    Sedona

    The drive through Mojave Desert to Sedona takes 4.5 hours. Take it slow on Oak Creek Canyon drive. It drops 2,000 feet so use low gear and stop at viewpoints. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the afternoon by shuttle. Remember the last shuttle leaves at 4:30 PM. The red rocks look best in late afternoon light.

    
  • Day 6

    Monument Valley & Horseshoe Bend

    Leave early for Monument Valley (3-hour drive). Book the first morning Navajo-guided jeep tour for better light and cooler weather. Tours last 2-3 hours. Drive 2 hours to catch sunset at Horseshoe Bend. Note that the walk to the viewpoint is 1.5 miles round trip with little shade. Bring water and wear good shoes.

    
  • Day 7

    Antelope Canyon & Valley of Fire

    Start with Lower Antelope Canyon. Book a tour between 9-11 AM to see the light beams. Be ready to climb stairs and ladders. Drive 4.5 hours to Valley of Fire and time your arrival for golden hour when the rocks look their most vibrant. End your trip in Las Vegas by early evening.

    

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• 7 Days in Alaska, incl. Anchorage and Valdez

  Pristine Alaska reveals Valdez's glaciers, McCarthy's mining history, and Glennallen's scenic routes. The package includes 5 nights camping, one lodge stay, and activities from Glacier Lake kayaking to the 9-mile Bonanza Mine trek.

  

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  • Day 1

    Anchorage to Valdez

    Leave Anchorage early to avoid traffic. Drive 2 hours to Matanuska Glacier. You'll need sturdy hiking boots for the uneven interpretive trail. After lunch, it's a 4-hour drive to Valdez. Stop at Worthington Glacier along the way. A recent visitor shared: "The scale of Alaska's wilderness really hits you on that first day's drive – the mountains just keep going."

    
  • Day 2

    Valdez and Glacier Lake

    Explore Valdez in the morning before heading to Glacier Lake for kayaking. Pack extra layers since temperatures near the glacier can change quickly. The afternoon kayak tour gets you up close to icebergs from Valdez Glacier. Bring waterproof gear and gloves to stay dry while paddling.

    
  • Day 3

    Valdez to McCarthy (5 hours)

    Get an early start to catch the best morning light at Thompson's Pass viewpoint. Visit the fish wheels at Kuskulana River to see these interesting salmon-catching devices in action. Take a quick 20-minute hike at Liberty Falls to stretch your legs.

    
  • Day 4

    Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

    Start the challenging 9-mile Bonanza Mine trail by 8 AM to avoid afternoon heat and summer thunderstorms. The climb is steep, so take it slow and pack plenty of water. At the top, you'll find 1930s mining ruins and great views of the Wrangell Mountains.

    
  • Day 5

    McCarthy Free Day

    Take it easy or join some local activities. The Root Glacier guided ice walk costs about $100, with crampons included. One visitor noted: "The Kennicott Ghost Town tour was exceptional – it really helps you understand Alaska's mining history in a way guidebooks can't."

    
  • Day 6

    McCarthy to Glennallen

    The 3.5-hour drive offers several good hiking stops. Check out the Copper Center Visitor Center's viewing platform for amazing Wrangell Mountain views. Stay at one of Alaska's oldest roadhouses but book early, especially for summer months.

    
  • Day 7

    Glennallen to Anchorage (3.5 hours)

    Start early on your return to Anchorage. If time permits, stop at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site for one last glacier view. Plan to reach Anchorage by early afternoon for flight connections.

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