As the most of you will know we already went on a five week road trip in 2022 what originally was planned for 2020. Because of Covid it was impossible to go and our trip eventually was rebooked for 2022 by our travel agency. There was only one little problem for us. Because we had obtained permits for camping at Havasupai, but they didn’t reopen until 2023. This is why we went to the USA again in 2023.
Prior on this itinerary you will need to get your permits for hiking and camping into Havasupai at Havasupaireservations.com
Day 1: Flying to Las Vegas and stay at Luxor
When you fly into Las Vegas you can easily get a taxi, Uber of Lyft which you bring to a hotel of your choice. We selected Luxor Hotel & Casino for the beginning of this roadtrip, because we will need a good rest for the upcoming days.
Day 2: Car pickup and drive to Peach Springs
If you didn’t do yesterday, pick up your car rental early in the morning. This time we rented a midsize SUV from Alamo and we picked up a Nissan Roque.
Because we will do some hiking you will need to pick up the necessary groceries at your favourite supermarket and outdoor shop like REI.
Hoover Dam
Because you will pass the Hoover Dam this is a great opportunity to visit the dam by just walking over it, take a look at the visitor center and learn about how it was build of you can take a guided tour.
Just to be informed, this is the only visitor center we know that you will have to pay admission to enter.
Kingman
Take a pitstop at Kingman, one of the best known towns along the Route 66 and have a lunch at Mr. D’z 66 Diner. This is an old fashioned diner that serves a traditional diner fare and known for its homemade root beer floats.
Don’t forget to take a selfie with the Sante Fe 3759 in Locomotive Park.
Peach Springs
After Kingman continue your drive on Historic Route 66 to Peach Springs where you can book a stay that you like.
First you will need to pick up your permits at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn at Mile Marker 115 on Historic Route 66 in Peach Springs. The pick up time can be different each month, you need to keep checking this of the official website.
We stayed at the Hualupai Lodge the night before our backpacking trip. They have a simple restaurant and a general store across the road.
Day 3: Drive to Hilltop and hiking into Havasu canyon
You will need to wake up early in the morning and have you backpacks ready for the hike down to Supai.
Drive the Historic route 66 a couple miles towards the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn till the junction with Indian road 18 and take a left to turn onto it. At the end of the road there is a parking lot where you have to park.
Here you will start the 10 mile hike into the canyon till you reach the campground. The hike down is pretty easy and the trail is well marked, as it is just the wash that you will have to follow.
Between the village and the campground you will pass three falls:
Fifty Foot Falls
Little Navajo Falls
Havasu Falls
You can pass them for now or take some time and watch the falls already and have a swim in the water.
Pick a nice looking spot at the campground and setup your camp. At the end of the campground are some really nice spots where you can setup camp on an island, if still available offcourse.
Day 4: A daytrip to the Confluence
You will not only hike to the confluence with the Colorado river, but you will also pass Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls. Start your hike early in the morning so you will have enough time to enjoy the falls and the surroundings.
Bring enough water and food for the whole day and choose the best shoes for you because you have to be prepared to cross the Havasu Creek several times
The first challenge will be the descending at Mooney Falls. Most people bring their gloves to get a good grip with the chains.
The last water crossing you will have two choices:
1- Follow the trail at the other side of the water, the trail isn’t very visible.
2- Put your daypack and shoes in a drybag, get into the creek and swim the last couple of 350 feet (100m) Be aware the you do not swim to far and get caught with the flow of the Colorado river.
Check the time you did the one-way and do not leave the confluence too late. It is more challenging to get back in the dark.
Day 5: Relaxing day
Because of the hike to the confluence yesterday it will be a day to relax and get yourself some extra sleep.
Today you will get your daypack with swimsuit and hike to the village where you can get a look at the shop of get some really good food at the café.
On your way back to the campground take an stop and swim in the pools between fifty foot falls and Little Navajo Falls.
Do not get back to the campground too late. On top of Havasu Falls is a Fry Bread stand that will be open when you are lucky. The do not have clear opening times, so there is no guarantee they will be there.
Get a delicious Fry Bread with a cold drink and enjoy!
Day 6: Hike of fly back to Hilltop and head for Sedona
Today you will have to leave Havasupai. So you will have to walk out of the canyon the same 10 miles as you came in. The most of the people leave very early in the morning to be sure they do not walk in the heat of the sun.
There are also people that want to enjoy till the last moment and start hiking in the late afternoon.
The hardest part of hiking back to Hilltop will be the switchbacks at the end. The switchbacks are 1 to 1,5 mile ascending with an elevation of 1,200 feet
The third option is to fly out with the helicopter, which only runs on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. You will need to be at the helipad early and they fly you out in the same order people show up. They charge you $100 per person
When back on Hilltop get you car and drive to Seligman which is another location on the Historic Route 66. It is said this is the most important town of Route 66 because of the barber Angel Delgadillo was founder of the Historic Route 66. The town and Angel are also the inspiration of the Disney-Pixar movie ‘Cars’.
When you are hungry you can get a lunch at ‘Snow Cap’ another old fashioned diner.
Watson Lake
Continue your trip by following the Historic Route 66 and turn south on AZ-89 to Watson Lake.
In Watson Lake Park you can walk a little trail and take a look at the granite rocks pointing out of the water.
Sedona
When you have seen enough of Watson Lake, get in your car and continue to Sedona. Here you can book a place to sleep in the range that suits you. We found a nice place with large rooms and swimming pool in Big Park close to Sedona. The name is ‘Bell Rock Inn Sedona’.
Day 7: Spend a day close to Sedona
There are lots of thing to do and to see close to Sedona. Because we went out of the Havasupai canyon yesterday it’s not recommended to do a long hike, but it’s good to keep yourself a little active.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
So get your daypack, food and water and get to the rock with te same name as the inn we stay; Bell Rock. Here is a parking spot where you have to pay, but with an America the beautiful Annual Pass it is free.
There is a trail where you can climb up onto Bell Rock, but here are multiple little and easy trails that you can follow.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapels are not the most common buildings for everybody to visit, but open yourself and take a look at this chapel and the history of it.
When build in 1956 it was a great landmark with nothing in the surrounding of the chapel. These days a residential area is created in the direct surrounding.
Shopping and restaurants
From the Chapel drive more north to Sedona and turn right to the N State Route 89A. here you will find all kind of shops with souvenirs and art. The are lots of restaurants too choose from to get the diner you like.
Day 8: Explore more falls
There are lots of falls to explore, but there is a risk that there is no water flowing. Especially in the summer it is worth to do some research if there will be water.
Sycamore Falls
From Sedona it is a 1,5 hour drive, partially over a dirt road to the Sycamore Falls. When you arrive at the parking, it is just a 15 minute walk to the fall which is located in the Kaibab national Forest. It is not a very big waterfall but the location and formation of the rocks where the water flows makes it a natural beauty.
Grand Falls
A very popular waterfall is Grand Falls which is located in the Little Colorado River and because of the brown water also known as ‘Chocolate Falls’. The fall is 181 feet tall, so taller than the Niagara Falls which is 176 feet.
Because the fall is on a remote area so bring enough water and food on your trip.
*The Grand Falls is on Navajo land, because of misuse of the land and disrespecting their rules this place is closed to tourism.
Day 9: Canyons and caves
Today you will visit the Coal Mine Canyon. When driving on State Route 160 towards Tuba City take the State Route 264 South. Take a left turn between mile marker 336 and 337 and drive towards the windmill. Just behind the mill is a parking just a couple feet from the edge of Cole Mine Canyon.
*Because this is also on Navajo Land please respect the rules and pack all your trash out.
Kanab Sandcaves
From the Cola Mine Canyon it will be three hour drive to the next stop the Sandcaves near Kanab.
On your way to the Sandcaves you will pass Page. There are a lot of possibilities for excursions and having fun on the water in Page, but we just pass all this for now.
Just outside of Kanab driving the UT-89 North there will be a sign to the Sand Caves Parking. From here there is a trail heading to the sandcaves but there will be no sign where you will have to climb up the mountain at the right hand side. Take a good look and start climbing the moment where this is possible. When you look to the right, you will see the entrance of the caves.
Belly of the dragon
Just a 12 mile drive from the Sancaves you will find the Belly of the Dragon. It is a tunnel under het UT-89 Highway that was build as a drainage to the North Fork River.
Just take a walk to the end of the Belly of the Dragon and turn around back of follow the trail for a couple of miles because the trail will end in a great little slot canyon.
There are a lot of possibilities to stay for the night. Take a look online and make a reservation that suits your needs for the night and take a refreshing shower before you go out to a restaurant.
We can recommend the Escobar’s Mexican Restaurant.
Day 10: Highway 12 and Kodachrome Basin State Park
The Scenic Byway 12
We will start the day driving up North on the UT-89 for about 6o miles and turn right on Highway 12 of should we say: the Scenic Byway 12. The 122 miles long road between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef and is said to be one of the most beautiful roads in the US crossing the state of Utah.
There are a lot of things to see along this road but we will highlight a couple of them here.
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Because we skip all of the bigger Nationale Parks in this itinerary you will also pass Bryce canyon today. We will drive to the Kodachrome Basin State Park in Cannonville, a less known state park with some remarkable rock formations and sand pipes. As the name of the park would guess, it is a great place to be when you are into photography. There are a couple of small and easy trails throughout the park to enjoy.
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Leave the Kodachrome Basin State Park and continue on the Scenic Byway 12 to Escalante. Do not forget to enjoy your trip while in your car and stop at the vista points along the way.
Just before entering Escalante turn left to the Escalante Petrified Forest State park where you can also stay at the Wide Hollow Campground when you are traveling with a tent of camper. There are possibilities to swim, waterski of fish at the Wide Hollow Reservoir.
In the park itself you have the possibility to follow a couple of trails which will guide you through the petrified wood that have al kinds of beautiful colors.
If you do not want to cook on the campground there are lots of possibility’s in Escalante. For a great burger and beer try the 4th West Pub. We loved it. (21 years minimum and bring your ID)
Day 11: Hiking and camping reflection canyon
Start the day with breaking up your camp and head to Escalante to get some groceries and needs for this hike. There are a couple of places where you can buy your freeze dried food. One of those places is Escalante Outfitters just on E Mainstreet.
Before getting out to the Reflection Canyon go to the Escalante Visitor Center to get yourself a permit and check for the latest weather updates from a ranger.
When you have everything packed drive a couple of miles on the highway 12 and turn right onto BLM 200 Hole in the Rock road. This is a 62 mile road what eventually runs to the actual Hole-in-the-Rock where an Expedition of Mormon Pioneers in 1880 went trough to get on the other side of the Colorado River.
After driving for 50 mile (2,5 hrs) on this dirt road, where you will be shaking and dancing on the holes in the road, you will arrive at the Reflection Canyon Trailhead where you can park your car. Most of the time you will be here all alone and dependent on yourself, so be sure to bring enough water and food for the roundtrip.
The hike itself is not very hard but there will almost be no shade. The trail is not marked and it’s recommended to navigate with the Alltrails App. Do not start the hike too late, otherwise you will be hiking in the dark. When arrived at Reflection Canyon there will be a couple of spots to set up camp and enjoy this special place.
Day 12: Sunrise at Reflection canyon
With the sun rising on the other side of the canyon this is a perfect moment to get up and grab your camera for a couple of incredible pictures made by yourself.
When you are at this place in the middle of the summer you will not have al lot of time to spend here. Because of the upcoming sun the temperature will rise quickly. If you want to ‘beat the heath’ start walking the trail back to your car as early as possible.
When you arrive at your car open your cooler, grab the ice cold drinks that you left there and enjoy. When you need more refreshment, bring your swimwear. Get the water from your cooler and throw it over the head….So refreshing before getting in your car and drive the 50 mile back to Escalante.
Of course you will be tired of the hike and want to stay a bit longer in this area to explore some more. Go back to the Escalante Outfitters we mentioned earlier, book one of the cosy cabins and have one of their wonderful homemade Pizza’s and one of the different beers they serve.
Day 13:
Today you will explore some slot canyons where the start of the trails will be along the Hole-in-the-Rock-road. Maybe you have already seen the road signs while driving to the Reflection Canyon.
The trails to the canyons are marked with hoodoo’s but the best way is to keep your Alltrails app (of wharever you like to use) close in case you get off the trail.
Zebra Slot Canyon
The first one you find along the Hole-in-the-Rock-Road is Zebra Slot Canyon. You will find the Zebra & Tunnel Trailhead parking on the right hand side of the road. The trail itself starts at the other side of the road.
You will have a great chance that there is a part of the canyon full with water, be prepared if you want to cross the water. The water can be as deep till your chest.
Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon
You will have to park you car at the Lower Dry Fork Trailhead an sign the trail register just in case something happens. From this point the trail starts.
The Canyon starts with a high climb and inside of the canyon you will need to climb over and craw underneath some boulders. The canyon could be challenging for some people.
Spooky Slot Canyon
After Peek-a Boo you can walk through the Gulch and in a couple of minutes you will reach to the Spooky slot canyon which is a little less challenging and more suitable if you are not able to climb over or underneath the rocks.
Dag 14: A detour from Escalante to Cathedral Gorge
We will start this day with a 20 mile (30 minutes) drive to Lower Calf Creek Falls.
Lower Calf Creek Falls
Drive east on Historic Highway 12 and you wil find the parking area and a campground. Here starts the trail and is about 7 miles two-way and pretty easy. You will walk in a canyon and surrounded by a lot of trees and bushes.
Just be careful because there can be a bacteria in the water can be toxic, especially for dogs that drink the water.
Mossy Cave & Tropic Ditch Falls
Now you will have to get on Historic Highway 12 back to Escalante en keep driving for about 60 miles. The Mossy caves and the Tropic Ditch Falls are on the other side of Brys Canyon NP.
From the parking area you just follow the Tropic Ditch. When you get over the bridge keep left to the Mossy Cave and when you want to go to the Tropic Ditch Falls keep right after the bridge.
In this Itinerary we will skip a visit to Bryce Canyon and will continue our route for 170 miles to Cathedral Gorge. Where you will stay at the Cathedral Gorge campground.
Day 15: Explore Cathedral Gorge
Today there is no rush. The Cathedral Gorge State Park is not that big but there are a couple of points you must have visited before you leave.
These are the Moon Caves, Canyon Caves and Cathedral Caves. You just have to try and walk into the slot canyons that have been formed by geologic processes over millions of years
When you have seen Cathedral Gorge you will drive back to Las Vegas and book a hotel for the last two nights so you can explore the town that never sleeps.
The best thing is to book a hotel with a swimming pool, because usually it’s very hot in Las Vegas.
We stayed in The Mirrage this time, they had a good price the time we booked.
First thing to do is unpack the car and return it to the Car Rental company and come back with a taxi, Uber, Lyft of something like that and get yourself a cooling swim in the pool.
There are a lot of options to have diner in Las Vegas, just get out of the hotel and walk the strip and you will find something you will like.
After diner you can see a couple of ‘shows’ just in front of some hotels. So you can watch the fountains at the pond of Bellagio or you can watch the Volcano show at the front of The Mirrage
Day 16: Spending a day in Las Vegas
Spending a day in Las vegas is pretty easy because there are lots of thing to see and to do:
You can pick one of our list:
– Walk into the lobby of a hotel, a lot of them are beautiful decorated.
– Walk into Ceasars Palace and see the shopping mall inside.
– Go to the Neon museum to see a lot of old Neon Signs of hotels and casino’s (preferred by night)
– Go to the Pinball hall of Fame and play on old and new pinball machines.
– Go to Fremontstreet where you will find the oldest casino’s in town
– Fly through Fremontstreet with the Godzilla Zipline
– Visit the famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
And ofcourse, do not forget to proof your luck at one of the casino’s. Be wise and do not gamble all of your money! At the end, the casino always wins!