Grand Canyon North Rim — 3-3-3 Pace (21 Days)
3 nights per stop · max 300 miles per drive day · Jun–Sep only
Route Map
● Austin (start/end) · numbered stops in order · dashed line shows approximate route
Estimated Trip Cost
Gas estimate assumes 2WD pickup + travel trailer at 10 mpg, 65 mph max, $3.25/gal regular unleaded (approx. national avg). Includes 1520 mi of stops + 430 mi return to Austin.
Trip Highlights
- ▶ Six destinations, 3 nights each — no day feels rushed, no attraction feels skipped
- ▶ Valles Caldera NP day trip from Bandelier — volcanic caldera and bison herd rarely on any itinerary
- ▶ North Rim + Zion back-to-back: two premier canyon parks with almost no overlap in scenery or vibe
- ▶ Max 355 miles on any drive day — achievable departure by 7 AM, arrival by 1 PM throughout
Stop-by-Stop
Days 1–3: depart Austin Day 1 at 7 AM. Three nights at Palo Duro Canyon. Day 2: Lighthouse Trail (5.5 mi RT) to the iconic hoodoo. Day 3: Pioneer Amphitheater evening show (summer). Best time to explore the canyon floor without rushing.
Days 4–6: 285 miles to Bandelier at 6,600 ft in the Pajarito Plateau. Day 5: full Frijoles Canyon day — Tyuonyi loop, Alcove House (140-ft ladder climb), Falls Trail to Upper Falls. Day 6: Valles Caldera NP day trip (20 min north, free with NPS pass) — massive volcanic caldera with bison herd.
Page, AZ • NPS • $30/nt (no hookup) · $82/nt (full hookup)
Days 7–9: 355 miles to Lake Powell. Day 8: Antelope Canyon guided tour + Horseshoe Bend. Day 9: half-day boat rental from Wahweap Marina into the lake arms and slot canyons only reachable by water. Monument Valley is 60 miles east — possible Day 9 evening drive.
Days 10–12: 95-mile drive south to North Rim. Three nights in the pine forest at 8,200 ft. ⚠️ Verify site length at 928-638-7814. Day 11: North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs (9.4 mi RT, strenuous). Day 12: Cape Royal Road — Point Imperial, Vista Encantadora, Cape Royal, Angel's Window.
Springdale, UT • NPS • $35/nt (non-electric) · higher w/ electric
Days 13–15: 115 miles to Zion Watchman CG. Day 14: Angel's Landing. Day 15: The Narrows. Shuttle covers all trailheads — leave the rig parked the whole time.
Days 16–18: depart Zion 7 AM — 305 miles via I-15 S → I-40 E → I-25 S → US-380 W; arrive ~12 PM. Three nights on the lava field at 5,300 ft as the return anchor. Day 17: White Sands NP day trip (75 miles south). Day 18: Carrizozo art district and Valley of Fires nature trail.