15 day itinerary
Las Vegas, Mid West Us
Personalized with:Include hikesFocus on natureGive wildlife experiences priorityAccommodations exist and can be uploaded
Itinerary
A 15-day adventure in and the Midwest sounds like an incredible journey filled with nature, wildlife, and some unforgettable hikes. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances your love for the great outdoors with some of the best wildlife experiences the region has to offer.
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into your hotel (consider staying at a place with easy access to nature, like the Red Rock Casino Resort).
- Afternoon: Explore the Strip. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the sights.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try something unique, like a buffet or a steakhouse.
Day 2:
- Morning: Head to (about 30 minutes from the Strip). Start with the Scenic Drive.
- Afternoon: Hike the Calico Tanks Trail (2.5 miles round trip) for stunning views and potential wildlife sightings.
- Evening: Return to . Enjoy a show or relax at your hotel.
Day 3:
- Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour from Vegas).
- Afternoon: Hike the Fire Wave Trail (1.5 miles round trip) and explore the vibrant red rock formations.
- Evening: Return to . Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 4:
- Morning: Visit Lake Mead for some water activities or a scenic hike.
- Afternoon: Hike the Historic Railroad Trail (7.5 miles round trip) for beautiful views of the lake and wildlife.
- Evening: Return to . Enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 5: Travel to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2.5 hours from Vegas).
- Afternoon: Check into accommodations near the park. Explore the Visitor Center and take a short hike on the Pa'rus Trail (3.5 miles round trip).
- Evening: Dinner in Springdale, the town just outside Zion.
Day 6:
- Morning: Hike the famous Angels Landing (5 miles round trip) for breathtaking views.
- Afternoon: Explore the Emerald Pools Trail (3 miles round trip) for a more relaxed hike.
- Evening: Enjoy a campfire or stargazing if conditions allow.
Day 7:
- Morning: Drive to Bryce Canyon (about 1.5 hours from Zion).
- Afternoon: Hike the Queen’s Garden Trail (3 miles round trip) to see the iconic hoodoos.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Bryce Canyon area.
Day 8:
- Morning: Drive to (about 8 hours, consider breaking it up with a stop in Salt Lake City for lunch).
- Afternoon: Arrive and check into accommodations. Take a short hike at Jenny Lake (1 mile round trip).
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9:
- Morning: Hike the Cascade Canyon Trail (10 miles round trip) for stunning views and wildlife spotting.
- Afternoon: Visit the National Park Visitor Center for more information on wildlife.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Day 10:
- Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin and take a short hike along the boardwalks.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Yellowstone.
Day 11:
- Morning: Explore the Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing (bison, elk, and possibly wolves).
- Afternoon: Hike the Mount Washburn Trail (6 miles round trip) for panoramic views.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and enjoy a campfire.
Day 12: Travel to
- Morning: Drive to (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into accommodations and explore the Badlands Loop Road.
- Evening: Hike the Notch Trail (1.5 miles round trip) for stunning views.
Day 13:
- Morning: Hike the Castle Trail (10 miles round trip) for a more challenging experience.
- Afternoon: Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for wildlife information.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset in the Badlands.
Day 14:
- Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Take the Wildlife Loop Road for bison, pronghorn, and more. Hike the Cathedral Spires Trail (3 miles round trip).
- Evening: Stay overnight in Custer.
Day 15: Return to
- Morning: Start your journey back to (about 10 hours). Consider stopping at interesting sites along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in . Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner on the Strip.
Tips for Your Trip:
- Wildlife Viewing: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot wildlife.
- Accommodations: Book in advance, especially in national parks, as they can fill up quickly.
- Hydration & Snacks: Always carry water and snacks during hikes.
- Leave No Trace: Respect nature and wildlife by following Leave No Trace principles.
This itinerary is packed with adventure, stunning landscapes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and wildlife. Enjoy your trip! 🌲🦌🏞️