Grand Circle Self-Guided Driving Tour: Discover Southwest

Embark on a self-guided driving tour of the Grand Circle and discover the stunning landscapes of the Southwest. Visit iconic national parks, breathtaking canyons, and majestic rock formations. Download the Tour Guide App and explore at your own pace!

Duration: 5 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Arches, Canyonlands

Arches National Park - Experience the breathtaking formations and rugged beauty of Utah’s rocky desert with this detailed self-guided driving tour of Arches National Park.

POIs along Arches:

  • Arches Visitor Center
  • Three Penguins
  • Moab Fault Overlook
  • North Park Avenue
  • La Sal Mountains Viewpoint
  • Three Gossips
  • Courthouse Towers Viewpoint
  • Petrified Dunes
  • Balanced Rock Trail
  • Garden of Eden
  • The Windows Road
  • Double Arch
  • Cove of Caves
  • Panorama Point
  • Delicate Arch
  • Salt Valley
  • Fiery Furnace
  • Sand Dune Arch
  • Devil’s Garden Trailhead

Note: This tour spans over 1000 miles and covers the highlights of the Grand Circle in 2-3 hours.

Canyonlands National Park - Discover the expansive canyons, deep valleys, and towering mesas of Canyonlands National Park with a self-guided audio-driving tour.

POIs along Canyonlands:

  • Monitor and Merriamac Rock Formations
  • Big Mesa Viewpoint
  • Plateau Viewpoint
  • White Rim
  • Basin Overlook Parking
  • Dead Horse Point State Park
  • Island In The Sky Visitor Center
  • Shafer Canyon Overlook
  • The Neck
  • Lathrop Canyon
  • Mesa Arch
  • Green River Overlook
  • Aztec Butte Trail
  • Whale Rock
  • Upheaval Dome
  • Candlestick Tower Overlook
  • Murphy Point Trail
  • Buck Canyon Overlook
  • White Rim Overlook Trail
  • Orange Cliffs Overlook
  • Grand View Point Overlook

Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase Escalante

Capitol Reef National Park - Explore the vibrant, awe-inspiring Capitol Reef. This park boasts hundreds of millions of years of history and numerous fantastic hikes and vistas. Additionally, delve into the rich history of the park’s human inhabitants, from ancient tribes to Mormon pioneers who carved out a living in one of America’s most remote areas.

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument - Uncover one of Utah’s hidden gems with this self-guided driving tour of the Grand Staircase-Escalante! Marvel at this colossal “giant’s staircase,” enjoy the stunning views, and learn about the unique formation of this landscape.

Note: The Grand Staircase Escalante UT-12 tour offers two starting points: the Red Canyon Visitor Center and Torrey’s 255-229 UT-12. You can begin the tour from either end and enjoy a full audio tour.

POIs along Grand Staircase Escalante:

  • Red Canyon Visitor Center
  • Red Canyon Arch
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Powell Point Vista
  • Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
  • Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
  • Kiva Koffeehouse
  • Lower Calf Creek Falls
  • The Hogback
  • Upper Calf Creek Falls
  • Boulder
  • Burr Trail Road
  • Dixie National Forest
  • Heritage Overlook
  • Homestead Overlook
  • Larb Hollow Overlook

Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley

Zion National Park - With this self-guided driving tour of Zion National Park, explore the towering mountain peaks, stunning natural pools, and beautiful vistas of one of America’s most picturesque landscapes. Plus, learn about the area’s intriguing history.

Note: Zion National Park offers two routes and one unique experience. You can start from the Springdale Visitor Center to the serene East Entrance or take the same incredible tour in reverse.

POIs along Zion:

  • Springdale Visitor Center
  • Zion Canyon Visitor Center
  • Zion Human History Museum
  • Canyon Junction Bridge
  • Court of the Patriarchs
  • Zion National Park Lodge
  • Emerald Pools
  • Angel’s Landing
  • The Grotto Picnic Area
  • Weeping Rock
  • Big Bend
  • Temple of Sinawava
  • East Temple
  • Zion scenic drive viewpoint 2
  • The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel
  • Canyon Overlook Trail
  • Altar of Sacrifice
  • Checkerboard Mesa
  • East Entrance Ranger Station

Bryce Canyon National Park - Dive into the stunning landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park, one of Utah’s iconic “Mighty Five” parks. This self-guided driving tour lets you witness breathtaking vistas, gravity-defying hoodoos, and much more!

POIs along Bryce Canyon:

  • Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center
  • Fairyland Point
  • Sunrise Point
  • Bryce Amphitheater
  • Sunset Point
  • Inspiration Point
  • Bryce Point
  • Paria View
  • Swamp Canyon Overlook
  • Farview Point
  • Natural Bridge
  • Agua Canyon
  • Ponderosa Canyon
  • Black Birch Canyon
  • Rainbow Point
  • Red Canyon Arch

Monument Valley - Experience the grandeur of Monument Valley, where towering stone formations rise above vast desert plains, and the sky feels larger and deeper than anywhere else on Earth. This self-guided driving tour highlights the best of this magnificent valley.

POIs along Monument Valley:

  • Forrest Gump Point
  • The First Tribe of Monument Valley
  • The Navajo
  • Ticket Booth
  • Wildcat Trail
  • New Arrivals
  • West Mitten Butte
  • East Mitten Butte
  • Merrick Butte
  • Navajo Silver
  • The Long Walk of the Navajo
  • Hollywood’s Favorite Set Piece
  • Ericson Cly Memorial & John Ford Point
  • Three Sisters
  • Families of Monument Valley
  • Navajo Code Talkers
  • Modern Navajo
  • Artist’s Point
  • Sunrise Recommendation: North Window Overlook
  • Camel Butte & Elephant Butte
  • Navajo Today

Grand Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Grand Canyon National Park - Discover the Grand Canyon as it was meant to be explored! This self-guided tour takes you to the best viewpoints, hikes, and attractions along the canyon’s South Rim and reveals the hidden history of this iconic landscape.

POIs along Grand Canyon:

  • Welcome to Grand Canyon NP
  • South Entrance Station
  • Grand Canyon National Park Sign
  • Flora of the Grand Canyon
  • Grand Canyon Visitor Center
  • Mather Point
  • The CCC in the Grand Canyon
  • Yavapai Point
  • Yavapai Geology Museum
  • Grand Canyon Village & Railway
  • Hopi House
  • Lookout Studio & Kolb Studio
  • Kolb Studio / The Kolb Brothers vs. The Man
  • Hermit Road Shuttle Route
  • Trailview Overlook
  • Maricopa Point
  • Powell Point
  • Hopi Point
  • Mohave Point
  • The Abyss
  • Monument Creek Vista
  • Pima Point
  • Hermit’s Rest
  • Pipe Creek Vista
  • Raging River
  • Duck On A Rock Viewpoint
  • Grandview Point
  • Geology of the Canyon
  • Moran Point
  • Ancient Puebloans
  • Lipan Point
  • Navajo Point
  • Desert View Watchtower

Horseshoe Bend - Get up close with the stunning beauty of Horseshoe Bend. Learn about the formation of this canyon on your walking tour, then enjoy a bonus driving tour through the top sights in Page!

POIs along Horseshoe Bend:

  • Welcome: Horseshoe Bend Parking Lot
  • Horseshoe Bend vs. The Mighty Colorado River
  • Horseshoe Bend is Born
  • Navajo Land
  • The Most Famous Horseshoe in the World
  • Why So Green?
  • Horseshoe Bend vs. the Grand Canyon
  • Conclusion
  • Welcome: Page, Arizona Overlook Dr, Page
  • How It Works
  • Glen Canyon Dam
  • Rim View Trails
  • Hanging Garden Trailhead
  • Carl Hayden Visitor Center
  • Ongoing Debates
  • Wahweap Overlook
  • Lake Powell Views / Conclusion
  • The Chains
  • Waterhole Canyon
  • Antelope Canyon
  • Crossing the Dam & Page History

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest National Park - Uncover an ancient world turned to stone with this self-guided drive through Petrified Forest National Park. Vast desert landscapes, petrified trees, and numerous fossils await.

POIs along Petrified Forest:

  • Painted Desert Visitor Center
  • The Tiponi Point
  • Painted Desert Rim Trail
  • Painted Desert Inn
  • Pintado point
  • Nizhoni point
  • Whipple Point
  • Lacey Point
  • Historic Route 66
  • Tribes
  • Puerco Pueblo
  • Newspaper rock
  • Historic Blue Forest Trail
  • Blue Mesa Trailhead
  • Agate Bridge
  • Jasper Forest
  • Crystal Forest
  • John Muir
  • Paleontology
  • Creating a National Park
  • Hardy Flora
  • Rainbow Forest Museum
  • The Curse
  • Dark Skies
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Embark on the road trip of a lifetime with this bundle of tours in the Grand Circle. Witness the grandeur of Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Horseshoe Bend, the Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley. These stunning destinations offer something different, from sweeping vistas and gravity-defying rock formations to lush riverside oases. Discover the southwest. Discover the Grand Circle.

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time!

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
2938 UT-12
Utah 12
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Charles_r
May 14, 2024
Great tour guide - at your own pace - We are still enjoying the group of tours we purchased. We’ve listened to 2 driving tours and enjoyed the stories and information. It even helped us navigate a confusing route in the Grand Canyon - we would have been wandering around without it !
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 4 guests
1
Traveler
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today