LA: Las Vegas, Sedona, Monument, Antelope Canyon, 5-Day Tour

This 5-day, one-way tour from Los Angeles to Las Vegas offers a compact yet immersive experience of some of the most stunning landscapes in the American Southwest. Covering California, Nevada, and Arizona, it’s perfect for those seeking a mix of iconic sights, cultural insights, and a taste of adventure. From the shimmering lights of Vegas to the breathtaking formations of Antelope Canyon, this trip hits many high points in just a few days.

One of the standout features is the expert guides who bring local stories and history to life, making each stop more meaningful. Plus, the included hotel accommodations and breakfast help keep the experience relaxed and stress-free. That said, with a full itinerary packed into five days and a group size capped at 50 travelers, it’s not the trip if you prefer absolute privacy or a leisurely pace.

This tour is especially suited for adventurous travelers who love sightseeing, photography, and learning about the cultural significance of the region. It’s also a great choice for those who want a guided experience that handles all the logistics—so you can focus on enjoying the scenery.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary featuring major Southwest highlights in just five days
• Knowledgeable guides enhance storytelling and regional understanding
• Included accommodation and breakfast provide convenience and value
• Not a return trip to Los Angeles; it’s a one-way adventure ending in Las Vegas
• Group size limited to 50 for a balance of intimacy and social vibe
• Ideal for active travelers comfortable walking and sightseeing over uneven surfaces

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Los Angeles to Las Vegas

Starting from the vibrant Las Vegas strip, your journey kicks off with a stop at Outlets at Barstow. Here, you’ll have about two hours to browse shops like Levi’s, Nike, and Timberland. It’s a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and pick up souvenirs or essentials before heading into the desert.

In the evening, the tour takes you onto the Las Vegas Strip for a one-hour guided drive. You’ll see famous hotels like Caesars Palace, Mirage, Luxor, and New York New York—each offering their own spectacle of lights and architecture. Reviewers have appreciated the guides’ storytelling, with one noting that their driver and guide were “A+,” making the tour lively and informative.

Day 2: Hoover Dam and Free Afternoon in Vegas

After a leisurely breakfast, you visit the Hoover Dam—a marvel of modern engineering. While the tour doesn’t include a guided inside visit, understanding how this massive structure was built adds context to your visit. Many travelers find this stop fascinating as it highlights the region’s ingenuity and history.

Back in Vegas, you have a free afternoon to explore your personal interests—be it catching a show, trying the slots, or just soaking in the city’s energy. With so many attractions, the flexibility is a bonus, although some might find the timing a bit tight for a deep dive into Vegas’s entertainment scene.

Day 3: From Vegas to Sedona via Chapel of the Holy Cross

The drive takes you into Arizona, with a self-guided visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, perched amid stunning red rocks. Based on reviews, travelers loved the panoramic views of Sedona’s iconic formations like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.

The stop is relatively brief—about 30 minutes—so don’t expect an in-depth tour, but the views are worth the quick detour. Travelers mention the use of local shuttle services, which adds convenience but also means some walking over uneven terrain.

Day 4: Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley

Early morning, you’ll head to the Colorado River’s Horseshoe Bend, a 1-hour stop where you’ll witness one of the most photographed bends in the world. Photographers and nature lovers rave about the spectacular scenery—a true highlight for many.

Next, the tour dives into Monument Valley, a landscape famously associated with the American West. The Jeep tour led by Navajo guides offers a deep dive into the cultural significance of this land. Reviews praise the guides’ local knowledge and professionalism—one reviewer mentioned they found the guides to be “fun, friendly, and very professional.” The towering sandstone formations, mesas, and buttes are every bit as dramatic as you’d hope.

Day 5: Antelope Canyon and Valley of Fire

The final day begins with a tour of the Lower Antelope Canyon, a natural marvel carved by water over thousands of years. The narrow, winding passages and sweeping dunes are impossible to capture fully in words. Visitors describe the formations as “spectacular,” with some noting the wind and water created mesmerizing patterns.

Afterward, you’ll travel to the Valley of Fire State Park, famous for its crimson sandstone formations that glow when reflecting the sun. The timing of the visit often coincides with the “fire” effect when the sunlight hits the rocks just right—one reviewer noted the scene as “being on fire,” which perfectly captures the experience.

You’ll return to Las Vegas in the evening, ending a trip filled with unforgettable sights.

The Value and Experience

At $1,045 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package that covers transportation, guided tours, hotel stays, and breakfast. For those who want to see a lot with minimal hassle, the included logistics and expert guides add significant value. Travelers have consistently praised the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, which elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing.

The tour’s group size of 50 strikes a nice balance, creating enough camaraderie without feeling crowded. The transport in air-conditioned vans and buses ensures comfort, and the ability to go in multiple languages broadens its appeal.

While the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or return, it’s easy to meet at the designated start point, and parking is available. The timing is planned so that you arrive in Vegas in the early evening—giving you a taste of the city’s vibrant energy right at the end of your adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers comfortable with walking and uneven surfaces, given the nature of some stops. It’s perfect for photographers eager to capture iconic landscapes, or those interested in culture and history, thanks to Navajo guides and informative commentary.

If you’re short on time but want a rundown of the Southwest’s most famous sights, this tour delivers. It’s also suitable for first-time visitors to the region who prefer a guided setup rather than planning each detail themselves.

Who Might Want to Consider Alternatives?

If your priority is luxury or privacy, this group tour might feel a bit crowded. Also, if you’re seeking deep exploration of each site or wish to stay longer at specific spots, the packed schedule might be limiting. And those who prefer a return trip to Los Angeles at the end will need to look elsewhere, as this is a one-way journey ending in Las Vegas.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day guided tour offers a satisfying mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and fun experiences—at a reasonable price considering all that’s included. The guides’ local expertise brings each stop to life, making the scenery even more memorable.

It’s best suited for adventurous, active travelers who want a structured, well-organized trip that handles the logistics for them. While it does involve some early mornings and walking over uneven terrain, the payoff is some of the most scenic landscapes in the United States.

This tour provides a solid value for those eager to tick off iconic sites like Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend—perfect for creating lasting memories of the American Southwest.

FAQ

Does the tour include return to Los Angeles?
No. This is a one-way tour ending in Las Vegas.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, guests need to meet at the specified start point on the Las Vegas Strip.

What transportation is used?
Depending on group size, you’ll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned bus or van.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?
Wi-Fi is available on full-size coaches, but it may not support streaming.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options and other dietary needs can be accommodated at meal stops.

What luggage is allowed?
One piece of luggage plus a small carry-on per person.

Are the tours offered in languages other than English?
Yes, tours can be multilingual, including languages like Spanish, French, German, Hebrew, and more—please specify at booking.

What if I want to book for a larger group?
Each reservation can include up to three people. For larger groups, please book separately and note that you’ll be traveling together.