Grand Circle Travel

The Grand Circle is a 1,400-mile loop that embraces the best of the Southwest. Within this imaginary circle, which encompasses sections of four states, you’ll find dramatic vistas, fascinating cultures and unique attractions. Here you can explore America’s highest concentration of Scenic Byways and National Parks.

In addition to the majestic Grand Canyon, highlights of the Grand Circle include Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Mesa Verde National Park, plus Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Historic and Scenic Attractions

Called the Colorado Plateau, the Grand Circle’s stunning landscape of canyons, cliffs, mesas, buttes and spires was created by millions of years of volcanic eruptions and erosion. The Grand Circle embraces almost half of Utah, the southwest quarter of Colorado, the northwest corner of New Mexico and northern one-third of Arizona. The Ancestral Puebloan people, the Plateau’s first residents, settled around the Four Corners region about 2,000 years ago. Cliff dwellings and more than 4,000 ancient sites can be seen at Mesa Verde National Park, a designated World Heritage Site.

This landscape is most dramatic in the stunning contrasts around Lake Powell, centrally located in the Grand Circle. The lake’s deep sapphire waters sparkle against a backdrop of spectacular red rock canyons and rosy sand beaches. This breathtaking landscape, extending into both Arizona and Utah, is like no other place on earth. This crown jewel of the Grand Circle, located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is also America’s favorite houseboating destination and one of the coolest water recreation spots on earth.

Activities and Recreation

Like all circles, the Grand Circle is endless, with limitless ways to explore of the Wonders of the West. And with its sunny year-round climate, the Grand Circle offers exciting opportunities for vacations and adventures at any time of the year. The mighty Colorado River runs through the heart of the Grand Circle and is joined by the Gunnison in Colorado, the Green River in Canyonlands National Park, and the Escalante and San Juan in Lake Powell. Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River is a thrilling adventure. Guided by expert pilots, rafters follow the river and enjoy spectacular opportunities to view birds, wildlife and canyon vistas. 

With almost 2000 miles of shoreline, magnificent Lake Powell is a playground for houseboating and water recreation, including fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing and swimming. As part of your Grand Circle Travel tour, a houseboat vacation is a perfect way to explore Lake Powell’s quiet coves, sandy beaches and more than 90 colorful canyons. Rental houseboats are available with a range of amenities to fit every budget and the needs of every size vacation party. Visitors also rent powerboats and personal watercraft to explore the lake’s endless side canyons, inlets and coves. Lake Powell’s boat tours, scenic cruises and dinner cruises are delightful ways to visit Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyon and other picturesque highlights of the Grand Circle landscape.

Water-based activities are just the beginning of Grand Circle fun. Try your luck in the casinos, take lofty journey in a colorful hot air balloon, hike sky-high mesas to explore ancient Puebloan ruins or hop aboard for a scenic ride on a historic railway. You’ll also find many opportunities to enjoy delicious Southwestern cuisine, watch authentic artisans at work and shop for Native American handcrafts.

Exploring the Grand Circle

Although it can be tempting to try to tour as many national parks as possible during your Grand Circle vacation trip, many travel experts recommend creating an itinerary that lets you thoroughly enjoy the scenery and sites of just a few parks. Many Grand Circle visitors like to find a “base” from which to explore a region of the Circle. With its central location and abundant natural beauty and recreation, Lake Powell is a favorite choice for Grand Circle Travel visitors. Here in the heart of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, you’ll find lakeside lodging and RV camping in addition to houseboat rentals.

Reaching the Grand Circle is easy through a number of gateway cities, including Phoenix, just 280 miles from Lake Powell on excellent highways. (See a detailed map of the area here.) Scheduled flights from Phoenix to Lake Powell (Page Airport) are available via Great Lakes Airlines. At Page Airport, you can rent a car or utilize the shuttle services provided by Lake Powell Resort.

Wherever you travel in the Grand Circle, you’re surrounded by the region’s awe-inspiring scenery and captivated the sites and stories that reveal its intriguing history. It’s here you’ll discover the heart of the American Southwest.