Southwest
Expedition
Phoenix to Las Vegas · 9 Days · 1,000+ Miles
May 17 – 25, 2026
Expedition Begins In
The Expedition
From the pine-covered rim of Arizona's Mogollon Rim to the neon glow of Las Vegas, the Miles family is embarking on a 9-day overlanding expedition through the American Southwest's most breathtaking landscapes.
Traveling in our Storyteller Overland HILT, we'll camp on cliff edges with 2,000-foot drops, fly over the Grand Canyon by helicopter, wade through Zion's Narrows, and watch sunsets paint impossible colors across Lake Powell's sandstone buttes.
Three adventurers. One truck. Nine days of wonder.
The Itinerary
Nine days of adventure through Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Click each day to explore the details.
Edge of the World
Where the Rim Meets the Sky
The expedition begins with a drive from Phoenix up through the high desert to the Mogollon Rim. Edge of the World (East Pocket) is a dispersed camping area perched on the very edge of a 2,000-foot cliff, offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Verde Valley and Sedona red rocks in the distance. The 4WD-only FR 9921Y requires careful navigation — this is where the HILT earns its keep.
Activities
Find the perfect cliff-edge spot and set up the HILT for the first night.
Walk along the rim edge exploring different viewpoints. Stay back from the edge with Saylor!
Watch the sun set over the Verde Valley — the views are absolutely spectacular from this elevation.
Zero light pollution at 7,200 ft. The Milky Way will be incredible. Bring the star chart!
Camp
Dispersed camping along FR 9921Y — arrive early for the best cliff-edge spots. No services, no cell signal. Pack in/pack out.
Pro Tips
- •FR 9921Y is rough — engage 4WD and take it slow
- •No cell service — download offline maps before leaving Phoenix
- •Bring firewood — fire restrictions may apply, check before trip
- •Temperature drops significantly at night at this elevation
Grand Canyon South Rim
One of the Seven Natural Wonders
From the Mogollon Rim, drive north through Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Today is about soaking in the sheer scale of one of the planet's most awe-inspiring landscapes. Walk the Rim Trail, visit the historic village, and let Saylor earn her Junior Ranger badge.
Activities
The iconic first view of the Grand Canyon. Prepare to have your breath taken away.
Paved, mostly flat trail along the rim. Walk from Mather Point to Bright Angel Lodge. Spectacular views the entire way.
Pick up Saylor's Junior Ranger booklet at the Visitor Center. Complete activities to earn her badge!
Drive to the east end of the park for Mary Colter's iconic watchtower with 360° views.
One of the best sunset viewpoints on the South Rim. Arrive 30 min early for a good spot.
Camp
Mather Campground or Ten-X Campground (Tusayan). Reserve in advance on Recreation.gov.
Pro Tips
- •Park entrance fee: $35/vehicle (or use America the Beautiful Pass)
- •Shuttle buses run along the rim — use them to avoid parking headaches
- •The Visitor Center has the Junior Ranger booklet
- •Bring layers — it gets cold at sunset at this elevation
Grand Canyon Day Two
Helicopter Tour & Deeper Exploration
Day two at the Grand Canyon is the adventure day. Start with a breathtaking helicopter tour over the canyon (book with Maverick Helicopters — the Canyon Spirit tour is 45 minutes over both rims). Then hike partway down the Bright Angel Trail for a taste of the inner canyon. End the day with dinner at the historic El Tovar.
Activities
The longest helicopter tour over Grand Canyon National Park. Fly over both rims, the Colorado River, Dragon Corridor, and the Painted Desert. $399/person. Book at maverickhelicopter.com or call 1-888-261-4414.
Hike down to the 1.5-Mile Resthouse for incredible views into the canyon. Remember: it takes twice as long to hike back up!
Learn about the 2 billion years of geological history visible in the canyon walls. Great for Saylor!
Historic lodge dining room with canyon views. Make reservations in advance — this is a special treat after two days of camp cooking.
Camp
Same campsite as Day 2.
Pro Tips
- •Book helicopter tour for early morning to avoid afternoon thermals
- •Bright Angel Trail: bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen
- •El Tovar reservations: call 928-638-2631 ext. 6432
- •Don't try to hike to the bottom and back in one day!
Horseshoe Bend & Page
The Iconic Colorado River Curve
Drive east along the canyon rim and then north to Page, Arizona. Stop at Horseshoe Bend for the iconic view of the Colorado River making its dramatic 270° turn 1,000 feet below. Use Page as a resupply stop — fill up water, fuel, and groceries before heading to remote Alstrom Point.
Activities
Short but stunning 1.5-mile round trip hike to the overlook. The view is absolutely jaw-dropping. Hold Saylor's hand near the edge — no guardrails!
Stock up on water (extra!), fuel, ice, and groceries at Walmart or Safeway. Fill the HILT's water tank.
Stop at the Wahweap Overlook for stunning views of Lake Powell before heading to Alstrom Point.
The 40-mile dirt road to Alstrom Point starts at Big Water. 4WD required. The road is sandy in places — air down tires if needed.
Camp
Transitional — heading to Alstrom Point in the afternoon/evening.
Pro Tips
- •Horseshoe Bend parking: $10/vehicle
- •Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
- •Fill EVERYTHING with water before leaving Page — Alstrom Point has zero services
- •Check road conditions for Alstrom Point — avoid if recent rain (clay becomes impassable)
Alstrom Point
Mars on Earth
Alstrom Point is one of the most spectacular and remote camping spots in the American Southwest. Perched on a sandstone peninsula high above Lake Powell, the views are absolutely otherworldly — turquoise water, red rock buttes, and endless desert stretching in every direction. This is the kind of place that changes your perspective on life.
Activities
Wake up before dawn for one of the most spectacular sunrises you'll ever see. The light on the buttes is magical.
Walk the sandstone formations around the point. Every angle reveals a new jaw-dropping view of Lake Powell.
The smooth sandstone is perfect for drawing with chalk. Let Saylor create her own canyon art (use chalk only — leave no trace!).
Set up camp chairs at the edge and watch the sun paint the buttes in impossible colors. This will be the trip's most memorable sunset.
Camp
Dispersed camping on the point. Free, no permits needed. No water, no services, no cell signal. Pure wilderness.
Pro Tips
- •Bring MORE water than you think — it's hot and dry
- •Starlink will work here for connectivity
- •No shade — bring a canopy or use the HILT's awning
- •Watch for flash flood warnings — the road in can become impassable
- •This is a leave-no-trace area — pack out everything
Bryce Canyon
The Hoodoo Kingdom
Leave the desert heat behind and climb to 8,000 feet at Bryce Canyon, where thousands of red, orange, and white hoodoo rock pillars create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. The Navajo Loop trail descends right into the heart of the hoodoo amphitheater — it feels like walking through a fantasy world.
Activities
The hoodoos glow orange and pink in the first light. Arrive 20 minutes before sunrise.
Descend through Wall Street — a narrow slot between towering hoodoo walls. The switchbacks are dramatic. 1.3 miles, 550 ft elevation change.
Connect from Navajo Loop for the full experience. Named for a hoodoo that resembles Queen Victoria. 1.8 miles.
Saylor can earn her second Junior Ranger badge! Pick up the booklet at the Visitor Center.
Easy paved walk along the rim between viewpoints. Sunset Point lives up to its name.
Camp
North Campground or Sunset Campground in the park. Reserve on Recreation.gov. Alternatively, dispersed camping on nearby BLM land.
Pro Tips
- •It's COLD at 8,000 ft — bring warm layers, especially for sunrise
- •The Navajo Loop switchbacks are steep but manageable for a 10-year-old
- •Altitude: drink extra water and take it easy
- •The park shuttle runs along the main road — use it to avoid parking issues
Zion National Park
Into the Narrows
Zion is the crown jewel of Utah's Mighty Five. Today's highlight is The Narrows — hiking upstream through the Virgin River between towering 2,000-foot sandstone walls. It's one of the most unique hiking experiences in the world, and Saylor will absolutely love wading through the river. Camp at Smithsonian Butte for free dispersed camping with stunning views of Zion's towers.
Activities
Wade upstream through the Virgin River between 2,000-ft canyon walls. Rent water shoes and a walking stick in Springdale. Go as far as you're comfortable — even 1 mile in is spectacular.
Lower Emerald Pool is an easy 1.2-mile round trip to a beautiful waterfall and pool. Great for Saylor.
Take the shuttle through the canyon. Every stop offers incredible views of the massive sandstone cliffs.
Badge #3 for Saylor! Zion's Junior Ranger program is one of the best in the park system.
Watch the last light hit Zion's towers from your campsite. The views from Smithsonian Butte are world-class.
Camp
Smithsonian Butte Road — free dispersed BLM camping with incredible views of Zion's West Temple and Towers of the Virgin. 4WD recommended.
Pro Tips
- •Rent Narrows gear (shoes, stick, dry pants) in Springdale — Zion Outfitter or Zion Adventure Company
- •Check river flow levels before entering The Narrows (flash flood risk)
- •Zion requires shuttle buses in the main canyon — no private vehicles
- •Smithsonian Butte Road: turn off Hwy 59 south of Rockville. First-come, first-served.
Valley of Fire
Ancient Sandstone Ablaze
The final full adventure day takes you through the Mojave Desert to Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest and largest state park. The 150-million-year-old Aztec sandstone formations glow like they're on fire in the sunlight. Explore the Fire Wave, find ancient petroglyphs, and camp at Stewart's Point for one last night under the stars.
Activities
A 1.2-mile round trip to one of the most photogenic rock formations in the Southwest. Swirling red and white striped sandstone.
Walk through a narrow canyon to see 3,000-year-old Native American petroglyphs carved into the dark desert varnish.
A natural sandstone arch that looks exactly like an elephant. Quick stop, great photos.
A 1.2-mile loop through colorful sandstone formations and a narrow slot canyon. Saylor will love the slot canyon section.
Last night of the expedition. Reflect on the incredible journey over a campfire dinner.
Camp
Stewart's Point — dispersed camping area near Valley of Fire. Alternatively, Atlatl Rock Campground inside the park ($20/night).
Pro Tips
- •It will be HOT — start hiking early morning, rest midday
- •Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person for hiking
- •Park entrance: $10/vehicle
- •Petroglyphs: look but don't touch — they're irreplaceable
Henderson & Home
The Expedition Concludes
The expedition comes to a close as you drive the short distance from Valley of Fire to Henderson. Check into Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa for a well-deserved night of luxury after 8 days of overlanding. Enjoy the incredible pool area with Saylor, have a celebration dinner, and rest up before the private flight home to Memphis on Monday. Memorial Day never felt so earned.
Activities
The resort's 8-acre pool area features infinity pools, waterfalls, and a sandy beach. Saylor will love it after days in the desert.
Treat yourselves to the spa after 8 days of adventure. You've earned it.
Toast to an incredible expedition at one of the resort's restaurants. Hank's Fine Steaks or Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca.
Go through all the photos and videos from the trip. Pick favorites for the family album.
Camp
Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa — 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, NV 89052. ~4 miles from Henderson Executive Airport.
Pro Tips
- •Check-in at Green Valley Ranch is 3 PM
- •The resort is about 4 miles from Henderson Executive Airport
- •Kids 18 and under stay free with a paying adult
- •Book dinner reservations in advance
Expedition Map
1,000+ miles across three states, from the Sonoran Desert to the Mojave.
Weather Forecast
Expected conditions along the route. Temperatures vary dramatically with elevation — from 38°F at Bryce to 100°F in Henderson.
Weather estimates based on historical averages for mid-May. Actual conditions may vary. Pack layers — you'll experience a 60°F temperature range across the trip!
Book These
Helicopter Tour
Day 3 — Grand CanyonMaverick Helicopters — Canyon Spirit Tour
The longest helicopter tour from the South Rim. 45 minutes over both rims, the Colorado River, Dragon Corridor (the widest/deepest section), and the Painted Desert.
Alternative: Papillon Helicopters also offers South Rim tours. Visit papillon.com or call 1-888-635-7272.
Hotel — Final Night
Day 9 — Henderson, NVGreen Valley Ranch Resort & Spa
Upscale resort with an incredible 8-acre pool complex, full-service spa, and excellent restaurants. The perfect way to end the expedition — luxury after 8 days of overlanding.
Alternative: M Resort Spa Casino — also near Henderson Executive Airport. Modern luxury with mountain views. mresort.com
Packing Checklist
Everything you need for 9 days of overlanding. Check items off as you pack.
HILT Essentials
0/7Water & Food
0/7Clothing & Layers
0/8Safety & Health
0/8Fun & Exploration
0/8Navigation & Tech
0/6Saylor's Explorer Guide
Three parks. Three badges. One amazing adventure.
Grand Canyon
Earn your badge at the South Rim Visitor Center. Complete the activity booklet by exploring the rim trail, learning about the Colorado River, and identifying canyon wildlife.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon's Junior Ranger program teaches about hoodoos, the night sky, and the unique ecosystem at 8,000 feet.
Zion
Zion's program is one of the best in the National Park system. Learn about the Virgin River, slot canyons, and the incredible biodiversity of the park.
Did You Know?
Fun facts to share around the campfire
The Grand Canyon is over 6 million years old and exposes 2 billion years of Earth's history.
Bryce Canyon's hoodoos are formed by frost wedging — water freezes and expands in cracks over 200 times per year.
The Narrows in Zion are so narrow that in some places, the canyon walls are only 20 feet apart but 2,000 feet tall!
Lake Powell has more shoreline than the entire Pacific coast of the United States.
The Valley of Fire gets its name because the red sandstone formations appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun.
California condors, with a 9.5-foot wingspan, can be spotted soaring over the Grand Canyon. They were nearly extinct with only 22 left in 1982!