Zion Valley views from the appropriately named Angel's Landing.

Location

The states of Nevada, Arizona and Utah intersect near Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. While these two draw-cards are well documented, there are other attractions in the area which should not be overlooked.

Highlights of the region

Las Vegas - situated in the south of Nevada, has to be the perfect starting point for your adventure through this region. Even for those not particularly interested in cities or gambling, Vegas is a true eye opener. You can easily spent half a week venturing around the traps.

Grand Canyon - Head east from Vegas into Arizona to this natural wonder. The only way you will comprehend its vastness is to see for yourself. You are sure of a crowd at the tourist bound West Rim. Tours do run to the isolated North Rim, where you are likely to see a good array of wildlife excluding the camera-wielding tourist. Regardless of your vantage-point, make sure you see at least one sunrise and one sunset. Activities include aerial tours, horse-back/mule tours, hiking, camping and wildlife watching.

Up up and away - Not far from the Grand Canyon lies Boulder City, Meads Dam and Hoover Dam. Not to much to do at these scenic spots, but you may be able to find a canoe/kayak tour of the Colorado River.

Into Utah - Head north into Utah and stop at not so visited Horseshoe Bend, it's worth the 1/2 mile hike each way for this overwhelming view of the Colorado River. Glen Canyon dam is also worth a quick look.

Zion Valley - This superb part of Utah is definitely worth a stop. Activities include rock-climbing, camping and lots of hiking. The naturual history of the area is also intruiging. If you only get a chance for one hike, do Angel's landing. The views are breathtaking and the chained section is exhilarating.

Bryce Canyon - Why this Canyon is not as famous as the Grand Canyon is a mystery. It is a natural wonder that has to be scene to be believed. Once you have accepted it's existense from one of the many elevated vantage points, hike through the canyon to view the many amazing structures. Once again there is plenty of hiking, and do not forget the camera.

Tours

Operators, mainly from Las Vegas run tours to most if not all of the destinations listed above and include accomodation. Alternatively, take it at your own pace on a self-drive tour.

Accomodation

Las Vegas - This is probably the one place where even strict backpackers would think about a hotel room. The hostels are a little out of the way, while the hotels are smack bang in the action and are very cheap. Backpackers often pool into rooms making it ridiculously cheap.

Grand Canyon - West/South Rim offers standard forms of accomodation but book ahead. To avoid the waits, book into a camping tour of the North Rim.

Zion Valley - In the valley itself is primarily camping. Can be done as a day-trip from nearby town/cities which have standard accomodations.

Bryce Canyon - Is often done as a day trip. Most who stay longer would be hikers/campers.

Transport

Transportation alternatives from Los Angeles to Las Vegas are plenty. From Las Vegas there are stacks of tours. Hitch hiking is not recommended in the lower 48 states of the USA.