Visa

No visa is required for U.S. citizens or residents. Check the link for foreign travelers.

COVID

Fully open. The last remaining vaccine requirements for foreign travelers ended in May 2023.

Not as grand, but still a circle, with the most stunning parks of Utah and Arizona.

Small Circle

Embark on the ultimate road trip with all the parks and regions of the Grand Circle.

Full Grand Circle

Grand Circle

This is the best time to visit all the parks. March might be a bit unpredictable with snow still covering some trails, but April and May feature perfect weather with some green fields to contrast with the outworldly landscapes. And there are no summer crowds yet.

Spring

Summers feature warm sunny days, but it comes with hoards of people and brief but heavy rainstorms in some regions. Aim to hit the trails in Grand Canyon and Zion at 9 am latest if you plan to enjoy them.

Summer

Fall is another sweet spot for this trip with lesser crowds and cooler days for strenuous hikes. But some roads and hotels start closing with the first snowfall in November, so plan accordingly. Also, make sure all-season or winter tires are installed on your rental car.

Fall

Winter snow usually affects Grand Canyon and Bryce regions, but the rest of the parks are fully open. Some high-elevation trails can be closed or difficult to navigate. We only recommend this season to advanced travelers with winter gear.

Winter

The Grand Circle

America’s Road Trip

The Grand Circle – America’s Road Trip

Butler Wash Ruins is an archaeological site that consists of a group of well-preserved ancient structures that were built by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. The site is located near the edge of a sandstone mesa and offers spectacular views of the surrounding canyonlands.

The main attraction at Butler Wash Ruins is a hike that takes you through the ancient structures and around the nearby rock formations. You can see how the Ancestral Puebloans constructed their buildings using local sandstone, and how they incorporated the natural features of the landscape into their design. There are several different trails that you can choose from, depending on your level of fitness and the amount of time you have available.

The site is also home to a small museum, which features exhibits about the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the area.

Detailed Guide

Butler Wash Ruins

Standing tall and proud, the buttes of Monument Valley embody the spirit of the American West. A guided tour reveals the magic of this sacred land, seen in countless films and photographs.