0% for 18 months on purchases and balance tra… Citi Simplicity® Credit Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Book a Grand Canyon and Zion Road Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Grand Canyon and Zion Road Trip

Plan a classic desert road trip, lock in park lodges early, and pay off the $2,400 cost interest-free over 18 months.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $133.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,400 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Red rocks, massive canyons, and wide desert skies make a Grand Canyon and Zion road trip unforgettable. You want to aim for spring or fall to dodge brutal summer heat, but you need to lock in those park lodges up to a year in advance.

A solid week-long run through both parks usually costs about $2,400 for gas, permits, gear, and stays. Spreading that total out over time lets you secure your spots early without taking a huge chunk out of your bank account all at once.

Keep in mind that a 0% intro period is a strict repayment deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance when the 18 months end, high interest kicks in on whatever amount remains, so set up autopay for $133.33 each month to wipe it out in time.

The steps

  1. 01

    Lock in your lodge dates early

    Park rooms inside the Grand Canyon and Zion fill up 12 months ahead. Secure your spots as soon as the booking window opens so you stay inside the parks instead of driving hours from outside towns.

  2. 02

    Map your route and permits

    Fly into Las Vegas, grab a rental, and drive to Zion before heading south to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Check for required trail permits, like Angels Landing, months before you pack.

  3. 03

    Build your total budget

    Plan on roughly $2,400 for two people to cover car rental, park passes, food, and lodging. Setting this number upfront keeps your spending focused while you book components over time.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost over 18 months

    Put your bookings on a card like the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Splitting your $2,400 trip cost across that timeline comes out to $133.33 per month with zero interest.

  5. 05

    Grab your pass and rental gear

    Reserve an SUV early to handle long highway stretches comfortably. Buy an America the Beautiful national park pass before you go so you can skip long payment lines at the park gates.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How far in advance should I book Grand Canyon and Zion lodges?

You should book park lodges 12 months in advance. Rooms inside the parks open their calendars a year early and sell out quickly.

How much does a road trip through Zion and the Grand Canyon cost?

A typical week-long trip costs about $2,400 for two people. This covers lodging, rental car, gas, food, and park passes.

What is the best time of year to take this road trip?

Spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer brings high crowds and dangerous heat spikes, while winter can close higher-elevation roads.

Does 0% interest mean my purchases are free?

No, you still owe the full amount you spend. You simply get a break from extra interest charges as long as you pay off the balance before the intro window expires.