The Core

I'm testing this route in August. I should have a better understanding of logistics and amenities by the end. This route is only 20 total hours of driving, probably over the course of 7-9 days.

Las Vegas
Grand Canyon National Park
Horseshoe Canyon Page AZ
Antelope Canyon
Monument Valley
Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion National Park
Las Vegas

My traveling companions changed the trip. We started West, but headed East to Colorado after a few days.
We still visited some of the places listed in the previous post.

http://imgur.com/a/WPPK0

Here's a better idea:
1. Fly to Las Vegas (overnight las vegas)

2. Hoover Dam, Sedona AZ (4.5hrs driving, overnight at a Sedona resort)


3. Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim (2 hours driving, overnight at Grand Canyon Village)

4. Drive to Page AZ, See a slot canyon. Horseshoe Bend at sunset (2.5 hours driving, overnight in Page AZ)


5. Drive to Zion NP, See Zion (2 hours driving, overnight in Springdale UT)

6. Drive to Bryce Canyon NP, See Bryce Canyon. Drive to Arches NP. Moab. (6 hours driving, overnight in Moab UT)


7. Drive to Glenwood Springs, CO (3 hours driving, overnight in Glenwood Springs, CO)

8. Drive to Boulder, CO (3 hours driving, overnight in Boulder CO or Denver CO)


9 Fly out of Denver

Pretty relaxed schedule, with the exception of day 6. No hiking required, but short hikes will be available. Most of the overnights would be at nice resorts, with highly-rated restaurants nearby. I believe there would be a good mix of sightseeing and conference session time. The scenery is a mix of desert and Rocky Mountains.