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Want to make cheap Southwest flights even cheaper? Even though the airline is a low-cost carrier that flies to over 100 destinations, there are still some tricks that savvy travelers use to save even more money.

Here’s our best advice on how to get cheap Southwest flights.

5 ways to save money when you fly Southwest Airlines

Beyond the typical advice of flying mid-week or at early hours, keep these tips in mind when you book your next Southwest flight to save big.

1. Use Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar

The Low Fare Calendar provides a monthly view of flight prices for a specific route. Let's say you wanted to fly from Chicago-Midway to Salt Lake City in a certain month but you haven’t decided on a specific date. You can search flight prices for an entire month in cash or points. (The images below are for March 2022, but the concept is the same any time.)

Prices in cash

The cheapest flights are during the first nine days of the month.

Prices in Rapid Rewards points

Similarly, flight prices in points are the cheapest during the first nine days of the month.

Book with cash and points

Have some Rapid Rewards points lying around, but not enough to cover a full fare? You can now lower the cash price of a flight by paying via Southwest's Cash + Points option. This option is only available if you go through the cash booking flow and will be presented at checkout with up to five, pre-determined options for point redemption levels.

If you have flexible plans and are looking for cheap Southwest flights, get use the Low Fare Calendar so you can save the most.

» Learn more: Southwest's Low Fare Calendar + Other booking tips

2. Skip EarlyBird (but still get a good spot in the boarding line)

Flyers who are nervous about getting a late boarding number in Southwest’s unique boarding process often opt to buy EarlyBird Check-In. For an extra charge ranging from $15 to $25 one way (depending on your fare), you’ll be automatically checked-in and score a better boarding position.

But if you’re traveling with a child under age six, you can skip paying for the EarlyBird and still get a good seat. With Southwest’s Family Boarding policy, two adults traveling with a child under six years old can board right after the "A" group boards, even if their assigned positions are in the "B" or "C" groups.

This means that a family of four could save up to $100 each way in EarlyBird Check-In fees by taking advantage of Family Boarding, and you’ll still find seats together on the plane with ease.

Not traveling with kids? Southwest's consumer credit cards include boarding benefits, including reimbursement for a number of Upgraded Boardings and EarlyBird Check-Ins, along with annual points bonuses and the ability to earn points on everyday spending. See below for options.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Southwest Rapid Rewards

on Chase's website

• 3 points per $1 on Southwest purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, on local transit and commuting (including rideshare) and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, on local transit and commuting (including rideshare, and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• Reimbursement for 4 upgraded boardings, when available, each anniversary year.

• $75 Southwest travel credit each year.

• 7,500-point anniversary bonus each year.

Bonus offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

• Reimbursement for 2 EarlyBird check-ins each anniversary year.

• 6,000-point anniversary bonus each year.

• 3,000-point anniversary bonus each year.

3. Get free Wi-Fi (365 times)

While Southwest doesn’t have built-in screens to watch movies or TV shows, it does offer inflight entertainment for free if you bring your own tablet or smartphone. You can watch a variety of TV shows (including some live channels) and movies, listen to music and play games — absolutely free of charge.

If you want to browse the web or answer emails while you fly though, you’ll have to pay $8 per device, per flight (or fly Business Select, the only fare for which full Wi-Fi comes free).

But here’s an easy way to get free Wi-Fi: Consider the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card . One of the perks that comes with holding the card (along with 9,000 bonus points on your cardmember anniversary and four upgraded boardings per year) is up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits per year.

Since you probably won’t be flying Southwest every day of the year, you can use those credits to pay for Wi-Fi for other people you’re traveling with. So if you’re traveling with your whole family and everyone wants inflight Wi-Fi, just put all the charges on your Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card , and they’ll all be covered up to 365 times per year.

» Learn more: Is the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card worth the annual fee?

4. Fly on holidays for free drinks

Do you like to enjoy a cocktail when you’re flying? When you fly Southwest on certain holidays, you can can request a beer, wine or cocktail on the house. You must be 21 and older to benefit from the free alcoholic drinks.

These are the holidays that have qualified for a free drink in the past: New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Southwest’s Birthday (June 18), Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Also, keep an eye on your mailbox for free Southwest drink coupons. While not an official policy, Southwest Rapid Rewards members generally will receive four coupons for free drinks for every 10 one-way segments flown. Cheers!

5. Watch for sales (They happen frequently)

Unlike some airlines that rarely offer sales on fares, Southwest regularly puts flights on sale. Pretty much every Tuesday, in fact. The sales typically apply to cash bookings as well as redeeming Southwest points .

Southwest has an unofficial but predictable fare sale calendar that drops the prices on some routes nearly every Tuesday. While it’s not a published policy, these generally run from Tuesday through Thursday and offer one-way prices on select routes as low as $39.

» Learn more: Advanced tips for optimizing your Rapid Rewards points

Final thoughts on finding cheap Southwest flights

Even though Southwest often has some of the lowest fares you’ll find, there are still easy ways to save even more.

Of course, the ultimate Southwest money saver is the Companion Pass . You can earn the opportunity to fly a companion with you almost free for nearly two years if you qualify at the right time. You need to fly a lot of Southwest flights to qualify for the Companion Pass, but spending on Southwest credit cards can help you get there much faster ( learn more here ).

Even if you don’t earn the pass, you can still lock in low rates and have peace of mind with Southwest’s industry-leading change and cancellation rules.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Deal Alert: Southwest Fares Drop Below $100 Round Trip on Dozens of Routes

It's back! Southwest Airlines launched one of its two big annual fare sales Tuesday, sending round-trip fares below $100 round-trip on dozens of the carrier's shortest routes as part of a 72-hour flash sale .

Southwest's longer routes are on sale too, with the carrier roughly pegging its sale fares to distance. The cheapest fares in the airline's sale begin at $49 each way and increase to tiers of $79, $99 and $129 on longer routes. ( Scroll down for restrictions, more details )

The three-day fare sale has become a twice-a-year mainstay for the carrier, rolling out each June and October. The sales are notable not only because of fares being offered, but also because of how broadly they're usually available across Southwest's nationwide network.

Southwest's sale from June 2015 created so much demand that bargain-seekers overwhelmed the airline's website and caused it to crash. Southwest subsequently extended its sale by an additional day that year. ( More on Southwest : Last Chance to Earn 60k Points With Southwest Credit Cards )

The blockbuster sales help Southwest drum up publicity. But what's probably even more important to the carrier is that the they help juice sales during one of the slowest times of the year for air travel.

The June sale covers flights beginning in late August, when travel demand slows as kids go back to school and adults wrap up summer vacations. It runs through mid-December, a period that remains generally slow for airlines until demand picks up again ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year's holidays. The one major exception during that window – the dates around Thanksgiving – are blacked out. ( More Southwest news : Southwest Airlines Adds 2 Routes, Extends Schedule Into 2020 )

The sales that are now a staple for Southwest initially got their start from an iteration Southwest debuted earlier this decade, when it tied fares specifically to flight distance. Flights of 500 miles or less were priced at $49 one way, and then they increased by length of the route. The airline charged $99 one way for flights of 501 to 1,000 miles; $129 one way for flights of 1,001 to 1,500 miles; and $149 one way for flights longer than 1,500 miles.

The recent Southwest sales are no longer precisely tied to distance, though the fare structure tends to loosely mimic the original distance-based version.

Fine print and restrictions

Before you go to book, familiarize yourself with the fine print.

The sale, which rolled out Tuesday morning, covers travel from Aug. 20 through Dec. 18 on most routes within the continental US. Flights on Fridays and Sundays are excluded from the sale and certain dates around the Labor Day and Thanksgiving holidays are blacked out. Flights between Hawaii and the US mainland are not included in the fare sale.

There are different day-of-week restrictions on the sale fares on Southwest's flights in Las Vegas, Florida and Puerto Rico. ( Scroll to bottom for Southwest's full fine print for sale fares )

The number of seats Southwest makes available at fare-sale prices are limited on any given flight, meaning the cheapest fares likely will thin out the longer the sale goes on.

And remember the sale window is short. It ends Thursday (June 6) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Aside from the restrictions, there also are a few relatively customer-friendly allowances. Sale fares can be booked one way or round trip and can be combined with non-sale fares. ( More Southwest news : Southwest Says So Long to Ticket Jackets, Ending Era Among US Airlines )

Availability

A quick Tuesday morning spot-check of Southwest's site by TPG showed fairly broad availability of the published sale fares. The advertised $49 fares appear on many of Southwest's shortest routes, though some days and months show more availability than others. (Tip: Use Southwest's low-fare calendar to search for the lowest fares.)

Dozens of Southwest's shorter routes showed round-trip fares of less than $100 as of Tuesday morning. Among those were:

Albuquerque-Los Angeles; Albuquerque-Los Angeles; Atlanta-Jacksonville; Baltimore-Albany; Boston-Baltimore; Chicago Midway-Detroit; Denver-Salt Lake City; Des Moines-St. Louis; El Paso-Los Angeles; New Orleans-Houston Hobby; Las Vegas-Ontario, California; Los Angeles-Las Vegas; Minneapolis/St. Paul-Chicago Midway; Nashville-Charlotte; Oakland-Portland, Oregon; San Francisco-Los Angeles; and Washington Reagan National-Columbus, Ohio. Many other city-pairs are also available.

However, several of Southwest's short routes that were available for $49 one way in the June 2018 sale appear to have increased in price in the 2019 version. For example, Indianapolis-Kansas City; Kansas City-Chicago Midway and Memphis-Chicago Midway were among city-pairs that sold for $49 last year. This year, those routes are showing sale fares of $59 to $69 one way. ( Scroll down for full fine print )

Full fine print for the sale (via Southwest Airlines)

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SALE FARE RULES: Purchase from June 4 through June 6, 2019, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Continental U.S. travel valid August 20 through December 18, 2019. Interisland Hawaii travel valid September 3 through November 2, 2019. Travel to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico valid September 4 through December 5, 2019. International travel valid August 20 through December 11, 2019. Continental U.S. travel blacked out August 30, 2019 and September 2, 2019. Continental U.S. and International travel blacked out November 22 through December 2. Except as otherwise specified, continental U.S. and Interisland Hawaii travel is not valid on Fridays and Sundays. Travel to Ft. Myers/Naples, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, and Las Vegas and from Ft. Myers/Naples, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando to Las Vegas is valid only on Sundays through Wednesdays. Travel from Ft. Myers/Naples, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando and Las Vegas and from Las Vegas to Ft. Myers/Naples, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Orlando is valid only on Tuesdays through Fridays. Travel to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico is valid Monday - Thursday. International travel is valid Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Fares valid on nonstop service where indicated; if not indicated, fares are valid on single connecting service. Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees. Points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight. Fares not available continental U.S. to/from Hawaii. Seats and days are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available for oneway Wanna Get Away fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest Airlines combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare's rules apply. Sale fares may be available on other days of week, but that's not guaranteed. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines®, as long as reservations are canceled at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel may require an upgrade to the Anytime fare depending on Rapid Rewards® tier status. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies only to published, scheduled service.

19 Stunning Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

There may be no other region in the USA quite as otherworldly as the American Southwest. And there is absolutely no better way to appreciate that magnificent beauty than via an epic Southwest road trip itinerary!

Unfortunately, for most of us, there’s no way to encapsulate the full magnificence of the region on a single Southwest US road trip (and trust us, we’ve tried to, many times).

Because of that, we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to craft this complete guide to the best road trips in the Southwest USA, from iconic classics in Utah to offbeat highlights in Nevada to focused Southwest national parks road trips.

We’ve decided to work with a pretty generous definition of the Southwestern US for this guide, covering road trips in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, as well as parts of Southern California and West Texas.

Whether you only have a weekend to spare or are planning the Southwest road trip of a lifetime, here are the best Southwest USA road trip routes to consider!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southwest USA Road Trip

Utah road trip itinerary ideas, arizona + new mexico southwest road trips, southwest road trip itineraries in colorado, cool nevada road trip ideas, west texas road trip itineraries, multi-state southwest itineraries, read more about visiting the southwest usa.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before diving into the best Southwest road trip itineraries below, there are a few tips to be aware of, especially if this is your first time in the region!

Pick up an America the Beautiful Pass.

If you’re planning a Southwest USA road trip itinerary, odds are very high that you’re planning to visit several national parks!

If so, consider picking up an  America the Beautiful Pass , also known as the USA’s annual national parks pass.

For only $80–less for certain groups like seniors and military personnel–the park covers day-use fees to over 2,000 federally managed lands, including all 62 national parks, for an entire year.

It’s one of the best travel deals around and will pay for itself within 3-4 visits to popular US national parks (for example, as of the time of writing, many popular Southwest national parks such as Arches and Bryce Canyon cost between $25-35 per vehicle to visit).

Buy your national parks pass  today!

Beware the heat.

Everyone talks about it, but it really can’t be overstated: the heat in the American Southwest in summer can be life-threatening and is not to be trifled with.

Water, sun protection, and keeping an eye on the weather need to be at the forefront of your mind as you work your way through the region.

If you’re planning a trip during the (long) summer, consider optimizing your schedule so that the bulk of your hiking takes place in the mornings and evenings, too, rather than in the middle of the day.

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your Southwest USA road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your trip.

Shop rental cars for your Southwest road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

You’ll also want to note whether or not to return the car empty or full of fuel.

On the off chance that you’re planning on extending your road trip beyond the US Southwest into Canada or Mexico, be sure to check the requirements for crossing the border as well.

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

It’s not right for everyone, but there’s a reason that using an RV or campervan is such a classic American road trip experience!

And, you don’t need to dive into the RV lifestyle and buy one for your next trip in order to try it out: you can try out the experience by renting RVs and camper vans from  Outdoorsy .

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy  today!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a big road trip in the American Southwest requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance.

Anything can happen on the road, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better to be safe than sorry.

You can check prices and inclusions with  Safety Wing  for road trips in the Southwest USA.

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the American Southwest is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop in just one more park or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your Southwest US road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Considering the long driving distances between some of the most iconic places in the Southwest, it’s easy to over-plan!

Set realistic expectations for visiting US national parks.

Many of the best national parks in the USA are located in the Southwest–and they are incredibly popular.

Be sure to research individual parks in advance to make the most of your time, as accessing the most iconic attractions often is not as simple as showing up.

Hotels tend to get booked up quickly, some parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, and Zion National Park are now requiring most visitors to book timed entry permits in advance.

Other restrictions can pop up too–for example, Zion National Park requires visitors to use a shuttle rather than private cars to access popular hikes (unless you’re planning a winter trip, that is).

None of this detracts from the beauty of the parks–but it does mean that your experience will be much better if you plan ahead!

Kanab to Escalante

From Rachel & Clark of Seeking Our Someday

The Kanab, UT to Escalante, UT road trip gives way to some of Southern Utah’s most beautiful hidden gems.

These rural areas are filled with some of the most dramatic rock formations that you can find on an itinerary for the Southwest USA. 

Starting in Kanab, use this small town as a home base for visiting several nearby destinations.

Buckskin Gulch, just East of Kanab, is one of the longest slot canyons in the world and is considered one of the most beautiful slot canyons in Utah.

For an incredible day trip from Kanab, hike into this slot canyon from Wirepass Trailhead. Be on the lookout for ancient petroglyphs as you descend into the canyon.

Just north of Kanab are the Moqui Caves. These caves are great to explore for a couple of hours, especially in the afternoon light.

Only 30 minutes outside of Kanab, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is home to some of the most beautiful sand dunes. These dunes are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. 

On the two-hour drive from Kanab to Escalante, make sure to stop at Bryce Canyon National Park to see the natural hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater and check out a few of the coolest things to see in Bryce Canyon NP .

Use Escalante as a second home base to visit more hidden gems in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Some of the most incredible landscapes can be found down Hole in the Rock Road, just south of Escalante.

Make sure to visit Zebra Slot Canyon, a very narrow slot canyon with natural striped rock, along with Devils Garden just a few miles down the road.

Further down Hole in the Rock Road are the Peekaboo and Spooky Slot Canyons which are a fun loop hike through two beautiful slot canyons.

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

This road trip could be done in a long weekend, but there are enough places to visit that we recommend 1-2 weeks to fully experience all of the stops along the way.

New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle

From Becky of SightDOING

Northern New Mexico doesn’t get the attention that the rest of the state does, but travelers willing to take an extra drive will find incredible beauty along the  Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway .

Starting from Taos and going clockwise, you’ll visit the smaller towns of Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, and Angel Fire.

This part of New Mexico sits high in the mountains and the route takes you through ever-changing scenery.

Many parts are verdant green, thick with evergreens and aspens.

As the road winds, you’ll also see alpine valleys and lakes, plus the impressive Mt. Wheeler (the highest in the state).

As you drive, you’ll be reminded more of Colorado than the stereotypical desert road trips that are so iconic in the Southwest.

Perhaps as you’d expect in a beautiful destination like this, the primary activities involve the outdoors.

One of the highlights is Eagle Rock Lake, not only beautiful but home to playful otters that you might spot if you’re lucky. The picnic tables make a perfect vantage spot.

Hiking is plentiful: head out into the Columbine Hondo Wilderness for wildflowers in spring or look for waterfalls in Cimarron Canyon State Park.

Other activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and even skiing in the winter.

It’s not all about the outdoors, though. Visitors can also watch artisans in Questa, pay their respects at the Vietnam Memorial near Angel Fire, brewery hop along the trail, or explore Taos’ history.

Best of all, this New Mexico road trip is wonderful year-round.

Although the driving route is short enough that you can complete it in a day, the area is deserving of a weekend.

Allow plenty of time to stop and explore the parks and mountains along the way and consider even longer if you’re an avid hiker.

Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Road Trip

From Nicole of American SW Obsessed

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the best weekend trips you can make from Phoenix. 

The  drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon  is only 4 hours and there are several stops along the way.

Montezuma Castle is one of the best preserved Native American Ruins located 94 miles from Phoenix.

It is a 5-story structure built into a recess in a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground and it consists of 20 rooms.

Another great stop is Sedona, which is famous for its red rocks and great hiking trails.

You could easily spend a weekend in Sedona but it is also a great place to stop for some lunch and get out and stretch your legs.

Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park you will enter from the east and one of the first viewpoints is the Desert View Point and Watchtower.

This is one of the most popular viewpoints in the east and it is your first view of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. 

You can continue heading West to the main visitors center where you can walk the Trail of Time. 

The Grand Canyon Trail of Time is an interpretive walking timeline trail focusing on the highlights of the Grand Canyon so tourists can experience and appreciate the vastness of geologic time, as well as the stories captured by Grand Canyon rock layers and landscapes. 

We recommend three days as a minimum for this road trip.  Some people do this in a day but it is very rushed. 

Spending a weekend there gives you time to make stops along the way and experience the Grand Canyon.

Northern New Mexico

From Melissa of Parenthood and Passports

New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment for a reason.

The southwestern state is one of the best places in the United States for a culturally immersive trip, incredible food, and beautiful desert landscapes. 

Most New Mexico road trips start and end in Albuquerque, the largest city in the state.

There are so many things to do in New Mexico with kids , or without, and you’ll find many of them in Albuquerque!

Give yourself a couple of days to explore Old Town and visit some of the great museums, like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Be sure to take the tram up to Sandia Peak. The 2.7-mile aerial tramway is the longest in the United States! 

From Albuquerque, head north to New Mexico’s capital of Santa Fe. Known for its adobe-style architecture, this historical city founded as a Spanish colony in the 1600s is as lovely as it is enchanting! 

Just northwest of Santa Fe, outside the town of Los Alamos, Bandelier National Monument is a fascinating look back in time.

In this national monument, you’ll find petroglyphs and cliff dwellings left behind by the Pueblo Indians, the indigenous tribe who originally settled the area. 

For a look at how the Pueblo live today, head to the Taos Pueblo next.

The pueblos one mile north of the town of Taos, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States.

People have lived in this multi-story adobe building for more than 1,000 years! You can tour the pueblo, which is open to visitors except when tribal rituals take place.

300+ miles.

Ideally, give yourself about a week for this road trip through Northern New Mexico.

Denver to Aspen Loop

From Lori of Fitz 5 On the Go

The state of Colorado was made for epic road trips.  The scenery is just amazing and pretty non-stop.

Colorado’s many mountain towns are fun and welcoming places to explore and are packed with so many outdoor activities to enjoy.  

There are many great options for planning a loop from Denver.  Some can be done on a day trip, and others are more fun spread over a few days. 

For the most variety and activities in a shorter drive time consider going south to Colorado Springs, loop over to Salida then make your way north through Independence Pass. 

Take some time enjoying Aspen then stop by Glenwood Springs for fun activities before going back to Denver.

Summer or early fall is the best time for this trip before some of the roads are closed due to snow.

First, stop in Colorado Springs, where popular activities include Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, the Incline, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Olympic training center, and the Broadmore.

From there, head to Salida and Buena Vista.

On the way to Salida stop by the Royal Gorge.  This amazing viewpoint is not great for those with a fear of heights but it’s beautiful.

The area has a train, a suspension bridge, and several other activities including a Skycoaster. 

After enjoying a night in Salida, head north toward Leadville.

Leadville can make a nice little stop to explore an old mountain town and get some lunch but the main attraction of the day will be Independence Pass just south of Leadville.  

Driving Independence Pass in the fall  is likely one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

As a mountain road, it is closed in the winter and no large vehicles are allowed.

Independence Pass ends in beautiful Aspen. A stop to Aspen is not complete without seeing the Maroon Bells.

To make your way back to Denver, head north toward I-70 and stop for lunch and activities in Glenwood Springs.

Glenwood Springs has a fabulous hot spring as well as a mountaintop adventure center. 

At minimum plan to stay a night in Salida and one night in Aspen. 

If you only have a weekend then consider cutting the trip in half and making a smaller loop. 

The full loop would be most enjoyable with planning a night in Colorado Springs, 1-2 nights in Salida, and at least 2 nights in Aspen.

The Extraterrestrial Highway

From Audrey of That Backpacker

For a one-of-a-kind southwest road trip that you won’t soon forget,  drive Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway !

Located in south-central Nevada and spanning a total of 98 miles between the towns of Warm Springs and Crystal Springs, State Route 375 is considered a bit of a pilgrimage for those who believe in alien life!

But even if you’re not a believer, this is still a fun road trip worth doing.

The Extraterrestrial Highway is punctuated by desert landscapes, lonely roads, and some rather unusual attractions.

Some places not to miss include ET Fresh Jerky where you can buy alien-themed snacks including bottles of Martian soda, the Extraterrestrial Highway sign which is plastered with stickers from intrepid adventurers who have completed the drive, and the Alien Research Center where you can hear stories of paranormal desert activity.

You should also visit the Black Mailbox where people leave all sorts of mementos and letters to aliens, and the Little A’le’inn Motel featuring a pick-up truck towing a UFO and a green alien welcoming all earthlings.

It’s important to note that although Area 51 is also located in the area, it is strictly off-limits.

There are numerous signs to remind you that no video, no photography, and no droning are permitted, so save yourself the trouble.

Though this road trip can be completed in a day, you can break it up with a stay at the infamous Little A’le’inn Motel, home to all things extraterrestrial.

You may also want to consider driving the ET Highway as part of a bigger Nevada road trip with a small detour through Valley of Fire State Park.

Las Vegas to Cathedral Gorge State Park

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Cathedral Gorge State Park is a natural wonder located in Central Nevada near Utah’s border that makes you feel like you landed on Mars. 

The park is located about 3.5 hours by car away from Las Vegas , the nearest big city, and the remote location of this place and lack of facilities, coupled with the lonely drive in the desert make for an incredible experience.

Cathedral Gorge State Park remains an undiscovered gem full of otherworldly views, amazing hiking trails, and great opportunities for photography.

It’s one of those hidden gem Southwest road trips from Las Vegas that no one talks about, and if you want to see it before it gets discovered, you need to do it now. 

Visiting Cathedral Gorge is pure magic at any time of the year.

Unlike many other popular places in the southwest USA, this state park is uncrowded and offers an amazing quiet space with fantastic landscapes.

With no big stores, chain hotels, or restaurants in the area, this is the ultimate getaway for adventure lovers.  

I recommend spending at least one day at the park and camping under the clear dark skies.

However, if you would rather stay at a hotel, the nearby town of Panaca has a couple of accommodations.

Big Bend Country Road Trip

While all of Texas may not culturally fall into the Southwest, the western part of the state does–and a Big Bend Country road trip is among the best road trips in the Southwest USA.

Make your way to the rugged, isolated, and utterly beautiful Big Bend National Park to kick off your trip.

While you’re there, hike the stunning Santa Elena Canyon, ascend into the Chisos Mountains via the Lost Mine Trail , and soak in natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.

From there, head to Big Bend Ranch State Park to experience one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

Head a couple of hours north, and some of Texas’ most beloved small towns are waiting for you, including Alpine, Fort Davis (where you can experience some of the best stargazing in Texas at the McDonald Observatory), Marathon, and Marfa.

With wild beauty, a huge variety of landscapes, great food, and even excellent art installations, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Texas’ Big Bend Country–just be prepared for long driving distances along the way.

About 1000 miles round trip, starting and ending in El Paso.

We recommend setting aside at least one week for this Southwest road trip route.

Classic Southwest USA Road Trip from Page, AZ

From James Ian of Parks Collecting

One of the best road trips in the Southwest USA is a loop from Page, Arizona that takes in a variety of natural and cultural icons.

Starting in Page, head to Monument Valley.

Stop off at the Navajo National Monument, where you can walk on the easy paved 1.3-mile Sandal Trail to the Batatkin Cliff Dwelling overlook for views of your first cliff dwelling on the trip.

After arriving in Monument Valley around noon, head down the Monument Valley road for a self-driving tour. 

The 17-mile scenic drive loops through the valley past many of the major buttes and mesas that make this area so famous.

In the late afternoon, if you still have some energy, hike the Wildcat Trail around West Mitten.

The next day, take a Navajo-led guided tour back into the valley, where you can visit the backcountry and learn more about the Navajo people and culture.

After you leave Monument Valley, take a couple of hours to drive through the beautiful Valley of the Gods before arriving in Moab in the late afternoon. 

Moab is the adventure capital of the world, and you can arrange to go canyoneering, rock climbing, mountain biking, or white-water rafting. Then head to nearby Arches National Park and do all the major hikes in the park.

Next up is a  visit to Mesa Verde National Park , where you will want to spend a couple of days visiting the cliff dwellings, hiking to petroglyphs, and exploring the area. 

After you leave Mesa Verde, stop for a photo at Four Corners, where you can have your limbs in four states at once!

Drive on to Canyon de Chelly, where you will want to spend a full day enjoying the views and hiking down into the canyon.

On the drive from there back to Page, you will pass through the Hopi reservation.

It is worth spending half a day on a tour with a Hopi guide to see more of the area and learn about Hopi culture.

Back in Page, don’t miss the mind-blowing Antelope Canyon and stunning Horseshoe Bend !

I recommend allowing ten days for this trip.

This will give you time to explore each of the parks/ areas and learn more about the cultural and natural environment along the way.

Trail of the Ancients

From Megan of Red Around the World

One of the most unique road trips in the Southwest is the  Trail of the Ancients  through Southeast Utah and Southwest Colorado.

It passes tons of amazing scenery but really features ancient Anasazi ruins throughout the Four Corners Area.

This is a particularly great Southwest road trip itinerary for history buffs and hikers!

Start your road trip in Cortez, where you can start making your way through some of the best places to visit in the Southwest.

Some of the highlights are Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley, and Valley of the Gods, but there are tons of smaller stops along the way, too. 

Some of those include Natural Bridges National Monument, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Upper Sand Island Petroglyphs, House on Fire Ruin, Butler Wash Ruin, Goosenecks State Park, Four Corners National Monument, Hovenweep National Monument, and more.

Diriving Distance

About 300-400 miles, depending on stops.

I would recommend spending about 7-10 days on the Trail of the Ancients.

If you have a full 2 weeks to explore, that’s even better.

Zion National Park to Sedona Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

From Allison of She Dreams in Alpine

If you’re looking for a quick Southwestern road trip that packs a whole lot into a relatively short drive, head from Zion National Park in Utah to Sedona, Arizona.

Although Zion is the start of your road trip, it’s actually hard to leave this magical place.

From the epic Angel’s Landing hike to The Narrows slot canyon, if you’re up for adventure, you will have an amazing time here.

Don’t worry, when it’s time to hit the road, your next stop of Kanab has plenty to offer.

If you’re lucky enough to score permits, hike to the incredible swooping sandstone of The Wave.

Or, take some time to explore the beauty of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Then head east on Highway 89 to Lake Powell, where you can take a rest day or two. Chill in the lake before heading south.

Stop at the photogenic Horseshoe Bend , then make your way to the Grand Canyon .

Bask in the breathtaking views from the rim, or challenge yourself to hike to the bottom – just know that means you also have to hike back out!

Next, make your way to Flagstaff, and enjoy the Southwestern city life in the lively downtown area. Finish your road trip in the red rock paradise of Sedona.

You can hit the trails again on some of the awesome hikes in Sedona , take an off-road Jeep tour, or pamper yourself at a spa.

You’ll definitely be ready for some relaxation by the end of this road trip through the Southwest USA!

With all the incredible outdoor places to explore along the way, you should plan at least a week for this adventurous road trip.

You could easily make it longer if you wanted to spend more time hiking around Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona.

Salt Lake City to Phoenix

From Samah of God and Wanderlust

Absorb the extraterrestrial beauty of the southwest with a road trip from Salt Lake City, UT to Phoenix, AZ.

Salt Lake City is made for the adventurous at heart.

Explore Red Butte Garden, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the Great Salt Lake itself. A scenic mountain backdrop is always included.

Skiing and other snow sports are possible in nearby Park City.

Drive south to Moab and hike your way to the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. Camp under the Milky Way in Monument Valley situated on protected Navajo land.

Ride a horse among the red rocks and buttes and pretend to be in the Wild West. Visit Forrest Gump Point at the crack of dawn to avoid the rush of cars.

From here head to Zion National Park and then Page, AZ.

Check the infamous Angels Landing off your list, kayak in Lake Powell, and hike to Horseshoe Bend.

Become mesmerized by the cave formations of Antelope Canyon.

At last, you arrive at the Grand Canyon. It’s magnificent. The Bright Angel trail will guide you right into the Canyon.

Sedona is still to come. It’s the most beautiful city you’ll lay eyes on. Hot air balloons illuminate against the sun’s glow. Devils Bridge and Doe Mountain offer spectacular views.

Phoenix will eventually bring a calm end to your southwest road trip itinerary.

Its mellow, laidback atmosphere will help relax after your breathtaking journey through the southwest.

Road Trip Length

We recommend at least 2 weeks to explore various cities, do activities and make stops along the way.

Las Vegas to Monument Valley

From Hannah of Hannah Henderson Travel

For a point-to-point overview of some of the most popular Southwest road trip stops, drive from Las Vegas to Monument Valley!

Your first stop outside of Las Vegas is the Hoover Dam.

This impressive man-made damn along the Colorado River marks the border between Nevada and Arizona.  

Head southeast along Hwy-93 towards Kingman, and be sure to visit the Historic Route 66 Museum.  

If you have time, take a detour and visit Oatman, an old mining town where wild burros (donkeys) roam free throughout the town.

The next leg of the road trip takes you along a small section of Historic Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman.

Enjoy the kitsch rest stop at Hackberry and eat lunch at the Road Kill Café .  The replica Wild West town in Seligman is a fun attraction for families too.

Continue to head east along the I-40 and then up to the Grand Canyon.  There are Grand Canyon hikes to suit many levels, educational talks, and unparalleled views.

Stay overnight at one of the rim-side cabins and witness the incredible sunset and sunrise.

The final leg of your journey will take you through some of the most captivating  desert landscapes in Arizona , onwards north towards Monument Valley.  

The land becomes more arid and sparsely populated, and you will get picture-postcard views.  

Your final stop is Oljato-Monument Valley, a Navajo Nation Tribal Park.  This valley of red rock formations is a soul-shaking place to end your road trip.  

Three to five days is a good length of time for this road trip between Las Vegas and Monument Valley.  

You can do the journey in 3 days minimum, but 5 days would offer you more time to explore the by-ways and scenic stops along the way.

LA to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary

From Dhara of Roadtripping California

An  LA to Las Vegas road trip  can be done along several different routes, but you can’t go wrong with a route that includes some of the choicest scenery in the Sierra Nevada as well as the spectacular Death Valley National Park in California.

Admittedly, this is a longer route that involves a little bit of a detour, but for travelers with enough time on their hands, this Southwest national parks road trip itinerary cannot be beaten.

Highlights of the itinerary include the scenic Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, and Mount Whitney, and the spectacular sights in Death Valley National Park.

The Alabama Hills consist of beautiful rock formations nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The national scenic area is popular for hiking, dirt road driving, photography, camping, and night sky viewing.

At Lone Pine, you can also drive the road that goes part way up Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.

The road is open in the summer and fall until snow accumulations close it.

Of course, you can also hike to the peak, either as a grueling day hike or as an overnighter, with a permit.

In Death Valley National Park, the main sights can be found along the road that runs through the park, the one you will be taking to get to Vegas.

If you do the road trip in the cooler months of the year, you can hike. When it’s hot, you can drive through the park and stop briefly at viewpoints for photos.

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are fun for kids and adults.

At Badwater Basin, you can have your photo taken by the sign for the lowest point in North America. Spectacular views await at Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View.

Once you are done exploring the park, it’s a quick drive to Vegas!

We suggest three days or more for this road trip.

With more than three days, you can spend more time hiking, and also explore the northern part of Death Valley National Park.

Denver to Moab

From Julia of The Cure for Curiosity

One of the best road trips in the Southwestern USA takes you from the snow-capped mountains of Denver, Colorado to the red canyons of Moab, Utah. 

During this epic  road trip from Denver to Moab , you’ll be able to see some of the best scenery the United States has to offer.

As you travel, you’ll pass through many charming small towns, complete with great hiking, hot springs, and of course panoramic views.

Start your trip in Denver, the capital of Colorado, and make your way to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Here you’ll find some stunning mountain views and world-class hiking.

Continue your trip through the renowned ski towns of Breckenridge and Vail, exploring the quaint city centers and everything they have to offer, from skiing to mountain roller coasters and free gondola rides.

The next stop is Glenwood Springs, famous for its hot springs as well as the beautiful hike to Hanging Lake.

If you have the time, you can also detour down to Aspen to check out the popular Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in North America.

From there, make your way through Colorado wine country in Palisade, CO to the Colorado National Monument.

This is the last stop before crossing into Utah and making your way into Moab.

Moab is the perfect end destination for a road trip as you can spend days exploring the local sights that bring droves of tourists to the area, like Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

While the drive itself can easily be done in just one day, you’d miss a lot of the fun stops along the way.

It’s best to plan about a week for this road trip to have plenty of time to explore Denver, the stops in between, and Moab.

LA to Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks

From Ciara of Wellness Travel Diaries

Los Angeles to Bryce Canyon National Park— a red rock road trip experience — is a beautiful and classic Southwest USA itinerary for those wanting to escape and indulge in the unique rock formations found in Utah.

It’s a serene drive that takes about 8 hours from LA to Bryce Canyon. Add an extra two hours for a detour to Zion National Park

Here’s how to make the best of your time when road tripping from LA to Bryce Canyon and Zion .

Starting in Los Angeles, California hop on the freeway heading north toward Las Vegas. On route, you’ll find Death Valley about an hour or so off the freeway for a quick day trip.

Take another quick pitstop, right off the freeway at Eddie’s World for clean bathrooms and exquisite snacks.

Once you reach Nevada, stay the night in Las Vegas to explore the famous strip where the downtown lights, lit up the midnight sky.

It’s about four hours from LA (depending on traffic), and marks the halfway point to Bryce Canyon.

Continue toward Utah for another 160 miles to reach the first destination: Zion National Park.

Hike the beautiful trails such as Angels Landing (5.4 miles out and back) and Watchman Trail (3.3 miles out and back).

Hop back in the car for another 80 miles to reach the second destination: Bryce Canyon.

Explore the picturesque hoodoos by taking the Rim Hiking Trail (1-11 miles; it’s not a loop so hike the distance you choose) or Fairyland Loop (8 miles out and back).

Pick your route by deciding which park you’d like to visit first, then enjoy!

About 530 miles — this includes the stop in Zion National Park.

While the drive from California to Utah can be done in one day, there are several fun pit stops along this route.

It takes about seven hours to drive from Los Angeles to Zion, and then about two hours from Zion to Bryce Canyon.

To fully explore these natural wonders 6-8 days would be ideal, and allows you to split your time equally between both parks.

Phoenix to Taos to Road Trip

From Polina of Bucket List Places

One of the best itineraries to explore by car in the states is through Arizona and New Mexico.

If you are doing a winter  ski road trip itinerary , this can also be done in reverse starting in Taos.

Fly into Phoenix and rent a car (or RV for even more fun)! Then head south and stop by Saguaro National Park to view the iconic cactus after which the park is named.

From there head to White Sands National Park in New Mexico and sled down some sand dunes.

This park is vast and can be explored for the day or for multiple days if you would like to hike amongst the sand dunes.

Then head to the city to check out Albuquerque’s bustling nightlife.

In contrast, the next stop on the itinerary is Santa Fe, a beautiful historic city that looks like it is stuck in the past.

Stroll the streets and marvel at the beautiful architecture. Visit the delicious restaurants in town or get your culture on at the numerous art galleries.

Your final stop is Taos where you can view the historic Pueblan village, enjoy the delicious restaurants in town, and hang out in the historic town square.

In the wintertime, make sure to hit the slopes! 

We suggest a minimum of one week to enjoy the beautiful destinations on this road trip itinerary. 

Route 66 (Southwest Portion)

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

While Route 66 stretches from Chicago to the east to Los Angeles and Santa Monica in the west, Route 66 is the Great American Road Trip of your dreams.

Of course, when people think of driving Route 66, or the Mother Road as it’s commonly called, they think of diners and motels in the Midwest, but by the time the route crosses the border from Oklahoma into Texas, you’re officially in the part of the drive where southwestern scenery and magnificent landscapes take over.

There’s nothing more iconic than a Route 66 sign in front of a tiny Arizona town or the eye-catching Cadillac Ranch installation in Amarillo.

There are so many  things to see on Route 66 , but in this part of the country make sure to visit Petrified National Forest National Park, take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, and even venture up to Monument Valley.

The total distance of Route 66 is just under 2,500 miles, but you can easily visit only a portion on a Southwest USA road trip.

You can spend months exploring Route 66!

With a week or less, we recommend picking 1-2 states to explore.

San Jose, CA to Escalante, UT Loop

From Jyoti at Story at Every Corner

The road trip from San Jose to Escalate is an excellent way to get out into nature and have a fun outdoor vacation, and features plenty of of classic Southwestern landscapes along the way.

The drive is about 12 hours plus additional time for stops.

Along the route, you’ll find many parks, camps, Mojave National Preserve, and Las Vegas. 

The little town of Escalante is surrounded by five great national parks of Utah and many recreational areas and national monuments.

You could do day trips to national parks but there are many incredible hikes around Escalante to slot canyons, waterfall trails, and natural formations .

You could easily spend 10 days in Escalante and still have many hikes remaining to be explored.

You would definitely want to do day trips to Bryce Canyon National Park , Burr Trail, Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie Forest, and Arches National Park . 

1640 miles.

10 days will be a reasonable amount of time for this round trip.

Planning a Southwest road trip soon and eager to keep planning?

You can browse all of our USA blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
• Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places to Visit in Colorado
• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need
• 3 Days in Las Vegas: The Perfect Weekend in Vegas Itinerary
• 9 Best Things to Do in Page, AZ (+ Nearby!)

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Top 21 Things to do at the Grand Canyon

T he Grand Canyon is one of the top U.S. national parks and a top destination for the entire U.S  The South Rim is a year-round destination for young and old. Visitors come from across the world to see the awe-inspiring view. The Colorado River carved the canyon micron-by-micron over millions of years. Each layer of dusty-colored rock represents a different era and it’s over a mile deep. There is a lot to see in the area so here are the top things to do at the Grand Canyon.

Which Part of the Grand Canyon Should I Visit

The canyon features four major areas—north, south, west and east. However, not all areas are open year-round, like the North Rim, since it receives significant snow from the fall until the spring. The South Rim is the most popular area to see. It also offers the most activities both inside of the national park and its gateway town of Tusayan.

The western part of the canyon is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. It offers more adventure-based activities along the Skywalk. This area is best for those staying in Las Vegas and want to see the Grand Canyon as well.

Grand Canyon National Park at a Glance

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Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Walnut canyon national monument, flagstaff arboretum, top places to see in grand canyon national park south rim.

• Walk along the Rim Trail for views of the Grand Canyon.
• See a sunset or sunrise at Mather Point or Yaki Point.
• Tour the Historic Grand Canyon Village, like the El Tovar Hotel, along with Bright Angel Lodge.
• Shop for crafts at the Hopi House.
• Walk through Kolb Studio.
• Look over the Grand Canyon edge at the Lookout Studio.
• Find the Bright Angel Trailhead, it’s the trail that the mules use to get to Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon.

While exploring the Grand Canyon, consider using its free shuttle. It’s color-coded and easy to use. Parking is limited at popular points on the South Rim, and find the most parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. 

You can spend as little or as much time as you want. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $35, and you can purchase a digital pass at recreation.gov .  

Grand Canyon National Park Guide 

Things to do in tusayan arizona .

Located just outside the South Entrance, it is a resort town with a Western flavor. Activities and tours are available for everyone, from family travelers to RVers to high-adventure types.  

See the inner depths of the Grand Canyon on a 6-story screen in a 37-minute film. Learn about the Grand Canyon’s history along with the people who call it home. 

Located at 450 State Route 64, the IMAX film starts every half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Winter hours are 10:30 a.m to 6:30 p.m. Adult admission (11+) is $13.50, kids admission (6 to 10) is $10.50, and kids 5 and under are free. 

Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 

In addition to the IMAX theater, there is an information desk with Grand Canyon tours and maps, souvenir shopping, and restrooms. 

Located at 450 State Route 64. Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Winter hours are  10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from November 1 to February 28.  Free to enter.

One of the best ways to see the canyon is from above. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter, then this is an ideal location for this bucket-list adventure. Papillon offers several different tours and aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopter. Aerial tours can also be combined with land tours. 

Located at 3568 Airport Rd., at the Grand Canyon National Airport. Open daily with flights from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March to October, with shorter winter hours for the rest of the year.  Fares start at $269 per person. 

For nearly 100 years, Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines has been flying over the canyon and shuttling passengers to nearby destinations. Book a scenic flight and fly the length of the canyon. The Airline flies from Las Vegas, Nevada; Page, Arizona; and the West Rim airport. 

Located at 3555 Airport Rd., at the Grand Canyon National Airport. Open daily with flights starting at 9 a.m. Fares start at $179 per person.

Take a one-hour or two-hour guided horseback ride through the Kaibab National Forest. Guided rides are available from mid-March to the first week of November. Riders must be 6 years old and 48 inches tall. All riders must be under 230 pounds. 

Located at 472 Moqui Dr. One-hour rides are $58.50 per person. Two-hour rides are $110.50. 

Raft the river that carved the canyon with a raft trip down the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. Find a trip that suits your group from one-day calm floats to multi-day trips with white water.  

Find several concessionaires approved by the National Park Service. 

Take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon, including the option for sunset and guided hiking tours. 

Pink Adventure Tours is located at 450 State Route 64. Open year-round. Several tours are available for $109 per person. 

Grand Canyon Jeep Tours and Safaris is located at 408 State Route 64. Open from March 1 to end of November. Several tours available from $120 per person. Alternative fuel vehicles available. 

Skydiving 

Jump out over the  canyon from 16,000 feet for the ultimate rush. Paragon Skydiving offers tandem jumps with seasoned skydivers.  

Packages start at $329 per person. Open daily with seasonal hours, and jumps depart on the hour. Located at 1542 Liberator Dr. at the Main Terminal of the Grand Canyon National Airport.

Where to Eat in Tusayan 

Big e steakhouse and saloon.

After exploring the canyon all day, enjoy a steak dinner. Afterward, head to the saloon for a full bar stocked with wine, local beer, spirits and coffee drinks. 

Located at Bldg 395 State Route 64, Grand Canyon. Open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Las Vegas National Park Road Trip 

Things to do in williams arizona.

With its convenient location on Interstate 40, roadtrippers might prefer Williams. 

This scenic railroad chugs out of its station daily, and service started in 1901. Passengers depart the Williams Depot bound for the log cabin depot at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. See the high desert along with the Kaibab National Forest on the 64-mile route.

The train departs daily from Williams at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Ride in a restored vintage rail car in six different classes. 

Ride in a vintage 1923 rail car with bench seats and windows that open (no air-conditioning). And the seats flip so families can face each other. Round trip adult fare (16+) is $69.98, and round trip kids fare is $35.98 (2 to 15). 

Enjoy air conditioning in a 1950s-era rail car. The round-trip adult fare (16+) is $89.98, and the round-trip kids fare is $55.98(2 to 15).

With oversized seats and complimentary snacks, First Class offers streamliner cars with air conditioning. Round trip adult fare (16+) is $169.98, and round trip kids fare is $129.98 (2 to 15).

Enjoy a streamliner-era dome car with a complimentary snack service and a bar available. The round-trip adult fare is $199.98, and the round-trip kids fare is $189.98(2 to 15). Kids 2 and younger are not allowed in dome cars.

Upstairs find a dome observation car outfitted like a parlor car. Downstairs find a lounge with a private bar. Complimentary sparkling wine departure cocktail included.  Round trip adult fare (16+) is $239.98 and no one under 16 is allowed. 

Ride in style with a luxuriously appointed rail car. Located at the end of the train, head out to the viewing platform to enjoy the desert scenery. Round trip adult fare (16+) is $239.98 and no one under 16 allowed.

Grand Canyon Railway offers multi-day packages with lodging at its depot in Williams and inside Grand Canyon National Park. A pet resort is also available when you visit the Grand Canyon. 

Route 66 

In 1926, this road was considered a super highway that originated in Chicago, Illinois, and traveled across the U.S. to Long Beach, California. In most areas, the original Route 66 was gobbled up by more modern roads, though you can find it alive and well in Williams. 

Drive through 160 acres on a three-mile route in your own vehicle to see North American animals, such as black and grizzly bears, mule deer, Rocky Mountain goats, American badgers, and Alaskan tundra wolves. You can also see American bison, bobcats, beavers, prairie dogs, and pronghorn deer. 

Located at 1500 Route 66. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission (12+ ) starts at $30 and kids (4 to 12 ) are $20. 

Where to Eat in Williams

Pine country restaurant.

Pine Country Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring favorites like traditional breakfast items, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as steak and pasta dishes. The dessert case is the first thing you see when you arrive. Find house-made pies, like key lime, several varieties of apple, and seasonal favorites. 

Located at 107 N. Grand Canyon Blvd. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Top Things to Do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Things to do in grand canyon west.

As the closest gateway town to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West offers adventure tours and the heart-dropping Sky Walk. While in Grand Canyon West, you can learn about people who live around the Grand Canyon, like the Hualapai, Navajo, Hopi, and Havasupai at Eagle Point. You can also explore the traditional village or see a weekend performance in the shaded outdoor amphitheater. 

Then hop a shuttle to Guano Point to see the old tramway tower used for harvesting guano. Grand Canyon West also offers helicopter tours, river rafting, and a zip line. 

General admission ( 4+) starts $49 per person. The Sky Walk requires an additional timed ticket and is $26. 

On the western rim of the Grand Canyon, walk over its edge and see unparalleled views of the Colorado River. Step out a 10-foot wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet from the canyon wall. 

Located at 808 Eagle Point Rd. in Peach Springs, about 130 miles (209 km) from Las Vegas. 

Float the Colorado with a one-day, two-day or five-day paddling trip that includes camping on the banks. From $429 per person and available from mid-March to the end of October.  

Helicopter Tours

See the western portion of the Grand Canyon then land at the bottom to hike. Additionally you can reserve a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. 

Trips start at $399 per person. Located at 5001 Diamond Bar Rd., Peach Springs, helicopter tours depart from the Grand Canyon West Airport. 

Grand Canyon Caverns  

Explore the largest dry cavern in the U.S., 200 feet below the surface of the earth. Tours depart starting at 9:30 a.m. 

Rumors persist this cave is haunted . The one-hour-long Ghost Walk utilizes K2 meters to register paranormal activity. Departs nightly at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. depending on season.

Located at 115 mile marker on AZ-66 in Peach Springs, Arizona. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission (12+) starts at $21.95 and kids (6 to 12) are $10.95. 

Note: Tours are still unavailable.

Things to do in Flagstaff Arizona

Outdoor enthusiasts might want to use Flagstaff as their base in the Grand Canyon. It offers several smaller National Park Service sites and is the first official Dark Sky city.  

A mathematician opened the observatory in 1894 for solar system exploration. In 1930, the Lowell Observatory discovered Pluto. The Lowell Observatory is a National Historic Landmark. It’s home to the 24-inch (61-cm) Clark Refracting Telescope and the 13-inch (33-cm) Pluto Discovery Telescope. 

The Lowell Observatory offers several tours, such as its Lowell Tour or its Story of Pluto Tour. During the day, there are several specialized talks. Solar and night sky viewing is also available.

Located at 1400 W. Mars Hill Rd. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m. (6 p.m. on Tuesdays). Adult general admission is $29, students $19 and kids (5 -17) $17.

Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort 

On the western slope of Mt. Humphreys, find an all-season mountain resort on the tallest point in Arizona. Arizona Snowbowl offers 777 skiable acres with 55 runs from green to black. Find six aerial lifts, including a 6-person high-speed lift, along with two surface lifts. 

The ski season runs from late November until the end of April. The scenic chair lift transports hikers and mountain bikers from the summer through October for fall color. 

Located at 9300 North Snowbowl Rd, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lift tickets are required, and lessons and equipment rental are available onsite. 

See where a meteor crashed into the earth 50,000 years ago. It’s considered to be one of the best-preserved meteor impact craters in the world. The crater is 3,900 feet (1,200 m) across and 560 feet (170 m) deep and includes an interpretive center and rim tours. 

Located on Interstate 40 at Exit 233, Winslow. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission (12+) is $29 and kids (6 to 12) are $20. 

See how people lived in the area from AD 600 to 1400. Along Island Trail, explore the 25 cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. They farmed corn, squash, and beans below the cliff. 

The area became a national monument in 1915. The Civilian Conservation Corps stabilized the site in the 1930s as a part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress program that put young men to work in parks across the U.S. 

Located on Interstate 40 at Exit 204, Flagstaff. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $25 or use a NPS annual pass.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument 

The area around Flagstaff is volcanic, including Mt. Humphreys. See a cinder cone along with lava fields. 

Located at 6082 Sunset Crater Rd.,Flagstaff. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  A 7-day private vehicle pass is $25 for neighboring Sunset Crater and Wapatki national monuments. 

Wupatki National Monument

Explore the ancient pueblos of the Wupatki that built multi-level structures 900 years ago, including the 104-room Wupatki Pueblo. Find several short hiking trails to explore partially preserved pueblos. 

Located at 25137 N. Wupatki Ln., Flagstaff. Open sunrise to sunset. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $25 for neighboring Sunset Crater and Wapatki national monuments.

Explore a 200-acre property to see the native trees and plants of northern Arizona. With 750 different plant species, learn how plants adapt to the Colorado Plateau. 

Located at 4001 S. Woody Mountain Rd. Open from May 1 until October 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission (18+) is $12 and kids (5 to 17) are $7. Dog-friendly.

Top Things to Do in Flagstaff

How to get to grand canyon national park south rim.

Located north of east-west Interstate 40, Grand Canyon is a frequent road trip stop. Head north on Arizona Route 64 from Williams, AZ, to get to the South Rim Entrance, which is open 24 hours a day. 

Williams, AZ, offers Amtrak train service on the Southwest Chief line. Amtrak offers vacation packages including meals and tours of the South Rim. 

Las Vegas offers the largest international airport (LAS) in the Southwest. The Strip and the surrounding city offer dining, lodging, and entertainment options. Las Vegas is about 274 miles from the South Entrance. 

Weather at Grand Canyon’s South Rim 

Winter : Highs 40sF (8 to 9C), Lows mid 20sF (-4 to -2C)

Spring : Highs mid 50s to mid 70sF (15 to 25C), Lows low 30s to mid 40sF (0 to 8C) 

Summer : Highs mid 80sF (26 to 29C), Lows 50sF (11 to 15C)

Fall —Highs low 50s to mid 70sF (15 to 25C), Lows mid 40s to upper 20s (6 to -3C)

Average Rain and Snow averages about 1 inch per month. 

Where to Stay near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim offers the most year-round services and attractions.

Tusayan– Located right outside the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. This town is one mile long, though it offers the most convenient lodging and dining outside of the Grand Canyon Village. Also, Tusayan is a base for many commercial tours and flightseeing operations.

Williams —Located along Interstate 40, Williams is a larger community than Tusayan and it’s 53 miles south of the South Rim Entrance. Additionally it’s the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railways.

Flagstaff —Located southeast of Grand Canyon National Park, this mountain destination offers easy access to the canyon along with the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and southern Utah. It’s 72 miles from the South Rim entrance.

Las Vegas —For air travelers, Las Vegas offers the most flights along with The Strip . It’s the closest city to the Grand Canyon SkyWalk on the western side of the Grand Canyon (not at the South Rim).

The post Top 21 Things to do at the Grand Canyon appeared first on Carful of Kids .

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• by Melissa Hammam
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Hands up if you’re ready to be dazzled! From a ceremony structure designed to float on water to a jaw-dropping reception room with flowers blooming from every service, we’re swooning over every bit of this wedding. If you can believe it, that’s just the beginning. Julia Kaptelova artfully shot every detail, like the ballet performance guests were treated to and snow falling from the ceiling for the first dance! Prepare to be amazed and take a visit to the full gallery .

From About You Decor … Our design is a symbol of dawn and a distant endless horizon. Ahead is a long, happy life without any borders. An international couple, Pavel and Cherry, met in London and have been walking together for many years.

From the Bride, Cherry… My husband and I we decided to have our summer wedding in Moscow because the city is where his roots are. As we knew we were going to have the other wedding ceremony in China, we wanted our Moscow one to be very personal and intimate. We’ve known each other since we were fourteen, together with many of our friends whom we’ve also known for a decade.

I didn’t want to walk down the aisle twice so the plausibility of my request quickly came into discussion. The open pontoon stage was constructed in order to facilitate the bridal entrance on water, although there were concerns about safety as the last thing we wanted was probably a drowned bride before she could get on stage, picture that! I have to say on that day it wasn’t easy to get on the pontoon stage from the boat, in my long gown and high heels. Luckily my bridesmaids still noticed even though they stood the furthest from me on the stage, and helped me out without prior rehearsal. My girls could just tell whenever I needed a hand or maybe they were just so used to my clumsiness. Who knows 😂

We all love our photographer Julia! She’s so talented and her style is so unique. Our beloved host Alex is exceptional who made everyone laugh and cry. It was truly a blessing to have so many kind and beautiful souls on our big day. Thank you all!

[iframe https://player.vimeo.com/video/384992271 600 338]

Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Wedding Planner: Caramel | Cake: Any Cake | Invitations: Inviteria | Rings: Harry Winston | Band: Menhouzen | Grooms attire: Ermenegildo Zegna | Wedding Venue: Elizaveta Panichkina | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Marchesa | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Alice McCall | Bride’s gown : Jaton Couture | Bride’s shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Decor : About you decor | Earrings: Damiani | Muah: Khvanaco Studio | Video: Artem Korchagin

More Princess-Worthy Ballgowns

I’m still not convinced this Moscow wedding, captured to perfection by  Sonya Khegay , isn’t actually an inspiration session—it’s just  that breathtaking. From the beautiful Bride’s gorgeous lace wedding dress and flawless hair and makeup to the pretty pastel color palette and stunning ceremony and reception spaces, this wedding is almost too good to be true. Do yourself a favor and see it all in The Vault now!

From Sonya Khegay … It was the last day of April and still very cold in the morning. The weather forecast wasn’t pleasing and no one expected that the sun would come out, but miracles happen and light rain gave way to the warm rays.

I love how all the details went together, you could feel the harmony in everything throughout the entire wedding day from the morning until the fireworks.

A gentle look of the bride, elegant but so airy and unique decor, the fresh and light atmosphere of early spring and, of course, true happiness in the eyes. My heart becomes so warm from these memories, it is always a pleasure to see the birth of a new family of two loving hearts.

Photography: Sonya Khegay | Event Design: Latte Decor | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Floral Design: Blush Petals | Wedding Dress: La Sposa | Stationery: Special Invite | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Hair + Makeup: Natalie Yastrebova | Venue: Rodniki Hotel

• by Elizabeth Greene

You really can’t go wrong with simple: a beautiful Bride , perfectly pretty petals , loved ones all around. But add in an amazing firework show  to cap off the night and simple just became downright extraordinary. Captured by Lena Elisseva , with assistance by  Katya Butenko , this rustic Russian celebration is simply fantastic. See it all in the Vault right here !

From Lena Eliseeva Photo …  This cozy and warm summer wedding of gorgeous Natalia and Anton was in the middle of June. The young couple decided to organize their wedding themselves, and the day was very personal and touching. I am absolutely in love with rustic outdoor weddings, and this one is my favourite because of the free and easy atmosphere.

All the decor excluding the bride’s bouquet was made by a team of ten friends of the bride and groom. And it was charming – a light and beautiful arch, eco-style polygraphy and succulents, candy-bar with caramel apples and berries – sweet joys of summer.

At the end of ceremony the guests tossed up white handkerchiefs embroidered by Natalia’s own hands.

The most touching moment was the happy eyes of the groom’s grandmother, the most estimable person on the wedding. And the fireworks were a bright end to that beautiful day.

Photography: LENA ELISEEVA PHOTO | Floral Design: Katerina Kazakova | Hair And Makeup: Svetlana Fischeva | Photography - Assistance: Katya Butenko

These photos from Lena Kozhina are so stunningly beautiful – as in you can’t help but stop and stare – it’s hard to believe it’s real life. But these pics are proof of this gorgeous Bride and her handsome Groom’s celebration at Moscow’s Fox Lodge , surrounded by vibrant colors and breathtaking blooms . Oh, and the idea of prepping for your Big Day outside in the sun ? Brilliant. See more bright ideas right here !

From Lena Kozhina … When we met with the couple for the first time, we immediately paid attention to Dima’s behavior towards Julia. There was a feeling of tenderness and awe, and we immediately wanted to recreate this atmosphere of love, care and warmth on their Big Day.

Later, when we had chosen a green meadow and an uncovered pavilion overlooking a lake as the project site, it only highlighted a light summer mood with colorful florals and a great number of natural woods. The name of the site is Fox Lodge and peach-orange color, as one of the Bride’s favorites, set the tone for the whole design – from the invitations, in which we used images of fox cubs to elements of serving guest tables and other decorative elements with the corresponding bright accents.

Photography: Lena Kozhina | Event Planning: Ajur Wedding | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara | Shoes: Marc Jacobs | Catering: Fox Lodge | Makeup Artist: Elena Otrembskaya | Wedding Venue: Fox Lodge | Cake and Desserts: Yumbaker | Decor: Latte Decor

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Politics latest: Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron facing questions on Sky News

The foreign secretary is answering questions on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips. You can watch live in the stream below until 10am.

Sunday 12 May 2024 10:55, UK

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• Cameron: Elphicke defection 'naked opportunism' for Labour
• His message to Hamas: You can stop the fighting tomorrow  
• Today is the 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament
• Electoral Dysfunction:  Elphicke defection like 'being punched in gut'
• Faultlines:  Can British farming survive?
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler

A cut in VAT and a new levy on arena and stadium tickets are urgently needed to stop grassroots music venues from closing, MPs have said.

A report by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee said artists are facing a "cost-of-touring crisis", with venues stopping live music or closing entirely at a rate of two per week.

The cross-party inquiry heard from the Music Venues Trust (MVT), which said 2023 has been the most challenging year for the sector since the organisation was founded in 2014, while Creative UK said the grassroots music sector took a "battering".

In total the number of grassroots music venues (GMVs) declined from 960 to 835 last year, a net decrease of 13%, representing a loss of as many as 30,000 shows and 4,000 jobs.

The closures come against a backdrop of spiralling costs due to rising rents and energy bills, while audiences are cutting back on expenditure due to the economic climate.

You can read more from Sky News below:

By Alix Culbertson , political reporter

Scotland's new first minister has told Sky News that the controversial gender recognition reforms "cannot be implemented."

John Swinney,  who became first minister this week , has faced questions over his stance on gender recognition after MSPs voted in 2022 to pass a bill to make it simpler for people to change their gender without having to obtain a medical diagnosis.

The UK government blocked the bill from being made into law and the Supreme Court rejected a request by the Scottish government for a judicial review.

Asked if he would be fighting to push the bill through, Mr Swinney told Sky News: "The reality of the situation we face is that the Supreme Court has said that we can't legislate in that area. We can't take forward that legislation."

Across the UK, anger is brewing amongst some farmers.  

Protests have already been held in London, Dover and Cardiff, with more planned - mirroring similar tensions seen across Europe in the last six months.     

They say they’re annoyed about cheap foreign imports and changes to subsidies forcing them to give up land in favour of environmental schemes.    

But what does this mean for the food on our table - and does British produce risk becoming a luxury product for the wealthy only?    

On the Sky News Daily , Niall Paterson is joined by West of England and Wales correspondent Dan Whitehead to find out why farmers are so concerned, and speaks to Liz Webster, the founder of Save British Farming, about why she believes eating British isn't just good for our farmers - it's good for the nation's health, too.   

In response to our report, Farming Minister Mark Spencer, said: "We firmly back our farmers. British farming is at the heart of British trade, and we put agriculture at the forefront of any deals we negotiate, prioritising new export opportunities, protecting UK food standards and removing market access barriers. 

"We've maintained the £2.4bn annual farming budget and recently set out the biggest ever package of grants which supports farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably."

The Welsh government said: "A successful future for Welsh farming should combine the best of our traditional farming alongside cutting-edge innovation and diversification. 

"It will produce the very best of Welsh food to the highest standards, while safeguarding our precious environment and addressing the urgent call of the climate and nature emergencies."

👉  Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts   👈

You can catch up with all the highlights by scrolling through the Politics Hub.

But stick with us, we'll have updates from Westminster all day.

Following the defection of the Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke to Labour, Beth, Ruth and Jess discuss the surprise move and whether it could have been handled differently by Sir Keir Starmer.

They also talk about Beth's interview with the former immigration minister Robert Jenrick and his warnings about Reform UK.

Plus, how significant was the defeat of former Conservative mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street? Beth and Jess were both there to tell the story.

And they answer a question on Labour and the Muslim vote, and what the party can do to restore confidence and trust.

Email Beth, Jess, and Ruth at [email protected] , post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.     

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In January 2023, Rishi Sunak made five promises.

Since then, he and his ministers have rarely missed an opportunity to list them. In case you haven't heard, he promised to:

• Halve inflation • Grow the economy • Reduce debt • Cut NHS waiting lists and times • Stop the boats

See below how he is doing on these goals:

Next up, Trevor Phillips is joined by Sally Mapstone, the vice-chancellor of St Andrews University.

Ms Mapstone attended a meeting at Downing Street on Thursday, in which Rishi Sunak met with university bosses and Jewish students.

They discussed a "de-escalation" of protests on campus.

"The meeting on Thursday was with government but I should say it was also attended by representatives from the Union of Jewish Students," Ms Mapstone says.

"It was good to have them along there."

She adds: "I wouldn't say that the prime minister was making a complaint, this was really an opportunity for universities to express the seriousness of which we are taking cases of perceived or reported antisemitism on campus -and recognising there has been an increase across the UK in this kind of reporting."

There was an emphasis on "de-escalating the situation," she says.

"We manifestly don't want to see any incidents or the sort of activity that we've seen on US campuses, which is so distressing."

Jonathan Ashworth is now asked about Labour's new MP, Natalie Elphicke.

There are allegations that she lobbied the justice secretary in 2020 to interfere in her then-husband's sex offences trial. However, her spokesperson has dismissed this as "nonsense".

Mr Ashworth says: "She's said it is nonsense and not her interpretation of the meeting."

He adds: "Natalie Elphicke's defection, that in itself reveals the disintegration and decay that we're seeing in the Tory government."

Jonathan Ashworth is now asked about the matter of small boats, as the number of people who have crossed to the UK illegally rises to 9,000.

So what would Labour do?

"There's a number of things that we believe should be done, which don't happen," he says. "Now, it's why we've called for a new border security command. That's what we would introduce.

"It would bring together all the different crime and intelligence agencies."

Asked to explain what is new about this, Mr Ashworth says: "We will allow so what we call some of the terrorist style laws to be used to go after people smugglers, things like the control orders, which mean people can meet people, sort of the financial arrangements, internet access, things like that can be dealt with using stop and search powers that are currently use for people suspected of terrorism at the borders. 

"We should use them against people smugglers. Suspected people smugglers. Getting search warrants to go into premises, which, we use when we're going after terrorists. 

"We, we want to use similar powers to go after people smugglers."

Trevor puts it to Mr Ashworth that people smugglers mostly operate from France.

"Well, we have, our arrangements with Europol, with, France and other countries." he says. "There's obviously issues around the jurisdictions of other nations. Quite obviously. 

"However you can cooperate."

Trevor Phillips is now joined by Labour's Jonathan Ashworth, and they begin their conversation about fears of an Israeli offensive into Rafah.

"A full-scale offensive into Rafah would be catastrophic beyond description," he says. 

"I think there are over a million people, perhaps 1.5 million people,  in that region, 600,000 children. We've been calling for an immediate ceasefire for some time.

"I strongly believe we need a ceasefire. We need international aid into the region."

The shadow paymaster general adds he doesn't want to see "British-made weapons, British-made components which are mark of weapons, be used in any full scale offensive into Rafah."

He says the government should follow the US example on a sales ban.

Mr Ashworth is asked if the UK should pause arms sales to Israel.

"We should be pausing arms sales to any arms that would be used in that Rafah offensive," he says.

But what does that mean?

"We do not want this Rafah offensive to go ahead," Mr Ashworth says.

"The Americans have said they are not going to hand over arms that could be used in a Rafah offensive, I'm saying that we should adopt a similar position."

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