south west america road trip

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.

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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!)

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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Home » North America » USA » Best Road Trips in Southwest (Insider Guide for 2024)

Best Road Trips in Southwest (Insider Guide for 2024)

Is there a single place on the planet that begs for a ‘road trip’ any more than the American Southwest? We certainly can’t think of any! Geographically speaking, the Southwest is one of the most diverse parts of the country. Spanning six states, you’ll encounter all kinds of deep red canyons, desert plateaus, and lush alpine vistas.

The trick to making the most of everything this region has on offer is to plan a good, old-fashioned roadie. Public transport isn’t the best in these parts, and of course, it claws away at your sense of freedom.

But, where to begin? There’s so much to see – you must be thinking, how can I plan a road trip in the Southwest that lets me see a bit of everything? Well, keep scrolling. We’ve created four itineraries so you can have the best road trip in the Southwest to suit your timeframe and budget!

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Why Roadtrip in the Southwest?

Southwest road trip route 1: ultimate southwest national park roadie, southwest road trip route 2: historic route 66, southwest road trip route 3: the rockies and beyond, southwest road trip route 4: canyon explorer, driving in the southwest, what to pack for a road trip in southwest, final thoughts on the best road trips in the southwest.

Why take a road trip in the Southwest, you might wonder? The US is a pretty big country to visit , and when it comes to road-tripping, there’s no shortage of options. Well, here’s why:

• National Parks: Some of the greatest national parks in the US of A are right here in the Southwest. You’ve got the Rockies, Zion, Monument Valley. Did we miss one? Oh yeah, the Grand Canyon!
• Camping: What’s number one on your list of Southwest road trip essentials? A tent, of course. Fling one in your rental, and you can turn this into a real wilderness quest.
• Real Wild Wild West: You’ve got abandoned ghost towns, saloons, and stark desert plateaus. A road trip in the Southwest slides you right into a John Wayne movie.
• Phenomenal Scenery: That’s the main reason for a road trip, right? The scenery in the Southwest is a total freak show, in the best kind of way.
• Outdoor Activities: Nothing beats getting out and about and connecting with nature. Fortunately, the Southwest gives you bucketloads of awesome hikes and activities to spike your adrenaline.

Alright, now that’s out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff. We’ve put our heads together to give you four fabulous Southwest road trip ideas!

Ultimate Southwest National Park Roadie – 10 days

Historic route 66 – 8 days, the rockies and beyond – 5 days, canyon explorer – 5 days.

• From: Las Vegas
• To: El Paso
• Total Distance: 1,200 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Valley of Fire State Park, Zion National Park, Monument Valley, White Sands National Park,  Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell

Want to hit four states and see some of the best national parks in the US? Then you definitely need our ten-day Southwest vacation trip planner. Beginning in Sin City, we’ll hit the road before we flutter away our gas dollars.

This is a long drive, stopping off at some of the most iconic parks in the whole country. But we’ve broken it up so that there’s as much adventuring as driving! We’ll navigate 1,200 miles of backcountry and small towns between Vegas and El Paso. Our road trip from Las Vegas takes you through deserts, mountains, canyons, ghost towns, and much more.

Road Trip Highlights: 

• Camp in the Zion National Park
• Check out some vintage road signs from the historic Route 66
• Stand in four states at the same time
• Raft down the Colorado River
• Sled down the soft dunes of the White Sands National Park

Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park (4 hours)

Your ultimate Southwest road trip begins in the one and only Sin City! Those bright lights will become a distant memory as you cruise through dusty desert landscapes of the I-15. You’ll get your fix of red rock formations and petrified trees with a short hike at the Valley of Fire. Then, we’ll continue to tonight’s accommodation – who’s game for camping?

Book a spot for two nights. This gives us a full day to explore Zion National Park on the second day. There are countless trails to choose from , including the so-called scariest hike in the US, Angel’s Landing. Alternatively, let’s get our feet wet and hike the Narrows trail through the river.

• Best Stops: Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, The Neon Museum, Valley of Fire State Park, Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
• Where to Eat: Lil’ Wagon Tacos, Affogato West, Black Bear Diner, Stage Coach Grille, Oscar’s Cafe
• Where to Stay: Super8 by Wyndham Zion Hurricane National Park ($), Watchman Campground ($) Hotel Zion ($$)

Day 3: Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon (1 hour 20 minutes)

Rise and shine. If you’re an early bird, you can wake early and watch the sunrise over Zion Park. If you’ve camped, there’s really no excuse not to!

Today we head to Bryce Canyon. This is a slight detour, but these bizarre hoodoos are worth it, trust us. What we love about Bryce Canyon is that we can explore the sights entirely by car. There are plenty of hikes, but we won’t judge you if you choose the auto-tour option. We can drive ourselves through the park or hop on the free shuttle if you fancy saving some gas money.

• Best Stops: Bryce Canyon, Rainbow Point, Farview Point, Natural Bridge
• Where to Eat: Stone Hearth Grille, Bryce Canyon Pines, Valhalla Pizza
• Where to Stay: Bryce Canyon Resort ($), North Campground Bryce Canyon ($) ($$)

Day 4:  Bryce Canyon to Page (2 hours 35 minutes)

We have a very pretty drive ahead today as we cross over into Arizona. It’s a short journey, but there are plenty of sights to stop for, so be sure to leave enough time. We can even check out a cave was once used as a speakeasy, believe it or not. If you’re the romantic type, this region is incredible for stargazing.

• Best Stops: Paria Ghost Town, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Moqui Cave, Star Party, Lone Rock Beach, The Toadstools, Little Hollywood Land (Kanab)
• Where to Eat: Jakey Lee’s Coffee Shop and Bakery, State 48 Tavern, Driftwood Lounge
• Where to Stay: Rodeway Inn at Lake Powell ($), Red Rock Motel ($$)

Day 5: Page to Monument Valley (2 hours 30 minutes)

Welcome to Arizona, the third state on our epic Southwest US road trip. There are plenty of things to do around Page : Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are two must-sees on this Southwest road trip itinerary. Let’s squeeze in some kayaking or a stand-up paddleboarding session on Lake Powell, or rafting down the Colorado River!

Once we’ve dried off, the drive to our next destination is pretty desolate – we’ll take the road through the desert. We can take a motel, but you should know that camping in Arizona is where it’s at.

• Best Stops: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam Lookout, Navajo National Monument
• Where to Eat: Blue Coffee Pot Restaurant, Pizza Guys, Amigo Coffee, Reuben Helfin Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Mokee Motel ($) The View Campground ($), Kayenta Monument Valley Inn ($$)

Day 6: Monument Valley to Gallup (3 hours)

The Navajo’s Nation’s Monument Valley is a soaring plateau of towering sandstone buttes. If you’re a Western movie buff, you’ll recognise these from the silver screen. Forrest Gump fan? Punch the GPS coordinates 37.101393, -109.990973 into the satnav.

What’s also pretty awesome is that the park straddles Utah and Arizona, so you can hop across the state lines while you explore. For a bit of vintage charm, you could stay in the historic El Rancho Hotel tonight once we get to Gallup.

• Best Stops: Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Four Corners Monument
• Where to Eat: Denny’s Diner, Genaro’s Cafe, Aurelia’s Cafe
• Where to Stay: Travelodge by Wyndham Gallup ($), Yellow Navajo Hogan ($$) El Rancho Hotel ($$$)

Day 7: Gallup to Albuquerque (2 hours)

Gallup is a small city on Historic Route 66. If you want to buy a few souvenirs, the city is famed for its arts and crafts. As we head eastwards today, we’ll follow the iconic old highway itself. We’ll stop off to snap old neon signs and abandoned gas stations along the way. The Acoma Pueblo is a cool stop where we can take a guided tour around the community.

Let’s aim to be in Albuquerque by lunch, so we can explore the city. There are plenty of museums in town if you fancy dipping into Southwest history, or you can stretch your limbs by rowing at Tingley Beach instead. Feeling flush? Let’s splash out on a hot air balloon ride.

• Best Stops: Red Rock Park, Acoma Pueblo, Bowlin’s Old Crater Trading Post
• Where to Eat: Whistle Stop Coffee Room, Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen
• Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Midtown Albuquerque ($), La Quinta by Wyndham Albuquerque West ($$)

Day 8-9: Albuquerque to Lincoln National Forest Park (3 hours 40 minutes)

Before we leave Albuquerque, one thing we shouldn’t miss is the phenomenal view from the Sandia Peak Tramway. That’ll give us a sprawling panorama of the whole city, plus 11,000 square miles of New Mexico wilderness!

And then, farewell to city comforts; we’re heading deep into the lush greenery of the Lincoln National Forest. Choose to camp for a few nights, or check into the local hostel.

We’ve planned something exceptional to wrap up our road trip in the Southwest! The White Sands National Monument is a vision after all the rusty red rocks we’ve seen so far. There is a mix of hikes to choose from that range from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Or get an adrenaline boost by hiring a sledge and swooshing down the dunes!

• Best Stops: Sandia Peak Tramway, Albuquerque Old Town, Tingley Beach, Cloudcroft, White Sands National Monument
• Where to Eat: Western Bar & Cafe, Rebecca’s at the Lodge, Rustic Cafe
• Where to Stay: Lincoln National Forest campground ($), Cloudcroft Hostel ($), Days Inn by Wyndham Alamgorado ($$)

Day 10: Lincoln Forest National Park to El Paso (2 hours 20 minutes)

Before we part ways, we’ll make our final state border crossing and travel into Texas. The Franklin Mountains State Park is a great stop on the way and is fantastic for mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking.

And then, finally – El Paso concludes our road trip from Las Vegas. This is a cultural gem where we can experience the best of Southwestern charm with a splash of Mexican spirit! There’s a ton of things to do in El Paso so make sure to stick around for a day or two.

• Best Stops: Welcome to Texas sign, Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, Franklin Mountains State Park
• Where to Eat: Milagro Coffee y Espresso, Tacos el Troquero, L&J Cafe
• Where to Stay: Red Roof Inn PLUS + El Paso East ($), Inspira Hotel ($$) Beautiful Stylish Casita ($$)

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• From: Oklahoma City
• To: Phoenix
• Total Distance: 1,027 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Cadillac Ranch, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Sedona

Yup, the Historic Route 66 technically no longer exists. However, you can still trace the route of Mother Road through the American Southwest. And it still makes a killer road trip. But planning a road trip in the Southwest that covers the whole 2,500 miles of the Main Street of America gobbles up your vacation days. That’s why we’ve taken just a slice of the route.

Our road trip from Oklahoma City navigates a stretch of that legendary highway, which we’ll break up with stops in small towns. Rather than heading into California, we go south to culminate with some breathtaking natural wonders in Arizona.

Road Trip Highlights:

• Cruise past relics of the Historic Route 66, including neon signs, abandoned gas stations, ghost towns, and fascinating museums
• Check out the auto-art installation of Cadillac Ranch
• Take a dip in a sinkhole in the middle of the New Mexico desert
• Explore the natural wonders that are the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest
• Take a tour in one of the iconic pink jeeps of Sedona

Day 1: Oklahoma City to Amarillo (3 hours 52 minutes)

Get comfy; we’ve got a decent stretch of road to cover as we start our road trip from Oklahoma City. Let’s visit a couple of Route 66 relics in Oklahoma City first – duck into a museum if you feel like it. Then, off we go.

Today’s all about soaking up the nostalgic charm of the legendary highway. We’ll stop to check out relics like the oldest gas station in Texas. There are a couple of museums where you can browse old memorabilia to break up the drive!

• Best Stops: Milk Bottle Grocery, Blue Whale of Catoosa, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton), National Route 66 Museum (Elk City), Lucille’s Historic Gas Station (Hydro), Phillips 66 (McLean), Wonderland Park
• Where to Eat: Aubrey’s Fish & Ice Cream, Lucille’s Roadhouse Diner, Jo Taco
• Where to Stay : Red Roof Inn Amarillo West ($), Updated and Modern Studio in Downtown Amarillo ($$) Zo’s Relic ($$$)

Day 2: Amarillo to Santa Rosa (2 hours 30 minutes)

After breakfast, we’ll freshen up our Instas with some snaps of the spray-painted cars at Cadillac Ranch. Belt up for a drive through the New Mexican desert. We’ll grab a coffee at the aptly-named Midpoint Cafe and pose with the neon sign of the historic Blue Swallow Motel.

The Route 66 ghost town of Glenrio is a worthy pit stop before we reach Santa Rosa. Let’s cool down with a dip in the natural phenomenon that is the Santa Rosa Blue Hole. This sinkhole is filled with water; if you’ve brought your PADI licence along, you can even scuba dive!

• Best Stops: Cadillac Ranch, Santa Rosa Blue Hole, Glenrio, Welcome to New Mexico sign, Route 66 Auto Museum
• Where to Eat: Midpoint Cafe, Kix on 66, Blue Swallow Motel, Comet II Drive In & Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Casa del Leon ($), La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Rosa ($$)

Day 3: Santa Rosa to Albuquerque (1 hour 46 minutes)

We can stretch our legs in the Santa Rosa Lake State Park or indulge in some watersports once we’ve had our coffee. Shortly before we reach today’s final destination, we can have a quick stroll in the Canyon Estates.

Once we park up in Albuquerque, take your pick of cool things to do. We can hire a rowing boat down at Tingley Beach. Or if we have some spare cash, sign ourselves up for a hot air balloon ride. Let’s catch the sunset at the Sandia Peak Tramway.

• Best Stops: Santa Rosa Lake State Park, Lewis Antique Auto & Toy Museum, Canyon Estates Trailhead, Sandia Peak Tramway
• Where to Eat: Sierra Blanca Brewing Company, Mary & Tito’s Cafe, Antiquity Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Days Inn by Wyndham Albuquerque West ($), Danish Modern Mini Luxury Suite ($$)

Day 4-5: Albuquerque to Holbrook (3 hours 20 minutes)

We’ll power on to Holbrook today, with a stop off in Gallup – a historical city which is handy for souvenir shopping. Oh yes, don’t forget to factor in some treats for loved ones back home in your Southwest vacation trip planner!

To make things easier, we’ll book into a motel in Holbrook for two nights. That way, we can spend the next few days exploring two of Arizona’s finest natural wonders, hiker’s heavens . The Petrified Forest is the only national park that contains a segment of the Historic Route 66. It’s an enchantment of colourful ancient trees – another haven for photographers! Meanwhile, an hour’s drive brings us to the intriguing badlands of the Painted Desert.

• Best Stops: Gallup, Historic Armco Gas Station (Gallup), Petrified Forest, Painted Desert
• Where to Eat: El Rancho, Genaro’s Cafe, Healing Grounds Coffee Shop
• Where to Stay: 66 Motel ($), Campsite @ Big Spin Ranch, Petrified Forest ($), The White Buffalo Casita ($$)

Day 6-7: Holbrook to Sedona (2 hours)

If that wasn’t enough excitement for you, we have even more natural wonders a mere two-hour drive west! But first, we’ll make a pitstop in the Route 66 city of Flagstaff and check out a few more sights. We’ll also have a gander around a crater formed by a meteor, before catching the sunset from Airport Mesa.

Stay overnight in Sedona for two nights so we can experience this adventurer’s playground.  Take your pick from desert jeep tours, horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. There’s even a massive natural waterslide! If you ask us, Sedona is what makes this a contender for the best road trip in the Southwest.

• Best Stops: Meteor Crater National Landmark, Walnut Canyon, Amtrak Train Station Route 66 mural, Slide Rock State Park, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock
• Where to Eat: Mother Road Brewing Company, Criollo Latin Kitchen, Diablo Burger
• Where to Stay: Sedona Camping Gear ($), Wonder View Grotto ($$), Newly Built Tiny Home with Awesome Views ($$)

Day 8: Sedona to Phoenix (2 hours)

We’ll drive south via Cornville and stop off at a vineyard for lunch. You might want to duck out of being today’s designated driver if you want to sample the local wines.

As we approach our final destination, we can check out a couple of exciting natural attractions around Phoenix before we explore the city. And relax, that concludes our road trip from Oklahoma City.

• Best Stops: Red Rock State Park, Cornville, Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, Goldfield ghost town
• Where to Eat: Page Springs Cellars, Thanks a Latte Esporess Cafe, Los Taquitos
• Where to Stay: Quality Inn Phoenix ($$), Urban Guesthouse in Uptown Phoenix ($$$)

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• From: Denver
• To: Salt Lake City
• Total Distance: 746 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Rocky Mountain National Park, Glenwood Springs, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Great Salt Lake

Despite taking less than one week to complete, this road trip from Denver takes you through a decent chunk of Colorado and Utah. We’ll make Salt Lake City our final destination.

Along the way, we’ll explore some of the finest state parks and mountain ranges in the whole Southwest, including the lush Colorado Rockies. Our itinerary prioritises the scenic routes over the fastest – so we get to see the most epic landscapes this region has on offer!

If you want to tackle this trip during winter, let’s factor some skiing into our itinerary. You might want to add an extra night to accommodate this.

• Hike in the rugged snowcapped wilderness of the Colorado Rockies
• Mountain bike in one of Utah’s legendary national parks – Canyonlands or Arches
• Explore fascinating ghost towns
• Raft your way down the Colorado River
• Take in the epic landscapes of the Great Salt Lake itself

Day 1: Denver to Estes Park (1 hour 20 minutes)

Ticked off whatever you wanted to see in the city? Cool, let’s rev the rental and start our road trip from Denver. We’ll kick off the road trip with the alpine glory that is the Rocky Mountain National Park (the Rockies to their friends). Today, we’ll take the fastest route (Highway 36), so we have as much of the day as possible for the park.

Once we make it to Estes Park, we’ll grab lunch then follow the scenic loop through the majestic mountains. This takes around four hours, but we’ll be in and out of the car. In terms of hiking, there are hundreds of trails to choose from.

We vote for the Bear Lake Loop, Ute Trail, Mount Ida or Chasm Lake. These are relatively short and pack in some of the best scenery in the region. Let’s hop on the tramway, too, and take in the views from Prospect Mountain.

• Best Stops: Golden Gate Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park Aerial Tramway
• Where to Eat:  Salto Coffee Works, Sweet Basilico Cafe, Coffee on the Rocks, Trailhead Restaurant
• Where to Stay: Rocky Moutain National Park campgrounds ($), Murphy’s River Lodge ($$), Cozy Shepherd’s Tent in Aspen Grove near RMNP ($$$)

Day 2: Rocky Mountain National Park to Glenwood Springs (2 hours 30 minutes)

Let’s tackle a short morning hike before we hit the road. This time, take the peak-to-peak scenic byway out of town. This way, we can drive right through the mountains and past a number of ski resorts. If we’re in a 4X4, we’ll take a detour to Dakota Hill.

Once we get to Glenwood Springs, we can wander along the Colorado River. Or, for something more adventurous – let’s go rafting or book a canyon swing. Cycling along the Glenwood Canyon Bike Trail is another option, perfect for summer. And of course, we must take a dip in the hot springs. Accommodation in town is pricey, so let’s stay in a cheaper guesthouse and get a day pass to the springs instead.

• Best Stops: Rocky Mountain National Park, Loveland Ski Resort, Vail Ski Resort, Dillon Reservoir, White River National Forest, Glenwood Caverns
• Where to Eat: Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea – Roastery cafe, Abbey’s Coffee, Glenwood Canyon Brewclub
• Where to Stay: Rodeway Inn Glenwood Springs ($$), Glenwood Springs Cedar Lodge ($$)

Day 3-4: Glenwood Springs to Moab (4 hours 40 minutes)

With the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park in our rear-view mirror, we’ll cruise west into the realm of canyons. For the most scenic route, skip I-70 and drive through the mountains. It’s longer but much prettier, with even more mountains to ogle. We can stop off in towns like Paonia and Delta for coffee to break it up.

Rejoin I-70 at Redlands. Let’s turn off onto state route 128 so we can check out the ghost town, then follow the scenic drive through Dewey. The Fisher Towers trailhead is a pleasant two-hour hike to stretch our legs and catch the sunset. There are lots of places to stay around Arches National Park , which is a great base for exploring the area for a couple more days.

• Best Stops: Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon, Cisco Ghost Town, Fisher Towers,  Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point State Park, Arches National Park
• Where to Eat: Black Bridge Winery, Berg Harvest Mercantile and Cafe, Doghouse Espresso
• Where to Stay: Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground ($), Adventure Inn Moab ($$), OK RV Park Glamping Tipi OK56 ($$$)

Day 5: Moab to Salt Lake City (5 hours)

Squeeze in any last activities you fancy, top up the gas tank, and northwards we drive. We’ll take the scenic road, past the San Rafael Swell and up through the Manti-La Sal National Forest.

If you stay an extra night in SLC, hang onto your rental and take a day trip to either the Wasatch or Oquirrh mountains. And, of course, don’t miss the opportunity to plunge into the Great Salt Lake and see how well you float!

• Best Stops: Green River State Park, Spring Canyon ghost town, San Rafael Swell, Utah Lake State Park, Temple Square
• Where to Eat: Green River Coffee, Tangerine Eatery, Happiness Within, Guru’s Cafe,
• Where to Stay: Park City Hostel ($), Cozy Tiny House ($$), Ellerbeck Mansion Bed and Breakfast ($$$)
• Total Distance: 563 m
• Top Road Trips Stops: Grand Canyon National Park, Slide Rock State Park, Airport Mesa, Goldfield ghost town, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

If you’re looking for short ‘n’ sweet Southwest road trip ideas, this one gives you tonnes of sights without chewing up all your annual leave.

Our 5-day road trip itinerary takes you to some of Arizona’s best natural wonders, starting with a canyon you’ve possibly heard of.

• Savour the hues of one of the most alluring wonders of nature, the Grand Canyon
• Tackle the gruelling but rewarding Humphrey’s Peak track – the highest point in Arizona
• Stun yourself with the rust-red delights of Sedona
• Experience fragments of the Historic Route 66
• Throw in a tent and camp for a real Wild West adventure

Day 1-2: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Village (4 hours)

Pick up your rental in Sin City, load up the snacks and say farewell to Nevada – we’re crossing over to Arizona.

The drive starts off as barren as you might expect as we cruise through the desert landscape of Nevada. Once we cross the state line into Arizona, things start getting greener. We’ll stop off to take photographs and aim to squeeze in a short hike in the Kaibab National Park, where we can camp tonight.

Whichever accommodation you decide on, book for two nights so you can spend the entire second day exploring the Grand Canyon South Rim.

• Best Stops: The Neon Museum, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell Arch, Willow Beach, Pete’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, Kaibab National Park
• Where to Eat: Coffee Cup Cafe, Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe, Rutherford’s 66 Family Diner, Plaza Bonita
• Where to Stay: Kaibab National Forest campgrounds ($) Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel ($$), Nomad’s Pad Grand Canyon: The Grand Nomad ($$$)

Day 3: Kaibab National Forest to Flagstaff (1 hour 20 minutes)

If you have the energy for a strenuous hike, we’ll tackle the Humphrey’s Peak trail this morning. This affords us fabulous views from Arizona’s tallest peak. Access depends on the weather – the route is only accessible when it hasn’t snowed. Pick up snacks from Tusayan if so, breakfast options are limited around here.

Afterwards, we’ll check out the youngest volcano on the Colorado Plateau. The Bonito Vista Trail and Lava Flow Trail are gentle, easy options to recover from this morning’s antics. Then, onwards to Flagstaff for the night. If you can still move your legs, let’s go line dancing at the Museum Club.

• Best Stops: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Humphrey’s Peak, Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Where to Eat: Brandy’s Restaurant & Bakery, Tourist Home All Day Cafe,
• Where to Stay: Econo Lodge Flagstaff Route 66 ($), Western Hills Motel ($$), Sage Yurt – A Cozy Nature Getaway ($$)

Day 4: Flagstaff to Sedona (50 minutes)

We have a short drive this morning, which is for the best because Sedona is one of the best towns in the whole of Arizona. Let’s make the most of it!

The town is cradled by 1.8 million acres of national forest land and buttressed by four wilderness areas and staggering mesas. There’s plenty of scope for thrill-seekers; take your pick from desert jeep tours, horseback riding, rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking. Whatever we do, we can’t miss the sunset from Airport Mesa.

Accommodation is a bit pricier in Sedona, so if you’ve brought your tent along, now’s its moment to save you a few bucks.

• Best Stops: Slide Rock State Park, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Airport Mesa, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
• Where to Eat: Air Cafe, SaltRock Kitchen, 89 Agave Cantina
• Where to Stay: Cave Springs Campground ($), Days Inn by Wyndham Sedona ($$), Newly Built Tiny Home with Awesome Views ($$)

Day 5: Sedona to Phoenix (3 hours 30 minutes)

For our final day, we will take the scenic route to Phoenix through the Saguaro cactus-studded desert that forms the Tonto National Forest. There, we’ll get out to see what’s considered to be the largest natural travertine formation in the world.

After that, we’ll stop off in Payson for lunch, the so-called ‘Heart of Arizona’. The landscape here isn’t what you expect from the cactus state. Clasped by the Mazatzal Mountains and dense forestry, it’s got much more of an alpine vibe. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a final brew in Arizona’s largest city. For a quiet place to stay after a long day of driving, consider staying at a vacation rental in Scottsdale .

• Best Stops: Montezuma Castle National Monument, Payson, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park, Goldfield ghost town
• Where to Eat: Pinon Cafe, Common Grounds Coffee House, Virtu Honest Craft,
• Where to Stay: Red Roof Inn Phoenix – Midtown ($$), Cozy Desert Oasis ($$)

Renting a vehicle is the best way to explore the Southwest. That could be a regular car, a 4X4, or even a campervan/RV.

Renting a Vehicle in Southwest

Renting a vehicle is one of the most popular ways for domestic and international tourists to explore the region. In general, US motorists drive conservatively. For many of the itineraries in our Southwest vacation trip planner, you’ll be in the backcountry, away from the city traffic.

You must have a valid driver’s licence to rent a vehicle in the Southwest. If you hold an overseas licence, you will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) too. You should check the requirements as per your passport country.

You may pay a couple of additional fees on top of the car hire rate. Factor in the following charges when planning a road trip in the Southwest.

• Young Renter Fee: You must be aged 21 or over to rent a car in the Southwest. If you are under 25, you may have to pay a ‘young renter fee’. The average cost of this is $20 per day, but it can vary from state to state.
• One-way Rental: All our road trips originate and finish in different cities. You’ll most likely be asked to pay a drop-off fee. This should be included in your quote.
• Additional Driver: Unless the additional driver is your spouse or domestic partner, you will pay a fee to add a second driver. This varies depending on the state and company.
• Deposit: You will need to pay a deposit/bond when you pick up your rental. This must be paid on a credit card and is usually $200-$300.
• Insurance: Another of your Southwest road trip essentials is sturdy insurance. We recommend not purchasing insurance from your rental – these guys always inflate the prices. Instead, check out an independent insurance company, such as RentalCover.com. Their rates are much friendlier.

Don’t have a car? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use  rentalcars.com  to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

Road Rules in the Southwest

As with everywhere, the US is subject to road rules. And yes, they do take things seriously, like speeding, driving under the influence, and travelling without a seatbelt!

When you plan a road trip in the Southwest, here some of the weirder rules that may catch you off-guard.

• Whatever you do, don’t miss your exit in Arizona. Reversing down a public road is against the law.
• If you fancy our road trip from Denver, request a non-black car. According to an old law, driving a black car on a Sunday is illegal.
• Stick to a trusty automobile while road-tripping across Nevada. If you decide to ride a camel down the highway, you’ll be smacked with a fine.
• Put your comic down while driving through Oklahoma. Reading about Batman’s latest exploits while driving is a fineable no-no.
• It is illegal to make hand-held phone calls and send texts while driving in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Neighbouring states are likely to instigate similar rules in the near future.

On a more serious note, remember that every state in the US sets its own road laws. When crossing into different states on your road trip in the Southwest, do check each state. Also, as you cruise closer to the Mexican border, don’t be surprised if Border Police wave you down. They might ask to check your documents and trunk. It’s pretty common.

And don’t forget, they drive on the right in the US!

Insurance in the Southwest

Before you hit the road, we just want to swoop in again with nobody’s favourite topic. One of the ultimate Southwest road trip essentials is insurance for your rental car. Yes, you can buy this from your hire company. But you can save a decent bit of cash by using an independent insurance provider.

In the US, you are required to purchase liability insurance and a damage waiver. Often, this is packaged up as Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver. This covers damage, theft and loss of use of the rental vehicle and usually amounts to a maximum of $30 per day.

Roadside assistance is an optional extra that may come in handy for your Southwest road trip itinerary. There are long stretches between gas stations in the backcountry! Rental companies typically charge $10-$15 per day for assistance. It’s worth shopping around with companies like RentalCover.com to find a plan that covers the lot in one deal.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re not careful, Southwest’s wilderness will smack ya to next Monday.  There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without:

1. First Aid Kit : Even if you don’t plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

2. Aux Cord : One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxillary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

3. Phone mount :  It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and what-not, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view.

4. Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit : Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Most emergency kit include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

6. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list.

Well, that brings us to the end of our top four Southwest road trip ideas! We hope you’ve found your perfect itinerary. Now all you need to worry about is creating an epic soundtrack for your own road trip in the Southwest!

Colleen Kinsey

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A two-week southwest USA road trip itinerary

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Discover the perfect 14-day/two-week southwest USA road trip itinerary – featuring National Parks, scenic drives, stunning views, famous film locations and quirky roadside attractions.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

The USA is the spiritual home of the road trip. Think long straight roads disappearing over the horizon, roadside diners and quirky motels. And probably the most iconic US road trip destination is the southwest USA. Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Route 66 – even if you’ve never visited the southwest before you’ll still feel like you already know it from films and TV shows, from Thelma and Louise to Tombstone .

So if you want to hit the road, here’s my perfect itinerary for a two-week southwest USA road trip, taking in the highlights across five states, six national parks and something like 2000 miles – with details of what to see and where to stay along the way.

Southwest USA road trip map

A note on driving times and distances

Driving times listed are based on Google Maps estimates and don’t include stops along the way. The road conditions in the southwest vary hugely so the same mileage can take totally different amounts of time. Daily driving distance/time figures cover getting from place to place and don’t include the drives within National Parks en route.

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas

Arrive into McCarran International Airport, which is only 15 minutes’ drive north of the city, and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel. There are a huge amount of things to see in Las Vegas and you only have a brief stop here, so choose a few of the highlights.

Don’t miss the Bellagio fountains which are illuminated at night, and catch a show on the Strip – there are usually a few different Cirque du Soleil shows as well as a mix of magic acts, music tributes and big-name artists. You will need to book ahead for really popular shows but you can bag other last-minute tickets from Tix4Tonight outlets.

Where to stay in Las Vegas: There are so many hotel options in Vegas , but as you only have one night, I’d recommend staying in the central Strip. That way you’re right at the heart of the action and don’t have to waste time in the city’s crazy traffic. Paris Las Vegas, Vdara, Caesar’s Palace, the Venetian and Flamingo are all really central – prices vary hugely though so it’s worth shopping around and being flexible about where you stay.

Day 2: Las Vegas to Zion

Spend the morning exploring Las Vegas. You can travel the world along the Strip – watch gondoliers at the Venetian, climb the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at New York New York, see the pyramids at the Luxor, visit the Bellagio’s botanical gardens and scream your head off on the rides on top of the Stratosphere.

Or you can head up to Fremont Street for a taste of Old Vegas. This historic district has retro casinos and a zipline running right down the street. You can also see vintage signs at the Neon Museum and find out about the city’s Mafia story at the Mob Museum.

After lunch, pick up a hire car (it’s worth comparing prices between picking up a car on the Strip or at the airport to find the cheapest deal) and start your southwest USA road trip. It’s a good idea to stock up on a few supplies before you leave – like water, drinks and snacks. There’s both a Walmart and a Whole Foods really close to the airport.

Then leave the city behind and take Highway 15 north for 153 miles/2.5 hours towards Zion National Park. Don’t forget when you’re planning your timings that Utah is in a different time zone to Nevada, so you will lose an hour along the way.

Total driving: 153 miles/246 kilometres – approx 2.5 hours

Where to stay in Zion: The nearest hotels to Zion are in Springdale, but for something a bit different you can camp out in style on the edge of the National Park at Under Canvas Zion *. These luxury glamping tents come with proper beds, a mix of private and shared bathrooms, and some have wood-burning stoves. The view of Zion’s red rocks are the main attraction, but there’s also a restaurant with a fire pit to toast marshmallows on.

Day 3: Zion National Park

From the camp it’s 20 miles/35 mins to the entrance of Zion National Park. Private vehicles aren’t allowed in the park from March to October, so you’ll need to leave your car at the visitor’s centre and catch the shuttle bus. If you’re reasonably fit and the weather is good, you can tackle one of Zion’s big hikes – Angels’ Landing or The Narrows .

The adventurous Angels’ Landing hike (5.4 miles/4 hours) takes you up vertigo-inducing chained paths bolted into the cliffs for spectacular views from the top. Or the Bottom Up section of the Narrows (4–10 miles) takes you along a narrow river slot canyon – you need to wade along the river bed though so it’s best done on a warm day.

For something gentler, catch the shuttle to the Emerald Pools Trail for an hour-long walk to the lower pool and another hour to the upper pool. Head back to Zion Lodge, where there’s a café and picnic area if you want to stop for lunch before catching the next shuttle.

Stop off at Weeping Rock for a short walk to the cascades, then get the shuttle to the end of the road for the two-mile-long Riverside Walk. Leave the park and make the 77-mile/1.5 hour drive to Tropic via Route 9 – the Zion–Mount Carmel scenic drive. It runs through the original 1920s tunnel and past the strange rock formations at Checkerboard Mesa.

Total driving: 97 miles/156 kilometres – approx 2 hours 5 mins

Where to stay in Tropic: Just off Scenic Byway 12, Bryce Country Cabins * in Tropic are one of the closest places to stay for Bryce Canyon. Ours was small but perfect formed, with two queen-sized beds, an en-suite bathroom and small kitchenette. With all that pine they look a bit Alpine, with heaters and blankets to keep you warm on a cold night.

If it’s sunny there are tables and chairs out the back and barbecues you can borrow if you want to cook for yourself – or The Pizza Place a few minutes away does takeaway pizzas.

Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park

Tropic is only 10 miles from the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park, so you can get there early and spend a full day exploring . Follow the 18-mile-long scenic drive around the park, starting in the Bryce Amphitheater area. Park up at Sunset Point and follow the Rim Trail for a mile along to Sunrise Point, a good place to get down into the canyon.

Get up close to the hoodoos on one of the hiking trails. The Queen’s Garden Trail from Sunrise Point is the easiest at just under two miles, or there’s the steeper 1.5-mile Navajo Loop Trail from Sunset Point. You can also combine the two into a longer route.

After your hike, drive on around the edge of the amphitheatre to the viewpoints at Inspiration Point, Bryce Point and Paria View. Then leave the Bryce Amphitheater area and head out along the road to the furthest point at the Rainbow Point viewpoint.

There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic with a great view along the way – my favourites were the arch at Natural Bridge, the two towering hoodoos at Agua Canyon and the wide views from Rainbow Point. Then leave Bryce Canyon National Park and head south down Highway 89 towards the town of Kanab (77 miles/1.5 hours).

Total driving: 87 miles/140 kilometres – approx 1 hour 40 mins

Where to stay in Kanab: You can’t really do a US road trip without spending at least one night in a proper motel. Quail Park Lodge * in Kanab looks straight out of the 1950s from outside, but inside its 13 rooms have been refurbished and updated.

The motel comes with lots of nice extras – like vintage bikes you can borrow, a pool in summer, a glass of wine on arrival, morning pastries and fruit, and free international phone calls. It’s an easy walk into town for dinner – we liked Rocking V Cafe , an art-filled space that specialises in slow food with a good range of vegan and gluten-free options.

Day 5: Best Friends Animal Society

The southwest USA is all about the natural beauty, but for something a bit different, you can spend the morning volunteering with animals at Best Friends Animal Society . Their base at Angel Canyon is just 10 minutes outside of Kanab, and is the biggest no-kill animal sanctuary in the US with over 1600 cats, dogs, pigs, rabbits, horses and parrots on site.

You can choose which animals to spend time with. We spent our morning feeding and stroking cats but you can also socialise dogs, groom horses or even walk a potbellied pig.

After lunch at the centre, follow Highway 89 to the east on the 80 mile/1 hour 20 min drive to Page, across the border in Arizona. Just before you get there you’ll reach Lake Powell and the spectacular Glen Canyon Dam, where there’s a visitors centre and viewpoint.

You can then either take a sunset cruise around Lake Powell or head to Horseshoe Bend – a perfect meandering arc of the Colorado River that cut its way down through the sandstone over million of years. It’s 5 miles south of Page on Highway 89, between mileposts 544 and 545, with a short sandy walk to the canyon rim and a dramatic 1000-foot drop to the river.

Total driving: 97 miles/156 kilometres – approx 1 hour 50 mins

Where to stay in Page: The Best Western View of Lake Powell Hotel * unsurprisingly has a great view of Lake Powell, and a pool and hot tub to relax in in summer. It’s fairly standard chain hotel in style but has a good location with spacious rooms and breakfast is included. Page gets busy so it’s a good idea to book well in advance. There are a few places to eat nearby – El Tapatio is recommended for its giant portions of Mexican food.

Day 6: Antelope Canyon & Monument Valley

Head 8 miles/15 mins out of Page to one of the southwest’s most recognisable spots – Antelope Canyon. This slot canyon is famous for its curving red rock walls with those super-photogenic beams of light filtering through. The only way you can visit the canyon is on a tour *, and they’re hugely popular so book as soon as you can.

There are two sections – the Upper and Lower Canyon. The Upper Canyon is where you’ll see the light beams, which are best in the mornings. But beware the canyon can get crowded, and the flood risk means that tours are often cancelled if it rains.

Carry on along Highway 98 then take the 160 north-east on the 116 mile/2 hour drive to another southwest icon – Monument Valley . North of Kayenta, huge rock buttes emerge out of miles of empty desert scrubland, coloured in vivid shades of gold, orange and pink.

They’re named after their shapes, so you can try and spot the Mittens, the Thumb and the Totem Pole. Inside the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park there’s a visitors centre and a 17-mile scenic drive which takes you through the rock formations. It’s unpaved and pretty rough, so it’s best done in a 4×4 and takes at least two hours with photo stops.

Total driving: 124 miles/200 kilometres – approx 2 hours 15 mins

Where to stay in Monument Valley: There’s not much around Monument Valley, but both The View and Goulding’s Lodge * have fantastic views of the rocks, and it’s well worth staying the night just to watch the amazing sunrises and sunsets. Both have a mix of hotel rooms and cabins, with balconies looking out over the valley, as well as camping spots and Navajo restaurants (but note that alcohol is prohibited on Navajo land).

Day 7: Arches National Park

Leave Monument Valley behind in the morning and head back into Utah, following Highway 191 to Arches National Park (151 miles/2 hours 40 mins). The park has the world’s largest concentration of rock arches, with over 2000 of all shapes and sizes.

Start your Arches exploration at Park Avenue Viewpoint, then drive to Balanced Rock, where a short circular path runs around a precariously perched rock. Then turn off towards the Windows Section of the park for the short walks to Double Arch (half a mile) and around the loop passing the North and South Windows and Turret Arch (one mile).

Drive back to the main road then take the turn off to the right towards Delicate Arch – famously pictured on Utah’s license plates. The route out to the arch is one of the best hikes in Arches National Park and covers three miles, with some steep sections along the way. It’s best done in late afternoon during the summer as there’s not a lot of shade.

Or if you’re short on time you can follow the lower one-mile path to Delicate Arch Viewpoint instead, where you get a great view of the arch across the canyon. Then drive 5 miles/20 mins to the town of Moab, where you’ll be spending the next two nights.

Total driving: 156 miles/251 kilometres – approx 3 hours

Where to stay in Moab: Moab’s a popular spot so book accommodation well in advance at weekends. The eco-friendly Moab Springs Ranch * is surrounded by trees and streams. They have two types of accommodation – studio bungalows and two/three-bedroom townhouses. And there’s a pool, hot tub and campfire. Moab’s quite sprawling though so you may have to drive to get to places to eat – the Moab Brewery is worth a visit.

Day 8: Canyonlands National Park

Take the 30 mile/35 minute drive to Moab’s other local (and less well-known) National Park – Canyonlands . The park is is divided into three sections, but if you want good views then concentrate on the Islands in the Sky district, which is the most accessible area. Stop off at the visitors centre first where there’s a short walk out to the Shafer Canyon Overlook.

Then drive on to Mesa Arch where there’s a half-mile walk out to an arch on the edge of a cliff. The road then splits – take the right fork to Upheaval Dome, where there’s one viewpoint after a mile’s walk out onto the dome and a second viewpoint a mile further on.

Then backtrack to the junction and take the left fork and follow the road out to the end at Grand View Point, stopping off at the Green River and Buck Canyon overlooks on your way for some of the park’s most spectacular views. On your way back to Moab, stop off at Dead Horse State Park, where one of the classic US road trip movies was filmed.

When Thelma and Louise drive off the edge of the Grand Canyon at the end of the film, it’s really Dead Horse Point State Park (supposedly named for a gory tale of horses being left to die of thirst on a corral above the river). Then head back to Moab for a second night.

Total driving: 70 miles/113 kilometres – approx 1.5 hours

Day 9: Mesa Verde National Park

Leave Moab behind and head south on Highway 191 – though it’s worth making a quick stop at the quirky Hole n’ the Rock along the way. About 20 mins out of town, this bizarre house has been carved out of a sold rock face. Then cross over into Colorado on the 491 and follow the road towards Mesa Verde National Park (145 miles/2 hours 50 mins).

This area was home to the Ancestral Puebloans 1000 years ago who built houses in the side of the cliffs. You can only visit most of the cliff houses on ranger-led tours. So stop off at the visitors’ centre to book an hour-long tour of either Cliff Palace, the largest cliff house, or Balcony House where you climb through tunnels and up ladders.

Then drive the winding road up to Mesa Verde’s plateau, stopping off at the overlooks on the way to take in the views. The park’s biggest concentration of sights is in the Chaplin Mesa area. Call in to the Chaplin Mesa Museum to learn about the Puebloans.

There’s also a lookout over Spruce Tree House, the best-preserved cliff house (closed to visitors after a rockfall). Then drive the six-mile Mesa Top Loop where there are stops at short walkways to pit houses, the Sun temple and great views of the cliff houses across the valley. Finally drive back to Highway 60 and 56 miles/1 hour 15 mins to Durango.

Total driving: 200 miles/322 kilometres – approx 4 hours

Where to stay in Durango: O-Bar-O Cabins was my favourite stay on this southwest USA road trip. These log cabins are 20 minutes outside of Durango in a lovely peaceful pine forest. There are nine different cabins, our Birdnest was the smallest but was beautifully designed, with a full kitchen, terrace and grill – plus a shared riverside hot tub. It’s a way from anywhere so stock up on food for the night, or head into Durango.

Day 10: Santa Fe

Head east out of Durango to Highway 160 and then travel south on the 84 along the edge of the Carson National Forest on your way to Santa Fe (212 miles/3 hours 45 mins). Then spend the afternoon exploring Santa Fe – it’s one of the oldest cities in the US which has a unique mix of Native American and Hispanic cultures.

Take a history and food walking tour * around the old town’s characteristic adobe buildings. Soak up the sunshine in the Plaza, shop for silver and turquoise Native American jewellery outside the Palace of the Governors, check out the miraculous staircase in the Gothic-style Loretto Chapel and call in at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis.

Santa Fe is a real hub for artists, and there are hundreds of studios and galleries running along the half-mile-long Canyon Road, as well as museums dedicated to folk art, Indian art and the painter Georgia O’Keefe. There’s also the trippy Meow Wolf, a immersive art experience that’s a bit like walking into a video game.

Take a walk to the city’s regenerated railroad district, where old warehouses have been converted into galleries and restaurants. And don’t miss the city’s Mexican food and margaritas – Santa Fe is justifiably famous for both.

Total driving: 212 miles/341 kilometres – approx 3 hours 45 mins

Where to stay in Santa Fe: The Old Santa Fe Inn * is classic New Mexico style with lots of dark wood, local art and big bunches of dried chilies hanging outside. We stayed in a traditional kiva room with a king-sized bed, sitting area, fireplace and jacuzzi bath.

There’s a free breakfast buffet every morning, Starbucks tea and coffee in the lobby all day, and free cookies or chips each afternoon. The hotel is a short walk from the plaza, where we headed up onto the terrace at the Rooftop Pizzeria for blue corn pizzas and local beers.

Day 11: Route 66

You can’t really have a US road trip without driving a stretch of The Mother Road – Route 66. The route’s longest driving day covers 412 miles on your way to Sedona in Arizona, where you spend the next two nights. First leave Santa Fe and head to Albuquerque where you join the I-40, the interstate which follows some of old Route 66.

There are a few good places to stop off along the way. Petrified Forest National Park is made up of fossilised trees dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Or the Meteor Crater is the world’s best preserved meteor impact site, stretching nearly a mile across.

You can still see some of the vintage-style diners, motels and petrol stations which lined the old Route 66, like in Winslow Arizona (one for the Eagles fans). At Flagstaff, leave Route 66 and head south to Sedona on Highway 89A – the Red Rock Scenic Byway. It runs through Coconino National Forest then zig-zags down into Oak Creek Canyon with beautiful views.

Total driving: 412 miles/663 kilometres – approx 6 hours 15 mins

Where to stay in Sedona: The Sky Ranch Lodge * is a bit out of town on Airport Mesa but has spectacular panoramic views – it’s worth staying there just for the sunsets. Rooms are motel style with most having balconies and there’s a pool and jacuzzi in the gardens. There’s no restaurant at the hotel but the Mesa Grill is only a few minutes’ walk away (located inside Sedona tiny airport) and does tasty southwest dishes.

Day 12: Sedona

Spend the day exploring Sedona , a southwest town with a spiritual side. It’s said there are vortexes in the red rocks around town – sacred spots where energy flows radiate the Earth’s power. Whether you believe it or not, the rocks are spectacular to look at.

Take the seven-mile Red Rock Loop scenic drive to see the most famous vortexes: Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. Don’t miss the unique Chapel of the Holy Cross too – a 1950s Catholic chapel that looks like a Bond villain’s lair. Or head out on a Sedona hike and visit Slide Rock State Park for swimming and sliding down an 80-metre rock chute.

There are also a few good half-day trips from Sedona, depending on what you’re interested in. There’s the ghost town of Jerome which is 28 miles away. This old copper and gold mining town was known as the ‘Wickedest Town in the West’ in the 1890s. The saloons and brothels have closed but you can still see a lot of the historic buildings.

Or the Verde Valley Wine Trail has nine different vineyards to visit. And if you don’t have time to get out to the wineries, you can also try local wines at Sedona’s Art of Wine .

Day 13: Grand Canyon

Leave Sedona and head back to Flagstaff and then travel north to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (114 miles/2 hours 15 mins). Drive out to Desert View for that first breathtaking look down into the canyon and the watchtower observation deck. Then head on to the visitor centre where you can leave your car behind and catch the free shuttle.

There are a few different shuttle routes – the blue route takes you from the visitor centre to the village, and from there you can catch the red route, which is a loop stopping off at some of the most scenic lookout points along Hermit’s Rest Road.

There are walking trails along the rim, but it’s also worth heading down into the canyon to get a closer view of it from a different angle. There’s not enough time to make it all the way to the bottom in half a day, but you can do a shorter walk like the three-mile hike along the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Point or the hike along the Bright Angel Trail as far as 1.5 Mile Resthouse. Then head to one of the viewpoints for that perfect Grand Canyon sunset.

Total driving: 114 miles/183 kilometres – approx 2 hours 15 mins

Where to stay at the Grand Canyon: Flagstaff is the closest place to the Grand Canyon which has a decent selection of hotels, but it’s still 90 minutes away. So we spent the night at the Bright Angel Lodge , which is right inside the park. It’s a 1930s timber lodge with a mix of hotel rooms and cabins – the cheapest options have a shared bathroom. There’s a café and a steakhouse-style restaurant on site and those amazing views just outside.

Day 14: Depart Las Vegas

Catch sunrise over the Grand Canyon before making your way back to Las Vegas. It’s a 275-mile/4.5-hour drive, so if you have an evening flight you should have time to stop off at Lake Mead along the way to see the Hoover Dam.

The dam is a seriously impressive piece of engineering at 220 metres tall and up to 200 metres thick. There’s a visitor centre where you can find out how it was built as well as taking a look at the generators. Then from the dam it’s only 30 miles/40 mins back to the airport in Las Vegas and the end of your southwest USA road trip.

Total driving: 275 miles/426 kilometres – approx 4.5 hours

Save for later

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Tuesday 13th of February 2024

Hi, this is a great article! Do you think we could do this trip in August or would it be too hot? Thanks

Lucy Dodsworth

Wednesday 14th of February 2024

Thanks – it is very hot in some places on the route in August (e.g. Las Vegas is in the 40ºC/104ºF range) but other areas like Bryce Canyon are more reasonable (27ºC/78ºF) but may get some thunderstorms. It is also peak holiday season so book well ahead.

Wednesday 21st of December 2022

Wow, really amazing article. Thanks for putting this together! Would it be possible to skip Santa Fe and Albuquerque? It seems to be a very large chunk of the drive and I don't like driving that much. I'm also not very interested in Santa Fe and would rather spread out the other visits a bit. I checked and I could go from Durango to Sedona in ~6h (340 miles). Would this make sense or is there another route you would recommend? Thanks!

Wednesday 28th of December 2022

Yes of course you can definitely adapt the route – Durango to Sedona would work well.

Friday 26th of August 2022

Really fabulous read, would you know of any person who can do this trip for a solo female traveller from India I don’t want to join any Tours Groups but I’d rather do it on my own and like you I would also love to volunteer for the animals

Sunday 28th of August 2022

Hi, if you're happy driving then it shouldn't be a problem to do the trip solo.

dustin graves

Saturday 6th of August 2022

great trip however you missed the san juan skyway loop on the million dollar hwy in Colorado. its just north of your itinerary on hwy 550 heading from Durango up through Silverton and ouray on to Ridgway then around to telluride. I've been almost everywhere on that loop that you showed us but you simply missed the best part of Colorado. huge mountains and old mining towns. no point in getting that close to the san juan skyway loop and not taking it. anyways just my opinion

Monday 8th of August 2022

Hi Dustin – I didn't have time to fit it into this itinerary as there as a lot of ground to cover, but it is mentioned in my top southwest USA scenic drives post though! https://www.ontheluce.com/my-top-southwest-usa-scenic-drives/

Tuesday 26th of July 2022

I am in the middle of drafting our itinerary and this is so helpful, thank your very much! When it comes to car rental, would you say that a "normal small" car can do the job or is it best to rent a SUV? Thank you

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

Hi Delphine, we booked a normal car but ended up getting given a small SUV but think it would've been fine in a normal car other than the road around Monument Valley which we didn't want to even chance in the SUV as it was very rocky.

22 Mind-Blowing Things to See on an American Southwest Road Trip

04/08/2021 by Kristin Addis 56 Comments

The American Southwest is hands-down one of the best road trips in the world. The baby blue waters, deep canyons, curious rock formations, and deep oranges make it feel otherworldly at times.

This road trip itinerary is based on the famed Grand Circle trip with a few variations on the theme thrown in. You can pick and choose and do this in a week and a half, or spend months and see everything on this list. Choose your own adventure.

Gear up, because this is one of the finest adventures in the wild west!

Table of Contents

Getting Started

This itinerary begins in Los Angeles, California. You can start it in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or Salt Lake City if you prefer. This is a ‘choose your own adventure’ type of itinerary.

I went with a camper van from JUCY ( you can compare options incl. Jucy here ) which had a sink with a water tank, a comfortable bed, a full kitchen, and a solar panel to keep me charged when I was otherwise off the grid. It was a convenient way to do this since I never had to set up a tent, could pack up and drive easily every morning, and could cook and eat anywhere and everywhere. I also encountered some rain on my trip and rain in a camper van is a non-issue but in a tent it can be most uncomfortable.

Much of the land in Utah, Arizona, and even parts of California is BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land which means it’s public and free to camp as long as you’re not visible from the road and you leave no trace. That’s what makes a camper van such a good deal and one of the best ways to see the American Southwest! You’ll see me reference this throughout the article.

Here’s a video with some of the best adventures:

By the way, I did most of this trip alone, so don’t despair if you don’t have anyone to go with. The solo aspect of this trip made it all the more magical. Without further ado, here’s the fabulous itinerary:

Nevada is typically synonymous with the booming nightclubs, dazzling lights, and poker tables of Sin City. While I’m a big fan of the strip for a girl’s trip, I also know that there’s much more to Nevada than just Las Vegas. The surroundings can be beautiful as well, and if on a trip where your aim is to appreciate the natural beauty, you’re still in luck in gorgeous Nevada.

1. Seven Magic Mountains

Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone off of Highway 15 just before Vegas if coming from Los Angeles. It’s a series of, you guessed it, seven stacks of brightly painted rocks meant to symbolize the midway between the natural and the artificial which are the mountains and the highway. It’s meant to stay only through the end of 2021, so stop by while you can!

It’s only a slight detour off of the 15 and it probably only cost me 20 minutes total to pull off and see them. If driving on the 15 from Los Angeles you’ll see the sign for the turnoff about 15 miles before reaching Las Vegas and can navigate there using Google maps as well .

2. Helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon

Since I only had about a week to get through my whole itinerary, I figured the best way to finally see the famed Grand Canyon would be to skip the crazy long drive and crowds and to fly right into it at sunset. Fast, easy, and in style! But if you’re starting in Arizona, don’t worry, we’ll talk about driving to it as well later in the post.

After the Magic Mountains I got a quick bite to eat and headed to Maverick Helicopters for their Wind Dancer sunset tour which departs from the strip during golden hour, lands in the Grand Canyon for champagne, and flies back to the strip at sunset, just as everything on the strip is lighting up.

I had always expected that the Grand Canyon would be quite grand (and it was) but what really surprised and impressed me was how beautiful the scenery we flew over to get there was. It’s an incredible way to get a glimpse of some remote and desolate areas that you wouldn’t otherwise see, plus it packs a lot of great experiences into just a few hours. It’s one of those splurge experiences that’s oh so worth it.

Here are some other helicopter tours available:

• Grand Canyon Dancer Helicopter Tour from South Rim
• From South Rim: Grand Canyon Spirit Helicopter Tour

3. Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire is a state park in Nevada and my first overnight of the trip. After the helicopter ride, I continued the additional hour to the first come, first serve campgrounds within the park boundary and settled in for the night, waking for sunrise the next morning.

The park entrance is regulated with an honesty box to collect the $10 park fees and $20+ camping fees if you arrive after dark like I did. It was also totally empty around sunrise, so it felt like I had the park more or less to myself in the early morning hours. That was pretty cool! That being said, you might prefer a guided hiking tour .

• Recommended sights:  Seven Sisters, Elephant Rock, Beehives, and Fire Wave Trail (if you have more time).
• Camp:  Check space at campsites within state park or alternatively camp on BLM land just outside of the east park entrance.

– Read More –

Want to see northern Nevada too? Check out the Weirdest Road Trip in the USA

Our complete Nevada Guide

Southern Utah is simply one of the best areas in the American Southwest with its canyons, bright orange rock, and unique formations.

In Utah, you’ll see an overwhelming amount of options for camping, hiking, biking, canyoning, kayaking, etc. Unless you can spend months here, you’ll have to make some heart-breaking decisions between which parks to see and which to skip. Some, like Zion and Bryce are mega famous and will be packed with people, and others, like Grand Staircase-Escalante, you just might get all to yourself.

4. Zion National Park

Zion is one of the most popular national parks in the United States and a must-do on your southwestern road trip.

The main park is accessed by park shuttles that start running around sunrise and end around sunset. They change depending on time of year so check here before making plans. I stayed near Zion for two nights and hiked the Watchman Trail, Observation Point, and Upper Emerald Falls and enjoyed all of them. Sadly, The Narrows was closed due to too much water, but that is one of Zion’s most popular hikes and I was sad to miss it.

I had visited Zion 10 years prior and did the Angels Landing Hike. Even back then, with far fewer visitors, it was a hectic trail with the narrow drop-offs and hand chains, though the ending view is breathtaking. As an alternative, Observation Point instead is an 8-mile trail that looks down on Angels Landing and provides an epic view. More on that here .

• Recommended sights:  Observation Point, Overlook Trail, Emerald Pools, The Narrows, Angels Landing
• Camp:  Campgrounds book out months in advance around Zion, and first come, first serve spots are usually snatched up too. There is BLM camping in the eastern part, or you can camp at the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort owned by Ferber Resorts which is walking distance to the park, has some riverside spots, and costs $44/night (plus tax) with showers, Wi-Fi, and toilets.

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce is known for its famous hoodoos, the natural amphitheater, and the sunrise and sunset viewpoints. It’s also quite a bit higher in elevation than Zion, so bundle up!

If you’re squeezed for time, you could do one hike in Zion and head out to Bryce the following day to do one hike and catch a sunset/sunrise. On the other hand, if you want to take it all in, consider this 3-hour sightseeing tour that includes stops at Thor’s Hammer, the Cathedral, and the Natural Bridge.

• Recommended sights:  Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Queen’s Garden, Bryce Amphitheater.
• Camp:  There are several first come, first serve campgrounds in Bryce which you can get information on when entering the park.
• Click here to find it on the map.

6. Scenic Highways 12 and 25

From Zion, take the road through the tunnel and out of the park onto scenic Highway 12 for one of the best drives of your life – seriously! Leave some time to stop at the scenic overlooks and parks like Bryce and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument because they are more than worth stopping off at.

If national park crowds are not your thing, hiking and camping around this area is a great alternative, and it’s one of my favorites of the whole trip.

7. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

I can’t say enough good things about the Grand Staircase-Escalante. It’s an area of over 1 million acres of protected land that has so many adventures inside of it that it would take a lifetime to scratch the surface.

The biggest differences between this area and the national parks is most of the trails in the Grand Staircase-Escalante will be accessed via dirt roads, some of which will be 4×4 only. There will rarely be services, like running water, paved trails, bathrooms, and electric hookups. The benefit is almost no crowds, free camping in the wilderness, and natural areas that are no less impressive.

I did the Coyote Gulch trail in one day via the sneaker route, which does involve using a rope to climb down a 250-foot vertical rock and navigating by GPS, but it was also one of the best camping and hiking experiences of my life. More on that here.

• Recommended sights: Zebra Slot Canyon, Peek-a-boo Canyon, Spooky Slot Canyon, Coyote Gulch, Devil’s Garden. Here’s a guided Slot Canyon tour if you are interested!
• Camp: Find BLM camping off of dirt road offshoots and drive for long enough that you’re not visible from the road. This is what I always did in Grand Staircase-Escalante as it’s free and legal.
• Click here to find it on the map .

Utah’s Secret Places, the Perfect Off the Beaten Path Itinerary

The Perfect Utah National Parks Itinerary

8. Capitol Reef National Park

After Coyote Gulch, Capitol Reef is a fantastic stop. There’s a popular scenic drive, but to head off the beaten path, I highly suggest going out to the Temples of the Sun and the Moon. If you have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle then the Caineville Wash Road should be no problem for you as long as it hasn’t rained recently. If in a sedan, ask at the National Park office to see what the road conditions are.

• Recommended sights: Temples of the Sun and the Moon, Queen Bee rock formation, Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook.
• Camp:  There’s first come, first serve camping at Cathedral Valley Campground which, at least when I visited, was free.

9. Goblin Valley State Park

This will be a detour off of Highway 24 though it needn’t be a super long one. Once you enter the state park ($15 fee) you’ll see it’s not particularly large, though giving yourself time to walk among the goblins from the overlook would be wise. There’s also camping available in the state park and it’s worth noting they have nice bathrooms!

10. Sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park

Just outside of Moab, Utah, Dead Horse was one of the most impressive views I saw on this trip and I can’t believe it’s not more popular. The cost to get in is $15 and it’s a pretty small park, but the views at sunset are incredible!

While the main viewpoint at Dead Horse Point will have a few people around in the summer months, in the winter as pictured above, you could get it all to yourself. The majority of the view was totally open and there are plenty of spots where one could enjoy it in privacy. In the photo above, I’m perched on a rock above the cliffs over the viewpoint. Wowzers!

To see more of the last three places mentioned, check out my Utah’s Hidden Places video:

• Recommended sights: Dead Horse Point and if you have time, walk to it from the Visitor Center.
• Camp: Find BLM camping off of dirt road offshoots and make sure you’re not visible from the road. You’ll have to find a spot outside of the state park. Since I was already in the area, I decided to camp on BLM land between Dead Horse and Canyonlands National Park. You will see some ‘no camping’ signs, but most of them will say ‘no camping for the next 1/3 mile.’ After that, you’re free to camp. Just watch out for potholes in the dirt tracks.

11. Sunrise at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park

Mesa Arch is easily the most famous feature of Canyonlands National Park, particularly at sunrise. Everyone wants to get a shot of that sun lighting up the arch and the sweeping view of the canyon below. I recommend getting there an hour or more before the sunrise if you want an optimal spot for photos. This one was taken from the right side of the arch.

12. Arches National Park

After my Mesa Arch sunrise, I drove to Arches National Park to check out some arches quickly before continuing on. This park is crazy popular. It’s also home to the Delicate Arch which you see on the Utah state license plate.

The photo above is of The Windows, which is an easy offshoot within the park where you can see several arches at once.

• Recommended sights: The Windows, Delicate Arch, Fiery Furnace (must register for this the day prior at the visitor center), Devil’s Garden. You can read more about the best hikes in Arches here. 
• Camp: Find BLM camping off of the 313 towards Canyonlands.

13. Needles Overlook

Since you’ll be passing by, the Needles Overlook on the way to Valley of the Gods is vast and gorgeous. It’s an easy drive-up viewpoint that will take about an hour roundtrip. I would only do this if you have the time to and wouldn’t have to cut something else that’s important to you, since there are a lot of epic views on this trip!

14. Valley of the Gods

The Valley of the Gods was an impromptu discovery for me when I saw it off the side of the road and elected to check it out. I’m glad that I did, because this sparsely-visited valley has RED rock formations, in layers of color reaching up towards the sky.

This is a great spot to see the sunset and camp for the night, as it’s BLM land and there’s plenty of free, leave-no-trace campsites to choose from.

Take the Valley of the Gods road offshoot and connect with the 261 to come back to the 163.

First Name:

Next you’ll make your way to Arizona, which is just as impressive as Utah with it’s deep canyons and impressive rock formations.

15. Canyon de Chelly

This national monument is a reasonably big detour if you’re short on time ( check if it’s open first ). However if you can spare an extra afternoon, I’d suggest taking a look because you won’t see as many people as you will in the other spots on this list, and it has some ancient cave drawings you can take a short hike to as well as several beautiful overlooks like this one, Spider Rock.

16. Lake Powell

Lake Powell is such a lovely lake and the perfect jumping off point for some of the most famous things to see in Arizona.

• Camp : There’s a BLM spot outside of Paige. Just be careful not to go into the deep sand, as I saw two cars get towed out of there!

17. Horseshoe Bend

I wondered if Horseshoe Bend could look as amazing in person as it does in photos – but it does!

It’s a quick walk from the parking lot to the overlook. I did it in flip flops.

Be sure to get there early if you want to stake out a good spot for the sunset. There are plenty of boulders on the cliff edge that you can perch on until the sun sets, and I can’t think of many better places to hang out, either!

18. Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon

Like Horseshoe Bend, the Antelope Canyon is worth it to see in person. Those swirling red rocks are so unique.

They are also popular. I still can’t decide if I loved or loathed the experience because it’s so crowded in there! You’ll have a hard time if you’re claustrophobic, which I am!

I did both the upper and lower and both are worth seeing (I have a comparison written here ), as the lower tends to have more colors and the upper has those famous light beams, but only at certain times of day. Gear up and prepare for the crowds, do your breathing exercises, and don’t forget to look up.

Check here to see if the canyon is open or not at the moment.

19. The Wave or White Pocket

The next most famous stop in Arizona is usually The Wave, famous for the wave-like shape and color of the rock. Only 20 people get permits to see The Wave each day, and you’ll need to apply at 9am the day before in Kanab, Utah. Since I was in Page, I opted to see White Pocket instead which almost nobody else was visiting.

While the wave would be amazing to see one day, White Pocket will blow your mind, too. I suggest booking with Kanab Western Adventures  to experience this hike, which is accessed via a sandy 4×4 road. More on the experience here.

20. Grand Canyon

You can’t say you saw the American Southwest without seeing the grandest canyon of them all. The southern entrance is even more impressive than the northern IMHO, with dozens of drive-up overlooks. I loved going for sunset!

On your way, you’ll see roadside stalls offering hand-made Navajo jewelry for sale. I highly recommend pulling off and checking one out!

21. Havasu Falls

If you’re up for an overnight backpacking trip and can secure the permits (which you must do in February, more on that here ), this bucket list item is SO worth seeing. There are several waterfalls to hike to, along with canyon hikes, and more.

I love Sedona so dang much! If you’re into energy healing, the whole of Sedona is considered a vortex. There are hundreds of hiking trails, impressive rock formations, and healing modalities on offer.

You can read all you need to know about the best things to do in Sedona here .

Check out my recent solo trip there:

There’s so much more to Arizona than we’ve listed here, including the Petrified Forest, Phoenix, and more. Read our full Arizona Itinerary here .

Over one week, over two thousand miles, lots of sunrises and sunsets, nights full of stars, and sore legs, this was my American Southwest itinerary. It’s one of the greatest adventures I’ve had, and I’m sure it will be for you, too.

With some experiences you can get to yourself, and some you’ll have to share, this is the perfect mix of solitude while still experiencing the popular must-sees.

– Want to add more states on? –

The Perfect New Mexico Itinerary

The Ultimate Colorado Itinerary

Happy road tripping!

What Does an American Southwest Road Trip Cost?

Southern utah’s secret places.

*Some of the companies mentioned here are partners who helped make this article possible, and some links are affiliate links. Anything you purchase through these links helps keep this site running at no extra cost to you!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Ijana Loss says

05/31/2017 at 7:19 am

This sounds like an awesome trip, I would love to do a trip like this sometime! Aside from having to book a couple places ahead that are really popular, like Zion, it seems like it would be possible to wing the whole thing too. I hate structuring hiking based trips, I like being able to hike random places on a whim. What season did you do this in? Obviously a winter trip wouldn’t be recommended unless you know how to drive in the snow, but I wouldn’t care for summer because of crowds and heat. Spring or fall would work, yes?

Kristin says

05/31/2017 at 2:59 pm

I totally winged the whole thing actually, and it was OK! I think May is a very popular month as well (I just finished the trip, I’m current with my blog now 😉 but the locals all say that the fall is the best time of year.

Ylvalie says

06/01/2017 at 7:38 am

Your pictures are fantastic!

Jeric Danao says

06/01/2017 at 8:23 pm

Wow this content is admirable. You already had me with the off-the-grid solar panel source, lol. Just giving up some of that freedom vibe as you relax and appreciate every destination’s hotspot. Thank you for sharing this!

Rebecca says

06/02/2017 at 11:24 am

Now sooooo much more excited – we’re heading to Utah tomorrow! Great pics and thanks for these tips.

Shannon says

06/02/2017 at 11:46 am

This trip looks awesome Kristin. Thanks for sharing. I have a SW itinerary on my list: Havasupai – Sedona – Antelope Canyon. You definitely saw and did a lot in one week! Those pics though?! Really amazing.

06/02/2017 at 1:43 pm

I totally missed Havasupai and Sedona and it broke my heart! So many hard decisions to make there!

06/03/2017 at 8:05 pm

Wow! Those photos are amazing!

I’m totally adding the American Southwest to my list. Just wondering, any idea/thoughts/knowledge on dog friendly or not? I’d love to bring my boys but not sure if it would be worth it for them.

Rough numbers, what would you recommend for money to do a trip as you did?

06/04/2017 at 7:49 am

I think it depends on which parks you visit if you’d want to bring a dog along. A lot of the trails I did would not be appropriate for dogs either but you can probably find options!

My main cost was gas since I free camped almost everywhere. I’ll do a budget post soon!

Maggie says

06/11/2017 at 3:33 am

Great post! It’s amazing how beautiful the American Southwest is. I grew up in Arizona and it’s embarrassing how little I’ve seen of it compared to what I’ve seen of the rest of the world! Given me some serious wanderlust for my own backyard!

Next time you’re in the area, you should definitely check out Sedona. I lived there for a little bit and it is absolutely beautiful. The Tonto Natural Bridge in central AZ is also really worth visiting and I don’t think it gets enough credit compared to the everything else AZ has to offer.

06/11/2017 at 6:36 am

It broke my heart that I didn’t have time for Sedona. I drove right by it! Had to make some tough choices but I do want to go back.

Lindsay says

07/12/2017 at 8:01 am

Hi Kristen – I’d like to learn more about this since my boyfriend and I are planning on following your itinerary in September. Jucy RV isn’t available out of Las Vegas during our dates, which we’re planning on doing and my boyfriend isn’t into the whole hiking & sweating everyday, & then not showering …so we might end up going with a suped up RV for $300ish/day which I’d prefer not to if we can shower at campsites. Can you let me know which campsites you stopped at and the amenities they have? He would like to shower daily but I’d be fine w every other day. Also, is it cool at night for sleeping? I’m assuming the campervan has AC but don’t want to leave it running all night. Also, would you recommend purchasing the unlimited miles option?

Thanks! Lindsay

07/13/2017 at 2:31 am

In most campsites you can find hookups and be fine. I just didn’t use campsites and free camped instead. It’s cold at night usually! Yes I’d do unlimited miles for this particular itinerary.

Anonymous says

07/31/2017 at 7:42 am

Thanks! We did unlimited miles with Escape campervans and we’re going to get one of those bag showers!

Nichole says

07/12/2017 at 9:19 am

My husband and I just decided this weekend to fly out to Utah in October and rent a camper van. I can’t wait and the more I read I just keep getting more excited. Is it easy to know when you’re on public lands to camp? This will be my first trip west so I don’t really know what to expect.

07/13/2017 at 2:30 am

You can look up maps before you go but yeah, it’s usually pretty clear, at least it was to me.

10/16/2017 at 5:46 pm

Don’t be sad about missing Havasupai. A permit is required to go there. Permits for all of 2017 became available on Feb 1, 2017 and were gone in days. It isn’t a drive by destination. It’s a 10 mile hike in, an overnight and a 10 mile hike out.

Your helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon didn’t take you to the national park which is 5 hours by car from Las Vegas. Helicopters don’t have that kind of range. You went to what is called the west rim and it isn’t even inside the national park boundaries. Cebe

10/17/2017 at 12:16 am

I wouldn’t mind the hike in, to the falls or the actual Grand Canyon!

10/21/2017 at 6:09 pm

Try 70 in Utah as well. My husband drives a truck and we came in through Salt Lake and leaving went on 70 past 4 or 5 of the canyons. To say breathtaking is an understatement. I was in years from the beauty. Have never seen so much in one day. Simply amazing!!! I’ve been home almosy a month and still havent gone through my pictures.

10/22/2017 at 6:10 am

Thanks for the tip!

11/21/2017 at 2:47 pm

Great write-up and pictures. A map would be most helpful.

11/22/2017 at 1:01 am

Under each place I’ve linked a map 🙂

Harish K says

12/02/2017 at 1:57 pm

Hi Kristin,

I am a big fan. I am following the above itinerary, but landing in Las Vegas and starting from Zion. I plan on going the Christmas week. I see weather not too bad, but would you suggest it?

Also, keep doing what you are doing, you are a great inspiration for people like me!

Thanks Harish

12/03/2017 at 5:13 am

If there is snow in Zion and the narrows are iced over that will be magical. Just be prepared for road conditions to potentially be icy.

Jenifer De Figueiredo says

01/02/2018 at 6:38 pm

This is amazing! I’ve been wanting to do this trip with the family for a few years now. My parents took my sister and I when we were 8 and 10. Looking forward to it this summer! How many on foot miles would you say you were doing a day during this trip? We have four girls, ages 11-17. Not all of them are that athletic. Trying to gauge how much time we should give the trip while avoiding whining. I know they will love it, but I don’t want to kill them! 😉 We will also probably take the dog and RV it. Thank you so much for this post! It’s so helpful! 🙂

01/03/2018 at 2:22 am

You can do shorter hikes in Zion than observation point, like the emerald pool, which is very nice. If you are RVing then you would probably skip Coyote Gulch as well, which were my two longest days. Dead Horse is one you drive up to, and if you do White Pocket with Mike that’s not much walking either, plus it’s so engaging and beautiful since the rock formations are all so unique and different, they won’t even notice how far they’ve gone!

Giovanni says

03/28/2018 at 8:44 am

Thanks for sharing this comprehensive and handy resource 🙂 By the way, what do you think are the best places to fly a drone for this trip? Thanks

03/30/2018 at 8:23 pm

It’s getting stricter with time, but definitely not in the national parks, and for State Parks like Dead Horse, only at certain times of year.

Ronald says

05/15/2018 at 9:14 pm

Hello, I love your post! I’m thinking of doing almost the same roadtrip as you very soon; however it was frustrating because my friend dropped out last minute. Did you feel lonely at all going solo on the road? I just want to get your thoughts bc I’m a little hesitant to just do this roadtrip with no company. I feel like it’s just a different dynamic than solo backpacking and staying at hostels, which I’ve done in the past and you always meet people. Thank you!

05/16/2018 at 1:50 am

I actually LOVED it and still think of it as one of my best trips ever. I met people sometimes at the free BLM campsites, as well as just randomly on trails and once in a parking lot of a campsite where I was showering. I got to talking to that guy, invited him to watch the sunset at Horseshoe bend with me, then we even met up again when I was in Chiang Mai in January. I was surprised by how many people I met. I also spent a lot of time alone and I loved that too. Being alone in the desert is profound. Go for it!

05/20/2018 at 11:03 am

Hi Kirsten,

I’m so glad I found your post after typing “solo road trip USA” in Google. ?

Will be solo tripping for my last 5D4N from LAX – am planning to drive from Las Vegas to antelope canyons & Horseshoe bend, spend a night then go onto Moab for the arches & another night before driving onto SLC for one more night then fly back into LAX for my flight back home. (LAX – LV – Page – Moab – SLC – LAX)

Just slightly worried for the 4+ to 5 hour drive each leg… (Friends say I’m crazy & told me to just join the tours to Antelope canyons & forgot abt the rest) but your post is very assuring! I wasn’t planning on getting an RV though, just a compact car & stay at the town motels etc.

Were there any instances where you were too knackered to drive after doing the hikes? Just worried that the heat might zap me out – will be going in a mths time (June!)

Thanks in advance for your sharing.

05/20/2018 at 11:23 am

I had a camper van which was convenient since it allowed me to stay out near the entrances to the parks but motels would be fine too! You’ll spend all morning getting from point A to B, that’s the main thing. I feel like you’d have so little time in each place it might be better to pick either Page or Moab and give yourself one full day without driving in one of them. I’d pick Moab, personally. I also had breaks here and there when I didn’t have a super long drive, and that made it enjoyable for me. However if you really want to see it all, then do it girl! Antelope Canyon and horseshoe bend aren’t really hikes, and you can see a lot in Arches without hiking either.

06/24/2018 at 3:06 pm

We’re planning a similar trip this fall, so your post will come in really handy as we really start to plan. Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas!

06/24/2018 at 11:55 pm

Sabhay says

08/21/2018 at 5:38 pm

Which drone do you use for photography? Would you be able to tell me the model number?

08/21/2018 at 9:42 pm

It’s a DJI Mavic Pro 🙂

Emily Wethington says

11/12/2018 at 6:13 pm

My family and I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Which airport do you recommend to fly into that is close enough to one of these parks besides LAX?

11/12/2018 at 11:58 pm

You could also do Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.

02/12/2019 at 7:37 am

My family is flying into Las Vegas for the first week of April. We are planning on driving to the Grand Canyon first for an overnight stay then onto Zion for a couple days before ending up in Park City. Do you have any suggestions for hikes and sight seeing for this short trip that would maximize the time?

02/12/2019 at 10:18 am

I really like Observation Point in Zion: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/zion-observation-point/

02/26/2019 at 11:04 pm

Oh wow this looks AMAZING. Bookmarking this post so I can use as reference for when the day finally comes and I visit all these places! Goblin Valley looks awesome!

Sylvia Koss says

04/07/2019 at 2:54 pm

Beautiful. We are planning visiting south Utah in July. Flying to Salt Lake City and renting a car not camper. We don’t have much time only 5 days, what’s your recommendation? Thanks in advance

04/07/2019 at 4:03 pm

Check out Moab!

Keith Miller says

05/24/2020 at 2:21 pm

I read your adventures you wrote about and must say it brings back memories. I travel the whole US for one year. Been just about everywhere there is to go, especially the west and up to Canada. Based out of Aspen. I want to take my girlfriend to these places. She’s been in Europe and other places but not our beautiful USA. Your trip and story was awesome. Thank you for sharing. We just did a 6 day New England’s fall colors experience last October 12-18th from Boston thru Mass. NH. Vt. Me. and it was perfect timing. AirB&B each fantastic place. It was the most color I’ve ever experienced, every scenic highway throughout Certainly a must do!!! Again, loved your share.

05/25/2020 at 9:29 am

thanks Keith! I agree there’s soooo much to see in the US. I hope you guys get to explore soon.

Melissa Hardy says

09/12/2020 at 7:32 pm

This is so well organized!! Thank you for sharing all of this! My family did a seven day adventure around the Grand Canyon ending the Southern rim and went to many of these stops. We are planning another trip after all the Covid craziness passes. We wanted more time everywhere we went. Vegas was a whirl wind, we landed at 9 PM, got our rental car, checked into the Luxor and quickly drove over to the fountains before their last showing at midnight! I packed a lot in our itinerary but did a lot of research prior to going. We didn’t want to miss anything!! I will also share my blog in case you are interested or anyone else 🙂

10/10/2020 at 10:39 am

I love this part of the world and keep revisiting it too!

Yung Chen says

09/13/2020 at 12:10 pm

Dear Kristin:

Wonderful writing and many useful information. Please update your Google map links. Most of your writing’s map links are not working!

Keep up the good work!

They’re all working for me! LMK if there’s anything specific that isn’t working for you 🙂

Tiffany Carr says

10/04/2021 at 9:12 am

Hello, My plans to take my seniors on one last big trip before college got detailed last year so attempting to plan something more nature, simple, budget friendly and full of one time life experiences. Just started to follow your blog that I found. Our daughter is headed to Thailand in August of 2022 to teach English, so buying your book for her birthday. Debating between flying into Utah or Colorado. Want to rent a camper/van for the 3 of us. No agenda, just drive from airport for 3-5 days and back to airport.

What would be your best recommendation as to where to fly into, drive around/camp for 3-4 days? Hiking, swimming in natural springs and viewing God’s creation being the goal.

Ps. Should I get kitchen equipment with the van or place to grab at least one meal a day? We can improvise the other 2:) Thank you!!

10/11/2021 at 1:25 pm

Hmm it probably depends on where you can actually rent the van. I’d look into that first and plan from there!

Lynn Kirkland says

01/14/2022 at 5:47 am

Love your blog. So much information and secret little places to visit Love it. Great pictures and video.

We are planning a trip in April and we will include several of your adventures in our trip. The free camping information was great.

01/14/2022 at 1:36 pm

Yay glad you found it helpful! It’s my favorite place in the world. Enjoy.

Earnest Bijen says

05/11/2023 at 2:48 am

This American Southwest road trip itinerary is absolutely incredible! From the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon to the charming towns of Sedona and Santa Fe, this itinerary is packed with some of the most beautiful and fascinating places in the region. I especially love the idea of hiking in the Narrows of Zion National Park and exploring the unique geology of Bryce Canyon. Road trips are such a wonderful way to explore a new destination, and this itinerary provides a great mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Thank you for sharing this comprehensive guide to exploring the American Southwest!

05/13/2023 at 6:21 am

glad you like it!

South-west USA road trip (Part 1) – Spectacular desert scenery and national parks

• Arizona , California , Nevada , USA , Utah
• Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
• Activities available: Boat Trip, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Self Drive
• Why visit: Hiking, Scenery
• Features: Desert , Mountain walks , Peaks , Rock formations , Waterfall

Designed to visit some of the most scenic natural attractions and national parks in America’s south-west, this 4,600 mile road trip makes a loop through southern California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada to take in many of the National Parks of the Grand Circle. (Meticulously planneed over many weeks by my wife, I’ve managed to include time for many hikes along the way – but it also has some “cultural stops” like Las Vegas to keep the non-hiking teenagers happy!) The first leg starts in LA and takes us through rugged desert landscapes to Las Vegas, where we spend a couple of days before hitting the road again as we head for San Francisco and the Pacific Coast.

• LA to Pioneertown via Palm Springs (250 miles / 405km) – Joshua Tree National Park
• Pioneertown to Grand Canyon (380 miles / 610km) – Grand Canyon National Park
• Grand Canyon to Lake Powell (145 miles / 235km)
• Lake Powell to Monument Valley (130 miles / 210km) – Monument Valley
• Monument Valley to Moab (180 miles / 290km) – The Arches and Canyonlands
• Moab to Bryce (270 miles / 430km) – Bryce Canyon
• Bryce to Virgin (110 miles / 175km) – Zion National Park
• Virgin to Las Vegas (155 miles / 250km) – Red Rock Canyon

LA to Pioneertown (Joshua Tree National Park)

Driving distance: 250 miles / 405km (approx 6 hours) Key Attractions: Rock formations, a cool cactus garden and the unusual Joshua Tree on the 56 mile / 90km drive through the Joshua Tree National Park. Allow time for many of the short hikes in the park. More information and photos: Joshua Tree National Park Accommodation: The Saguaro (Palm Springs) to break up the trip after along flight, and Pioneertown Motel on the second night.

After the long flight from Sydney to Los Angeles, we have a very short first day, driving from the airport where we pick up our rental car to Palm Springs. Our road trip really begins on Day 2, when we head into Joshua Tree National Park . Entering the park from the south, we take the Pinto Basin Trail, the main road that traverses the national park. (We also purchase our $80 America the Great parks pass here, which gives you access to all national parks – but not State Parks or Navajo Nation parks.)

The drive traverses the national park, with a changing vista of open plains, rock formations and the unique Joshua Tree. We stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden (a dense patch of the teddybear cholla), Arch Rock and Heart Rock , Split Rock , Skull Rock and the the Hall of Horrors . Another short hike to Barker Dam visits one of the only places in the park that has water, with the trail also passing a native American petroglyph site .

We’re now almost at the West Entrance Gate (which is also at the northern end of the park), where we exit the park and head for our accommodation at Pioneertown – about 16mi/25km or a 25min drive. (There is no accommodation other than campsites within Joshua Tree National Park.) Pioneertown was established in 1946 as an 1880s themed live-in Old West motion-picture set. Hundreds of Westerns and early television shows were filmed in Pioneertown, including The Cisco Kid and Edgar Buchanan’s Judge Roy Bean. The Mane Street area is recognised as a historic district by the National Register of Historic Places. The town has the Pioneertown Motel and a couple of restaurants – and is a pretty cool place to stay!

We’re up at the crack of dawn (or just before!) on the following day for a last visit to Joshua Tree… I’m doing the short (but steep) hike up to Ryan Mountain , while my wife and the kids drive out to Keys Point – both offer great views and are particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.

Pioneertown to Grand Canyon via Oatman

Driving distance: 380 miles / 610km (approx 7 hours) Key Attractions: The historic and unique town of Oatman, the iconic Route 66 and and of course the spectacular South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Lots of desert and mountain views on the drive. More information and photos: Grand Canyon National Park Accommodation: Clear Sky Resorts – Grand Canyon – Unique Sky Domes which is about 30min from the Grand Canyon entry gate.

Today is a relatively long driving day, as we head east into Arizona and the Grand Canyon . There’s a lot of wide, open spaces as we initially head north on State Route 247 through the Mojave Desert.

We eventually meet the historic Route 66 at Amboy, where Roy’s Motel and Café stands as an example of roadside Mid-Century Modern Googie architecture (“a type of futurist architecture influenced by car culture, jets, the Space Age, and the Atomic Age”).

The scenery gets more dramatic as we approach the rust-coloured Dead Mountains, in the southeastern Mojave Desert.

We reach Oatman in time for lunch: “a place that you need to see to believe”. Beginning as a mining tent camp before flourishing as a gold-mining centre, it’s now an authentic and photogenic Wild West town. After the end of the gold rush in 1942 (when the last mine was closed), tourism sustained the town and it’s now a thriving tourist attraction, with historic buildings and wild burros roaming the streets.

We enjoy lunch at the The Oatman Hotel, home to the Dollar Bill Bar where the saloon is covered floor to ceiling in dollar bills. The tradition comes from miners who, on receiving their paycheck, would write their name on a dollar note and stick it on the wall. When they needed some extra cash to pay their tab, they would find their dollar bill on the wall. Ask for a staplegun, and add your own American (or foreign) bill to the wall…

As we continue north from Oatman along the Oatman Highway (part of Route 66), the road twists and turns over the Black Mountains and Sitgreaves Pass . A lookout provides a sweeping view in all directions; from here you can see the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada. A little bizarrely, the lookout also has hundreds of crosses and memorials – the location has been used for over 30 years by people scattering ashes and erecting memorials.

There’s a few more lookouts along the highway, offering great views of the rugged desert and mountain landscape.

We continue though more vast, open country, arriving at the Grand Canyon just in time to catch the sun set. It’s my second visit to the Grand Canyon, and the second time I’ve looked at my photos and lamented that they completely fail to capture the awe-inspiring size and depth of the canyon.

We backtrack slightly to our accommodation at the Unique Sky Domes , about a 30min drive from the Grand Canyon entry gate. A clear night allows some great views of the stars from the patio of our family dome. (The property offers stargazing tours, a Movie Dome and many other activities that unfortunately we don’t have time to do.)

The following day starts with an early morning hike, as my son and I take a lesser-used hiking trail to Shoshone Point . After our hike we take a drive along the Grand Canyon Desert View Drive , so I can take more photos that don’t do justice to the views! A series of lookouts provide slightly different perspectives over the Grand Canyon:

• Duck on a Rock , Grandview Point , the starting point for a trail into the canyon
• Lipan Point , one of the highest points on the South Rim
• Desert Watchtower , or the Indian Watchtower at Desert View.

Grand Canyon to Lake Powell (Page)

Driving distance: 145 miles / 235km (approx 3 hours) Key Attractions: Allow for a few stops to admire the landscape on the way. Around Page there are boat tours above and below the dam, and multiple slot canyons including the world-famous Antelope Canyon. Accommodation: Lake Powell Resort provides easy access to the tourist attractions around Page (and many tours leave from here).

It’s a short day today in terms of distance… but there’s some great scenery on the drive. The Little Colorado River Gorge – described as a miniature version of the Grand Canyon – is almost as as spectacular as its larger sibling.

There are two viewpoints along Desert View Drive (US 64), with the second viewpoint the better one. A short walk descends to the rim of the 3,000 feet / 910m deep gorge, with the river visible below. The Little Colorado River, a tributary of the Colorado River, drops from the White Mountains in central Arizona to Lyman Lake over a distance of 340 miles. (At this time of the year the water in the Little Colorado River is brown – in the warmer months the minerals in the water creates a more photogenic blue/turquoise color .)

As with the previous day’s drive, there are vast open spaces, punctuated by steep mountains.

As we approach Page, there’s a great view of the Vermillion Cliffs , steep eroded escarpments which rise as high as 3,000 feet / 910 m above the desert floor.

Just before reaching Page the road traverses Antelope Pass, from where there is a nice view to the west.

After we check in to Lake Powell Lodge, I head back out to do the very popular Horseshoe Bend hike . The short drive passes Lake Powell, which is an incredible sight. Formed by a dam constructed from 1956 to 1963 on the Colorado River which flooded the Glen Canyon, the lake is the second largest artificial reservoir in the US (after Lake Mead). At the time of our visit, 22 years into the southwestern North American megadrought, the lake is at 22.88% of capacity – the lowest water level since it was filled in 1963. Long term climate modelling suggests that Lake Powell may eventually dry up completely.

After stopping at the two viewpoints over the lake, I make another stop at Glen Canyon Dam. The controversial arch-gravity concrete dam is 1,271 feet (387m) long and 710 feet (220m) high, and like the lake is an impressive sight. Near the dam is the Glen Canyon Bridge, a “marvel of engineering” which was the highest bridge of its kind in the US and one of the highest in the world when it was built. The nearby town of Page, which had a population of 7,551 in the 2020 census, was established in 1959 to house dam construction workers.

I’m aiming to be at the start of the hike to Horseshoe Bend an hour before sunset, where I join hundreds of people making their way to the popular lookout.

The following day we have a couple of tours booked; unfortunately storms and wet weather mean that all the Antelope Canyon tours are cancelled. But our half-day Horseshoe Bend rafting tour is still going ahead… you could easily spend a few days exploring the area, so if time allows try and do one rafting trip below the dam, a boat trip on the lake (to Rainbow Bridge) and either the upper or lower Antelope Canyon.

Horseshoe Bend Rafting Trip

The rafting trip starts with a short bus trip through a tunnel to the base of the enormous dam, where we board the rafts.

Our informative and knowledgeable guide Danny points out key features as we head gradually downstream, with the cliffs of the partly-submerged Glen Canyon towering above us.

There’s one stop along the river at Petroglyph Beach , where a short trail leads to a native American petroglyph panel – and the small beach allows anyone willing to brave the cold water to go for a swim (the water temperature is typically 56-50 degrees F or 7-10 degrees C, but has been warming as the water levels in the reservoir drop).

Just after this brief stop we pass through Horseshoe Bend – which is much more photegenic from the top, than it is from the river!

The rain has been threatening for a while, and the heavens finally open. Within a few minutes, there are waterfalls cascading down both sides of the canyon.

As we reach the end of the rafting trip, we pass the only cave along this stretch of the river, and Danny points out the abrupt change in the geology between Glen Canyon and the Grand Canyon to the south.

We disembark at Lees Ferry, with the Vermillion Cliffs looming in the distance.

From here it’s an hour bus trip back to Page, where the tour finishes.

Lake Powell (Page) to Monument Valley

Driving distance: 130 miles / 210km (approx 2.5 hours) Key Attractions: There’s only one hiking trail in Monument Valley, but stunning scenery which you can do as a self-drive tour or a guided tour which takes you into restricted areas (and is well worth doing). More information and photos: Monument Valley Accommodation: Gouldings Lodge is one of two hotels in Monument Valley; the historic Gouldings Lodge has more facilities (including gas station, grocery store and laundromat). Both this lodge and the View Hotel have a range of rooms & cabins with great views.

It’s a late start today after our morning boat tour, but a very short drive to from Page to Monument Valley. As we approach Monument Valley, we start getting a glimpse of the rock formations which make this area unique. Called Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii in Navajo – meaning valley of the rocks – the valley is characterized by a cluster of sandstone buttes.

We check into the Gouldings Lodge , which has a long history from when it operated as a trading post in 1921 and later hosted Western movie director John Ford and actor John Wayne. Over a few decades many movies were filmed in the area. Although it’s not raining, the area is covered by low cloud and there’s some dramatic views from our hotel room balcony.

I’m up fairly early the next morning for a hike along the Wildcat Trail – as almost all of the area is Navajo or private land, there’s only one walking trail in the area. It can get busy (and has no shade), so an early start is recommended. By the time I finish my hike, the clouds have lifted, and there’s a panoramic view of Valley Drive and the main rock formations from the Visitor Centre.

Dreamcatcher Tour

On our second day we have a four-hour Dreamcatcher Tour which takes us through some of the restricted areas of Monument Valley. We jump into an open safari-style vehicle, which initially heads down the Monument Valley Drive.

We stop at a few vantage points over the rock formations, which our guide provides some information on, including the Mittens and Merrick Butte, Elephant Butte, the Three Sisters before stopping at John Ford’s Point (named after the director John Ford).

From here we soon leave the Valley Drive, taking one of the unsealed roads that are closed to the public. There’s more spectacular buttes and rock formations, including “Big Hogan” (a cave with a natural arch eroded in the sandstone) and Sun’s Eye (a site with native American petroglyphs ).

There are more photo opportunities as we drive back the same way to our dinner location, where we enjoy a meal of burritos under the stars.

Monument Valley Drive

I’m up early again the following day, our last day at Monument Valley… everyone else prefers to sleep in, so I take the opportunity to catch sunrise and do the 17-mile Valley Drive loop. I make it to the Visitor Centre carpark just before sunrise, joining a small group of photographers waiting for the sun to make its way above the horizon.

The first few miles are the same route as yesterday’s afternoon Dreamcatcher Tour, but the buttes looks very different in the morning light. I pass the first three stops again: East and West Mittens and Merrick Butte, Elephant Butte, the Three Sisters .

There’s almost no-one else on the dirt road, and the morning light is still great for photography as the route goes past The Hub and a bit further a lookout providing a view over the Totem Pole and Yei Bi Chei to the east.

More features along the road include Mushroom Rock , a short side-trip to the Artist’s Point lookout, The Thumb and The Window before the end of the loop.

I stop at John Ford’s Point on the way out, where the loop finishes and the route goes back the same way I drove in.

Monument Valley to Moab (Arches National Park)

Driving distance: 180 miles / 290km (approx 5 hours via Valley of the Gods) Key Attractions: Vantage point from the Forrest Gump movie on the way out of Monument Valley, and the route via Valley of the Gods (unsealed road) adds at least an hour but is well worth doing. Moab is the gateway town to Arches National Park and Canyonlands, which offer a wide variety of hikes and mountain biking trails, and lots of great views from the roads through the parks. More information and photos: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park Accommodation: There are lots of accommodation near Moab; we stayed at Wingate by Wyndham . For something a bit different have a look at Moab Under Canvas , which is a short distance out of Moab.

Although the direct route between Monument Valley and Moab is only about three hours, the scenic drive via Valley of the Gods adds at least an hour – but is well worth the detour. There’s more iconic views looking back towards Monument Valley as we head north on Highway 163 towards Moab.

Along the highway is a vantage point back towards Monument Valley made famous by the movie Forrest Gump (the exact point being 37°06’09.5″N 109°59’21.1″W ), where after running for more than three years Forrest abruptly stops and decides to go back home.

There’s more interesting scenery as we continue north, crossing the San Juan River and leaving “civilsation” behind.

We pass Alhambra Rock on the left and Mexican Hat (a hat-shaped rock which you can see from the main road) on the right. A dirt road gets you a bit closer to Mexican Hat, but it’s not really worth making the short detour.

The highway continues to cross large open expanses, with a steep mountain range looming ahead of us.

Valley of the Gods Drive

Just after Mexican Hat – 38 miles or 61km from Monument Valley – we turn onto Highway 61, which takes us into the Valley of the Gods. On the way we make a short detour onto the intriguingly named Moki Dugway : I later learn that “moki” is a local term for the ancient Puebloan people who inhabited the Colorado Plateau hundreds of years ago, and “dugway” means a roadway carved from a hillside. The Moki Dugway Scenic Backway is a dirt road where the blacktop turns into a dirt road that “drastically switches back and forth down the side of a cliff at an 11% grade”. My wife is rather unimpressed by the vertiginous drop-off at the edge of of the twisting road… but it does offer great views of the San Juan River Canyon and Valley of the Gods.

We head back down the steep Moki Dugway, to where the Valley of the Gods road starts. It’s a A 17-mile dirt road which winds through the valley, and while a 4WD is recommended you can get through in a 2WD vehicle if you have a bit of clearance (unless it’s been raining). The road is pretty rough, but it’s well worth doing this drive – it’s much less crowded than Monument Valley, and offers some spectacular scenery.

If you’re driving clockwise (as we are), the most unusual rock formations are on the second half of the route, when you go round the narrow but imposing Castle Butte , and past Battleship Butte , Frankin Butte , Rooster Butte and Setting Hen Butte (the last two not really looking at all like chickens, in my humble opinion!).

There’s a small amount of water in one of the larger washes we cross, which would have been from the rain a few days ago.

Toward the end of the drive there’s a great view over Valley of the Gods, with many of the distinctive rock formations and buttes of Monument Valley visible in the distance.

Once back on Highway 163, there’s plenty more dramatic scenery as we head towards the town of Bluff.

Bluff is nestled between sandstone bluffs and the San Juan River, near the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway – there’s lots to do here, including tours that visit some of the many native Americaan sites. It’s an area I’d like to come back and explore – we don’t have much time today but we do make a short side-trip to the impressive Sand Island Petroglyphs Panel . The images that span thousands of years, and include handprints, horned animals, hunters and a Kokopelli playing a flute.

In the town of Bluff is Bluff Fort, built in 1880 by Mormon pioneers seeking to establish a mission on the San Juan River (the first Anglo community in southeastern Utah). Seventy families consisting of around 250 men, women and children travelled from Escalante in south central Utah-in October 1879, with the aim of establishing a mission at Montezuma on the San Juan River. Expecting the journey to take six week, after six months through incredibly tough terrain over 260 miles in what has been described as “one of the most extraordinary wagon trips ever undertaken in North America , they stopped 20 miles upriver of their intended destination and established what is now Bluff City.

After Bluff we head north on Highway 191 through more open country (and the occasional rock formation).

Our last stop is Wilson Arch, which is right next to Highway 90 just outside Moab.

Wilsons Arch

One of the most accessible arches in the area, Wilsons Arch was named after Joe Wilson, a local pioneer who had a cabin nearby in Dry Valley. A very short (5-10min) hike takes you up the rock formation.

The arch is 91 feet (28m) long and and 46 feet (14m) tall, and was formed by water entering superficial cracks, joints, and folds in the Entrada Sandstone which then froze, gradually resulting in a series of free-standing fins. Many of these fins collapsed, and others survived as arches. The arch is pretty impressive: I think equally as spectacular as many within the Arches National Park.

Arches National Park drive

Arriving in Moab mid-afternoon, we’ve got just enough time for a drive through the Arches National Park . (There is a timed entry system being trialled in 2022, but you can enter after 5pm without pre-purchasing a ticket.) I’ll add that you could (and should) spend an entire day here, so this is just an initial drive before we explore the park more over the next day and a half! The Arches National Park Road heads steeply up into the park, with a few spots along the road where you can safely stop for a photo down into the valley, before reaching Park Avenue .

The road passes the Courthouse Towers , a series of spires (or isolate monoliths) that tower 300-700 feet (90m-215m) up from the desert floor. They includes Baby Arch, Three Gossips, Ring Arch and the Tower of Babel.

Just past Balanced Rock is the Garden of Eden , which has a fascinating assortment of rock formations including Adam and Eve and the Devil’s Golf Ball. A a short walk between two rock spires leads to a nice vantage point over the park – or for ever better views, you can climb the 100-foot-high Owl Rock.

Our destination for today is Wolfe Ranch, just off the main road, where Luke and I are hiking out to Delicate Arch to catch the sunset.

Mountain-biking and more hiking

The following day my son’s doing a mountain biking tour with Bighorn Mountain Biking (which I highly recommend), so I take the opportunity to do a couple of hikea. After dropping Luke off at Navajo Rocks, a newer riding area north of Moab just north of Moab, I visit the Intestine Man petroglyph site .

I’m heading to the enormous Co r ona Arch , on the recommendation of Kenny, Luke’s mountain biking guide, for my first hike.

The second hike combines a couple of trails in the popular Windows Section of Arches National Park.

Canyonlands Tour

In the evening we’re booked on a half-day Canyonlands tour, which explores some of the incredible canyons and buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries.

Our private 4WD tour heads north out of Moab, before turning onto Route 279 which follows the Colorado River through Meander Canyon.

The sealed road turns into the Potash Road and then the unsealed Shafer Canyon Road (also called the Shafer Trail) as it passes a balancing rock ( Elvis Rock ) and potash evaporation ponds.

After the potash ponds, the road enters Canyonlands National Park and reaches Thelma and Louise Point , a viewpoint 900 feet (300m) above the Colorado River and 1000 feet (335m) below Dead Horse Overlook. This is the location where the last scene of the movie Thelma and Louise was filmed, where they drive their car off the cliff.

The next viewpoint ( Gooseneck Overlook ) where the river makes a 180-degree arc over a distance of four miles is even more spectacular.

There’s more incredible scenery and rock formations as we continue along Shafer Canyon Road before it reaches the junction with White Rim Road which constructed in the 1950s by the Atomic Energy Commission to gain access to uranium deposits in the area.

Shafer Canyon Road now continues directly towards an enormous cliff, before winding up the Shafer Canyon Switchbacks to reach the Shafer Canyon Overlook.

After enjoying the sunset views, we head back to Moab, on sealed roads again.

I’ve got time for one last hike before we leave Moab, leaving before dawn to explore Landscape Arch (the longest natural rock arch in the park) and Double O Arch in the Devils Garden area, via the Devils Garden Trail .

Moab to Bryce (Bryce Canyon)

Driving distance: 270 miles / 435km (5-7 hours) Key Attractions: Take the slightly longer and more scenic route via State Highways 24 and 12. This passes through Capitol Reef National Park (which has a few hiking trails and a large petroglyph panel) and takes State Route 12 via Escalante, recognised as National Scenic Byway with spectacular views. Bryce Canyon, the destination, has the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular columns of rock) found anywhere on Earth More information and photos: Bryce Canyon Accommodation: We stayed at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon for something a bit different. If you can get accommodation within the park at Bryce Canyon Lodge it has the advantage that you can easily walk to the main lookouts and trailheads.

After two hours at Moab, we’re hitting the road again as we make our way to Bryce Canyon. We’ve got most of the the day for the drive, with the aim of getting to Bryce in time for sunset. There’s lot of big, open country again with a few interesting sites along the way. Out of the car window we spot an odd structure near Green River in Utah. It’s Golden Ratio , a “high-concept art in the form of a 44-foot-high pile of giant concrete cubes”, built by world-renowned Australian artist Andrew Roger. The 53 enormous blocks used to make the sculpture are said to be arranged in a Fibonacci sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…).

A bit further is Kathline Rock View Area , a roadside stop between Goblin Valley and the Henry Mountains which provides a view of the Henry Mountains, Boulder Mountain, and Factory Butte.

The small town of Hanksville at the junction of State Routes 24 and 95 doesn’t have any restaurants (a little unfortunate as we are getting hungry), but there are a few interesting rock shops.

The scenery gets dramatic again as the road passes through Capitol Reef National Park. We stop here to look at the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs , and I hike up the steep trail to the Hickman Bridge , a large natural arch.

There’s more stark, desert scenery before we turn onto Boulder Mountain Road (State Route 12, recognised as Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 and also an All-American Road) which climbs up to Boulder Mountain Pass – a high mountain pass with an elevation of 9,606ft (2,928m) above sea level. Built in the 1920s, the road was only paved in 1985 and since then has attracted an increasing number of tourists: “State Route 12 is ensconced on most travel guides as a must-see tour through mountain forest and slickrock canyon.”

Along the road are a few signposted lookouts (Homestead Overlook and Heritage Overlook) – and due to the high elevaton it’s the first time on our trip that we’ve seen signs of the leaves changing colour.

Another spectacular section of State Highway 12 between Boulder and Escalante is known as the Hogback : it passes multiple lookouts that provide views across the Escalante Canyons and Lower Calf Creek Canyon.

Powell Point Vista is another nice lookout next to State Highway 12, which provides a view from the Table Cliffs Plateau over the Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon National Park region. There’s another 15 miles or so of scenic driving, before the distinctive rock formations of Bryce Canyon come into view as we enter the park from the east.

Bryce Canyon Sunset

We make it with plenty of time to do the easy Rim Trail hike along the top of the rim.

We find a spot at Sunset Point to watch the sun set, and the colour gradually fade out of the thousands of hoodoos below us.

Kodachrome State Park

As I’ve been to Bryce National Park before, I’m keen to explore the nearby Kodachrome State Park . Although the scenery isn’t quite as breathtaking as Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome State Park saw about 20,000 visitors in 2020 – compared to just under 1.5 million for Bryce! The Panorama Trail loop passes some of the park’s signature features, including the Ballerina Spire and Indian Cave.

On the way back, I make a quick stop to exlore the short trail to Mossy Cave in Bryce National Park. It’s located in Water Canyon, which is unique due to the presence of water that comes from an irrigation ditch from the East Fork of the Sevier River carved by Mormon pioneers from 1890-1892.

Bryce to Virgin (Zion National Park)

Driving distance: 110 miles / 175km (2-4 hours) Key Attractions: More great scenery on the (relatively) short drive… allow a bit of time for a hike in Dixie National Forest, and stop for lunch at the famous Thunderbird Restaurant: “home of the ho-made pies”. The last part of the route is a spectacular drive through Zion National Park. More information and photos: Zion National Park Accommodation: We stayed at Zions Tiny Oasis , a tiny house which is perfect for two but a bit cramped for a family of four – but the kids loved the outdoor spa and the property has great views. I’d highly recommend getting accommodation within the park at Zion Lodge if you can, as this enables you to drive into the park and explore the trails before and after the shuttle operating hours.

Today is another short driving day as we head from Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park – although there is a lot to see along the way. We’re still on Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 as we leave Bryce, passing more hoodoos and driving through the Red Canyon Arch.

We make a slight detour to Panguitch City, described as “one of the great historic towns of the West” and the official start – or end – of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12. It’s a bit of a pointless detour – there are a few historic-looking buildings amongst many more shit buildings, and a handful of gas stations. We continue south from Panguitch on Highway 89, stopping again at Orderville. This small town (with a population of just 577 in the 2010 census) has a few places selling rocks and fossils, including the The Rock Stop where we enjoy a very good coffee. The town also has the Thunderbird Restaurant, Home of Utah’s famous “Ho-Made Pies”. The restaurant was built alongside a dirt road in 1931 by Fern Morrison and her husband Jack, and legend is that when Jack made the first home-made sign for the restaurant, he ran out of space to spell out all the words, and shortened it to the folksier sounding “HoMade”.

Zion Park Boulevarde

We’re soon at he east entrance of Zion National Park, where the scenery starts to get pretty spectacular. At the first lookout (the Checkerboard mesa view area) we see a handful of bighorn sheep, who are attracted to the Checkerboard Mesa Canyon by the pools of rainwater.

There’s non-stop view from the road, as it descends through the national park.

Just before the very long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel is the short Canyon Overlook trail , which provides sweeping views over Zion from the lookout at the end.

After the hike we continue through the tunnel: the 1.1 mile (1.8km) long Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel was built between 1920 and 1930, and when opened on 4 July 1930 it was the longest tunnel of its type in the United States. After the tunnel the road descends steeply through a series of switch-backs, with views back up to the Great Arch.

At the bottom of the valley, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – which goes to to Temple of Sinawava – is closed to private vehicles (a shuttle runs for most months of the year), so we head out of the park through the South Entrance. Another half an hour of driving via the town of Springdale gets us to our accommodation at Zions Tiny Oasis in Virgin, on Kolob Terrace Road.

Petroglyph Cave

I’ve got just enough time before it gets dark for a quick trip a bit further up Kolob Terrace Road to the Cave Valley Petroglyph site , which is at the base of some low cliffs. It’s a bit tricky finding the site, and I’m back just in time to catch the sun set on the drive back.

Although it’s a bit of a drive from Zions Tiny Oasis to Zion National Park, the quirky accommodation is in a secuded spot and offers some great views – and the kids loved the outdoor hot tub!

Kolob Terrace

We’re heading west to Las Vegas, but we first continue further up Kolob Terrace Road, which follows the Kolob Terrace over 24 miles from Virgin to Lava Point, one of one of the highest points in Zion. From Lava Point you can hike the 15 mile / 24km West Rim Trail down to Zion Canyon, which I did a few years ago.

As the Kolob Terrace is in the middle of Zion National Park (between Zion Canyon and the Kolob Canyons) you get some great views over the expanse of Zion National Park.

We return the same way, stopping in the town of Virgin. The small town (with a population of 596 in the 2010 census) was referenced in Michael Moore’s 2002 film Bowling for Columbine for the fact that in May 2000 a law was passed requiring every homeowner to keep and maintain a firearm – except for “the mentally ill, convicted felons, conscientious objectors and people who cannot afford to own a gun”. Along the highway is Fort Zion, a gift shop which also serves ice cream and has a petting zoo, and featrus some replica Wild West forts and buildings.

Kolob Canyons

Although it’s a slight detour, we head north to have a look at the Kolob Canyons area. There’s a Visitor Centre at the start of the Kolob Canyons Road, and a friendly ranger suggests the Taylor Creek Trail as being the best one in this area – but I don’t have time today to undetake this 5-mile (8km) return hike. Even if you’re not hiking, there are spectacular views from the scenic drive up the canyon.

A lookout about half-way up the drive provides a view up to Paria Point, a 7,802 foot (2,378m) high peak.

A little further up the road, one lookout with signage point out a hanging valley, and another providehas a view of a large cave at the base of one of the peaks.

At the end of the Kolob Canyons drive are sweepings view of the major Kolob peaks: Horse Ranch Mountain, Paria Point, Beatty Point, Nagunt Mesa, Timbertop Mountain and Shuntavi Butte. The short Timber Creek Overlook Trail (1.0 miles / 1.6 km return) offers even better views of the mountain range.

Virgin (Zion National Park) to Las Vegas

Driving distance: 155 miles / 250km (3-4 hours) Key Attractions: Not a lot of attractions along this drive, which is mostly through featureless desert before the highway reaches the sprawling city of Las Vegas. Accommodation: We stayed at Paris Las Vegas – but there’s no shortage of accommodation options in the City that Never Sleeps!

Today’s drive is not particularly exciting, as we cross more large and featureless plains, until the city of Las Vegas comes into view and we swap the desert for a (brief) dose of “civilisation”!

While Las Vegas is not known for its hiking trails, Red Rock Canyon is a hiker’s paradise. Having done a few hikes here before, I pick the relatively short Ice Box Canyon trail which is definitely not the best trail – but offers a bit of shade on a fairly warm day.

We’re just past the halfway mark on our US road-trip, with a few days in Las Vegas before we hit the road again for our return leg to Los Angeles via the Pacific Coast.

DESTINATION GUIDES

8 days in samoa: waterfalls, walks and swimming holes.

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A week exploring Lord Howe Island

A Week in Svalbard

Best of Milford Sound

Bryce Canyon in 24 hours

Chasing orangutans in Borneo

Exploring Flinders Island over ten days

Ghost town of Pyramiden

One Day and Three Short Hikes in Death Valley

Senja and the Lofoten Islands

Six Days Safari in Botswana

South-west USA road trip (Part 2) – Coastal scenery and wildlife

The Best of Big Bend National Park

Three Winter Weeks in Japan

Two Weeks Around Namibia

Waterfalls, Caves and Aboriginal Rock Art – the best day trips from Cairns

Wombats and Devils on Maria Island

Sunrise over Grand Canyon from the secluded Shoshone Point | Hiking the World · October 24, 2022 at 11:00 am

[…] few days into our three week road trip through south-west USA is an overnight stop at Grand Canyon. I’ve had the opportunity to do the Grand Canyon South […]

The short hike up to Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef | Hiking the World · March 10, 2023 at 10:45 pm

[…] While I hadn’t planned on doing this walk, we were driving past the trailhead on our south-western USA road trip, so it was a good opportunity to stretch the legs on a long driving day. The trailhead is near the […]

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The Best 14-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

A tour of the South Western States is an American road trip like no other. The scenery includes iconic locations and incredible landscapes that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.

If you love big open spaces and exploring the great outdoors, then you’ll love a southwest road trip!

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!

The Great American Southwest

The American Southwest is a broad term covering Southern Nevada, Southern California, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. To cover all of these areas in one trip would take a several weeks or even months, so I would recommend breaking it down into smaller sections.

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this beautiful area over the years. I’ve run four overland tours from Mexico to Alaska, worked on conservation projects in the Southwestern National Parks and have enjoyed a few of my own road trips through these vast landscapes.

The result?

This epic 14 day itinerary which showcases the best of what the southwest has to offer . This itinerary involves a good amount of hiking so it’s physically quite demanding , however these hikes can be adjusted to suit your own fitness levels.

For this trip I recommend either car camping or using an RV/ campervan . For a complete, printable car camping packing list, see this article . Camping is by far, the best way to complete a south west road trip on a budget.

I would also recommend buying an Annual National Parks Pass as this will work out more economical than paying for each National Park individually. State Parks and Tribal Land entries will be additional costs.

Southwest Road Trip Map

To make your road trip easy to navigate I have pinned all the stops on this itinerary. Red pins indicate overnight stops and blue pins indicate hikes and photo stops.

14 Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

This two-week itinerary is based on the Grand Circle loop but with a few extras thrown in. On this adventurous south west USA road trip you will visit no less than 8 National Parks, 3 State Parks, 2 Tribal Reservations and 1 National Monument. Phew!

Before you set off be sure to check out these top tips for enjoying a US road trip . Now saddle up and get ready to enjoy an epic road trip around the American Wild West!

• Day 1 – Arrive in Las Vegas
• Day 2 – Drive to the Valley of Fire State Park or directly to Zion and hikes the Narrows
• Day 3 – Hike Angels Landing or Observation Point
• Day 4 – Drive to Bryce Canyon and spend the day exploring. Stay in Kodachrome basin state park
• Day 5 – Drive to peek-a-boo slot canyon or to Lower Calf Creek Falls, then onto Capitol reef National Park for the afternoon
• Day 6 – Drive to Moab and visit Arches National Park
• Day 7 – Visit Canyonlands National Park and enjoy sunset at Dead Horse State Park.
• Day 8 – Morning activities in Moab then drive to Monument Valley to join an afternoon tour
• Day 9 – Drive to Page for an afternoon tour of Antelope Canyon. Take a short walk to enjoy sunset at Horseshoe Bend
• Day 10 – Relax at Lake Powell 
• Day 11 – Drive to Grand Canyon and explore south rim
• Day 12 – Take an early flight over the Grand Canyon, then explore a Lava river tube before spending the night at Flagstaff
• Day 13 – Drive to Petrified Forest National Park to explore with the option to wild camp in the Badlands. Alternatively spend the night in Winslow
• Day 14 – Drive back to Las Vegas taking a detour along Route 66 and stopping to see Hoover dam

Top Tip : Much of the land in Arizona and Utah is run by the Bureau of Land Management. This is public land which means it’s free to wild camp, (called dispersed camping) as long as you leave the land as you found it and don’t adversely affect it in any way.

• 6-person dome tent features a separate screen room for insect-less lounging and extra sleeping space
• Fast Pitch tent design sets up in about 7 minutes
• WeatherTec system and rainfly keep tent interior dry and comfortable
• Durable Polyguard fabric and strong frame designed to last season after season
• Measures 10 x 9 feet with 10- x 5-foot screen room; accommodates 2 queen-sized airbeds

I love this style of quick-erect tent as they’re so much easier to put up at the end of a busy day. They are ideal for wild camping.

Spend the first day of your southwestern road trip exploring Las Vegas. Even if you’re not interested in gambling, it’s still worth spending at least a day here to explore the craziness of this impossible desert city.

I strongly recommend watching a Cirque du Soleil show, catching the fountain show outside the Bellagio and enjoying views of the strip from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Top tip: If you’re renting a car in Vegas it’s worth comparing rental prices at the airport versus the strip. Car rentals are often cheaper at airports. Click here to check prices.

There are so many places to stay in Vegas but a solid budget right in the centre of the strip option is the Rio . I’ve stayed here multiple times.

The first stop out of Sin City is the Martian-like landscape of the Valley of Fire . There are several options for great short hikes here such as Fire Wave and Elephant Rock.

Alternatively, if you want more time to explore Zion National Park then drive 2.5 hours directly to Zion. 

Zion operates a shuttle bus only system in the valley, so park up at your camping spot first before heading out for the afternoon. A good hiking option for today is the Narrows. This huge gorge offers welcome relief from the heat of the valley and is a fun walk through the beautiful water filled canyon.

River shoes are a must for this hike so be prepared and pick some up before you go. Alternatively, basic river shoes are sold near the entrance to Zion NP.

Today there is a full day today to explore more of what Zion has to offer. The iconic hike in Zion is Angel’s Landing . This is a relatively short but steep hike along very exposed cliff edges. 

Metal ropes guide hikers along a narrow trail with 1000ft drops either side. The views from the end point, Angel’s Landing, are definitely worth it but if you aren’t comfortable with heights I wouldn’t recommend this hike.

A great alternative with equally impressive views is Observation Point . This hike is longer and climbs higher to a point that overlooks the whole valley, including Angel’s Landing. As an overall hike I actually prefer this one as it offers more varied views throughout the hike.

In the afternoon cool off with a dip in the river or explore the Narrows if you didn’t do so yesterday. 

If you love these southwest national parks, you’ll love the national parks of the west coast

This morning, drive the short 1.5 hours to Bryce Canyon . There are several scenic/photo stops along this drive out from Zion and it also includes an epic drive through the tunnel cut straight out from the cliff-side.

Once at Bryce drive to sunset point to enjoy panoramic views of some of the most crazy rock formations you will ever witness. These eroded rock pinnacles are very unique and the best example of hoodoos I’ve ever seen. (Although Cappadocia in Turkey is a very close contender!)

Be sure to hike down into the canyon to fully appreciate the hoodoos. A top 3 mile hike is the Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop combination. You could easily spend more time in this area, so check out this post if you want to  explore more of Bryce Canyon.

A great option for camping tonight is at the largely overlooked Kodachrome Basin State Park, which is a 30 minute drive from Bryce. If you have the energy for another walk, try Angel’s Palace Trail and enjoy the red and orange glow of the rock in the soft evening light. For an easy stroll try Kodachrome Nature Trail.

There are two great options for this morning depending on which activity you prefer – a scramble through a slot canyon or a hike to a waterfall. Both are super fun ways to explore Escalante National Monument. 

The first option is to drive 1 hour to Escalante. Check in at the information centre to make sure the weather forecast is good, as flash flooding is a serious danger in the slot canyons.

From there, pull off highway 12 and take the gravel, Hole-In-The-Rock Road to the start of the trailhead. This road is rough but ok for regular vehicles as long as it’s dry.

Peek-a-boo and Spooky Gulch are two slot canyons which can be linked together to form a 3 mile loop. You don’t need technical gear or knowledge but you will need decent navigational and scrambling skills. Some of the holes are quite tight to squeeze through also.

The other option for this morning is to drive from Kodachrome for 1.15 hours to the trailhead for Lower Calf Creek . This 6 miles round hike is quite popular as the reward is a beautiful 126 ft waterfall to swim under.

In the afternoon continue along Highway 12 ( seriously epic scenery along this highway! ) and then 24 to Capitol Reef National Park. There are a variety of hikes to choose from depending on your needs but be sure to reward yourself with a delicious fruit pie at the end of the day!

Fun Tip: In Escalante there is a chalkboard where you can leave your own uplifting message for others to enjoy 🙂

This morning there is a short 2 hour drive towards the adventure playground of Moab, where you will be based for 2 nights. If you’re feeling energetic you could squeeze in a visit to Goblin Valley State Park for some short walks.

Otherwise, drive straight to Arches National Park where you can spend most of the day exploring this popular park. 

Highlights include the Windows Arch area, Landscape Arch and Utah’s most iconic arch, Delicate Arch. The hike to delicate arch is quite a steep 3 mile round trip. It’s a great hike to do at sunset.

Another option for sunset is one of my all time favourite things to do in Moab – a sunset Hummer Tour . Bumbling around the unbelievably grippy sandstone in one of these impressive machines is a seriously fun way to explore this area.

Today is the halfway point on this southwest USA road trip and there’s still so much more to see!

There’s another awesome Utah National Park located in close proximity to Moab which is Canyonlands National Park . Canyonlands is split up into several areas which need multiple days to be fully explored. The easiest and perhaps best area (at least for panoramic views) is the Islands in the Sky district.

If you’re an early riser, venture first to Mesa arch to enjoy sunrise with the photographers. Spend the rest of the day enjoying a series of short hikes along the scenic drive. These include whale rock, upheaval dome and the absolute must-do, Grand View-Point Overlook.

A great place to enjoy sunset tonight is at Dead Horse State Park, which is located near the entrance to Islands in the Sky.

After you’re finished be sure to head to Moab Brewery to enjoy some well-earned craft beer.

Take this morning to further enjoy some of  the activities on offer in Moab such as Mountain biking, rafting or canyoneering. There are so many things to do in Moab I definitely recommend spending more time here, especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie!

For a full list of things to do in Moab, take a look at this post.

After lunch drive 2.5 hours to another icon of the American Southwest, Monument Valley. En-route be sure to stop at Mexican Hat rock and then Forest Gump Hill for those awesome insta-worthy photographs.

On my first visit to Monument Valley I simply admired the buttes from the Visitor Centre Area, however in subsequent visits I enjoyed overnight tours down into the valley.

Spending a night sleeping under the stars and watching sunrise from within the valley is an experience that’s hard to beat. These are a big expense if you’re on a tight budget but I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. 

For a full description on what to expect on a visit to Monument Valley, click here!

After a magical night in Monument Valley there’s no rest as you head towards another incredibly photogenic location. Drive 2 hours to Page and take a tour of the magnificent Antelope Canyon .

To visit Antelope Canyon you must take a tour as it’s on Navajo Land and I  recommend booking a tour well in advance to avoid disappointment. Be warned these tours are always busy and be prepared to be ushered along like a cattle, however it’s definitely worth it.

In the evening take the short drive out of town to enjoy sunset at another epic location, Horseshoe Bend . It’s a short walk from the car park to the viewpoint and arrive early to get a prime spot for that picture-perfect photo.

Top tip: A wide angle or fish eye lens is needed to fit the whole horseshoe in.

After 9 action-packed days on this American southwest road trip, it’s time to relax a little bit with a day on Lake Powell . Lake Powell is a man made lake and is under the protection of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area.

Take a trip to the visitor centre to learn about Glen Canyon Dam and then head to the lake for a refreshing swim. Or if you can’t get enough of those natural arches, take a boat trip to Rainbow Bridge.

Today it’s time to visit the most famous destination on this southwest road trip. No road trip around the American south west would be complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon .

From Page drive 3 hours to the South Rim. A shuttle bus service runs along the length of the south rim allowing you to hop on and off along the various view points.

Hiking into the canyon is a great way to appreciate the geology of the canyon , although on this itinerary there isn’t sufficient time to hike to the very bottom. To escape the crowds hike the South Kaibab Trail and to really escape the crowds hike Hermit’s Trail.

If you’re interested in hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, take a look at this guide where I explain how to get camping permits and provide a hiking itinerary.

If the purse strings allow take an early morning scenic flight over the Grand Canyon . It’s the only way to truly appreciate the vastness of the canyon. Again booking in advance is essential if you have a tight schedule.

After you’ve gotten over the thrill of the helicopter ride, drive towards Flagstaff but branch off the 180 onto Forestry Road 245. Follow the signs to the Lava River Cave . This old lava tube stretches for 1 mile and makes for a fun side trip before reaching Flagstaff.

Take the afternoon to wander around historic Flagstaff sneaking down alleyways to spot the brightly coloured murals. Flagstaff has plenty of options for a fun night, as there’s often live music on offer.

There’s one more National Park to visit before this Southwest US road trip is through, one which is often overlooked. Petrified Forest National Park is less than 2 hours from Flagstaff and has many short hikes available. Crystal Forest, Giant Logs and Long Logs all offer great opportunities to learn about and view petrified wood, whilst Blue Mesa trail explores the Badland hills.

Petrified Forest has some excellent backcountry hiking and permits are easy to obtain, even on short notice as I once did. If you really want to get off the beaten track, get a backcountry permit and head into the badlands for a night of wild camping!

Alternatively drive to Winslow and spend the night there.

This may be the last day of your Southwestern US road trip but there’s still lots to fit in. If you camped in Petrified Forest last night make a quick stop in Winslow and get your photo taken on the famous corner . (If you’re an Eagles fan, you’ll know what I mean!)

Then drive back towards Las Vegas. Branch off the Highway at Seligman to cruise a section of the famed Route 66 . Stop in Seligman to buy some Route 66 souvenirs and grab a shake from Delgadillo’s Snow Cap. Stop in Kingsman to eat lunch at a Route 66 Classic Diner .

Rejoin the Highway and drive onto Hoover Dam. There is a strict security check to drive over Hoover Dam but you can drive over it and once over the other side there is free parking.

There’s a $10 fee to enter the Visitor’s Centre as this is not covered by the National Park Pass. It is also possible to park next to the security check point and walk up onto the bypass bridge for views over the dam .

Finally, from the Dam it’s around a 1 hour drive back to Las Vegas and the end of this epic south west road trip.

Itinerary Extras

If you have more time to explore there are a few extras that could be added to this itinerary. These are seriously dreamy locations which require advanced planned and/or a good amount of luck. 

This Instagram-heaven landscape requires a permit in order to visit. Only 20 permits are issued every day. 10 from walk-ins at the Grand Escalante Visitor Centre in Kanab and 10 from booking online, both via a lottery system. Doors open at 9am so it’s best to get there early!

Havasupai Indian Reservation

This is where you can find the majestic Havasu Falls. To visit this dream bucket-list spot you need to make a reservation, usually 1 year in advance and only 3 night packages are sold. Bookings open in February .

The Best Time for a Southwest Road Trip

I’ve typically travelled around the southwest in the spring and summer months. The summer months will be the busiest time to travel which means RV parks and campsites get booked up fast. In the summer, temperatures can be uncomfortably hot in some places and can make hiking really unpleasant. However, days will be long and evenings will be warm.

In the spring and fall, days will be warm and enjoyable although the nights can be cold, especially in higher elevation areas like the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. The National Parks will be a little quieter out of school holidays and campsites will not be so full. 

If you love colder temperatures and snowy adventures you could do this trip in winter, but you’ll need to be fully prepared with all the right gear. Discover all the best national parks to visit during winter in this guide.

Taking everything I’ve said above into consideration, my favourite month to do a South West Road Trip in the US is May.

Essential Items for your Road Trip

A good quality camera to capture the beautiful landscapes. I use a Sony A6400 as it’s light and compact.

• FAST AND PRECISE AUTOFOCUS: rely on 0.02s AF, Real Time tracking and Eye AF (human/animal) to keep your subject sharp in any situation.
• PERFECT FOR VIDEO CREATORS: High resolution 4K HDR movie recording and Full HD slow motion feature (120p) with autofocus.
• NEVER MISS A MOMENT: Up to 11fps with Autofocus.
• CAPTURE CREATIVE ANGLES: easily frame up your subject when shooting from low or high angles with the tilting touch monitor.
• IDEAL FOR: starters and advanced users who wants a compact everyday lens (Sony 16-50mm) and an additional zoom (Sony 55-210mm) to capture sports and nature.

A good pair of hiking shoes. Boots are too hot and bulky for most of these trails so I prefer a lightweight trail shoe .

• Secure foothold : the reinforced sensifit construction holds your foot comfortably in place, especially on those tough downhills
• Stable and cushioned : surrounded by foam cushioning for comfort, the advanced chassis connects directly to the sole to stabilize your heel
• Extra grip : we packed in two different types of rubber and a patterned heel area to grab the ground, giving you more control in the wet and mud

Plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong desert sun. I like this organic, ocean-friendly sunscreen from Green People.

• NATURAL & ORGANIC sun cream provides broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sun protection whilst being gentle on skin. High factor SPF30 sunscreen to protect against 97% of UVB rays. Safe, non-toxic UV filters….
• Use by date: This product’s use by date is determined by the Period After Opening symbol (symbol is marked by a box with a numerical number followed by letter M for months). The symbol denotes that…
• EASY TO APPLY, NON-GREASY formula allows smooth application with quick absorption. Sinks in quickly without leaving whiteness. Breathable, silicone-free formula is water repellent and suitable for…
• ALOE VERA, GREEN TEA & EDELWEISS naturally nourish and protect skin. Moisture-retaining for a longer-lasting tan and rich in antioxidants to protect skin from free radical damage. Protective Myrrh…
• REEF SAFE & CRUELTY FREE ingredients mean you can enjoy beach holidays safely whilst being kind to the ocean and marine life. 20p per sale of this product is donated to the charity the Marine…

A filtering water bottle so that you can always have safe drinking water. Staying hydrated is a vital in the desert areas. Discover the best filtering water bottles for travel and hiking in this handy guide!

• PURIFIES WATER: water filter bottle transforms dirty water to pure water in seconds. Ideal for cyclists. mountain bikers and athletes
• NEW LEAK-PROOF LID: new 2020 lid design is guaranteed not to leak, comes with a money-back guarantee
• ELIMINATES UP TO 99.9999% OF CONTAMINANTS: including viruses, bacteria, parasitic protozoa, chemicals, heavy metals and microplastics
• SINGLE HAND USE: Squeeze bottle with one-hand flip-cap action for fast drinking water on the go
• SIMPLE AND FAST: Just scoop, replace lid and drink. Pure water in seconds. No waiting. No plunging. No iodine. No chemicals. No batteries or UV light

US Southwestern Road Trip Summary

The American Southwest covers a vast area of land which requires many weeks to explore. However, on this 14 day road trip itinerary, it’s possible to visit the major highlights of Arizona and Utah.

The perfect way to enjoy this USA southwest road trip is through car camping or with the use of a campervan/RV. The best time of year to enjoy this itinerary is in Spring or Fall.

I hope you enjoy this epic area as much as I have!

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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Want to Road-Trip Across the American Southwest? This Is How We’d Do It.

A longtime resident of the Southwest shares her favorite ways to see this region’s geological wonders, surreal sunsets, and wide-open spaces

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Edward Abbey, who immortalized the Southwest in his writing, would be turning over in his grave in Cabeza Prieta Wilderness west of Tucson, Arizona, if he knew that Arches National Park had to temporarily close its gates in mid-October because capacity was maxed out. The famous monkey wrencher saved a special venomous wrath for the kind of tourist who drove from one viewpoint to the next only to snap a photo and move on.

But Abbey, who was a ranger at Arches, in Utah, for two summers in the 1950s (when it was still a monument), also understood that there’s no better region than the Southwest, a place of mind-bending geology, impossibly living fauna, ferocious wide-open spaces, sublime light, and millennia of human history, to clear the mind and make peace with the soul.

I lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for 18 years, love the Southwest, and believe everyone can benefit from the solace and adventure these majestic landscapes provide. We all, however, need to grapple with how to responsibly recreate within them. If you choose to wander, this wide-ranging southwestern road trip starts and ends in Tucson and hits icons and off-the-beaten-path places, providing an itinerary to the best of the region. It’s ridiculous how much jaw-dropping splendor there is on this trip.

In the words of Abbey: “For god sake folks… take off those fucking sunglasses and unpeel both eyeballs, look around; throw away those goddamn idiotic cameras… stand up straight like men! Like women! Like human beings! And walk—walk—walk upon our sweet and blessed land!”

Might we politely add: leave no trace, BYO water, and respect those who came before you.

1. Route: Tucson, Arizona, to Patagonia, Arizona

Distance: 64.8 miles

Your base camp: patagonia.

Patagonia, a no-frills mining and ranching town 20 miles north of the Mexican border, cropped up in the middle of Pima, Tohono O’odham, and Apache territory in the late 19th century. It has been a beloved destination for birders almost ever since.

Adventures in Patagonia

• Hikers and trail runners have easy access to the summits of 9,456-foot Mount Wrightson and the historical fire lookout station at the top of 6,373-foot Red Mountain.
• What has more recently put Patagonia on the map is its mountain bike and gravel cycling, with 30 miles of new singletrack right from downtown on the Temporal Gulch Trail and endless miles of dirt roads in the San Rafael Valley. Take note: the Spirit World 100 gravel road race takes place the first weekend of November and sells out fast.
• Visit the Paton Center for Hummingbirds outside of town. They have documented 247 bird species.

Where to Stay

The Gravel House is built for small groups of cyclists, with a straw-bale house that sleeps six and a wood-framed studio that sleeps two. Both have kitchens and share outdoor space to wrench on bikes or celebrate post-ride with a cocktail.

Where to Eat and Drink

• Chef Hilda at the Patagonia Lumber Company serves a delicious menu, filled with Sonoran specialties like fresh tamales, carne adovada tacos, and barbacoa.
• The new Queen of Cups restaurant and winery offers fresh pasta dishes and three house-made wines on the menu.

The Best Detour

Tucson’s Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must-stop destination for travelers who want to learn more about the fragile yet resilient ecosystem they are traveling through. A highlight includes daily Raptor Free Flights, where birds only native to the Sonoran Desert, like the Chihuahuan raven, Harris’s hawk, and great horned owl, fly free while an expert describes their attributes, habitats, and behaviors.

2. Route: Patagonia, Arizona, to Big Bend National Park, Texas

Distance: 624 miles

Your base camp: terlingua, texas.

It might take you a few days to get to Terlingua because there are a lot of fun detours along the way (see below). But the wait is worth it. This town, once 2,000 inhabitants strong and rich with cinnabar from which miners extracted mercury in the late 19th century, now stands by its claim as one of the most popular ghost towns in Texas, with 110 residents.

Adventures in Terlingua, Texas

• Sitting six miles west of the entrance of Big Bend National Park , Terlingua offers easy access to all the 801,163-acre park has to offer, including rafting or kayaking the Rio Grande River, hiking the Chisos Mountains, or road cycling its low-traffic paved highways.
• Just west of Terlingua is the storied mountain biking in Big Bend Ranch State Park, including the challenging 59-mile Fresno-Sauceda IMBA Epic route, known for long, steep, technical, and rocky climbs and descents. Heavy rains have washed out much of the park’s trails, so check in with Desert Sports , whose owners Mike Long and Jim Carrico (a former superintendent of Big Bend) provide a wealth of knowledge about where and where not to go, and offer shuttles, guides, and equipment.

Willow House founder Lauren Werner settled in the Chihuahuan Desert of far-West Texas to create an austere, cool, and comforting oasis for artists and others longing for open spaces and an unbridled night sky. Twelve private casitas that look like modernist concrete cubes all have stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. Guests can bring their own provisions to grill outside or cook in the main house’s gourmet kitchen, then retreat to the privacy of their own front porch to cozy up under an Alpaca throw and gaze up to the heavens.

Stop at the Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon, sit on the front porch and sip a beer, then head inside for tequila-marinated Texas quail, a Scorpion margarita, and a rollicking night of live music.

• Chiricahua National Monument 131 miles northeast of Patagonia. Stretch your legs on the 7.3-mile-long Heart of Rocks Loop that surpasses the most unusual formations in the monument, including the aptly named Pinnacle Balanced Rock, which looks like it might topple over any second.

• Three hundred eighty-two miles east of Chiricahau is New Mexico’s White Sands National Park, home of the world’s largest gypsum sand dunes. Take a ranger-guided hike to Lake Lucero to understand how the dunes are formed. Bring a tent and grab a backcountry permit at the visitor’s center (available the day of camping only) to sleep among the dunes, preferably under a full moon.

3. Route: Big Bend National Park, Texas, to Taos, New Mexico

Distance: 570 miles

Your base camp: taos, new mexico.

I’ve spent many days hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the stunning land around Taos. To the west of the small town, the Wild and Scenic Rio Grande River has sliced like a hot knife through layers of volcanic basalt and ash, 800 feet below the Rio Grande Rift Valley. To the east, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains top out at 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak, the tallest point in New Mexico. In the middle sits a town of roughly 6,000 artists, cowboys, skiers, free spirits, and others. By far the most established are the Puebloan people, who have continuously lived here for more than 1,000 years.

Adventures in Taos, New Mexico

• Respectfully visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Taos Pueblo , the main part of which was constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D, centuries before the first Spanish explorers arrived in 1540 in search of the fabled golden cities of Cibola. The visit will help contextualize other historical gems in town like the Kit Carson House and Museum, which the famed trapper, frontiersman, and explorer bought in 1843.
• Eighteen miles northeast and 2,200 feet above Taos is the base of Taos Ski Valley , one of the steepest alpine resorts in the country. In the summer it’s an excellent base from which to launch a hiking expedition to the top of Wheeler Peak via the 8.5-mile out-and-back trail that passes Williams Lake. Power down the peak before 4 P.M. to polish off a 32-ounce stein of German beer and a plate of Sauerbraten Wiener schnitzel at the iconic Bavarian Restaurant back at the base.
• The 12.7-mile loop trail at Horsethief Mesa northwest of town is a good lower-elevation option for intermediate mountain bikers.
• For more of a challenge, and time commitment, shuttle or hitchhike east on U.S. 64 to Valle Escondido for the start of the South Boundary Trail , a 30-mile singletrack challenge that tops out at 10,729 feet. Some of its gnarliest rocky descents are at the very end.
• For experienced whitewater paddlers and rafters who want a thrill, the Taos Box offers Class IV rapids at the depths of the 800-foot Rio Grande Gorge. Lower down the river is the Racecourse, a mellower section of Class II-III rapids, perfect for a half-day journey for kids as young as five. New Mexico River Adventures offers half-day, full-day, or overnight options on both sections of the Rio Grande and other rivers nearby.

Where to Stay 

Kick in the nostalgia in one of the 21 vintage trailer units dating between 1951 and 1972 at Hotel Luna Mystica a couple of miles north of Taos in El Prado on the wide-open Hondo mesa. Across the road are the ever-flowing tap beers at Taos Mesa Brewing; above is a blanket of stars.

Five minutes west of downtown Casa Gallina is a cluster of five classic and colorful Southwest casitas sandwiched between verdant gardens fed by two acequias, part of the town’s historic agricultural district. Each casita has a kitchen in which guests can cook freshly picked vegetables and eggs gathered daily from the 30 to 40 free-range hens, owner Richard Spera’s “girls,” that roam the property.

• Manzanita Market in downtown Taos is the more accessible little sister to the Love Apple restaurant, the latter being one of the most coveted reservations in the region. In addition to deliciously healthy meals, Manzanita serves up small batches of ice cream made from local organic cream, eggs, seasonal fruits, and handmade caramel.
• The Love Apple is housed in a 19th-century chapel and serves northern New Mexico specialties, like red chile enchiladas made with local, organic ingredients. I try to eat here whenever I’m in Taos. Make a reservation for sure.
• Meanwhile, Medley , so named for its D.C. and L.A. expat chefs Wilks and Colleen Medley, offers a craft cocktail menu that is as mouth watering as the tantalizing comfort food they serve.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park , 235 miles north of Big Bend, is worth the time for a visit, especially when you contemplate how long it took to create the 120 known caves. The process began 265 million years ago with the calcareous sponges, algae, and lime-rich mud that formed the underwater reef in the Permian Sea that once covered this region. The largest cave open to the public is Carlsbad Cavern, which stretches 30 miles long and opens into the 8.2-acre Big Room, the biggest cave chamber by volume in North America.

4. Route: Taos, New Mexico, to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Distance: 271 miles

Your base camp: gunnison, colorado.

This four-hour drive pushes the northern limits of what is technically considered the Southwest. There’s a more well-trodden southern Colorado route from Taos that shoots through Durango, and that’s the best bet to take if you’re traveling in winter when the Gunnison area can be hampered by heavy snow and seasonal closings.

Adventures in Gunnison, Colorado

• In the summer, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park , 61 miles west of the town of Gunnison, is a must-see. The 48-mile-long, 2,722-foot-deep canyon is not the longest or deepest in North America by a long shot. But its two-billion-year-old vertical black gneiss walls have been almost inaccessible for millennia, even to the Ute, the first inhabitants of this region.
• Most of the national park’s annual 308,000 visitors (for comparison, Grand Canyon National Park receives almost five million annual visitors) choose to view it from its north or south rims. The six-mile-long unpaved North Rim Road has six overlooks, some of which offer the best views to the canyon’s near vertical walls. Those who choose to can hike down on one of six wilderness trails—three on the north rim and three on the south rim—all of which require a permit obtained from the visitor’s center on the south rim.
• Expect routes into the canyon that lack stairs and switchbacks and descend 2,000 feet in the course of a mile. It’s essential to come prepared to tackle these tough routes with water, food, and the appropriate clothing for changeable weather. The payoff is some of the best trout fishing in the state on the Gunnison River. All rainbows are catch and release and the brown trout daily limit is four.
• Easier to access and closer to Gunnison is Curecanti National Recreation Area . In addition to containing 19 miles of the Black Canyon, it also has four reservoirs, including Blue Mesa, the state’s largest body of freshwater. All this liquid makes for a utopian setting for standup paddlers, kayakers, and kitesurfers. Lake Fork Marina, 26 miles west of Gunnison on Blue Mesa Reservoir, rents kayaks and SUPs. The 3.5-mile round-trip Dillon Pinnacles hike, on the northside of Blue Mesa Reservoir, is great for kids and trail running and offers open views of the aquamarine water and its namesake 600-foot volcanic formations.
• Hartman Rocks Recreation Area three miles south of Gunnison has 45 miles of singletrack, 45 miles of dirt roads, and countless crags—a haven for mountain bikers, gravel cyclists, and rock climbers. Three trails, Sea of Sage, Lost Dog, and Broken Shovel, are wide enough for hand cyclists. No place in town offers rental bikes—leftover inventory and staffing shortages from the pandemic—but Tomichi Cycles can tune your bike and point you toward their favorite trails.

Thirteen miles north of Gunnison, Campfire Ranch on the Taylor River offers ten well maintained, walk-in, tent-only campsites, each with tent pads, a picnic table, and fire ring. Nearby is free firewood, vault toilets, and a potable well water pump. To make the sites more inclusive to all, the ranch also offers on-site rental and demo camping gear, plus a 50 percent discount to actively enrolled college students.

• 1880s Tapas and Spirits in Gunnison serves an impressively authentic menu of the Spanish small plates. Pair Octopus a la Plancha with an eclectic array of cocktails.
• An espresso from Tributary Coffee Roasters a block down the road will get you going the next morning.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is roughly 100 miles north of Taos. The tallest sand dunes in North America rise 750 feet into the sky under the shadow of the surrounding snow-capped Rockies. The park has seven backcountry campsites along the 11-mile-long Sand Ramp Trail, an ideal spot to stretch your legs and then watch the Milky Way shimmer in the night sky.

5. Route: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, to Escalante, Utah

Distance: 339 miles

Your base camp: escalante, utah.

Escalante is situated in the midst of everything: Bryce Canyon National Park , Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, and lesser known state parks like Kodachrome Basin and Escalante Petrified Forest. A few hours farther are Zion and Capitol Reef National Parks . And between all of that bounty are unsung slot canyons closer to town and the nearby lakes, rivers, and trails within Dixie National Forest that covers the Aquarius Plateau, the highest timbered plateau in North America, topping out at 11,328 feet.

Adventures in Escalante, Utah

• The options seem endless in every direction, but a good shakedown hike is to Lower Calf Creek Falls, a six-mile round-trip effort that starts at the campground in the Calf Creek Recreational Area 15 miles east of Escalante. When the water is flowing, it cascades 130 feet over streaked Navajo Sandstone into a deep, refreshing pool.
• Escalante Outfitters offers guided fly-fishing to under-the-radar lakes and streams on the plateau and a fascinating and low-key natural history hike of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument that gives an excellent overview of the ecology, geology, paleontology, zoology, and archaeology of the region.
• Cyclists can stop in at Escalante Cyclery to rent a dual-suspension or e-mountain bike for the day or sign on for a multi-day road cycling tour to Capitol Reef National Park.
• Don’t be fooled by the “yurt” in Escalante Yurts , a mile and a half north of town. These seven year-round structures are luxurious, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, heating, hot breakfast burritos, or other hearty eats brought to your door every morning, and a night sky that never seems to end.
• A few miles west of town off Highway 12s Yonder Escalante has Airstreams, tiny cabins, and plenty of space to park your own RV, car, tent, or camper. Communal areas include a luxurious spa-like bathhouse with heavenly hot private indoor-outdoor showers, an oversize pool, and a nightly movie at the drive-in.

A Bighorn Pizza (Kalamata tapenade, prosciutto, ham, goat cheese, and slow-roasted tomato) accompanied by any leafy salad enjoyed while people watching from the front patio at Escalante Outfitters is the ideal way to refuel and re-enter after an epic outdoor adventure. Inside the store, stock up on any last-minute essentials for hiking or camping.

You could add 57 miles to the journey and spend a week meandering through the 2,000-plus formations of Arches National Park . But we recommend giving beloved Arches and nearby Moab a rest and instead head north to I-70 to hit the trifecta of mountain bike trail networks between Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita , Colorado, which range from a breezy four-mile beginner Rustler’s Loop to the 12.1-mile rocky and technical Lunch Loop Trails to the epic 143-mile-long Kokopelli Trail that will eventually take you southeast back toward Moab.

6. Route: Escalante, Utah, to Tucson, Arizona

Distance: 581 miles

Your base camp: cottonwood, arizona.

Northern Arizona, with its Grand Canyon views, the mountain trails of Flagstaff, and the calming red rocks of Sedona, is anything but a secret. It’s especially imperative to tread lightly through this place that is the traditional home of at least 11 federally recognized nations. One way to disperse the tourism load is to stay 19 miles southwest of Sedona in the Verde Valley town of Cottonwood, so named for the willowy trees that line the Verde River.

Adventures in Cottonwood, Arizona

While it lacks the mystery and awe of Sedona’s red rocks, Cottonwood has its own allure, with the craggy peaks of the Mingus mountains to the west, hiking and cross country mountain biking on the 15-mile Lime Kiln Trail that links Dead Horse Ranch State Park to Sedona’s Red Rock State Park to the east; and exciting energy in the historic Old Town, which include multiple breweries, wine-tasting rooms, and restaurants.

The charming one-bedroom, one bath Casita Blanca at San Juan Ranch Airbnb in the heart of the Verde Valley, has desert and mountain views, a gas stove for chilly evenings, and is only a 15-minute drive to Old Town.

Colt Grill BBQ and Spirits on North Main Street in Old Town is legendary for its in-house smoked meats. There’s only one way to eat the delightfully messy pulled pork sandwich accompanied by a side of butter garlic fries: devour it. Expect elbow to elbow dining. Merkin Vineyards, which has a tasting room on North Main Street, sources 100 percent of their grapes from local Arizona growers.

Of the five million annual visitors at Grand Canyon National Park , only 10 percent take the road less traveled to the North Rim, the traditional homeland of the Southern Paiute. The North Rim Campground sits at 8,200 feet and is open from May 15 to October 15.

The payoff for this 80-mile out-and-back detour on dirt roads is unparalleled views and unpeopled access to the 28-mile-long round-trip North Kaibab Trail, the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Rim. To see the most spectacular sunrise of your life, get up before dawn and hike 4.2 miles into Cape Final. The trailhead is off the Cape Royal Road.

Contributing editor Stephanie Pearson lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for 18 years, has written numerous travel stories for Outside , and is the author of the recent book 100 Great American Parks .

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The Ultimate 12-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary through America’s National Parks

Article Summary: Southwest National Parks Road Trip, Southwest Road Trip Itinerary, Southwest National Parks Tour

The American Southwest is easily one of my favorite regions in the United States and the globe. This southwest road trip itinerary is filled with stops that appear to be out of this world no matter where you choose to go.

Every destination has something new and exciting to completely blow your mind. Whether it’s Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos or the Mars-like landscape of Capitol Reef, the national parks in Utah and Arizona are some of the country’s most outstanding and are guaranteed to take your breath away.

With Las Vegas as an easy gateway to these incredible natural wonders, an epic American Southwest road trip should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Here’s the perfect southwest road trip itinerary to see the best of what this amazing region has to offer in 12 days.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, view my privacy policy .

Table of Contents

The 12-Day Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Through America’s National Parks

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. – Edward Abbey

Day 1: Fly to Las Vegas

I’ll be honest, Las Vegas isn’t my favorite. What can I say? I’m just not a city person. The city has so much glitz and glam, way too many people, and man is it bright or what?

But you know what surprised me? I had fun . To be in a place completely different from the cities I usually visit was kind of thrilling.

Furthermore, even though it’s not necessarily my idea of a good time, it was cool to see the strip and learn what everyone is always raving about.

Most importantly, though, Las Vegas is the perfect jumping-off spot for a southwest road trip. There’s plenty to do, both in the city and just outside.

Plus, if you’re looking for more outdoorsy things to do before you visit some of Utah and Arizona’s national parks , Las Vegas is surrounded by opportunities.

Where to Stay : Luxor , Bellagio , The Venetian Resort

Where to Eat : If you want to do things the Las Vegas way, have dinner on the strip or at a diner in the middle of the night.

Things to Do : Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, Seven Magic Mountains, Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area , Hoover Dam

Day 2: Drive to Zion National Park

One of the most popular national parks in Utah and the country, Zion is home to world-class climbing, canyoneering, and hiking. It’s the perfect destination for outdoorsy people looking for an adventure.

The park also has plenty to do for those who want to sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views at a more leisurely pace.

Check out The Parks Expert travel guide for everything you need to know about visiting Zion National Park .

Drive Time : 2 hours

Where to Stay : Staying in Springdale will be a bit more costly than in towns like Hurricane further away from the park. Check out the La Quinta , Holiday Inn , Zion Park Motel , Best Western , and Zion Canyon Lodge for some options. You can also camp in Zion !

Where to Eat : Oscars, Zion Pizza & Noodle Co, Zion Brew Pub, Bit and Spur

Day 3: Zion National Park

There are so many great things to do in Zion , no matter what season you choose to visit.

Things to Do : Kolob Canyon, Zion Canyon Drive, Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel

Hiking Trails : Angels Landing , The Narrows , Canyon Overlook, Observation Point, Lower Emerald Pool [read more of the best hikes in Zion ]

Day 4: Drive to Bryce Canyon National Park

Easily the most seemingly out-of-place, Bryce Canyon National Park is home to towering hoodoos and epic trails. I promise it will take your breath away.

This park is honestly like no other place you’ve seen before, and it makes it worthy of a lengthy visit if you have the time. It’s best explored on one of the many Bryce Canyon hikes .

Drive Time : 2.5 hours

Stops Along the Way : Cedar Breaks National Monument , Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel

Where to Stay : Best Western Plus , Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn

Where to Eat : Hotel buffet

Things to Do/Hikes : Check out the variety of viewpoints, Navajo Loop Hike, Mossy Cave Trail, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Scenic Drive [here are more things to do in Bryce Canyon ]

Day 5: Drive to Moab via US-12

Hands down, US-12 in Utah is the most beautiful drive I’ve ever taken, and shouldn’t be missed on your southwest road trip.

It beats driving Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way , the Road to Hana , and every other scenic drive I’ve had the pleasure of undertaking. The beauty is breathtaking, and while the drive will take a bit longer than the most direct route, you will not regret it.

To see desert landscapes and snow-covered mountains, take US-12! Stop in at the Interagency Visitor Center near Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument in Escalante and Capitol Reef National Park for more stunning views. Spend as much time hiking in Capitol Reef as you can.

Drive Time : 5 hours

Stops Along the Way : Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park

Where to Stay : Airbnb ( start here for $55 off your first stay!)

Where to Eat : Moab Brewery, Zax, Peach Tree, Sweet Cravings

Things to Do : Goblin Valley State Park, Dead Horse Point State Park

Day 6: Canyonlands and Arches National Parks

Stay another night in Moab and take in the sites at two more of Utah’s incredible national parks . If you have time, consider spending multiple days here to really see the most these two parks have to offer.

If you leave early enough on Day 5, you could potentially see Canyonlands National Park that evening and have a full day in Arches on Day 6.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is unique in that it has three areas to explore: The Needles, The Maze, and Island in the Sky. The Island in the Sky District is closest to Moab and the least primitive area of the park, making it easiest to traverse.

Things to Do : Mesa Arch, Upheaval Dome, scenic drives, check out the viewpoints, Grand View Point, stargazing, horseback riding, hiking

Arches National Park

Having been to Utah’s mighty five national parks multiple times, Arches National Park remains my favorite. I don’t know exactly what it is about these natural rock formations that make my heart soar, but it’s always such a pleasure to see them. I never tire of these amazing features and the other unique rock formations in this park.

Things to See/Do : Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch Trail , Fiery Furnace, Balanced Rock, The Windows, Devils Garden, Park Avenue [read about more hikes in Arches National Park ]

Day 7: Drive to Page, Arizona

This was the most disappointing day for us, and it was all due to the weather. That being said, we still saw some spectacular scenery. No southwest road trip itinerary is complete without the stunning Monument Valley (pictured above, and seen in countless films and TV series), unique natural bridges, or Navajo cliff dwellings.

Drive Time : 5.5 hours

Stops Along the Way : Natural Bridges National Monument, Monument Valley, Navajo National Monument

Where to Stay : Wingate by Wyndham

Where to Eat : El Tapatio, State 48, Big John’s Texas BBQ, Slackers

Day 8: Explore Page

Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for our visit to Page . However, it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The city itself wasn’t the most exciting place in the world, but the surrounding area will leave you speechless.

Things to Do : Glen Canyon Dam, Powell Museum, Horseshoe Bend (part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area), Antelope Canyon, Toadstools

Day 9: Drive to Flagstaff via Grand Canyon National Park

Another staple of America, and a must-see on any southwest road trip, how can you not stop at the Grand Canyon ? One of the most iconic national parks in America , be sure to plan ahead for your visit: it can be extremely crowded!

Stops Along the Way : Grand Canyon National Park

Where to Stay : La Quinta , Days Inn , Little America Hotel , Hotel Aspen

Where to Eat : Northern Pines, Nomads Global Lounge, Criollo Latin Kitchen, The Cottage, Brix, Tinderbox Kitchen

Things to Do : Take in the scenic views, take a scenic drive, hike to Mather Point, explore old Route 66

Day 10: National Parks from Flagstaff to Sedona

Another highlight of our southwest road trip was exploring some of the lesser-known national parks in Arizona.

This included the ruins of Wupatki, the scenery at Sunset Crater Volcano, and the cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon and Montezuma Castle. All of these are definitely worth a stop while you’re in the area!

Drive Time : 1 hour

Where to Stay : Arabella , Green Tree Inn , Wildflower Inn , Cedars Resort , Sky Ranch Lodge

Where to Eat : Golden Goose, Mariposa, Rene, Oak Creek Brewery, Pump House Station

Things to Do : Wupatki National Monument , Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument , Walnut Canyon National Monument , Montezuma Castle National Monument

Day 11: Sedona to Las Vegas

The red rocks of Sedona are indeed something special. Another place on the list I wasn’t overly excited to visit (especially with so little time), I was pleasantly surprised once again. Maybe you could schedule a later flight from Las Vegas and spend more time in one of Arizona’s gems.

Drive Time : 4 hours

Stops Along the Way : Tuzigoot National Monument , Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Things to Do : Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock Hike, Jeep Tours, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Airport Mesa

Day 12: Fly Home from Las Vegas

After another fun night on the strip in Las Vegas, bid the southwest adieu for now.

Safe travels!

Have you ever taken a road trip in the southwest? Tell us about it in the comments.

What to Pack for Your Southwest Road Trip

Packing for a trip to the desert can be tricky. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can range from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to 50 degrees once the sun goes down. If you’re visiting in the winter, it may even snow. Here’s a list of things you may need, with some items varying based on the season you decide to visit.

• Reusable Water Bottle : Literally  the most important thing to have in the desert.
• Moisture-wicking Layers : You’ll want short- and long-sleeve shirts to wear underneath your jacket. In the summer, you may also want a tank top . Choose polyester over cotton.
• Jacket : I always have a packable down with me on trips. I also love this new jacket I got a few months ago, as it’s very light yet warm. Synthetic is a good alternative to down if you’re worried about rain or snow.
• Hiking Pants or Shorts : My favorite hiking pants can be found here . As a taller woman, I also love Columbia’s pants because they offer long sizes.
• Hat : Depending on the season, you’ll need a winter hat or summer hat .
• Gloves or Mittens : Gloves are critical if you’re visiting in the winter.
• Wool Socks : Smartwool is my favorite brand for wool socks. Make sure to get wool so your feet stay warm and dry.
• Grippers, Spikes, or Crampons : If you plan to hike in the winter, I strongly recommend grippers for potentially icy trails. Come prepared and avoid the fall!
• Camera : I had my trusty Canon Rebel T5i , my Canon Powershot SX620 , and a GoPro with me on my most recent trip to Arches.
• Tripod : If you’re hoping to take decent photos of the slot canyons, sunsets, or wildlife, I’d strongly recommend carrying a tripod with you.
• Boots : I love my Keens , and will never choose another brand for my everyday boots. In winter, I choose a much warmer pair of Solomon boots .
• Backpack : I brought my North Face pack , but a friend of mine had a water-resistant Patagonia pack I was extremely jealous of.
• Packing Cubes : Never find yourself unorganized or frantically searching for missing items ever again with these . Plus, it’ll help you squeeze more into your bag!
• Travel Scarf : I love the ones with hidden pockets !

Check Out More About Road Trips to National Parks

• 12-Day Florida National Parks Road Trip from Orlando
• Planning a Black Hills Road Trip in South Dakota
• Road Tripping to Utah’s Mighty 5

Pin National Parks in the Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Riley has been visiting national parks for as long as she can remember. Her newest passion is sharing her love of national parks with the world by planning trips, writing about her travels, and offering advice. One day, Riley hopes to visit all 429 national parks.

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Dang, Riley! I’m bookmarking this for later cause this encompasses everything I wanna do and then some.

Very happy to hear that!

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The Perfect 10-Day American Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (14+ Gorgeous Desert Stops!)

Post Summary: Everything you would ever want to know about planning and executing an epic Southwest road trip itinerary.

The American Southwest.

This classic American road trip is packed full of iconic Southwest locations, Instagram-worthy stops , and incredible natural wonders.

We’d even go far enough to say that it’s a must-do for all Americans at least once in their lifetime!

Planning a route this large and complex can get a little crazy and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate American Southwest road trip itinerary to help set your plans in motion.

We’re sharing the best route to take and even breaking it down into smaller bite-sized trips.

No matter how many days you have for your Southwest US road trip itinerary, we’re sharing how you can still have the maximum amount of fun!

The Ultimate American Southwest Road Trip

This post is a compilation of many trips we’ve taken to some of our American Southwest bucket list destinations . We’re constantly updating this post as we explore more, so keep coming back for more Southwest USA inspiration in the future!

Where Is The American Southwest?

The American Southwest area is a broad term with borders that depend on the person you are talking to!

In a large, encompassing stroke, it would cover Southern California, Southern Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and sometimes even Western Colorado.

It’s a unique area of the United States that showcases vast deserts, red rocks, cool ecological formations, and so many unique and natural landscapes.

Covering all these areas on an American Southwest road trip would require weeks off of work and tons of planning. Stay tuned as we tell you how you can break up your trip into smaller loops for a more manageable trip!

What’s The Best Way To Get Around On My Southwest Road Trip?

The best way to plan and execute a Southwest Road Trip itinerary is certainly by car. Traveling around the Southwest by car will give you the most freedom, and the ability to change plans on a whim if you feel like it! Being one of the most famous west coast road trips , you’ll want to have the freedom to change plans on a whim and drive were you wish.

Our favorite way to get around the Southwest is by renting a campervan. If you are wanting to try our van life, we recommend renting a campervan through Outdoorsy , because it’s kind of like Airbnb but for campervans! You can pick anything from Airstreams to Sprinter Vans to Vintage VW Westfalias. There are so many to choose from, and they come fully insured so you can worry less and explore more!

Finding Camping Spots In The American Southwest

Are you planning to go camping on your Southwest road trip route? Make sure you download the #1 camping app, The Dyrt ! The Dyrt is one of the best road trip planner tools , with tons of features to help you find the perfect camping spots on your trip!

The pro membership unlocks essential tools like their Road Trip Planner (to find the best campsites along your route) and the offline search features to find camping spots without cell service. Try the pro membership for 30 days free!   Click here and use the code  Mandagies  to unlock your 30-day free trial .

Where Do I Start My Southwest Road Trip?

There are many potential starting points for a southwest road trip , and we’ve created ours to be in an enormous loop so you can really start wherever is most convenient for YOU!

However, you may not have time for a mega trip like this one. That’s why we’ve split our route into many smaller routes, to target more specific areas of the American Southwest if you choose to do so.

Here are a few options below to help you pick the best southwest road trip that’s right for you!

The Utah National Parks Trip

Starting Point:  Las Vegas, Nevada.

Total Driving Time:  19 Hours there and back – 1,082 miles

Highlights include locations like Temple of the Sun and Moon, Delicate Arch , Angeles Landing hike (Zion National Park), and more!

This trip includes five US National Parks , lots of hiking, and red rock landscape.

Don’t want to drive back the way you came? Make it a loop and make your way south through Monument Valley and Page, Arizona. This way you can see Horseshoe Bend and even Antelope Canyon!

Click here to see our full detailed road trip route to all five Utah National Parks.  

The Southern California Loop

Starting Point: Los Angeles or San Diego, California

Total Driving Time:  35 hours in a loop drive – 1,200 miles total

This Southern California road trip route includes driving parts of the iconic Highway 395 route , visiting at least two US National Parks (Death Valley and Joshua Tree).

There is also a potential extension to three more (Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park)!

This trip will bring you through major cities, scorching deserts, and incredible views of the Eastern Sierras. Best driven in the springtime to avoid super-hot days, it’s an iconic area to explore in the Southwest USA.

If you are hoping to begin your southwest road trip from Los Angeles, this route is a great place to start!

The Grand Canyon / Desert Loop

Starting Point: Las Vegas, Nevada

Total Driving Time:  18 hours 30 minutes hours in a loop, 1,100 miles total

This route is perfect for lovers of the red landscape of the American Southwest.  Some of the most popular adventures in this area are road trips to the Grand Canyon, so you’re in good company if you like this southwest road trip route!

The red rocks of Valley of Fire State Park, the deep crevasses of the Grand Canyon , and amazing hikes in Sedona are any outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Driving the Grand Canyon and Desert Loop will have you spending a lot of time outside.

Make sure to know some camping essentials like where to find free camping spots , how to sleep in your car , and easy meals to make on the road !

The Mega American Southwest Road Trip

Total Driving Time:  37 hours in a loop, 2,144 miles total

***This is what we’ll be covering below. Keep reading!***

In this post, we’re going to cover a Southwest road trip route that covers every ‘major’ stop. (Note: We really can’t cover EVERY SINGLE STOP, so we’re trying out best to cover the highlights! 

Every major desert, national park, and hidden place we can think of will be included!

If you spent one day in each of these included locations, this Southwest USA trip would take you a little over two weeks.

We’re sharing the largest itinerary so that you can see all your options, and custom fit your route to however long and far you’d like to travel!

All The Best Stops On A Mega Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Again, this American Southwest road trip guide below includes ALL the stops.

If you are hoping to break it down into a more in-depth trip around just one area, scroll back up to see examples of our bite-sized itineraries!

1. Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills Recreational Area is an area east of the Sierra Mountains in Southern California. It’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and its sole purpose is to be for the enjoyment of the people. Yay!

This place is chock-full of amazing rock climbing, desert hikes, interesting natural arches, and so much more. There are even free camping spots pretty much anywhere and everywhere, so you can sleep and play all in one place.

Alabama Hills is also the site for over 150 movie filming locations including American Westerns like Round-Up and The Long Rangers, and more recent films like Django Unchained and Iron Man.

Note: Alabama Hills is mainly dirt roads, so 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travel.

Movie Flat Road is generally in acceptable condition for all vehicles, but take caution after heavy rainfall. The rain may cause ruts in the road or even wash it away completely. Check the weather before you venture out!

Read More: Exactly How To Find Movie Road – (That Famous Instagram Spot In Alabama Hills)

2. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is not only the largest national park in the US , but it’s also the hottest, driest, and lowest elevation one too!

Despite its morbid name, Death Valley is actually home to many species of wildflowers, desert animals, and plants that can withstand the harsh environment. The Death Valley NPS Website even has a calendar for blooming wildflowers and the best times to visit to see them.

We recommend spending a night or two in the park. You can reserve traditional camping spots at Recreation.Gov or pop into the Furnace Creek Visitor Center and ask for free backcountry roads for camping.

Highlights of Death Valley National Park:

• Badwater Basin  – The lowest point in North America.
• Zabriskie Point – Colorful hills in all directions.
• Devil’s Golf Course – Rough, rocky terrain as far as the eye can see.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – The quintessential view people expect at Death Valley. A vast area of sand dunes as tall as 100 feet, perfect for wandering in the evening.
• The Racetrack – Death Valley’s most peculiar site. Stones seem to move and make tracks in the dirt.

Read More: 24 Hours in Death Valley – How To See Death Valley in One Day

3. Valley of Fire State Park

You thought Nevada was just casinos and bright lights? Think again!

Directly around Nevada (in all directions!) are incredible desert landscapes and opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature.

This part of the Southwest is particularly popular for rock climbers, so if you fancy that you should plan more time in your trip to hang around Las Vegas. Las Vegas actually has a large rock climbing community, so if you wanted to train for rock climbing in a controlled environment, this would be the place to try it!

Have a little bit more time? Consider spending a few extra days in Sin City! There are tons of adventurous  things to do in Las Vegas for couples , including romantic hot air balloon rides, attending shows, and experiencing some fine dining! You deserve it after all that time hanging out in the desert dirt!

One of these amazing state parks near Las Vegas is Valley of Fire State Park – an outcrop of fiery red Aztec sandstone jetting out of the earth. The park covers over 40,000 acres of land and is at its best and brightest during sunrise and sunset.

Some of the best attractions at Valley of Fire State Park include:

• Rainbow Vista – color-streaked rocks with a great view
• Atlatl Rock – ancient petroglyphs
• Elephant Rock – natural arch shaped like said animal
• Mouse Tank Road – epic road with surrounding red rocks (that road you see all over social media!)
• White Domes Trail – beautiful view, best at sunrise
• Fire Canyon/Silica Dome – great sunset views
• Arch Rock – natural arch, conveniently on the side of the road
• Fire Wave – beautiful streaks of color on a short, easy trail

If you find yourself driving through Las Vegas on your Southwest road trip, we highly recommend visiting Valley of Fire State Park! The entry fee per day is $10.00 per vehicle, and $20.00 for overnight camping.

4. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is one of the most popular Utah national parks to visit on any Southwest road trip.

This is because it’s usually the closest to any starting point you may have (especially if you’re starting in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or California).

With over 4.5 million visitors per year, there are tons of activities to do like biking, hiking, cave exploring, and camping!

Planning out your days in Zion National Park are of the utmost importance. Because cars aren’t allowed in the park, you’ll be riding around on scheduled shuttles with all the other crowds in the park.

If you are visiting during a busy season or busy time of day, it’s important to arrive early and avoid long queues for the buses.

Zion National Park HACK: If you want to hike in a location before the shuttle begins for the day, we know of friends who have rented bikes for the week in Zion.

Bikes will give you more freedom to come and go from trailheads without waiting for the busy shuttle times and dealing with crowds. You can easily rent bikes at Zion Outfitter.

Travelers Tip: Stay outside of the park at hotels in Hurricane, UT for a budget-friendly stay. You’ll need to drive into the park every day, but it’s not too far of a drive, and the views are great!

If you really want to stay closer to the park, we highly recommend booking accommodations in Springdale, Utah  at least 6 months in advance or booking your camping spots very early. Accommodations near the park fill up FAST in high season!

Best Hikes and Attractions In Zion National Park:

• Angels Landing Hike (Difficult To Challenging)
• The Narrows (Canyon hike)
• Emerald Pools Trail
• Canyon Overlook Trail
• Kolob Canyons
• Weeping Rock
• Riverside Walk
• West Rim Trail

Best (And Scariest) Hike in Zion National Park: Angels Landing

5. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon is located in Utah, one of the “Mighty Five” Utah National Parks . It’s often paired with Zion National Park because of their proximity to one another.

This park is unique for its bright orange hoodoos,  which are tall skinny spires that form at the bottom of a dried up basin after thousands of years of erosion.

There are many opportunities to hike down in the basin and next to these towering hoodoos. Some of the most iconic hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park include:

• Queen’s Garden Loop  (most iconic Bryce features) – 2.6-mile loop
• Rim Trail (Best for sunrise and sunset) – entire length is 5.5-miles with multiple stopping points
• Mossy Cave Trail  – 0.9 miles out-and-back trail
• Navajo Trail  – 1.3-mile loop
• Swamp Canyon Loop – 4.1-mile loop
• Tower Bridge Trail – 3.4-mile out and back trail
• Fairyland Loop Trail – 8.0-mile loop
• Riggs Springs Loop Trail – 8.5-mile loop
• Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail – 5.5-mile loop

Because of its high elevation (8,000 to 9,000 feet depending on your location), Bryce Canyon stays cold nearly year round.

In January, temperatures barely rise above freezing at 15-37 degrees Fahrenheit, and its hottest month (July) sits between 53-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

That being said, we suggested earlier that the best time to make a southwest road trip itinerary would be between March/April or October/November. We still think this is true, but you should definitely add warm clothes to your southwest USA packing list.

If you’re packing light, here’s what we suggest you bring for warm clothes at the very minimum for visiting Bryce Canyon:

• Lightweight Down Jacket
• Thin, e-tip gloves (trust us, these are a lifesaver)
• Down-filled throw blanket

6. Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem on any adventurous southwest road trip. Located in central Utah, this park’s unique feature is a wrinkle in the earth called the “ Waterpocket Fold “, which runs north to south for nearly 100 miles.

This formation has created some interesting details in the area. Deep canyons, monoliths, and rocky reefs are waiting to be explored here!

To take your trip to the next level , we suggest reading our post about getting to Cathedral Valley to visit the Temple of The Sun And Moon . It’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

These towering twin rock monoliths are a two-hour drive down a dirt road – but well worth the detour! Just make sure to have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, and/or very confident driving skills.

It also doesn’t hurt to stop by the ranger’s office before heading out –  the rangers can tell you about the current road conditions.

Around Cathedral Valley is also a great place to camp. BLM land surrounds most of the park, so you can find a free camping spot just outside the national park borders and wake up in the valley!

(Just remember that camping IN the park is not permitted unless you have a backcountry permit or are in a designated camping spot!)

Here are some iconic things to do in Cathedral Valley:

• Hike The Grand Wash
• Drive The Backroads to Cathedral Valley
• See The View At Gooseneck Overlook

In Capitol Reef National Park, you’ll get a good perspective of the landscape of the American Southwest!

READ MORE: What To Expect On Your Trip To Capitol Reef National Park

7. Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the sister park to Arches National Park . Canyonlands and Arches are right next to one another, so travelers usually come to the Moab area and visit both parks in one trip.

This park is divided up into three sections: The Island In the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze areas. Island In The Sky is the most accessible for all cars, has amenities like bathrooms and water, and has some of the park’s best overlooks.

If you’re hoping to spend one day in Canyonlands, we suggest coming to the Island In The Sky and leaving the other sections for a longer trip. There is plenty to see in this section, with tons of overlooks, short hikes, and attractions.

This part also includes the famous Mesa Arch , which looks incredible during sunrise!

It’s also important to note that there is little if any cell service in the park. Make sure to pick up a park map, or download an offline map from Google to help you get around.

Camping? Moab can be a good home base if you’re searching for an Airbnb or a hotel. However, if you want to rough it a little bit, there is tons of BLM land around the area where you can camp for free!

Read our complete guide to finding the perfect free camping spot in the USA . We’re sharing researching tips, best practices and so much more!

Highlights of Canyonlands (Must-See Spots In The Park):

• Candlestick Tower
• Grand View Point
• Green River Overlook
• Shafer Canyon Overlook
• Upheaval Dome
• Buck Canyon Overlook
• Dead Horse Point (Outside of the park but accessible from the same main road!)

Click here to find the best spot to watch the sunset in Canyonlands National Park!

8. Arches National Park

Arches National Park is one of the most visited of the “Mighty Five” Utah national parks. We also think it’s an essential stop on your Southwest road trip itinerary!

Here, you can experience iconic American landmarks like Delicate Arch, Double Arch, and the Windows Loop.

It’s possible to experience this park’s main attractions in a day, and the highway is set up to show you all the highlights. We wrote a post about the 10 best hikes to take in Arches National Park, and they are easily accessible and doable in 24 hours!

We suggest coming to this park early – the entrance line can get extremely long starting at 9:00 am!

Best Hikes In Arches National Park (See here for the complete list!) :

• Delicate Arch (least crowded during sunrise)
• Fiery Furnace (permit required)
• Double Arch
• Windows Loop
• Devil’s Garden Loop

Read More: How To Spend One Day In Arches National Park

9. Monument Valley

Monument Valley will be nearly everyone’s iconic assumption of what the landscape of the American Southwest looks like.

Want to reach that famous Forrest Gump Road? It’s a bit outside the official Oljato-Monument Valley area.

Starting from the town of Mexican Hat, drive west on Highway 163 towards Monument Valley to catch a glimpse of the towering pinnacles in the distance.

There are a few spots to pull over and snap a few pics of the road. Just be sure to look out for traffic both ways!

Camping Tip: There is BLM land all around Monument Valley, but do your research before heading out to search for your next spot. Read up on any specific rules for Native American reservation land, and what is allowed in these specific areas.

Read More:  Exactly How To Find Free Camping In The USA

10. Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are often coupled together because of how close they are to one another!

The town of Page was just a quick stop on our Southwest Road trip itinerary, but if you’re looking to spend more time here, check out these amazing things to do in Page, Arizona !

It’s important to note the time zone change from Page, Arizona. It’s very confusing – especially if you have tours reserved in the area.

Be sure to confirm any scheduled events or reservations you may have. As a last resort, consider arriving an hour early (rather than being an hour late!).

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in Page, Arizona. It’s split into two sections: “Upper Antelope Canyon” and “Lower Antelope Canyon”.

This place is growing in popularity, so it’s important to book Antelope Canyon tours online and reserve your spot in advance.

You can take a sightseeing tour, or spend a little more time in the canyon on a Photographer’s tour. The route is the same, the only difference is that the photography tour is longer.

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend is an extremely picturesque bend in the Colorado River, located just outside of the city of Page, Arizona.

There is lots of grief about the Horseshoe Bend area being overcrowded. Yes, in recent years this place has received a lot of social media attention, thus creating a large and fast influx of visitors before the state could build proper infrastructure.

Regardless, we still think it’s an incredible place to see with your own eyes.

We recommend coming during sunset, even though this is by far the most popular and crowded time.

Just know that you will be sharing it with a lot of other people, and arm yourself with patience and grace. And remember, they are coming to experience its beauty just like you!

11. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is the quintessential activity for any adventurous southwest road trip.

Spanning 277 miles long and 18 miles wide at some points, the Colorado River has been carving this canyon for thousands of years!

If you are looking to see the highlights of the Grand Canyon, we recommend visiting the South Rim. This area is the most accessible to all vehicles and includes campgrounds, visitors centers, and more accommodations nearby.

Here are some of the best viewpoints in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon:

• Mather Point
• Mohave Viewpoint
• Moran Point
• Desert View Point
• Yavapai Point

Want to stay longer in this amazing part of the southwest? Try planning an unforgettable trip to Havasu Falls ! This incredible backcountry area in the southwest requires permits and quite the hike in, but in the end you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful waterfall views on earth!

Read More: Experience a Grand Canyon National Park Sunset

12. Sedona, Arizona

Love hiking in the desert? This eclectic town in the middle of Red Rock State Park is a perfect place to reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.

We’ve written an incredibly in-depth guide to hikes in Sedona and what to expect on these beautiful trails!

Soldier’s Pass Trail : This hike features lots of interesting attractions. Some highlights include the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, and cave entrances.

Cathedral Rock Hike : One of the most popular hikes in Sedona, Cathedral Rock trail is a popular location to watch the sunset. Towering spires, sharp cliff edges, and a little climbing will bring you to some of the most incredible desert views!

Devil’s Bridge Trail : Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone arch that’s accessible by a 4.2-mile hike. The best time to visit is during sunrise and sunset when the red landscape glows!

The Birthing Cave Trail : This short hike leads you to one of Sedona’s beautiful caves on the side of a mesa!

Trail Tip: These southwest hikes can get really hot in the middle of the day! We recommend taking on these trails in the early morning, or during sunset/late evening for some cooler weather. See our Sedona packing list for seasonal tips and tricks!

Read More: 5+ Incredible Hikes In Sedona, Arizona You Need To Experience

13. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park has it all – desert vibes, interesting landscape, beautiful cholla gardens, and so much more.

It’s located east of Los Angeles, neighboring with the resort town of Palm Springs.

It’s most well known for its namesake, the Joshua Tree , which cover much of the park’s landscape. Unique boulder piles like Skull Rock (see photo below) combined with the high desert shrub make this place a unique part of any southwest road trip.

There are several types of accommodations near Joshua Tree National Park.

You can find tons of free camping spots around the park, wilderness areas within the park (with the proper permits) and campgrounds to be as close as possible to the attractions.

If you are into glamping, you’ve got to check out the insta-famous Joshua Tree House by Sara and Rich. Their picture-perfect home is close to the park, with all the luxurious amenities of a desert oasis. (Also, get $40 off your first booking with this code!)

Read More: Gorgeous Places To See In The American Southwest

14. San Diego, California

Oh, the options are endless in San Diego! This is where we began our Southwest road trip itinerary, but this is not where we ended it. However, if you want to drive all the way up the coast on a California Coast road trip , this is a great place to start that journey.

With the endless cafes, ice cream shops and restaurants to discover, there’s also a ton of amazing natural beauty to explore around San Diego .

Here are a couple of spots we were lucky to see on our latest trips:

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (La Jolla, California)

With over 8-miles of trails in this park by the ocean, you can explore as much or as little as you’d like. Torrey Pines is a preserved site with rugged cliffs, rare pine trees, and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.

You can come to join a 1-hour ranger-guided tour of the park on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Visitors Center. Spaces are limited to 10 people per day!

California State Beaches

What’s a trip to sunny California without visiting the Pacific Ocean? Below are some of our favorite beaches to explore. Call it a last hurrah or celebration on finishing your epic Southwest road trip! Congratulations, you!

• Moonlight State Beach
• Cardiff State Beach
• Torrey Pines State Beach (North and South Shore)
• South Carlsbad Beach
• Coronado Beach and Dog Park

Nearby: How To Spend A Fun Weekend In West Hollywood, California

Our 10-Day Southwest Road Trip Route

Looking for a day-by-day itinerary through the southwestern region of the US? Here’s what our exact southwest road trip itinerary looked like during our last journey around this corner of the USA.

Again, driving around the southwest US can be as short or as long as you want it to be! There are endless things to explore, so if your time is limited here’s a 10-day southwest road trip itinerary we suggest you follow.

This way, you can dip your toes in a ton of different areas, and then return to your favorites on a future trip!

Day 1: Alabama Hills, California

Day 2: Death Valley National Park (See our 24 Hours In Death Valley Itinerary !)

Day 3: Valley of Fire, Nevada

Day 4: Zion National Park

Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 6-8: Sedona, Arizona

Day 9: Joshua Tree National Park

Day 10: Torrey Pines, San Diego, California

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Around The Southwest USA

Still have questions about your upcoming road trip? Here are some of the most common questions around planning a southwest road trip itinerary:

How Do I Get Around On A Trip In The American Southwest?

Unfortunately, we don’t live in any of those Southwest cities listed above. If you’re like us, you’ll probably be flying into the cheapest airport you can find, which will depend on the type of route you want to take!

If you need help finding cheap flight deals, you can track destinations with Skyscanner and buy when tickets are the cheapest!

We suggest flying into large airports to get the best deals on flights. Large airports mean there are more flights coming in per day, which means more people can book and they won’t be in such high demand.

Here are the major cities this mega Southwest itinerary will pass through – all are great starting points for your road trip around the American Southwest.

• Phoenix, Arizona (Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – PHX)
• Las Vegas, Nevada (McCarran International Airport – LAS)
• Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles International Airport – LAX)
• San Diego, California (San Diego International Airport – SAN)

RENTAL CARS:

Looking to go camping during your Southwest road trip? We did too! There are TONS of areas in the southwest perfect for free camping , so you can have an epic trip on an epic(ly cheap) budget!

To make your car camping adventure as cozy as possible, we’d suggest renting a car that can fold the backseats down completely flat.

That way, you can pack your sleeping bag and sleeping pad and snuggle up in the back for a cozy (and free) place to sleep on your southwest road trip.

Looking For A Camper Van or RV?

One of our favorite places to look for RVs for rent is a place called Outdoorsy . It’s kind of like Airbnb for recreational vehicles. People will lend their camper vans, mobile homes, and more for travelers like you!

It’s fully insured, and an awesome way to save money on the road and get the full road trip experience. Click here to browse their huge selection!

What’s The Best Time Of Year For A Southwest Road Trip?

In our opinion, we think the best time of year for a perfect Southwest road trip would be between the months of March and April.

This is when most of the snow has melted in the spring (except for in Bryce Canyon !) but the desert weather is not yet too hot.

We also think that between October and November is a good time to plan your southwest road trip itinerary.

The weather is getting cooler from the summer, and most families have children back in school, so crowds are less than the peak summer season.

This Isn’t The End…

Didn’t see your favorite American southwest destination in this blog post? That’s because we haven’t explored there yet!

We can’t wait to do some more driving around the Southwest US. As we explore more destinations, we’ll be updating this post with more information. Keep coming back!

Are you planning your own amazing Southwest road trip? Tell us about the stop you are looking forward to the most!

10 Amazing Destinations in the American Southwest

The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip

How To Spend One Day In Death Valley National Park

5 Amazing Hikes In Sedona, Arizona You Need To Explore

How To Find Movie Road In Alabama Hills, California

The Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip Itinerary

How To See Big Sur, California In One Day

After way too many years of working and raising children I have the opportunity to do something I love and travel the country. All back roads and amazing places. Just found your blog and most of my planning is very similar to what you do. After reading about your adventures, my biggest concern is being shut out of places I want to see because my trip will be fluid and I really don’t want to rush to a place. There is no way I can set something up six months in advance. Maybe a month would work do me. I plan on going for two years. Entire country except for the heartland. Any advice? Below you ask for a website. I’m just getting to it.

Hi Eric! Thanks for the comment! What do you meaning being shut out of places?

We are planning on doing part of this in September. So so excited! One thing we did notice is a lot of campsites close from mid/late September for the winter.

Hi Nicola! I hope you have the best time! And depending on the parks, the campsites are generally open through October, especially in the warmer southwest climates. You could also try apps like iOverlander that show you forest roads to camp for free, year-round if the road conditions permit!

USA Southwest Road Trip – 4 Week Van Life Itinerary

Planning a USA Southwest road trip?

With several states to explore, many unique landscapes, beautiful national parks, and fun-fuelled activities, you simply can’t pass up this adventure of a lifetime.

I spent 4 weeks traveling around the southwest USA in a campervan and visited the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.

While there are different ways to go interstate and explore the States, traveling by campervan is simply the most fun, enjoyable, and affordable option you can go for.

If you’re planning a month-long Southwest USA road trip or a bit shorter than that, this is the travel guide for you.

I’ll go through where to rent a campervan, the best possible route, what to see and do in the different southwest states, and many more details you need to know. 

Before starting this ultimate 4-week southwest road trip itinerary, make sure to pack these useful travel accessories for a road trip .

Table of Contents

QUICK ANSWERS: USA SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP

Before we dive into the itinerary, here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ROAD TRIP SOUTHWEST USA?

First and foremost, let’s talk about the best months to do a Southwest USA road trip.

The southwest states can be visited all year long but it’s best to travel during the summertime.

That being said, you’ll find very crowded national parks and you’ll have to pre-book many attractions, hikes, and campsites in advance.

On the other hand, autumn and winter are less crowded but the weather is much colder and some roads and mountain passes may be closed due to snowfall.

A plus side is you don’t have to pre-book campsites as it’s possible to get same-day reservations.

All things considered, the best period of time to go on a southwestern road trip is the shoulder season – from April to May and September to October.

You’ll have pleasant weather, crowds won’t be as big as in the summer, and you can go hiking on the way without pre-booking.

WHERE CAN I RENT A CAMPERVAN?

I personally rented my campervan with Travellers Autobarn as they are one of the most reputable, affordable, and top-rated campervan rental companies in the US.

What I particularly liked about Travellers Autobarn is that they offer pick-up locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Denver, and Seattle so you can rent a van pretty much anywhere on the west coast.

Also, each of their campervan rentals is fully liveable meaning you won’t need to book any accommodation on your road trip.

Needless to say, this is a massive cost-effective way to do road trips in the Southwest.

The vans come fully equipped with a seating area and table that transforms into a double bed. There’s also a fridge/freezer that runs on solar, a gas stovetop, microwave, kitchen sink with running water, cooking utensils, bedding, a heater for the winter, USB power outlets, 24V power when hooked up to electricity, lots of storage, and many more great features.

Did I mention that they offer free unlimited miles when you rent any of their campervans, RVs, or minivans?

Click here to check different vehicle options, rates, and availability.

WHAT ARE THE BEST CAMPING SPOTS IN SOUTHWEST USA?

There are many paid and unpaid campsites throughout the Southwest where you can park your campervan for a night or two during your Southwest itinerary.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can free camp in many places such as BLM land and some gas stations that will allow you to use the parking lot for 24 hours or so.

It’s worth noting that you can also spend the night in a Walmart parking lot but bear in mind that fewer and fewer stores allow nomads to park for the night.

If you happen to be in the middle of nowhere with no proper place to spend the night, make sure not to park on private properties or where you see the sign “No Trespassing”.

I recommend checking the overnight parking spots across America on OvernightRVparking .

For those who would prefer to stay at private campgrounds with electricity hook-ups and facilities like hot showers, toilets, and swimming pools, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30 USD – $70 USD per night.

To make a reservation at a campground inside a national park, you’ll first need to create a free account on the recreation.gov website and book online in advance before arriving.

I also recommend using the FreeRoam app on your mobile or laptop to find all the best paid and unpaid campsites on your southwest itinerary.

Explorest is another great app tailored for photographers to find the best photo locations in the US and worldwide.

WHAT APPS TO DOWNLOAD FOR A SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP?

In such a digital world, it goes without saying that certain mobile apps will make your life easier, especially on a southwestern road trip. These are the apps that you can’t start your journey without:

• Roadtrippers
• HotelTonight

These apps are well worth downloading. Find a clean restroom on the go, listen to your favorite tunes, discover the most affordable gas stations and much more.

HOW MUCH DOES A SOUTHWEST USA ROAD TRIP COST?

It goes without saying that a south west USA road trip will likely cost you a fair bit of money.

Of course, you’ll have the time of your life visiting some of the most beautiful places on Earth but you should get properly prepared budget-wise.

Your whole budget for a USA Southwest road trip should be between $175 and $250 per day including the campervan rental costs (or accommodation), gas, food, drinks, activities, and entrance fees to national parks.

Gas tends to be very expensive on the west coast and I recommend you download GasBuddy as mentioned above to save some precious dollars on the go.

Lastly, getting a National Parks Pass is a great tip that will potentially save you lots of money and I’ll explain more in-depth about this in the following paragraphs.

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SHOULD I GET A USA NATIONAL PARKS PASS?

Whether you want to go hiking around the southwest coast or take a selfie at some great Instagrammable spots, the National Parks Pass is something you should consider.

For only $80 per year, you’ll get to enter all National Parks in the United States.

This is a must-have simply because you won’t pay anything since all fees are included, including the parking fees for day use.

For instance, the entrance fee for Zion National Park is $35 for a private vehicle, and the same for Yosemite National Park . This sums up to $70 or almost the equivalent of the annual National Parks Pass.

Of course, if you only plan to visit one park on your road trip, it’s not convenient to purchase one. But for more than 1 national park, it’s definitely worth the investment and it’s overall a great way to discover the Southwest part of the USA.

SOUTHWEST USA ROAD TRIP ROUTE

There is no wrong or right way to road trip southwest USA, though for the sake of this guide and to help you plan your southwest itinerary, this is the clockwise route that I took starting and ending in Los Angeles.

• Los Angeles (campervan pick-up)
• Pacific Coast Highway & Big Sur / 3 days
• San Francisco / 2 days
• Yosemite National Park / 2 days
• Sequoia National Park / 1 day 
• Las Vegas & Valley of Fire / 3 days
• Zion National Park / 3 days
• Bryce Canyon National Park / 1 day
• Monument Valley / 1 day
• Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon / 1 day
• Grand Canyon South Rim / 2 days
• Sedona / 3 days
• Joshua Tree National Park / 2 days
• SoCal (San Diego, Laguna Beach, Newport) / 2 days
• Los Angeles (Venice, Santa Monica, Hollywood) / 2 days

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LOS ANGELES

After getting to Los Angeles, I picked up the campervan from Travellers Autobarn in LA, went grocery shopping to stock up the fridge in the van, and immediately headed north along the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway).

The first few days of the road trip, I spent visiting the most stunning spots on the Pacific Coast Highway, including Big Sur and other coastal surf towns, which I’ll go through in this guide.

Following a month-long trip, I spent the last 2 days of my road trip in Los Angeles, and I recommend doing the same.

Be sure to visit Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood, and Sunset Boulevard among other famous places.

Read on till the end of this post to know exactly how to enjoy your time in LA, but for now, let’s kick off this 4 week van life itinerary with the Pacific Coast Highway and Big Sur.

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY & BIG SUR

California is known for its warm weather, for world-famous coastal towns like Malibu, and for its scenic Pacific Coast Highway and Big Sur.

The drive to Big Sur is around 6 hours from Los Angeles.

There are endless places to visit along the Pacific Coast Highway but the most worthy ones I’ve listed below:

• Santa Barbara
• Morro Bay (surf beach)
• San Simeon (Elephant Seal Vista Point)
• Big Sur (Ragged Point, Slates Hotsprings, Mcway Falls, Bixby Creek Bridge)
• Santa Cruz Beach
• Redwoods State Park

SAN FRANCISCO

When traveling to the West Coast, San Francisco is simply an unmissable city that is worth staying in for a least a few days.

Here, there’s something for everyone from foodies to tech addicts and curious wanderers of all ages.

San Francisco plays home to some of the most famous landmarks in California such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

These are the best things to do and see in San Francisco:

• Witness the sunset at Golden Gate Bridge
• Spend some time on Lombardo Street
• Take a day tour of Alcatraz Island
• Enjoy the views of the Twin Peaks
• Test your taste buds at Ferry Building Marketplace
• Go swimming at Ocean Beach

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YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

A Southwest USA road trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the world-famous Yosemite National Park.

Located just over 170 miles from San Francisco, it’s one of the most worthy places to include in your itinerary.

Yosemite is always open and you’ll have to pay a $35 entrance fee per vehicle which is valid for 7 days unless you purchase the annual National Parks Pass ahead of time.

Once in Yosemite, there are a few things you can do and I recommend spending three days inside the park to see the most impressive sites, which are:

• Tunnel Viewpoint
• El Capitan Bridge
• Swinging Bridge
• Yosemite Falls
• Glacier Point (for sunset)
• Taft Point (for sunset)

Of course, with so many photo spots in Yosemite National Park , don’t forget to bring your camera!

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

The Sequoia National Park is another incredible place to visit on your Southwest USA road trip.

Situated around 80 miles from Fresno, CA, Sequoia National Park is mostly famous for its humungous trees.

Among all of them, you’ll find the General Sherman Tree – the largest tree in the world standing at 275 feet and measuring 36 feet in diameter.

Naturally, there’s much more to do in the park and these are the activities you can’t miss:

• Visit the famous General Sherman Tree
• Sequoia National Park’s Tunnel Log
• Drive through Kings Canyon Scenic Byway
• Photograph the beautiful Tokopah Falls
• Hike up to Mount Whitney
• Unwind at Crescent Meadow

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LAS VEGAS & VALLEY OF FIRE

Las Vegas and Valley of Fire are two of the most unmissable places to visit on your southwestern road trip.

Discover the most entertaining city in the world and then spend a day exploring the Valley of Fire.

The Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas, boasts resorts all around, countless casinos, and shopping malls on every corner with lots happening during the night.

It’s also a great destination to celebrate your birthday , engagement, or anniversary.

These are the best things to do in Las Vegas:

• Go Casino-hopping
• Get tickets to a Broadway show
• See the famous Bellagio fountain display
• Helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
• Take a photo at the Las Vegas sign

VALLEY OF FIRE

The Valley of Fire is known for its petroglyphs and petrified trees dating back over 2,000 years. The most worthy hikes are the White Domes, Atlatl Rock, and Mouse’s Tank Hike.

Apart from being a lovely location, it has many campsites fully equipped with grills and water, shaded tables, and trails all around for those willing to be more adventurous.

The entrance fee to the Valley of Fire is $10 per vehicle per day while overnight camping will set you back $20 per night.

Things to do and see in Valley of Fire:

• Mouse’s Tank Rd Viewpoint
• Walk through the White Domes
• Stop quickly to see the Beehives 
• Do a quick 1-mile hike to Rainbow Vista
• Photograph the Instagrammable Fire Wave

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ZION NATIONAL PARK

One place you must see at all costs on your Southwest US road trip is Zion National Park.

Zion is hands-down one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, and I don’t say that lightly!

The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle and this is valid for 7 days. Of course, when planning a longer road trip around the United States, I recommend getting the annual National Parks Pass to save some money.

After getting here and taking in the stunning Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, the next best thing you can do is go hiking.

The two best trails Angels Landing (which you will need to get a permit for) and The Narrows – both are famous for the stunning views you see on the way. But that’s not all…

These are the top things to do and see in Zion:

• Canyon Junction Bridge Viewpoint
• Court of the Patriarchs’ Viewpoint
• Angels Landing Hike
• Observation Point
• Big Bend Viewpoint
• Temple Of Sinawava
• The Narrows Hike

Bear in mind that some trails are closed during the winter such as the Kolob Terrace Road and The Narrows.

This is worth noting if you’re willing to travel here during the winter months when there are fewer crowds.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Nestled in a remote area between Las Vegas and Denver, Bryce Canyon National Park is another destination you’ll want to add to your southwest itinerary.

The views around the park are breathtaking, to say the least, and you won’t regret spending some time here.

To be more specific, these are the must-do and see in Bryce Canyon:

• Sunrise Point
• Sunset Point
• Navajo Loop Trail
• Queens Garden Trail
• Thors Hammer
• Wall Street
• Inspiration Point

Just like other National Parks, the entrance fee to Bryce Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle – valid for 7 consecutive days.

While temperatures can be rough during the winter, it is probably the best time of year to come as the combination of red canyons and snow takes the whole experience to the next level.

Also, it won’t be as crowded as in the summertime and that is definitely something to consider.

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MONUMENT VALLEY

Monument Valley is a remote red-sand desert popular for being one of the most photographed places in the whole world and for its loop drive made of 11 stops.

It’s located on the Utah/Arizona border and it’s open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm and 8.00 am to 2.00 pm during the winter.

National Parks Passes are not accepted at Monument Valley and you’ll have to pay a $20 entrance per vehicle or $10 per person. Children aged 9 and younger can enter for free.

If you park and sleep here for the night, make sure to wake up early to see the sunrise as it’s one of the most incredible experiences you can have on your USA Southwest road trip.

The valley doesn’t have hiking spots compared to the national parks above but it’s well worth the drive to get here and experience all Monument Valley has to offer.

Some of the best things to do and see at Monument Valley include:

• Forrest Gump Point
• Monument Valley View (located at the visitor’s center)
• Monument Valley Scenic Drive Loop

HORSESHOE BEND & ANTELOPE CANYON

Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are two remarkable landmarks that you’ve probably already seen in movies, on social media, or even on TV and they are not to be missed on your road trip in southwest USA.

HORSESHOE BEND

Starting with Horseshoe Bend, you’ll need to pay $10 per vehicle at the entrance and then walk down a short trail to take in the breathtaking views from any angle.

It’s best visited for sunrise or sunset and you’ll get to photograph one of the most beautiful scenes you’ve ever witnessed.

ANTELOPE CANYON

On the same day, before or after Horseshoe Bend, you can also visit Antelope Canyon . The canyon is divided into 2 areas – the lower and the upper Antelope Canyons.

In order to visit this canyon, you’ll need to join a tour with a guide as you can’t go by yourself.

Tours start in Page, the nearest city, and you’ll be taken in a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a guide through the sand until you reach the canyon.

Bear in mind that, during the ride, sand gets everywhere on your face, in your nose, and mouth, and I recommend covering up.

All in all, Horseshoe Bend and the Antelope Canyon are incredible locations and you should bring one of these best cameras for landscape photography to capture the entire experience.

GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM

It goes without saying that the world-famous Grand Canyon should definitely be on your USA Southwest road trip itinerary.

The South Rim is open all year long and it’s easiest to visit this side of the canyon as opposed to the North Rim when coming from Horseshoe Bend.

There are so many great things to do and viewpoints to see in the Grand Canyon South Rim such as:

• Desert View Watchtower
• Navajo Point
• Moran Point
• Grandview Point
• Powell Point (for sunset)
• Walk or bike through Hermit Road

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Sedona is a mecca for adventurous travelers looking to go hiking and enjoy the views of the famous red rocks.

You will find hundreds of hiking trails and jeep tours that lead up to some fantastic landscapes, while those who want an extra bit more immersion can head out on their own with Red Rock State Park as their destination.

The entrance fee to the Red Rock State Park will cost you $5 for the day, $15 for seven days, or $20 for an annual pass and there’s just a lot to do here including:

• Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook
• Devil’s Bridge Hike (for sunrise)
• Birthing Cave
• Boynton Canyon Trail
• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
• Scenic Helicopter Tour
• Twin Buttes Trail
• Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Bell Rock & Courthouse Trails
• Yavapai Vista Point (for sunset)
• Cathedral Rock Hike (for sunrise)
• Airport Mesa Viewpoint (for sunset)

But Sedonians have much more than just geology going on, in fact, the city is also known for its world-class wines and you should make sure to do the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

You’ll find lots of wineries on the way and some will even be the perfect spot to have a picnic or catch a sunset.

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Joshua Tree National Park is a place where you can feel the magic in every inch.

It’s like something straight out of a movie with its Joshua trees and almost lunar landscape made up of giant granite boulders and rolling mountains.

Whether you’re looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustles of city life or are seeking out new adventures in nature, there is no shortage when it comes to activities that can be enjoyed at Joshua Tree National Park.

As a whole, these are the nicest activities at the park:

• Keys View (for sunset)
• Hidden Valley Nature Trail
• Barker Dam Nature Trail
• Cholla Cactus Garden Trail

The entrance fee will set you back $30 per vehicle and $15 per person on a bike or on foot.

If you previously purchased a National Parks Pass, this is the moment to use it and you’ll get to enter for free.

SOCAL (SAN DIEGO, LAGUNA BEACH, NEWPORT)

If there was only one spot to choose from in the whole of the southwest, this is a must.

SoCal, or South California, should definitely be on your itinerary and you can go visit the famous San Diego, Laguna Beach, and Newport.

The distance between the most southern point, San Diego, to Newport Beach is less than 2 hours (or 90 miles) and you can spend some time in each location for one day only.

Of course, a full day only allows you to scratch the surface but, if you want to discover more of SoCal, here are the best things to do in each place.

THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO:

• Balboa Park
• Belmont Park
• Coronado Beach
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
• San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

THINGS TO DO IN LAGUNA BEACH

• Heisler Park
• Laguna Beach Walks
• Crystal Cove State Park
• Crescent Bay Point Park
• Pacific Marine Mammal Center

THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT

• Witness the whales on a cruise
• Go shopping at Lido Marina Village
• Spend some time in Newport Beach
• Visit the amusement park on Balboa Island
• Unwind at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

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LOS ANGELES (VENICE, SANTA MONICA, HOLLYWOOD)

Los Angeles has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore the city’s culture or take in some outdoor activities. 

There are plenty of places to visit in Hollywood but you should certainly not miss Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier, one of the most popular attractions on Route 66 .

Apart from that, you’ll find endless activities and tours of stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, great nightlife, and entertainment.

To fully embrace what Los Angeles has to offer, I recommend you stay at least three full days at the end of your Southwest USA road trip to end the journey on a great note.

These are the best places and attractions you’ll find in Los Angeles:

• Venice Beach
• Santa Monica Pier
• Hollywood Boulevard
• The Hollywood sign
• Hike at the Runyon Canyon Park
• Rent a bike and head to Echo Park Lake
• Enjoy local delicacies at Grand Central Market
• See the views from the Mount Wilson Observatory

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE USA

When visiting the States, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

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FINAL THOUGHTS – SOUTH WEST USA ROADTRIP

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about road trips in the southwest USA, please leave a comment below this post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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Southwest USA Road Trip with Kids: Self-Drive Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

The Southwest USA road trip is easily and decisively one of the best road trips in the USA . Our step-by-step American Southwest road trip itinerary with kids takes you through some of the most amazing and exquisite sites to be explored with kids.

Across Southwest USA…

miles and miles…

into the wild…

kids’ faces beaming with joy and excitement…

witnessing some of the best natural wonders of the world…

a road trip that isn’t only good but the best in the world !

Driving Through Southwest USA is Simply Transcendental

Southwest America is one of the best destinations for road-tripping. It’s, in fact, one great American road trip !

National Parks galore, Famed and Historic Route 66, deep-seated American history, rugged vistas, and carved horizons; all along the roads that traverse the states of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Read More: A Complete Guide to the US Tourist Visa from India

Southwest USA road trip takes you through some of the most amazing and beautiful canyons that are worth exploring. You’ll be amazed to see the sparkling show of colors put by the canyons.

It’s an unforgettable and utterly different road trip. Empty roads and gorgeous views take your breath away!

And you will be dazed as you discover the most unearthly places on the planet.

This ultimate American cross-country road trip was part of our 2-week long US trip itinerary.

It wasn’t possible for us to explore the entire Southwest USA because of the time restrictions so we chose some of the world’s most beloved and most traveled destinations in Southwest USA.

Read More: How to Discover South Florida in 5 Days

We traveled across Nevada, Arizona, and Utah ; unveiling the secrets, the treasures, and the experiences the southwest USA hides.

Why Take Southwest USA Road Trip with Kids?

Because it’s learning with fun.

Criss-crossing across the region with kids is challenging which ultimately makes them learn to face the hurdles with a smile on their faces.

Rewards override the challenges of course.

Hiking, biking, camping, wildlife, national parks, historical sites, and museums – there’s learning at every curve.

The vast open spaces and ever-changing landscapes of the American Southwest are super perfect for kids who love adventures and wilderness experiences.

Hiking the colorful rocky terrains, lying under the sky full of stars, sleeping in tents, shaking the dust off the clothes, joyfully putting bandaid on scraped-up knees, and collecting stories and lessons along the way – American Southwest road trip promises a world of adventure for kids.

Step by Step Itinerary for Southwest USA Road Trip

I’ve mentioned here a route and step-by-step itinerary that we’ve driven.

This is just one option to give a zest of what a self-drive itinerary in Southwest America looks like, and it can easily be redesigned.

I’m sure it will surprise and delight those who’ve never been to these places before…or for that matter who have been many times.

We boarded the American Airways early morning flight from Philadelphia to Las Vegas. And so the story goes…

Day 1: American Southwest Road Trip

Philadelphia (pennsylvania) to las vegas (nevada).

Route: Philadelphia > Las Vegas (By air – 5 hours 40 mins); Sightseeing and night stay at Las Vegas (LV)

Las Vegas, Nevada – The Starting Point for Our American Southwest Adventure

Las Vegas needs no introduction. The city is famous for its exuberance.

We chose Las Vegas as our starting point for various reasons; the first being that LV is known to be the gateway for exploring the wonders of Southwest USA, the second being that renting a car here is easier and cheaper than in other states of Southwest America, and last but not the least being that exploring Vegas was on top in my USA itinerary.

I would have done it anyway even if it wouldn’t have been the most desired base for traversing the Southwest USA region by road. Anyhow, I scratched it off my list.

Apart from being a perfect and the most fun base for American Southwest exploration, the sin city itself is worth a few days’ stay, as the mega-hotels and casinos alone are some of the most unusual in the world, plus it also offers outstanding acts and shows viz. Cirque du Soleil, Le Reve, etc., museums and exhibits, Adventuredome ( America’s largest indoor theme park ), and much more.

Yes!!! It’s called the entertainment capital of the world for a reason.

Is it for real? – you are sure to ask yourself once you step on the streets of LV.

Las Vegas is sort of like how God would do it if he had money. ~ Steve Wynn

Steve wasn’t really exaggerating when he said this, anyone who travels to Las Vegas will know.

Las Vegas with Kids

We reached LV at around 8 am local time and headed straight to our hotel to freshen up.

After stuffing our faces with all-we-could-eat delightful breakfast dishes, we were off to explore LV with kids, the otherwise no-go city for kids.

We were ready to bust the myth!

LV may not be the obvious choice for a family vacation but there are numerous kid-friendly things to do in Las Vegas. It’s not exactly what it’s thought of!

We strolled The Strip and the various kid-friendly exhibits, shows, and activities inside the resorts and mega-hotels that line the Las Vegas Strip.

What did we explore on the Las Vegas Strip?

• Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
• High Roller Observation Wheel
• Gondola Ride at The Venetian
• The Eiffel Tower outside the Paris Las Vegas Hotel
• The Big Apple Coaster and Arcade outside the New York New York Hotel
• The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Hotel
• Waterfall Atrium at Palazzo
• Bellagio Dancing Fountains
• Fall of Atlantis and Aquarium at Caesars Palace
• Mirage Hotel Volcano Erupt, Aquarium, and Rainforest Atrium

All of this makes it one hell of a fun place to visit even with kids . Our kids were exhausted but not ready to go back to the hotel room.

Sin City can get expensive, so try to choose some of the many free things to do in Las Vegas!

I’m sure you’d want to read the best free things to do in Las Vegas with Kids.

Tips for Visiting Las Vegas with Kids

• Be aware that kids aren’t allowed in the gaming areas of casinos.
• Avoid visiting Fremont Street with kids.
• Roam the Las Vegas Strip between 5 pm to 8 pm; that way, kids will get to see the neon lights in full glory, but the true party crowd (adult stuff) will not yet be out.

Read More: A Guide to Getting Around Las Vegas with Kids

We rented a car from Las Vegas for our road trip across the southwest.

Day 2: American Southwest Road Trip

Las vegas (nevada) to seven magic mountains (nevada).

Route: Las Vegas > I-15 S and Las Vegas Blvd S > Seven Magic Mountains < Las Vegas; Night stay at Las Vegas (LV)

Las Vegas Sightseeing Off the Strip – Seven Magic Mountains

A quick 3O minutes drive south of Las Vegas took us to a quirky art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, Seven Magic Mountains .

In the middle of the Mojave Desert, the sight of the 7 pillars created by rainbow-colored boulder totems looks magical.

Please note that there’s no way to reach Seven Magic Mountains but a drive. There’s no admission fee. It’s  FREE  and open to the public.

Related Read: Best Day Trips from Las Vegas

Las Vegas Hotel Recommendation:   The Mirage, Las Vegas Strip

We stayed at The Mirage and loved everything about it. Las Vegas has a mind-boggling variety of resorts and hotels to choose from.

Click here to find the best deals on hotels in Las Vegas.

If you don’t want to rent a car or drive on your own, you still can explore the American Southwest’s wonders by joining one or two of the many wonderful guided tours available from Las Vegas .

Day 3: American Southwest Road Trip

Las vegas (nevada) to flagstaff (arizona).

Route: Las Vegas > I-515 S and I-11 S > Hoover Dam > US–93 S and I-40 E > Historic Route 66 > Flagstaff Hotel (Overnight stay)

It was time for us to leave the shimmering neon lights of Sin City and embrace the natural wonders of the Southwest.

We could see the joy and excitement on the kids’ faces as we headed for the ultimate wilderness experience.

Hoover Dam, Nevada

Distance to Hoover Dam from LV:  37.8 miles; 44 mins drive

One of the most extraordinary achievements of modern engineering also transpires to be fairly beautiful to look at.

The Hoover Dam built in the 1930s now supplies a wide Southwest USA region with hydroelectric energy.

The dam also confines beautiful Lake Mead on the Colorado River .

Flagstaff, Arizona

Distance to Flagstaff from Hoover Dam:  222 miles; 3 hours 30 mins drive

We chose a hotel for a night stay at Flagstaff because it is only 80 miles from the Grand Canyon and close to the other seven USA national parks and monuments.

Flagstaff can be your perfect home base to explore some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Did you know you can enjoy stargazing in Flagstaff ? Yes!

Hotel Recommendation:   Super 8 by Wyndham

Click here to get the best deals on hotels in Flagstaff, Arizona

Day 4: American Southwest Road Trip

Flagstaff (arizona) to page (arizona).

Route: Flagstaff > US-89 N > Sunset Crater Volcano > US-89 N and AZ-64 W > Grand Canyon > AZ-64 E/Desert View Dr and US-89 N > Antelope Canyon > AZ-98 W > Horse Shoe Bend > Page Hotel

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona

Distance to Sunset Crater from Flagstaff:  20.2 miles; 28 mins drive

Recognized as a U.S. National Monument, Sunset Crater is the youngest volcano in the US.

The volcano’s edge of red cinders and the lava flows near the cone seem to have cooled and hardened to a jagged surface.

Everywhere we walked, we were surrounded by black lava.

Two of the fascinating volcanic features that you’ll come across while exploring the park will be squeeze-ups and hornitos.

Entrance Fee: $25 per car or $20 per bike or $15 per bicycle valid for 7 days. It allows entry to both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monument

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Distance to Grand Canyon from Sunset Crater:  94.3 miles; 1 hour 46 mins drive

Grand Canyon is certainly one of the widely recognized natural wonders of the world.

No trip to the Southwest is complete without it. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You can explore the Grand Canyon from the North, South, East, and West Rims, but on this route, you’re likely to visit the South Rim, the busiest but most accessible part of the canyon.

The South Rim is the most spectacular part as you’ll be able to drive along Desert View Drive , a 25-mile stretch of road that runs along the canyon’s edge, with views over the Colorado River.

It’s heavenly to spend a few moments on the edge of this colossal abyss, looking out across a precipice so expansive and so deep that you can’t see the end or bottom which makes you feel minuscule in comparison.

It’s an unassuming disparity to the fast-moving cities.

Every glimpse of the canyon has its own peculiar glow, hue, and outlook on the canyon’s labyrinthine topography.

The glories and the beauties of form, color, and sound unite in the Grand Canyon – forms unrivaled even by the mountains, colors that vie with sunsets, and sounds that span the diapason from tempest to tinkling raindrop, from cataract to bubbling fountain. ~ John Wesley Powell

Try to witness the canyon ablaze with shades at sunrise or sunset or both.

The South Rim is open year-round, though some trails can get icy in winter.

North Rim lodging and camping are available from mid-May through mid-October. Access to the North Rim is closed in winter due to snow.

Trail of Time at Yavapai Point and  Junior Ranger Program are recommended activities for kids at Grand Canyon.

If we had some more time, we’d probably got to see the stunning blue-green waters Havasu is famous for.

Unfortunately, it was not in the stars. We were off.

Hiking Havasu Falls tops my list of things to do in the American Southwest next time around. After all, there’s always a next time!

Entrance fee : $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle valid for seven days.

Antelope Canyon, Navajo Land, Arizona

Distance to Antelope Canyon from Grand Canyon South Rim :  123 miles; 2 hours drive

Exquisite place you must see!

Visiting Antelope is so worth the time! As we got to see only Lower Antelope Canyon; I’m still curious about Upper Antelope Canyon.

Antelope Canyon is one of the most stunning, natural things I’ve ever seen in my life!

Once inside the canyon, the spectacle is almost mind-boggling.

It’s obvious to get mesmerized by the shapes and colors of the rocks inside the canyon!

And it’s quite impossible to depict the canyon; you got to stand in its presence to appreciate it.

Be aware that you can’t enter Antelope Canyon without a native Navajo guide.

Navajo Park Permit of $8 for 8 years and up is paid in addition to the tour fee.

Entrance Fee for Lower Antelope Canyon: $40 + $8 per adult, $20 per child (aged 8 to 12), and children aged 0 to 7 get free entry.

Entrance Fee for Upper Antelope Canyon: $52 + $8 per adult, $42 + $8 per child (aged 8 to 12), and $42 per child (aged 0 to 7)

11:30 am tours to Upper Antelope Canyon are a bit costly.

Read our complete guide to Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Distance to Horseshoe Bend from Antelope Canyon:  10 miles; 16 mins drive

We ended our day at Horseshoe Bend.

It was an enthralling experience to stand on the edge and witness the ever-changing hues in the bend.

It’s just about half a mile walk from the car parking to the lookout point.

There are no balustrade and entrance fees, just a divine chance to savor awe-inspiring sights!

Page, Arizona

Distance from Horseshoe Bend to Page Hotel:  2.5 miles; 10 mins

Hotel Recommendation:   Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page Lake Powell

You can check other properties in Page, Arizona here.

We couldn’t visit Upper Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge (the world’s largest natural bridge) and Glen Canyon but if you’ve time, you can stay at Page for another day or so and explore northern Arizona or can take a boat trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument at Lake Powell near Page in Arizona.

Page (Arizona) to Panguitch (Utah) to Las Vegas (Nevada)

Route: Page > US-89 > Bryce Canyon > I-15 S > Las Vegas

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Distance to Bryce Canyon National Park from Page:  151 miles; 3 hours drive

It is one of the most remote national parks, and as a result, is significantly less crowded than a lot of the other parks in the southwest USA.

As far as the eye can see, you’ll witness hundreds of strange red geological structures, known as hoodoos.

The sunlight filters through the breaches in the rocks at sunrise and sunset, changing their shades from yellow to red, then purple.

Bryce’s signature hoodoo formations shimmer in shades which is literally fantastic!

There are many viewing points including Rainbow, Sunrise, and Sunset Points each with a slightly different perspective on the canyon.

Bryce Point is quieter and more serene.

The best way to do the drive is to proceed directly south, witness Rainbow and Yovimpa points from the highest part of the park, and then stop at the other viewpoints as you return north.

The best times to visit are from mid-April through mid-June and from early September through early November.

Both seasons bring a flare of hues. Plan well in advance because accommodations book up months ahead of time.

The night sky at Bryce is one of the darkest in the country, making for amazing star exhibits.

It is one of the best places in the country to go stargazing. Virtually no light pollution, and there isn’t much that can block your view.

Entrance Fee: $35 per car, $20 per bicycle or per person; and $30 per bike valid for seven days.

Read More: Bryce Canyon Itinerary – How to See Bryce Canyon in One Day

Another important point to know is about time zones. Utah switches between mountain standard time and mountain daylight time.

Arizona, however, remains on mountain standard time throughout the year. Meanwhile, the Navajo Nation operates on mountain standard time but observes daylight savings.

Why Traveling with Kids is the Best Thing in the World

PS: We couldn’t drive Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip (which includes all the 5 amazing national parks in Utah) but if you have time, you must include it as it’s one of the most iconic Utah road trips .

Drive back to Las Vegas

Off to LV to catch a flight to Orlando (Yes, now it was time for us to explore Orlando!)

Distance to Las Vegas from Bryce Canyon:  261 miles; 4 hours drive

We spent a relaxed evening in Las Vegas as we had a flight to Orlando the next morning. Our hotel, Palazzo was everything we could ask for after a tiring American Southwest road trip.

Hotel Recommendation: The Palazzo at The Venetian

This is the complete itinerary of my road trip!

By far the best road trip I’ve ever done in my life. I really can’t wait to return to this part of the world.

It’s a journey packed with untouched natural beauty , strange and wild roadside attractions, and vast open roads .

There are a lot of places to see out here and believe me, you won’t be able to do it all in one go.

Planning is essential to make the most of your Southwest USA travels.

The Best Time to Take the Iconic Southwest USA Road Trip

The ideal seasons to set out on the Southwest USA road trip are – Spring (mid-April through May) and Autumn (early September through mid-November).

Tips to Know Before You Plan an American Southwest Adventure

• Southwest USA road trip itinerary includes some of the best US national parks , it’s wise to get a National Parks Pass that gives entry to all the national parks to save money and hassle.
• Stuff your car with crates of water bottles especially if you are road-tripping in summer and Stock up from a supermarket.
• Many parts of the region are inaccessible unless you have your own car. Preferably, rent a car from car rental companies in Vegas. Don’t forget to compare rates before you book.
• Make sure to fill up the gas tank to avoid getting stuck at long secluded road stretches (you’ll get many.)
• Book well in advance because the region can get pretty busy because of its popularity especially on weekends and during a season.

What did we miss? Oh boy!

There are umpteen breathtaking and beautiful places that we missed out on and I would love to witness all of them when I revisit.

What else can you add to your American Southwest itinerary with more days on hand?

• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
• Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
• Zion National Park, Utah
• Arches National Park, Utah
• Canyonlands National Park, Utah
• Coyote Buttes, Ut ah
• Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
• Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument, Utah
• Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona
• Red Rock State Park, Arizona
• Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona
• Saguaro National Park, Arizona
• Monument Valley, Arizona

I hope I’ve inspired you enough that you would definitely think of hanging out in the Southwest USA.

Oh, so you’ve already made up your mind to take a Southwest USA road trip! Great!

Let me help you plan your itinerary then. Shoot me the mail.

Was it helpful? Did I miss anything? I would love to hear about your ultimate road trip experience across the southwest USA or anywhere else in the world for that matter.

Save the Best American Southwest Itinerary to Pinterest

Anjali Chawla

18 thoughts on “Southwest USA Road Trip with Kids: Self-Drive Itinerary”

The pictures of Utah’s All America Road are stunning. I like the way you have covered the wilderness of Southwest America!! Looks like something my 9 & 11-year-old adventurers would love to do ?

Wow, such a detailed post Anjali. I’m sure it will help many of those who are planning to visit the States. And beautiful photographs along with the write-up making the post visually appealing. Awesome 🙂

What a wonderful description ..and the canyon is actually grand ..always wanted to do such road trip.. on my wish list now

I have an eye for long on this side of US but only until it falls under my budget one day…The itinerary looks to be perfect for the time in hand and is described with all details necessary..

I was enthralled by the opening lines and pictures. Nevada, Arizona, and Utah are among some of the places I wanna do in the USA and yeah road trip too is on my wishlist, specially after watching the movie Anjaana Anjaani. Very nicely written. ?

Hey Anjali..loved the write up, so detailed and yet so entertaining. Oh and the pictures are absolutely fantastic, my favourites – the lower antelope canyon and the horseshoe bend, absolutely stunning! This seems like the kind of road trips I seek out for all the time. Hopefully I’ll be able to do this circuit soon. Amen! May you have many more such travels to share with us. All the best!

Read your blog first time it’s amazing.how beautifully you hv described everything .the feeling was soo rooted that I felt I am there experiencing everything on my own .congratulations you are truly a star.do share all your blogs will love to experience them.

It’s so lovely to see families Travelling with kids…way to go girl…your kids are lucky…

Hi Anjali… loved the article and pictures. Couldnt stop reading and now craving for more. The article got over too soon and suddenly I was brought back to reality from the lovely road trip.

I absolutely loved the pictures. Your post is so detailed with itineraries and tips. I guess wandering down this beautiful road trip will also make me a kid!! 🙂

I’m always inspired when I read about families who travel with their children – I can’t wait to have children and travel with them as well! 🙂 Your kids are blessed and lucky! The itinerary is awesome. I lived in the US for 8 years and have seen quite a few of these places – definitely can vote for Bryce and the Horseshoe bend 🙂 !

your pictures are incredible! First of all, I love vegas, although my kids havent been! The SW is so beautiful I really need to get my family out that way to explore. We have a big SE US road trip coming up!

my kids just came in as I was reading this and now they’ve run to tell their dad they want to do this trip they loved your pictures so much! It’s fine as we just moved to Mexico and are planning a USA trip next year.

Despite having lived in the US for over 25 years of my life, I haven’t really explored much of the western side of the country. We will be moving back this summer for a few years, though, so a road trip through the southwest sounds like a great way to get reacquainted with my home country! 🙂 You picked a great route for a family road trip – although our daughter is now grown (16 in a couple months!), she still thankfully enjoys traveling with us so we’ll go this a go!

Wow! What an awesome trip. Id love to do this someday! Lots of highlights and the beautiful scenery is absolutely the most inspiring part. Thanks!

stunning your all pictures and article too really nice thanks for sharing n keep it up thanks a lot…!

We are planning a 2 week South West road trip with kids this summer, stopping off to renew our vows in Las Vegas. Was very pleased to find your kid friendly list of Vegas activities. We are also hoping to see Horse Shoe bend and relieved to know it is only a 30 minute walk from the car park (I think it’s going to be too hot for any kind of big hike). Very excited!

Oh wow! that’s exciting. It just reminded of our South west road trip that we enjoyed immensely. I am sure your kids are gonna have a great time. Yes, Horseshoe bend is beautiful, although we just missed the sunset. The Antelope Canyons are close by and are a great trip together. Do let us know if you have any queries. Good luck for your trip.

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Guy Fieri Hits the Road for the New Season of GUY'S ALL-AMERICAN ROAD TRIP

The new season premieres on Friday, June 7th at 9 pm ET/PT on Food Network.

Guy Fieri, his wife Lori, and his sons Hunter and Ryder are packing up the RV for another epic road trip through the American West on the new season of the Emmy® Nominated Guy’s All-American Road Trip. 

This time, chef Antonia Lofaso is joining the caravan of campers with the Fieris and their friends as they HIT THE ROAD for an unforgettable adventure. With Guy at THE WHEEL leading the way to the most iconic destinations, attractions, and mouthwatering meals from South Dakota to Wyoming, this trip is packed with family competitions, fun times, and great memories. Buckle up as THE JOURNEY kicks off on Friday, June 7th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network.

“There’s nothing like revvin’ up the RV for a monster road trip with friends and family.” said Fieri. “We’re takin' in the sites, cookin’ up a storm and seein’ this great country of ours…let’s go!"

This trip of a lifetime begins in South Dakota as the Fieris and their friends make a pit stop for an indigenous feast featuring traditional dishes with a modern twist. Family competitions spice up the trip, starting with a spirited session of competitive fly fishing led by chef Justin Warner. At Ellsworth Air Force Base, Guy and the crew of caravans show their appreciation by serving up a dynamite barbecue lunch for the troops. No trip to South Dakota would be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore, where they get a lesson in history. Antonia visits a family-run buffalo farm and brings back some grass-fed meat for a tasty meal back at the campground. The adventure continues at a dude ranch in Buffalo, Wyoming, where they saddle up for a hoedown and fuel up for a line dancing showdown.

“Audiences get to ride shotgun on this epic Fieri family road trip, and, with Guy at THE WHEEL leading the way THE TRIP is guaranteed to be packed with iconic attractions, campfire feasts, thrilling competitions and all the best food that the west has to offer.” Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery.

From next-level burgers and hot dogs at a polo match to a culinary showdown with ingredients Guy finds at a freeze-dried food factory, each stop promises to be filled with fantastic food and new experiences. Plus, archery contests, a visit with local craftsmen making bits, spurs, and saddles, and indulgent Wyoming-style pizza and made-to-order chuckwagon steaks add to this unforgettable adventure. Then, it’s a pitstop at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and a country-style buffet featuring all-you-can eat chicken and smoked beef brisket. To round out the trip, it’s a campground carnival featuring Lebanese and Mediterranean food.

Fans can see photos from the road trip at  FoodNetwork.com/GuysRoadTrip  and can get ideas for their own vacation. Plus, they can share their own trip highlights using #GuysRoadTrip.

Guy’s All-American Road Trip is produced by Knuckle Sandwich and Citizen Pictures for Food Network.

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Moscow International Business Center (Moscow City)

• Guide to Russia

What can you do at Moscow City?

• Dine in style: Moscow City is home to 100+ cafes and restaurants, including Europe’s highest restaurant and ice-cream shop
• See Moscow like never before: Ascend to one of Moscow City’s observation decks for an unparalleled panorama of Moscow
• Admire world-class architecture: Each of Moscow City’s skyscrapers has distinctive architecture and design
• Learn something new: Visit the Museum of High-Rise Architecture in Moscow or the Metro Museum

Moscow City is a multifunctional complex in the west of Moscow, which has come to represent the booming business of Russia’s capital. Its skyscrapers enrich Moscow’s skyline, contrasting the medieval cupolas and Stalinist high-rises. Visitors to Moscow City can enjoy entertainment high in the sky, as the complex is home not just to offices, but to restaurants, cinemas, viewing platforms, and museums.

Photo by Alex Zarubi on Unsplash

History of Moscow City

Moscow City was first conceived in 1991 by honoured Soviet architect Boris Tkhor, who proposed to construct a business center in Moscow. It would be complete with gleaming skyscrapers rivalling those of New York and London, to reflect the new life and growing ambitions of post-Soviet Russia.

The chosen site was a stone quarry and disused industrial zone in western Moscow, in between the Third Ring Road and Moskva River. Initially, the territory was divided into 20 sections arranged in a horseshoe shape around a central zone. The skyscrapers would increase in height as they spiralled around the central section, with shorter structures built on the waterfront to give the taller buildings behind a view of the river. 

Architect Gennady Sirota, who contributed to iconic projects such as the Olympic Sports Complex on Prospekt Mira, was selected as the chief architect, and many other world-famous architects were attracted to Moscow to realise their visions in Moscow City.

What can you see and do at Moscow City?

Where Moscow’s cityscape was once dominated by Stalin’s Seven Sisters skyscrapers , this is no more. Moscow City is home to eight of Russia’s ten tallest buildings, six of which exceed 300 metres in height. More buildings are still under construction there today, including the One Tower (which will be Europe’s second-tallest building). Once completed, Moscow City will comprise more than 20 innovative structures.

Each of Moscow City’s skyscrapers was designed by its own architect, lending the cluster of skyscrapers a unique appearance. Aside from being a site of architectural wonder, Moscow City is a place for leisure and entertainment with over 100 cafes and restaurants, exhibition spaces, cinemas, viewing platforms, and more.

Photo by Nikita Karimov on Unsplash

Federation Tower

• East Tower: 374m, 97 floors; West Tower: 243m, 63 floors
• Completed in 2017
• Architects: Sergey Tchoban and Peter Schweger

The East Federation Tower is the tallest building in Moscow, and the second-tallest building in Europe after the Lakhta Centre in St Petersburg. Visitors can enjoy a luxurious meal of seafood, truffles or steak at restaurant ‘Sixty’ on the 62nd floor of the West Tower, or visit Europe’s highest observation deck, ‘Panorama 360’, on the 89th floor of the East Tower.

Did you know? The ice cream and chocolate shop on the 360 observation deck are the highest in the world!

• South Tower: 354m, 85 floors; North Tower: 254m, 49 floors
• Completed in 2015
• Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

The South OKO Tower is the third-tallest building in Russia and Europe. Here, you can visit ‘Ruski’ to dine on hearty Russian cuisine cooked on a real Russian stove, and have a drink in the ice bar. Alternatively, visit restaurant, nightclub and performance space ‘Birds’; the restaurant is the highest in Europe, situated on the 86th floor roof terrace alongside an observation deck. The OKO Towers are also home to karaoke club ‘City Voice’.

Did you know? Underneath OKO Towers is the largest underground parking in Europe, with 16 levels and 3,400 parking spaces.

Mercury Tower

• 339m tall, 75 floors
• Architects : Mikhail Posokhin, Frank Williams, Gennady Sirota

Another multifunctional skyscraper, which was designed as the first truly ‘green’ building in Moscow. The Mercury Tower has a distinct geometric shape and copper-coloured glazing, and was the tallest building in Europe upon completion. Visit ‘More i myaso’ (Sea and meat) on the first floor of the tower to enjoy European and Mediterranean cuisine whilst surrounded by greenery. On the 2nd and 40th floors a modern art gallery, the ‘ILONA-K artspace’, has just opened.

City of Capitals

• Moscow Tower: 302m, 76 floors; St Petersburg Tower: 257m, 65 floors
• Completed in 2009
• Architect: Bureau NBBJ

The unique geometric design of the City of Capitals towers resembles stacks of rotating blocks, and is rooted in Constructivism of the early Soviet period (many Soviet Constructivist buildings can be found in Moscow). Visitors to the Moscow Tower can enjoy a range of cuisines – traditional Italian dishes on the summer terrace of ‘Tutto Bene’, Panasian cuisine in the tropical luxury of the ‘Bamboo Bar’ on the 1st floor’, and poke or smoothie bowls at ‘Soul in the Bowl’ cafe on the 80th floor.

Tower on the Embankment

• Tower A: 84m; Tower B:127m; Tower C: 268m, 61 floors
• Completed in 2007
• Architects: Vehbi Inan and Olcay Erturk

After completion, the Tower on the Embankment was the tallest building in Europe, and is now the 13th tallest. It houses the headquarters of several large Russian and international  companies, including IBM and KPMG. There are two cafes located on the 1st floor of Tower C – self-service café ‘Obed Bufet’ (Lunch Buffet) and Bakery Chain ‘Khleb Nasushchny’ (Daily Bread).

Evolution Tower

• 255m tall, 54 floors
• Architects: Philip Nikandrov and RMJM Scotland Ltd

Evolution is Moscow City’s most recognisable tower, and the 11th tallest building in Russia. Its façade is a true architectural marvel, comprising continuous strips of curved glazing spiralling high into  the sky. According to the architect, Philip Nikandrov, the spiral shape of the tower honours centuries of architectural design in Russia, from the onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral to Vladimir Shukhov’s Tatlin Tower, a masterpiece of Constructivist design. Outside the Evolution tower is a landscaped terrace and pedestrian zone descending to the Presnenskaya Embankment, which was also designed by Nikandrov.

Did you know? Moscow’s largest wedding palace was supposed to be built on the site of the Evolution tower, though the project was abandoned.

• 239m tall, 60 floors
• Completed in 2011

Imperia’s interesting design has a curved roof and an arched glass façade. Inside the tower are various cafes including ‘City Friends’ for all-day breakfasts and light lunches, ‘Mama in the City’ for simple meals of Russian cuisine, and ‘abc kitchen’ for European and Indian-inspired dishes. Alternatively, visit ‘High Bar’ on the 56th floor for cocktails with a view. In Imperia you’ll also find the Museum of High-Rise Construction in Moscow (suitably located on the 56th floor), and the Camera Immersive Theatre.

Did you know? Inside Vystavochnaya metro station is the Metro Museum , dedicated to the history of the beautiful Moscow Metro!

• 130m tall, 26 floors
• Completed in 2001
• Architect: Boris Tkhor

Tower 2000 was Moscow City’s first tower. It stands on the opposite bank of the Moskva River, and houses a viewing platform from which visitors can admire an unparalleled panorama of Moscow City. The Bagration Bridge reaches across the river from the tower to Moscow City, and underneath are piers from where you can take boat trips.

Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash

Afimall is Moscow’s largest entertainment and shopping complex, home to 450 shops, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, and a virtual-reality game park. The shopping centre is located in the central section of Moscow City, and a cinema and concert hall are currently under construction there.

What’s nearby?

Sechenov Botanical Gardens: The botanical gardens of the First Moscow State Medical University was created for students’ training and research in 1946. Today it is open for free visits, and is home to a large arboretum.

Park Krasnaya Presnya: This park belonged to the Studenets estate of the Gagarin princes. It is a monument of 18th and 19th century landscaping, with Dutch ponds, ornate bridges, and tree-lined alleys. There are also sports facilities, sports equipment rental, and cafes.

Photo by Akkit  on Wikipedia

Essential information for visitors

Website: https://www.citymoscow.ru/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +7 (495) 730-23-33

Nearest metro: Mezhdunarodnaya (closest to the skyscrapers), Delovoy Tsentr (underneath Afimall), Vystavochnaya (closest to Expocentre)

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April 22, 2024

Making history: brightline west breaks ground on america’s first high-speed rail project connecting las vegas to southern california  , officials hammer the first spike commemorating the groundbreaking for brightline west.

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2024)  – Today, Brightline West officially broke ground on the nation's first true high-speed rail system which will connect Las Vegas to Southern California. The 218-mile system will be constructed in the middle of the I-15 and is based on Brightline’s vision to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive. Hailed as the greenest form of transportation in the world, Brightline West will run zero emission, fully electric trains capable of speeds of 200 miles per hour. Brightline West is a watershed project for high-speed rail in America and will establish the foundation for the creation of a new industry and supply chain. The project was recently awarded $3 billion in funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The rest of the project will be privately funded and has received a total allocation of $3.5 billion in private activity bonds from USDOT.

The groundbreaking included remarks from U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Brightline Founder Wes Edens, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Sen. Jacky Rosen, Senior Advisor to President Biden Steve Benjamin and Vince Saavedra of the Southern Nevada Building Trades. In addition, Nevada Reps. Dina Titus, Susie Lee and Steve Horsford and California Reps. Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres made remarks and joined the celebration. More than 600 people, including union representatives, project supporters and other state and local officials from California and Nevada, attended the event.

“People have been dreaming of high-speed rail in America for decades – and now, with billions of dollars of support made possible by President Biden’s historic infrastructure law, it’s finally happening,” said Secretary Buttigieg. “Partnering with state leaders and Brightline West, we’re writing a new chapter in our country’s transportation story that includes thousands of union jobs, new connections to better economic opportunity, less congestion on the roads, and less pollution in the air.”

“This is a historic project and a proud moment where we break ground on America’s first high-speed rail system and lay the foundation for a new industry,” said Wes Edens, Brightline founder. “Today is long overdue, but the blueprint we’ve created with Brightline will allow us to repeat this model in other city pairs around the country.”

CONSTRUCTION OF BRIGHTLINE WEST

Brightline West's rail system will span 218 miles and reach speeds of 200 mph. The route, which has full environmental clearance, will run within the median of the I-15 highway with zero grade crossings. The system will have stops in Las Vegas, Nev., as well as Victor Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

The privately led infrastructure project is one of the largest in the nation and will be constructed and operated by union labor. It will use 700,000 concrete rail ties, 2.2 million tons of ballast, and 63,000 tons of 100% American steel rail during construction. Upon completion, it will include 322 miles of overhead lines to power the trains and will include 3.4 million square feet of retaining walls. The project covers more than 160 structures including viaducts and bridges. Brightline West will be fully Buy America Compliant.

STATIONS AND FACILITIES

Brightline West will connect Southern California and Las Vegas in two hours or almost half the time as driving. The Las Vegas Station will be located near the iconic Las Vegas Strip, on a 110-acre property north of Blue Diamond Road between I-15 and Las Vegas Boulevard. The site provides convenient access to the Harry Reid International Airport, the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. The station is approximately 80,000 square feet plus parking.

The Victor Valley Station in Apple Valley will be located on a 300-acre parcel southeast of Dale Evans Parkway and the I-15 interchange. The station is intended to offer a future connection to the High Desert Corridor and California High Speed Rail. The Victor Valley Station is approximately 20,000 square feet plus parking.

The Rancho Cucamonga Station will be located on a 5-acre property at the northwest corner of Milliken Avenue and Azusa Court near Ontario International Airport. The station will be co-located with existing multi-modal transportation options including California Metrolink, for seamless connectivity to Downtown Los Angeles and other locations in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The Rancho Cucamonga Station is approximately 80,000 square feet plus parking.

The Hesperia Station will be located within the I-15 median at the I-15/Joshua Street interchange and will function primarily as a local rail service for residents in the High Desert on select southbound morning and northbound evening weekday trains.

The Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) is a 200,000-square-foot building located on 238 acres in Sloan, Nev., and will be the base for daily maintenance and staging of trains. This site will also serve as one of two hubs for the maintenance of way operations and the operations control center. More than 100 permanent employees will report on a daily basis once operations begin and will serve as train crews, corridor maintenance crews, or operations control center teammates. A second maintenance of way facility will be located adjacent to the Apple Valley station.

The Las Vegas and Southern California travel market is one of the nation’s most attractive corridors with over 50 million trips between the region each year. Additionally, Las Vegas continues to attract visitors from around the world, with 4.7 million international travelers flying into the destination. The city dubs itself on being the world’s No. 1 meeting destination, welcoming nearly 6 million people to the Las Vegas Convention Center last year.

In California, approximately 17 million Southern California residents are within 25 miles of the Brightline West station sites. Studies show that one out of every three visits to Las Vegas come from Southern California.

ECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Brightline West's $12 billion infrastructure investment will create over $10 billion in economic impact for Nevada and California and will generate more than 35,000 jobs, including 10,000 direct union construction roles and 1,000 permanent operations and maintenance positions. The investment also includes over $800 million in improvements to the I-15 corridor and involves agreements with several unions for skilled labor. The project supports Nevada and California's climate goals by offering a no-emission mobility option that reduces greenhouse gasses by over 400,000 tons of CO2 annually – reducing vehicle miles traveled by more than 700 million each year and the equivalent of 16,000 short-haul flights. The company will also construct three wildlife overpasses, in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Caltrans for the safe passage of native species, primarily the bighorn sheep.

BRIGHTLINE FLORIDA

Brightline’s first rail system in Florida connecting Miami to Orlando began initial service between its South Florida stations in 2018. In September 2023, Brightline’s Orlando station opened at Orlando International Airport, connecting South Florida to Central Florida. The company has plans to expand its system with future stops in Tampa, Florida’s Space Coast in Cocoa and the Treasure Coast in Stuart.

BRIGHTLINE WEST

ABOUT BRIGHTLINE WEST

Brightline is the only private provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity passenger rail service in America – offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road by connecting city pairs and congested corridors that are too short to fly and too long to drive. Brightline West will connect Las Vegas and Southern California with the first true high-speed passenger rail system in the nation. The 218-mile, all-electric rail service will include a flagship station in Las Vegas, with additional stations in Victor Valley and Rancho Cucamonga. At speeds up to 200 miles per hour, trains will take passengers from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in about two hours, twice as fast as the normal drive time.

Brightline is currently operating its first passenger rail system connecting Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, with future stations coming to Stuart and Cocoa. For more information, visit  www.brightlinewest.com  and follow on  LinkedIn ,  X ,  Instagram  and  Facebook .

QUOTE SHEET

“Through this visionary partnership, we are going to create thousands of jobs, bring critical transportation infrastructure to the West, and create an innovative, fast, and sustainable transportation solution. Nevada looks forward to partnering with Brightline on this historic project.”  - Governor Joe Lombardo, Nevada

“Today, not only are we breaking ground on a historic high-speed rail project here in Nevada, we are breaking ground on thousands of good paying American jobs, union jobs.”  - Steve Benjamin, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement

“For decades, Nevadans heard about the promise of high-speed rail in our state, and I’m proud to have led the charge to secure the funding to make it a reality. Today’s groundbreaking is the beginning of a new era for southern Nevada -- creating thousands of good-paying union jobs, bringing in billions of dollars of economic development, enhancing tourism to the state, reducing traffic, and creating a more efficient and cleaner way to travel. This is a monumental step, and I’m glad to have worked across the aisle to make this project come true.”  - Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

“Having high-speed rail in Las Vegas will electrify our economy in Southern Nevada, and I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone today. This project is on track to create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs while cutting down traffic on I-15, and I’ll keep working with the Biden Administration to get this done as quickly as possible and continue delivering easier and cleaner transportation options for everyone in Nevada.”  - Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)

“Today’s groundbreaking is a historic step in modernizing rail service in the United States. Californians driving between the Los Angeles region and Las Vegas often face heavy traffic, causing emissions that pollute the air in surrounding communities. The Brightline West Project will provide travelers with more options—helping Californians and visitors alike get to their final destination without facing gridlock on the road.”  - Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

"High-speed rail in the Southwest has been a dream as far back as the nineties when Governor Bob Miller appointed me to the California-Nevada Super Speed Train Commission. As a senior Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I am honored to have helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and secure $3 billion to turn that dream into a reality which will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue, reduce carbon emissions by easing traffic on Interstate 15, and create thousands of good-paying union jobs. I am proud to stand with advocates and transportation leaders as we break ground on the Brightline West project and look forward to welcoming high-speed passenger rail to Southern Nevada."  - Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-1)

“For decades, high-speed rail was just a dream in southern Nevada – but now, I’m beyond proud that we finally made it a reality. I worked across the aisle to help negotiate, craft, and ultimately pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because I knew it would kickstart transformative projects like Brightline West that will stand the test of time. Together, we’re cutting down on traffic, boosting our tourism economy, and creating thousands of good-paying union jobs.”  - Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-3)

“I am proud to join Brightline West for the groundbreaking of this monumental project for Southern Nevada and the southwestern United States. By connecting Las Vegas to Southern California via high-speed rail, we will boost tourism, reduce congestion on the I-15 corridor, and create jobs. The impact on our local economy and the people of the Silver State will be tremendous. In my conversations with Secretary Buttigieg, Brightline West, and our Nevada labor leaders, I know that local workers and our Nevada small businesses will benefit from this transformational investment. This will be the nation's first true high-speed rail system, blazing a new path forward for our nation’s rail infrastructure, and we hope it will serve as a blueprint for fostering greater regional connections for many other cities across the country.  - Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-4)

“Brightline West’s groundbreaking today marks the construction of a dynamic high-speed rail system that will link Las Vegas, Hesperia, and Apple Valley to Rancho Cucamonga’s Metrolink Station, creating new jobs and fostering economic growth in California’s 23rd Congressional District. This convenient alternative to driving will reduce the number of cars on the road, decreasing emissions and reducing congestion in our High Desert communities. This is an exciting step and I look forward to the completion of this project.”  - Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23)

"Today's groundbreaking on the Brightline West high-speed rail project marks an incredible milestone in the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to fulfilling the promise of high-speed rail and emissions-free transportation across the country. As a longtime supporter of this project, I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already invested over $3 billion to support the completion of this project. By increasing transportation options, spurring job creation and new economic opportunities, and improving our environment through cutting over 400,000 tons of carbon pollution each year, this project will be transformative to my district and all of Southern California for generations—particularly in and around the last stop in Rancho Cucamonga. With the goal of being operational in time for Los Angeles to host the Summer Olympic Games in 2028, I look forward to Brightline West facilitating travel for the millions visiting our region and elevating our 21st-century connectivity on the global stage."  - Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28)

"As the Member of Congress that represents the City of Rancho Cucamonga and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, it is my honor to participate in breaking ground on one of the most highly anticipated high-speed rail projects in the country. We gathered today thanks to the Biden Administration's leadership, which enacted the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to fund vital projects like this and transform our economy. The Brightline project is a stellar illustration of the power of successful public-private partnerships. Thanks to all the labor unions, Tribes, and wildlife advocates for their hard work, which brought this project to life. The bright line is fully electric and has zero emissions, which is excellent for our environment. I am eagerly anticipating the completion of this project in my district and look forward to seeing everyone there."  - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35)

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The Red Square and beyond: a guide to Moscow’s neighbourhoods

Apr 23, 2019 • 6 min read

The Red Square, Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow at night © Mordolff / Getty Images

One of the world’s largest cities, Moscow is a true metropolis whose ancient neighbourhoods are interspersed with newly built high-rises, inhabited by people from all over the former Soviet Union.

It’s also the city of rings: the innermost is the Kremlin itself; further away are the former defensive rings, Boulevard Ring and Garden Ring; still further are the Third Ring Road and the MKAD, which delineates the city’s borders. There’s an ongoing joke that Moscow Mayor is the Lord of the Rings. Most sights are contained within the Garden Ring, although for some more authentic neighbourhoods one has to venture further out. To help you explore Moscow’s diversity, we picked our favourite ’hoods – but this list is by no means exhaustive.

The Red Square and around

It can be argued that Moscow, or even the whole of Russia, starts at the  Red Square  – it’s an absolute must-see for any visitor. After standing in line to check out Lenin’s granite  mausoleum , go to GUM , Moscow's oldest department store. Full of luxury shops, it’s famous for the glass roof designed by one of Russia’s most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. Apart from architectural wonders, GUM has several places to eat including the Soviet-style cafeteria Stolovaya No 57 where you can sample mysterious-sounding delicacies such as the ‘herring in a fur coat’.

On the opposite side of GUM, Kremlin ’s walls and towers rise above the Red Square. Walk through the Alexander Garden  and past the grotto to the Kremlin’s entrance. It’s a treasure trove for any art and history lover: ancient gold-domed churches, icons galore and the resting place of Moscow tsars.

On the other side of the Red Square is Moscow's symbol,  St Basil's Cathedral with its multi-colored domes. Right behind it is the newly built Zaryadye Park , which showcases flora from all over Russia; another attraction is the floating bridge jutting out above the embankment and the Moscow river. A glass pavilion nearby hosts Voskhod , a space-themed restaurant with dishes from all 15 former Soviet Union republics. It’s a perfect spot for a classy evening meal and there’s often live music.

Patriarch’s Ponds

The Patriarch’s Ponds (aka Patriki) is a historical neighbourhood, celebrated in Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita . Located right off Tverskaya street, Moscow’s main thoroughfare, Patriki recently became the city’s most happening quarter. It has some of the most elegant architecture, including several buildings by art-nouveau genius Fyodor Shekhtel. Narrow streets here have a cozy feel, with recently widened sidewalks and bike lanes. In the summer it becomes party central.

Start by checking out free exhibitions or one of the cutting-edge performances at the experimental theatre Praktika . But make no mistake, the neighbourhood’s main attraction are its bars and restaurants. Patriki’s residents are well-off Russians and expats, so it’s no wonder that  Moscow’s recent culinary revolution started here. Uilliam’s , one of the pioneers of this foodie movement, still rules over the scene with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Also try AQ Chicken  for everything chicken-related, Patara  for a taste of Georgian cuisine, and Cutfish for some great sushi. Finish your gastronomic tour with original cocktails at Pinch or the Moscow outpost of NYC restaurant Saxon+Parole .

Around Kursky train station

For a long time, Kursky train station was surrounded by semi-abandoned factories and the area was best avoided. It all changed in the late 2000s, when a dilapidated wine factory was turned into Winzavod , a mecca for fans of contemporary art. Today these red-brick buildings are occupied by some of Moscow’s leading galleries. After taking in all the art, pop in the small wine bar Barrell  for a glass from burgeoning wineries of Russia’s south or grab a bite at Khitrye Lyudi  cafe.

Right next to Winzavod is Artplay , another refurbished factory full of design and furniture shops and large exhibition spaces.  It’s also home to  Pluton , one of the latest additions to Moscow’s dance scene. Other Pluton residents are the multimedia art gallery Proun  and another lunch option,  Shanhaika , with authentic Chinese cuisine.

A short walk away is Arma, where a cluster of circular gas holders has been turned into offices, restaurants and clubs including Gazgolder  (it belongs to one of Russia’s most famous rappers, Basta). Apart from hip-hop concerts, Gazgolder organises regular techno parties that sometimes go non-stop from Friday to Monday.

If you’re interested in religious architecture, Taganka is the place to go. First of all, see the old Moscow at Krutitskoye Podvorye – one of those places where nothing seems to have changed in centuries. The monastery was founded in the 13th century, but in the 16th century it became the home of Moscow metropolitans and most of the surviving buildings are from that epoch. Take a tour of the grounds, and don’t miss the interior and icons of the Assumption Cathedral.

Your next stop is the Rogozhskoe settlement of ‘old believers’, a branch that split from Russian Orthodoxy in the 17th century. The settlement is dominated by an 80m-tall bell tower. The yellow-coloured Intercession Church, built in neoclassical style with baroque elements, has an important collection of icons. Next to the church grounds is the popular Trapeznaya cafeteria, with Russian food cooked using traditional recipes – a perfect spot for lunch.

A short ride away is Andronikov Monastery, which today houses the Rublyov Museum  in the old monks’ quarters. There’s a great collection of ancient Orthodox icons although none by Andrei Rublyov, who was a monk here in the 15th century. The main attraction at the monastery is the small Saviour’s Cathedral, considered the oldest surviving church in Moscow.

Finish the day at the craft-beer cluster around Taganskaya metro station. Varka offers both Russian and imported labels, with the Burger Heroes stand serving arguably the best burgers in town. Craft & Draft looks more like a respectable old-fashioned pub, with decent food, 20 beers on tap and a hundred types of bottled brews.

Khamovniki is Moscow’s ancient textile district, named after the word kham  (a type of cloth). Two main thoroughfares, Ostozhenka and Prechistenka, cut through the neighbourhood parallel to each other. The former turned into the so-called ‘Golden Mile’ of Moscow in the 1990s, with the highest real-estate prices and some of the best examples of new Russian architecture, while the latter is still mostly lined up with impressive 19th-century mansions.

Khamovniki is somewhat of a literary quarter, as several museums devoted to Russia’s best-known writers – among them  Leo Tolstoy , Alexander Pushkin  and Ivan Turgenev – popped up here during the last century. There’s also plenty to see for an art lover. The  Multimedia Art Museum regularly hosts exhibitions by some of the best photographers from all over the world, as well as contemporary art. Several galleries, including RuArts  and Kournikova Gallery , have also found home in Khamovniki.

When you’ve had your fill of literature and art, stop by Gorod Sad on Ostozhenka, an outpost of a local health-food chain, and order dishes such as pumpkin soup or grilled vegetables salads. Afterwards, head to Dom 12 , which is located just off Ostozhenka street. This restaurant and wine bar is frequented by the city’s intellectuals and its schedule includes lectures, book presentations and film screenings, while in the summer guests migrate to a lovely courtyard.

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Where It Starts & Ends: 12 Things You Can Still See On Old Route 66

• Lou Mitchell's in Chicago is a classic American diner and the perfect place for travelers wondering where to start a Route 66 road trip.
• The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is easily one of the most iconic landmarks on Route 66 to see.
• Santa Monica Pier is the perfect final stop on Route 66 to celebrate completing a cross-country journey.

Lore and myth have been built around Old Route 66 and the people who traveled it. From quirky diners and kitschy motels to breathtaking natural wonders and landmarks, the stops along Old Route 66 encapsulate that classic Americana culture and invoke a strong sense of nostalgia.

Forever immortalized in movies, songs, and books, Route 66 continues to fascinate travelers from around the globe. It remains one of the most famous road trips in the United States , even though this road was technically decommissioned in the 1980s to make space for America's current interstate system. Luckily, many of the original stops on Route 66 from its heyday can still be visited. For adventures with their hearts set on precisely that, here are some of the things to still see on Route 66.

UPDATE: 2023/12/27 11:45 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Route 66 Remains A Southwest Staple

This article has been refreshed with even more stops along Old Route 66, plus additional information on existing hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Whether road-trippers come in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, there's always something to see here; have fun!

Related: Road Trip Worthy: Explore These Scenic Drives Across The Southwest U.S.

Lou Mitchell's (Chicago, Illinois)

Get comfy at this classic american diner on route 66, serving hearty grub since 1923.

Though there are plenty of historic stops and fun attractions on Route 66 in Illinois , grabbing a meal at Lou Mitchell's is the hearty way to commemorate the journey. Route 66 officially starts in Chicago, and Lou Mitchell's diner has been there from the start, serving classic American diner fare to hungry drivers.

Colloquially known as "the first stop on the Mother Road," starting a journey on Route 66 with a big breakfast at Lou Mitchell's is a rite of passage. Since 1923, Lou Mitchell's has been in business, and the establishment quickly became an iconic Chicago diner for weary travelers looking for a hearty breakfast to start their Route 66 adventure.

• Address: 565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
• Hours: Open daily from 6 AM to 2 PM (opens 7 AM on weekends)

Related: 10 Road Trips From Chicago That Will Have You Ready To Hit The Gas

The Gateway Arch (St. Louis, Missouri)

As one of the united states' most iconic landmarks, this arch stands over a midwest gem.

The iconic Gateway Arch in Missouri proudly stands as a monument to America's westward expansion. A feat of engineering, this colossal arch stands at 630 feet, welcoming visitors who are eager to explore the city of St. Louis .

Whether road-trippers are just passing by or riding the tram that takes passengers smoothly up the arch , the Gateway Arch is a classic American landmark that has long greeted those traveling through Route 66.

• Address: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Hours: Open daily from 5 AM to 11 PM

Meramec Caverns (Sullivan, Missouri)

See the underground caves under route 66 and learn about geological and native american history.

When passing through Missouri, road-trippers on Route 66 must stop at Meramec Caverns . This impressive series of underground caves is home to out-of-this-world rock formations and underground lakes.

Guided tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's geological formation and Native American history.

• Address: 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080
• Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM
• Tickets: $27

The Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)

Super quirky, this is one of the most instagrammable stops on route 66.

Cadillac Ranch is a unique public art installation in Amarillo, Texas, that features 10 Cadillac cars half-submerged in the ground and covered in graffiti. Along with serving as an incredible photo opportunity, this spot on Old Route 66 is a notable example of American pop art and, to this day, continues to be one of the best stops on a Route 66 road trip .

Designed in the 1970s by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm, visitors are encouraged to climb on top of the cars and even add their own graffiti before continuing their journey along Route 66.

• Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124
• Hours: Open 24 hours

Midpoint Café (Adrian, Texas)

Established in 1928, this cafe is route 66's midpoint at 1,139 miles from chicago and los angeles.

The Midpoint Café proudly declares itself as the midpoint of the original Route 66. At precisely 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles, this restaurant was open 24 hours a day during the height of travel on Route 66.

Established in 1928, this diner served hungry travelers on Route 66. Its slogan was "When you're here, you're halfway there." Along with serving delicious pies and traditional American comfort food (and being the Old Route 66 halfway point), the Midpoint Café has an antique shop and souvenir store for Route 66 enthusiasts.

• Address: 305 Historic Rte 66, Adrian, TX 79001
• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM

Historic El Rancho Hotel (Gallup, New Mexico)

This famous route 66 hotel welcomed many of hollywood's golden age legends.

Built in 1936, the El Rancho Hotel was the place Hollywood stars stayed while filming on location in Gallup, New Mexico. From John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart to Katherine Hepburn and Joan Crawford, the El Rancho Hotel played host to countless film legends, forever linking it with the history of the Golden Age of cinema.

One of the most famous hotels on Route 66, the accommodation eventually became a popular stop on Old Route 66 for tourists. Its Western-style architecture and old Hollywood charm make it a sought-after lodging choice for travelers seeking a touch of Hollywood glamor mixed with a large dose of Old Western nostalgia.

• Address: 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM 87301

Painted Desert (Arizona)

Stop off and soak up the otherworldly desert scenery.

Few places on Earth can beat the views found in the Painted Desert , which is probably why this stop just slightly off Route 66 was such a popular spot for road-trippers passing through Arizona.

This mesmerizing landscape, adorned with colorful layered rock formations, showcases nature's breathtaking beauty. The Painted Desert is a photographer's dream and worth the stop on Route 66.

• Address: Painted Desert, AZ, 86031
• Area: 93,500 acres
• Length: 160 miles
• Borders on: Little Colorado and Puerco Rivers

Petrified Forest National Park (Holbrook, Arizona)

Ancient trees, petroglyphs, a ruined village, and epic hikes year-round.

Known as one of Route 66's most natural stops, Petrified Forest National Park is well worth the trip. Here lies the old forest boasting ancient trees, critters, art, and trails to hike throughout the year.

Because Arizona remains fairly stable climate-wise, Petrified Forest National Park is a great year-round destination. It boasts the petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock and the ruined village of Puerco Pueblo. There is the Painted Desert Inn and the Rainbow Forest Museum here as well.

• Established: December 9, 1962
• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fee: $15-$25

Wigwam Village Motel (Holbrook, Arizona)

There's an authentic native american-style wigwam motel on route 66.

The Wigwam Village Motel in Holbrook allows guests to spend the night in cozy teepee-shaped cabins.

Interestingly, it's one of just three Wigwam Villages left in the country, and it is a nostalgic throwback to the whimsical motor courts and unique accommodations that were once synonymous with the Route 66 experience.

• Address: 811 W Hopi Dr, Holbrook, AZ 86025

Debate over the cultural appropriation surrounding these Wigwam Villages exists. However, some of the remaining motels have tried in recent years to educate guests about these villages' history and place in American history as a roadside attraction.

Twin Arrows Trading Post (Flagstaff, Arizona)

A perfect spot to pull off route 66 along flagstaff and winslow.

For those between Flagstaff and Winslow, Arizona, visiting the Twin Arrows Trading Post is worth the trip. This is the perfect place to pull off Route 66 and snap a shot, as there are two massive arrows positioned in the ground (it's one of the many quirky roadside attractions on Route 66!).

What was once a fairly busy area in the Arizona desert, Twin Arrows Trading Post now currently sits pretty quiet, as much of this route does.

• Address: Flagstaff, AZ 86004

There are many other scenic small towns in Arizona worth seeing for those looking to extend their trip or check out a few detours while driving Route 66.

Oatman Ghost Town (Oatman, Arizona)

An old mining town of the wild west where wild burros roam the streets.

Once a bustling mining town, Oatman is now one of the many ghost towns on Route 66 to visit; it's completely frozen in time, providing travelers with a glimpse into the past. The town of Oatman is the real deal; it comes complete with saloons, wooden sidewalks, and Western-themed shops.

Oatman isn't one of the amazing historic ghost towns of the American West with nothing going on, though; visitors can also stop to pet the beloved local burros that roam the streets or enjoy one of the daily gunfight reenactments that pay homage to the long-gone days of the Old Wild West.

• Address: Oatman, AZ, 86433

Related: Quirky & Historic: 10 Route 66 Attractions That Are Worth Pulling Over For

Santa Monica Pier (Santa Monica, California)

Amusement park rides, hotels, restaurants, and more await at the end of route 66.

There's no better way to end a journey across Old Route 66 than by gazing into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Indeed, visiting the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect end for road-trippers to celebrate completing their cross-country journey.

The Santa Monica Pier isn't just the penultimate of California's Route 66 portion; it's an important historic landmark that features a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, a vibrant amusement park, and numerous restaurants and hotels where travelers can unwind. The ultimate family-friendly stop on Route 66, there are tons of exciting things to do on the Santa Monica Pier for all ages.

• Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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Now and then: What Moscow looked like when it was rural (PHOTOS)

Moscow was not built at once - the ancient city is still expanding, annexing new villages and towns. In total, over 220 rural settlements became Moscow districts, but the exact number of them is hard to estimate. Active development of the outskirts started in 1960, when it became necessary to solve housing (many people lived in communal apartments) and traffic (with the construction of the Moscow Ring Road) problems. Then, Moscow, with its six million inhabitants, increased almost twice in size and its new districts filled up with panel houses , which defined the appearance of ANY residential area in Russia until recently. By the 1980s, when the number of official residents exceeded eight million, Moscow went beyond the Moscow Ring Road, joining the districts of Butovo, Zhulebino and others. And, in 2012, the 12 million-people strong Moscow increased by almost 2.5 times again, annexing several towns up to the border with Kaluga Region, thereby becoming Europe’s largest city. Today’s residential areas include lots of high-rises, shopping malls, parks and public sites. We’ve chosen seven villages to compare how they look - then and now.

Left: A cow in the Belyayevo-Bogorodskoye village, 1968; Right: A 30-meters-graffiti devoted to the FIFA 2018 championship at the Profsoyuznaya street.

Between 1960-1986, several neighboring villages became the new Konkovo district in the south-west of Moscow (where you will find subway stations Kaluzhskaya, Belyaevo and Konkovo) with its main highway, Profsoyuznaya Street. This is a very beautiful area, where you won’t find industrial territories; instead, there are lots of parks, hills and old churches. It’s a pleasure to walk around Konkovo! In old photos, you can see that while they were building panel houses, cows were still grazing around them. 

2. Kozhukhovo

Above: The village of Kozhukhovo in 1951. Below: Alexander Nevsky church in Kozhukhovo.

This is one of the oldest villages in Moscow, which has been known since the 15th century and, since 1923, was included in Moscow. Kozhukhovo in the south-east of the city had its own railway station even in tsarist times, but the log houses remained here until the 1970s, when the area was finally surrounded by concrete buildings. 

3. Troparyovo

Above: Wooden houses of the Troparevo village, 1978. Below: Troparevo metro station, 2019.

Troparyovo district in the southwest of the city was built on the site of the village, which became Moscow in 1960. The name came from its first ruler, boyar (a noble) Ivan Tropar (the word ‘tropar’ means a religious song in a church), who was buried here in 1393. During the Soviet years, there was a big kolkhoz (collective farm) with good transport connection, a school and a store. The last wooden houses were demolished in 1981. And, in 2014, a metro station was opened. 

4. Chertanovo

Above: Chertanovo airfield, mid-1960. Below: A park in Chertanovo, 2010.

The former village of Chertanovo in the south of Moscow became its part in 1960. Besides a kolkhoz and other agricultural areas, in the 1940s-1960s, there was an airfield where you could learn to fly a glider. Then the village began to be built up with panel houses and the northern part of Chertanovo was even designed as a model neighborhood and considered a “Soviet paradise”, which could be shown to guests of the 1980 Olympic Games. (Read more about that here ) 

5. Cherkizovo

Above: Old houses in Cherkizovo, 1964. Below: Bolshaya Cherkizovskaya street, 2009.

The old village of Cherkizovo-Podmoskovnye in the east of Moscow became part of the city in the early 20th century, but, until the 1970s, it still resembled a village with its wooden houses and gardens. Now, Cherkizovo is included in the Preobrazhenskoe District and the village’s name remains in the names of several streets and subway stations. You will also find the preserved Church of Elijah the Prophet, built in 1690. 

6. Cheryomushki

Above: The village of Cheryomushki, 1954. Below: A new house in Cheryomushki, built on the place of old panel houses, 2020.

In 1956-1959, the village of Cheryomushki in the south-west of Moscow was the area of the first housing development made up of ‘Khrushchyovkas’ buildings. It became a part of Moscow in 1958. The experimental site consisted of 13 four-storey and seven eight-storey buildings. The pilot apartments were tiny, but facades were decorated with brick, the courtyards had real fountains and pergolas for plants and the development had its own stores, canteens and even a cinema. (read more about it here ) 

Today many old ‘Khrushchyovkas’ in this district are replaced with new multi-storey buildings with big apartments and modern infrastructure. 

7. Kuryanovo

Left: Kuryanovo in 1967. Right: Kuryanovo railway station.

If you wondered where the time stopped in Moscow, it’s in the village of Kuryanovo (in the southeast) that has been part of the city since 1960. Kuryanovo is bordered from the city by the railways and going there is like taking a little trip to the Soviet past. In this area, most residential buildings are still two-storeyed with many gardens in the backyards. And here’s a big Lenin’s monument in the center of the district. Locals like their neighborhood for its authenticity.

Left: A postman talks with locals in the village of Vykhino, 1944. Right: A pond in the Vykhino-Zhulebino district.

In 1960, the village of Vykhino in southeastern Moscow joined the city. The old settlement, together with the Lenin collective farm, was demolished and residents were moved from their log huts to modern panel houses. Today, Vykhino is one of the largest districts of Moscow, where more than 220,000 people live. 

9. Kommunarka

Above: Dairy farm of the Kommunarka sovkhoz, 1968. Below: New residential area.

One of the main districts of so-called ‘New Moscow’ became the settelment  of Kommunarka in 2012. In Soviet times, there was a large sovkhoz, which fell into disrepair with the collapse of the USSR. Today, the main street of the area is named after the last sovkhoz head, Alexandra Monakhova. The district it is very actively built up - in a few years, here appeared about hundred new houses. A subway station opened there in 2019. 

10. Vatutinki

Left: A house with the stove heating in Vatutinki, 1965. Right: A sports park and the new houses, 2020.

Vatutinki is another ‘New Moscow’ settlement, which joined Moscow in 2012. It’s as much as 17 kilometers to the MKAD (Moscow Ring Road). Before 2012, Vatutinki was the home to about 10,000 people and today, there are about 35,000 inhabitants. The population is constantly growing, moving into new houses. 

A little blue house found itself on the grounds of a new housing development in the Moscow Region.

The owners of these old wooden houses refused to sell when real estate developers moved in. Take a look at the last villages surrounded by concrete giants. 

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