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Southwest USA Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Southwest USA. We've got 270 adventures going to Southwest USA, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 170 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the most number of tour departures. Read here about the best USA vacations .

250+ Southwest USA tour packages with 7,033 reviews

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

7 Day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour

This was an amazing package! It covered everywhere I wanted to see in the South West area and our guide (John) was very good and familiar with what he was doing, he took us to places that we would not have known at all if not in the tour. The only thing that was off putting as a non-American, not to blame the tour but more a cultural shock, was that everywhere we went (including this tour itself) at the end we were supposed to tip which I had never seen in my entire life in Europe. But overall a very nice and memorable trip.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Tour

What a lifetime experience everyone needs Jun 2023 • Solo Within 7 days, we drove in 3 states, visited 5 national parks / 2 state parks, hiked 60 miles, made friends from 7 different states/nations, and eventually traveled through the iconic Route 66 back to Las Vegas. What a lifetime experience everyone needs Day 1 - Zion National Park Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park Day 3 - Canyonlands National Park Day 4 - Arches National Park Day 5 - Monument Valley Navajo Nation Day 6 - Grand Canyon National Park / Antelope State Day 7- Grand Canyon back to Las Vegas via Historic Route 66 AMAZING!

Best of Utah & Arizona National Parks

Great parks. Convenient not to need to play any logistics!

Hiking Utah's Mighty 5

Thank you Charlie and G Adventures. The experience of the Big 5 in Utah was everything I thought it would be. Indescribable scenery, perfect length in each day's activities and I was fortunate to travel with a great bunch of like minded tourists. To G Adventures, you need to clone Charlie. A knowledgeable and outstanding CEO.

• Christmas & New Year

Mighty 5 From Las Vegas

Tour Radar made the booking process easy. Great variety of tours available. I would use this service again.

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon – 3 days

Amazing tour. Our driver Ozzie and tour guide Lorenzo were incredible. They were very organized, punctual and made the whole trip very comfortable. The experiences you get for the price are unbeatable. Highly recommend!

California Express - 3 Days

It was our first time using Tour Radar and we were extremely satisfied with the overall trip. Tour Guide was great and informational. Really got in everything plus more than we expected. Accommodations were good. Will definitely do again! Mona Largent/Robert Kemp

Mighty 5 From Salt Lake City

Excellent trip small group tour, great hotels and guide.

Western USA National Parks Loop

Judd was excellent, and very knowledgable, he was very prepared and i would recommend Intrepid to my friends and family

Wild Western USA

The tour guide Chris was amazing.

• Coach / Bus

LA to the Bay (11 Days)

I had the pleasure of travelling with Emily and my god it was by far THE best experience I have ever had. The trip ran so smoothly with how it was planned out each and every day, we were always updated the day before on tomorrows activities. Emily had great knowledge of each place we visited and this made the experience all the better. It was a pleasure having Emily as our tour guide.

• In-depth Cultural

USA - The Western Deserts

We have chosen the tour specifically because it was in German and also in other languages shown. Also on our voucher was again confirmed the tour with professional, German-speaking tour guide. Unfortunately, the tour guides did not speak German. We were able to help ourselves a bit with the translation app but we also missed a lot of information. We are very disappointed about this and expect compensation. The tour guides have tried and were very nice also the tour was very nice.

Sedona, Monument Valley & Antelope Canyon Experience 3D/2N (from Las Vegas)

Saya, Roberto and Michael were the guides for the day and they were all very friendly and efficient and kept the group on time, Michael has provided some lighthearted entertainment and we all have a good laugh. Our group had 36 people including the three Guides, it was very well organised with Saya and Reberto taking lead and done a tremendous job. Chris, the driver is excellent and helpful with our luggage. I will definitely be looking for Tourradar Bamba experience for my future travel in this region.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of the Canyonlands (7 Days)

Great tour of a vast part of our country. Knowledgeable tour director.

Exploring America's National Parks

Many places covered well... And the tour director had good knowledge of the places we visited

What people love about Southwest USA Tours

Hogan was our tour guide driver, fun fact infotainment, cook, photographer... he was outstanding.

Our guide Adriann made our SOUTHWEST HIGHLIGHTS 7 DAYS Lodging Tour a very valuable and rewarding experience. He is knowledgable and provides detailed information for every stop. When we entered each impressive canyon, he played some exciting music to accompany the amazing scenery. The food for lunch was well prepared.

Fantastic experience - efficient use of time, great itinerary. Well-informed and interesting guide who is also just a great person.

Southwest USA Tours starting in:

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Other Regions in USA

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Colourful Trails of the Southwest

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End Santa Fe

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10 Day US National Park Tour of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico

10 days, 1 country and 13 cities

Accommodation

9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners

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On this Southwest USA tour, each day is a cultural and natural adventure. You’ll stay inside Grand Canyon National Park, explore ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park and natural arches near Moab, and ride a 4x4 through Monument Valley’s landscapes with a member of the Navajo Nation. 

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Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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10 days itinerary trip from Phoenix to Santa Fe visiting 1 country and 13 cities Choose Your End Location or Extend Your Tour

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Choose to end your tour in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, or extend your journey with the Southwest Balloon Fiesta.

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Balloon Fiesta End Albuquerque

Extend your journey with the Southwest Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Taos Pueblo, Nambe Pueblo Village

Visit Scottsdale, Mesa Verde National Park, Cameron Trading Post, Horseshoe Bend Lookout, Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Durango, Taos and Santa Fe

Scenic Drive through Sedona's Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park's Desert View Drive, Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway and the High Road Scenic Byway from Taos to Santa Fe

View Cliff Palace dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park, Desert Viewpoint

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

All transport and transfers shown

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest

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• Small Group

Year, Departure Type

Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Classic
• 2024 Small Group
• 2025 Classic
• 2025 Small Group

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Filmed vignettes by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan share their own personal stories and tell the stories of those who shaped the creation & preservation of the six national parks

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

On the ground or by air, explore Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand Canyon national parks – more than any other Tauck trip

Two Flightseeing Adventures! Fly over the extraordinary remote reaches of the Capitol Reef National Park and see the Grand Canyon from the air en route to Las Vegas

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

Stunning landscapes so arresting that they'll live forever in your mind's eye… impossible red rock arches opening before you like grand entryways, offering a sense of endless possibility… canyons and immense cliffs, seemingly carved by a giant to form an island in the sky… fanciful hoodoos come alive while gods and legends linger everywhere… how the human spirit is cheered and fortified by the spirit of the desert.

Picnic at dead horse point state park, sunset picnic dinner at dead horse point state park overlooking canyonlands.

Perched some 2,000 feet directly above a dramatic horseshoe bend in the Colorado River, Utah's Dead Horse Point State Park offers a spectacular panoramic view overlooking the sculptured pinnacles, mesas and buttes of the adjacent Canyonlands National Park. And it's a perfectly breathtaking – and breathtakingly perfect – spot for a private Tauck picnic dinner at sunset that's nothing short of inspirational.

Inside-the-park stays in the national parks

Experience the west's great national parks from inside-the-park lodges.

On Tauck's "Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest," you'll experience six of the region's great national parks as a true insider. And you'll explore three of them – Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion – from sought-after lodges situated right inside national parks, several of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tauck arranges coveted accommodations at these inside-the-park lodges, often sold out a year in advance: Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona; The Lodge at Bryce Canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah; and Zion Lodge in Zion National Park, Utah. (Exception dates do apply; see specific tour departure date for more information.)

Red Cliffs Lodge

Nights 1, 2 and 3

Among red-rock cliffs on the banks of the Colorado

Situated near Moab, Utah, at the foot of dramatic red-rock cliffs beside the Colorado River's best white-water rapids, Red Cliffs Lodge occupies a classic, rugged Western landscape worthy of Hollywood – and was in fact the location of numerous movies, including "Rio Grande" with John Wayne. Red Cliffs Lodge is also home to the Castle Creek Winery, the largest in Utah; the Moab Movie Museum, chronicling the rich history of filmmaking in the region; and the Cowboy Grill, offering delicious Western fare.

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

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The lodge at bryce canyon.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, Utah

Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,   you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S ., please read the section entitled Airline Security Measures to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are a citizen of the U.S. or Canada who travels frequently between the two countries , you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here . Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $525 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $449  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1. 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $525 per person

89-8 days before departure = $925 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico. 

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your other flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

The moderately active Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest adventure takes place in the mountain heights of the U.S. national parks. To enjoy this trip, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

Some of the excursions on this tour are:

• Two Flightseeing Adventures over the extraordinary remote reaches of Capitol Reef National Park; and witness stunning panoramas on a flight from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas
• A mild-to-moderate river rafting trip on the Colorado River

Although the hotels and lodges do have rooms that are handicap accessible, if you are traveling with a wheelchair or portable oxygen, we strongly recommend that you consult with your physician to determine whether this tour is appropriate for you.

Strenuous exercise at high elevations should be avoided.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here .

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

The weather you will encounter on this journey ranges from hot and dry in Arizona and Nevada to cool and dry at the higher elevations in the national parks. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription, or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for Spirit of the Desert: The National Parks of the Southwest :

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Windbreaker for the raft trip
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Telephoto lens
• Backpack or belt-pack
• Reusable water bottle
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Southwest USA Tours and Vacations

We're not joking when we say the Southwest has it all...

Where else can you find sprawling deserts, (Grand) canyons, coastal towns, wine regions and waterfalls — all within one region? Whether you want to weave through Zion 's soaring slot canyons, get a taste of old-fashioned Americana on the iconic Route 66 or explore Joshua Tree 's unique cactus gardens, big adventures await. Throw in a passionate local leader, a small group of like-minded travelers, and some legendary Southwestern hospitality, and you have yourself an unforgettable experience in the U.S. of A.

Our Southwest USA trips

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Southwest USA highlights

Southwest usa tour reviews.

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Western USA National Parks Loop

Zion Glamping Adventure

Southwest USA travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Is the Southwest a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The United States is mostly a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, and there are some anti-discrimination laws to protect sexual orientation and gender identity. In more rural areas and smaller towns (which tend to be more conservative), overt displays of affection can attract negative responses. 

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

When is the best time to visit Southwest USA?

The best time to visit depends on the activities you want to do and your tolerance for heat (and crowds), but spring is one of the best seasons to go hiking in the Southwest’s national parks as daytime temperatures are manageable and a cool breeze pushes you along the trails.

All Southwest USA Tours

Golden west adventure, western wonders, highlights of the canyonlands, best of the west, canyon country adventure, enchanting canyonlands, historic trains of the old west, america's magnificent national parks, canyon country, lost canyons of the southwest, western usa national parks explorer (summer), hiking in sedona and the grand canyon, colourful trails of the southwest with albuquerque balloon fiesta, winter hiking and backpacking in grand canyon: rim to rim, canyons, rockies, and rails with rocky mountaineer, colourful trails of the southwest, america's great desert national parks, la to vegas adventure, hiking sedona's red rock country, epic american west, wonders of the american west (small group), canyon country showcase, red rocks & painted canyons, southwest native trails, hiking and camping in zion, hiking in the grand canyon: north & south rims, southwest native trails with albuquerque balloon fiesta, western usa national parks explorer (spring - autumn).

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North America Tours

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Southwest Panorama

8 Days / 7 Nights

United States Luxury American Southwest Tour

Ker & Downey invites you on a Luxury American Southwest Tour amid the USA's most stunning natural masterpieces. From the majestic amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, to the endless coastline of Lake Powell and the epic grandeur of the Grand Canyon, witness the American Southwest at its very best. Featuring a dedicated guide throughout, luxury Aman accommodations, and even a bit of glamping, this custom Ker & Downey journey through the American Southwest promises an all-encompassing and uniquely American adventure.

The best way to kick off any Luxury American Southwest Tour is amid the great national parks of Utah. Settle into your upscale country cabin at Zion Mountain Ranch, a sprawling 2,700 acre property with an authentic Western character that provides unique accessibility to the natural wonders of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

First acquainted with the beautiful Zion Canyon on a privately guided e-biking tour. Then your private guide will lead you through each of the park's less traveled areas, from their hoodoo amphitheaters to their towering canyoneering-worthy monoliths. 

Get to the heart of the region's true spirit, soaking in nature's serenity and gazing into the sky's magical spectacle of stars each night around the campfire.

The cornerstone of this Luxury American Southwest Tour is undoubtedly the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. From your luxury glamping site on the canyon's north rim, you will have a full day with your private guide to explore the North Rim. You will also have a chance to explore the incredible slot canyons nearby.

After exploring the great outdoors, unwind in your tent or relax in the camp's lounge area with a book or board game while your guides prepare fresh seasonal meals designed by a private chef. In the evening, a telescope will be set up for stargazing with full access to the vast night sky. Finally, a crackling campfire will be set up for the classic camp experience - s'mores. Set up exclusively for you, your private campsite enables you to enjoy the best that nature has to offer in a secluded, tranquil area with upscale accommodations.

Finally, conclude your Luxury American Southwest Tour in the modern desert oasis of Amangiri, a luxury hideaway surrounded by some of Utah's most fascinating natural wonders. From here, set off on an epic off-roading experience among Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. Pause for a special sundowner with the layered colors of the cliffs to the west and beautiful views of Lake Powell contrasting against the red sandstone spires to the east. 

After a private stargazing experience at Amangiri, enjoy a full-day privately chartered boat ride on Lake Powell -- the perfect way to conclude your adventure in the American Southwest. With more coastline than the entire coast of California, Lake Powell is renowned for its slot canyons and hidden canyons. When you reach these canyons in your private boat, you can explore further in open-seat kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.

Book a Luxury American Southwest Tour

Contact a Ker & Downey destination specialist to customize your own journey in the American Southwest, and read more about the seasonality and pricing in North America. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram , Facebook , and Twitter .

*Prices below are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges and fees of $0, which are subject to change until final payment is made. All tour prices (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

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National Parks of the Southwest

It’s a land of scenes epic in scope, from the immense Grand Canyon and the winding Colorado to the sandstone spires of Bryce and the red-rock cliffs and chasms of Zion.  It’s the Southwest, which our small group celebrates at favorite national parks and preserves.  And, wrote author Wallace Stegner, it’s America’s “best idea.”

Tour Details

From $4,195

Small Group Highlights

• Spectacular Southwest scenery
• Immersive experiences in three national parks
• Open-air Jeep tour of Sedona’s red-rock landscape
• World-renowned Grand Canyon
• Lake Powell stay
• Motorized rafting excursion on Colorado River
• “Flowing” rock walls of Antelope Canyon
• Hikes in national parks
• Natural hoodoo rock formations of Bryce Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Please note: While not severe, elevations at some hotel locations (Grand Canyon at 6,800 ft. and Bryce Canyon at 8,000 ft.) could pose problems for guests with certain health conditions.  You should consult your personal physician if you have concerns.

The sprawling Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort provides a relaxing retreat with an array of amenities.  The resort offers two restaurants and a pool café/bar, eight swimming pools with rock features and waterfalls, 18-hole championship golf course, lighted tennis courts, fitness center, full spa with a range of treatments, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, separate living space, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel offers a history-infused stay in Williams, Arizona.  As railways expanded into this part of the country in the early 1900s, a string of hotels arose alongside the rail lines to house these first passengers.  Today’s Grand Canyon Railway Hotel stands adjacent to the railway depot and was built to resemble the 1908 Fray Marcus Hotel, one of these original railway lodging houses.  Amenities include two restaurants, an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, gift shop, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minifridge, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.

From the front, Kachina Lodge resembles a traditional, two-level Southwestern lodge.  But step out the back door, and you are greeted with a panoramic view to rival any in the world: the legendary Grand Canyon.  Just steps from the rear entrance of the hotel, the canyon drops away hundreds of feet to the Colorado River below, with its red-rock walls and spires running as far as the eye can see in either direction. There are several dining options located within Grand Canyon Village, including the celebrated El Tovar Dining Room just next door. The hotel guest rooms all have air conditioning, private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.

Lake Powell Resort enjoys a striking location on the shores of Lake Powell, just a few hundred feet from the border between Arizona and Utah and offering long views across the lake and striated sedimentary hills of the region.  The resort’s amenities include four dining options, a bar, lounge, two swimming pools, walking paths along the lake, fitness center, gift shop, sauna, fishing and water sports activities (for a fee), laundry service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in public areas.  Air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated with Native American accents and have private bath with hair dryer, minifridge, tea- and coffee-making facilities, private balcony or patio, TV, and phone.

Rustic, spacious, and comfortable, this hotel is nestled just a 10-minute drive from the red rock cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park.  It features spacious common areas, a restaurant, fitness center, pool, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and laundry and dry-cleaning services.  The dining room provides a lodge-like atmosphere complete with wooden beams stretching across the vaulted ceilings, and a brick fireplace in the center of the room.  Each of the air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee maker, microwave, in-room safe, minibar, and TV.

Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park sits amidst the magnificent red rock cliffs of Zion National Park, adjacent to the Virgin River.  The hotel features modern décor and amenities and offers free shuttle service to the entrance of Zion National Park, less than a mile away.  Downtown Springdale, with its array of quaint shops, cafes, dining and art galleries, sits within walking distance of the hotel.  Amenities include a snack bar, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, fitness center, outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and fireplace.  Each spacious guest room has private bath with hair dryer, coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.

The Westin Las Vegas enjoys an ideal location just a block from the Las Vegas Strip in the heart of downtown.  While many of the country’s finest casinos and restaurants sit just a short walk away from the hotel, the Westin is one of the only non-gaming hotels in Las Vegas.  It offers a tranquil retreat from the city and features a restaurant and bar, fitness center, heated rooftop swimming pool, spa, gift shop, laundry and dry-cleaning service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibar, TV, and phone.

Tour Price Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities (or may be purchased as land only)
• 10 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
• 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for dining room servers, hotel porters, rafting guides, and all drivers
• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

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Tour Directors

“Steve was knowledgeable, courteous, helpful – I can’t imagine a better tour director!”

Keith & Sandra Rogers Cary, NC

“Donna was excellent – personal and professional.”

Fred & Diane Ernst Rivervale, NJ

“Jay Turco as a tour guide was very knowledgeable and attentive to all travelers. I rate him a 10.”

Alexander Green III Leesburg, VA

“Linda Rome was always friendly [and] wearing a smile.”

Lorraine Knight Rapid City, MI

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

“Brady is a great tour director. He loves the great outdoors and is very knowledgeable. He made every effort to address the various levels of activity and interests of the group.”

Ronald & JoAnne Roberts Batavia, OH

“Our tour director Cheryl Kobayashi was phenomenal. 100% professional, courteous, engaged, knowledgeable, and kind."

Susan Zabatta Kingston, New York

Destination Insights

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Physical Activity Level

• Walk 1-3 miles per day, often on uneven terrain in natural settings
• Extremely bumpy terrain on Pink Jeep tour (Sedona)
• High elevations at Grand Canyon (6,800 ft) and Bryce Canyon (8,000 ft)
• Option to sit out on longer hikes

Destinations

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North Rim, Grand Canyon

Bryce point, bryce canyon national park, grand prismatic spring, yellowstone n.p., red mountain pass, san juan mountains, court of the patriarchs, zion canyon, grand teton schwabaucher landing, antelope canyon, double arch, arches national park, tundra colors, near denali, alaska, cliff palace, mesa verde national park, castle geyser in winter, yellowstone national park, welcome to southwest adventure tours, as a destination management company and tour operator, we provide tours for individuals and groups through the great american southwest. we focus on conducting sightseeing, photography, and adventure tours., with southwest adventure tours,  adventure awaits.

Our specialty is small group experiences - usually between 7 and 13 passengers. We offer a wide range of multi-day tours and day tours from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and other local areas adjacent to the National Parks. From lodge & hotel-based tours to camping & backpacking, we can provide you with unique itineraries and opportunities throughout the American Southwest. Contact us to start planning your adventure today!

Call toll free:  800-970-5864

Learn what southwest adventure tours is all about:, our mission:.

Southwest Adventure Tours' highest mission is to provide our guests the opportunity to build lasting memories through creating exceptional experiences that will touch their heart, mind, and soul.  We create tours and adventures that enliven the senses, instill well-being, and fulfill even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.

Read comments submitted by recent customers .

Services Provided:

• Professional Tours and Step-On Guides
• Transportation
• Pre-made and Custom Itineraries With Activities For Small and Large Groups
• Lodging, Meals, Local Activities, and Entertainment

Why Tour With Us:

• We only use local guides and have strategic partnerships with companies who possess first-hand knowledge and experience in the areas we travel into.
• We continually strive to find unique and interesting points of interest to provide our guests with a great experience!
• Working and traveling throughout the Southwestern US for years, we have the knowledge to build itineraries so your experience will exceed your expectations.

Call Us Anytime:

Toll free:  800-970-5864

Or contact us via our  website contact form .

Browse through our tour offerings of the Southwest:

Arizona adventure.

Leave the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas behind and explore Grand Canyon, Flagstaff,... Read More

Arizona Bird Watching and Tucson Adventure

Cochise County is one of America's most scenic places and offers the perfect... Read More

Balloon Fiesta & Pueblo Cultural Tour

This tour of destinations around Albuquerque, New Mexico, is tailored to attend the... Read More

Black Hills of South Dakota

The Black Hills located in the southwestern portion of South Dakota are a small,... Read More

Canadian Atlantic Experience

Embark on a thrilling 13-day journey with Southwest Adventure Tours, starting on July... Read More

Canyons of the Escalante

Join Southwest Adventure Tours for a 6 day adventure through the Canyons of the... Read More

Glacier National Park

See the grandeur of Glacier National Park – “The Crown of the... Read More

Grand Circle Experience

Tour includes tour guide, comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter with... Read More

Grand Teton & Yellowstone Explorer

From a land built on fire, earthquakes, and other extreme geological forces,... Read More

Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island 1-Day Tour

Experience spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake, step back in time with a visit... Read More

Jackson Snowmobile Adventure

See the wonders of Jackson/Teton and Yellowstone areas during the winter, when snow... Read More

Magnificent Alaska!

Alaska, the last frontier. Join us with the opportunity to experience the vast... Read More

Mighty 5 Utah From Las Vegas

One of our most popular tours, Southwest Adventure Tours will show you... Read More

Mighty 5 Utah From Salt Lake City

National parks of colorado.

From 14,000-foot-high mountain peaks to beautiful hidden valleys and, from historic... Read More

Northern Lights Alaska

Join Southwest Adventure Tours for a wintertime tour of the area around Fairbanks,... Read More

Oregon South Tour

Making a big loop through the western half of Oregon, this tour explores... Read More

Railroads of the Old West

Colorado has one of the largest collections of historic railroads, including many... Read More

Romantic Danube River Cruise

Those longing for the romance of Old World Europe will get to travel into the very... Read More

Route 66 Westbound

Our Route 66 Westbound journey encapsulates the essence of America's most iconic... Read More

Salt Lake City Driving 1-Day Tour

Want to experience Salt Lake City but don’t have a lot of time? This is a great... Read More

Salt Lake City Walking 1-Day Tour

Join us for a 2.5-3-hour walking tour of the downtown area. As you walk the 3-mile... Read More

Texas Eclipse 2024

Experience a once in a lifetime spectacle this spring! Head to Texas for the 2024... Read More

Trail of the Ancients

Come and explore thousands of years of culture, history, and traditions of the... Read More

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Winter Adventure

Experience Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks as a winter wonderland, the way... Read More

Yosemite, Sequoia, & California Coast

From the historical streets of San Francisco to the majesty and grandeur of Yosemite,... Read More

• 1 - 12 of 26

Our Most Popular Tours

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We Also Offer Day Tours

At various locations across America's Southwest, we offer day tours using tour guides that are experts in those geographic areas. Many of our day tours can be add-ons to our multi-day regularly scheduled tours.

Zion & Bryce Canyon 1-Day Tour From Southern Utah

See more departure points.

We have tours that depart from places all over the Southwest. Would you like to browse which of our tours depart from what cities and places?

Click here to browse by departure point.

Zion Entrance Project

The Zion Canyon South Entrance serves as a gateway for approximately 70 percent of visitors to ZION....

Meet Our Guide Haydee Schabelski

Q: Hi Haydee! Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with Southwest Adventure...

Meet Our Guide Kim Palmer

Q: Hi Kim! Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with Southwest Adventure...

Meet Our Guide Wayne Parker

Q: Hi Wayne! Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with Southwest Adventure...

Affiliations

Southwest Adventure Tours is affiliated with the following organizations:

Southwest Adventure Tours is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service

Grand Circle Itinerary

Day 1 - Las Vegas to Zion National Park, 165 miles

Day 2 - zion national park to bryce canyon, 120 miles, day 3 - bryce canyon to torrey, 130 miles.

Day 4 - Torrey to Green River, 145 miles

Day 5 - green river to moab, 80 miles, day 6 - moab to blanding, 160 miles.

Day 7 - Blanding to Kayenta, 120 miles

Day 8 - kayenta to page, 120 miles, day 9 - page to tusayan (grand canyon), 145 miles.

Day 10 - Grand Canyon, 50 miles

Day 11 - tusayan to las vegas, 265 miles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southwest USA Road Trip

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

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

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

Pick up an America the Beautiful Pass.

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

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

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

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

Buy your national parks pass  today!

Beware the heat.

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

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

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

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

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

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

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

Shop rental cars for your Southwest road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

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

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

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

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

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

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

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy  today!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

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

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

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance.

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

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

Don’t overextend yourself.

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

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

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

Set realistic expectations for visiting US national parks.

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

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

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

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

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

Kanab to Escalante

From Rachel & Clark of Seeking Our Someday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

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

New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle

From Becky of SightDOING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Road Trip

From Nicole of American SW Obsessed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northern New Mexico

From Melissa of Parenthood and Passports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

300+ miles.

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

Denver to Aspen Loop

From Lori of Fitz 5 On the Go

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From there, head to Salida and Buena Vista.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Extraterrestrial Highway

From Audrey of That Backpacker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Las Vegas to Cathedral Gorge State Park

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Bend Country Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classic Southwest USA Road Trip from Page, AZ

From James Ian of Parks Collecting

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

Starting in Page, head to Monument Valley.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I recommend allowing ten days for this trip.

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

Trail of the Ancients

From Megan of Red Around the World

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diriving Distance

About 300-400 miles, depending on stops.

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

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

Zion National Park to Sedona Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

From Allison of She Dreams in Alpine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salt Lake City to Phoenix

From Samah of God and Wanderlust

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

Salt Lake City is made for the adventurous at heart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Become mesmerized by the cave formations of Antelope Canyon.

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

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

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

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

Road Trip Length

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

Las Vegas to Monument Valley

From Hannah of Hannah Henderson Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LA to Las Vegas Road Trip Itinerary

From Dhara of Roadtripping California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We suggest three days or more for this road trip.

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

Denver to Moab

From Julia of The Cure for Curiosity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LA to Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks

From Ciara of Wellness Travel Diaries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phoenix to Taos to Road Trip

From Polina of Bucket List Places

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the wintertime, make sure to hit the slopes! 

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

Route 66 (Southwest Portion)

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

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

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

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

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

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

You can spend months exploring Route 66!

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

San Jose, CA to Escalante, UT Loop

From Jyoti at Story at Every Corner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1640 miles.

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

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

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

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

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About Kate Storm

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

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Southwest Bike Tours

Discover the one-of-a-kind-culture, cuisine, and landscape of the southwest on a bike tour..

Experience breathtaking national parks, warm weather, and delicious cuisine. These tours showcase the area's rich regional traditions and offer exciting adventures for all levels. Alternatively, choose a self-guided tour or ride camp to set your own pace. From the stunning red rocks of Bryce and Zion National Park to vibrant Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Showing Trips

Destinations

Rider level, hotel level.

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel:  4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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The Only Southwest Road Trip Itinerary You Need

Planning an epic road trip through America’s Southwest? You’ll be richly rewarded with insane Martian-esque landscapes, beautiful national parks, empty stretches of road, and stunning sunsets.

I’ve highlighted all the best on and off the beaten path adventures so you can create a Southwest road trip of your dreams.

This itinerary for the American Southwest starts and ends in Las Vegas, Nevada, taking you through six national parks and a handful of state parks and national monuments along the way.

Get ready for the USA road trip of a lifetime — this Southwest road trip is truly one for the bucket list.

Table of Contents

How Long Do You Need For This Southwest Itinerary?

This Southwest itinerary should take you from 10 days to two weeks to complete.

However, if you were pressed for time, you could certainly condense it to a one-week road trip or hit a few highlights in just 5 days, though you would definitely need to cut out quite a few things.

As written, this road trip will take you through six national parks, three state parks, a handful of national monuments, and through hundreds if not thousands of miles of untamed landscapes. We saw one national park in Arizona and all five national parks in Utah .

If you were trying to condense this Southwest road trip into just five days, I’d make it go from Las Vegas to Zion to Bryce to Page to Sedona and back to Las Vegas via the Hoover Dam.

Extending this Southwest Road Trip

If you have even more time? There’s so much more to road tripping in the Southwest that you could tack on, or even go slightly beyond the Southwest itself.

You can also easily add on a little Western road trip from Vegas to see some of California’s famous parks (Joshua Tree and Death Valley come to mind) or swing up north after Moab to visit the famous Yellowstone National Park.

New Mexico with its beautiful White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park, plus its beautiful cities of Sante Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque, are also a great idea.

Personally, we swung north and east after Moab and went up to Denver and Boulder for a few days before heading back to Las Vegas to drop off our rental car.

However, considering the drive from Moab is about 8 hours, you may want to break it up with some time in Grand Junction or somewhere else in Colorado if you choose to continue eastwards. We just took the long driving day and took turns driving, but if you have only one driver, you may want to break up the journey.

Tips for Saving Money on this Southwest Itinerary

To save money, be sure to buy an Annual Pass for the national parks– you can easily purchase an America the Beautiful park pass online at REI.

For $80, you have unlimited entrances to all US national parks (and monuments, forests, seashores, etc — over 2,000 protected lands) for one vehicle for a year!

Seeing as national parks cost anywhere from $10-30 to enter, with most near the $30 side of the spectrum, you’ll definitely save money by buying an annual pass.

Another way to save money is to travel by campervan or RV, eliminating or reducing your accommodation costs.

There is free camping in BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land across most of the Southwest. I have a guide to free camping in Utah , which will cover most of this Southwest itinerary.

If you prefer the amenities of a maintained campground, you still won’t pay too much, as paid campgrounds are typically around $30 per night.

Finally, another big way to save money if you’re not going with a campervan is to book your car rental in and out of the same place — when I was researching, I found Las Vegas to have the best options, followed by Phoenix, which isn’t on this itinerary but would be an easy swap.

Not sure where to get the best deal on your rental? I’ve rented cars dozens of times through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best car rental search engine – it searches over 500 trusted rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental! Compare prices for car rentals in Las Vegas here.

Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Stop one: las vegas, nevada.

My Southwest road trip itinerary has you starting in Las Vegas for a variety of reasons: the first being that renting a car in Vegas is loads cheaper than renting in most other places along this American Southwest itinerary.

You can also rent an RV in Las Vegas and use that as your transportation and accommodation all in one!

The second reason being that flights to Las Vegas are often incredibly affordable — my flight from Vegas to San Francisco was only $32 on Southwest, which even includes a bag!

While in Vegas, check out the Seven Magic Mountains about 20 minutes outside of town – it’s a fabulous art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, which will be dismantled at the end of 2018.

If money permits, there’s no better way to get excited about the landscape you’re about to see than to take a helicopter tour from Las Vegas .

There’s a variety of helicopter tours you can take from Vegas, each offering a completely unique landscape. If budget allows, I strongly recommend taking a flight over the Grand Canyon.

You’ll get to see the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and an extinct volcano on your way to the Grand Canyon — the 7th natural wonder of the world!

You can opt for an aerial-only flight (which is more affordable) or a canyon landing tour that stops 3,500 feet below the Canyon Rim, right next to the beautiful Colorado River. Both are a great choice — it depends on how badly you’d like to land at the bottom of the canyon!

Book your flight to the Grand Canyon — aerial-only or canyon landing !

But if you’re on a tight budget in Vegas and still want to ride in a helicopter, there are several more affordable rides you can do, including a nighttime flight over the Las Vegas strip!

A short helicopter flight over the Las Vegas Strip just after sunset as the lights come down over the city is an incredible experience, and one I won’t soon forget. I was surprised at how breathtaking it was even after having my breath taken away seeing the Grand Canyon… but the Las Vegas Strip did not disappoint!

You can opt for a night flight with a romantic dinner or for the more budget-friendly helicopter over the Vegas Strip tour .

With prices for the latter just around $100 per person, it’s a great way to experience the high life (literally) without breaking the bank or needing to strike it rich at the slots before booking!

Book your helicopter tour over the Strip — budget or with luxury dinner option

Recommended photo spots: Anywhere and everywhere, really! A helicopter ride will give you stunning views; The Bellagio, the W, the Wynn, and pretty much anywhere on the Strip are also great places for photos.

Recommended accommodations: The W is the funkiest boutique hotel in all of Vegas — perfect for the ‘gram! The rooms are over the top and ridiculously outlandish, the staff is amazing with their personalized recommendations and greetings, and the calm of the pool there compared to at the SLS (which you can also visit if you stay at the W) was an awesome oasis in the middle of crazy Vegas. Can’t rate highly enough!  Check prices, ratings, and availability at The W here .

Stop Two: Valley of Fire

About 45 minutes from Las Vegas is what I deem to be the most underrated spot on this entire Southwest road trip: the Valley of Fire State Park.

I literally have no idea why this isn’t a national park — it’s so massive and the vistas are so spectacular that it surely deserves the title.

That said, the fact that it’s only technically a state park will serve you well, as despite its proximity to Las Vegas there were very few people at the park.

While you could do this independently, I actually did a day trip to the Valley of Fire with Pink Jeep Tours and I can’t speak more highly of it — I definitely recommend it if your budget allows.

We absolutely maximized our time there and got to see all the best parts of the park with expert narration (and a wicked sense of humor!) along the way. It was pretty much a perfect day out.

Since we had so much driving along the way later on in the trip, it was nice to start off the trip at a slow pace and not have to handle the driving and planning ourselves for the Valley of Fire.

As it’s just 40 minutes outside of Vegas, it’s an easy and logical day trip if you’re wanting to spend a few nights luxuriating in Vegas before heading out on your Southwest road trip adventure of a lifetime.

I’d recommend the tour, as it’s what we did and loved it, but you can also DIY a day in the Valley of Fire if you have budget constraints.

Book your Pink Jeep Tour online here!

Recommended photo spots:  Rainbow Vista trail, The Beehives, Elephant Rock, Balanced Rock, pretty much anywhere with an open road!

Recommended accommodations: Overnight somewhere in Vegas; we loved our stay at The W (find rates & availability here) but there are a ton of other budget-friendly options available in Vegas.

You can also camp inside the park, first come first serve, but get here early if you plan to do that as spots go fast!

Stop Three: Hoover Dam

After visiting the Valley of Fire, you’ll need to route back via Vegas on your way to the Hoover Dam. This is right on your way to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon – no circuitous rerouting required – so you might as well see one of America’s biggest engineering marvels.

The Hoover Dam used to be the tallest dam in the world when it was first built, but it’s since been overtaken by a dam I’ve never heard of until researching this post, located in Tajikistan.

The most amazing fact (to me at least) about the Hoover Dam is that the concrete holding up is still not dry all the way through !

At its base, it’s a massive 660 feet thick — the equivalent of two back-to-back football fields!

Scientists say it’ll take 125 years for it to dry all the way through; at only 80 years since its construction, we’ve still got 30 to go.

Recommended photo spots : The dam, obviously; the Pat Tillman memorial bridge

Recommended accommodations : No need to stay overnight – this is best done as a quick stop off on the way to Flagstaff and/or the Grand Canyon.

Stop 4: Flagstaff, Arizona (the Grand Canyon & Sedona)

Flagstaff is a perfect base for further road trips in the Southwest USA.

That said, Flagstaff on its own has plenty to write home about — don’t miss Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, with its beautiful landscape and exciting lava trails.

But perhaps the best thing about Flagstaff is its proximity to some of Arizona’s greatest attractions.

30 minutes through a winding national forest, you’ll find Sedona — one of Arizona’s most scenic places, and a must on any Southwest US road trip itinerary.

If you have time, it’s worth giving at least a full day for exploring Sedona , or even following my 2 day itinerary to exploring Sedona’s best sights.

For the purpose of this post, I’m suggesting Sedona as a day trip from Flagstaff, but you could easily spend more time in Sedona if you wish.

Check out the stunning red rocks arching into the sky, and be sure not to miss the opportunity to go for a hike or to visit the Church of the Holy Cross — a stunning chapel quite literally built into the side of a mountain.

I didn’t have time in Sedona to go on the original Pink Jeep Tour (the same company as I went with on my Valley of Fire tour) but if I did, I absolutely could have gone on this off-roading 2-hour scenic rim tour.

Book your 2-hour offroad tour of Sedona!

Sedona is great for a day trip, but the main attraction when visiting Flagstaff is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is a mere 90 minutes away.

I picked the South Rim for this itinerary because it works better with the itinerary, but you could also add on the North Rim between Page and Bryce Canyon. (Here’s how to pick between the two).

No amount of preparation can truly ready you for the grandeur of what it’s like to stand at the edge of this canyon in person.

I even flew over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter a few days prior to seeing it from the edge.

While the helicopter ride was an absolutely amazing experience, truly nothing beats standing at its edge and seeing its vastness from ground level. If you can see it both ways, do! But don’t underestimate the power of seeing it from ground level with your own eyes. It’s breathtaking.

The easiest way to see the Grand Canyon is to drive there from Flagstaff, about 90 minutes each way, which is what we did.

However, I didn’t realize at the time that there was a really cool historic scenic train that runs right from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon! If you’re into train history and old, nostalgic train rides, this may be a really cool experience for you to have. You can book it online here .

Recommended Accommodation: When I was in Flagstaff, I stayed at the Hilton Doubletree in town. With free (warm!) cookies upon check-in, large rooms, and an in-house restaurant, it’s a comfortable and affordable crash pad between adventures and it’s much cheaper than staying in either the Grand Canyon or Sedona. Check prices, rates, & availability here.

Stop 5: Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, & Lake Powell)

Page, Arizona has some of the most spectacular sights in all of the American Southwest, all in a tiny little town.

For one, Horseshoe Bend, one of the most iconic photography spots in the entire Southwest US, is located a mere 3 miles down the main highway.

But the main draw to Page is the stunning Antelope Canyon. Broken into two parts, Upper and Lower, we opted for the Lower — having heard that it has more vibrant colors, as opposed to Upper which is famous for its sunbeams much-loved by photographers.

Upper is more popular (and thus more expensive and more crowded) than Lower, plus it requires advance reservations.

Chronic underplanners as we are, we opted for Lower, as we were able to book next-day tickets quite easily.

The information online is a bit out of date; there are now two tour companies operating tours to Lower Antelope Canyon.

Ken’s Tours charges $20 as far as I know, Dixie Ellis’ $25; plus the $8 tribal lands fee. We went with Dixie Ellis’ Lower Antelope Canyon Tours as the line was shorter and highly recommend the experience.

Be aware that this is an  incredibly  popular tour on everyone’s Southwest itinerary no matter what tour company you go with, and you will be waiting in line quite a bit – not to mention the waiting you’ll have to do in order to snap photos without people in them. However, it’s entirely worth the experience in my opinion!

Horseshoe Bend is a bit less crowded than Antelope Canyon, mainly because it’s more spacious. We actually went three times in the span of 24 hours seeking the perfect shot.

Sunrise is fantastic because so few people are there, although the sun rises on the opposite side of the bend so if you’re looking for sunbursts, you’re better off at sunset. Midday, you’ll see a wild array of colors that you can’t quite see during sunrise/sunset, so it’s worth a separate trip just for that as it’s not so far away from Page

While sunset is the most crowded at Horseshoe Bend, it’s also the most magical. As a bonus, if you scrabble up the rocks a bit, you can quite easily get epic photos with no one else in the shot!

A clever way to escape the Horseshoe Bend hoards? Fly over it by helicopter (which seems to be a running theme of this post — sadly, I didn’t have the chance to do this, though. Next time!) You’ll also get to see Lake Powell — more on that in a second.

Finally, as if I haven’t written enough about Page to fill an entire blog post all on its own, you must check out Lake Powell.

This lake is simply stunning, with glassy blue water amidst a desert landscape. You can rent a paddleboard and check out the lake at your own speed, or go to one of the many viewpoints to see it from above.

Recommended photo spots: Horseshoe Bend, Lower/Upper Antelope, Lake Powell, Wahweap Overlook

Recommended accommodations: We stayed at Hampton Inn & Suites in   Page – Lake Powell and highly recommend it. The rooms are large with plenty of space to work and relax in, with all the comfortable amenities you’d expect like a fitness room, a heated indoor pool, a Jacuzzi (perfect for sore legs after hiking all day!).

Breakfast was also delicious and included in the price of the room. It also couldn’t be any closer to Horseshoe Bend, just three miles and a quick five-minute drive down the road.

If you’re planning to visit Horseshoe Bend multiple times for the perfect photo like we did, it’s an awesome place to base yourself because as soon as you leave the parking lot you’re already on the road to Horseshoe Bend! Check rates, prices, & availability here.

Stop Six: Kanab, Utah

On the way from Page to Utah, you can go two different ways. We actually did both as we did a huge circle from Page to Kanab and back all in one day when we couldn’t go to Antelope Canyon as planned, so I can report on each way!

The first way, via I-89, you’ll pass a view of Lake Powell at Wahweap Overlook before making your way to the Visitor Center of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Park.

Stop off at the visitor center in Big Water, Utah and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to meet a man who discovered a brand new species of dinosaur! He is really lovely and fun to talk to, so definitely stop by if you can.

On the way to Kanab, you can stop off to do the Toadstools hike — a short one-hour roundtrip hike that ends in a truly Martian landscape. Quite off the beaten path of most people’s typical Southwest road trip itineraries, and well worth the stop!

“Toadstools” are formed when rain makes boulders fall from cliffs and land atop softer rocks, creating mushroom-looking rock structures. They look manmade but they’re entirely natural!

After passing Kanab, quickly grab lunch somewhere before making your way to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park .

This little-visited park has sand dunes that look as if they’re straight out of the Sahara — all against the backdrop of some legendary Utah mountains.

This park is so close to Zion that I don’t know why it’s more popular, but you definitely should have it on your Southwest itinerary — all the better for you to snap some epic photos without the crowds!

With the clouds, it looked more orange than pink, but on a sunny day, I’m sure the sands are more true to their name.

If you go the other way from Page via the longer but more scenic route (I-89A), you can go over a beautiful mountain pass filled with lush evergreen trees and stop at the Vermillion Cliffs viewpoint and LeFevre Overlook.

There, you can see four plateaus that make up the “Staircase” of Grand Staircase-Escalante in a variety of hues — including chocolate brown, vermillion, and purple (two of the plateaus was unfortunately covered by some clouds when we were there!)

While you’re in Kanab, you’re so close to Zion, but I urge you to skip it — for now — in lieu of visiting it on your way back to Las Vegas!

Finally, Kanab is also a good stopping point if you are testing your luck for permits for the Wave in Arizona , as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center visitor center here is where you would need to get your permit.

Your chances are low, but it’s worth a try!

Recommended photo spots: Lefevre Point, Vermillion Cliffs overlook, Toadstools, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

Recommended accommodations : We didn’t stay in Kanab during this trip because we went back to Page in a giant circle (which we don’t recommend — it was only our poor planning that had us doing so!), but Canyons Boutique Hotel would have been a great choice if we did.

With a 8.9 rating on Booking, spacious rooms, nice décor, and a central location, it’s the best choice in town. Check prices, reviews, and availability here .

Stop Seven: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon is truly one of the most memorable stops on any Southwest US road trip itinerary. For one, it has its distinctive hoodoos which you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world in such number and scale.

Hoodoos (also called “fairy chimneys”) form when the water from melting snow seeps into the cracks of the rock and freezes overnight. Bit by bit, the cracks expand until large chunks of rock fall away, leaving pillars in their place.

Hoodoos form all over the world, but there are thousands of them at Bryce Canyon, partly because the elevation is so high (around 8,000 feet!) that the melt-freeze cycle happens at least 200 nights per year

We just drove to a few different viewpoints in the park — Natural Bridge, Sunset Point and Inspiration Point — and then did the Navajo Loop Trail, which filled about a half-day in the park.

If you’re looking for a creative yet structured way to spend some time in Bryce Canyon National Park, you can do an ATV ride , a horseback ride through Red Canyon , or join a hiking tour .

Recommended photo spots: Queen’s Garden Trail, Navajo Loop, Inspiration Point, Natural Bridge, and Sunset/Sunrise Points.

Recommended accommodations: Bryce Canyon doesn’t have the most exciting options for accommodations.

We didn’t stay overnight here, as we just visited for a day, but if we had, something simple but comfortable like a Best Western is probably your best bet. Check prices, ratings, and availability. 

Stop Eight: Capitol Reef National Park

On your way to Moab from Bryce, you can take a scenic route passing through Capitol Reef via Highway 12, which I highly recommend.

The least visited of Utah’s staggering five national parks, it’s not quite as epic as Zion or Bryce but it has its own charms. It’s worth a quick stop as you pass through, at the very least.

Recommended photo spots: The cute barns and old schoolhouse on the main road, the Scenic Drive, Panorama Point, Cassidy Arch, Temple of the Moon and Sun, Chimney Rock.

Recommended accommodations: The best — and in my mind, only! — place to stay in Capitol Reef is in the Capitol Reef Resort. They have covered wagons and tipis for a themed stay, as well as standard rooms and cottages for a more traditional hotel experience. Book a stay at the Capitol Reef Resort here .

Extra Stop: On your way between Capitol Reef and Moab, you’ll have the opportunity to stop off at Goblin Valley State Park !

Frankly, we were exhausted and gave it a pass this trip, but it’s definitely on the list for my next Southwest itinerary!

Stop Nine: Moab, Utah (Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, and Arches)

Ah, Arches National Park. With its famous Delicate Arch which is featured on the Utah license plate, this is one of the most famous national parks in the US, and a must on any Southwest road trip itinerary.

In addition to the Delicate Arch hike, you should also be sure to see the North & South Window arches, the Double Arch, and the Turret Arch.

If you want to dedicate two days to Arches, follow this detailed Arches itinerary which will explain exactly what to do with your time there!

The Devil’s Garden trail was closed when we visited, but you should definitely check it out if possible — it’s supposed to be a stunner.

Also near Moab is the Canyonlands National Park, which I actually preferred to Arches (blasphemy, I know – but I hate crowds). It was super immense, with really colorful rocks and huge canyons, and far fewer people.

There are two entrances to Canyonlands, both of which are quite far from each other.

One is Islands in the Sky, and this is the one that’s closer to Moab (and also Dead Horse Point State Park, another must-see on your Southwest road trip).

The other section, Needles, is rather far away, and suitable if you’re staying longer in Moab.

We didn’t get a chance to visit Needles on this trip, but we weren’t disappointed with the taste of Canyonlands we got at Islands in the Sky — not at all.

Other spots you can’t miss in the Moab area include Dead Horse Point State Park , a place much more beautiful than the name suggests!

It’s right on the way from Canyonlands – Island in the Sky, so it’s a good idea to go there for sunset after visiting Canyonlands in the late afternoon.

Here, the Colorado River winds and rips its way through a valley, like a combination of the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend all in one.

It’s absolutely stunning at sunset, although sunrise is supposed to be even better. I never woke up early enough to see for myself.

Finally, the Corona Arch is a great sunset spot that’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to the crowds you’ll find around Dead Horse Point and Arches.

Make sure you arrive there with about an hour to spare, as the hike is one hour on a not super well-marked path, and make sure you leave before it gets too dark!

We missed the sunset by at least a half-hour and ended up walking back in the dark because we didn’t give ourselves enough time for this hike (#travelbloggerfail) but we at least made it in time for some super pretty cloud action!

Bring a headlamp if you do this hike, trust me — it’s not fun navigating back in the dark with just your cell-phone as a light source.

There are some other great things you can do in Moab if you have the time — as if having two national parks and a state park in your backyard isn’t enough choice!

For an adventure rush, go rafting on either class I and II rapids or III and IV rapids on the Colorado River or hit the ominously-named Hell’s Revenge ATV trail which crisscrosses a rugged terrain in ATVs until you hit the Colorado River.

Book a rafting tour (class I & II), a tougher white water rafting tour (class III & IV) or an ATV tour !

Not into heart-stopping adventure? There are also more leisurely ways to relax in Moab, such as taking a 3-hour jet boat cruise to Dead Horse Point State Park along a peaceful stretch of the Colorado River, checking out side canyons and marveling at the canyon walls which reach 2,200 feet above your head.

Alternately, if you need some R&R after several long days of driving and adventuring, there are tons of great spas in Moab catering to soothing tired and aching muscles! Sorrel River Ranch and Spa Moab are two great choices.

Recommended photo spots: Mesa Arch (sunrise is supposed to be fantastic as the sun will rise directly through the arch!) in Canyonlands NP as well as the scenic drive pulling over at the various viewpoints, Delicate Arch and the other arches (North & South Window, Double, Turret) in Arches NP.

Outside of these national parks, be sure to also visit Dead Horse Point State Park ( please don’t miss this!!),  and Corona Arch. Be sure to give yourself enough time in Moab, it’s stunning! At least 3 days is a good start.

Recommended accommodations:  Moab is a bit expensive compared to other places on the Southwest itinerary. If you are looking for a decent but budget-friendly place, book well in advance as the best-priced places book up quickly.

For people on a budget, I’d suggest the Aarchway Inn is just a tiny bit outside of Moab and has gorgeous settings with that classic Utah red rock all around, a lovely swimming pool, and well-appointed rooms. Check out rates, reviews, and availability here.

If you want a world-class stay, try glamping!  Under Canvas Moab  knocks it out of the park in terms of comfort, style, and entertainment, and is frequently cited as one of the best glamping lodges in the entire United States.

Book your stay at Under Canvas Moab here!

Stop Ten: Zion National Park

I recommended skipping Zion initially and saving it for the end because it’s probably one of the most epic national parks in all of the United States, and you’ll want a cool place to stop on the long drive between Moab and Las Vegas.

It’s a great way to end your Southwest road trip with something memorable, and it’s a great stopover on the way between Moab and Vegas.

If you’re at all into hiking, the Angels Landing hike is truly a can’t-miss experience.

Climbing up 1,500 feet over a grueling two hour hike (the last half mile of which is up rocks, which you have to use chain handrails to ascend) is not easy — but no epic view really is.

I feel compelled to leave an important safety note about this photo.

Angles are deceiving – there was a larger chunk of the rock edge beneath me which is obfuscated a bit by the high camera angle of this shot. I scooted around while maintaining at least 3 points of contact at all times to be safe. I never stood close to the edge, only scooted on hands and knees.

Still, I posed for this photo 3 years ago — after seeing so many articles in the last few years about selfie deaths, I wouldn’t pose the same way now, but I’d choose to leave a few feet more room between myself and the first edge.

Please be careful when posing on Angels Landing and never do anything you don’t feel comfortable with, especially in pursuit of a good picture! You will likely be exhausted from the hike in the heat, so you won’t have the best balance or judgment. Be cautious and respect your body’s limits. Always be on the safe side.

If you have more time, be sure to check out The Narrows, a hike that can take up to a full day wading through water through a beautiful slot canyon. You can also opt to do a shorter hike and turn around before the endpoint.

We didn’t have time for this, as we were flying out of Vegas later that evening, but it’s on my bucket list for my return to Zion. There are some other shorter hikes in Zion that are also fantastic if you’re too afraid of heights to take on Angels Landing.

Recommended photo spots: the top of Angel’s Landing OR Observation Point (higher and harder hike), Emerald Pools, Watchman, the Narrows

Recommended accommodations: We stayed about 45 minutes outside of the East Ranger Station at Zion Backcountry Yurt , with insane views of the Milky Way surrounding us. Book way in advance on Airbnb (you can find it here).  

It’s also common to stay by the West Ranger Station, close to Springdale, but expect to pay a pretty penny for the privilege. The best combination of proximity, value, and high-quality amenities is at Driftwood Lodge about a mile outside the center of Springdale. Check prices, reviews, and availability here.

After Zion, head back to Vegas, return your rental, and marvel at all your photos from the trip of a lifetime!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t forget to travel with travel insurance, especially on a trip involving lots of driving and hiking! You want to be covered in case of an accident or medical emergency. I use and highly recommend World Nomads for their easy purchasing, extensive coverage, and low prices. Get your free quote here.

What to Pack for a Southwest Road Trip

Not sure how to handle packing for a long road trip? I have a full guide to how to pack for a road trip , but I’ll briefly go over the essentials here!

Car documents and license: This should be rather obvious, but you’ll need your license, car documentation, and insurance papers (both car insurance and travel insurance) ready for any road trip you take.

Travel insurance: If your road trip includes going to another state or country where you are not insured locally, you may need travel insurance in order to cover you in case of an incident. I use and recommend World Nomads .

Roadside emergency kit: If traveling with your own car, you should already have one of these kits, including (but not limited to) a reflective triangle, rain poncho and emergency blanket, safety vest and whistle, etc. If renting a car, ask if they provide one and if not, bring your own  roadside emergency kit  that also includes a first aid kit.

Spare tire & tire changing kit : Having a spare tire isn’t much good if you don’t have a jack or kit to change out the tire. Make sure your tire changing kit is complete (or buy your  tire changing kit  before you head out), and make sure you know how to use it!

Flashlight or headlamp : In case you get somewhere poorly lit after dark, have an emergency in the night, or just go on a sunset hike and need to light your way back, a flashlight or headlamp is key (and make sure to bring some extra batteries, too!) I suggest a rechargeable headlamp like this  — it’s a great travel must-have that I find myself using more often than I’d expect.

Car charger and phone mount: Navigating, picking tunes, taking photos: your phone battery goes fast on a road trip, so don’t forget a car charger. I like this  dual purpose phone mount and charger! Don’t forget any and all USB cords you might need to for your charging needs!

A road trip playlist: I’d argue this is as essential as anything else on this list! Make sure you download it before you go so that you’re not dependent on data, as a few stretches of this Southwest road trip do go through service deserts.

Hygiene and Safety

Alcohol wipes : Be sure to bring some Lysol or alcohol wipes. These are hard to find currently in the current context, so I’d suggest buying alcohol prep pads , as these seem to be the safest source of 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes. Be a decent person and only buy one box. Do not hoard  anything — these alcohol wipes are needed by many people with chronic health conditions such as diabetics. One box will more than suit your needs.

NOTE: Use alcohol wipes or prep pads ONLY on high-touch surfaces as needed and not excessively — soap and water should be your primary line of cleaning and defense. Only use these when not otherwise possible, such as when at a gas station or using a touchpad at an ATM or grocery store.

Hand sanitizer: Sources of hand sanitizer and soap cannot always be guaranteed, and there may be times where it is difficult or less safe to go to a public restroom. It’s better to try to source hand sanitizer in a store from a trusted brand, but in the absence of that being possible,  this brand available online  looks to be safe, FDA-approved, and with a high-enough level of ethyl alcohol to be safe.

Spare liquid soap : Liquid or bar soap should be chosen over hand sanitizer whenever you have access to water. It’s safer and easier to get ahold of proper soap. Some gas stations, park bathrooms, etc. may not be well-attended, so bring some spare liquid soap with a locking top or a bar of soap in a Ziploc baggie just in case. Be sure to wash your hands for 30-40 seconds, including every part.

Face mask : When in places where distancing is not possible, you will need to wear a face mask to keep yourself and fellow humans safe. I suggest KN94s as opposed to cloth masks when possible, as these offer you (and your fellow humans) the most protection. They’re the Korean equivalent of the N95, and they work quite well. Unfortunately, the N95 is still in short supply and should be reserved for health care workers, unless you’re lucky enough to already have your own personal supply of N95s from a previous need.

Extra water: Be sure to have a few gallons of extra water in your car for emergencies — especially since this road trip through the Southwest covers a lot of harsh desert climates. Whether it’s replacing the water to cool down your engine or emergency drinking water if you’re stranded, it’s a cheap and simple thing to add to your road trip packing list with no downside.

Snacks : I fully believe the adage “It doesn’t matter how old you get, buying snacks for a road trip should always look like an unsupervised 9-year-old was given $100.” Pro tip: mix salty and sweet — too much of one or the other is a no go. I like having things like  KIND bars , trail mix, chips when I need something salty,  RXBar protein bars , etc. for my trip

Toilet paper or Kleenex: Good for poorly stocked roadside bathrooms or other emergency needs.

Basic medicines : Any prescription medicine you need, plus motion sickness tablets, ibuprofen/paracetamol, and  Pepto-Bismol  tablets for upset stomachs.

Rehydration packets : I always pack some rehydration packets with me on my travels as I’m prone to getting dehydrated and getting headaches, and they’re a lifesaver.  I recommend these ones.

Travel towel : Great for a quick dip, toweling off after a rain storm, having a spare towel in case of a poorly stocked hotel or Airbnb, a microfiber travel towel  is a road trip must pack.

Bug spray : So necessary in the summer months! I love this  lemon eucalyptus-based mosquito repellent. If I get any bites, I use this After Bite itch eraser , which instantly soothes mosquito bites.

Sunscreen : Did you know you should always wear sunscreen while driving? The windshield doesn’t protect you against all UV rays — while they protect against UVB rays (which cause sunburn), most do not block UVA rays, which cause aging and skin cancer. This is the sunscreen I use on my face  daily, and I use a cheaper basic sunscreen for my skin. No matter your skin tone or race, you need sunscreen!

Lip balm with SPF : I love this key lime-flavored  Sun Bum chapstick !

Sunglasses: Bring your favorite sunglasses plus a cheap spare pair as backup — driving without sunglasses = absolute misery.

Travel pillow : If you have someone to divvy up driving duty with, this is a comfortable must-have for kicking back and enjoying your time off! I like this cozy  memory-foam travel pillow , because it comes with an eye mask if you want to take a quick nap!

Battery pack : The Anker external battery pack  is a travel must. While you can charge your phone while driving, you may want to charge other devices — a camera, someone else’s phone, portable speakers, an e-reader — as well.

Insulated travel mug : A Contigo travel mug is leakproof and pretty much indestructible — and they’re inexpensive to boot. This one is vacuum-insulated and fits standard cupholders easily, great for early morning coffee to power up your road trip. It’ll also be a good thing to bring along on any sunrise hike to keep you warm!

Refillable water bottle : Get a refillable water bottle and either refill it from your extra-large water containers mentioned above or fill up in sinks and fountains along the way.  This one  is insulated, stainless steel, and convenient to drink from

Day pack : This  Osprey day pack  is a perfect size. Plus, it’s designed by a company that specializes in ergonomic solutions for backpackers and multi-day trekkers, so you know it’ll be comfortable.

Camera: For years, I’ve relied on my  Sony A6000  to take nearly-professional quality images, and the photos you see in this post were almost exclusively taken on this camera! I truly believe this camera is the perfect middle-ground above a smartphone yet below the 5-figure kits that most photographers use. Don’t forget extra memory cards – I only use  64GB Sandisk memory cards .

Wet wipes: These  biodegradable wet wipes  are easy on the environment and your skin, with aloe vera and Vitamin E.

Vaseline : For fixing flyaway hairs to helping chapped or burned lips to soothing hands or chub-rubbed thighs (ladies, if you know, you know)… I always make sure I travel with  Vaseline !

Haircare : Whatever you need to travel with. I just bring a brush and hair ties and shampoo, but your hair needs may be different than mine!

Other basic toiletries: Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, razor, shaving cream, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, face wash, any sort of face cleansing or anti-acne products, moisturizer, body lotion, makeup, etc.

Hiking Clothes: Depending on the time of year you do this Southwest road trip, you’ll want to bring either shorts or leggings, long-sleeve or short-sleeve hiking clothes.

Jeans and Ts: Good for non-hiking days and just basic walking-around-town days.

Comfortable hiking shoes: Absolutely necessary for tougher hikes and strongly recommended for even shorter hikes like Angel’s Landing. While tennis shoes may work, hiking shoes are safer.

Sandals : Great for being able to kick them on and off in the car and suitable for shorter walks to observation points, overlooks, etc. I use Birkenstocks.

Rain jacket: It does rain even in the desert! I love the Marmot PreCip rain jacket (there’s a  women’s version  and a  men’s version ) and I actually used mine twice on my Southwest road trip.

Dress up clothes: In case you want to have a few nice meals out, you’ll want to bring some nicer clothes as well.

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

50 Comments

This is a great itinerary for the South West but you are missing New Mexico and southern Colorado! I love Northern New Mexico – Santa Fe is such an amazing city, plus Bandelier National Monument, Taos, Ghost Ranch and Ojo Caliente are also definitely worth visiting. Mesa Verde in southern Colorado is a definite south west highlight for me too.

I definitely am! I’ve never been to New Mexico, believe it or not! And I visited Colorado briefly (Denver and Boulder) but didn’t get to see much of it. Adding this all to the agenda for an upcoming road trip. I really want to do New Mexico and Texas 🙂

how long did this trip take you? and how do you think it will be in mid march?

Hi Sophie! This trip took about 10 days. In mid-March, it’ll be pretty cold and certain parts at high elevation (Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Flagstaff) will definitely be cold and may be snow. We went in May and it was pretty chilly in some parts. There’s a chance of snow in high elevation but you also may be just fine 🙂

Allison, do you think including New Mexico in this trip is reasonable, if other things were to be left out (and if so, what would you leave out in order to add New Mexico in)? Thanks! I’m Kathleen, from Maryland (near DC).

Hi Kathleen! It is definitely reasonable, but I would leave out Moab (Arches/Canyonlands). Way too far in the wrong direction! I’d route it like this, instead: Las Vegas–> Zion –> Bryce –> Page –> Monument Valley (which I didn’t get to see on this trip!) –> Santa Fe/Albuquerque/whatever you want to see in NM –> Flagstaff & Grand Canyon –> Las Vegas.

I haven’t been to New Mexico yet, though, so I can’t offer more advice than that. You may have to cut off some things depending on how much time you have. I think 1-2 days in each place is fine, but it is a lot of driving (but you won’t mind because the drives are so beautiful!).

This is a great guide! I plan on visiting a lot of the parks in Utah in June, and this was very helpful.

Thank you Mary Ellen! Glad to hear it was helpful. Hope you enjoy your trip, June is a perfect time to go! I went in May and it was just a tiny bit cold but June should be nice and warm.

Hi Allison, Thanks so much for all the info! I’m doing a similar route in September and am wondering what kind of car you drove? Trying to cut down costs and economy/sedan rentals are always the cheapest but I am wondering if it is practical or if we should go with a larger option

Hey Kayleigh, you’re welcome! You will definitely be fine with an economy/sedan. We just had the cheapest option because it was quite expensive 🙂

Okay great to know! Thanks for the response and all of your tips 🙂

Happy to help!

Hi Allison, any tips on a shorter roadtrip? Maybe 3-4 days in September.

Hi Karin, yes, there’s still a lot you can do! I would do Las Vegas to Flagstaff/Sedona, then over to the Grand Canyon, then over to Zion National Park before heading back to Vegas.

Hi Allison, What time of year do you recommend going on this roadtrip? Is there any months to avoid? Thanks for all the great info!

Hi Shannon! Many of these places are at high elevation and therefore not recommended in the winter. I would say any time from late April to mid October would be ideal 🙂 It’ll be too cold most of the rest of the year and a big risk of snow making these parts unpassable without proper snow tires, etc.

Hi Allison, Thanks for all the great info. We are heading to the Southwest for the first time next May. I have a reservation in Sedona for a week and want to use that as our hub. Will fly into Las Vegas as recommended and rent a car. We can stop overnight on our way to Sedona and also on our way back to Vegas. What do you suggest we definitely should see?

Flying into Vegas and using Sedona as your hub, I’d recommend the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and Page (Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon + Lake Powell). That should all be doable in a week and everything is driving distance from Sedona to be done in a day, but it’ll mean some back-and-forth driving.

You should also try the north rim of the Grand Canyon. There are a lot less tourists and the Lodge is fantastic.

Yes, if we had more time, we definitely would have seen the North Rim as well 🙂 Thanks for the tip!

Hi we are newbies when it comes to traveling period. We are going to Fly into Las vegas November 26th , spend the night there and then rent an RV until Dec. 1 back to las vegas and then fly back home on the 2nd, I would love to see the grand canyon and horseshoe bend/antelope. Would this be ok during this time? Any suggests would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Michelle, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon should be fine. The Grand Canyon is high altitude so there is a risk of snow. I’ve never driven an RV or driven in this part of the world during the winter (I did this trip in May) so can’t offer any specific advice.

Hi Michelle, Great blog and pictures! We’re planning a trip to UT and have 6/7 days. Looks like we should book our flights in/out of Vegas. What should be not miss/fit into our shorter trip? Thanks!

Hi, this is Allison – Michelle’s another commenter. If you’re flying into Vegas and only have 6-7 days I’d skip Moab/Arches/Canyonlands and do some of Arizona instead. Vegas->Grand Canyon->Page->Bryce->Zion->Vegas would be doable in your time frame. Have fun!

Hi Allison, is there a chance of a winter trip in the area? I see half the places aren’t doable due to cold temperature, are there other places that would replace them for a 10 day winter getaway?

Hi John, in cold weather I think you could still do Valley of Fire, Vegas, Page (Horseshoe Bend/Antelope Canyon) but I’d skip Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon/Flagstaff as all are pretty high altitude and likely to have snow that makes hiking difficult. Perhaps you could combine with Joshua Tree or Mojave Desert in California as well, but I’m not that familiar with that part of California though I would guess the weather would be pretty decent.

Hello! Really enjoy your blog. My family and I with 3 kids are planning to arrive in PHX on Sat and leaving out of PHX Friday afternoon. Could you suggest an ideal itinerary that would make most use of our time? Kids are older so they can walk/hike.

Thanks in advance!

Hi JS! I’d go Phoenix – Sedona – Flagstaff – Grand Canyon – back to Phoenix, or if you want to be more ambitious, Phoenix – Sedona – Flagstaff – Page – Zion/Bryce – Grand Canyon – Phoenix, which would be busy and plenty of driving but doable 🙂 Not sure though how the weather is now so you’d want to check that!

Thanks so much for this. We’re hoping to sort a 3 week trip around these sort of areas, so your info, pics, suggestions, etc are great help! 🙂

You’re welcome Steve! Enjoy!

Hi ALison, great blog and some great suggestions, we will be travelling in a 9mtr RV from 6th Dec > 20th ’19 from Vegas drop off at Denver, it looks like on the map you either do GC or Bryce etc alt you do them all in a big loop? we plan on heading to NM – then thru Colorado to Denver, will all the National Parks be open this time of the year,? Mese Verde will this be open? do the roads get blocked if too much snow or do you just need chains? any advise would be great. Kim

Hi Kim! Thank you! Sounds like a great trip. I did them in a loop because I returned to Vegas but if you were returning in Denver I’d do GC, Zion, Bryce, in that order. I don’t know about that time of the year as my trip was in May – you’d have to check out the national park websites – and not sure about snow either, I’ve never driven in it before (I’m a Californian!) and I wouldn’t want to give you any wrong advice. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help!

Hello! This trip looks fantastic. I had some slight differences in what I wanted to see and was hoping you could help me with the best layout for a Southwest trip. I want to travel from Vegas back to Vegas and I have a 14 day window. I would like to visit the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Hoover Dam, Flagstaff, Sedona, Yosemite National Park, 4 Corners, Great Basin National Park, Salt Lake City, Hot Springs NV, and possibly Roswell, NM and Carlsbad Caverns. As I have not traveled in the Southwestern states very much it is hard to envision the layout of this trip. Can you please help me understand the best order to see these things. Thank you in advance.

Hi Tonya. Sounds like a memorable trip!! I haven’t been to most of the places on your list so I’m having trouble imagining the layout. I’d cut out Yosmemite and Carlsbad as they’re the most out of the way. I’d go in a circuit from Vegas to Arizona then up to Utah and down through 4 Corners / New Mexico then cut across Arizona again, picking up any places you missed on the first go through. I hope that helps!

Hi Allison! Great blog and it looks like you planned most of my trip. My mother and I are flying into Vegas on 8/24 and doing a 2 week tour before we head back on 9/7. We are both pretty heavy and out of shape, but want to make the most of what we can. I’d like to add Joshua Tree Nat. Forest and hit up Sequoia in a big loop. Any suggestions on what we should skip or plan extra time for. We want to see lots of canyons, but ones that require moderate hiking would probably shorten our trip. Thanks for any input you can provide!

Hi David! That sounds like a fantastic trip – I would love to visit Joshua Tree and Sequoia! I feel like such an inadequate Californian that I never visited either (blame my parents as i moved away when I was 17!). I would skip Moab as it’s the furthest away and many of the best views in Arches and Canyonlands require a hike. Zion has lots of easy hikes as does Bryce. Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam etc are all pretty much just drive up and explore.

Hi! Inspiring. Any tips for December trip. We will arrive in vegas on the 20th and stay there for 2 nights and then we return home from Phoenix on January 3rd.

Hi Brendlaiz – unfortunately, I haven’t done this trip in winter so I don’t have any firsthand knowledge, but snow is definitely possible, especially at higher altitudes (Grand Canyon, Bryce National Park, Zion NP) so be careful with that. Be prepared to drive in snow or change plans around and dress very warm!

hi Allison, Thanks for this great info. We are planning a 2 week trip in June, flying into and out of Vegas. Two nights in Grand Canyon, but the rest is wide open. I’d like to do some hiking. Would appreciate your input for our trip. Possible itinerary. Thanks!

Hi Eileen – unfortunately with coronavirus at the moment it’s quite hard to say what will and won’t be open, so I imagine it may be a bit difficult to plan right now – fingers crossed the situation improves soon!

Hey, just curious why you chose to circle back to Vegas instead of heading to Salt Lake City? I’m thinking that’d be less drive time to an airport.

Oh absolutely, SLC would be a lot more direct — but there are oftentimes really high fees for a one-way rental, and multi-city plane tickets tend to be more expensive as well. So I did it this way to save money and to save readers money 🙂

Hi Allison, I have read you blog….well I’m embarrassed to say how many times. I am planning our family trip (2 weeks). We are flying into Vegas and out of Vegas. I was wondering how long did you stay in Flagstaff area, then move up to the Grand Canyon/Antelope Canyon area?

Sorry for the delayed reply! I stayed in Flagstaff for two days (during which I did a day trip to the Grand Canyon) and then Page/Antelope Canyon area for two days. Just a note that the Grand Canyon is closer to the Flagstaff area which may help for planning. I was on a fast-paced schedule so I didn’t have much time!

Hi Allison, Me, my sons, and I are planning a trip out West but only have 7 days :(. We we thinking of flying from Chicago to Phoenix and renting a car there and driving back home. We wanted to do Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Arches, Yellowstone, and Mount Rushmore, then home. Are we crazy or can this be done and still be enjoyable lol?

Hi Lauren, I think that sounds pretty ambitious but it’s doable. What your definition of enjoyable is varies though so personally this wouldn’t be enjoyable for me! I recently did Yellowstone -> Arches -> Bryce -> Grand Canyon -> Las Vegas -> Yosemite -> San Francisco in as many days and it was pretty rough and didn’t get to see much. I’d suggest a 7 day trip flying into Phoenix and following my Arizona itinerary.

Hello! I am planning a trip for my family and I was curious as to what you would recommend for a reasonable budget? We are a family of 6 planning to fly to Vegas, rent a large vehicle, and stay in moderately priced accommodations. Not including the flights, accommodations and car rental…what other expenses are there? I looked at antelope canyon which I want to experience and the prices are steep. Is that the only spot that isn’t included in the national park pass/and or free? I understand if we want pink keep yourself or AtVs, that’s extra…I’m just curious if any of the other spots charge like antelope canyons does. Thank you, just trying to frame out a budget!!

Hi Carol! Antelope Canyon charges a high price for land use permits as it is on a Native Navajo reservation and this is how they provide for their community. All the state parks have a separate fee (per vehicle not per person) which is usually under $20 for a car. Dead Horse Point SP is $25 I think. The other places should be included on the NP pass or be free, or have a small charge for parking. I hope that helps with planning your budget! Aside from that I would also budget for food if you are eating out your meals, gas, and any other incidentals or souvenirs you may want. Enjoy your trip!

Loved the pictures, etc. but couldn’t fine a map showing each place and route. Thanks

I didn’t create a map for this post because I have so many options/alternatives and additional add-ons and side trips… you’re welcome to plug into what you want into a multi-stop Google map and create your own custom itinerary from the suggestions you like best!

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Tour Packages We Offer

Boracay Island Activities

Banana Boat

Parasailing

Paraw Sailing

Paddle Board

Speedboat Rental

Wakeboarding

Land Tour w/ Puka Beach

Helmet Diving

SOUTHWEST TOURS (BORACAY), INC. is the pioneer tourist transport service company in the Philippines serving the paradise island of Boracay. It is popularly known under the brandname, Southwest Travel & Tours. Started in 1991, Southwest Travel & Tours offers land and sea transfers to local and foreign tourists, from the moment they step foot at the Kalibo International Airport or the Caticlan Airport, to the time they feel Boracay’s powder-white sand between their toes. As of 2016, Southwest Travel & Tours provides transfer services to guests of most hotels and resorts in Boracay, as well as over 200 travel agencies from all over the Philippines, and individual travellers booking online. It has also forged partnerships with airline companies with regular daily flights to and from Boracay, where Southwest transfer tickets are sold on-board international and domestic flights. In addition, the Southwest Travel & Tours develops and markets tour packages for other major destinations in Western Visayas, including Iloilo City, Roxas City in Capiz, Kalibo in Aklan, San Jose in Antique, Guimaras, and Negros. The company now maintains offices in four major locations, managed and run by over 500 personnel. As of 2017, Southwest Travel & Tours has many buses, mini buses, coasters, vans, taxis, and speedboats. It maintains partnerships with cab providers on the island of Boracay, as well as island activity providers, ranging from island hopping and scuba diving, to parasailing, to ATV and off-the-beaten-track tours. Southwest Travel & Tours now provides 24/7 online booking and customer assistance. Accredited by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT), Southwest Travel & Tours is also registered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Southwest Travel & Tours is a member of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the Philippine Travel Agency Association (PTAA), and the Network of Independent Travel and Allied Services (NITAS). It is an active participant in national and foreign travel shows.

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Main office.