If you are looking for stunning Southwest road trip ideas, then I have you covered!
The Southwest is a beautiful part of the United States that is full of natural wonders, unique towns and cities, and so much more.
There is so much to do and see, so I’ve come up with multiple epic road trip itineraries. No matter your interests or what states you want to see, there are options for you!
The Southwest is a vast region of the U.S., so keep that in mind when you are planning your American Southwest itinerary. You won’t be able to see everything in one road trip.
I have road-tripped the Southwest many times as both a kid and an adult. I keep coming back for more and I know you will too!
So, let’s take a look at the best Southwest road trip itineraries for your bucket list!
Table of Contents
Southwest Road Trip Itinerary: 5 Days, 10 Days, and 2 Weeks!
Las Vegas To Bryce Canyon
Highlights
- Las Vegas
- Valley of Fire State Park
- Zion National Park
- Bryce Canyon
Start this Southwest road trip itinerary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Make sure to take some time to explore the famous city. Once you’ve had your fill of the neon lights, head to the nearby Valley of Fire State Park.
This is a stunning park full of amazing massive red sandstone rock formations. You can also find 2000-year-old petroglyphs carved into these Mojave desert rocks.
Next, head to Zion National Park in Utah. Zion is known for its beautiful sandstone cliffs. The cliffs are pink, red, and cream, and scattered with trees. They look especially beautiful on a clear, sunny day.
Outside of Zion National Park, you can choose to check out the Transition Zones as well. These are areas where the geology, geography, and even weather change drastically.
If not, continue onto Bryce Canyon National Park where you’ll finish your road trip. It is known for its dark red hoodoos, which are rock formations formed by erosion.
If you want an introductory 5 days in the Southwest, this is a great road trip option if you do not have a lot of time.
Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip
Highlights
- Arches National Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Zion National Park
If you want to enjoy an epic Southwest national parks road trip itinerary, plan on hitting Utah’s Mighty 5. This is the best Utah road trip for nature lovers! It is a great introduction to the Southwest!
Begin at Arches National Park outside of Moab. This park is known for its many unique rock formations, including over 2,000 natural arches. There are a ton of hiking trails to explore.
Next, head to nearby Canyonlands National Park for over 330,000 acres of rugged Utah wilderness. It also has arches, as well as canyons, mesas, and buttes. It’s a perfect example of Utah’s wild landscapes.
Continue to Capitol Reef National Park where you’ll find white sandstone cliffs. Even if you don’t love hiking, you can experience beautiful views along the scenic drive.
Then, head to Bryce Canyon National Park. Admire the crimson hoodoos and excellent hiking trails.
Finish this desert road trip at Zion National Park. Enjoy the sandstone cliffs and bright blue skies before you head back home.
This itinerary is great for 10 days in the Southwest!
Las Vegas To The Grand Canyon
Highlights
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Valley of Fire State Park
- The Hoover Dam
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Grand Canyon National Park
If you are looking for the best Grand Canyon road trip, this is it! Start by exploring Las Vegas before heading to Valley of Fire State Park.
At Valley of Fire, make sure you explore some of the hiking trails. On your hikes, you’ll be able to see some of the 2000-year-old petroglyphs.
From there, stop at the Hoover Dam. This historic dam is a really impressive manmade structure on the border of Nevada and Arizona. I recommended taking a tour and learning about its important history.
Once you’ve learned a little bit more about the Hoover Dam, head to Flagstaff, one of the best weekend getaways in Arizona!
Flagstaff is a really cool city nestled in the mountains near the Grand Canyon. It’s a great spot to enjoy delicious restaurants or bars, but don’t stay out too late.
You’ll be heading to the Grand Canyon, and you’ll want to get there pretty early to beat the crowds. End your vacation by hiking through one of Southwest USA’s most iconic national parks.
This is easily one of the best road trips from Las Vegas! It is a popular trip in the summer.
Highlights Of New Mexico
Highlights
- Albuquerque
- Bandelier National Monument
- Santa Fe
- International UFO Museum and Research Center
- White Sands National Park
I love this ultimate New Mexico road trip itinerary! It is a beautiful state with so much to do and see.
Start in Albuquerque and explore New Mexico’s artistic city before heading to Bandelier National Monument. You’ll especially want to stop by the Santa Fe National Forest area of the national monument.
After enjoying the great outdoors, head to the city of Santa Fe. Explore New Mexico’s capital city and its many historic buildings and plazas.
Once you’ve soaked in the sights, you’ll want to do one of the most iconic New Mexico activities. You can’t visit New Mexico and not see the International UFO Museum and Research Center.
New Mexico is known for being the site of one of the most famous supposed alien craft crashes, Roswell. At the UFO Museum, you’ll learn all about alien activity in the world and more.
From there, head to White Sands National Park, your last stop. Explore the perfect white sand against the expanse of bright blue skies before you make your way back home.
This unique park is one of the best places to visit in the Southwest!
Top Highlights Of Arizona Road Trip
Highlights
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Flagstaff
- The Grand Canyon Loop
- Sedona
Start this epic Arizona road trip by flying into Las Vegas and driving to Flagstaff. Las Vegas is typically cheaper to fly into, and it’s pretty centrally located.
While you drive from Las Vegas to Flagstaff, I suggest making stops at the Hoover Dam and the Flagstaff Mountains.
In Flagstaff, you’ll get a break from the heat because it is high up in the mountains. It is a charming city full of things to do like exploring unique shops, restaurants, and bars.
Next, drive the loop that takes you from Flagstaff and around the Grand Canyon. While on the loop, there are several stops you can make to get great views of the Grand Canyon or to get out and hike.
The last stop is the city of Sedona. There are a ton of epic hikes in Sedona! Places to explore include Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park, Devil’s Bridge, and Cathedral Rock.
When you are ready to end your road trip, head back to Las Vegas to fly home.
10 Day Southwest Road Trip
Highlights
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Zion National Park
- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
- Page, Arizona
- The Grand Canyon
Like most Southwest road trips, you’ll want to start your journey in Las Vegas. Spend some time there or head straight to Zion National Park.
At Zion National Park you’ll find great hiking opportunities amongst the pink and cream sandstone cliffs. Ride the park’s shuttle and take in the views.
From there, head to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. It is full of slot canyons, unique hiking trails, and even arches. It is not a typically crowded park, so it’s a great stop if you don’t love crowds.
Continue to Page, Arizona. It is just outside several smaller parks like Antelope Canyon and Lake Powell. They are very pretty and worth the stop.
End this American Southwest road trip to the Grand Canyon. You can’t visit this part of the country without seeing its most iconic site. You definitely want to take the time to explore the Grand Canyon.
I know you will love this 10-day USA road trip itinerary!
Southwest California Road Trip
Highlights
- Death Valley National Park
- The Trona Pinnacles
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mohave National Preserve
Start this Southwest California road trip in Death Valley National Park.
Death Valley is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the country and it is stunning. It is a beautiful park with desert landscapes and hidden oases scattered throughout the park.
From there, head to the Trona Pinnacles. They are a unique geological feature in the middle of the California desert and are worth a stop.
Next, head to Joshua Tree National Park. This is one of the most iconic parks in California. Joshua Tree is where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts meet to create a unique and beautiful landscape.
After exploring this vast desert, head to Mohave National Preserve, where you’ll end your road trip. Mohave National Preserve is full of canyons, mesas, mountains, and even abandoned mines.
If you want to road trip the Southwest national parks beyond Utah, this is a great option!
Central Utah Road Trip
Highlights
- Moab
- Dead Horse Point State Park
- Canyonlands National Park
- Arches National Park
- Castle Valley
To start your Central Utah road trip, head to the city of Moab. This cute town is centrally located by some of the area’s best national and state parks.
Take some time to enjoy the town before heading to Dead Horse Point State Park.
This state park is just outside of Moab and is known for its breathtaking lookout of the Colorado River and even Canyonlands National Park.
After getting a view of Canyonlands, head into the beautiful national park to enjoy even more stunning views, great hikes, and more.
From Canyonlands, make your way to Arches National Park. It is north of Moab and is very unique. It has over 2,000 natural rock arches that you can get up close to on various hikes and drives.
End your road trip in the Southwest in Castle Valley. This is a small town named for all the unique castle-like rock formations that surround it.
You will love seeing the most beautiful places in Utah!
Arizona + New Mexico
Highlights
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Tucson, Arizona
- Silver City, Arizona
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Taos, New Mexico
This road trip focuses on some of the bigger cities in Arizona and New Mexico for those who don’t necessarily love hiking or outdoor adventures.
Start in Scottsdale, Arizona. Outside of Phoenix, Scottsdale is a beautiful city and you can enjoy sites like the Phoenix Art Museum or the Desert Botanical Gardens.
Once you’ve had your fill of Scottsdale, head to Tuscon. Along the way to Tucson, I suggest stopping by Saguaro National Park to see the large Saguaro cacti.
The city itself is full of Spanish and Native American history. Make sure you take some time exploring the historic sites.
Continue to Silver City. You’ll travel through the Gila National Forest on your way, and if you have the time, it’s worth a stop.
In Silver City, explore the old city streets. It was a 19th-century mining town, and many of the buildings are from that period and a part of the area’s mining history.
Silver City is a pretty cool city to explore, so make sure you give yourself some time there.
Next, you’ll head into New Mexico and stop in the city of Albuquerque. Albuquerque is great for seeing some live shows, enjoying a good meal, and exploring the city streets.
From Albuquerque, you’ll head to Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital city. It is one of the America’s oldest cities and full of fun and unique things to do in the Southwest USA.
Discover historical sites, fun boutiques, delicious restaurants, and more!
End your road trip in Taos, one of the most popular cities in New Mexico. Taos is near some of the USA’s Ancestral Puebloan dwelling sites, which are a must-see.
In Taos, learn about Native American history, explore Adobe buildings, and skiing in the winter. Taos is a perfect ending to your Southwest USA road trip.
If you want to road trip the Southwest USA’s best cities, this itinerary is for you!
Four States Southwest Road Trip
Highlights
- Valley of the Gods, Utah
- Monument Valley Tribal Park, Utah
- Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
- Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
- Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Antelope Canyon, Arizona
This is called the Four States road trip because it covers the area known as the Four Corners. However, I’ll be focusing on three of the four states.
Start the road trip in Utah at Valley of the Gods. This is a scenic sandstone valley full of unique rock formations.
It’s the perfect stop before heading to Monument Valley, which is a Navajo Tribal Park. Take tours of the 16-million-acre Navajo Reservation, but please remember to be respectful of the land and its people.
From there, head to Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Mesa Verde is known for its Ancestral Pubelan cliff dwellings which have been very well preserved.
The most popular of these is the Cliff Palace. Mesa Verde is a really cool national park and a must-see on this Southwest itinerary.
Next, head to the Petrified Forest National Park. The Petrified Forest is a landscape full of trees that have become petrified and turned to stone over millions of years.
It’s a great place to admire one of nature’s most unique effects from time.
Continue to Horseshoe Bend, a horseshoe-shaped curve in the Colorado River. It’s just outside of Page, Arizona, and is often considered the East Rim of the Grand Canyon.
End your road trip at Antelope Canyon. This famous Arizona slot canyon is also near Page. It is located on Navajo land and is a unique rock formation that is perfect for ending your road trip.
Phoenix To Grand Canyon
Highlights
- Phoenix
- Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Sedona
- Flagstaff
- The Grand Canyon
- Wupatki National Monument
The Phoenix to the Grand Canyon road trip is the second most popular Grand Canyon road trip. This itinerary is packed with beauty and fun!
Start in Phoenix and explore the unique city before you head out onto the road.
Your next stop on the Southwest itinerary is the Montezuma Castle National Monument.
This historic site features the preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. Take your time exploring the area on hikes, strolling through the historic museums, and stopping along the drive.
Next, head to the city of Sedona. This is a great city in Arizona to stop in!
While there, I suggest exploring Red Rock State Park and hiking to the gorgeous Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge.
Once you’re done exploring Sedona, head on to Flagstaff, an Arizona city nestled in the mountains.
In Flagstaff, you’ll be near the Grand Canyon and it’s a great place to stop and take a break before heading to the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon is where I suggest spending most of your time. Explore as much of the area and hikes as you’d like to before heading home.
You cannot road trip the American Southwest and skip the Grand Canyon!
On the way home, make one last stop at the Wupatki National Monument. It has five prehistoric pueblos and is worth the brief day trip from Flagstaff.
The National Monument perfectly rounds out your trip as you head home and back to Phoenix.
Northern Nevada Road Trip
Highlights
- Reno
- Pyramid Lake
- Gerlach
- Black Rock Desert
On this road trip, you’ll explore Northern Nevada. Start in the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno.
In Reno, you’ll find tons of things to do, like the Riverwalk, over 120 murals in Midtown and Downtown Reno, and more. It’s a cool city with an endless amount of things to see.
From Reno, head to Pyramid Lake. It is a beautiful, large lake north of Reno.
I suggest stopping by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Center to learn more about the area’s Native peoples. You should also take time to walk around the lake and enjoy the epic views.
Continue to Gerlach, see the Fly Geyser, and admire the folk art on Guru Road. It’s the last space of civilization before you head into the Black Rock Desert.
Black Rock Desert is your final stop and is where the Burning Man Festival is held every year.
You’ll find a beautiful desert landscape full of large black rock formations, the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, and more. The Black Rock Desert is a great way to end your exploration of northern Nevada.
Arizona + Utah Loop Road Trip
Highlights
- Zion National Park, Utah
- The Wave, Utah
- Buckskin Gulch, Utah
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah
- Moqui Cave, Utah
- Antelope Canyon, Arizona
- Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Valley of the Gods, Utah
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- The Grand Canyon, Arizona
This is the longest road trip on my list, perfect for 2 weeks in the Southwest. There are a ton of awesome stops!
First head to Zion National Park. It’s a beautiful park filled towering cliffs, wildlife, and famous hikes such as the Narrows and Angel’s Landing.
Continue next to The Wave, a red sandstone rock formation that genuinely looks like a wave in the desert. Then head to Buckskin Gulch, which is a slot canyon in Utah, right on the Arizona border.
Next, head further into Utah to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. This park is full of miles of reddish-pink sand that you can explore for as long as you’d like.
Near the sand dunes is Moqui Cave, a really cool sandstone erosion cave that is worth a stop.
After that, head to Arizona and Antelope Canyon. It is home to two unique slot canyons on Navajo land.
In addition to seeing the slot canyons, because you have to have a certified Navajo guide to tour it, you’ll learn about the Native history of the area as well.
Next, make your way to Horseshoe Bend, a unique bend in the Colorado River often considered the easternmost point of the Grand Canyon.
Near Horseshoe Bend is the Valley of Gods, just over the border in Utah. It’s a valley full of unique rock formations that is definitely worth a stop.
For the last leg of your trip, head to Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s a great place to stop and catch your breath before heading to the Grand Canyon.
Spend as long as you’d like exploring the Grand Canyon before heading home.
The Extraterrestrial Highway
Highlights
- Extraterrestrial Highway Sign
- Alien Research Center
- The Black Mailbox
- Little A’le’inn
- Area 51
This is easily one of the most unique road trips in the Southwest. If you love all things alien, then you have to do the Extraterrestrial Highway in Nevada.
Jump on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Alamo and head to your first stop, the Extraterrestrial Highway Sign.
You’ll find a handful of these signs along the highway, some are rather untouched, and others are covered in stickers and fun graffiti. The one near Alamo is covered in stickers and is a fun stop to take a picture to commemorate your trip.
After that brief stop, head to the Alien Research Center. It is a large airplane hanger and right next to it is the Area 51 container. Also in front of the research center is a large silver alien statue.
Next, head to the Black Mailbox, which used to be the spot of a small mailbox for aliens. It was stolen, but you can find a little shrine created by alien enthusiasts in its place.
After that, you’ll head to the Little A’le’inn. The Little A’le’inn is a hotel, bar, and restaurant all wrapped together. It’s a fun alien-themed pit stop to grab a bite to eat before you finish your trip.
You’ll end this unique road trip in the Southwest outside of Area 51.
You obviously cannot go on the property, but alien lovers are allowed to drive the 12-mile dirt road and at least see the gates, if you’re feeling brave. This is a truly unique road trip that is a ton of fun.
Trail Of The Ancients
Highlights
- Cedar Mesa, Utah
- House on Fire Ruins, Utah
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Colorado
- Hovenweep National Monument, Uath
The Trail of the Ancients is a popular route in the Southwest USA for those who’d like to see ancient artifacts.
First head to Cedar Mesa, Utah, where you can find plenty of petroglyphs, ruins, and pictographs on any of the hikes you choose to take in the area.
Next, head to the House on Fire Ruins, which are a set of ruins set into red sandstone. On the hike, there are eight ruins in total you can see. But you don’t have to walk the entire ten miles to see a few of them.
Next, head to Cortez, Colorado. Now, Colorado isn’t typically considered the Southwest, but it is fairly close to the Utah border, so it works.
In Cortez, you’ll find the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. At the monument, you’ll find over 6,000 ruin sites that were the homes of ancient peoples in the area.
A visit here is a great way to learn more about the Native peoples who called the area home thousands of years ago.
End your road trip at the Hovenweep National Monument. Hovenweep is another spot where you can find ruins from ancient Native peoples.
There are a few really cool ruins. The trail continues further if you have the time to see it, but this is also a great stopping point if you don’t have time.
Where To Begin Your Southwest Road Trip
Your starting point depends on which American road trip itinerary you’ll be doing. Some of the most popular starting points are Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque.
Any big airport in the Southwest is going to be a great starting point. Most of the road trips in the Southwest start in Las Vegas as it is centrally located.
Especially if you are looking to explore the more southern areas, you’ll want to consider flying into the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
If you want to explore more of the northern areas of the Southwest, Salt Lake City International Airport is a great option to fly into. Again, it just depends on where you’re looking to explore!
Best Time of Year for Your Road Trip in the Southwest
When to do a road trip out West itinerary depends on what you’d like to do and see.
Personally, I really love doing a Southwest winter road trip. The weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds. Car rentals and accommodations are also cheaper.
March through May and September and October are particularly great if you want to go when the weather is cooler.
In the summer months, it can be very hot depending on where you go. You may also see large crowd sizes. But, in the higher elevation areas, it will be cooler.
So really, pick the time of year that seems to work best for you and match the kind of experience you are looking for!
Example Southwest Itinerary Options
5-Day Southwest USA Road Trip: Grand Canyon Loop
Day 1: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park
Start in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Drive to Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim (Approx. 4.5 hours).
Explore Grand Canyon Village and enjoy sunset views from Mather Point.
Day 2: Grand Canyon National Park to Page, Arizona
Sunrise at Yavapai Point.
Drive to Page, Arizona (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Visit Horseshoe Bend at sunset.
Day 3: Explore Page, Arizona
Morning tour of Antelope Canyon.
Afternoon at Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam.
Stay another night in Page.
Day 4: Page to Zion National Park
Drive to Zion National Park, Utah (Approx. 2 hours).
Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail for sunset views.
Day 5: Zion National Park to Las Vegas
Morning hike: Emerald Pools or The Narrows.
Drive back to Las Vegas (Approx. 2.5-3 hours).
10-Day Southwest USA Road Trip: Utah’s Mighty 5
Day 1: Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park (Approx. 2.5-3 hours).
Explore Zion Canyon Visitor Center and scenic drive.
Days 2 & 3: Zion National Park
Hike Angel’s Landing and The Narrows.
Day 4: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park
Drive to Bryce Canyon (Approx. 2 hours).
Afternoon hike: Navajo Loop and Sunset Point.
Day 5: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park
Morning at Bryce Canyon.
Drive to Capitol Reef (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Explore Capitol Reef Visitor Center and scenic drive.
Day 6: Capitol Reef to Arches National Park
Drive to Arches National Park (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Explore Park Avenue and Balanced Rock at sunset.
Days 7 & 8: Arches National Park
Hike to Delicate Arch and explore Windows Section.
Day 9: Arches to Canyonlands National Park
Drive to Canyonlands (Approx. 30 minutes).
Visit Island in the Sky district and Mesa Arch.
Day 10: Canyonlands to Las Vegas
Morning in Canyonlands.
Drive back to Las Vegas (Approx. 6.5 hours).
2-Week Southwest USA Road Trip: Desert and Canyon Explorer
Days 1 & 2: Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park
Drive from Las Vegas to Death Valley National Park (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Explore Furnace Creek, Badwater Basin, and Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.
Day 3: Death Valley to Zion National Park
Drive to Zion National Park, Utah (Approx. 4.5 hours).
Spend the afternoon on the Pa’rus Trail or visit the Zion Human History Museum.
Days 4 & 5: Zion National Park
Hike Angel’s Landing and explore The Narrows.
Day 6: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park
Drive to Bryce Canyon (Approx. 2 hours).
Afternoon exploration: Bryce Amphitheater from Sunrise to Sunset Point.
Day 7: Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park
Drive to Capitol Reef (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Visit the Hickman Bridge and Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.
Day 8: Capitol Reef to Arches National Park
Drive to Arches National Park (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Explore the park’s iconic arches in the late afternoon.
Days 9 & 10: Arches National Park
Full day of hiking: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch.
Day 11: Arches to Canyonlands National Park
Drive to Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky district (Approx. 45 minutes).
Visit Mesa Arch and Grand View Point.
Day 12: Canyonlands to Monument Valley
Drive to Monument Valley, Navajo Tribal Park (Approx. 3.5 hours).
Explore the Valley Drive or take a guided tour.
Day 13: Monument Valley to Page, Arizona
Drive to Page, Arizona (Approx. 2 hours).
Visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.
Day 14: Page to Las Vegas
Spend the morning at Lake Powell.
Drive back to Las Vegas (Approx. 4.5 hours), possibly stopping at the Valley of Fire State Park if time allows.
The Southwest USA is such a diverse and unique area of the country. It is full of stunning state parks, the best national parks, cool cities, and fun tourist attractions.
I am confident there is the perfect Southwest road trip on this list for just about every type of traveler. So let me know which one you like the best, or if you’ve done any of these yourself!
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