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Headed to the American Southwest? You are in luck. In my opinion, this is some of the most stunning scenery in all of the United States. In this post, we will cover how to plan your Southwest Road Trip Itinerary according to season and available timing. Why should you trust me for help? This isn’t just a one time trip that I did and wrote up for you. Instead, I spent several years traveling south from Salt Lake City and covering these areas (usually at least once a month if not more). I’m taking what I learned and putting it into this blog post for you so you can have the trip of a lifetime.

Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Logistics

First let’s cover some popular questions that you might have when planning your Southwest USA road trip itinerary.

• How long should I plan to spend on this trip? The answer to this question is – as much time as you can. 10-12 days is ideal. Longer is even better. However if you have limited time, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. I understand you may only have short periods of time you can spend on vacation so don’t be discouraged.
• What is the best time of the year to visit the Southwest USA? Similarly to above, the best time to visit is whenever you can get to the Southwest. If you have plenty of flexibility, fall is my favorite season. If you want much more limited crowds but also limited amenities (some restaurants, etc close in the winter), consider visiting in the winter up until spring break.
• Are there closures or seasonal considerations? Yes absolutely. In the winter, the Grand Canyon North Rim is not accessible and occasionally the South Rim entrance is closed for snow as well. In the late spring, summer, and early fall, these destinations can be exceptionally hot. I would avoid activities everywhere in the middle of the day and avoid Death Valley National Park altogether.
• What airport should I fly into/out of? We are going to pretend this is a Las Vegas to Phoenix road trip (or the reverse, Phoenix to Las Vegas road trip). However, airports in the area to consider would be Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Flagstaff (FLG), and St. George (SGU).
• What if I want to do a one way road trip? Make sure you consider the car rental implications in a one way road trip scenario. But if this is your preference, consider a Las Vegas to Salt Lake City road trip.
• Do I need to rent a car? Unless you are doing a group tour, then 100% yes, you should rent a vehicle.
• How to plan the trip? Coordinating a road trip requires dealing with logistics and significant prepartion. Check out this post to best figure out how to plan a road trip.

Southwest National Parks Road Trip

The above map is a great Southwest national parks road trip itinerary if you are visiting in the winter. It includes Death Valley and it skips the Grand Canyon North Rim which is closed in the wintertime. Still check the road conditions prior to planning your trip. Also since this is a one way trip, be sure to check rental car availability/pricing if doing a one way trip.

The above map is a great Las Vegas to Phoenix road trip map for spring/summer/fall if you are able to do a one way trip. Be sure to check rental car availability/pricing if doing a one way trip.

If you need to fly in/out of one airport, Las Vegas is likely the most convenient option to choose. This is a good year round itinerary for that Southwest road trip loop.

Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Stops

Now that you have a general idea of which Southwest USA road trip might be the best for you according to the maps above and your flights and rental cars, now it is time to start filling out the details. Below we will cover each of the above stops so you can decide what to do while you are there.

Las Vegas, NV

While this may only be a starting/stopping point for you, you may be surprised to learn that there is actually a lot to do in and around Las Vegas that does not involve gambling. You can visit or hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area ($15 fee, covered under the America The Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass). Additionally, you can visit Mt Charleston or Lake Mead. Check out this blog post for things to do in Las Vegas off strip. The food situation along the rest of the trip is a little hit or miss so this might be your best bet for getting an amazing meal as well.

Bonus tip: If you are doing a loop or ending in Las Vegas, many of the casinos have spas which are a fabulous way to end a trip of hiking and adventuring – with a nice massage and pedicure.

Death Valley

Death Valley National Park charges $30 per vehicle to enter and is covered under the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks pass that costs $80. The addition of this park to your Southwest national parks road trip itinerary should largely depend on the season. As Death Valley is the location of the highest recorded temperature in the USA, this is a place to avoid during the summer and likely consider avoiding during the late spring and early fall. If this applies to you, don’t worry as there are still many other amazing destinations to check out on your Southwest USA road trip.

If you do visit Death Valley here are some beautiful spots to check out: Mesquite Flats, Artists Palette, Badwater Basin, and Dante’s View. Even if you are visiting during cooler temps (relatively speaking), still bring tons of water in a cooler along with electrolytes and sunscreen. There is no shade in pretty much the entire park and it can get quite hot.

Valley of Fire

Valley of Fire is a stunning stop between Las Vegas and St. George/Zion National Park. There is also minimal shade here so keep that in mind when planning your trip. You have probably seen the beautiful White Domes Road from Instagram. The fee to enter is $10 if you have a Nevada vehicle, $15 if you do not.

From a hiking perspective, there are two you should consider for your Southwest USA trip:

• Elephant Rock Loop Trail – a short, 1.3 mile loop that leads to an interesting rock formation that looks like an elephant
• Fire Wave, White Domes, and Seven Wonders Loop – this 3.2 mile loop includes some of the major features of the park including the Fire Wave and a slot canyon

Zion National Park

Zion National Park charges $35 per vehicle to enter and is covered under the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks pass that costs $80. This park is arguably the best national park in Utah and worthy of a visit even if you aren’t much of a hiker. It will absolutely take your breath away just to drive through the park and take the shuttle on the scenic drive. However, if you are a hiker, you are in luck!

There are so many amazing hikes to do while in this park. Keep in mind, many of the slot canyons require a permit (The Subway, The Narrows from the top down, Mystery Canyon, etc.), so plan ahead. The most iconic of the hikes is Angel’s Landing and now requires a permit as well.

• Angel’s Landing – 4.1 miles, 1617 feet of elevation gain – has very narrow dropoffs on each side with chains and cables to help support you. You can get an idea of how this trail is by watching this Instagram Reel. The hike now requires a permit. Check out this post for suggestions for if you don’t score an Angel’s Landing permit. If you want to make this hike even more challenging, you can add in The West Rim Trail
• The Narrows – can be as long as you want it to be as you start and end at the same place so you decide when you turn around, this hike is in/through water – In the winter I rented Narrows gear from a local outfitter. In the summer I did it with Keen’s and neoprene socks, regardless of if you purchase alternate hiking apparel or rent it, you want something other than your main hiking shoe as you will be wet and you want don’t want to do any other hikes in wet shoes, for more details read this post on hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park
• The Subway – So cool it got its own dedicated post here

If you only have one day and you are a hiker, pick either Angels Landing or The Narrows and do that hike and then explore around the park for the rest of the day. With more time, definitely do both.

If you have extra time, take a look at this blog post about Fun Things to do Near Zion National Park to add in some extra items to your Southwest national parks road trip including: Belly of the Dragon, Snow Canyon State Park, canyoneering, and more.

Scenic Highways 12 and 25

No ultimate southwest road trip Itinerary would be complete without a drive along either Highway 12 or Highway 25.

See, just imagine cruising down a road with each turn featuring a new, picture-perfect view. That’s how awesome this scenic drive is that takes you from Zion National Park all the way to Bryce Canyon.

Just start in Zion, and then follow this 85-mile route through the tunnel and exit the park onto scenic Highway 12 for an exceptional drive 2 2-hour drive.

Also, take a moment to admire the views from scenic overlooks at Bryce and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

After all, highways 12 and 25 aren’t just roads, they’re part of an adventure that you won’t soon forget.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Surprisingly, Bryce Canyon often gets overlooked when people are planning their Southwest USA road trip itinerary. However, Bryce Canyon National Park looks quite different than Zion National Park and it is definitely worth a visit. Unlike Zion, Bryce Canyon does not require shuttles. Keep in mind that Bryce Canyon is at higher elevation than Zion National Park and quite often it will be much colder in Bryce.

Bryce Canyon charges $35 per vehicle to enter and is covered under the America the Beautiful Annual National Parks pass that costs $80. If you plan to visit 3 national parks in a 12 month period, it is worth it to get one of these passes. They are sold at the entrance of most parks (credit card preferred) or you can purchase an annual pass online.

For things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park, consider horseback riding or hiking. Some of my favorite hikes are:

• Mossy Cave – 1 mile, 118 ft elevation gain, this hike is not located in the gated area although it is technically within the park boundaries. This trail is popular and heavily-trafficked because it is on the easier side.
• Queens Garden Loop – 3.2 miles, 643 ft elevation gain, this hike is rated moderate and it can also be made longer by adding the Peekaboo Loop
• Fairyland Loop – 7.8 miles, 1,545 ft elevation gain, this hike is a little harder than Queens Garden Loop but still rated moderate, if short on time, you could also consider going out and back

Seasonally, consider doing a horseback ride in Bryce Canyon National Park. It’s a great way to see the park and allow your hiking legs a bit of a break if you have been going hard the past few days.

Because of limited time, I suggest spending just one day at Bryce Canyon. However if you have a longer trip planned, consider adding in some hikes in Red Canyon, a trip to Cedar Breaks National Monument, Kodachrome Basin State Park or Escalante.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is an expansive region with over 1 million acres of protected land. it offers visitors a multitude of adventurous activities for everyone to enjoy.

However, what sets this area apart from other national parks is the fact that you’ll need to navigate along unpaved pathways, sometimes with a 4×4 vehicle, to enjoy some of the best hikes in the area.

Before you visit, just be aware of the fact that services such as electrical facilities, running water, paved trails, and bathrooms are hard to find. So, plan accordingly.

However, you’ll encounter limited crowds, enjoy the freedom of camping by yourself, and can admire jaw-dropping views that will add to your ultimate southwest road trip Itinerary.

Now, if you’re wondering what to do while you are at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, you can go hiking on the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail. It’s a 6-mile round-trip trail that takes you to a stunning 130-foot waterfall.

Lastly, try to visit some local slot canyons and go canyoneering in places like Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Goblin Valley State Park (Optional)

This stop is a bit out of the way since it is about a three-hour drive from Escalante to this incredible state park in Utah. However, this place is worth the detour since this park is filled with thousands of hoodoos that are locally referred to as “goblins”.

These hoodoos are truly unique rock formations that are well worth visiting, even if you only have an hour or two to spend in the park.

I would also recommend taking Route 12 to the park since this is a lovely, scenic route. It will eventually connect with Route 24 so that you can drive through Capitol Reef National Park.

Just be prepared to pay around $20.00 for park admission. I know the price is a bit steep but this state park is the very definition of other worldly.

Kanab, UT

There are so many fun things to do in Kanab. One of my favorite activities is a tour with All Ways Adventure and explored Peekaboo Slot Canyon and Cutler Cove. Both of these could potentially be accessible without a guide if you have extensive deep sand driving experience and an appropriate 4×4 high clearance vehicle. Our F-350 is 4×4 and high clearance but there is no way it would have navigated the tight turns. We were very grateful to explore these places with All Ways Adventure.

All Ways Adventure offers custom guided experiences including canyoneering – which should be on everyone’s Utah bucket list. If you are interested in an extremely professional and fun guided experience, definitely get in touch with them (435-899-9745).

You could easily spend a week in Kanab so make sure to check out this blog post on things to do in Kanab if you have more time.

Grand Canyon North Rim

While most people plan their Grand Canyon [South Rim] trip from Phoenix or Vegas, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon gets far less visitors and is much less developed than the South Rim. The cost to enter the park is $35 per vehicle and covered under the America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass.

The North Rim side has very limited amenities and one general store. Keep this in mind when planning your trip. The accessibility is limited and the road is only open seasonally from May 15-October 15 (may differ year to year, please check in advance).

If you do hike down into the canyon, don’t forget you will have to come back up. Make sure not to overextend yourself and be prepared with extra water, food, electrolytes and sunscreen.

Page, AZ

Popular for Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell, Page Arizona is its own destination worthy of some time. If you are driving from Kanab to Page you will pass by House Rock Valley Road which is home to Coyote Buttes North & South (permits required) and Buckskin Gulch/Wire Pass trailheads as well as the Toadstool Hoodoos hike.

Horseshoe Bend is an easy hike with a $10 fee that is totally worth it, even with all of the Instagram hype. It’s one of those destinations that will blow you away. It’s also bigger than you expect so there is still plenty of room to spread out, just be careful near the edge.

A great access point for Lake Powell, you can rent kayaks, jet skis, or boats from Antelope Point Marina. Depending on water levels and time of year, this is also a good way to visit Antelope Canyon with less crowds. Entrance into this area of Lake Powell is $25 and covered under the America The Beautiful Annual Pass.

Cathedral Wash in Marble Canyon is another beautiful hike near Page, Arizona that you should consider if you have some extra time. Marble Canyon is part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area which charges a fee to enter. Fees are $30 per vehicle and covered under to America The Beautiful Annual Parks Pass.

Grand Canyon South Rim

The Grand Canyon South Rim is much more commercialized and visted than its North Rim counterpart. The cost to enter the park is $35 per vehicle and covered under the America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass. Depending on the time of year, you may be forced into visiting the South Rim instead of the North Rim or you may choose to visit this more iconic side. There are several hiking trails you can do along the South Rim or you can just walk along the rim for the view.

If you do hike down into the canyon, don’t forget you will have to come back up. Make sure not to overextend yourself and be prepared with extra water, food, electrolytes and sunscreen.

Although closures are less common due to winter weather than the North Rim, the roads leading to the Grand Canyon can close due to snow in the wintertime. Make sure to check road conditions ahead of time. Check out this post for an awesome Grand Canyon one day itinerary.

Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a fabulous addition to your Southwest USA road trip itinerary. However, if you are planning a loop from Las Vegas, this may be one you should cut out. Sedona has become a popular spot over the past several years and if you are planning to visit some of the more popular areas, make sure to get started early.

Here are some of the hikes I would recommend:

• Cathedral Rock – 1.2 miles with dramatic views that are especially beautiful at both sunrise and sunset. Because of the distance and great effort/views ratio, it is a very popular hike.
• Devil’s Bridge Trail – 3.9 miles with a beautiful bridge. It’s another popular hike and there will likely be a line for a picture on the bridge itself.

If you want to get away from the crowds, consider a visit to Red Rock State Park in Sedona. The fee for entry is $7/adult and $4/child and there is a small trail system where you can hike with more solitude.

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix and the surrounding cities are a great place to start or end your Southwest USA road trip. You can get fancy in Scottsdale with some golf and spa time. If you are looking for more outdoor-focused activities, consider a trip to Saguaro Lake. This is also a great time to get a nice meal. With extra time, consider a trip towards Tucson to visit Saguaro National Park.

Tips for Your Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

Here are some expert tips to help make planning your next road trip even easier.

• Book Your Car Rental/Motorhome Well In Advance – This is a very popular American road trip and car rentals can be scarce, especially during peak season. Therefore, try booking your car rental a few months in advance. This way you don’t have to worry about a lack of availability and super high prices.

• Watch Where You Step – This region is filled with uneven terrain and venomous snakes. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes on the trail so that you don’t run into any issues.

• Drink Plenty of Water – In the summer, temperatures in the region can soar to 110°F or more. Therefore, it is crucial to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially if you are hiking. This is even more important in the southwest since the climate is dry and some parks are at high elevations.

• Be Prepared to Go Offline – In many rural parts of the United States, you’ll have little to no cell phone service. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have a paper map on hand and to have an offline map downloaded on your phone (I use Map.Me). This way you can navigate without a signal.

• Be Aware of Time Changes and Whether Changes – You’ll be traveling through a wide array of terrain and many different states. It is important to keep your eye on the weather and to dress accordingly since things can change rapidly when you move from one location to another. It’s also worth noting that Utah and Arizona are only in the same time zone for part of the year. So, be sure to research the local time before you travel from one state to the next.

Southwest Road trip Itinerary FAQs

1. How Long Does the Ultimate Road Trip Take?

The ultimate road trip across the United States will take around nine days to complete and cover around 13,699 miles

2. How Long is the Perfect US Road Trip?

The length of the perfect US road trip depends on what you’re into. So, if you love sightseeing then a two-week coast-to-coast adventure will be perfect for you.

However, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you could do a seven-day road trip to some of the best theme parks in the USA.

Ultimately, It’s all about tailoring the trip to suit your needs and creating an itinerary that results in a smooth trip.

3. How Do I Plan an ultimate road trip?

If you’re planning an ultimate road trip, here are some expert tips to ensure that things go smoothly.

• Realistically calculate your total mileage
• Prepare your vehicle
• Schedule regular breaks and stops along the way
• Have a roadside emergency kit.
• Include side trips in your travel plan.
• Craft an unforgettable road trip focused on the journey
• Avoid attempting to cover excessive distances in a single day
• Always carry both cash and credit cards for payment

4. How Can I Travel the Whole USA?

If you want to travel the entire USA then you need to hit the legendary Route 66. It is the epitome of an all-American road trip and introduces you to some of the coolest places in the USA.

5. What is the Best USA Road Trip?

Some of the best USA road trips include:

• Pacific Coast Highway, California
• Route 66, Illinois to California
• Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
• Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
• Overseas Highway, Florida
• Hana Highway, Hawaii
• Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
• Scenic Byway 12, Utah

6. What’s the Best Route to Drive Across America?

Driving across America is a thrill like no other. After all, there are a ton of things to see since the country’s natural landscapes change dramatically as you travel from coast to coast.

So, pick the route that appeals to you the most and hit the road with one of these incredible routes.

• Highway 80 – Explore beautiful Tybee Island, Georgia.
• Route 2 – Start this route at Houlton, Maine.
• Highway 50 – Start a cross-country trip from Ocean City, Maryland.
• Route 66 – Start in Chicago and travel to Santa Monica, California.
• Highway 61 – Start your road trip in New Orleans and travel to picturesque Wyoming, Minnesota.
• Route 1 – Enjoy some tropical vibes in Key West, Florida.

Southwest Road Trip Itinerary Tips

There are some important considerations for planning your Southwest USA road trip itinerary:

• Time Zones – California and Nevada are in Pacific Time. Utah is in Mountain Time. Arizona does not participate in Daylight Savings Time so it basically splits the year between Pacific Time and Mountain Time. Make sure to keep this in mind when you plan your trip.
• America The Beautiful Annual Parks Pass – This pass is $80 and it covers your entry fees into national parks and many other conservatio areas, forests, and monuments. If you plan to visit 3 national parks in a 12 month period, it is worth it to get one of these passes. They are sold at the entrance of most parks (credit card preferred) or you can purchase an annual pass online. This pass does not cover any state parks.
• Driving time – There will be a lot of driving on this trip. You won’t hurt my feelings if you want to take some of the stops off your own Southwest road trip itinerary and save yourself some time behind the wheel.
• Cell service – There is quite frequently not a lot of cell service in national and state parks. Additionally, a lot of these routes in between the parks are quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Download maps ahead of time for both driving and trails.
• Restaurants – Depending on the season, restaurant availability can be limited. Especially in Utah, they also tend to close fairly early and are not open on Sundays. You should definitely consider packing extra snacks.
• Desert dryness/heat – As a reminder, this entire trip is in the desert. If you are not used to desert conditions, pack extra water, sunscreen, sun protection, electrolytes, snacks, and lip balm. Check out this blog post for some tips on hiking in the desert.
• Leave no trace – This is incredibly important for these beautiful areas. Let’s help them stay that way.

Southwest Road Trip Itinerary

So, are you excited to plan your next Southwest USA road trip? Have you already done one of these? Which stops are you most pumped to see/were your favorites? Let me know in the comments.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Hikes in Utah
• 21 Places to Visit in Utah that aren’t National Parks
• Epic Things to do in Utah
• 11 Things to do in Kanab
• Visiting the Utah Mighty 5 National Parks
• Best Scenic Drives in Utah

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