Are you in need of a Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary? Then you are in the right spot!
The Southwest USA is iconic and is home to some of the most impressive natural spots I have ever seen in my life. Also, the area is absolutely perfect for a road trip. You can drive around here for months without getting bored with the region.
I have just spent months traveling the Southwest with our car, and the planning took me weeks.
Luckily for you, I have written down my ultimate road trip itinerary for the Southwest in this post to save you all the hassle of planning it yourself.
You can adjust it to your needs and timeframe – it can keep you busy for up to 8 weeks. Simply skip some steps if you don’t have as much time.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Southwest Road Trip Itinerary: At a Glance
- How to Prep For This Road Trip
- 1. White Sands National Park
- 2. Tucson
- 3. Sedona
- 4. Flagstaff
- 5. Las Vegas
- 6. Kanab
- 7. Page
- 8. Monument Valley
- 9. Moab
- 10. Telluride
- 11. Durango
- 12. Santa Fe
- How Much Money Does This Southwest Road Trip Cost?
- What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Southwest National Parks?
- Conclusion
- About the Author
Southwest Road Trip Itinerary: At a Glance
If you are just here to quickly snatch the itinerary without further explanations, here you go!
Keep in mind that this version of the itinerary can keep you busy for up to two months. We completed this itinerary in about 5 weeks, and that is a great time frame that I suggest you stick to as well.
Of course, you also start and end your itinerary at a different place, since it is pretty much a round trip.
I will tell you how many nights you need at each stop, at least – feel free to stay longer!
- Start: White Sands National Park (at least one night)
- Tucson (at least 2 nights)
- Phoenix (optional)
- Sedona (at least 4 nights)
- Flagstaff for Petrified Forest and South Rim (at least 2 nights)
- Las Vegas (at least 3 nights)
- Kanab, as the home base for Zion, Bryce, North Rim, and Capitol Reef (at least 6 nights)
- Page (at least one night or visit from Kanab)
- Moab (at least 4 nights)
- Telluride (at least 2 nights)
- Durango, home base for Mesa Verde (at least 3 nights)
- Santa Fe, home base for Bandelier National Monument (at least 2 nights)
How to Prep For This Road Trip
If you want to see everything the Southwest USA has to offer in one single trip, you will need some time. As mentioned before, you’ll need at least 4 weeks for my suggested itinerary – ideally more.
To complete this road trip, you can either rent a camper van and stay at select campsites or go by car and stay in hotels.
Either way, make sure to reserve your accommodation a bit in advance if you are going in the main tourist season.
Luckily, this part of the US is very much used to road trippers, and you can buy most things you need as you go.
Justin’s tip: Make sure to buy the America the Beautiful National Park pass – it will save you a lot of money and time!
1. White Sands National Park
Suggested Nights: at least one night
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico (and it’s also where I currently live). It is a great start for our road trip through the Southwest.
The park is famous for its unique, white sand dunes made of gypsum. These dunes stretch over 275 square miles. This landscape is like nothing you’ve ever seen before – I was totally amazed the first time I saw it!
One of the best times to visit is at sunset when the dunes glow with pink and orange colors.
If you have the time, I suggest also checking out the Lincoln National Forest and the charming mountain towns of Ruidoso and Cloudcroft, or even the Carlsbad Caverns National Park!
White Sands Resources
10 Awesome Things to Do at White Sands National Park
Best Time to Go to White Sands National Park (Local’s Guide)
5 Beautiful Hiking Trails in the White Sands National Park, NM
2. Tucson
Suggested Nights: at least 2
Where to Stay: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort or JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
Our next stop on the Southwest Road Trip is Tucson, Arizona. The city is a hidden gem in the desert, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Start your visit in Tucson at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. There you can learn about the unique plants and animals of the desert.
Unlike most American cities, Tucson has a lovely old town center, and it is easy to explore on foot.
Head to Saguaro National Park to hike among the towering cacti. For a perfect desert sunset, Gates Pass offers breathtaking views.
Finally, take a scenic drive up Mount Lemmon for cooler weather, great hiking trails, and amazing views.
3. Sedona
Suggested Nights: at least 4
Where to stay: Villa in Sedona – Best View
Sedona is one of my favorite spots on this road trip through the American Southwest.
The beautiful area has views like no other. Impressive red rocks and stunning desert landscapes as far as the eye can see. And the vibe in Sedona is simply great – the area is said to have healing qualities.
Make sure to stay here a bit longer to appreciate the area fully. We found 5 days to be the perfect time to see everything here.
Hike the Devil’s Bridge, ride the train along the Verde Canyon Railroad, and partake in a stargazing expedition.
Of course, you have to check out Slide Rock State Park and the West Fork Trail at Oak Creek. And don’t miss Tlaquepaque village for a lovely meal!
4. Flagstaff
Suggested Nights: at least 2
Where to Stay: Courtyard Marriott Flagstaff
From Sedona, it is not far to Flagstaff – a great hub to see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest National Park.
The Petrified Forest in Arizona is a fascinating national park where you can see ancient, colorful petrified wood scattered across a stunning desert landscape. It is super underrated and totally worth visiting.
The Grand Canyon South Rim is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. From Flagstaff, you can take a great day tour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. I suggest hiking the South Kaibab Trail for the best views.
Make sure to enjoy the drive from Sedona to Flagstaff, it is one of the most scenic drives in the US.
5. Las Vegas
Suggested Nights: at least 3 nights
Where to Stay: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, JW Marriott Lake Las Vegas
Another exciting stop on this Southwest Road trip is Las Vegas – aka Sin City.
Las Vegas is the kind of place that you should at least have seen once in your lifetime. Make sure to check out the casinos, and Instagrammable restaurants (like Catch), and see a show (I recommend Bad Apple!).
But even if all the glitz and glam is not your style, there are other cool things to do in the area.
Las Vegas is super close to some awesome natural wonders. You can see the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (and the Hoover Dam), the Valley of Fire, and the Red Rock Canyon.
6. Kanab
Suggested Nights: at least 6
Where to Stay: Cliff View Comforts
Kanab in Utah is a super cute town and an amazing hub to explore all of the fabulous National Parks in the area.
It is located right in the middle of Grand Canyon North Rim, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and loads of other cool spots.
Since we did not want to move our stuff too often, we stayed in Kanab for a full week and explored the area from there.
Among other things, we visited the Sand Caves, Dragon’s Belly, and the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
We really enjoyed Kanab, because the small town has a cute center with loads of restaurants and friendly people.
Zion National Park
Zion Resources: One Day in Zion National Park – Awesome Itinerary
Zion National Park is the closest park to Kanab, so we chose to visit it first. In the end, we ended up going back a second time to complete another trail as well.
Zion National Park is special for its towering red sandstone cliffs, lush valleys, and stunning canyons. It is mostly known for its adventurous hikes like Angels Landing and the Narrows.
We opted to hike to the Emerald Pools and the Watchman Trail – slightly easier and less dangerous hikes.
It might also be easier to stay overnight in Springdale and take the shuttle from the visitors center.
Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a quieter, less crowded area with cooler temperatures and stunning views.
It sits at a higher elevation than the South Rim, so the scenery is lush, with beautiful forests surrounding the canyon.
I suggest spending about a day there, you can hike the Transept Trail, have dinner at the Grand Canyon Lodge, and watch the sunset at Bright Angel Point from the Bright Angel Trail.
The drive into the park is also super scenic; we saw buffalo, deer, and even gray wolves in the area.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is probably my favorite National Park in the United States. It is just so colorful – and really unique.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is famous for its unique rock formations called “hoodoos.” Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of red, orange, and white rock that create a dramatic landscape.
The park has several viewpoints along the rim that offer amazing views, especially at sunrise and sunset. It’s also a great spot for stargazing, as the night skies here are some of the clearest in the country.
Hike the Rim Trail for the best views – and fewer people! You’ll pass by Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, and Bryce Point, which are all pretty amazing. The Navajo Loop Trail is another one of my favorites.
Keep your eyes open on the drive into the park – it is one of the most scenic drives on this American Southwest road trip.
Capitol Reef National Park
Resources: Capitol Reef – National Park Service
Capitol Reef National Park in Utah is a hidden gem with colorful cliffs, domes, and unique rock formations along a long, rugged area called the Waterpocket Fold.
The park is quieter than other Utah parks, so it is really great for peaceful hikes and scenic drives.
Highlights include the Fruita Historic District, where you can pick fruit in the old orchards. Also check out Cathedral Valley, known for its towering sandstone monoliths.
Capitol Reef is perfect for those looking to explore beautiful landscapes without big crowds.
Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area
Resources: The Wave – Coyote Buttes North Permit and Hiking
The Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area is located on the border of Utah and Arizona. You’ll pass by on your way from Kanab to Page.
It is a stunning and remote desert landscape known for its colorful, swirling rock formations.
It’s home to famous spots like The Wave, which is a sandstone formation with unique, wave-like patterns.
This area offers challenging hikes and breathtaking scenery. Keep in mind that many hikes here require permits and good planning due to the rugged and delicate environment.
If you are not a big explorer, you can just admire the cliffs on the drive to Page.
7. Page
Suggested Nights: 1. Alternatively, visit from Kanab
Page is a small town packed with big attractions. You can either stay there or go on a day trip from Kanab.
It’s home to Horseshoe Bend, a dramatic viewpoint over a bend in the Colorado River. In Page, you can also find the fantastic Antelope Canyon, a stunning slot canyon known for its swirling red walls and magical light beams.
Lake Powell offers boating, kayaking, and relaxing beaches surrounded by red-rock scenery. Make sure to check out the Glen Canyon Recreation Area and the Glen Canyon Dam on your day in Page.
8. Monument Valley
Suggested Nights: One! Alternative: drive through from Kanab to Moab
Monument Valley is located on the border of Arizona and Utah. It is an iconic desert landscape with towering red sandstone buttes, which made it super Instagram-famous.
The mesas there have appeared in countless movies and photos. It is managed by the Navajo Nation, and it offers a glimpse into both the natural beauty and cultural history of the region.
You can take scenic drives, guided tours, or horseback rides through the valley to see famous formations like the Mittens and Merrick Butte.
We did not stay overnight, but I suggest you do in case you want some pictures around sunset or sunrise. Make sure to hit up Forrest Gump Point – the best photo spot in the area!
9. Moab
Suggested Nights: at least 5
Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Moab
Moab is, just like Kanab earlier in this road trip, a great spot for a base camp. From Moab, you can visit highlights such as Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park.
But to be honest, I loved the town of Moab and some low-key hikes through the area more than the parks, so make sure to have at least a day or two extra to see some other stuff too.
The Potash Road, the Corona Arch, and the Morning Glory Arch are also cool points worth visiting
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park in Utah is a vast, rugged park known for its dramatic canyons, mesas, and unique rock formations carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
The park is divided into sections like Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze. Each one offers different views, hikes, and adventures, from easy overlooks to challenging backcountry trails.
Check out the Mesa Arch Trail for an all-time favorite!
Arches National Park
Arches National Park in Moab is famous for its over 2,000 natural stone arches. The most Instagrammable arch in the park is, without a doubt, the iconic Delicate Arch.
The park’s red rock landscapes, balanced rocks, and unique formations make it a fantastic place for short hikes, scenic drives, and stunning sunset views.
Keep in mind that Arches is pretty touristy, so don’t expect a lot of quietness when visiting the arches.
Important: You need a timed entry permit for Arches National Park during the main season!
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Southwest.
From the cliffs of the park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Colorado River winding through dramatic red canyons.
From the main overlook, you can see cliffs and rock formations that drop 2,000 feet. The view here is similar to the Grand Canyon.
It’s a fantastic spot for sunrise or sunset and is popular for photography, so make sure to bring your camera!
10. Telluride
Suggested Nights: at least 2
Where to Stay: Madeline Hotel & Residences Telluride
After all the red sandstone formations in Utah, we felt like it was time to enjoy the forest trails of Colorado for a bit.
Telluride is a luxury ski village, but it is beautiful year-round. It is extremely nice for hiking and relaxing in one of the fantastic luxury hotels in the area.
We opted to stay in Telluride Mountain Village, where you have amazing views and access to the best hiking trails in the area.
Honestly, I would have stayed there for a week if it hadn’t been as expensive!
Telluride Resources
11. Durango
Suggested Nights: at least 3
Where to Stay: Purgatory Resort
Similar to Telluride but a lot more affordable, in our Southwest USA Road Trip, is Durango. Durango is located in Southern Colorado, super close to New Mexico.
One of the biggest attractions of Durango is, without a doubt, the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This iconic old train will take you on a beautiful journey through the mountains, and you’ll end up in the iconic Silverton village.
Another highlight of Durango is that it is super close to Mesa Verde National Park, where you can see amazing ancient cliff dwellings.
Durango is also home to fantastic hot springs and ski resorts, so you can make your days there super cozy and relaxed!
12. Santa Fe
Suggested Nights: at least 2
Where to Stay: Hotel Santa Fe
The last stop on this ultimate Southwest road trip is one of my favorite places in New Mexico: Santa Fe.
Santa Fe is a beautiful city with unique adobe buildings and a mix of Native American and Spanish history. It’s full of art galleries, fun local markets, and tasty Southwestern food.
Many people think Albuquerque is the obvious choice to visit, but I promise you that Santa Fe is so much prettier. It has a bit of a European flair to it, with lots of Pedestrian zones.
From Santa Fe, you can do day trips to interesting sights, such as Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, and Albuquerque.
How Much Money Does This Southwest Road Trip Cost?
The Southwest region of the United States is pretty expensive, especially around the National Parks.
We have been on the road for about 5 weeks and have spent around USD 15.000! Of course, this included a couple of luxury resorts here and there and some fabulous Airbnbs.
You can definitely make this trip a lot cheaper by taking a camper van or booking more budget-friendly accommodations.
Keep in mind that food in the US is pretty expensive, and despite cooking in our Airbnb quite often, it was still one of our biggest expenses.
A good way to save money is by buying the America The Beautiful National Park Pass – this way you only pay USD 80,00 once, but you get free entrance to all the parks.
We only splurged on a guided tour once (Lower Antelope Canyon), which was mandatory and cost about USD 100.00 pp.
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Southwest National Parks?
The best time of the year to visit the Southwest’s national parks? Hands down—fall. 🍂
The weather cools down, the summer crowds disappear, and the landscapes are still absolutely stunning. We took our trip from the end of August through September, and it was still on the hotter side in many spots.
Fall brings golden aspens in Zion, perfect hiking temps in Arches and Bryce, and magical light at the Grand Canyon.
You won’t be battling the heat, and you’ll enjoy all those epic views in peace, outside of the main tourist season.
Plus, hotel prices tend to drop a bit, too. So if you’re planning a trip, aim for September through early November—your future self will thank you.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the ultimate Southwest Road Trip is awaiting, and you can see the most amazing sites in about 4 to 8 weeks.
From Tucson via Arizona to the Grand Canyon, the first part of the road trip will lead you through the beautiful desert of Arizona.
From Las Vegas, we’ll head out to explore Utah’s National Parks and Monuments, before cooling down in the pretty forests of Colorado.
We’ll end our road trip where we began: in New Mexico – the Land of Enchantment.
I hope you loved this road trip as much as we did – and have a fabulous time in the Southwest.
About the Author
Hi friend, I am Sabrina, a passionate travel blogger and photographer from Austria.
I love capturing the world through the lens of the seasons, chasing soft spring blooms, golden autumn light, and cozy winter moments along the way. My goal is to help you discover destinations at their most magical moments.
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