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The American Southwest is likely one of the finest locations for a highway journey with its epic purple rock surroundings, lengthy empty roads, and quite a few nationwide parks.
Our Southwest highway journey centered on nature (with a enjoyable night time in Las Vegas on the finish) and was certainly one of our favorite journey experiences.
We hiked via freezing rivers and vibrant slot canyons, gazed into the depths of the Grand Canyon and out on the otherworldly hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and had been always in awe of the magnificent landscapes.
In this publish, I share our detailed Southwest highway journey itinerary with concepts for journeys of 5 to 10+ days. I additionally embrace a map, tips about profiting from your journey, and ideas on the place to remain.
Contents
Our Southwest USA Road Trip at a Glance
Here’s the place we visited on our Southwest highway journey, which begins and ends in Las Vegas and contains three states and three nationwide parks.
Other Southwest Road Trip Ideas
We had 18 days for our Southwest journey and travelled at a leisurely tempo with every week every in Zion and Sedona.
As most individuals don’t have that lengthy, listed below are my itinerary ideas for varied lengths of time.
All begin and finish in Las Vegas, which is handy for the route and sometimes has the most affordable flights and rental vehicles within the space.
5 Day Southwest Road Trip
- Zion National Park – 2 nights
- Page – 1 night time
- Grand Canyon National Park – 1 night time
- Las Vegas – 1 night time
If you solely have a brief journey, you may nonetheless see many highlights on this Southwest highway journey loop from Las Vegas.
This route is 692 miles and entails 12 hours of driving. Most driving days are 2-3 hours lengthy with one longer 4+ hour journey on the final day.
If you don’t need to go to Antelope Canyon or want to do an extended hike into Grand Canyon, skip the night time in Page (you’ll nonetheless move via) and add an additional night time in Grand Canyon.
7 Day Southwest Road Trip
- Zion National Park – 3 nights (together with a day journey to Bryce Canyon NP)
- Page – 1 night time
- Grand Canyon National Park – 2 nights
- Las Vegas – 1 night time
This 1 week highway journey from Las Vegas follows the identical route because the 5 day journey however at a extra relaxed tempo.
With an additional night time in Zion, you may go to Bryce Canyon NP on a day journey.
An further night time in Grand Canyon means you’ll have time to do an extended hike into the canyon.
10 Day Southwest Road Trip
- Zion National Park – 4 nights (together with a day journey to Bryce Canyon NP)
- Page – 1 night time
- Grand Canyon National Park – 2 nights
- Sedona, Arizona – 2 nights
- Las Vegas – 1 night time
If you might have 9 or 10 days in your American Southwest highway journey, you may comply with our full itinerary.
This route is 975 miles and entails 18 hours of driving.
As above, most driving days are 2-3 hours lengthy with one longer 4+ hour journey on the final day. The Zion to Bryce Canyon day journey is 1 hour 45 minutes every approach plus driving within the park.
If you solely have 9 nights, cut back your Zion keep to three nights or skip Page.
California Add-On
If you might be on an extended journey, you may add on extra Utah National Parks (Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands), which we’d like to do subsequent time.
Or you may begin and/or finish your journey in California, which isn’t removed from Las Vegas.
We began our journey in California and resulted in Las Vegas. We flew into Los Angeles, travelled round Southern California, and finally drove from Death Valley National Park to Zion (a 5-hour drive) for the beginning of the Southwest portion of our highway journey.
Some of our favorite locations in California that work nicely with this journey are:
Read our publish on the finest issues to do in Southern California for extra suggestions.
A very good route for this prolonged Southwest nationwide park highway journey could be Los Angeles – Joshua Tree – Death Valley – Zion and proceed with the itineraries above.
Tips for a Southwest Road Trip
- Rental Car – We use Rental Cars to seek out the most effective offers. Picking up your automobile from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas is essentially the most handy location for this route. Or in Los Angeles, in case you are beginning in California.
- Google Maps – We used this app for all our instructions. Make positive to save lots of the realm you’ll be visiting offline, as there isn’t at all times cellular sign.
- Time Zones – Keep in thoughts that you just change time zones when crossing between California/Nevada (Pacific Time) and Utah (Mountain Time). So while you drive from Las Vegas to Zion the time will transfer one hour forward. Arizona is extra difficult. It’s in Mountain Time however doesn’t observe daylight saving time like Utah, so from mid-March to early November it’s the identical as Pacific Time. In winter, it’s the identical as Utah.
- America the Beautiful Pass – As this route covers not less than three nationwide parks, it’s value shopping for the America the Beautiful annual move for $80. You solely want one because it’s legitimate for everybody in your automobile. Buy it upfront from REI to save lots of time or get one from the primary park you go to. Available for home and worldwide guests.
- AllTrails+ Subscription – The AllTrails app is a implausible useful resource that we use to seek out mountaineering trails world wide. We used it rather a lot on this journey and upgraded to the AllTrails+ annual plan in order that we may save path maps offline. This prevented us from getting misplaced on many events, so I extremely suggest it.
- Best Time of Year – If you may, keep away from doing this journey in the summertime when it’ll be busy and very popular. Spring and autumn are higher for delicate climate and decrease crowds. Our journey was in February and we cherished this quieter and cheaper time of yr. Yes, we had some snow, however with the best garments, mountaineering was comfy. Some locations like Zion and Las Vegas had been sunny and delicate.
Map of Our USA Southwest Road Trip
Best Southwest Road Trip Itinerary
Zion National Park, Utah
Las Vegas to Springdale Drive: 2.5 hours / 160 miles (257 km)
Note: Utah is one hour forward of Nevada.
The Journey to Zion
This Southwest highway journey loop begins and ends in Las Vegas. The most handy place to select up your rental automobile is Harry Reid International Airport/LAS (beforehand known as McCarran Airport) when you fly in.
The journey to Zion National Park takes underneath three hours, so when you arrive early and have the power, you may cease on the way in which at Valley of Fire State Park.
The park seems beautiful with huge purple sandstone formations. On a fast cease, you may drive scenic White Domes Road and hike the distinctive however straightforward Fire Wave Trail (permit 40 minutes).
Sadly, we didn’t have the power for the park as we had pushed from Death Valley, however we’ll return.
Once you enter Utah, the surroundings transforms with brilliant orange dust and purple mountains. The nearer you get to Zion, the extra spectacular it’s.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is likely one of the most visited nationwide parks within the US and for good cause—it’s completely spectacular!
It’s like a cross between the desert surroundings of Death Valley or Joshua Tree (purple rocks and cacti) and the epic scale of Yosemite with hovering rugged mountains.
Zion is greener than the desert parks, although, and we cherished the mixture of purple cliffs and evergreen forest, all towards the massive blue skies.
The spotlight of the park is Zion Canyon, which was carved by the Virgin River leaving sheer partitions of vibrant Navajo sandstone towering as much as 3000 ft above the river.
Here are some things to find out about Zion:
- Zion Canyon is the principle space – The scenic drive via it solely takes about 20 minutes (longer on the shuttle), however there are lots of hikes alongside the way in which.
- It’s crowded – The park has grow to be very talked-about so anticipate trails to be crowded (an early begin is a good suggestion). Avoid the summer time if potential. In February, it was pretty quiet.
- You may have to make use of the shuttle – For many of the yr, you may’t drive into Zion Canyon and should take the free shuttle bus. From December to February (aside from holidays), the shuttle doesn’t run, so we had been in a position to drive in, which made our go to simpler.
- You want a allow to hike Angels Landing – Zion’s most infamous path now requires a allow. You can enter a lottery a couple of months upfront or the day earlier than. See the Zion NP web site for particulars.
These are our favorite issues to do in Zion:
- The Narrows – Hiking within the river via a surprising purple rock canyon is certainly one of our favorite ever experiences. With the best gear, you may even hike it in winter and keep away from the crowds. See my information to mountaineering the Zion Narrows in winter for all the things you’ll want to know.
- Canyon Overlook Trail – Don’t miss this pretty straightforward, one-mile return path with spectacular views 1000 ft above Zion Canyon. It’s within the east facet of the park not on the shuttle route. Go early to get parking.
- West Rim Trail – Angels Landing requires a allow and appears completely terrifying. We skipped it, nevertheless it’s nonetheless value mountaineering up the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout (4.2 miles return), the place the scary half begins. You don’t want a allow for this part and also you’ll nonetheless have beautiful views. Even higher, proceed alongside the West Rim Trail so far as you want for extra views and solitude.
- Riverside Dining at Zion Canyon Brew Pub – A burger and beer within the solar by the river is simply what you want after a strenuous hike.
Where to Stay for Zion National Park
Zion National Park could be very accessible because it’s subsequent to the small outdoorsy city of Springdale.
There’s one resort within the park—Zion Lodge—nevertheless it’s costly. When the shuttle is operating, it may be value staying right here to have the ability to stroll to some trails, however we felt Springdale was shut sufficient.
We stayed at Cable Mountain Lodge, which has an outstanding location subsequent to the park’s entrance. We typically walked or bumped into the park alongside the Pa’rus and Watchman trails.
The mountain views are beautiful, there’s a pool and sizzling tub, and it’s proper on the river (with chairs to get pleasure from on the seaside).
All rooms have kitchenettes, in order that they are perfect for households and those that need to self-cater.
We booked the Luxury Suite, which I wouldn’t describe as luxurious, nevertheless it was comfy and we appreciated having a separate bed room. Ask for a second-floor suite for the most effective mountain views.
Check costs for Cable Mountain Lodge right here.
Or seek for extra lodging in Springdale right here.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Springdale to Bryce Canyon Drive (Each Way): 1 hour 45 minutes / 85 miles (137 km)
While you may add an evening close to Bryce Canyon National Park to this highway journey, we did a day journey from Zion to keep away from altering inns.
I extremely suggest visiting Bryce—it feels completely different from Zion with the distinctive Bryce Amphitheater full of eroded spires of rock known as hoodoos.
Bear in thoughts that Bryce Canyon is at a a lot greater elevation than Zion (8000 ft vs 4000 ft), so it will likely be colder, particularly in winter. On our go to in February, it was 14ºF (-10ºC)!
We cherished seeing the park sprinkled with snow, and with loads of layers, we had been heat sufficient to hike. Kahtoola Microspikes for our footwear had been helpful on some icy sections of trails.
On a Bryce day journey, we loved the surroundings at varied drive-up viewpoints together with Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.
Our spotlight was mountaineering into the canyon for a more in-depth take a look at the hoodoos on a variation of the Queen’s Garden/ Navajo Loop Trail.
We parked at Sunset Point, walked alongside the rim to Sunrise Point, after which headed down the Queen’s Garden Trail (the best path down).
We added on a brief part of the Peekaboo Trail (you may do the total loop), then climbed again out on the Two Bridges Trail.
This 4.5-mile loop took us 2.5 hours, however you may make it shorter or longer. It’s a particular path that’s well worth the reasonable effort.
Page, Arizona
Springdale to Page Drive: 2 hours 15 minutes / 117 miles (188 km)
Note: During daylight saving time (summer time), Arizona is one hour behind Utah. In winter, it’s the identical time.
We reluctantly left Utah behind (we’ll return!) for the pretty quick drive to Page in Arizona. On the way in which you move via the gorgeous east facet of Zion NP.
We didn’t make many stops on the way in which aside from the Wahweap Overlook on the sting of Page for a take a look at Lake Powell, an enormous artifical reservoir on the Colorado River.
Page is a small city surrounded by desert. Honestly, after Zion, we didn’t discover it that thrilling. I feel it’d be higher within the hotter months when you may swim and kayak within the lake.
There are a couple of lovely sights that make Page a well-liked cease on a Southwest highway journey.
If you don’t need to go to Antelope Canyon and have restricted time, you may simply make a fast cease in Page in your approach to the Grand Canyon.
Horseshoe Bend
Page’s best attraction to go to is Horseshoe Bend, a viewpoint of a meander within the Colorado River that was made well-known by Instagram.
There’s a $10 payment to park on the Horseshoe Bend Overlook Parking Lot. From right here it’s a 1.5-mile return stroll, which took us about 10 minutes every approach to the perspective. Be ready for warmth within the hotter months.
It is a gorgeous view, however the crowds had been overwhelming.
It’s additionally tough to decide on the best time for pictures. Sunrise and sundown could be beautiful, however to see the sandstone cliffs lit up, you’ll want to go to at noon (not suggested in summer time).
We went at 9am (two hours after dawn in February) and it was nonetheless largely in shadow.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is Page’s largest draw. These sequence of slot canyons are on Navajo land simply exterior city and have unbelievable colors and swirling rock formations.
You can solely go to on a guided tour and advance bookings are important.
The hottest and costly tour is to Upper Antelope Canyon, which options gentle beams at noon from April to September. Tours at peak occasions promote out months upfront.
Lower Antelope Canyon is somewhat quieter however more difficult to expertise (you need to climb down ladders).
As each slot canyons have grow to be extremely busy and should be booked far upfront, we selected the latest canyon, Antelope Canyon X.
This is way simpler to get a reserving for and is cheaper than the others, however on a vacation weekend, it nonetheless felt very busy to us. Lower and Upper Canyons look a lot worse, although.
Whichever canyon you select, don’t anticipate a peaceable expertise, however it’s value it.
Antelope Canyon X is essentially the most lovely slot canyon we’ve seen. The slim canyon partitions tower above you in vibrant shades of purple and orange, the ripples and swirls created by thousands and thousands of years of flood erosion.
On the 1.5-hour tour, you go to two quick canyons, each with completely different shapes. The stroll down is simple, however there’s a slight incline on the way in which out. We didn’t discover it in any respect tough.
Where to Stay in Page
We stayed on this two-bedroom Airbnb home in a residential space of Page. It was comfy, well-equipped, and a brief drive to all of the native points of interest.
Search right here for inns and motels in Page.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Page to Grand Canyon Village Drive: 2 hours 25 minutes / 133 miles (214 km)
The Grand Canyon is, after all, a Southwest should see. The immense canyon was shaped by the Colorado River and is 277 miles lengthy and as much as a mile deep.
The South Rim is essentially the most visited a part of Grand Canyon National Park, and that is the place we went because the quieter North Rim is closed in winter.
We had 24 hours within the park and located {that a} good period of time. With an additional night time, you may do an extended hike, although.
Desert View Drive
From Page, it’s a straightforward two-hour drive to the park’s east entrance at Desert View, the place you can begin the scenic Desert View Drive.
There are many straightforward viewpoints you may cease at on the way in which to see into the canyon. Our highlights had been Navajo Point and Lipan Point.
Our absolute favorite viewpoint was at Shoshone Point, nevertheless it requires a 20-minute stroll every approach (2.3 miles return). This isn’t marked on the park map (discover it on Google Maps), so it’s a lot quieter—we had it to ourselves.
At the top of the highway, you attain Grand Canyon Village, the place the customer centre and lodging are situated.
Hermit Road
From the village, you may proceed to extra viewpoints on Hermit Road. Note that from March to November you may solely entry this highway by shuttle bus.
We had been in a position to drive and stopped at Hopi Point and Mohave Point (our favorite). On a weekday winter morning, we discovered it quieter right here than on Desert View Drive.
You also can stroll a piece of the rim at any level (the shuttle makes it simpler to do a one-way hike).
South Kaibab Trail
The Grand Canyon is about up for vehicles, and you may simply go to many vistas with out strolling quite a lot of ft.
But our favorite expertise was strolling into the canyon. If you might be very adventurous, you may stroll all the way in which to the river, however this requires an in a single day keep on the backside (tenting or Phantom Ranch) and isn’t beneficial in summer time.
There’s no must go all the way in which all the way down to get pleasure from beautiful views, although.
We hiked the South Kaibab Trail from Pipe Creek Vista to Ooh Aah Point, a 3.4-mile spherical journey (1.8 miles within the canyon), which took 1.5 hours with 689 ft of elevation achieve.
The South Kaibab Trailhead is situated on Yaki Point Rd, which is closed to personal autos. You can take the shuttle, or as we did, park at Pipe Creek Vista and stroll quarter-hour on a straightforward path on the sting of the rim.
We began at 7.30am and it was so pretty to benefit from the canyon in peace on our approach down. It was busier on the way in which up, so I like to recommend a fair earlier begin.
For an additional 3 miles return, you may proceed all the way down to Cedar Ridge (I want we’d finished this). Just ensure that to recollect it’s rather a lot tougher to hike again up!
Where to Stay for Grand Canyon National Park
We selected to remain in Grand Canyon Village throughout the park so we may get an early begin. The park lodges e-book up early, and the one one with availability was Thunderbird Lodge.
It has a implausible location on the sting of the South Rim near Bright Angel Trailhead, nevertheless it’s fundamental motel lodging at excessive costs. We didn’t have a view on our floor ground canyon facet room (request a better ground), and we needed to wait 90 minutes to examine in.
If you handle your expectations, it’s advantageous for an evening, however in order for you greater high quality lodging, e-book far forward (as much as a yr) for El Tovar or Bright Angel lodges as a substitute.
Alternatively, you may keep quarter-hour exterior the park in Tusayan. Search for Tusayan inns right here.
Sedona, Arizona
Grand Canyon to Sedona Drive: 2 hours / 113 miles (182 km)
We drove from Grand Canyon to Sedona through Flagstaff and the winding, very scenic Oak Creek Canyon.
Sedona feels completely different from wherever else on this highway journey. It has a small city really feel and is surrounded by vivid purple sandstone towers and buttes that look particularly beautiful within the golden gentle of early morning or late afternoon.
While there are particular desert vibes, it’s in no way barren with loads of greenery from cypress, juniper, and pine timber.
Many folks come right here for the spa resorts or religious power (it’s house to sacred vortexes), however for us, Sedona was all about mountaineering.
There are over 200 trails inside a 20-minute drive of city, and we loved each one we did, though we did discover the paths pretty busy (and parking is commonly a problem).
The America the Beautiful NPS annual move is available in helpful for most of the trails in Sedona as they’re within the Coconino National Forest. Other areas might have separate charges.
Our high three hikes in Sedona had been:
- Soldier Pass and Brins Mesa Loop – If you begin this 5-mile loop at Jordan Road Trailhead early, you’ll attain Seven Sacred Pools earlier than the crowds. The remainder of the hike is simply as awe-inspiring.
- Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop – An straightforward however rewarding 3.7-mile loop round spectacular rock formations together with Bell Rock (which you’ll be able to climb).
- Fay Canyon – A mild 2.3-mile out-and-back stroll right into a lush inexperienced canyon beneath towering purple cliffs. It’s value scrambling up the rocks on the finish for a panoramic view.
Where to Stay in Sedona, Arizona
We stayed in West Sedona, which is quieter and cheaper than Uptown Sedona however near many trails.
Wilde Resort and Spa is close to a busy highway, however the grounds are lovely. There’s a heated pool (heat sufficient for me to swim within the snow!), two sizzling tubs, and loads of comfy seating round firepits.
Rooms are fashionable and comfy. Try to get one with a mountain view.
Check costs for Wilde Resort right here.
We additionally spent a part of our time on the Airbnb Lotus Flower Suite, which is small however has homely particulars, good native information, and a small backyard.
Search for extra inns in Sedona right here.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sedona to Las Vegas Drive: 4.5 hours / 280 miles (450 km)
Note: Nevada is one hour behind Arizona in winter. During daylight saving time, the time is similar in each states.
It’s a reasonably lengthy drive to Las Vegas. We didn’t make any main stops, however you do move the Hoover Dam, the place you may cease to stroll over it or join a tour on the customer centre.
After a month in nationwide parks, Las Vegas got here as a shock with the neon lights, noise, and crowds of the Strip. Simon cherished the pure tackiness of all of it, whereas I suffered sensory overload.
We spent the final night time of our highway journey ingesting cocktails within the resort pool (it was a lot hotter in Las Vegas) and wandering via casinos (the Venetian’s canal is value seeing).
We received cash on the slot machines then promptly misplaced it on the blackjack desk, however Simon proudly made all of it again (and extra) within the Bellagio’s poker site.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
With only one night time in Las Vegas, we needed to benefit from it, so we stayed on the iconic Bellagio Hotel and had no regrets.
The heated pool was nice for enjoyable (if busy), and the view from our Fountain View King Room was unbelievable.
We cherished with the ability to watch the extravagant Bellagio Water Show from the consolation of our room—greater than 1000 fountains sway and soar to music and lights.
More USA Posts
Explore extra lovely US nationwide parks in our different guides: