The Good 10-Day Southwest Street Journey Itinerary

For those who ask me about one of the simplest ways to discover the USA, I will not hesitate to say a street journey. Street tripping is by far my favourite option to expertise every little thing that America has to supply.

However, with the U.S. being such an enormous nation, deciding *the place* to street journey may be powerful.

There are tons of nice street journey routes within the U.S. However my favourite a part of the nation for a brief(er) street journey is unquestionably the American Southwest. Not solely is the Southwest residence to various landscapes and a number of the coolest nationwide parks within the nation, however it’s additionally pretty simple to succeed in and does not require a ton of driving to see rather a lot!

Therefore why I am spilling all my secrets and techniques and street journey ideas on this Southwest itinerary!

When is the most effective time to take a Southwest street journey?

One query I’ve gotten fairly steadily since initially publishing this publish is about when to take a Southwest street journey like this.

You may technically plan a model of this journey for any time of 12 months. A lot of the spots included listed here are open year-round, so it relies upon extra in your schedule, and your tolerance for crowds and excessive temperatures.

Summer season is often the busiest time for journey within the US (particularly at nationwide parks), and it will get VERY HOT on this a part of the nation in July and August particularly.

In winter, sure locations within the Southwest at increased elevation DO get snow and expertise colder temperatures (spots like Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon particularly can get chilly/snowy), however you undoubtedly can visit the Southwest in winter!

However so far as the finest time to go? I might say the shoulder seasons are the most effective time for a street journey out west. April-Might is sweet, as is September-October. It’s possible you’ll run into some moist climate throughout these seasons, however the crowds can be thinner and you’ll absolutely get pleasure from every little thing on this itinerary.

This itinerary is written with an April-October journey in thoughts; exterior of these months, some issues could also be closed or unavailable!

The right 10-day Southwest street journey itinerary

So this is my model of a “good” 10-day street journey itinerary for the American Southwest, based mostly on a number of street journeys I’ve personally taken via this area over time, together with principally this actual one with my husband Elliot one 12 months in April.

Highlights of this itinerary (which you’ll principally name a Southwest nationwide park street journey, since you may see so lots of them) embody:

• Valley of Hearth State Park (Nevada)
• Zion Nationwide Park (Utah)
• Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park (Utah)
• Goblin Valley State Park (Utah)
• Capitol Reef Nationwide Park (Utah)
• Canyonlands Nationwide Park (Utah)
• Arches Nationwide Park (Utah)
• Monument Valley (Utah/Arizona)
• Sights in Web page, Arizona
• Grand Canyon Nationwide Park (Arizona)

This itinerary covers roughly 1350 miles of driving.

Get a printable version of this itinerary here!

Earlier than we dive in right here, it is essential to notice that this itinerary does embody traversing via or close to some indigenous lands within the Southwest. These embody the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Reservation, and the Hualapai Indian Reservation. These individuals are each the historic and present stewards of those lands, and it is essential to acknowledge and respect that while you journey right here.

Day 1: Vegas to Zion by way of Valley of Hearth

I recommend you start and finish your Southwest street journey in Las Vegas. You could possibly additionally begin in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, however I discover that you could virtually at all times discover reasonably priced flights to Vegas, irrespective of the place you are coming from. So Vegas it’s!

You will doubtless land a Harry Reid Worldwide Airport in Vegas within the morning. (I like to recommend planning your journey this option to maximize your time! If you are going to get in late at night time, chances are you’ll need to plan a minimum of one night time in Vegas, and decide up your rental automobile on the morning you intend to begin your street journey.)

You *can* decide up your rental automobile on the airport rental automobile heart, however you too can decide up a automobile elsewhere in Vegas to avoid wasting cash.

Must hire a automobile for this street journey? There isn’t any scarcity of rental automobile choices in Las Vegas. Remember that you would possibly have the ability to get monetary savings by choosing up from a location that is NOT on the airport. I take advantage of Uncover Vehicles to check automobile rental costs within the US. Search for rental cars here.

After which it is time to get out of Vegas! For those who’ve by no means been to Las Vegas earlier than, you possibly can undoubtedly add on an additional day or two with a view to absolutely expertise it, however for now it is time to make for Utah.

The drive from Vegas to Zion Nationwide Park in Utah takes nearly 2.5 hours. 

You could possibly make straight for Zion, or you possibly can make a quick detour to Valley of Fire State Park. Valley of Hearth is simply off I-15 (which you may be driving on anyway), and is an unbelievable park full of pink rock formations. Enjoyable reality: It was Nevada’s very first state park.

Even in case you simply have an hour or two, you possibly can drive the epic White Domes Street and hike out to the Hearth Wave – it makes for a superb introduction to the Southwest.

RELATED: Visiting the Valley of Fire in One Day

Valley of Hearth is an hour exterior of Vegas, and Zion Nationwide Park is one other 2 hours past that.

You could possibly decide to remain in St. George (nearer to Vegas) as a base for Zion, however I personally suggest the small city of Springdale, because it’s rather more central and higher for getting into the park early on Day 2.

For those who skip Valley of Hearth, you possibly can go to Zion within the afternoon/early night tonight. Or, do what we did and discover Springdale a bit earlier than getting an early night time to prep for mountain climbing in Zion on Day 2!

Day 2: Zion Nationwide Park

Get up early to catch the free shuttle from Springdale into Zion Nationwide Park, the primary of the Mighty 5 national parks you may go to on this street journey. From March via early autumn, no personal autos are allowed to make use of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, so you may want to choose up one other shuttle on the Guests Heart with a view to head additional into the park.

(For those who’re doing this journey in winter, you then would possibly have the ability to drive your personal automobile into Zion and thru Zion Canyon. Verify for shuttle data here.)

What you resolve to do together with your day in Zion actually is determined by your pursuits, the make-up of your group, and whether or not you are up for any intense mountain climbing or not.

Zion is understood for its rust-red mountains, winding canyons, and epic hikes. The preferred hikes in Zion are Angels Landing* and The Narrows, each intense hikes that ought to solely be tried if climate circumstances are good. (The Rangers on the Guests Heart can let you already know about incoming climate and path closures.)

*Be aware that allows at the moment are required to hike to the highest of Angels Touchdown. You may apply for a mountain climbing allow throughout 4 totally different seasonal lotteries, or in a day-before lottery. Permits value $6, and sure will promote out. You’ll NOT have the ability to hike past Scout Lookout and not using a allow. Discover extra data on learn how to get an Angels Landing hiking permit here.

Elliot and I tackled Angels Touchdown early within the morning, which is a 5.4-mile hike that features a 1500-foot elevation achieve and half a mile of utilizing anchored chains to drag your self up alongside a slender backbone of rock.

It is NOT a straightforward hike, however is among the most iconic within the Southwest – and we did not remorse doing it.

RELATED: I Hiked to Angels Landing and Didn’t Die!

Angels Touchdown took us about 4 hours to finish, that means we had time within the afternoon to experience the shuttle round the remainder of the park and do a shorter hike (we selected the simple Decrease Emerald Pool Path that begins at Zion Lodge) earlier than having a calming night in Springdale.

For those who resolve to do The Narrows, that hike will take you nearly all day.

If, however, you resolve the strenuous hikes aren’t actually for you, take a look at the simple and average hikes on Zion’s hiking guide. There are a lot to select from that vary anyplace from half-hour to five hours to finish, all with nice Zion views.

Some not-as-difficult hikes inside Zion Canyon embody the Pa’rus Path, Riverside Stroll, and the Decrease Emerald Pool Path that I discussed above.

You could possibly additionally go for a non-hiking exercise in Zion like renting a motorcycle, or simply using the shuttles to totally different view factors within the park.

RELATED: 5 Things to Do in Zion National Park That Don’t Involve Hiking

Day 3: Zion to Bryce Canyon

Head out of Zion on Day 3 by way of the Mount Carmel Freeway (the stretch of Route 9 between Zion’s entrance and Freeway 89), which incorporates some nice surroundings and a 1.1-mile-long tunnel. Hold an eye fixed out for bighorn sheep – but when you are going to pull over for pictures, be sure to do it at designated pull-out spots!

If you wish to slot in one other epic (however a lot less-strenuous) hike, you may be driving by the Canyon Overlook Path. There is a very tiny parking space on the trailhead, however in case you get an early begin you need to have the ability to park and do that mile-long hike.

The drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park solely takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, that means you may have loads of time for photograph stops and no have to rush.

When you get to Bryce Canyon, head straight into the park for some sightseeing! Bryce Canyon has some good mountain climbing trails, too, although it is higher identified for its 18 mile scenic drive and lookout factors like Inspiration Level, Pure Bridge, and Rainbow Level.

I like to recommend driving all the way in which out to Rainbow Level first, after which working your approach again to the park entrance, stopping in any respect the viewpoints alongside the way in which. If you get to Sundown Level, take the 1-mile rim path to Dawn Level for a few of my favourite views.

Bear in mind, although, that Bryce is at a better elevation – heat layers are a should! (Elliot and I visited in mid-April, and there was nonetheless some snow left over at a number of the lookout factors!)

Day 4: Bryce to Moab by way of Goblin Valley

We took Day 3 off from mountain climbing, however there’s one hike undoubtedly value doing at Bryce Canyon: the Navajo Loop Path. This path will take you down into the canyon, proper amongst all of the orange hoodoos.

The hike begins at Sundown Level, and may be joined up with the Queen’s Backyard Tail to finish at Dawn Level.

We tackled this hike on a foggy, moist morning, and it took us about 2 hours to finish. It makes an excellent morning hike earlier than you set off on the street once more, although you possibly can in all probability do it on Day 3, too, in case you’re not too sore after Zion.

RELATED: A Foggy, Soggy Morning of Hiking at Bryce Canyon

After the hike, it is time to pack up and head additional east. Your vacation spot for the night time is Moab, Utah, however I like to recommend making a detour on the way in which to Goblin Valley State Park.

There are two methods to get from Bryce Canyon to Goblin Valley, however we opted to take Route 12, which takes you thru Escalante and meets up with Route 24 so you possibly can briefly drive via Capitol Reef Nationwide Park.

On the way in which, think about stopping for lunch at Kiva Koffeehouse, which is an excellent cool cafe inside Escalante Grand Staircase Nationwide Monument (about 1.5 hours from Bryce). They serve up selfmade soups, breads, and pastries, and now have a full espresso bar – an ideal lunch break amid some typical Utah surroundings.

You *may* spend a while in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, however we opted to go to Goblin Valley as a substitute because it’s a spot far fewer folks appear to find out about.

You will get to Goblin Valley within the afternoon, and might spend an hour or so exploring The Valley of Goblins. This can be a massive space full of quick, squat hoodoos which have been dubbed “goblins.” Even via Bryce can also be identified for its hoodoos, those in Goblin Valley are completely totally different.

From Goblin Valley, it is one other hour and a half to Moab, the place you possibly can base your self for the subsequent couple of nights.

Day 5: Canyonlands Nationwide Park

Canyonlands Nationwide Park tends to get missed by guests to this a part of Utah as a result of Arches can also be so near Moab. However I firmly consider you need to dedicate a full day to every park.

Canyonlands really has two important sections of park – Island within the Sky and The Needles – that are about 60 miles aside. The Needles is extra suited to hikers, so I like to recommend spending your day at Island within the Sky to combine in sightseeing with a bit of mountain climbing.

This part of Canyonlands is just about 45 minutes from Moab.

Begin out your morning with a go to to Mesa Arch. Many photographers will get right here earlier than dawn with a view to watch the arch be lit by the primary orange glow of morning, however it’s a lot much less crowded in case you go to barely later within the day.

From there, drive to the viewpoints at Grand View Level and the Inexperienced River Overlook. Elliot and I additionally did the quick hike out to Upheaval Dome, which is a pleasant possibility if you wish to get your legs shifting.

In your approach again to Moab, be sure you cease at Useless Horse Level State Park, which presents up dramatic overlooks of the Colorado River and Canyonlands Nationwide Park. (Sure, it is an additional price, however it actually is value it!)

Day 6: Arches Nationwide Park

Positioned even nearer to Moab (solely quarter-hour from city), Arches Nationwide Park is basically the star on this a part of Utah. And for good cause: the park has greater than 2,000 pure stone arches, together with pinnacles, cliffs, and balanced rocks all in an excellent orange-red hue.

For those who’ve by no means been earlier than, you may undoubtedly need to dedicate a full day to this park.*

*Be aware that Arches Nationwide Park now requires timed park entry by reservation with a view to assist alleviate congestion within the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. You will want to order a timed entry slot from April 1-July 6 and August 28-October 31 in 2025. Reservations value $2 and are being launched as much as 6 months prematurely. Study extra and reserve your entry time here.

Upon getting your entry time, I might spend the primary a part of your day driving the 18-mile-long scenic street via the park, stopping off at a number of the viewpoints and shorter walks out to the arches. Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, the Home windows Part, and Double Arch can be my high picks.

Elliot and I left the park and went again into city for lunch and bought take-away sandwiches for a picnic dinner, and that is nonetheless be doable even with the timed entry system (at present it is advisable enter the park for the primary time throughout your designated time slot, however can then exit and re-enter the park all through the day in order for you).

You could possibly additionally pack lunch and dinner and simply keep contained in the park the entire day – simply bear in mind to pack loads of water, too!

I like to recommend ending your day at Arches with probably the most iconic hike within the park: the hike to Delicate Arch, probably the most well-known arch within the park and the image of the state of Utah. Most individuals deal with this hike at sundown, when the setting solar paints the 65-foot arch an unbelievable rusty orange colour.

The hike is hard going up, so permit your self 1-1.5 hours to succeed in the arch in time for sundown. We bought there about an hour early and loved a bit of picnic as we watched the solar go down.

RELATED: Iconic Utah: A Sunset Hike to Delicate Arch

Day 7: Moab to Web page, AZ by way of Monument Valley

After practically every week of exploring Utah’s nationwide parks, it is time to wave goodbye on Day 7. Right now you may be crossing over into Arizona – however the nice surroundings will solely proceed!

Your vacation spot as we speak would be the city of Web page, Arizona, however I might be a horrible journey blogger and terrible Southwest superfan if I did not insist that you simply cease at Monument Valley alongside the way in which.

Positioned on the Utah/Arizona border, Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii (Monument Valley) is a Diné (Navajo) Tribal Park famend for its towering sandstone buttes. It’s possible you’ll even acknowledge it from previous Western motion pictures, because it was a favourite filming location for administrators like John Ford.

Monument Valley is a 2.5-hour drive from Moab, and I like to recommend reserving a guided tour of the valley. There is a 17-mile loop street that may be pushed in your personal automobile, however to really respect this website, it is advisable get into the backcountry – and you’ll solely do that on a tour.

For those who arrive a bit early, you possibly can take within the views from The View hotel earlier than assembly up together with your tour information.

RELATED: Monument Valley: A Must-Visit in the Southwest

For those who’re on the lookout for good tour choices, listed here are a pair you possibly can e-book on-line prematurely:

A Monument Valley backcountry tour is, for my part, the ONLY option to actually respect this place (and to pay respect to its Diné stewards, since a lot of the tour corporations listed here are Navajo-owned).

After your tour is over, you possibly can drive the remaining two hours to Web page to reach simply round dinnertime.

Day 8: Web page, Arizona

Web page is a tiny little city that packs a giant punch. Not solely is it close to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Nationwide Recreation Space, however it’s additionally only a quick drive from Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Begin your morning off with a go to to Horseshoe Bend. It is only a 10- or 15-minute drive out of your lodge, and is among the most Instagrammable locations you are prone to go to within the Southwest.

A brief hike will take you from the parking space to an overlook 1,100 toes above the place the Colorado River makes a large bend via a deep canyon.

The hike to the lookout is not lengthy (solely about 3/4 of a mile), however it’s virtually completely sand, so maintain that in thoughts while you’re planning your time AND your footwear.

(Be aware that the above pictures had been taken at Horseshoe Bend earlier than the brand new viewing platform was constructed; I didn’t hop any fences or limitations to take these pictures, as a result of these issues did not exist at this website till pretty just lately.)

Earlier than lunchtime, I like to recommend reserving a tour out to Higher Antelope Canyon. Antelope Canyon really has two sections (Higher and Decrease), however it’s the Higher canyon that has the well-known gentle beams that you simply see in all of the pictures.

As a result of these canyons are situated throughout the Navajo Nation, you possibly can ONLY go to Antelope Canyon as a part of a guided tour. Excursions of the Higher canyon throughout prime light-beam-viewing hours (often 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) promote out rapidly and may be crowded, even while you’re visiting in shoulder season. (Elliot and I went in April, and all of the pictures excursions and a lot of the noon excursions had been bought out weeks earlier than we even left.)

So e-book far prematurely in case you actually need to go to Higher Antelope Canyon. (There are a number of native corporations to select from, they usually all run very comparable excursions.)

RELATED: Is Antelope Canyon Really Worth Visiting?

Spoiler alert: I DO assume Antelope Canyon is value seeing, however simply remember that you’re going to be sharing the expertise with a number of different folks.

(If the Higher Antelope Canyon excursions are bought out, you possibly can nonetheless go to different slot canyons within the space like Decrease Antelope Canyon, Canyon X, and Cathedral Canyon.)

Antelope Canyon excursions to take a look at:

Within the night (or within the afternoon in case you resolve to skip Antelope Canyon), you possibly can think about reserving a sundown cruise on close by Lake Powell, or possibly hire a kayak or standup paddleboard.

(Simply observe that in case you go to Lake Powell, you may need to pay an entrance price into the Glen Canyon Nationwide Recreation Space, too.)

Day 9: The Grand Canyon

When my sister and I did a Southwest street journey in the summertime of 2011, we visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from Web page. It is a a lot quieter expertise (solely 10% of holiday makers to the Grand Canyon go to the North Rim), however nonetheless simply as epic.

Nonetheless, when Elliot and I did our street journey in April, visiting the North Rim wasn’t an possibility for the reason that solely street resulting in this a part of the Grand Canyon closes for the winter and is just open from mid-Might via mid-October. For that cause, we determined to spend a day on the South Rim as a substitute.

(And if you wish to go to each the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon, I like to recommend including an additional night time in right here; in any other case it is simply an excessive amount of driving in at some point!)

It is really faster to succeed in the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park from Web page than it’s to succeed in the North Rim, so it labored out properly for us, timing-wise.

Begin out at Desert View on the east entrance to the Grand Canyon, and make your approach alongside Route 64, stopping in any respect the viewpoints on the way in which to Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim customer heart.

After trying out the customer heart and close by Mather Level, you possibly can hop on one of many free park shuttles that journey alongside the South Rim all through excessive season on the Grand Canyon. These shuttles are an excellent stress-free option to entry trails, viewpoints, and different factors of curiosity, a few of that are solely accessible by bus.

You may hop on and off the Purple Route bus all afternoon, visiting wonderful lookouts like Maricopa Level, Mohave Level, The Abyss, Pima Level, and extra. You may even do a brief hike between two of the shuttle stops alongside the Rim Path.

If you wish to catch an excellent sundown on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Hopi Level is probably the most well-known spot, however you will discover nice views at Yaki, Pima, and Yavapai Factors, too.

We then determined to drive to Flagstaff for the night time with a view to avoid wasting cash on a lodge (it is NOT low cost to remain anyplace close to the Grand Canyon throughout a lot of the 12 months).

For those who e-book far sufficient forward, although (or in case you’re touring in the off-season), you will discover a lodge room within the small city of Tusayan, which is simply exterior the South Entrance. (On my third journey to the Grand Canyon, that is the place I stayed, and it’s extremely handy to the park!)

Day 10: Drive again to Las Vegas

Day 10 is when our Southwest journey got here to an finish. The drive from Flagstaff again to Las Vegas is slightly below 4 hours, that means you possibly can simply e-book your flight residence within the afternoon/early night, which is what we did.

For those who’re not planning to go away tonight, you would possibly need to add on a cease at the Hoover Dam in your approach again.

In your approach again into Las Vegas, you too can cease to see the roadside artwork attraction referred to as Seven Magic Mountains, simply off I-15. It is a free, fast photograph cease.

Whole driving time: 4 hours

BONUS: Sedona, Arizona

When you’ve got an additional day or two, think about including in a cease in Sedona, Arizona, after you go to the Grand Canyon. It is lower than an hour south of Flagstaff and is an excellent cool city in pink rock nation.

My sister and I spent two nights in Sedona on our cross-country street journey, and we each cherished it. (And I’ve since been again within the winter, too, and it is simply as nice!)

Some things to do in Sedona (particularly in case you go to through the heat summer season months) embody: taking a Sedona Trolley tour, getting out into the pink rocks on a Jeep tour, splashing round at Slide Rock State Park, visiting a vortex, and presumably mountain climbing in Purple Rocks State Park.

Within the winter, you possibly can nonetheless do some hikes, driving excursions, and spend time purchasing round Sedona (I actually just like the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village).

Remember that you could get a printable version of this itinerary!

Southwest street journey ideas

Take a look at my list of road trip tips for ALL my methods for street tripping within the U.S.

However listed here are the guidelines which are most essential for this journey within the Southwest:

1. Purchase a Nationwide Parks Move. For those who observed, this street journey itinerary has you visiting 5 or 6 nationwide parks, all of which cost a per-car entrance price. It can save you some cash by getting a National Parks Pass both earlier than you permit or while you arrive at Zion. The move prices $80, after which is sweet for a complete 12 months at any NPS-managed website. It is an excellent deal, and can prevent fairly a bit on this street journey alone.
2. Ensure you have further water. Dehydration isn’t a joke, and generally is a very actual risk in case you’re touring out West through the summer season. At all times have further water (pack a cooler or massive water jug in your trunk!), since you by no means know while you would possibly want it. Most nationwide parks can have water bottle filling stations, however be sure you have a reusable water bottle (I like my Camelbak Chute) or a hydration pack with you – and refill at each alternative.
3. Enable further time. I’ve estimated driving instances, however it’s at all times finest to imagine drives will take you longer than Google Maps suggests. Photograph stops, lavatory stops, and detours to take a look at random issues will add extra time to any drive!

What to pack for a Southwest street journey

A few of this is determined by what time of 12 months you go; the Southwest can get extraordinarily sizzling in the summertime, and fairly chilly within the winter. However basically, listed here are a few of my must-haves for this type of street journey:

For extra street journey packing suggestions, head over to this publish: USA Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack for a US Road Trip

READ NEXT: 25 Things to Do in the Southwest USA to Put on Your Bucket List

Have you ever ever street tripped within the American Southwest? What are your favourite stops?

Pin it for later:

Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her residence base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey via the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!