Uncover the perfect of the Southwest with these 4 beautiful itineraries
Relating to inspiration and journey, the Southwestern USA at all times delivers. The massive states of Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico serve up cactus-studded landscapes, red-rock canyons, timeless pueblo communities, Wild West legends, tumbleweed ghost cities and outside thrills in abundance. Adventures embrace the whole lot from Grand Canyon treks and desert drives to whitewater rafting.
However there’s a number of floor to cowl on this nook of the USA. New Mexico alone spans 121,590 sq miles (314,917 sq km), and its Southwest neighbors aren’t a lot smaller – that means touring throughout this sweep of the nation requires some planning. On the flip aspect, with its beautiful landscapes, broadly spaced cities and cities, and epic highways corresponding to Hwy 163 and Route 66, the Southwest is completely arrange for highway tripping.
To assist get you on the open highway, listed below are 4 traditional Southwest itineraries to plot in your highway map.
When to reach within the Southwest
As that is desert nation, it pays to think about the local weather when planning a highway journey. Nationwide parks hit capability throughout summer season trip from late Could to August, and at decrease elevations, the mercury can soar to ranges that make outside actions a grueling (and typically dangerous) ordeal. Within the mountains and high-desert areas, nevertheless, that is the prime time for outside recreation, with snug temperatures and clear skies.
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Good vacationers come in the course of the wildflower-filled spring from March to Could, earlier than the summer season crowds arrive, and earlier than the summer season warmth drives hikers from lowland trails. The autumn months from October to November are additionally nice for outside actions and dramatic fall foliage within the excessive nation. From December to March, you’ll be able to hit the ski slopes in Utah, New Mexico and Arizona, or saddle up at an Arizona dude ranch when temperatures are delicate.
Methods to get across the Southwest
The Southwest is poorly served by public transport – partly a consequence of low inhabitants density and the lengthy distances between settlements. Whereas flights buzz between main inhabitants facilities, backed up by buses and a handful of prepare providers, driving is one of the best ways to discover.
Helpful air hubs for exploring (ebook a rental automobile prepared to your arrival) embrace Las Vegas, Phoenix, Albuquerque and Salt Lake Metropolis. In case you don’t thoughts a bit of additional driving to achieve the Southwest, Los Angeles and Denver are additionally price contemplating as various entry factors.
Analysis distances and driving occasions forward of your journey – earlier than you get on the highway, it’s onerous to think about simply how huge the Southwest is, and the remoteness of a lot of it. You’ll need loads of time to get pleasure from the whole lot that lies alongside the way in which.
Encounter cowboys and canyons between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon
6-day itinerary
Distance: 300 miles (483km)
You’ll be able to zip to Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from Phoenix’s worldwide airport in beneath 4 hours – however that may imply leaving out cowboys, vortexes and the Lowell Observatory alongside the way in which. As an alternative, swing west to Hwy 89A for Previous West cities, Sedona’s crimson rocks, the leafy fantastic thing about Oak Creek Canyon and high-energy enjoyable in Flagstaff.
Phoenix: 1 day
Spend day one exploring Phoenix, Arizona. In case you’ve arrived early, spend an hour or two on the Heard Museum, the place you’ll be able to delve into the historical past and tradition of the Southwest’s tribes. Or stroll by the Desert Botanical Backyard to study the names of the desert crops you’ll be seeing in your journey. Earlier than you depart, get pleasure from dinner and nightlife alongside Roosevelt Row downtown.
Prescott: half a day
It’s cowboy time! Head to downtown Prescott, Arizona, for a stroll round tidy Courthouse Plaza, the place Montezuma St – aka Whiskey Row – has retained its Previous West bona fides for 150 years. Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday as soon as drank right here, and energetic taverns nonetheless line the road right now. Dive deeper into Arizona’s cowboy previous with a stroll across the close by Sharlot Corridor Museum.
Detour: For some pure historical past to go along with your cowboy historical past, pull over to discover the weird rock formations at Granite Dells, about 7 miles (11km) north of Prescott, off State Route 89.
Jerome: half a day
A favourite getaway for Arizonans, the previous mining city of Jerome, Arizona, clings to the aspect of a mountain and marches to its personal quirky beat. Highlights embrace copper mining historical past, ghosts, native artwork and pausing for tasty margaritas. Two museums – the Mine Museum and Jerome State Historic Park – showcase the world’s mining historical past, whereas boutiques and bars line the zigzagging streets. Finish with a tequila-based cocktail and a stellar sundown view on the spookily styled Haunted Hamburger.
Sedona: 1 day
Cruise into western Sedona on the Scenic Loop, which supplies a spectacular red-rock welcome to a area identified for its vortexes – spots believed to have heightened pure vitality. Seize maps and a Crimson Rock Go on the customer heart, then hit the path to immerse your self in good vortex vibes. Publish-hike, decide a restaurant with a view of the rock formations and admire the colours as night time descends.
Detour: Earlier than you head off within the morning, discover Oak Creek Canyon beside Hwy 89A, the place strolling trails and scenic sections of highway result in beautiful spots corresponding to Slide Rock State Park.
Flagstaff: 1 day
In Flagstaff, you’ll be able to stroll previous historic icons just like the Resort Monte Vista, Weatherford Resort and Orpheum Theater. Pop into Babbit’s for last-minute mountaineering gear, then chill out over good meals and progressive craft beer on the town – choices are many. Stargazing is superb on the Lowell Observatory, an heirloom monument from 1894. Begin exploring city from the Flagstaff Customer Middle, which might prepare walking-tour guides.
Grand Canyon South Rim: 2 days
After some dramatic roadside surroundings, you’ll hit the sting of the Grand Canyon. A stroll alongside the Rim Path in Grand Canyon Village has the enduring canyon, historic buildings and Native American artwork as backdrops. Use your first night to savor canyon views over dinner on the restaurant at El Tovar. On day two, rise early to stroll into the canyon on the Vivid Angel Path, the most well-liked path that drops into the canyon, then take the shuttle to a canyon overlook on Hermit Rd for sundown.
Get your Southwest kicks on Route 66
6-day itinerary
Distance: 725 miles (1167km)
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Prepare for some traditional bits of Americana, together with (however not restricted to) a big inexperienced head, nostalgic Burma Shave indicators, an incredible large gap within the floor and a few iconic concrete wigwams. Yep, you’ll get your kicks – in addition to your kitsch – on this storied stretch of the Mom Street by Arizona and New Mexico, bookended by dazzling shows of neon.
Kingman: half a day
Be taught in regards to the Mom Street on the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, Arizona, then pull up beneath the Route 66 arch within the parking zone for a compulsory picture op. Burgers, shakes and Nineteen Fifties knickknackery are highlights at Mr D’z Route 66 Diner. Pull over about 22 miles (35.5km) north of Kingman to snap a photograph of the tiki-shaped monument Giganticus Headicus (it brings to thoughts Squidward’s home in SpongeBob SquarePants), then look ahead to red-and-white Burma Shave indicators as you proceed the drive.
Seligman: half a day
Tiny roadside Seligman takes its Route 66 heritage critically – or with a squirt of pretend mustard, because of the Delgadillo brothers, for many years the route’s largest boosters. Sadly, whil Juan handed away in 2004 and his brother Angel retired from his reward retailer and barbershop in 2022, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to a small museum on the positioning. The excellent news is that burgers, ice cream and pranks are nonetheless served at family-run Delgadillo’s Sno-Cap.
Flagstaff: 2 days
Route 66 barrels proper by downtown Flagstaff, parallel to town’s railroad tracks. Cease by the customer heart to rearrange a Route 66 walking-tour information. Dwelling to nice eating places, breweries and a busy observatory, this faculty city is an inviting place to chill. Don’t miss reside music on the iconic Museum Membership on one night time of your keep.
Detour: Put aside half a day for a powerful pit cease about 45 miles (72.5km) east of Flagstaff on the imposing Meteor Crater, created by a mighty meteorite about 50,000 years in the past.
Petrified Forest Nationwide Park: half a day
America has loads of historical woodlands. However the forest at this dusty nationwide park – made up of fragmented, 225-million-year-old fossilized logs that predate the dinosaurs, scattered over arid, excessive desert grasslands – is in a category of its personal. The park additionally comprises an deserted section of Route 66; pull over to take a look at the rusted vintage automobile and show space. A 28-mile (45km) scenic highway ribbons alongside the size of the park, passing badlands, rock artwork and trails by clusters of petrified bushes.
Detour: For a bonus slice of Americana, keep in a single day on the legendary Wigwam Motel at Holbrook, about 26 miles (42km) west of Petrified Forest Nationwide Park.
Albuquerque: 2 days
Okay, you’re executed with Arizona; now it’s on to New Mexico. Central Ave follows Route 66 proper by Albuquerque, passing by Nob Hill, the adobe buildings of the College of New Mexico, downtown and Previous City. There’s a lot to see and do right here; west of downtown, search for the tile-and-wood artistry of the KiMo Theatre, a 1927 icon mixing Native American and artwork deco design, and take a strolling tour of Albuquerque’s artwork gallery–studded, adobe-heavy Previous City.
Tucumcari: half a day
A ranching and farming city, Tucumcari, New Mexico, is residence to one of many best-preserved sections of Route 66, in addition to to an attention-grabbing (and eclectic) city museum. It’s an incredible place to drive by at night time, when dozens of neon indicators – relics of the Mom Street’s heyday – solid a loopy glow. Marked by its vivid neon signal, the long-running Blue Swallow Motel is a traditional spot to spend the night time to tie up your journey.
Take within the red-rock surroundings of Las Vegas and Southern Utah
7-day itinerary
Distance: 825 miles (1328km)
Need fiery crimson rocks, mesmerizing geologic formations and slightly Vegas bling in your weeklong trip? Then buckle up for this sun-splashed cruise by Nevada and the southern stretches of Utah. This route serves up a traditional slice of the Southwest, taking in rugged desert surroundings and a metropolis carved seemingly from nowhere within the midst of all of it.
Las Vegas: 1 day
Neon lights mild up the Strip and its night debauchery, whereas the historic indicators on the Neon Museum hint the decades-long story of Nevada’s Sin Metropolis. You’ll wish to swing right into a on line casino or two to soak within the Las Vegas razzle-dazzle, but it surely’s extra rewarding (emotionally, not less than) to absorb the native red-rock surroundings.
Make a beeline for Crimson Rock Canyon Nationwide Conservation Space simply west of the Vegas metropolis limits – a steep and rugged crimson rock escarpment rising 3000ft (914m) and buzzing with rock climbers, hikers and wildlife watchers.
Valley of Fireplace State Park: half a day
A masterpiece of desert surroundings stuffed with psychedelically formed sandstone rocks, Valley of Fireplace State Park to the north of Lake Mead is really spectacular. Scenic roads cross varied crimson geologic curiosities carved by the forces of abrasion from the native Aztec sandstone. The valley is at its most fiery at daybreak and nightfall, so time your drive accordingly.
Zion Nationwide Park: 2 days
The hovering red-and-white cliffs of Zion Nationwide Park are considered one of Utah’s most dramatic pure options, however the canyon additionally hides extra delicate wonders – “weeping” rocks, tiny grottoes and hanging gardens. These lush pockets distinguish Zion from the more-arid parks to the east. Board a park shuttle to traverse the 8-mile (13km) Scenic Rd, which pierces the guts of the park, and take your time exploring on the park trails.
Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park: 1 day
Trails meander previous pastel-colored spires and hoodoos at Bryce Canyon, one of many Southwest’s nice wonders. The canyon is an amphitheater of sandcastle-like formations, and the Queen’s Backyard–Navajo Loop Mixture Path drops into this bowl of spires and emerges by way of beautiful switchbacks. Get an early begin to benefit from this energetic day.
Capitol Reef Nationwide Park: half a day
The Southwest’s surroundings is greatest appreciated in silence. You’ll be able to shake the crowds – effectively, most of them – at Capitol Reef, the least visited of the 5 nationwide parks that decision Utah residence. This scenic place is anchored by the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile (160km) monocline operating north–south by the park. For a half-day diversion, cease by historic websites in Fruita and deal with the brief Hickman Bridge Path.
Moab: 2 days
Finish with two days in Utah’s pure journey playground. Tucked between two nationwide parks and residential to eating places, motels and outfitters serving up all types of outside adventures from hikes and mountain biking to rafting, Moab is a enjoyable launchpad for fresh-air thrills in southeastern Utah.
Greater than 2000 sandstone arches await in close by Arches Nationwide Park, whereas Canyonlands Nationwide Park options one of many Southwest’s most iconic crimson rock overlooks – Mesa Arch, with its famed view of Washer Girl Arch and Buck Canyon.
A Native American tour of the Southwest
6-day itinerary
Distance: 435 miles (700km)
The tales, traditions and inventive ingenuity of the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest fluctuate from place to put, although a deep connection to the land and its life ties collectively Native American websites throughout the area. Uncover extra on this history-rich and scenery-focused drive by Arizona, New Mexico and Utah’s southern fringes, swinging previous pueblos, historical cliff dwellings and a traditional mesa-top village.
Albuquerque: 2 days
The biggest metropolis within the state, Albuquerque supplies an enchanting and detailed introduction to Native American tradition on the Indian Pueblo Cultural Middle, which shines a highlight on New Mexico’s 19 Pueblos. The on-site cafe serves Pueblo-inspired delicacies, so you’ll be able to discover along with your style buds, too. Take two days, so you too can absorb the work of native artists, get pleasure from extra Southwest eating and nightlife, and respect Albuquerque’s wealthy historical past.
Detour: For a deep dive into Indigenous tradition, you’ll discover greater than 2000 petroglyphs at Petroglyph Nationwide Monument, 7.5 miles (km) north of Previous City.
Acoma Pueblo: half a day
Strolling across the previous adobe properties at Acoma Pueblo (Sky Metropolis), one of many oldest villages in the USA, is immensely rewarding. The pueblo occupies a stark 330ft-high (101m) mesa-top that was first settled within the thirteenth century. Not solely is the placement distinctive, however a tour reveals a wealthy cultural heritage and an enchanting story, one which’s not usually advised in faculties. There’s a museum and cultural heart on-site, too.
Window Rock: half a day
To interrupt the journey northwest, pull in for mutton stew and different Navajo dishes at Diné Restaurant in Window Rock – a hearty portion of Indigenous cooking tradition. At close by Navajo Veterans Memorial Park, an unlimited round rock overlooks all of it from its perch atop a ruddy sandstone cliff. It’s a view you’ll bear in mind lengthy after it fades into the far distance.
Detour: For a journey breaker between Window Rock and Canyon de Chelly, pull over to see a Navajo weaver in motion and browse the long-running normal retailer (based in 1878) at Hubbell Buying and selling Publish close to Ganado.
Canyon de Chelly: 1 day
Inhabited for 5000 years, the sacred and exquisite Canyon de Chelly Nationwide Monument shelters prehistoric rock artwork and 1000-year-old Ancestral Puebloan dwellings alongside up to date Navajo farmsteads – a reminder that the soul of the Southwest lives on by its Indigenous folks. Indigenous households nonetheless farm the slim strip of land on the canyon’s base. Drive the North and South Rim Trails for views from the canyon’s edge or take a guided tour into the canyon depths.
Monument Valley: 1 day
The views of Monument Valley from Hwy 163 are one thing, however the vistas on the 17-mile (27km) scenic loop drive in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park are one thing else. You’ll cross a pure gallery of spectacular and dramatic rock formations, together with the Mittens, Elephant Butte and the Three Sisters. For a guided tour into areas the place non-public autos can not go, cease by a tour kiosk within the parking zone. With rooms dealing with the formations, The View Resort is a lovely place to get up and gasp on the vistas.
Bears Ears Nationwide Monument: 1 day
End up on the first nationwide monument created on the request of Native tribes. Bears Ears holds a trove of archaeological and scenic wonders. Dwelling to historical Native American granaries, towers and kivas (subterranean non secular websites), Mule Canyon within the Cedar Mesa space affords an enchanting introduction to the world; don’t miss mountaineering to the 5 granaries at Home on Fireplace. Kane Gulch Customer Middle has data to assist plan your explorations.
This text was tailored from Lonely Planet’s Southwest USA guidebook, printed in August 2025.
