Traveling the southwest has been a growing trend as of late. A Southwest Road Trip takes travelers across beautiful desert landscapes and through an abundance of national parks and state parks all closely located.
Traveling the Southwest is one of the easiest road trip destinations with the limited traffic, and the close proximity, and variety, of national and state parks.
Here is an Itinerary for a one-week road trip in the Southwest, visiting some of the major icons.
Mode of Transportation and Accommodation
I will be focusing this post on traveling by campervan, with accommodation then focused on camping or campervan locations. A couple of spots I may recommend other accommodation if they were unique, but this is focused on camping or glamping and not on hotel accommodation.
Campervans
There are options for campervans on the internet – a quick google will pop up plenty of options.
For my trip I opted for the Escape Campervan, you can read my review of Escape Campervans. I used them before in a North Island Road trip in New Zealand, and enjoy the simplicity of the vans, and the colorful exteriors. I planned my trip around using campgrounds so this van is perfect for that. The small compact size of the van also makes it easy to park anywhere as it can fit in the same spots as a usual SUV or truck.
Booking Campgrounds
A vast majority of this trip will be planned at National Parks, such as at Bryce Canyon, Zion, and North Rim. So these can be booked online through the national park websites. Other locations will require looking into separate campgrounds.
Some resources for where to book campgrounds:
- Recreation – you will find national park campground here and can see what campsites are still available and reserve online. Just search by the National Park name.
- Book Your Site – can help you locate campgrounds located near cities, which is great for Sedona or Page, Arizona.
Southwest Road Trip Itinerary
Starting City: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Day 1: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Day 2: Zion National Park – Angels Landing and The Narrows hikes
- Day 3: Page, Arizona (Navajo Territory and State Park)
- Day 4: North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
- Day 5: Monument Valley Navajo Park
- Day 6: Sedona, Arizona (Slide Rock State Park and Cathedral Rock Hike) or South Rim Grand Canyon National Park
- Day 7: Phoenix, Arizona
Finishing City: Phoenix, Arizona
National Park Passes and State Passes
Three stops during this tour will allow National Park Passes and those are the national parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon.
All the other locations are either Indian Reservation Territories or State Parks, which do not accept the National Park Pass. In these cases, you will have to pay an entrance fee that varies by either the size of the vehicle or the number of people. So be prepared with plenty of cash to pay the entrance fee. I would recommend keeping several US 20’s on you to pay the entrance fee.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The starting point for this Southwest road trip is in the city of sin, Las Vegas. This destination has plenty of direct flights from abroad, and from within the US. There are also plenty of vehicle rental agencies here.
Land the night before, or the day of, and enjoy a stroll around the Strip. There is plenty of nightlife, shows, and other items to occupy yourself with. Just don’t go too hard on the alcohol before starting the road trip!
Don’t want to leave the Vegas area? Check out these day tours and spend your entire trip in Las Vegas:
Bryce Canyon
Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon drive time: 4 hours
You will find that people also like to start a southwest road trip from Las Vegas due to the close proximity of national parks to this party city. Bryce Canyon is 4 hours away from Las Vegas, so try to secure the campervan as early of a departure time as possible and hit the road on out to Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon is famous for Hoodoos (irregular columns of rock), and is stated to have the largest concentration of Hoodoos in one area.
Spots to check out while at Bryce Canyon:
- Fairyland Loop Trail
- Inspiration Point
- Sunrise Point (on departure morning catch sunrise before leaving)
Campgrounds at Bryce Canyon: There are two campgrounds at Bryce Canyon called North and Sunset
Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park drive time: 1 hour and thirty minutes
A quick hour and a half drive and you will leave Bryce National Park and arrive at another national park: Zion.
A visit to Zion is not complete with checking out the two most popular hikes: Angels Landing and The Narrows. Angels Landing is reserved for those with a moderate to difficult hike capability – and no fear of heights as you will be walking along a rock wall with no railing. The Narrows is the opposite, with a level ground as you trek upstream a river through a canyon. This is one of the reasons Zion National Park is so popular, the stunning rock formations and the vast variety of hikes available for all ability groups.
One note about Zion National Park is that the only way to visit the variety of hikes is by a shuttle bus system. You will either park at the Visitor center (which fills by late morning) or take another shuttle from the town center to the visitor center, and then switch to the national park shuttle. The shuttle bus is busiest from 10 am to around noon. So make sure to either get an early or late start to avoid the lines that can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour to wait. This is in addition to the 45-minute ride to reach the farthest point (The Narrows).
One Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Catch the early shuttle bus (line up at 5 am for the first shuttle at 6 am) to Angels Landing. Complete the hike by early morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the early morning sun.
- Late Morning: Finish the Angels Landing hike around 10 and catch the shuttle back down to the visitor center – catch lunch at the Zion Brewery to avoid the long shuttle lines.
- Afternoon: line up around 12 to 1 for the shuttle bus (normally lines have died down again) and take the shuttle out to The Narrows. Enjoy a late afternoon hike along the stream. Head back to visitor center around 5 pm. Expect a bit of a wait as this is when a majority of people will be trying to depart the park.
- Evening: Grab another bite to eat at the Brewery or cook up your own meal at the campground. Enjoy Sunset at Zion National Park.
Spots to check out while at Zion National Park:
- The Narrows – adventurous upstream hike ideal for summer months
- Angels Landing – daredevil hike along with the highest rock formation (advanced)
Campgrounds at Zion National Park: There are three campgrounds at Bryce Canyon but only two are located in Zion National Park which are South and Watchman Campgrounds. Campgrounds at Zion National Park fill up fast, but there are some options outside of the park. If you are willing to drive about an hour there is the option of staying at Zion Wright Family Ranch. This is more “roughing it” as there are porta-potties on site but no other facilities. However sunset and sunrise is breathtaking out on this ranching area.
Page, Arizona
Zion National Park to Page, Arizona drive time: 2 hours
Another quick two-hour drive and you will find yourself at another city well known for its natural wonders: Page, Arizona.
Page, Arizona grew in social media fame due to two famous natural wonders there: Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyons.
A visit to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe bend can be easily accomplished in one day. There are numerous bookings available to visit Antelope Canyon throughout the day, so pick a time that works best with you from the different tour agencies. Most tours only last an hour, giving you plenty of time to spend the rest of the day.
Use this as a chance to relax after a long day of hiking at Zion National park, or go exploring Lake Powell. Just make sure you make time to visit Horseshoe Bend for sunset. As sunset is the best time to see the second natural wonder of Page, Arizona.
A visit to Horseshoe Bend will be quick, as the only attraction is the bend. Bring a blanket and enjoy watching the sun disappear over the horizon and all the color changes that occur along the famous Horseshoe Bend.
If you are interested in jazzing up your trip then check out a 30-minute helicopter tour over Lake Powell and Horseshoe bend.
Spots to see at Page, Arizona
- Antelope Canyon (morning time)
- Lake Powell
- Horseshoe Bend (Sunset)
Campgrounds at Page, Arizona: If you have the chance to splurge then I recommend checking out this Airbnb with the option of sleeping under a million-star sky.
North Rim Grand Canyon
Page, Arizona to North Rim Grand Canyon: 2 hours and 30 minutes
This will be a beautiful scenic drive, as you drive along with beautiful desert landscapes that gradually change into grass fields with wildflowers.
The underrated North Rim is a perfect place to visit to check “See the Grand Canyon” off your bucket list and fits perfectly logistically into this Southwest road trip.
Note: If you have been using a GPS up to this point, ensure that you type in “North Rim Grand Canyon” for your search, otherwise your GPS will most likely map you the main visitor for the Grand Canyon which is on the South Side and a four-hour drive instead of two hours.
The North Rim is different than the South Rim. The most important fact is that it is far less busy than the South Side, but even the ecosystem seems vastly different with the views of wildflowers, grass fields, tall green trees and the chance to spot wild bison.
Just make sure that you plan your visit between the months of May to October.
Spots to see at North Rim Grand Canyon:
- Bright Angel Trail – a quick trail along the rim located right next to the Visitor Center
- Cape Royal
- Cape Final
Campgrounds at North Rim Grand Canyon: There is one campground at North Rim called the North Rim Campground. There are also options of staying in cabins on the North Rim as well.
Monument Valley
North Rim to Monument Valley drive time: 4 hours and thirty minutes
One of the longer days to reach Monument Valley. However, I would say that Monument Valley is another relaxing day. As the two main attractions, there are easily visible from a vehicle meaning there is no need to exert yourself hiking.
Monument Valley returns you to the classic red and orange desert landscape. This Navajo territory has unique rock formations or pillars that make Monument Valley Famous.
Spend the day traveling the red dirt roads seeing the giants, and enjoying the views. Relax at your campsite, or in your campervan and just view out over the red landscape.
During sunset head over to the famous Forrest Gump spot and capture a picture of the highway headed towards the bright red rock formation and colorful sky. Or check out this sunset tour available around Monument Valley.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise behind The Mittens and Merrick Butte. This will be one of the most breathtaking experiences on the road trip and is an iconic scene of the American Southwest.
Spots to see at Monument Valley:
- Forrest Gump Photo Spot
- Sunrise at Mittens and Merrick Butte. Check out a tour for sunrise while at Monument Valley.
Campgrounds at Monument Valley: The View offers campground right next to the visitor center, or the option to stay at cabins or a hotel.
Option one: Sedona, Arizona
Monument Valley to Sedona, Arizona drive time: 4 hours
Sedona is famous for the red rock formations in Arizona. To continue the beautiful red rock formations seen at Monument Valley, a four-hour drive to Sedona, Arizona will return you to a familiar layout but with more green grass and trees.
Sedona is a very posh town in Arizona, and you will quickly discover that driving through. Many retirees visit Sedona, and there are plenty of tour options available at Sedona, Arizona.
There are several popular hikes at Sedona, Arizona, but that is dependent on how tired you are from the rest of this road trip.
If you are exhausted though, the most popular hike to do, and a short one, is to visit the Cathedral Rock which is 1 and a half-mile roundtrip and takes approximately 2 hours. This will lead you up to the famous rock formation in Sedona and give you sweeping views of Sedona.
Or if you are over hiking after this trip, then enjoy one of the popular jeep tours in Sedona.
If you want to mix up your adventure some, then check out Slide Rock State Park. This natural water park offers a relaxing cool water getaway. Soak your tired feet in the cold river, and enjoy the state park.
Spots to see at Sedona, Arizona
Campgrounds at Sedona, Arizona: This is a bit harder to find camping, as you will most likely have to stay at one of the various small parks. Check out Book Your Site for options.
Options two: South Rim Grand Canyon National Park
Drive time from Monument Valley to Grand Canyon: 4 hours
This offers the same drive time between Monument Valley with a total of four hours.
But this option gives you the chance to see the touristy and more popular portion of the Grand Canyon. This will be the iconic desert views that you most likely have seen pictured of the Grand Canyon.
This side also offers longer rim trails to explore and more tourist attractions that the South Rim. Just anticipate that this will also come with more crowds than the South Rim.
While you will still ultimately be viewing the Grand Canyon, this just provides another option of exploring this world-famous national park.
Spots to see South Rim Grand Canyon:
- Desert View Drive – you will drive along the south rim and have the options of numerous views of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Camping at the South Rim Grand Canyon: There are three campgrounds available at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Since it is a national park you will be able to make reservations online prior to the trip.
Phoenix, Arizona
Sedona to Phoenix drive time: 2 hours
South Rim Grand Canyon to Phoenix: 3 hours and 30 minutes
End the trip down at Phoenix, Arizona as the drop off location for a campervan or rental vehicle. This will complete a weeklong trip and provide you with the chance to stay in a city for one night and relax before catching a flight out.
Check out Old Town Scottsdale to see some nightlife in Arizona. Or just explore some of the best tacos in Phoenix.
Or check out the great option of hot air ballooning in Phoenix.
when did you go on this trip?
I took this trip very end of July.
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