Southwest road trip
this road trip is completely customizable based upon your hiking preferences
Road trips are some of my favorite trips. In the southwest region of the US there are so many national parks that you can make a week long trip stopping at different ones. These are the places we stopped, hiked, looked around, and made memories at.
WHERE TO VISIT
As you can see, this map is way more extensive than just the southwest. Depending on the sites you want to see, you can choose locations based upon these highlights. I’ll keep adding to this map as we continue to travel west.
highlights
top 3 places to visit
antelope canyon
horseshoe bend
zion national park
We flew into Las Vegas airport and picked up a rental car. You can get really good deals there, but make sure you rent from somewhere that has unlimited miles. I’d advise traveling in the order of the photos so you don’t get burned out on hiking.
Hoover dam
It’s a bucket list check, but if you don’t have much time, skip it. It’s not near as neat as people say.
Arizona hot springs
This hike isn’t for the faint of heart. Make sure you bring lots of water and are prepared for at least a 5 hour hike. We got really lost on our way out. More details to come.
This bend is easily accessible and an easy hike. The view is well worth the short hike. The bend looks just as amazing as all of the photos.
ANTELOPE CANYON
You can get tickets ahead of time or show up early in the morning. I’d recommend the lower canyon over the upper.
I recommend going here, but you have to have a permit that sells out instantly each year. It’s absolutely beautiful, but be prepared for a 4 day hiking/camping experience.
FOUR CORNERS
There is nothing else around this monument, but it’s pretty cool to say you’ve been in 4 states at one time. It’s also free. Major tourist trap though!
Grand canyon
The Grand Canyon Overlook is expensive, so ditch that idea and travel to the South Rim. I haven’t been to the North Rim, but let me know which you think is best.
mesa verde
You could skip this park if you don’t have time. It’s really neat to see the civilizations built in the walls of mountains though.
The history behind these arches is fascinating to me. There are only a few actual arches in the park, but they are work the hikes. The biggest arch is a long hike.
mYSTIC HOT SPRINGS
No road trip is complete without a stop at random hot springs. Spend the $100 to stay the night at these springs. You won’t be disappointed!
bryce canyon
Seeing Bryce Canyon is wonderful, and the hikes are not easy. You’ll certainly be tired, but the views are work it!
zion n.p
Zion is beautiful! I’d highly recommend hiking Angel’s Landing, but it will scare you if you don’t like heights. Try to go through The Narrows there too.
sleeping arrangements
If I did this trip again, I’d rent an RV or have better sleeping arrangements in our SUV. We got a rental car and slept in the back for a few nights to save money. Hotels and Airbnbs aren’t near as easy to find as I had hoped along the route. You’ll want to make your sleeping arrangements at least 12 hours ahead of arrival.
WHAT NOT TO FORGET
While it’s really hot in the summer, you’ll still get temperature swings of 40 - 50 F. Don’t pack just for a summer vacation.
Hiking shoes - If you plan on doing any hiking, bring the right shoes.
Tevas or sandals - On some trails, you’ll need to go through water so bring sandals or water shoes to wade through.
Light jacket - You’ll need it at the rim of the Grand Canyon if nothing else.
Camelback - Bring a day pack that has a water bladder. You can fill the bladder up at any gas station for free
Swimsuit - If you plan to hike to a river, bring your suit to jump in.
Hat - The sun will be beating down on you no matter where you are, so take precautions.
WEATHER
From park to park, the weather drastically changes. It also changes from morning to afternoon. Check the weather before you go and always travel with a light jacket and layers.