Southwest Road Trip Ideas for a Desert Adventure

Few road trips are as quintessentially American as adventures in the Southwest. Home to stunning national parks along with wonderfully kitschy hotels and attractions, this region is equal parts beautiful and quirky.

There are many ways to experience the Southwest, but because this region is so expansive (and so packed with attractions) you need to get strategic when planning road trips through the desert. You won't want to skimp on the hiking trails and cultural attractions, as these offer a glimpse of a Southwest environment that simply cannot be experienced from behind the wheel.

To help you plan this unforgettable adventure, we've outlined a few essential stops, offering a diverse route that begins and ends in Las Vegas but takes you through diverse desert and canyon scenery along the way. You'll cut through multiple states, seeing the best of Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

Ideally, you'll set aside at least a week, so that way you can spend a full day in each national park and at the Grand Canyon. There's no need to worry if you're short on time, as many attractions are close enough that you can pack multiple stops into a single day.

Use our desert road trip guide (and suggestions for stops) as inspiration but feel free to adapt based on your schedule and your interests. Either way, you'll be glad you committed to exploring the wonders of the desert.

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The fun begins in Las Vegas, where you can enjoy the excitement of a cosmopolitan environment before you shift to national parks and natural wonders. Don't assume you are limited to casinos or nightclubs; while these can be fun to explore, Vegas is also home to many fascinating museums and even family-friendly attractions. Take some time to wander around the Bellagio, observe the iconic fountain shows and discover other Las Vegas hidden gems.

Spend some time near Fremont Street and learn all about the history of organized crime at the Mob Museum. Be sure to get a photo by the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign or observe even more eye-catching displays at the Neon Museum, which is best visited at night so you can observe the signs and displays in their full, twinkling glory. Indulge in a stay at Sin City's premium accommodations before you make the trek to more rustic regions.

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The fun continues as you depart Vegas and embark on an amazing adventure. Take the scenic route along Lakeshore Road so you can stop by the many overlooks along Las Vegas Bay and the Nevada-Arizona border.

Be sure to visit Hoover Dam, where you can take a guided tour that includes historic tunnels and even an elevator ride to the top of the dam. Stop by the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to discover a feat of engineering and equally magnificent views.

Next, you'll continue along Highway 93 and take in the desert scenery as you head towards Kingman. Stretch your legs at the Willow Beach Overlook as you enjoy the sweeping views but prepare for an even longer leg of your drive: two hours with limited stops but plenty of wide-open scenery. After an amazing first day on the road, you'll be ready to relax in Kingman.

If you still have time for sightseeing, you can check out the Route 66 Museum, which provides the perfect introduction to the road trip experience by revealing the fascinating history of the American road trip. Kingman also offers an overview of Native American culture at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. End your busy day with a taste of Americana at one of the town's vintage-inspired diners.

Pink Jeep Tours Sedona

Following a jam-packed day on Highway 93, you can continue the retro experience as you travel along the famed Route 66 between Kingman and Sedona. Set aside time for a visit to the Hackberry General Store, where you'll spot plenty of classic cars and vintage memorabilia. This is a great place to pick up a gift or souvenir — or to pet the resident cat.

As you continue beyond Route 66 and head towards Sedona on Interstate 40, take some time to drive through the Bearizona Wildlife Park, where you'll see bison, burros, bighorn sheep and, of course, bears up close. If you need a break from your vehicle, you can also enjoy a walk-through experience involving Fort Bearizona, which is home to peacocks and many other free-roaming animals.

The fun continues as you approach Sedona, which is known for its gorgeous red rock formations. This is a hiking enthusiast's dream come true, boasting many spectacular trails that you'll be eager to explore after spending so much time behind the wheel.

Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Arch are among the most popular destinations among hardcore hikers, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy spectacular scenery without strapping on your hiking boots. Head to the Chapel of the Holy Cross to see the unique architecture and the mesmerizing views of the red rock formations. You can also stop by the Sedona Heritage Museum to learn about the pioneers who once called this area home.

Spend the night at one of Sedona's spa resorts and book a massage so you can refresh and recharge before you return to the open road. Stop by one of the many restaurants that lean into the city's mystical vibes; many promise dinner with a view.

MeLinda Schnyder

As one of the wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon should be on everybody's bucket list. This awe-inspiring canyon spans an astounding 277 miles and, at times, stretches up to 18 miles wide. This begs the question: where, exactly, should you explore the Grand Canyon?

Building the Grand Canyon into Southwest desert road trips means making a difficult decision: focusing on the North Rim or the South Rim. Each area has its own unique advantages and drawbacks, so consider which type of experience you crave: a remote, crowd-free visit — or increased convenience and abundant amenities.

The South Rim is by far the more accessible of the two and therefore, the most realistic for the average road tripper. This is an especially appealing option if you're driving in from Sedona, as it will take just over two hours to reach Grand Canyon Village and the visitor center.

If you prefer a remote experience and are determined to keep Grand Canyon crowds to a minimum, aim to explore the North Rim. This will double your drive time, although you can always stop by Vermilion Cliffs National Monument along the way. One perk of stopping by the North Rim is that your eventual drive to Kanab will be reasonably short. No matter how you explore the Grand Canyon, you can expect unforgettable views and the adventure of a lifetime.

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Your journey to Kanab largely depends on how you previously explored the Grand Canyon and whether you spent the night at the North or the South Rim. Either route will be scenic in its own unique way.

If you're like most Grand Canyon visitors and have chosen to spend time near the South Rim, you can expect a longer drive as you head to Kanab. There, you'll get the opportunity to explore the Glen Canyon Dam, which shares much in common with the Hoover Dam. There are also many scenic viewpoints along Lake Powell.

As you cross into Utah, you'll get the chance to explore the underrated town of Kanab, which makes for a nice stopping point before you continue on to Bryce Canyon. This area boasts some of the nation's most visually impressive slot canyons, including the remarkable Red Canyon, which holds the memorable nickname of Peek-a-Boo Canyon. For an offbeat experience, check out the movie sets at Little Hollywood Land, which tells the story of Kanab's prominent role on the silver screen.

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While the most direct route toward your final destination (Las Vegas) would involve the quick drive from Kanab to Zion National Park, it's worth going a bit out of the way to visit Bryce Canyon. This national park is mesmerizing in its own unique way, and the drive along Highway 89 is downright stunning. This is also true of Highway 12, which is known as the Scenic Byway. There are many hiking spots along the way, but, if you're short on time, you'll want to save your energy for the national park.

When you arrive, stop by the visitor center to watch the film A Song of Seasons or to check out the Junior Ranger activities. The rangers can help you determine which hike to tackle. Bristlecone Loop Trail and the Mossy Cave Trails are great when you prefer short hikes, although the beauty of Bryce Canyon is best built into a longer expedition, such as the Fairyland Loop.

Whether you enjoy the scenery behind the wheel or while hiking, you'll want to check out iconic spots like the Bryce Point Overlook. If you visit during the peak season (and especially during the weekend), consider booking a tour to help you skip the congestion and learn more about the canyon.

Getty Images / Justin Reznick Photography

End your road trip adventure on a high note with a trip to the acclaimed Zion National Park. This is close enough to Vegas to make for a viable day trip — but if you get the chance, you should stay at one of the hotels near the Zion area so you can hit the park bright and early — and avoid the crowds.

You can also spend the night near Bryce Canyon before enjoying another excellent drive along the Scenic Byway. Entering the park from the west will expose you to some new scenery, but the views are even more spectacular when you enter from the east. If you're up for a challenge, spend your day navigating the Angels Landing Trail, which is certainly not for the faint of heart. Another exciting option: guided horseback rides.

Springdale makes for a great overnight after a busy day hiking Zion's trails — and this should set you up for an easy return trip to Vegas. St. George is further away but also a great spot due to its many unique attractions. If you're visiting with kids, you'll want to check out the enchanting children's museum. The local desert garden is also worth visiting, offering a glimpse at what a xeriscaped botanical garden can accomplish.

For a longer but more interesting drive between Zion and Vegas, take Route 167 so you can stop by the Valley of Fire State Park. In addition to its spectacular sandstone outcrops, this park features petroglyphs and petrified trees. Upon returning to Vegas, take another stroll along the Strip and treat yourself to a live show before you bid the Southwest farewell. You'll look forward to planning even more road trips through the desert so you can see more even national parks and kitschy surprises.

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