Amazing 2-Week Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (with Map)
There’s a lot you can see in 2 weeks in Southwest USA! With numerous National Parks, iconic cities, endless highways and incredible nature, it has everything you want in a road trip! But with so many fantastic options, it can be overwhelming to plan your visit! This is where my 2-week Southwest USA road trip itinerary comes in!
Based on my own experiences exploring the American Southwest, this post will cover a detailed breakdown of my 2-week Southwest road trip itinerary. This includes maps, drive times, where to stay, budget and additional suggestions if you’re feeling spontaneous!
2-Week Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary in Short
Spanning 4 states, 7 national parks, 3 major cities and a tonne of epic scenery this 2-week Southwest USA road trip itinerary packs plenty in! It will give you a flavour of each area, so here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- California (San Francisco, Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley)
- Nevada (Las Vegas)
- Utah (Zion, Bryce Canyon)
- Arizona (Page, Grand Canyon, Sedona)
- California (Joshua Tree, Los Angeles)
NOTE: The route is planned to minimise driving and maximise time exploring! Please remember that this is a guide, meaning that times and destinations are flexible and can be shuffled around to suit your wants/needs. For example, there are several early starts or evening drives to facilitate this jam-packed route.
2-Week Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary Map
NOTE: You can follow this itinerary in any direction. I completed the route clockwise after a flight into San Francisco. Car rentals require a complete loop or for you to drop your vehicle off at a different location.
Day 1: San Francisco, California
Start your adventure in the iconic city of San Francisco, known for its steep rolling hills, eclectic architecture and famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island.
Since you’ve only got a day here, it will be action-packed! I recommend an early ferry tour of Alcatraz Island to explore the interesting history of its isolated prison. After returning to the mainland, walk along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to check out the sea lions and grab some fresh seafood. This is also within walking distance of the famous, Lombard Street – known as the most bendy street in the world!
Try out the world’s last manually operated cable car system (Powell-Mason line), taking it towards the neighbourhoods of Chinatown or Haight-Ashbury where you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Then enjoy Golden Gate Park and the Palace of Fine Arts in the late afternoon before heading to the Golden Gate Bridge for sunset. My favourite viewpoint of Golden Gate Bridge is Baker Beach.
In the evening, grab dinner in North Beach (San Fran’s Little Italy) before ending your day with a visit to Coit Tower for panoramic night views of the city and bay.
🛌 Overnight: San Francisco (Night 1)
Day 2-3: Yosemite National Park, California
🚘 Drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park: 3.5 hours (170 miles)
After picking up any supplies on the way out of San Francisco, head to the majestic Yosemite National Park. Here you will be greeted by breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Since you will arrive in Yosemite late morning or early afternoon, I recommend using the afternoon to check out the main viewpoints such as Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point. Taking a short stroll along Cook Meadows walk is another great way to get a flavour of Yosemite.
For sunset, check out the insane views from Sentinel Dome or Taft Point. Both of these require a short 1-mile walk to reach.
🛌 Overnight: Yosemite National Park (Night 2)
Your second day in Yosemite National Park involves more hiking. Half Dome (if you get a permit) is an incredible option; otherwise, the stunning Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls are beautiful alternatives.
If you don’t fancy hiking, you might prefer to go rock climbing in one of the most renowned climbing destinations in the world!
🚘 Drive from Yosemite to Sequoia National Park: 2.75 hours (130 miles)
🛌 Overnight: Sequoia National Park (Night 3)
Day 4-5: Sequoia National Park, California
There’s not much better than waking up in Sequoia National Park surrounded by nature, and ready to spend a day marveling at the giant sequoia trees!
Witness the grandeur of the General Sherman Tree – the largest tree on earth! Explore the Giant Forest, and venture into the Crystal Cave to experience its stunning formations.
After a busy few days, the peace of the forest amongst these gentle giants is a pleasant change of pace!
🛌 Overnight: Sequoia National Park (Night 4)
Before setting off to Death Valley, you can do the sunrise hike to Moro Rock, which offers incredible panoramic views of the landscape.
If your route to the trailhead doesn’t pass through Tunnel Log (the tree you can drive through), you can take a 2-minute detour to see it!
Day 5-6: Death Valley National Park, California
🚘 Drive from Sequoia NP to Death Valley NP: 5 hours (280 miles)
Death Valley National Park is perhaps the most surreal of all the stops on this 2-week Southwest USA road trip itinerary. Yet despite its name, it’s teeming with life and diverse landscapes!
Your first insight into Death Valley’s extreme beauty will be as you arrive at the Stovepipe Wells side of the park. Stretch your legs on a short hike through Mosaic Canyon before visiting the mesmerising Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for sunset.
🛌 Overnight: Death Valley (Night 5)
The next morning witness the striking view from Zabriskie Point at sunrise; hike through Gower Gulch, then visit the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin. On your way back from Badwater Basin, take a detour via Artist’s Drive to check out the colourful Artist’s Palette.
After this whistlestop 24 hours in Death Valley, it’s time to make your way to Vegas!
🚘 Drive from Death Valley to Las Vegas: 2 hours (110 miles)
Check out my full Death Valley itinerary.
Day 6: Las Vegas, Nevada
Arrive in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, where you’ll spend an evening experiencing the glitz and glamour of The Strip and the historic charm of Fremont Street.
Explore the famous casinos – you might recognise the Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, or the Venetian from various TV shows and films.
If you know your dates in advance, you could book one of the world-class shows. Music and magic are the most popular, but Las Vegas’s (relatively) new attraction, The Sphere, offers immersive experiences that are out of this world!
Whatever you decide to do, just remember: what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas… 🍾
🛌 Overnight: Las Vegas (Night 6)
Day 7-8: Zion National Park, Utah
🚘 Drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park: 2 hours (150 miles)
Time Zone Change (+1 hour forward)
Permitting you haven’t had too crazy a night (or once you’ve sobered up), set off early to get to Zion National Park!
Zion is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with so many epic hikes to choose from! I’d describe it as a cross between the grandeur of Yosemite and the red rocks of Utah’s National Parks.
Challenge yourself with a hike to Angels Landing (6.9km/4 hours), known for its narrow, vertigo-inducing trail with bolted chains to hold on to. The adrenaline coupled with the incredible view of the gorge makes it the best hike in Zion!
Alternatively, trek through The Narrows (bottom-up), a unique water hike through the Virgin River which flows within a towering slot canyon!
NOTE: Angels Landing and The Narrows require permits (Apply here: AL and TN).
🛌 Overnight: Zion National Park (Night 7)
The next morning, you can do one more hike before setting off for Bryce Canyon in the evening. Scout’s Lookout, Observation Point and the Emerald Pools are great alternatives if you aren’t successful in getting a permit.
🚘 Drive from Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park: 1.75 hours (85 miles)
🛌 Overnight: Bryce Canyon National Park (Night 8)
Day 9: Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is renowned for its bright orange unique hoodoos. Though you might not see them on the evening of Day 8 when you arrive.
Start the next morning with a sunrise view from Sunrise Point, then hike the Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail to get up close with the park’s iconic rock formations. The vivid colors and intricate shapes of the hoodoos make Bryce Canyon a photographer’s paradise.
Drive the main road through the National Park to check out the remaining viewpoints around Bryce Canyon. It’s worth stopping whenever possible as each pull-in only takes a few minutes.
In my opinion, Inspiration Point is the best viewpoint in Bryce Canyon, but Rainbow and Yovimpa Point are much quieter. Bryce Natural Bridge is also cool and worth stopping for.
🚘 Drive from Bryce Canyon National Park to Page: 2.5 hours (150 miles)
🛌 Overnight: Page (Night 9)
Day 10: Page, Arizona
The small town of Page sits on the border of Utah and Arizona. I’m not sure why this area doesn’t belong to a National Park since there’s so much to do!
Page’s most famous sight is Horseshoe Bend. And whilst I thought the experience was partially spoilt by the number of people visiting, it’s too spectacular to not appreciate! I recommend visiting earlier in the day to try and avoid the crowds.
Once you’ve admired Horseshoe Bend, return to Page for a well-earned breakfast!
Then visit the awe-inspiring Antelope Canyon for a guided tour through its narrow, winding passageways, famous for their ethereal light beams. The best time to see these beams of light is in the middle of the day, but visiting mid/late morning is the next best option.
Next, it’s time to explore the stunning Lake Powell. One of the best ways to experience the lake is by getting on the water to appreciate its crystal-clear waters and the scale of the dramatic rock formations! There are boat tours and jet ski or kayak rentals depending on your budget.
If you have spare time, chill out on Lone Rock Beach or go for a hike at Toadstool Hoodoos.
🚘 Drive from Page to Grand Canyon South Rim: 2.5 hours (135 miles)
🛌 Overnight: Grand Canyon South Rim (Night 10)
Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
No Southwest road trip is complete without visiting the Grand Canyon!
Spend the day exploring the South Rim, where you’ll find numerous viewpoints offering awe-inspiring vistas of the canyon.
First, you should hike a portion of the South Kaibab Trail (down to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge) or Bright Angel Trail to delve below the rim and enter the canyon itself!
Once you’ve got your steps in, enjoy the panoramic views from Mather Point, Yaki Point and Yavapai Observation Station.
Learn about the history of the Grand Canyon by visiting the Yavapai Museum of Geology within the Observation Station. Or the more popular option is the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre!
With your newfound knowledge, wander the Trail of Time, which walks you through the millennia of rocks at the Grand Canyon.
🚘 Drive from Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona: 2 hours (110 miles)
🛌 Overnight: Sedona
Day 12: Sedona, Arizona
South of the Grand Canyon is the serene and spiritual town of Sedona, known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning red rock formations.
Take a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon, hike to Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge, and explore the town’s unique shops and galleries.
🚘 Drive from Sedona to Joshua Tree National Park: 5 hours (310 miles)
🛌 Overnight: Joshua Tree National Park
Day 13: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Before heading to Los Angeles, visit Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge.
This National Park was the unexpected highlight of my Southwest USA road trip itinerary. I didn’t know what to expect, but it completely blew me away and I hope it does the same for you!
Since you will be arriving in the evening (of Day 12), the incredible night sky will be the first thing you will see! Joshua Tree National Park has one of the darkest skies in Southern California which means incredible stargazing opportunities!
The next morning, explore the park’s unique Joshua Trees, massive boulders, and hidden oases. Hike the Hidden Valley Trail, visit Skull Rock and wander through the Cholla Cactus Garden.
🚘 Drive from Joshua Tree NP to Los Angeles: 2.5 hours *traffic dependent* (130 miles)
🛌 Overnight (Night 13): Los Angeles
Day 14: Los Angeles, California
Conclude your adventure in the bustling city of Los Angeles. Spend your final day exploring the city’s famous attractions such as Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Griffith Observatory.
Los Angeles is such a huge, sprawling city which can make it slow to get around. Start your day relaxing at the Venice Beach. Take a walk towards Santa Monica Pier. Then spend the rest of the day around Hollywood. Driving past Beverly Hills to look at the houses, stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, then finish the day at Griffith Observatory overlooking the city!
✈️ Fly out: Ideally, your flight and vehicle drop-off should be from the airport in Los Angeles. San Diego airport isn’t too far either.
🛌 Optional Overnight (Night 14): Los Angeles
(Day 15?): Big Sur Coastal Highway, California
If you have a return flight from the same airport (i.e. San Francisco), you’ll have to complete the loop back to your starting point.
You can drive directly from Los Angeles to San Francisco in around 6 hours (383 miles). However, this isn’t the option I would recommend!
It’s a long drive, but thankfully the California 1 (or Big Sur Coastal Highway) is one of the most scenic roads in the world!
Swinging past Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos, Pfeiffer Beach, and Monterey Bay the coastal road could make another 2-week itinerary all on its own!
But taking a long (and I mean long) day to drive back up the coastline will be an experience you won’t forget!
NOTE (2024): Currently a large section of the coastal road is closed due to work going on following a landslide.
Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary Alternatives
Since this Southwest USA road trip itinerary covers the route that I planned, it might not contain everything to your personal tastes. Despite travelling at speed, I still didn’t get to see everything in each destination – there is so much more!
Here are some alternatives that you could include in this itinerary if the weather isn’t great or you want to mix things up! Just remember for any detours, the further you drive in one direction, you will need to drive that distance back again!
- Canyonlands National Park (Utah): Canyonlands National Park is a vast and rugged wilderness known for its dramatic desert landscape, featuring deep canyons, towering mesas, and unique rock formations carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.
- Capitol Reef National Park (Utah): Features a stunning mix of colorful sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and the historic Fruita orchard, highlighting the park’s unique geology and cultural history.
- Arches National Park (Utah): Boasting over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch, set against a backdrop of striking red rock formations and expansive desert landscapes.
- Mammoth Lakes (California): Known for its pristine alpine lakes, world-class skiing at Mammoth Mountain, and extensive hiking and biking trails amidst the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mammoth Lakes is a year-round mountain destination
- San Diego (California): A vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, diverse cultural attractions, including Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, and its mild, sunny climate year-round.
- Monument Valley (Arizona): This vast, desert landscape, characterised by towering red sandstone buttes and mesas, provides a sense of timeless beauty and solitude. It offers a quintessential view of the American Southwest often depicted in Western movies.
Another popular alternative for this Southwest USA road trip itinerary is one that avoids California altogether. Instead, you could fly into Las Vegas (Nevada) and loop through Utah’s Might 5 (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion). Whilst you miss some of California’s finest parks, you also avoid some of the longest drives!
When to visit Southwest USA?
Given the variety of climates across the destinations in this Southwest USA road trip itinerary, there’s no month that offers perfect weather across the map. For example, the cooler areas of Sequoia and Yosemite are vastly different to the deserts in Utah.
Therefore, the best time to visit the Southwest is the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and comfortable (for the most part). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, making outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing more enjoyable while avoiding the intense summer heat and winter cold.
Visiting during these times helps you avoid the peak tourist season (July to August) when prices and crowds increase and there’s more competition for hiking permits. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage which enhances the natural beauty of the landscapes.
There are a few weather extremes to watch out for. Death Valley can get crazily hot in the summer which negatively impacts what you’re able to do during the day. Bryce Canyon, Yosemite and Sequoia (among others) all receive regular snow during the winter, which can continue into spring. This means tire chains, road closures and camping conditions are an additional concern.
I visited in early March – the crowds were fine, but it would’ve been better if it was slightly warmer. Therefore, early April is probably a good time to go.
Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary Packing List
Vehicle
This 2-week Southwest USA road trip itinerary heavily relies on having a vehicle. This will mean bringing your own or renting one. Normal cars, RVs, or converted vans are all fine as long as they get you from A to B!
All the main roads on this itinerary are suitable for a 2WD vehicle – I did this route in a Nissan Kicks 2WD!
However, 4WD does allow for more adventure (and more peace of mind on tougher roads within National Parks).
Camping Gear
In theory, you can book accommodation in every single one of these areas. However, camping is a great way to experience nature, whilst simultaneously saving money!
I didn’t have an RV or a bed in my vehicle so I packed a small tent, sleeping bag, roll mat and travel pillow.
In terms of cooking, I purchased a basic camping stove and cooking utensils in Walmart! Make sure you have enough gas as it’s far harder to find than other supplies.
Clothing
Clothing for this trip seriously depends on when you visit the Southwest.
You should dress appropriately for the weather, which means you will need a spectrum of clothing with multiple different layers. For example, Yosemite and Sequoia will get significantly colder than places like Death Valley!
No matter the season, you should pack underwear, a good waterproof, sunglasses and a baseball cap. However, the number of T-shirts, shorts, trousers, fleeces, and warm clothes will depend on the season. Similarly, a warm coat, thermals and hat/scarf/gloves will depend on when you visit.
You should be fine with hiking trainers and casual trainers for footwear. Bring proper hiking boots if you intend on doing any more serious hikes. I also like having flip-flops for around camp, campsite showers and in case I end up near a body of water.
General Gear
Besides clothing you will want:
- Essentials (phone, wallet, passport, National Parks Pass)
- Wash gear (towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, first aid kit, deodorant)
- Tech (battery pack, chargers [+ adaptor if not from the USA], camera, speaker)
NOTE: You are not allowed to fly drones in any National Parks in the USA.
NOTE: You can buy a National Parks Pass online, or go to any of the kiosks.
2-Week Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary Budget
Two weeks road-tripping across the Southwest isn’t a cheap trip. Particularly if, like myself, you’re travelling from anywhere in Europe. Therefore, I tried my hardest to keep costs down.
I spent a total of £1250.
By far the biggest costs were accommodation and vehicle-related costs (rental/insurance/fuel).
Accommodation was cheap when I camped. I rarely spent more than $25 USD on a campsite (split between two). There were times when camping was completely free on BLM land and on one lucky occasion when the site owners didn’t charge us as we arrived so late (thank you Lemon Cove RV Park).
When in cities or when I desperately wanted a shower, the most basic double-room option would cost nearer $55-75. I was booked last-minute so not all options were available, though this was during shoulder season (draw your own deductions on cost for yourself).
Over the 2 weeks, we spent around $500 on accommodation ($250 each).
Car rental cost us approximately $40 USD per day including insurance. Fuel for the road trip cost us around $520. This means that car costs totalled around $1080 USD ($540 each).
Food was the next biggest cost. Meals out were expensive, so we bought groceries to cook with for the majority of the trip. We spent around $300 on groceries (including beer) and around $200 on eating out in San Francisco, Vegas and Los Angeles and on the road. This totalled around $500 ($250 each).
Activities were thankfully free for the most part since this itinerary involves a lot of hiking and viewpoints. There were a few miscellaneous costs for National Park Passes ($80), Horseshoe Bend ($10), Souvenirs ($15), tours ($300). This totalled around $210 each.
NOTE: Costs will be different if you rent an RV as you can sleep in there every night! After a while, we needed some better facilities so booked last-minute motels.
Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary Tips
- Be flexible: Not everything will go 100% according to plan. After a touch of bad weather, I wanted to go directly to Zion National Park, but unfortunately, because of the last-minute change of plan, there wasn’t anywhere to camp nearby, so we ended up in the Red Rock Recreation Area! At the end of the day, you will get the greatest enjoyment out of doing what you want, rather than being tied to a schedule. Use this itinerary as a guide, not a rulebook!
- Drive when you feel like it: Whilst driving in the evening saves you all-important daylight hours, it sometimes means setting up camp in the dark… If you have flexibility, you might prefer setting off early in the morning or doing an activity in the morning and driving through the midday heat.
- Be prepared for the roads: If you’re not used to driving in the USA get ready for undertaking, carpool lanes and motorways with many lanes! These are a few things that threw me, so do some research before arriving.
- Fill up on supplies: Before you drive into the middle of nowhere, make sure you have all the food, water and fuel you need!
- People are friendly: Maybe it was the experience of being an Englishman in America, but everyone, everywhere was welcoming and friendly.
- Leave no trace: Be respectful and leave nature as it was intended.
- You won’t see everything: Whilst this 2-week southwest USA road trip itinerary fits in a lot, you will soon realise there’s even more to see! You’ll have to accept that you’ll probably want to come back!
Before you go
Thank you for reading my 2-week Southwest USA road trip itinerary. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.
Happy travelling!
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