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The American Southwest is a land of cinematic moon-like landscapes, crimson canyons, and rugged desert magnificence. It’s the place towering rock formations and infinite open roads beckon essentially the most adventurous traveler, although should you solely have two weeks to take pleasure in this area, you higher get your notepad prepared.
The American Southwest includes of a number of states. This two week American Southwest highway journey will take you thru Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, weaving via iconic nationwide parks, vibrant desert cities, and lesser-known hidden gems.
You’ll discover a few of the USA’s most placing landscapes, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, in addition to the wild great thing about Sedona.
Though you solely have two weeks to play with, you possibly can count on jaw-dropping scenic drives, legendary Route 66 roadside points of interest, and loads of alternatives to immerse your self within the untamed spirit of the desert.
The Final Two Week American Southwest Itinerary
For ease, this itinerary will begin and finish in Las Vegas, taking a loop across the American Southwest. For those who don’t have your individual automobile, then you’ll find automobile leases in Vegas right here.
As you solely have two weeks, we’re not going to spend so much of time in Vegas. This can be a vacation spot that ought to be visited in its personal proper, and permit 2-3 days to completely expertise it.
Of all of the locations within the American Southwest, Vegas is our least favourite, however not as a result of we don’t prefer it, however as a result of we want nature – which is what this itinerary goes to deal with.
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The next 2 week itinerary via the Southwest area of the USA gives you only a taster of the highlights of this area, and can take you thru Utah and Arizona, beginning and ending in Las Vegas.
Though elements of New Mexico, Texas, California and Colorado additionally lengthen into the unofficial boundaries of the American Southwest, it’s merely not attainable to discover all states in two weeks – America is just too huge, and nobody needs to spend their total trip in a automobile!
We offer you some concepts for find out how to shorten and lengthen this itinerary on the finish of this information, however for now, let’s load up our autos and hit the highway!
Days 1-2: Las Vegas to Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Choose up your rent automobile and set straight off for Zion Nationwide Park. With its immense crimson and white sandstone cliffs that attain out of the forested river mattress to the sensible blue of the sky, Zion Nationwide Park is an unmissable vacation spot.
It’s the place towering sandstone cliffs meet lush canyon flooring, and is house to world-famous hikes like Angels Touchdown —an exciting ascent not for the faint-hearted with jaw-dropping views — and The Narrows, which carves via an aptly named slim slot canyon, which was carved by the Virgin River.
Zion is an adventurer’s dream. For those who want a extra relaxed tempo, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive affords postcard-worthy views at each flip.
There’s a useful free shuttle bus via the park which takes you to the highest mountain climbing trails, viewpoints, and points of interest. Don’t miss:
- Angels Touchdown and The Narrows Hike (Journey Ranges turned as much as the MAX!)
- The Riverwalk Hike, which could be added to the Narrows journey.
- Weeping Rock
- Decrease and Higher Emerald Pool
- Dawn at Canyon Overlook Path is a should, portray the crimson rock in fiery hues.
- Springdale IPA from the Zion Lodge
- Zion Carmel Tunnel Drive to Canyon Overlook (which you could possibly do within the morning on the way in which to the following cease, Bryce Canyon)
Day 3: Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Utah
Strolling via Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park looks like moving into one other world — the place fiery crimson spires sculpted by wind and time make manner for archways and enchanted forests. It’s certainly one of our favourite nationwide parks within the USA and an unmissable website so as to add to your Utah Bucket Checklist.
One of the simplest ways to expertise this otherworldly magnificence is to hike. The well-known Navajo Loop and Queen’s Backyard Path takes you on a shocking descent into the maze of rock formations. For those who solely have time for one hike, this ought to be it.
Don’t miss the colourful panoramas from Dawn Level and Bryce Level, which each provide unbeatable views, particularly at dawn when the morning mild units the canyon ablaze.
For those who take pleasure in tenting, and love gazing up on the night time sky, then the excellent news is Bryce has darkish sky designation, making it the most effective locations within the U.S. for recognizing the Milky Means!
It will possibly simply be explored in someday, though 2 days could be optimum should you may lengthen your itinerary – particularly so you possibly can see each dawn and sundown.
- Hike or horse trip the Fairyland Loop Path
- Queens Backyard & Navajo Loop Path
- Sundown / Dawn from Bryce Level
Day 4: Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument, Utah
Huge, rugged, and wildly untamed, Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument has one thing to supply anybody who craves solitude or journey.
Overlaying 1.87 million acres of sandstone cliffs, slim slot canyons, and prehistoric fossils, this distant gem affords off-the-beaten-path adventures in Utah that you can be speaking about for years to return.
For those who’re not claustrophobic, don’t miss a hike via the winding passages of Spooky and Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyons, the undulating waves of colourful rocks as you traverse via are mind-blowing.
Another websites to not miss are Metate Arch, and the hike to Calf Creek Falls, the place set within the coronary heart of this desert oasis is a shimmering waterfall.
Escalante’s magnificence lies in its remoteness and has minimal crowds, which is why we expect it’s price a cease for a day.
A few of our favourite issues to do in Grand Staircase-Escalante are:
Day 5-6: Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah
Capitol Reef is usually neglected in favor of Utah’s extra well-known parks, however that’s why you need to go to – hidden gems are onerous to return by as of late!
Capitol Reef Nationwide Park is a treasure trove of towering cliffs, winding canyons, and historical petroglyphs.
In native language, the world referred to as Capitol Reef means “the land of the sleeping rainbow,” which couldn’t be extra apt once you take a look at the panorama.
The park’s coronary heart is the Waterpocket Fold, an enormous wrinkle within the Earth’s crust that creates beautiful rock formations.
There’s a scenic drive, Scenic Byway 24, which cuts via the park and affords sweeping desert views from all angles.
Listed here are a few of our favourite issues to do in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park:
- Cassidy Arch Hike
- Hickman Bridge Path
- Capitol Gorge
- Discover the Cathedral Valley Loop
- Sundown Level Path
- HWY 24 scenic drive
- Raspberry white chocolate cookie from the Fruita District
- Gifford Homestead for selfmade pie.
Learn extra: If in case you have extra time, take a aspect journey to Goblin Valley State Park, which solely requires a few hours exploration.
Day 7-8: Monument Valley, Utah
Monument Valley is an unlimited desert plain punctuated by towering sandstone buttes that glow crimson at dawn and sundown.
Straddling the Utah-Arizona border, this sacred Navajo land has been immortalized in basic Western movies, but it stays a spot of deep non secular resonance.
It reaches proper into your soul and lifts you into the current second and plops you proper into marvel and awe.
You’ll be able to simply discover this park in someday by driving the 17-mile Valley Loop for up-close views of legendary buttes and formations with names like Mittens, Camels, Sisters and extra, or take a guided tour with a Navajo information to study concerning the valley’s cultural significance.
Day 9: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are two unmissable pure landmarks that sit pretty shut to one another. They’re on the way in which from Monument Valley to Grand Canyon and may each be seen in half a day.
We beloved our tour of Decrease Antelope Canyon, which is much less crowded than Higher Antelope Canyon (essentially the most well-known one).
Each canyons are well-known for his or her mesmerizing mild shows, seen from the ground of the slot canyon carved by wind and water. The swirling sandstone partitions and ethereal mild beams are a pure marvel you gained’t discover anyplace else on this planet.
You want a guided tour to discover each slim passages — go for Higher Antelope Canyon if you wish to see extra iconic mild shafts or Decrease Antelope Canyon for a extra adventurous, much less crowded expertise.
A brief drive away is Horseshoe Bend, a 270-degree curve in a canyon carved by the Colorado River. In our opinion, the view is best than the Grand Canyon! However that’s simply us.
Day 10-11: Sedona, Arizona
Surrounded by towering crimson rock formations and glowing desert mesas, Sedona is a spot the place journey and spirituality collide.
I may really feel the fantastic vitality and spirit on this iconic place due to the various vortexes within the space. It’s well-known world wide for it’s non secular therapeutic vitality.
In addition to therapeutic vortexes, Sedona additionally has breathtaking mountain climbing trails – the Cathedral Rock and Satan’s Bridge trails could be our high picks for essentially the most iconic views in Arizona.
The city itself is a mixture of artwork galleries and wellness retreats. And for a extra leisurely tempo, take the Pink Rock Scenic Byway, which winds via beautiful desert landscapes.
A few of my high issues to do in Sedona are:
Day 12-13: Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
I’m fairly positive one of many causes you’re doing a highway journey of Southwest area is to go to the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. It’s every part and extra, regardless of it’s world-famous fame.
We’ve got visited a number of occasions and have beloved each go to – be it winter, summer season or Fall.
Irrespective of what number of pictures you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the sheer scale of the Grand Canyon.
This mile-deep, 277-mile-long Nice Surprise of the World is among the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth.
The South Rim is essentially the most accessible and is the place you will see that iconic viewpoints like Mather Level and Desert View Watchtower, whereas the North Rim, should you can drive that far, affords a quieter, extra rugged expertise.
A few of our really useful issues to do within the Grand Canyon are:
- Hike the Brilliant Angel Path
- South Rim Path
- Customer Heart film and Junior Ranger Program
- Hopi Level Sundown
- Desert View Watchtower (my favourite views)
- The South Kaibab Path
Day 14: Las Vegas, Nevada
Let’s end this unbelievable American Southwest highway journey in Sin Metropolis! For those who’re touring as a household and questioning whether or not it’s secure for youths – after all, you possibly can take your children there, there’s heaps to do for households in Vegas.
Our women have been 4 occasions and like it! All these flashing neon lights, night reveals, waterparks, rollercoasters, infinite buying, all you possibly can eat buffets, gigantic wheels, and quirky museums – it’s extra than simply casinos.
You determine how lengthy you need to go to, or if you wish to stick round in any respect!
A few of our high issues to do in Las Vegas are:
- On line casino hop the Strip and gaze in marvel
- See a present within the night
- Go to Downtown Las Vegas (earlier than 5pm if with children) and Downton East
Find out how to Shorten or Prolong This Highway Journey
For those who solely have 10 days, think about taking out Capitol Reef Nationwide Park and Sedona.
It’s a troublesome alternative as I really like them each, however in comparison with the opposite points of interest on this itinerary, they must be my option to cull should you needed to see the highlights.
Nevertheless, should you needed to do some extra lesser-known points of interest, then hold them in and take out Zion Nationwide Park!
Craig suggests leaving Sedona in should you’re brief on time and taking out Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument – he thinks Sedona is WAY higher with all of the wonderful hikes, Pink Jeep Tour, eating places and bars, superior lodging choices and so forth whereas Escalante is in the midst of nowhere.
You’ve gotta do Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and Sedona he says!
That is the issue with household vacationers, we every have our personal opinions – however hopefully this information has given you an outline of every place and you’ll determine which nationwide park speaks to you extra.
For those who do need to lengthen this itinerary, the next itineraries are for 3 and 4 weeks exploring this area:
These itineraries will embody the opposite nationwide parks we love comparable to Arches Nationwide Park and Canyonlands Nationwide Park, in addition to uncover the creative attraction of Santa Fe and the journey captial of Moab.
You could possibly take a time off any of the talked about areas if you wish to match them, as you’ll drive via there. We’d counsel Arches over Canyonlands.
Suggestions for a Southwestern USA Highway Journey
- Adapt the itinerary primarily based upon your departure and arrival occasions.
- As an alternative of including in occasions for every day, I’ve listed my suggestions so you possibly can slot it into occasions that fit your schedule. Take into consideration find out how to incorporate dawn and sunsets.
- You are able to do these suggestions throughout a full-day or break up into afternoon/subsequent morning earlier than departing for subsequent vacation spot.
- Plan for early days and late evenings. It will likely be tiring however so price it to see as a lot as you possibly can.
- Eating places and cafes usually are not an enormous a part of this American Southwest area expertise. Seize one thing the place you possibly can, or pack your individual picnics and snacks.
- A nationwide park go will prevent cash within the Southwest.
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