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In search of an unforgettable journey full of slot canyons, craggy ravines, vortex websites, and scenic drives? Then you definately’re going to need to spend three weeks highway tripping by means of the American Southwest!
From the enduring Grand Canyon to the paranormal landscapes of Monument Valley, this 3-week American Southwest highway journey itinerary takes you to among the most magical websites in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
Think about mountain climbing by means of towering canyons, witnessing unforgettable desert sunsets, and immersing your self within the wealthy historical past of Native American tradition – you probably have three weeks to spare and also you’re in search of thrilling outside adventures, this itinerary is for you.
- The Final 3-Week American Southwest Street Journey Itinerary
- Day 1: Vegas to Valley of Hearth State Park, Nevada
- Days 2-3: Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
- Day 4: Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Utah
- Day 5-6: Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument, Utah
- Day 7-8: Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah
- Days 9-13: Moab (together with Arches & Canyonlands Nationwide Parks)
- Day 14-15: Monument Valley, Utah
- Day 16: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
- Day 17-18: Sedona, Arizona
- Day 19-20: Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
- Day 21: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Suggestions for Doing This American Southwest Itinerary
- Pin To Save It On Pinterest
The Final 3-Week American Southwest Street Journey Itinerary
Though the official borders of the American Southwest will not be outlined, we’re defining it as Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.
You may additionally argue some components of Colorado, Texas and California are included on this area, however we’re specializing in the above states as a result of they’ve extra awe-inspiring landscapes.
The next itinerary is for 3 weeks, however if you wish to shorten of lengthen your itinerary – right here’s a two week American Southwest itinerary and a 4 week American Southwest itinerary.
We are going to begin and finish in Las Vegas as a result of it’s a straightforward level to fly into, and you may simply choose up a automobile rental.
Under you can find driving instances, suggestions for issues to do, and eventually on the finish, some suggestions for benefiting from your itinerary.
You would possibly need to spend money on a Nationwide Parks Move, as we’re going to go to lots of nationwide parks on this itinerary – you would possibly even name it a Southwest Nationwide Parks highway journey!
The above interactive map reveals every cease and the route on this itinerary. It can save you this on Google Maps by clicking the share button within the high proper nook.
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Day 1: Vegas to Valley of Hearth State Park, Nevada
Positioned simply an hour north of Las Vegas, Valley of Hearth State Park is the place the beautiful pure panorama of the Southwestern area of America takes type.
Identified for its vibrant purple sandstone formations, it has an otherworldly panorama formed by historic volcanic exercise, creating rock buildings that glow like hearth within the solar.
Spend half a day strolling across the park, and mountain climbing to the varied viewpoints. The park’s Hearth Wave Path provides one of the crucial iconic views, with rippled rock formations in hues of purple, orange, and pink.
Don’t miss the Mouse’s Tank Path, the place you’ll discover historic petroglyphs etched into the rocks by early Native American tribes.
It’s very simple to discover in just some hours, or you may camp right here in a single day and benefit from the night time sky (it’s a delegated darkish sky zone) or transfer onto Zion Nationwide Park within the afternoon.
Beneficial issues to do in Valley of Hearth State Park are:
- Mouse Tank Hike
- Rainbow Vista Path
- Hearth Wave Path
- White Domes Path
Days 2-3: Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Cross the border into southern Utah, and also you’ve reached Zion Nationwide Park, a mecca for outside fanatics and thrill seekers.
It’s well-known for its towering purple rock cliffs, deep canyons, and plush valleys, and has certainly one of America’s most harmful hikes – Angels Touchdown.
The Angels Touchdown Path is a difficult however rewarding, with jaw-dropping views. It additionally connects to The Narrows, a well-known slot canyon within the park, which you should wade by means of the Virgin River as a part of the path.
For a extra chilled expertise, drive the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to entry to the park’s most iconic websites, or give the automobile a relaxation and benefit from the free shuttle.
Zion’s towering sandstone monoliths, slot canyons, rock formations, and hanging gardens are unmissable.
Beneficial issues to do in Zion Nationwide Park are:
- Angels Touchdown/The Narrows Hike (journey+)
- Riverwalk – you possibly can incorporate this into the Narrows journey.
- Decrease and Higher Emerald Pool
- Weeping Rock
- Springdale IPA from the Zion Lodge
- Zion Carmel Tunnel Drive to Canyon Overlook ((this could possibly be a morning expertise on the way in which to Bryce Canyon)
Day 4: Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is certainly one of our favourite nationwide parks within the USA.
It’s recognized for its surreal panorama of hoodoos (tall, skinny spires of rock) and distinctive geology, formed by erosion over hundreds of thousands of years.
One of the simplest ways to take all of it in is from one of many park’s scenic viewpoints, resembling Dawn Level and Bryce Level, that are much more magnificent at daybreak and nightfall.
Spend a day exploring the mountain climbing trails. The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Backyard are two of our favourite trails that descend into the canyon, providing up-close views of the otherworldly formations.
It could simply be explored in in the future, though 2 days could be optimum particularly so you possibly can see each dawn and sundown (plus it’s one other darkish skies designated space, so you will have probability of tenting underneath the milky means!)
A few of our favourite actions in Bryce Canyon are:
- Hike or horse journey the Fairyland Loop Path
- Queens Backyard & Navajo Loop Path
- Sundown / Dawn from Inspiration Level
Day 5-6: Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument, Utah
Spanning 1.87 million acres, Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument is an enormous panorama that appears nearly Martian, and but it’s lesser visited, preserving it an actual hidden gem in southern Utah.
Identified for its rugged magnificence and distant wilderness, this park’s title comes from the collection of colourful rock layers that type a “staircase,” stretching from the Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon.
One of the simplest ways to discover this wilderness is by mountain climbing by means of its slender slot canyons. Spooky Gulch and Peek-a-Boo Canyon are probably the most well-known sluggish canyons.
The monument additionally has some difficult scenic drives, together with the Gap-in-the-Rock Street, whose title leaves little to the creativeness!
Beneficial issues to do in Grand-Staircase Escalante Nationwide Monument are:
Day 7-8: Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah
Tucked away in central Utah, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park is one other panorama that can have you ever in awe of Mom Nature and her sheer energy.
Within the coronary heart of the park is the Waterpocket Fold, a large, steady rock formation that creates dramatic cliffs, canyons, and rock arches.
Take a scenic drive alongside the Capitol Reef Scenic Byway to get an in depth up take a look at it.
It’s in all probability a USA nationwide park you’ve by no means heard of, however shall be glad you visited!
Our favourite issues to do in Capitol Reef Nationwide Park are:
- Cassidy Arch Hike
- Hickman Bridge Path
- Capitol Gorge
- Sundown Level Path
- HWY 24 scenic drive
- Raspberry white chocolate cookie from the Fruita District
Days 9-13: Moab (together with Arches & Canyonlands Nationwide Parks)
Often known as the Journey Capital of the Southwest, Moab is the place you possibly can entry the towering purple rock cliffs of Arches and Canyonlands Nationwide Parks.
Moab is the proper base for outside fanatics, however there may be extra to see than the beautiful desert landscapes that encompass the city.
From mountain climbing to mountain biking to jeep excursions by means of rugged canyons, Moab can be a chief spot for something to do with outdoor and journey.
You’ll admire the entry to a couple extra facilities as nicely like eating places, purchasing and café. We discovered a scrumptious Thai restaurant right here and loved a night of bluegrass in a small outside theater.
Issues to do in Moab you shouldn’t miss are:
- Bike Journey Colorado River
- Scenic Drive UT – 128
- Fortress Creek Vineyard
- Jeep Rock crawling
- Fisher Towers Hike
Arches Nationwide Park
There are greater than 2,000 pure sandstone arches within the Arches Nationwide Park, making it residence to the best density of pure arches on this planet. Many of those arches have been created over 100 million years of abrasion.
Drive round an 18-mile paved loop highway to witness the colourful and colourful panorama that connects these arches, and cease by varied viewpoints and mountain climbing trails to get a better look pinnacles on the arches and home windows.
Put together to be amazed.
Don’t miss the next:
- Delicate Arch hike
- Panorama Arch hike
- North and South Window
Canyonlands Nationwide Park
Canyonlands is a rugged, untamed land with principally unpaved roads and primitive trails. In case you search journey, you’ll find it in abundance right here.
Canyonlands Nationwide Park is exclusive in that it’s separated into three districts stretching throughout 527 sq. miles.
These three districts are created by the Colorado and Inexperienced Rivers carving their means by means of the canyon.
Every part is way aside, so would require cautious planning. Right here’s what we advocate.
- Shaffer Path (4WD)
- Scenic Drive: Buck Canyon & Inexperienced River Overlook
- Grand View Level Overlook Path
- Mesa Arch Path
- Sundown at Useless Horse Level State Park
Day 14-15: Monument Valley, Utah
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is the place towering sandstone buttes and mesas rise dramatically from the desert flooring.
You’ll be able to’t assist however cease, stare and ponder a greatness that exists means past your small self.
Positioned on the Navajo Nation border, this sacred land could already be recognized to you due to the numerous Western movies and Southwestern-inspired postcards which have graced our media over time.
You’ll be able to drive across the park to admire the buttes, or to actually expertise its magnificence, take a guided tour led by a neighborhood Navajo information, who will share the park’s cultural significance and historic tales.
Day 16: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are iconic issues to do in Arizona, and they’re proper subsequent door to one another! You’ll be able to simply go to each in half a day on the way in which to the Grand Canyon by way of Sedona.
Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s dream, the place gentle and shadow play with the pure marvel that’s the slot canyon.
This slot canyon is famend for its beautiful, wave-like formations created by gentle shining down into its chambers. Cut up into Higher and Decrease Antelope Canyon, the one technique to go to these canyons is by guided tour (Higher is extra well-known, decrease is much less crowded).
We completely loved our Antelope Canyon tour. The way in which the sunshine beams by means of the slender opening on the high, making a dancing show of reds and oranges on the slot canyon partitions are unbelievable.
Make sure you e-book Antelope Canyon forward of time as it is extremely fashionable and excursions are restricted.
Horseshoe Bend is a viewpoint overlooking a canyon carved by the Colorado River. This view is superb, and certainly one of our favourite vistas within the USA!
Day 17-18: Sedona, Arizona
Though the panorama appears to be like acquainted to that of the American Southwest, there’s something particular about Sedona.
There’s a great, religious vitality that flows by means of right here. It grew to become iconic due to the numerous vortex websites within the space, that are recognized world wide to offer religious therapeutic vitality.
In addition to in search of vortex websites, it’s also possible to hike to see panoramic views, wander by means of the peaceable trails, or discover the city itself which has a number of artwork galleries and wellness retreats.
Our most really useful issues to do in Sedona are:
Day 19-20: Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona
One of many world’s most well-known canyons and pure landmarks, the Grand Canyon Nationwide Park actually lives as much as the hype!
This enormous canyon has a number of entry factors. The South Rim is probably the most accessible, and is the place you can find iconic viewpoints like Mather Level, and hikes to the canyon flooring (the Vivid Angel Path is probably the most well-known one).
The North Rim is much less visited however nonetheless magical.
Beneficial issues to do within the Grand Canyon are:
- Hike the Vivid 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 21: Las Vegas, Nevada
Again the place all of it started, we’ve made it to Sin Metropolis!
Las Vegas is a stunning metropolis, recognized for its neon lights, high-end luxurious, and continuous leisure.
Well-known for its iconic Strip, lined with purchasing malls and resorts, Vegas is a vibrant hub of world-class casinos, dazzling reveals, and indulgent resorts.
Past the playing, Vegas has rather a lot to supply (sure, even for households!). From spectacular performances by world-renowned artists and performers, resembling Cirque du Soleil, to driving on rollercoasters by means of a lodge or ziplining over a mall, there’s no higher technique to finish an escapade in nature than with the glitz and glamour of Vegas.
A few of our favourite issues to do in Las Vegas are:
- Hoover Dam (on the way in which by means of from Grand Canyon)
- Railroad Path at Lake Mead
- Demise Valley Nationwide Park (day journey from Vegas)
- Pink Rock Canyon (horse driving, Misplaced Creek – Youngsters’s Discovery Path)
- On line casino hop the Strip and gaze in marvel
- See a present
- Go to Downtown Las Vegas (earlier than 5pm if with children) and Downton East.
Suggestions for Doing This American Southwest Itinerary
- Adapt the itinerary primarily based upon your departure and arrival instances.
- As an alternative of including in instances for every day, I’ve listed my suggestions so you possibly can slot it into instances that fit your schedule. Take into consideration easy methods 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 is going to be tiring however so value it to see as a lot as you possibly can.
- Eating places and cafes will not be 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 cross will prevent cash within the Southwest.
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Remark: What are you most trying ahead to seeing within the Southwest USA? Inform us your ideas within the feedback and be at liberty to ask any questions!
