10-Day Southwest USA Road Trip: The Ultimate Adventure
Experience the most iconic landscapes of the American Southwest including Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley.
Itinerary Overview
This 10-day Southwest USA road trip is the ultimate adventure through some of America's most spectacular landscapes. Starting and ending in Las Vegas, you'll visit five iconic national parks and monuments, each offering unique geological wonders and outdoor experiences.
This itinerary is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. It includes moderate hiking and plenty of scenic drives.
Pro Tip
Book Antelope Canyon tours 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak season (April-October). Also, reserve accommodations near parks early as they fill up quickly.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Las Vegas
Activities:
- Arrive at Las Vegas airport
- Pick up rental car
- Check into hotel on the Strip
- Explore the Strip and casinos
- Dinner at casino buffet or restaurant
- See a show or walk Fremont Street
Accommodation: Las Vegas Strip hotel
Las Vegas to Zion National Park
Activities:
- Early departure from Las Vegas
- Drive to Zion National Park
- Check into Springdale accommodation
- Afternoon hike: Emerald Pools or Riverside Walk
- Explore Springdale town
- Sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge
Accommodation: Springdale hotel or lodge
Full Day in Zion
Activities:
- Early start for Angels Landing hike (5-6 hours)
- Or alternative: The Narrows hike
- Lunch in park or Springdale
- Afternoon: Canyon Overlook Trail
- Scenic drive through Zion Canyon
- Dinner in Springdale
Accommodation: Springdale
Zion to Bryce Canyon
Activities:
- Morning drive to Bryce Canyon
- Check into accommodation near park
- Afternoon: Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail
- Visit all scenic viewpoints along rim
- Sunset at Sunset Point or Inspiration Point
- Stargazing (Bryce is a Dark Sky Park)
Accommodation: Bryce Canyon area lodge
Bryce Canyon to Page
Activities:
- Sunrise at Bryce Point
- Morning hike: Peek-a-boo Loop
- Drive to Page, Arizona
- Check into Page hotel
- Afternoon visit to Horseshoe Bend
- Sunset at Horseshoe Bend
Accommodation: Page hotel
Antelope Canyon & Lake Powell
Activities:
- Morning: Upper Antelope Canyon guided tour (book in advance)
- Lunch in Page
- Afternoon: Lake Powell boat tour or kayaking
- Visit Glen Canyon Dam
- Relax by the lake
- Dinner in Page
Accommodation: Page
Page to Monument Valley
Activities:
- Drive to Monument Valley
- Check into hotel near Monument Valley
- Afternoon: Monument Valley scenic drive (17-mile loop)
- Optional: Guided Navajo tour
- Sunset at iconic viewpoints
- Dinner at The View Restaurant
Accommodation: Monument Valley hotel
Monument Valley to Grand Canyon
Activities:
- Sunrise at Monument Valley
- Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim
- Check into Grand Canyon area hotel
- Afternoon: Walk along Rim Trail
- Visit Mather Point and Yavapai Point
- Sunset at Hopi Point or Desert View
Accommodation: Grand Canyon Village or Tusayan
Full Day at Grand Canyon
Activities:
- Sunrise at Mather Point
- Morning hike: Bright Angel Trail (to 1.5 or 3 Mile Resthouse)
- Lunch at El Tovar or pack a picnic
- Afternoon: Desert View Drive scenic stops
- Visit Desert View Watchtower
- Final sunset at Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Grand Canyon area
Grand Canyon to Las Vegas & Departure
Activities:
- Early morning departure
- Optional stop: Hoover Dam (30 min detour)
- Drive back to Las Vegas
- Return rental car
- Last-minute shopping or lunch
- Depart from Las Vegas airport
Accommodation: N/A
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $1,200-2,200 | $1,700 | 9 nights |
| Car Rental | $400-600 | $500 | 10 days + insurance |
| Gas | $150-250 | $200 | ~1,000 miles |
| Food & Drinks | $400-800 | $600 | $40-80/day |
| Park Fees | $80-120 | $100 | National Park passes |
| Activities | $200-400 | $300 | Tours, shows |
| Miscellaneous | $150-300 | $200 | Parking, tips, extras |
| Total | $2,580-4,670 | $3,600 | Per person |
Budget Notes
- • Flights to/from Las Vegas not included
- • Budget range: $2,600-4,700 per person for 10 days
- • Mid-range estimate: $3,600 per person
- • Consider America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) for park entry
- • Prices higher during peak season (May-September)
Essential Travel Tips
Best Time to Go
April-May and September-October offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. Avoid July-August (extreme heat) and December-February (snow closures).
Vehicle Recommendations
SUV or crossover recommended for comfort and space. Sedan works fine for this route. 4WD not required but helpful for Monument Valley.
Weather Preparation
Bring layers! Temperatures vary greatly by elevation and time of day. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses essential. Carry plenty of water.
Navigation Tips
Download offline maps. Cell service is spotty in parks. Fill up gas tank before entering remote areas. Keep physical map as backup.
Plan Your Road Trip
Use our free planning tools to customize this itinerary and calculate distances.