Adventure Awaits: Road Trip Through the American Southwest
If you love uniquely incredible landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures, a road trip through the Southwest should be at the top of your list. The stunning landscapes of National Parks such as Petrified Forest, Saguaro, White Sands, Mesa Verde, and Joshua Tree highlight the natural beauty of this beautiful region of the US, connected by miles of open sky.
This itinerary starts in Arizona, tracing the Colorado River to discover a string of desert jewels, from Grand Canyon to Arches and beyond. Next, it takes you to the dizzying heights of the Rocky Mountains, showcasing their unique geological features.
Begin Your Journey in Phoenix
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Phoenix is the perfect jumping-off point for an outdoor road trip. Known as the “Valley of the Sun,” it’s an ideal place for hiking and outdoor activities. The Phoenix Mountain Preserve features over 40 miles of trails, offering incredible views of the city and surrounding areas.
If you’re looking to cool off, the nearby lakes provide excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Additionally, the area is renowned for its world-class golf courses, including TPC Scottsdale, which hosts the largest PGA tournament in the world.
For more thrilling activities, consider rock climbing, horseback riding, or taking to the skies in a hot air balloon over the picturesque Sonoran Desert, perfect for stargazing and nature photography.
Driving to the Grand Canyon: To visit one of the most famous National Parks, take I-17 North to Flagstaff (144 miles, approximately 2.5 hours), or I-40 West to Williams and then head north on AZ-64 to Tusayan (81 miles, about another hour and a half).
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking sight and one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Stretching 277 miles long and over a mile deep in places, it boasts five different ecosystems. This immense canyon reveals a treasure trove of geological history, showcasing more than 2 billion years of Earth’s formations.
With diverse plant and animal life, including rare species, it is a haven for nature lovers. Don’t miss the Desert View Watchtower for stunning views, whether enjoying the canyon from an overlook, taking a scenic drive, or hiking to the bottom.
Continue to Page, Arizona: From the Grand Canyon, make your way toward the adventure hub of Page. Head east on 64 and then north on 89. Optional scenic detours include Vermilion Cliffs and Marble Canyon, where you can walk across the beautiful Navajo Bridge.
Page, Arizona / Navajo Nation
Page is a picturesque town and a hub for adventures amid remarkable natural wonders. The area is famous for Antelope Canyon, one of the most photographed locations in the world, featuring stunning walls shaped by wind and water erosion.
Nearby, Lake Powell offers unrivaled boating and fishing opportunities, nestled within magnificent red rock cliffs. Despite recent drought impacts revealing new landscapes, the lake remains a stunning destination.
Additionally, Horseshoe Bend is an iconic spot where the Colorado River elegantly winds in a horseshoe shape, providing amazing views and ample hiking and off-road trails to explore.
Bryce Canyon National Park
The high elevation of Bryce Canyon National Park sets it apart in Utah. Here, repeated freezes and thaws have shaped the soft sandstone into a unique landscape featuring sandcastle-like pinnacles known as hoodoos.
Visitors can hike among these natural formations, enjoying stunning views from multiple overlooks. Bryce Canyon offers some of the most visually captivating scenery in the United States.
Drive to Capitol Reef National Park: It’s approximately 100 miles from Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park via Johns Valley Rd, UT-62 E, and UT-24 E.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is known for its enormous domes, including one resembling Washington, DC’s Capitol Dome. The park features fantastic hiking trails, rugged 4WD roads, and ancient petroglyphs, all surrounded by massive cliffs and vivid red rock formations.
The Waterpocket Fold, a remarkable 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth, is one of the park’s most stunning features. It also harbors the historic Pioneer Register and the Fruita Rural Historic District, showcasing the area’s cultural significance.
With no permits required for technical rock climbing, numerous trails offer breathtaking views and climbing opportunities. Capitol Reef’s trails promise unforgettable experiences amidst stunning landscapes.
Explore Goblin Valley State Park, Arches National Park, and Moab
Goblin Valley State Park features whimsical rock formations called goblins formed from eroded sandstone. The park offers numerous trails, allowing visitors to delve into this unique landscape.
After your visit, consider driving west on Wild Horse Road to find free dispersed camping spots for a night under the stars. Continue your adventure north toward Moab, an ideal base camp for outdoor activities popular among adventure enthusiasts.
Nearby, Arches National Park showcases over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, each a testament to the power of erosion and geological uplift. Take advantage of the numerous short hikes and enjoy the unparalleled rock climbing options available.
The drive: After exiting Arches, take Hwy 128 for incredible views of the Colorado River and stunning red rock formations, featured in numerous films and TV shows.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and the Colorado Rockies
The Black Canyon offers visitors striking views of sheer cliffs and deep canyons. This unique landscape draws many outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore its trails, take scenic drives, or participate in ranger-led events.
The next leg takes you to the majestic Rockies. Travel via CO-133 N to Glenwood Springs and I-70 East to Nederland, concluding with a drive to Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. There, embark on exhilarating hikes, embrace the serene beauty of alpine lakes, or drive along one of America’s most scenic routes.
Extend Your Adventure
If time allows, consider diving deeper into Rocky Mountain National Park. Observe elk grazing, go backcountry hiking to avoid crowds, or enjoy thrilling activities like snowshoeing or skiing. Experience climbing on granite cliffs or utilize Trail Ridge Road for viewing more of the stunning scenery.
