From the fun of Sin City to the jaw-dropping beauty of the national parks, this scenic route packs amazing sights and tastes into a manageable itinerary.
If you’re looking for a vacation that includes warm sun, gorgeous desert landscapes, snow-covered mountains, and big-city style, the American Southwest is a go-to option. Here, you’ll discover the 24/7 excitement of Vegas, the otherworldly landscapes of national and state parks (think humanoid-like cacti and red rocks), and the vibrant communities and culinary scenes of Phoenix and El Paso. This guide presents a step-by-step affordable itinerary that includes wallet-friendly lodging, plus the best places to savor Southwestern flavors.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Start your engine in Las Vegas, where the legendary Strip beckons with endless neon and non-stop entertainment. Even the grandest hotels here typically offer reasonable nightly rates – rooms at Circus Circus Hotel, Casino, and Theme Park can start as low as $25/night, although taxes and standard charges can add at least another $40/night to your stay.
Before hitting the road, you may want to catch a concert, theater performance, or stand-up comedy. Remember that Vegas offers many quirky off-the-beaten-path delights such as the Neon Museum with its incredible array of bright lights and kitschy designs, and the surprisingly riveting National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, also known as the Mob Museum. Food options vary from shockingly affordable buffets to high-end dining, catering to every culinary preference.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas along Route I-15 North, Valley of Fire State Park, deep in the Mojave Desert, feels like a world away. As you enter the park, you’ll travel along the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway, the only main road, which runs about 11 miles, connecting the east and west entrances. Be sure to stop for one of the park’s exceptional hikes, where you can explore the iconic red Aztec sandstone formations that give the park its name – timing your visit to catch at least one sunset is essential as the combination of golden light and the deep red of the rocks creates a stunning visual display.
In addition to its geological wonders, Valley of Fire is also home to remnants of prehistoric communities, such as roadside petroglyphs and ancient rock art. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including antelope, bobcat, coyote, and Nevada’s state animal, the desert bighorn sheep.
Pack picnic foods, snacks, and plenty of water, and bring layers of clothing: winter temperatures can vary from the mid-70s to freezing; summer temps range from over 100 degrees in the day to significantly cooler at night. You can treat Valley of Fire as a day trip from Vegas or reserve one of the park’s 70+ campsites for an overnight stay.
Phoenix, Arizona
After Valley of Fire, set aside a day for the 300-mile drive along US 93 South to Phoenix, Arizona. If four hours in the car feels lengthy, consider a stop in Kingman, Arizona, where a visit to the Alpacas of the Southwest ranch can delight kids of all ages.
Once in Phoenix, plan to spend at least a full day exploring America’s fifth-largest city (with a population exceeding 1.6 million). Hike the trails on Camelback Mountain for remarkable views; visit Papago Park, which boasts red rock buttes, a botanical garden, and a zoo just minutes from downtown; and tour architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home, Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage site that harmoniously blends modern design with desert-inspired aesthetics. Be sure to visit the Heard Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of Native American communities through an extensive collection of art and artifacts.
To refuel, enjoy a meal at the award-winning Pizzeria Bianco in Heritage Square, and for accommodations, Phoenix provides various affordable lodging options, including the stylish Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix.
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
From Phoenix, hit I-10 East for the two-hour drive to Saguaro National Park. Prepare to meet the gigantic, humanoid forms of Saguaro cacti, some as high as 50 feet and as old as 200 years. Many visitors claim that the cacti exhibit a uniquely human appearance, adding to the mesmerizing quality of this Southwestern road trip. The park also features 8000-foot mountains and distinctive desert wildlife like javelinas, desert tortoises, and the Mexican spotted owl.
Start your visit at one of the park’s visitor centers for maps and hiking advice, as well as information about museum exhibits and ranger-led programs. Lodging options for visiting Saguaro range from luxurious accommodations in nearby Tucson, such as the University Inn to camping options in the backcountry of the Rincon Mountain District (make sure to check in with the park’s visitor center for current camping availability).
El Paso, Texas
From Tucson, get back on I-10 East for a four-hour drive across New Mexico before arriving in the western corner of Texas, where El Paso awaits. This vibrant city is on the rise. A construction boom in recent years has led to exceptional hotel bargains, like comfortable and reliable accommodations at the Doubletree or Holiday Inn Express, alongside a renaissance of community spirit.
Catch a minor-league baseball game and cheer for the hometown Chihuahuas, savor some exceptional local craft beer, and hop on the newly restored streetcar line. Set aside at least a day to explore this significant border city’s art museum and stunning Franklin Mountains State Park.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Take US-62 East for the two-hour drive from El Paso to one of America’s most extraordinary national parks, Carlsbad Caverns. Aboveground, the park features beautiful grasslands, the majestic Guadalupe Mountains, and stunning canyons. Below, you’ll explore a unique cave system that rivals any on earth for its scale and visual impact – at 250 feet high and 4000 feet long, it’s truly like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Ranger-led tours of the caverns, guided hikes among the mountains and canyons, and engaging hands-on programs keep everyone entertained. Reliable lodging is available about a half-hour’s drive from the park in Carlsbad, NM, with options ranging from roadside chain motels to Quality Inn & Suites.
